Article of jewelry, assembly kit and method of assembly

Patent Abstract
An article of jewelry includes a band, an ornamental element, an insert, and a clasp assembly. The ornamental element includes a pair of apertures located along a lateral axis that allow the band to pass lengthwise through a center of the ornamental element. The insert includes a plurality of posts that are configured to pass through a first plurality of apertures in a central portion of the length of the band and rest within a second plurality of apertures located in the ornamental element, thereby securing the. band between the insert and the ornamental element. The clasp assembly receives each end of the band and retains the band in a generally oval arrangement when closed. In one embodiment, the band is fabricated from processed automobile tires, the ornamental element is configured to resemble an oval race track, and the insert includes a checkered flag and/or a race car number.

2. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the band is fabricated from processed automobile tires.

3. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein each pair of rods is at least partially configured to resemble a pair of automobile lug nuts.

4. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the ornamental element is configured generally in the shape of an oval.

5. The article of jewelry of claim 3, wherein the ornamental element is further configured to generally resemble an oval race track.

6. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a checkered flag arrangement disposed on an outward-facing surface thereof.

7. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a number of a race car disposed on an outward facing surface thereof.

8. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the clasp assembly further includes: a first band receptacle arranged and configured to receive the first end of the band, the first band receptacle including: a first body defining a pair of apertures separated across a width of the first body such that the pair of apertures of the first body substantially align with the first pair of apertures of the band; and a first pair of parallel lugs extending toward the second end of the band when the band is in the generally oval arrangement, each lug of the first pair of parallel lugs defining a substantially central aperture therein; a second band receptacle arranged and configured to receive the second end of the band, the second band receptacle including: a second body defining a pair of apertures separated across a width of the second body such that the pair of apertures of the second body substantially align with the second pair of apertures of the band; a second pair of parallel lugs extending toward the first receptacle; and an anchoring rod interconnecting the second pair of parallel lugs, a first support flange positioned in cooperating relation to the first band receptacle and the second band receptacle, the first support flange including: a third body; a pair of parallel arms connected to the third body and projecting outward from a first end of the third body toward the first band receptacle, each arm of the pair of arms including a respective arm lug extending outward perpendicularly from the arm, each arm lug defining a substantially central aperture therein, the pair of arm lugs being arranged such that the first pair of parallel lugs of the first band receptacle are positioned between the pair of arm lugs and the apertures of the first pair of parallel lugs are substantially aligned with the apertures of the pair of arm lugs; and a first latching arrangement positioned along a width of the third body proximate a second end of the third body, the first latching arrangement cooperating with at least the anchoring rod of the second band receptacle to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp assembly; a second support flange positioned in cooperating relation to the first band receptacle and the second band receptacle, the second support flange including: a fourth body; a sleeve member connected to the fourth body proximate a first end of the fourth body, the sleeve member defining a substantially central aperture therein and being positioned between the first pair of parallel lugs of the first band receptacle such that the aperture of the sleeve member is substantially aligned with the aperture of each lug of the first pair of parallel lugs; and a second latching arrangement positioned along a width of the fourth body proximate a second end of the fourth body, the second latching arrangement cooperating with at least the first latching arrangement to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp assembly; and a pin positioned in the substantially aligned apertures of the first pair of parallel lugs, the pair of arm lugs, and the sleeve member.

9. A kit for assembling at least one article of jewelry, the kit comprising: at least one band having two ends and defining a first pair of apertures proximate a first end and a second pair of apertures proximate a second end, each pair of apertures being separated across a width of the band, the band further defining a first plurality of apertures in a central portion of a length of the band, the first plurality of apertures being separated across at least a width of the band; at least one ornamental element defining a pair of axial apertures configured and arranged to receive the band and allow the band to pass centrally through a length of the ornamental element during assembly, the ornamental element further defining a second plurality of apertures separated across at least a width of the ornamental element, the second plurality of apertures substantially corresponding in size and shape to the first plurality of apertures in the central portion of the length of the band; a plurality of inserts, each insert including a plurality of posts, the plurality of posts positionable into the first plurality of apertures in the central portion of the length of the band and into the second plurality of apertures of the ornamental element; and at least one clasp assembly arranged to receive the two ends of the band and retain the band in a generally oval arrangement when the clasp assembly is closed.

10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising: at least four rods per clasp assembly, wherein part of each rod has an outer diameter small enough to allow the rod to pass through an aperture of at least one of the first pair of apertures and the second pair of apertures.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein each rod is at least partially configured to resemble an automobile lug nut.

12. The kit of claim 9, wherein the at least one band is fabricated from processed automobile tires.

13. The kit of claim 9, wherein the at least one ornamental element is configured generally in the shape of an oval.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one ornamental element is further configured to generally resemble an oval race track.

15. The kit of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of inserts includes a checkered flag arrangement disposed on an outward-facing surface thereof.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of inserts includes a number of a race car disposed on an outward facing surface thereof.

17. The kit of claim 9, wherein the at least one clasp assembly further includes: a first band receptacle arranged and configured to receive the first end of the band, the first band receptacle including: a first body defining a pair of apertures separated across a width of the first body, the pair of apertures of the first body substantially corresponding in size and shape to the first pair of apertures of the band; and a first pair of parallel lugs extending away from the band when the band is inserted into the first band receptacle, each lug of the first pair of parallel lugs defining a substantially central aperture therein; a second band receptacle arranged and configured to receive the second end of the band, the second band receptacle including: a second body defining a pair of apertures separated across a width of the second body, the pair of apertures of the second body substantially corresponding in size and shape to the second pair of apertures of the band; a second pair of parallel lugs extending away from the band when the band is inserted into the second band receptacle; and an anchoring rod interconnecting the second pair of parallel lugs, a first support flange positionable in cooperating relation to the first band receptacle and the second band receptacle, the first support flange including: a third body; a pair of parallel arms connected to the third body and projecting outward from a first end of the third body, each arm of the pair of arms including a respective arm lug extending outward perpendicularly from the arm, each arm lug defining a substantially central aperture therein, the pair of arm lugs being arranged such that the first pair of parallel lugs of the first band receptacle are positionable between the pair of arm lugs and the apertures of the first pair of parallel lugs are substantially alignable with the apertures of the pair of arm lugs; and a first latching arrangement positioned along a width of the third body proximate a second end of the third body, the first latching arrangement being arranged to cooperate with at least the anchoring rod of the second band receptacle to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp assembly; a second support flange positionable in cooperating relation to the first band receptacle and the second band receptacle, the second support flange including: a fourth body; a sleeve member connected to the fourth body proximate a first end of the fourth body, the sleeve member defining a substantially central aperture therein and being positionable between the first pair of parallel lugs of the first band receptacle such that the aperture of the sleeve member is substantially alignable with the aperture of each lug of the first pair of parallel lugs; and a second latching arrangement positioned along a width of the fourth body proximate a second end of the fourth body, the second latching arrangement being arranged to cooperate with at least the first latching arrangement to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp assembly; and a pin positionable in the substantially aligned apertures of the first pair of parallel lugs, the pair of arm lugs, and the sleeve member.

18. A method for assembling an article of jewelry that includes a band, an ornamental element, an insert, and a clasp assembly, the method comprising: passing one end of the band through a pair of axial apertures defined by the ornamental element; aligning a first plurality of apertures located in a central portion of a length of the band with a second plurality of apertures located in the ornamental element; positioning a plurality of posts of the insert into and through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures; securing the plurality of posts to the ornamental element; and securing each end of the band to the clasp assembly so as to retain the band in a generally oval arrangement when the clasp assembly is closed.

Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/257,046, entitled "Bracelet," the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by this reference and upon which the present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to an article of jewelry, more particularly, to an article of jewelry, assembly kit, and method of assembly that facilitates user-requested customization at the point of sale.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Every person has his or her own individual styles and preferences. For instance, many people enjoy watching sporting events, but most sports fans still have a favorite team or player. Some people prefer fast, sporty cars, while others prefer comfort or utility. One look at the variety of music categories available at a retail store certainly highlights the differences people possess and the types or genres of music they prefer.

[0006] When it comes to jewelry, one person may prefer to wear gold, while another likes silver. Some people prefer a simple, uniform look, while others enjoy mixing things up and showing off something a bit flashier. Thus, to satisfy the enormous variety of tastes, jewelry retailers must carry a large inventory of stock to provide a large selection of items. Each piece is prefabricated from a specific material and adorned with a set design. A customer who wishes to purchase an item must select from available stock or place a special or custom order for delivery at a later date. Due to the typical pre-established configuration of jewelry, jewelry retailers generally do not perform customized assembly of jewelry articles on-site, for immediate delivery, based on the customer's personal preferences. As a result, customer selection of jewelry is typically limited.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for, among other things, an article of jewelry, assembly kit, and method of assembly that facilitate user-requested customization by retail jewelers at the point of sale and otherwise overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Such an article of jewelry, assembly kit, and assembly method that permitted retailers to quickly assemble the article based on the purchaser's request would be a further improvement over the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front orthographic view of an article of jewelry in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a top orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0012] FIG. 5 is front orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0013] FIG. 6 is rear orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a top orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a right side orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in an open position with the clasp in an open position.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a left side orthographic view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an article of jewelry in a closed position, wherein a number sign and an exemplary number are shown on a trim face of the article, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary ornamental element and insert in relation to a substantially rectangular band of the article.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an assembled clasp of the exemplary article of jewelry of FIG. 1, wherein the clasp is in a closed position.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the assembled clasp of FIG. 14.

[0023] FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly view of the exemplary article of jewelry of FIG. 1 illustrating a rear perspective view of the clasp in relation to the ends of the substantially rectangular band.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a front perspective, exploded assembly view of the exemplary article of jewelry of FIG. 1 illustrating the clasp in relation to the ends of the substantially rectangular band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

[0025] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related to implementing an article of jewelry, a kit for assembling an article of jewelry, and an assembly method. Accordingly, the components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0026] In this document, relational terms, such as "first" and "second," "top" and "bottom," "front" and "rear," and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "plurality of" as used in connection with any object or action means two or more of such object or action. A claim element proceeded by the article "a" or "an" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0027] Generally, the present invention encompasses an article of jewelry, such as a bracelet, as well as a method for assembling the article of jewelry and an assembly kit from which the article of jewelry may be assembled (e.g., at a point of sale). The article of jewelry includes a band, an ornamental element, an insert, and a clasp assembly. The ornamental element includes a pair of apertures located along a lateral axis which allow the band to pass lengthwise through the center of the ornamental element. The insert includes a plurality of posts which are positioned to pass through a first corresponding plurality of apertures in the central portion of the length of the band and rest within a second corresponding plurality of apertures located in the ornamental element, thereby securing the band between the insert and the ornamental element. The clasp assembly receives each end of the band and retains the band in a generally oval arrangement when closed. In one embodiment, components of the article of jewelry are supplied as separate elements of a kit that permits a retail jeweler or other entity to assemble the article of jewelry based on user selection of at least one element of the article of jewelry.

[0028] For example, the article of jewelry may be customized to appeal to automobile racing fans. In such a case, the band may be pre-fabricated from processed automobile tires and the ornamental element may be pre-configured to resemble an oval race track. The clasp assembly may be pre-fabricated to include a checkered flag or other racing-related pattern. However, the insert may be selected by the purchaser or prospective wearer based on the number of the wearer's favorite race car or race car driver, which number may be embossed or otherwise depicted on the insert.

[0029] Alternatively, the article of jewelry may be customized to appeal to fans of other sports. For example, the band may be fabricated from one or more rubber cores of used baseballs and the ornamental element may resemble a baseball field. The clasp assembly in this case may include a team logo or other baseball-related insignia. In this example, the insert may resemble the seams of a baseball or a baseball bat and be selected by the purchaser or prospective wearer based on the number of the wearer's favorite player, which number may be embossed or otherwise depicted on the insert. For other sports, rubber from used shoes or other equipment (e.g., rubber under the leather of used footballs) may be used to form the band, and the ornamental element and clasp assembly may be fabricated to reflect the particular sport (e.g., football field and team logo, respectively, for football, or basketball court and team logo, respectively, for basketball). The inserts would then be selectable by purchasers based on the numbers of the purchasers' favorite players, which numbers may be embossed or otherwise depicted on the inserts.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the band may be fabricated from any material of interest to potential wearers (e.g., gold, silver, plastic, stainless steel) and the ornamental element may be any shape and size. The clasp assembly may include any design that complements the ornamental element and the selectable inserts may include any images that complement the ornamental element and would be appealing to potential wearers.

[0031] The present invention can be more readily understood with reference to FIGS. 1-17, in which like reference numerals designate like items. FIGS. 1-12 depict exemplary articles of jewelry 10 in accordance with the present invention. The article of jewelry 10, which may be a bracelet, includes, inter alia, a band 20, an ornamental element 30, an insert 40, and a clasp assembly 50. Details as to exemplary configurations of the band 20, the ornamental element 30, the insert 40, and the clasp assembly 50 are illustrated in FIGS. 13-17. The band 20 has two ends 21, 22 and a central portion 23. The band 20 is preferably dome or half-round shaped and composed from a flexible material, or a set of materials that, when assembled together, are sufficiently flexible, to enable the band 20 to be easily wrapped around a person's wrist, arm, ankle, or leg. In one embodiment, the band 20 is made from processed (e.g., recycled) automobile tires, such as tires that have been used on automobiles previously driven in professional automobile races (e.g., NASCAR.RTM., Formula One, Indy Cart, CART, etc.). Alternatively, the band 20 may be fabricated from precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, or any other material suitable for use as a bracelet, ring or other article of jewelry.

[0032] The ornamental element 30 defines a pair of axial apertures 32-33 (which are depicted in FIG. 13) located along a lengthwise axis of the ornamental element 30. The ornamental element 30 is preferably composed of at least one precious metal (e.g., gold, silver, sterling silver, platinum, copper, brass, or a composite alloy containing some measurable quantity of precious metal). Alternatively, the ornamental element 30 may be constructed from any other material or combination of materials, such as one or more metals, plastics, or alloys, which may be plated with a layer of precious metal if so desired for aesthetic purposes. As depicted in FIG. 1, the ornamental element 30 may be generally configured in an oval shape such that it resembles an automobile race track, although any other desired shape may be employed. Additionally, when the ornamental element 30 resembles a race track, the name or other identifier of a particular race track or automobile driver may be engraved or otherwise displayed on a surface of the ornamental element 30. The axial apertures 32-33 in the ornamental element 30 are sized and shaped to receive the band 20 and allow the band 20 to pass through the ornamental element 30 along a central axis thereof, such that the band enters one aperture (e.g., aperture 32) and exits the other aperture (e.g., aperture 33).

[0033] The band 20 further defines a plurality of holes or other apertures 12-15 (four shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13) located in the central portion 23 of the length of the band 20, and separated across a width and optionally the length (e.g., where there are more than two such apertures) of the band 20. The centrally located apertures 12-15 align substantially with a corresponding plurality of apertures 34-37 located in the ornamental element 30, which are likewise separated across the width and optionally the length of the ornamental element 30. The band 20 is slid through the axial apertures 32, 33 of the ornamental element 30 until the central set of apertures 12-15 in the band 20 align with the corresponding apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30. The set of apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30 substantially correspond in size and shape to the apertures 12-15 in the central portion of the band 20.

[0034] The insert 40 retains the band 20 in place by sandwiching it between the insert 40 and the ornamental element. The insert 40 includes a plurality of posts 41-44 that are arranged in correlation with the central apertures 12-15 in the band 20 and the corresponding apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30. The insert 40 is positioned generally within the center of the ornamental element 30 such that the insert's posts 41-44 extend through the central apertures 12-15 in the band 20 and the corresponding apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30. After assembly of the insert 40 into the band 20 and the ornamental element 30, the end of each post 41-44 is preferably riveted to secure the insert 40 to the ornamental element 30. Alternatively, the post ends may be press-fit or left unsecured such that the insert 40 is removable, thereby allowing a variety of inserts 40 to be used with the same band 20 and ornamental element 30. Further, the ends of the insert's posts may be pre-threaded during fabrication of the insert and subsequently secured to the ornamental element 30 using appropriately-sized nuts. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that other techniques for securing the insert post ends to the ornamental element may be alternatively employed.

[0035] The insert 40, which may be fabricated wholly or partially of precious metal, alloy, plastic, diamonds, or any other desired materials, may include any decorative design or arrangement on its outward facing surface as desired by a wearer. In one embodiment, the insert 40 includes a checkered flag arrangement 46 on its outward facing trim surface 45. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the insert 40 may include various embellishments, such as, for example, the number 48 of a race car or race car driver, allowing the wearer to display the number of his or her favorite driver or player.

[0036] In addition to its central apertures 12-15, the band 20 further defines a first pair of apertures 24, 25 located near or proximate a first end 21 of the band 20 and a second pair of apertures 26, 27 located near or proximate a second end 22 of the band. Each aperture of an end pair of apertures is separated from one another across the width of the band 20.

[0037] The clasp assembly 50 receives the two ends 21, 22 of the band 20 and retains the band in a generally oval configuration or arrangement when the clasp assembly 50 is closed. The clasp assembly 50 includes a first pair of rods 52, 53, which are positioned into the first pair of end apertures 24, 25 of the band 20 to attach the first end 21 of the band 20 to the clasp assembly 50. Similarly, the clasp assembly 50 includes a second pair of rods 54, 55, which are positioned into the second pair of end apertures 26, 27 of the band 20 to attach the second end 22 of the band 20 to the clasp assembly 50. The clasp assembly 50 may be fabricated of precious metal, alloy, stainless steel or any other reasonably strong materials, and may include various other elements as detailed below.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment, the clasp assembly 50 includes two band receptacles 60, 70, two support flanges 80, 90, and a pin 100. The band receptacles 60, 70 are arranged and configured to receive and retain the two ends 21, 22 of the band 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, each band receptacle 60, 70 includes a body 62, 72 having a recess or cavity 61, 71 sized and shaped to receive a respective end 21, 22 of the band 20. For example, in one embodiment, the shapes of the cavities 61, 71 of the band receptacles 60, 70 substantially conform to the shapes of the outer perimeters of the band ends 21, 22.

[0039] Each body 62, 72 further defines a respective pair of apertures 64-65, 74-75 separated across a width of the body 62, 72. Each pair of apertures 64-65, 74-75 substantially aligns with a corresponding pair of apertures 24-25, 26-27 located on an end 21, 22 of the band 20 when the band end 21, 22 is properly positioned within and received by the body cavity 61, 71. For example, when band end 21 is positioned into the cavity 61 of band receptacle 60, band end apertures 24, 25 align or at least substantially align with the body apertures 64, 65 of the band receptacle 60. Similarly, when band end 22 is positioned into the cavity 71 of band receptacle 70, band end apertures 26, 27 align or at least substantially align with the body apertures 74, 75 of the band receptacle 70.

[0040] To secure each band end 21, 22 to its corresponding band receptacle 60, 70, a pair of rods 52-53, 54-55 are inserted through the band receptacle body apertures 64-65, 74-75 and the band end apertures 24-25, 26-27 starting from the upper surface of the band receptacle body 62, 72, extending through the band end apertures 24-25, 26-27 and exiting the lower surface of the band receptacle body 62, 72 such that the pair of rods 52-53, 54-55 protrude slightly through the band receptacle body apertures 64-65, 74-75 as viewed from the lower surface of the band receptacle body 62, 72. The end of each rod 52-55 protruding through the lower surfaces of the band receptacle bodies 62, 72 is riveted to secure the band 20 to the band receptacles 60, 70. Alternatively, the to-be-secured end of each rod 52-55 may be pre-threaded during fabrication of the rod 52-55 and subsequently secured to the respective band receptacle 60, 70 using appropriately-sized nuts. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that other techniques for securing the rods 52055 to the band receptacles 60, 70 may be alternatively employed.

[0041] The non-secured, top end of each rod 52-55 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of each aperture 64-65, 74-75 in the upper surface of the band receptacle bodies 62, 72, thereby preventing the rods 52-55 from completely passing through the body apertures 64-65, 74-75. In one embodiment, the top end of each rod 52-55 is configured to resemble an automobile lug nut. In alternative embodiments, the top ends of the rods 52-55 may resemble other objects, such as, for example, baseballs, basketballs, footballs, hockey pucks, soccer balls, flowers, books, coins, and so forth.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16-17, each band receptacle 60, 70 also includes a pair of separated, parallel lugs 66-67, 76-77. The lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60 define apertures located substantially in the center of each lug 66, 67 to accommodate the pin 100 during assembly of the clasp assembly 50, as discussed below. The lugs 66, 67 and the pin 100 are used to permanently attach the support flanges 80, 90 to band receptacle 60. The lugs 76, 77 of band receptacle 70 are interconnected by an anchoring rod 78, which facilitates closure and locking of the clasp assembly 50 as discussed below. When the article of jewelry 10 is fully assembled and the band 20 is in a generally oval arrangement, the lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60 extend toward end 22 of the band 20 and the lugs 76, 77 of band receptacle 70 extend toward end 21 of the band 20.

[0043] The support flanges 80, 90 of the clasp assembly 50 are positioned in cooperating relation to the band receptacles 60, 70 to form, together with the pin 100, the entire clasp assembly 50. Support flange 80 includes a body 82, a pair of parallel arms 84-85, and a latching arrangement 88. When the support flange 80 is properly positioned relative to band receptacle 60, the arms 84-85 of the support flange 80 project outward from an end of the support flange body 82 toward band receptacle 80. Each arm 84, 85 of the support flange 80 has a respective arm lug 86, 87, which extends outward perpendicularly from the arm 84, 85 and defines an aperture located substantially in the center of the arm lug 86, 87. During assembly of the clasp assembly 50, the pair of parallel lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60 are positioned between the pair of arm lugs 84, 85 of support flange 80 such that the apertures in all the lugs 66-67, 84-85 substantially align to accommodate receipt of the pin 100. The latching arrangement 88 of support flange 80 is a conventional three element latch structure positioned along a width the support flange body 82 that cooperates in a conventional manner with the anchoring rod 78 of band receptacle 70 to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp assembly 50; thus, no additional detail will be provided.

[0044] Similar to support flange 80, support flange 90 includes a corresponding body 92 and a complementary latching arrangement 96. However, instead of including parallel lugs, support flange 90 includes a sleeve member 94 connected near or proximate one end of the body 92. The sleeve member 94 is positioned approximately midway along a width of the support flange body 92 and defines a substantially central aperture therein. During assembly of the clasp assembly 50, the sleeve member 94 is positioned between the parallel lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60 such that the apertures of the parallel lugs 66, 67 substantially align with the aperture of the sleeve member 94 to accommodate receipt of the pin 100. The latching arrangement 96 of support flange 90 is a conventional two-element latch structure positioned along a width of the support flange body 92 that interlocks and cooperates in a conventional manner with the latching arrangement 88 of support flange 80 to facilitate opening and closing of the clasp 50; thus, no additional detail will be provided.

[0045] In an assembled form, the apertures in the parallel lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60, the apertures in the arm lugs 84, 85 of support flange 80, and the aperture in sleeve member 94 all substantially align to facilitate receipt of the pin 100. The pin 100 is inserted through the aligned apertures, such that the sleeve member 94 and its associated support flange 90 rotate freely. In one embodiment, the pin 100 is soldered to the external ends of the arm lugs 84, 85 using solder that matches the metal from which support flange 80 is constructed. Alternatively, the pin 100 may be attached to the external ends of the arm lugs 84, 85 using a strong adhesive material, by riveting, or in any other conventional manner.

[0046] The article of jewelry 10 may be distributed to jewelry retailers in finished form, as described above, or in the form of a kit. The kit may include several separate bands 20, inserts 40, clasp assemblies 50, ornamental elements 30, and rods 52-55. The kit may relate to only a single size of the article 10 for a particular age or gender (e.g., a men's ten millimeter (10 mm) kit, a women's 6 mm kit, or a child's kit), various sizes for a particular age or gender, or various sizes for all ages and genders. Additionally, the kit may include a variety of metals from which the ornamental elements 30, inserts 40, clasp assemblies 50 and rods 52-55 are made. Most importantly, the kit preferably includes a plurality of inserts 40 having a variety of designs from which a jewelry customer may select, such as, for example, numbers correlating to the numbers on race cars driven by popular drivers or on jerseys worn by popular athletes. For example, for a men's 10 mm kit, the kit may include one or more bands 20, one or more clasp assemblies 50, one or more ornamental elements 30, a plurality of inserts 40, and a plurality of rods 52-55. Thus, the kit would allow the potential purchaser or wearer to select his desired insert (e.g., an insert bearing his favorite race car driver's or player's number) and/or his desired type of metal or metal combination for the insert 40, clasp assembly 50, ornamental element 30 and rods 52-55. Additionally, where the band 20 is not made of a predetermined material (e.g., recycled rubber) selected to provide a theme for the article of jewelry 10, the kit may include bands 20 of multiple metals, metal combinations, or other conventional band materials to allow the wearer to select his or her desired band 20. Further, to facilitate easier and more rapid assembly of the article 10, one or more of the bands 20 may be pre-assembled with one of the band receptacles 60, 70.

[0047] Thus, with the present invention, a person may custom order an article of jewelry 10, such as a bracelet, based on displayed or advertised exemplary jewelry articles and have the custom-ordered article assembled at the site where it is purchased while the person waits or continues shopping. For example, if a male customer walks into the store and sees a display showing a man's bracelet made entirely of sterling silver and having an insert emblazoned with the number "28," the customer might ask for the same bracelet, but with a gold insert having the number "3". According to the present invention, the jeweler can easily mix and match parts from the kit to quickly create a custom-made bracelet for the customer right on-site.

[0048] To assemble an article of jewelry 10 from the kit, the jeweler or other assembler slides or passes one end of the band 20 through the axial apertures 32, 33 of the ornamental element 30 until the central set of apertures 12-15 in the band 20 align with corresponding apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30. The posts 41-44 of the insert 40 are then positioned into and through the apertures 12-15 in the band 20 and the apertures 34-37 in the ornamental element 30. The posts 41-44 are then riveted or otherwise secured to the ornamental element 30. The ends 21, 22 of the band 20 are inserted into the clasp assembly 50 such that the end apertures 24-25, 26-27 of the band 20 align with the corresponding apertures 64-65, 74-75 in the band receptacles 60, 70 of the clasp assembly 50. The rods 52-55 are then inserted through the band end apertures 24-25, 26-27 and the band receptacle apertures 64-65, 74-75, and are riveted or otherwise secured to the rear surfaces of the band receptacles 60, 70 to retain the band ends 21, 22 in the clasp assembly 50. In the case where the band 20 comes pre-assembled with one of the band receptacles (e.g., band receptacle 60), the jeweler or other assembler need only secure the opposing end of the band 20 to the corresponding band receptacle (e.g., band receptacle 70).

[0049] After the band 20 has been secured to the insert 40 and the band receptacles 60, 70 of the clasp assembly 50, the clasp assembly 50 is finally assembled and the article of jewelry 10 is complete. To assemble the clasp assembly 50, the jeweler or other assembler places the support flanges 80, 90 proximate band receptacle 60 such that the sleeve 94 of support flange 90 is positioned between the lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60, the lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60 are positioned between the arm lugs 86, 87 of support flange 80, and the apertures in the sleeve 94 of support flange 90, the lugs 66, 67 of band receptacle 60, and the arm lugs 86, 87 of support flange 80 all align or substantially align. The pin 100 is then inserted through the aligned apertures and soldered or otherwise secured to the exposed ends of the arm lugs 86, 87 of support flange 80 such that the support flange 90 rotates freely to complete the clasp assembly 50.

[0050] Once the article of jewelry 10 has been assembled, the clasp assembly 50 may be opened and closed in a conventional manner. For example, to close the clasp assembly 50, support flange 80 is positioned below the anchoring rod 78 of band receptacle 70 such that the center hooked element 103 of latching arrangement 88 hooks over the anchoring rod 78. Support flange 90 is then rotated toward support flange 80 until the latching members 97. 98 of latching arrangement 96 interlock with the latching members 101, 102 of latching arrangement 88. To open the closed clasp assembly 50, support flange 90 is rotated away from support flange 80 to unlock the latching members 97. 98 of latching arrangement 96 from the latching members 101, 102 of latching arrangement 88. The anchoring rod 78 of band receptacle 70 is then released from the hooked element 103 of latching arrangement 88 to fully open the clasp assembly 50.

[0051] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the present invention has been described above primarily with reference to a bracelet. However, the present invention also has application to other articles of jewelry, such as necklaces, pendants, and earrings. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.