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Patent Abstract
A jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation comprising
a single spring tension member made of any lightweight metal or
plastic frame and folded to form a spring tension clip. The clip
is capable of securing an ornament. One end of the clip may be an
enlarged first end with an aperture capable of showing an ornament
by allowing it to protrude through the aperture from the back and
through the front of the enlarged first end, where the ornament
has a backing portion preventing it from falling through the aperture.
The ornament and backing portion are secured between the first and
second ends through the spring tension of the clip formed from the
folding of the frame. Further, the clip may incorporate earring
posts, holes, pin, or cuff links, or other attachment mechanisms
for creating various types of jewelry using the present invention.
Patent Claims
1. A jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation comprising
a spring-tension member capable of removably securing an ornament.
2. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein said spring tension member
further comprises a folded frame.
3. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein: said spring tension member
further comprises a folded metal frame with a first and second end;
said first and second end are oppositely positioned from each other;
and said first end having means for displaying an ornament.
4. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein: said spring tension member
further comprises a folded metal frame with a first and second end;
said first and second end are oppositely positioned from each other;
said first end is enlarged with an aperture; said ornament comprises
means for securing to a backing portion; said backing portion is
a size larger than the aperture but smaller than the enlarged first
end; said ornament and backing portion are removeably secured through
spring tension between the enlarged first end and the second end;
and said jewelry device further comprises means for removably securing
to a person.
5. A jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation comprising:
a spring tension member with a first and second end; said first
and second ends are oppositely positioned from each other; said
first end is enlarged with an aperture and further comprises a front
and a back; said ornament is capable of protruding through the aperture
from the back through the front and further having means for securing
to a backing portion; said backing portion is larger than the aperture
but smaller than the enlarged first end; said ornament and backing
portion are removably secured through spring tension between the
enlarged first end and the second end; said spring tension member
has means for removably securing to a person; and said spring tension
member comprises decorative means.
6. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein said spring tension member
is comprised of a folded metal frame.
7. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein said spring tension member
is comprised of a folded plastic frame.
8. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein the means for removably
securing to a person comprises an earring post coupled to the spring
tension member.
9. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein the means for removably
securing to a person comprises a pin.
10. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein said means for securing
to a person comprises a bracelet.
11. A method for creating a jewelry device for interchangeable
decorative ornamentation comprising: cutting a spring tension member
into a desired shape with a first and second end; folding the spring
tension member such that it forms a clip capable of removably securing
an ornament between the first and second ends; and means for securing
to a person.
12. The method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative
ornamentation as in claim 11 wherein the process further comprises:
selecting a lightweight frame metal as the spring tension material;
forming an aperture in the first end of the frame metal; creating
an ornament with means for preventing it from sliding out of the
aperture; positioning the ornaments such that the ornament fits
into the aperture; and incorporating decorative means on the spring
tension member.
13. The method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative
ornamentation as in claim 12 wherein the means for preventing the
ornament from sliding out of the aperture comprises: creating the
ornament with a non-decorative side; creating a backing portion
with means for securing it to the non-decorative side of the ornament;
and positioning the ornaments such that when the ornament fits into
the aperture the backing portion prevents the ornament from sliding
through the aperture.
14. The method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative
ornamentation as in claim 11 wherein the spring tension material
comprises plastic.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for securing to a
person is a necklace strand.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for securing to a
person is a bracelet.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for securing to a
person is an earring.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for securing to a
person is a pin.
Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a jewelry device. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an interchangeable
jewelry device wherein various ornaments can be easily secured and
removed by hand through the use of a spring tension clip and made
available on pendants, necklaces, pins, bracelets, or other types
of jewelry.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Prior Art
[0004] There are innumerable methods of making and displaying jewelry
on the human body. There are also innumerable methods and mediums
which artists have used to create these jewelry items. As an example,
pendants, decorative ornaments hung from a cord or chain around
the neck, have been part of every human culture for millennia. The
same is true for earrings, bracelets, pins, and other types of necklaces.
[0005] Typically, a casing (usually a decorative metal) is fashioned
to hold some kind of ornament or gemstone within its confines. The
ornament or stone is then permanently set within the casing by soldering
or is secured by other well known techniques in the art (e.g., rivets,
adhesives, folded tabs or prongs) One variation on how an ornament
can be set is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,524 to Korwin wherein
an ornament is secured through the use of folded tabs around the
casing. In such a fastening, the ornament is permanently secured
within the setting.
[0006] A limitation with all of the techniques thus described and
others not mentioned here is their structural permanency. Once secured
onto the casing the ornaments are incapable of being removed without
destroying the ornament or the casing itself. If repairs or a replacement
is needed, it must be done by a professional jeweler, customarily
at the expense of the owner.
[0007] How can this structural permanency limitation of most jewelry
be addressed in a simple, efficient and cost-effective way? The
present invention provides the answer by allowing jewelry wearers
the ability to instantly change the design of an item of jewelry
to accessorize with different clothing, makeup, or hair colors.
[0008] Previous attempts have been made to create interchangeable
jewelry constructions. Each, however, is limited by the need for
excessive and elaborate construction and machining, bringing to
mind the adage, "more is less and less is more.
[0009] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,155 issued to Law for "Jewelry
with Interchangeable Ornamentation," provides a method for
interchangeability requiring numerous and separate "fingers"
which protrude from the circumference of the backing or casing and
also requires a separate element for securing to the person. In
this design, there are many component parts that need to be arranged
to form the whole--a construction which is costly, inelegant, and
excessive for the purpose of interchangeability.
[0010] There is one method in the relevant art for setting an ornament
through compression spring force found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,679
to Kretchmer. However, like other devices and methods for setting
jewelry items, this method teaches how to permanently secure a gemstone
through a special annealing and heat treatment of a gemstone to
secure it to the metal alloy so that "[w]hen struck with unusual
force" the gemstone will not be dislodged from its setting.
This method is also time-consuming and costly since it requires
special techniques to be used to cast and then treat alloy to get
it to a hardened state. Lastly, the method does not allow for other,
more inexpensive materials to be used such as plastic or the kinds
of lightweight metals desirable to create the present invention.
[0011] These patents, and others like them, referenced in documentation
attached to this application, cover a variety of devices and methods
for holding or setting stones, gems, or other decorative pieces
in a variety of frames and settings, and all require either detailed
machining or the creation of complicated parts and devices. Further,
they all require a permanency in settings and do not provide interchangeability
as in the present invention.
[0012] What is needed is a jewelry device providing beautiful,
interchangeable ornamentation but requiring fewer parts and less
expensive methods of manufacture and design. In short, a design
for interchangeability that is elegant in the simplicity of its
construction while still retaining the beauty of its design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide
a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation comprising
a spring-tension member capable of removably securing an ornament.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein the spring tension member further comprises
a folded frame.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein the spring tension member further comprises
a folded metal frame with a first and second end; the first and
second end are oppositely positioned from each other; and the first
end having means for displaying an ornament.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein the spring tension member further comprises
a folded metal frame with a first and second end; the first and
second end are oppositely positioned from each other; the first
end is enlarged with an aperture; the ornament comprises means for
securing to a backing portion; the backing portion is a size larger
than the aperture but smaller than the enlarged first end; the ornament
and backing portion are removeably secured through spring tension
between the enlarged first end and the second end; and the jewelry
device further comprises means for removably securing to a person.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation comprising
a spring tension member with a first and second end; the first and
second ends are oppositely positioned from each other; the first
end is enlarged with an aperture and further comprises a front and
a back; the ornament is capable of protruding through the aperture
from the back through the front and further having means for securing
to a backing portion; the backing portion is larger than the aperture
but smaller than the enlarged first end; the ornament and backing
portion are removably secured through spring tension between the
enlarged first end and the second end; the spring tension member
has means for removably securing to a person; and the spring tension
member comprises decorative means.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein the means for removably securing to a person
comprises an earring post coupled to the spring tension member or
to the frame.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein the means for removably securing to a person
comprises a pin type jewelry finding.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
jewelry device wherein said means for securing to a person comprises
a bracelet.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for interchangeable decorative
ornamentation by cutting a spring tension member into a desired
shape with a first and second end; and folding the spring tension
member such that it forms a clip capable of removably securing an
ornament between the first and second ends.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the process further comprises selecting a lightweight frame
metal as the spring tension material; creating an aperture in the
first end of the frame metal; creating the ornament with means for
preventing it from sliding out of the aperture; positioning the
ornaments such that the ornament fits into the aperture; and incorporating
decorative means on the spring tension member or frame.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the means for preventing the ornament from sliding out of
the aperture comprises creating the ornament with a non-decorative
side; creating a backing portion with means for securing it to the
non-decorative side of the ornament; and positioning the ornaments
such that when the ornament fits into the aperture the backing portion
prevents the ornament from sliding through the aperture.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the spring tension material comprises plastic.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the means for securing to a person is a necklace strand.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the means for securing to a person is a bracelet.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the means for securing to a person is a necklace strand
wherein the means for securing to a person is an earring.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for creating a jewelry device for displaying decorative ornamentation
wherein the means for securing to a person is a pin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention
showing one embodiment of the ornamentation being secured by a spring
clip.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention showing a
clip securing an ornament.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the relationship of the
parts of the present invention incorporated as a pendant.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of a pin embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of an earring embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an earring embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 depicts several frame shapes before being folded
into a clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] A complete understanding of this invention can be gained
through reference to the drawings in conjunction with a thorough
review of the disclosure herein.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a general view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention in the form of a pendant 1. The pendant is
made from a single frame 5 that is bent and shaped to display an
ornament 4 and secure it by means of spring tension by a clip 6
created as a result of the bending of the frame. The pendant is
secured to a person by a necklace strand 2 that passes through the
fold 3 in the pendant. It should be understood that the embodiment
is one of many that can incorporate this design. However, for purposes
of explanation of the utility of this invention, the pendant will
be the primary embodiment used to describe its novelty.
[0038] Critical to the success of the present invention is the
spring tension clip 6. FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the pendant whereby
a single frame 5 is folded 3 to form a spring tension clip 6. The
ornament 4 is secured to the pendant by the tension of the clip
pressing against a backing member 7, which is affixed to the back
of the ornament. To place the ornament into the hole or aperture
8 of the frame, the clip is bent slightly to allow for the insertion
of the ornament and backing portion. Once inserted, the clip is
then bent back (e.g., with fingers) and pressed against the backing
portion thereby securing the ornament in its place in the aperture.
[0039] To achieve the primary purpose of the present invention,
a single frame 5 is bent either from the top, bottom, or side of
the piece around to the back, where it holds by spring tension,
an ornament. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is composed of
a lightweight, flexible metal such as silver, copper, gold, brass,
bronze, or other lightweight steel which have proven to achieve
the necessary spring tension. In this way, once the frame is folded
and the spring tension is achieved, the spring can be easily moved
by hand so as to insert and reinsert a different ornament 4 into
the aperture or hole 8 formed in the frame 5. The exploded view
of FIG. 3 shows the relationship of the frame, ornament, and backing
elements with the hole as they exist when broken out separately.
It should also be noted that in FIG. 3, the ornament 4 in a preferred
embodiment, fits flush into the hole 8 and the backing portion is
slightly larger than the frame 5 even though it may not visually
appear to be so in this figure.
[0040] In addition to metal, plastic can also be used to form the
requisite spring tension clip. However, this is not a preferred
embodiment since, although it achieves some of the objects of the
present invention, it is not as desirable as a jewelry object.
[0041] The ornament 4 that is displayed on the pendant is created
from processes and materials well known in the art to create a design
on the ornament. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to create a rounded ornament from porcelain clay using the millefiori
technique. (As began in the Alexandrian and Roman ages, the millefiori
technique consists of slicing cross-sections from colored glass
or clay rods, which sections are then used as ornament. Millefiori
sections in glass-making are traditionally fused into clear glass
to make paperweights, pillboxes or jewelry such as necklaces and
pendants. It is used in porcelain clay and the modern polymer clay
to create jewelry, plaques, and vessels of various kinds.) It will
be readily ascertained by artists in this field that many decorative
elements such as stone, plastic, glass, gems, or other materials
could be used as an ornament as can many other techniques combined
with these elements to create a desirable ornamental effect.
[0042] A look at FIGS. 1 and 3 also show a preferred embodiment
of the ornament 4 as it is separated from the spring tension clip
6 of the pendant. In these Figures, the ornament is rounded, painted
porcelain or other decorative material or gem that protrudes from
the pendant opening 8 when it is secured in the pendant by the spring
clip 6. However, it will be readily understood by those in the art
that the ornament can be of any shape, design, or material. Similarly,
the aperture or hole 8 in the pendant frame into which the ornament
fits, can be configured in any shape suitable to accept the ornamental
shape.
[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an aperture or hole 8
is formed in one part of the frame 5 so that it can hold an ornament
4 inserted from the back and which protrudes through and is visible
from the front of the pendant. Also on the frame 5 of the pendant,
any type of decorations are possible including but not limited to
etching, engraving, painting, carving, ornamentation glued to the
pendant or in other ways fixed to the frame, and many more creative
mechanisms commonly used in the art to decorate jewelry items. Currently,
small engravings 14, oftentimes thematically linked to the ornament,
are etched or engraved onto the metal frame by the inventor to further
decorate the pendant.
[0044] Additionally, the hole 8 and the shape of the frame 5 can
be created to form any shape desired and is not limited to the embodiments
illustrated by the figures shown in this application. FIG. 8 shows
several different possible frame designs after cutting and shaping
but before folding. To achieve the desired shape of the frame a
carefully drawn pattern or model is sent to a metalworker who can
etch, cut, or stamp metal plates according to the specifications
set out by the designer.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 an ornament
4 is secured in place by a backing portion 7, which prevents the
ornament from slipping through the hole 8 in the frame 5 and also
serves as a contact point for the clip 6 so that neither the ornament
4 or spring clip is abraded by the insertion and reinsertion of
the ornament. The backing, in a preferred embodiment, is the same
shape as the hole (e.g., circular) and is slightly larger than the
ornament and aperture.
[0046] For example, the frame has a circular hole 8 on one end
of the frame 5 where the diameter is approximately the same size
as the ornament 4. The metal, circular backing 7 is slightly larger
than the ornament and aperture through which the ornament protrudes,
is slightly smaller than the hole end of the frame, and is fixed
to the back of the ornament. In this way, once the ornament is inserted
into the hole from the back with the spring tension clip 6 pressing
against the backing, the ornament is secured snugly in the hole.
[0047] Typically, the backing portion is composed of lightweight
metal. Often, but not always, it is composed of the same type as
that of the frame for a more consistent look. However, the materials
used to create the backing portion are inconsequential so long as
it prevents the ornament from falling through the hole in the frame.
[0048] The backing portion can be affixed to the back of the ornament
in a variety of ways. In a preferred embodiment the backing plate
is glued to the ornament. However, soldering the plate to the ornament,
using magnetic elements, or other means commonly known in the art
are acceptable so long as they do not interfere with the positioning,
decorative function, or structural security of the ornament.
[0049] In another embodiment not shown here, there is no separate
backing portion. Instead the ornament is crafted as a single piece
with one or more flanges, or a single lip on or around its circumference
or edges that prevents the ornament from passing through the hole.
In this embodiment, the flange or flanges stop the ornament from
passing through the hole and are hidden from frontal view.
[0050] The present invention, as stated above, is not limited to
a pendant design but can also be incorporated into other jewelry
pieces. FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate two other possible embodiments
of the present invention.
[0051] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the present invention as incorporated
on a pin 9. Here, a pin fastener 10 is affixed to the back of the
backing portion. FIG. 4 shows the front of the pin with added decorative
elements 11 and FIG. 5 shows the back of the pin.
[0052] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate how the present invention can be
incorporated into an earring 15 with an earring post 13. Here, FIG.
6 shows the front of the earring and FIG. 7 shows the back.
[0053] Typically, the clip of the pin, earrings, and bracelet arrangements
will vary in a size that best meets their aesthetic requirements.
FIG. 8 shows how these requirements may change depending on the
shape desired. A look at the pendants, earrings, pins, and bracelets
of FIG. 8 demonstrate a fraction of the shapes that can be cut to
form an aesthetically pleasing jewelry item.
[0054] Other embodiments for incorporating the present invention
are plentiful. Tie tacks, cuff-links, brooches or many other types
of jewelry known by whatever names are capable of assuming the design
and method of the present invention.
[0055] Similar methods can be employed for using the present invention
in a bracelet or necklace design. A preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 includes a simple method of passing a cord or chain 2 through
the fold 3 of the folded frame so that the pendant is held by gravity
while worn. However, other methods not shown here could include
cutting a hole in the frame through which a pendant bail or jump
ring is passed. The cord or chain is then threaded through the bail
or jump ring. Further, other known mechanisms for securing the strand
to the frame could include soldering, gluing, or otherwise affixing
commonly known attachment findings to the frame.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0056] While the above description contains much specificity, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,
but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof.
Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the
teachings of this specification.
[0057] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not solely
by the examples given.
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