DK1916921T3

DK1916921T3 - Interchangeable jewelry effort and element for taking action

Info

Publication number: DK1916921T3
Application number: DK06790568.7T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Robert D Smith
Original assignee: Robert D Smith
Priority date: 2005-08-26
Filing date: 2006-08-24
Publication date: 2016-01-25
Also published as: PL1916921T3; EP1916921A4; WO2007022632A1; EP1916921A1; EP1916921B1; WO2007022632B1; ES2561057T3

Description

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of jewellery. More particularly, the present invention relates to interchangeable jewellery inserts, items for receiving the insert, and connectors for reversibly securing the interchangeable insert within the items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Jewellery has been with humanity since the beginning as people have always felt the need to adorn themselves for a variety of reasons including a sense of individuality, beauty and simply as a means of attracting attention. Jewellery is a multi billion dollar worldwide business.

[0003] The ability to interchange, personalize and accessorize has always been a facet of the jewellery industry. It is an innate human desire to transform an item from an object one has purchased to an object that resonates with the owners personality, clothing or current moods. In modem times many different people have brought forward ideas to aid people in accomplishing this. Some of the recent ideas that are in the current market place are Italian Charm Link Bracelets and interchangeable bead bracelets. However, these items are complicated for the wearer to modify. The Italian Charm Link Bracelet, in particular, typically requires the use of a tool to force openings in the bracelet to insert or extract an interchangeable charm.

[0004] US Patent Nos. 6,427,487 (Morgan), 5,414,948 (Kudo), 6,588,067 (Efron), 6,026,658 (Weller), 4,374,470 (Isaacson), and 6,742,359 (Takessian) all disclose jewellery items with interchangeable inserts. Each of these jewellery items requires manipulation of moving or moveable parts in order to change and secure an insert. As such the act of insertion is time consuming for the jewellery wearer. Furthermore, moving parts are susceptible to break down.

[0005] German Patent DE 20302197 describes a jewellery ring with at least two concentrical ring elements which can be assembled axially, with a first inner ring element and at least a second outer ring element, between the inner ring element and at least one outer ring element, a releasable connection can be made by means of an elastic ring which is substantially held positively in an annular groove of at least one of the ring elements.

[0006] US Patent 4,800,738 describes a gem setting including a holding body and a gem received therein in a predetermined position, an inner wall face forming a part of the holding body and defining a bore hole therein; a first depression in the inner wall face; and a second depression in a peripheral face of the gem. The peripheral face is received in the bore hole and the first and second depressions are in alignment with one another in the predetermined position of the gem. An elastic connecting member is nested simultaneously in both the first and second depressions for coupling the gem to the holding body. The elastic connecting member and the depth of one of the depressions is dimensioned with respect to one another such that the elastic connecting member is expandable into the depression during introduction of the gem into the bore hole until the first and second depressions arrive in mutual alignment with one another.

[0007] US Patent 4, 399,910 describes a frame design for retaining a coin, medallion and other jewelry objects wherein a frame of one standard size can accommodate similarly shaped objects within a range of differing thicknesses, a shim which allows a standard size frame to accommodate similarly shaped objects whose perimeter dimensions are small enough so that the object can move inside the frame, and a retaining ring which serves to impede the rotation of a circular object inside a cylindrical frame.

[0008] Swiss Patent 679 256 describes a bracelet with a circular casing nestled and secured in a circular cut-out on the bracelet. Where the cut-out is located, the bracelet is composed of several layers. The concentric circular cut-outs for these layers have varying diameters forming a recess in which there is an elastic element that protrudes in the recess for the casing to keep it in place.

[0009] German Patent DE 1814229 describes a piece of jewellery, in particular a ring, that is suitable for being made in larger series with an exchangeable jewellery component. This piece of jewellery, in particular this ring, is characterized in that the jewellery stone (or pearl) or the socket of the stone is provided with one or more grooved retaining pins which engage releasably in the grooves of spring openings.

[0010] French patent application FR 2667486 describes a removable setting which can be taken out of a jewel (piece of jewellery) and be re-placed on another one. It consists of a shaft, along which a setting is introduced, the latter being equipped at its base w/ith a ball pump system which snaps into a groove. A cut on the base of the setting wedges the latter and provides a hold for removing it.

[0011] US Patent 2,600,319 describes a removable jewel mounting with a plate having a jewel-receiving opening formed therein, an inwardly rounded, peripheral edge about the opening, a conical jewel cup having its apex extending inwardly through the opening and its periphery resting against the peripheral edge of the the opening. There are U-shaped cuts in opposite sides of the conical surface of the conical jewel cup between the apex and the periphery of the cup, and forming radial openings therein, and resillient tongues formed from the material of the cup by the U-shaped cuts therein. The tongues are attached to the cup adjacent the periphery thereof and extending over the radical openings therein and projecting from the conical surface of the cup, the tongues resiliently engage the curved surface of the rounded edge of the jewel-receiving opening for retaining the cup in place.

[0012] US Patent 4,899,556 describes a removable member with a front surface for receiving a flexible sheet of ornamental material thereover. The removable member is attachably engageable with a backing member. A peripheral edge of the sheet is gripped and held between the engaged members. The backing member carries a post, clip, pin or other device for attachment to a selected substrate such as the human body or the clothing. The movable member is held in snap engagement with the backing member for convenient separation and changeability of the ornamental sheet material.

[0013] US Patent 4,220,018 describes an ornamental display device having a mounting device and, attached thereto, a cage-like structure for holding and presenting an ornamental object like a gem. The cage-like structure is formed by at least three filaments and has a normally closed and an open position. The ornamental object can be removed and interchanged when the cage is in its open position.

[0014] US Patent 5,315,739 describes snap-type action securing elements formed respectively on ornamentation bases and caps so that a number of different ornamentation caps can be disposed for co-action with a single base to fabricate a number of different ornamentation assemblies. The items of ornamentation may be either buttons with the base carrying an anchor or holes to facilitate securing the button to an article; or items of jewellery such as pins, broaches, rings, pendants, earrings, tie tacks and the like with suitable fastening means.

[0015] US Patent 2,555,578 describes a spectacle frame provided with snap-fastening means to removably secure jewels or the like to the basic frame.

[0016] The prior art solutions have different technical disadvantages.

[0017] Accordingly, there is a need for an interchangeable jewellery insert that can be conveniently attached to or detached from a jewellery item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to the field of jewellery. More particularly, the present invention relates to interchangeable jewellery inserts and items for receiving the interchangeable jewellery insert.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved interchangeable jewellery insert and item for receiving the insert.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an interchangeable jewellery insert and an item comprising a receptable for receiving the insert having the features of claim 1.Preferably, the body is cylindrical and the closed continuous circuit is an O-ring, with the O-ring extending in a radial plane from the periphery of the body.

[0021] Preferably, the item is selected from the group consisting of ring, earring, pendant, bracelet, necklace, pin, brooch, button, grommet, key chain, pen, zipper pull, handbag, backpack, belt, shoe, clothing, watch strap, pet jewellery, sunglasses, and body piercing jewellery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: FIGURE 1 shows top and side views of a ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 Ashows a top view of a ring with an empty receptacle; Figure 1B and 1C show side views of a ring with an interchangeable insert attached therein; FIGURE 2Ashows a top cross-section view and Figure 2B shows a side cross-section view of an empty receptacle of a pendant in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 3A and 3B showside cross-section views of an interchangeable insert; FIGURE 4Aand 4B show top and side cross-section views of a pendant having an empty receptacle not in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 5A-B show side cross-section views of an interchangeable insert and rubber sleeve comprising a rubber extension not in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 6 shows an assembled view of the pendant shown in Figures 4 and 5 having the interchangeable insert attached within the receptacle; FIGURE 7A shows a side cross-section view of a grommet having an empty receptacle not in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 7B shows an assembled view of the grommet having the interchangeable insert attached within the receptacle not in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 7C shows a side cross-section view of a grommet with a raised upper sidewall not in accordance with the present invention;

The embodiment according to figures 8A - 8E and 9A-9B do not form part of the claimed invention but represent information useful for understanding the claimed invention. FIGURE 8A shows a side view of another example of an interchangeable insert; and FIGURE 8B shows an assembled view of a pendant and insert combination ; FIGURES 8C-8E show another example, where FIGURES 8C and 8D show a top view, and side view of the rubber sleeve, and FIGURE 8E shows an assembled view of the pendant and insert; FIGURE 9Ashows a side perspective view of a ring having an empty receptacle and FIGURE 9B shows an interchangeable insert that may be detachably attached within the receptacle; FIGURE 10A shows an example of a metal circlip used in conjunction with an insert; FIGURE 10B shows an assembled view of a pendant not in accordance with the invention and insert combination using the metal circlip; FIGURE 11A shows an example of an insert not in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11B shows another example of an insert not in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 12 shows an example of a button receptacle with a side sectional view of components of a two-piece button receptacle and rivet-type button fastener combination in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES 13A-C show another example of a button receptacle with Figure 13A showing a perspective view of an unassembled three-piece button receptacle,

Figure 13B showing a side sectional view of an unassembled three-piece button receptacle and rivet-type button fastener, and Figure 13C showing a perspective view of components of a three-piece button receptacle in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13D shows a bottom perspective view of an unassembled three-piece button receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description is of a preferred embodiment.

[0024] The type of item for receiving an interchangeable jewellery insert is not critical to the present invention. Jewellery types that can be worn on the body or through parts of the body are contemplated. Jewellery types that can be incorporated into clothing or other articles are also contemplated. Furthermore, items may be common objects such as bags, shoes, pens, key chains, buttons, or zipper pulls, that have been configured to receive a jewellery insert and are thereby transformed into a jewellery item. In certain examples, interchangeable inserts may be interchangeable amongst all jewellery types including, rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, pins and brooches and body piercing jewellery. In other examples, interchangeable inserts may fit in buttons, grommets, pens, zipper pulls, watch straps, shoes, bags, belts, handbags, hats, backpacks, clothing, key chains, leather wristbands, sunglasses, and pet jewellery. As will be recognized by persons skilled in the art, an item surface may be manufactured to have a receptacle for receiving an interchangeable jewellery insert. Interchangeable inserts and their receptacles may be standardized such that a single interchangeable insert can fit into a variety of items, or that a single item can be fitted with a variety of inserts.

[0025] In examples of the present invention a jewellery item has a receptacle or chamber for receiving an interchangeable insert. The receptacle comprises a base having two opposing points sized to fit at least one dimension of a body of an interchangeable insert. The base has an opening. The body of the interchangeable insert will have at least one dimension sized to fit within the receptacle of a jewellery item. Having at least one dimension of the body of the insert sized to fit within opposing points on the base of the receptacle helps to achieve a secure fit when an extension formed of elastic material extends from the body and engages a base of the receptacle, a sidewall of the receptacle, or both the base and the sidewall. Typically, one or more of the base, the sidewall, or an inward extension of the sidewall of the receptacle can be configured to define an opening that is sized for deforming an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert and for allowing a first portion of an interchangeable insert to pass freely through the opening, and optionally, the opening is sized to prevent a second portion of the interchangeable insert from passing through the opening. In one simplified example the receptacle is a flat base having an opening and the interchangeable insert body has a first portion that is sized to freely pass through the opening and a second portion that cannot pass through the opening with an elastic extension, that is to be deformed by the opening, extending from between the two portions; the insert is pushed through the opening so that the first portion of the body and the elastic extension pass through while the second portion does not. In one example, the receptacle and body are cylindrical and the diameter of the body is sized to fit within the receptacle. In another example, the receptacle and body are rectangular prisms and the smallest dimension of the base of the body is sized to fit within opposing points on the base and opposing sidewalls of the receptacle.

[0026] In particular examples of the present invention, a jewellery item receptacle has a base and a sidewall. The base has an opening such that a finger, pen or other rod like element may be inserted through the opening to push out an interchangeable insert that has been inserted within the receptacle. In examples where an interchangeable insert is pushed into a receptacle and pushed out of the receptacle a convenient opening in the base of the receptacle is useful. An opening in the base may be of various sizes, but will be less than a perimeter defined by a sidewall. A jewellery item receptacle has a sidewall rising from the base. The sidewall may be continuous or may be separated by spaces. For example, a jewellery item designed to accept a cubic interchangeable insert may have a continuous sidewall rising from a quadrilateral base, such that the sidewall has four distinct faces that can encompass at least two dimensions of a cubic insert. In a related example, the receptacle may have a sidewall rising from three sides of a quadrilateral base such that the sidewall has three distinct faces that can encompass at least one dimension of a cubic insert between opposing faces of the sidewall. In another related example, the receptacle may have a sidewall rising from two opposing sides of a quadrilateral base such that the sidewall has two opposing, distinct and separated faces that can encompass at least one dimension of a cubic insert.

[0027] Another example of a jewellery item receptacle is a grommet. A grommet may be placed in many different articles as will be recognized by the skilled person, including without limitation, clothing or accessories, for example, jeans, jean jackets, shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, blouses, belts, handbags, shoes, sunglasses, or hats. A grommet receptacle will typically have a continuous sidewall defining the interior of the receptacle, with the sidewall having two open ends, a lid end and a base end. At the lid end there can be a lid flange extending radially outward. In particular examples, at the lid end there is an inward extension extending towards a central axis of the receptacle, with the inward extension sized for deforming an elastic extension that extends outward from a body of an interchangeable jewellery insert. In certain other examples, the inward extension may run along the entire interior surface of the sidewall to form a continuous and closed extension. In other examples, the inward extension may be comprised of separate and discrete components such as dimples or stud -like projections. In still further examples, there may be a cavity, channel, or groove in the sidewall at the lid end for frictionally engaging an elastic extension of an interchangeable insert. In other examples, at the outside of the lid flange there can be a raised upper sidewall for preventing the jewellery insert from being dislodged. As will be recognized by persons skilled in the art, the grommet is incorporated into an item and kept in place due to opposing forces exerted by the lid flange and a retaining washer. The retaining washer is passed over the base end and along the exterior of the sidewall, and secured in place by extending the sidewall, at the base end, radially outward to form a base flange for engaging the retaining washer.

[0028] Yet another non-limiting example of a jewellery item receptacle is a button. A button may be placed in many different articles as will be recognized by the skilled person, including wthout limitation, clothing or accessories, for example, jeans, jean jackets, shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, blouses, belts, handbags, shoes, or hats. Any type of button may be constructed as a jewellery item receptacle, including, wthout limitation, a one-piece button with thread holes in its base for attaching the button to an article such as clothing using a sewing mechanism, a one-piece button receptacle may also have an opening in it's base to engage a fastener with a fastener piece having a sidewall that can be stamped or crimped to engage the base of the main button piece and the fastener also having a retaining flange such that when fully assembled an article such as clothing is trapped in between the base of the main button piece and the retaining flange of the button fastener. Buttons can also be constructed as two-piece or three-piece buttons as shown for example in Figures 12-13. Still other forms of buttons known to the skilled person may be manufactured to be a jewellery item receptacle in the context of the present invention. A variety of mechanisms for fastening buttons are also known in the art, and while the use of thread or rivet for engaging an opening in a base of a button receptacle is described herein, any other fastening mechanism may be used by the skilled person, including without limitation, fastening mechanisms that do not require an opening in the base of the button receptacle.

[0029] In particular examples of the present invention, a button receptacle will typically have a base and a sidewall. The base has an opening such that a finger, pen or other rod like element may be inserted through the opening to push out an interchangeable insert that has been inserted wthin the receptacle. In certain examples, the base of the button receptacle and its fastener may have a central axial opening as shown for example in Figures 12 or 13. In other examples, the base may have a peripheral axial opening as shown for example in Figure 13, with an axial opening within the fastener being optional. In examples where an interchangeable insert is pushed into a receptacle and pushed out of the receptacle a convenient opening in the base of the receptacle is useful. A button receptacle can typically have a sidewall rising from the base. The sidewall may be continuous in its radial cross-section, or may be separated by spaces. Mass produced buttons typically produce buttons with continuous sidewalls as these types of buttons are typically stronger and can withstand more force or stress during the manufacturing process. In certain examples, a button receptacle will have a surface such as a base of the receptacle, a sidewall of the receptacle, or both the base and the sidewall of the receptacle that can deform, engage or both deform and engage an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable jewellery insert. The button receptacle has a peripheral opening through which a rod-like instrument may be inserted to remove an interchangeable insert. In yet other examples, the sidewall may further have divot for enabling a small tool to be inserted for leveraging or prying out the insert.

[0030] Typically, an inward extension of the sidewall of a button receptacle can be configured to define an opening that is sized for deforming an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert and for allowing a first portion of an interchangeable insert to pass freely through the opening, and optionally, the opening is sized to prevent a second portion of the interchangeable insert from passing through the opening. As will be understood by the skilled person, a button receptacle need not be constructed as a single piece, and may be constructed in multiple pieces. In one example, a two-piece button has a first piece that comprises a base and a first portion of a sidewall extending from the base and a second piece in the form of a button cap that comprises a second portion of the sidewall and an opening sized to deform an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert. In another example, a three-piece button has a first piece that comprises a base and a first portion of a sidewall extending from the base and a second piece in the form of a button cap that comprises a second portion of the sidewall and an opening sized to deform an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert, and a third piece in the form of an annular plug that functions to maintain the shape of the button cap during the manufacturing process. In certain examples, the second portion of the sidewall may be a raised sidewall that is sized to fit a dimension of the body of an interchangeable jewellery insert that is larger than the opening sized to deform an elastically deformable extension of the insert, thereby reducing the possibility that the insert is snagged or accidentally dislodged.

[0031] The body of the interchangeable insert may be made of any suitable material. In certain examples, a body having a metal housing that is identical to the metal of the jewellery item may be used; the metal housing having at least one dimension sized to fit within a receptacle, and further the metal housing may incorporate decorative elements. In other examples the body may be devoid of metal and may be made entirely of stone, such as a gem, with the stone being cut to be coupled with an elastically deformable material and to fit within a receptacle of a jewellery item. The body may be of any material known to a jewellery manufacturer including, without limitation, metal, stone, enamel, glass, plastic, ceramic, leather, rubber or combinations thereof.

[0032] The body of an interchangeable insert may be any shape provided that it has at least one dimension that is sized to fit within opposing points of a base of a jewellery item receptacle or within opposing points of a sidewall in examples where such opposing sidewalls are provided. For example, the body shape may be spherical, pyramidal, cubic, tubular, cylindrical, toroid, spiral, tetrahedral, polyhedral, helical, ziggurat, inverted ziggurat, conical, prismatic or any combination thereof.

[0033] The body of the interchangeable insert is coupled to an elastic material. The type of elastic material is not critical to the invention. The material should be sufficiently deformable by manual forces that can be exerted by a jewellery wearer, such that an interchangeable insert can be detachably attached to a jewellery item receptacle. Furthermore, the elastic material should be durable enough to withstand repeated attachment and detachment of an interchangeable insert. Non-limiting examples of suitable elastically deformable materials are natural rubber or other elastomers such as viton, nitrile, EPDM (ethylene propylene dimonomer), neoprene, polyurethane, or silicone. Plastics or metals having elastic properties or configured to be elastically deformable, for example as a spring, a metal circlip are other non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to form extensions. The elastic material may be in the form of ribs, studs, O-ring, C-ring, or any other form or configuration that provides for extension of elastic material from the body of an insert. The elastic material may originally be in molten or liquid form, and be poured, injected or molded into a suitable configuration. The coupling of the elastic material to the body of the insert may be accomplished in any convenient manner known in the art. For example, a portion of the body may be placed in an elastic sleeve that has elastically deformable extensions extending therefrom. In another example, a shaft of a cylindrical body may be fitted with an O-rink.

[0034] A jewellery item receptacle vwll have a surface that deforms an elastic extension of an interchangeable insert, with deforming of the elastic extension typically occuring due to shearing, compressing or both shearing and compressing forces. One example of such a surface is an inward extension or lip extending from a sidewall towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension can extend at any angle from an interior surface of a receptacle provided that it extends a sufficient distance to engage and deform an elastic extension of an interchangeable insert. For example, an inward extension may extend at an angle of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 degrees or any angle therebetween with respect to the interior surface of the receptacle. In certain examples, the inward extension or lip may be substantially parallel to the base of the receptacle. In another example, a groove, channel or cavity that is for receiving and frictionally engaging an elastic extension may be made in an interior surface of the receptacle. In one example, a cavity is made with an opening that has at least one of it's dimensions sized smaller than a dimension of the elastic extension of the insert so as to deform an elastic extension that is pushed through the opening. The interior of the cavity may be larger than the opening to allow the portion of the elastic extension that has pushed through the cavity opening to at least partially regain its form. In another example the sidewall alone without any inward extension is sized to deform an elastic extension and a groove or a channel in the sidewall provides a surface for the elastic extension to at least partially regain its form and achieve a secure fit.

[0035] An extension formed of elastic material may extend at any angle from the surface or tangential surface of the body of an interchangeable insert, for example, an extension may extend at an angle of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 degrees or any angle therebetween with respect to the surface of the body. In certain examples, the angle will be from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the surface of the body.

[0036] An extension formed of elastic material should not extend too long from the periphery of the body of an interchangeable insert. An extension that is too long is likely to get accidentally snagged when not in use and may get lost or broken. For example, earrings with a long projection that extends through the ear lobe must typically be stored in a special case to avoid getting accidentally hooked on material when not in use or being damaged by accidentally placing objects on the projections. United States Patent No. 6,470,709 shows another example of an extension that is susceptible to loss or being damaged due to its length.

[0037] The present inventors have discovered that extension distance is an important parameter to consider in order to achieve production of an interchangeable insert that can be easily stored without the need for any protective casing. By "extension distance" is meant the shortest normal vector distance from a point on the periphery of the body to the outer edge of the elastic material. Extension distance may be proportional to the body of the interchangeable insert. As such extension distance can be larger, in absolute terms, with a larger body, and smaller with a smaller body. Typically, an extension distance of greater than 1 times the largest dimension of the body of an interchangeable insert is not preferred as the extension dominates the body and becomes unwieldy in terms of storage. An extension distance of less than 0.5 times or 0.4 times the largest dimension of the body is more convenient for storage purposes. An extension distance of less than 0.33 (or about one-third) times the largest dimension of the body is suitable for storage purposes as the extension is then protected in the shadow of the body and any material that may accidentally sweep across or be dropped on an interchangeable insert that is not in use is more likely to contact the body before contacting the extension. In examples of the present invention, the extension distance is less than 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or 0.05 times less than the largest dimension of the body of an interchangeable insert.

[0038] In certain examples, the extension distance may also be proportional to the surface cross-section of the extension. By "surface cross-section” is meant a cross-section of an extension at the surface of the body of an interchangeable jewellery insert, the cross-section being parallel and coincident with any curve or surface of the body. When an interchangeable insert is coupled to a sleeve and an elastic extension extends from the sleeve, then the surface cross-section is determined at a curve or surface of the sleeve. Typically, an extension distance of greater than 4 times the largest dimension of the surface cross-section is not preferred as this results in an overly bendable extension that is susceptible to breaking down with repeated attachment and detachment of an interchangeable insert. An extension distance of less than 2 times the largest dimension of the surface cross-section is more suitable for repeated attachment and detachment of an interchangeable insert. In certain examples, extension distance of an extension of an interchangeable insert is less than 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, or 0.3 times a surface cross-section for the extension.

[0039] In one example of the present invention, an O-ring is placed within a symmetrical groove that encircles the shaft of a cylindrical body of an interchangeable insert with approximately the inner half of the O-ring within the groove and the outer half of the O-ring extending from the surface of the body with an extension distance of approximately 1 mm. In this example, the diameter of the shaft without the groove is approximately 10 mm and the diameter of the shaft at the groove is approximately 9mm, while the thickness of the O-ring is approximately 2mm and the O-ring has an inner diameter of slightly less than 9mm; the height of the cylindrical body is approximately 5 mm; the largest dimension of the surface cross-section is equivalent to the circumference of the shaft, approximately 31.4 mm and the extension distance is equivalent to the outer half of the O-ring, approximately 1 mm; accordingly in this example the extension distance is about 0.1 times the largest dimension of the body and is less than 0.032 times the largest dimension of the surface cross-section.

[0040] External force must be applied to attach or detach the insert with respect to a receptacle. Typically, a jewellery wearer will push the insert into the receptacle such that an elastically deformable extension of the insert engages a surface of the receptacle. Any surface of the receptacle may be engaged provided that a secure fit is achieved. Once attached an insert remains secure until sufficient force is exerted on the insert, either by pushing or pulling, to cause elastic extensions of the insert to be sufficiently deformed to be released from frictional engagement with a surface of the receptacle. Accordingly, examples of the present invention demonstrate a simplified and convenient system for attaching or detaching an interchangeable insert within a jewellery item receptacle.

[0041] The present invention is further illustrated using examples that are depicted in the figures.

[0042] Figure 1A show top views of a ring (2) having an empty receptacle (4) and Figure 1B and 1C show side views of the ring (2) having an interchangeable insert (6) attached within the receptacle (4). The interchangeable insert is a cylindrical body with the shaft (8) of the body being coupled to an elastically deformable O-ring (10). The receptacle (4) has a base (16) and sidewall (18) defining an interior cylinder that is sized to receive the interchangeable insert (6). In a plane that is substantially parallel to the base (16) of the receptacle, the sidewall (18) has an inward extension (12) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (12) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastically deformable O-ring (10) of the interchangeable jewellery insert and frictionally engaging the elastically deformable O-ring (10) on a surface of the inward extension (12) that is closest to the base (16) of the receptacle. To attach the interchangeable insert (6) within the receptacle (4), the insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the O-ring to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (12) with the O-ring at least partially regaining its form in a groove (14) in a radial plane of the receptacle in between the base (16) and inward extension (12). To remove the insert (6) a finger or any other rod-like instrument, such as a pen, is inserted through an opening (20) in the base (16) of the receptacle and used to exert a sufficient external manual force on the base of the insert so as to overcome the frictional engagement of the O-ring with the surface of the inward extension (12) that is closest to the base (16) of the receptacle. The force is sufficient for the O-ring to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension, providing for release of the insert from the receptacle.

[0043] Figure 2A provides a top view and Figure 2B provides a side cross-section view of the receptacle of a pendant. The pendant receptacle (22) has a base (28) and sidewall (32) defining an interior cylinder that is sized to receive the interchangeable insert (34) shown in Figure 3A. In a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the base (28) of the receptacle, the sidewall (32) has an inward extension (24) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (24) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastically deformable O-ring (36) of the interchangeable jewellery insert and frictionally engaging the elastically deformable O-ring (36) on a surface of the inward extension (24) that is closest to the base (28) of the receptacle. To attach the interchangeable insert (34) within the receptacle (22), the insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the O-ring to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (24) with the O-ring at least partially regaining its form in a groove (26) in a radial plane of the receptacle in between the base (28) and inward extension (24). To remove the insert (34) a finger, or any other rod-like instrument, such as a pin or a pencil, is inserted through an opening (30) in the base (28) of the receptacle and used to exert a sufficient external manual force on the base of the insert so as to overcome the frictional engagement of the O-ring with the surface of the inward extension (24) that is closest to the base (28) of the receptacle. The dimensions of the features of the base (28) and sidewall (32) are labeled as follows: A, 9.75 mm; B, 14.23 mm; C, 14.96 mm; D, 15.46 mm; E, 25.06 mm; G, 1.44 mm; H, 0.43 mm ; J, 1.42 mm; K, 0.79; and L 0.5 mm.

[0044] Figure 3A and 3B show side cross-section views of an interchangeable insert that can be detachably attached to the pendant shown in Figure 2A and 2B. The interchangeable insert is shown in the presence (Fig. 3A) or absence (Fig. 3B) of the O-ring (36).

[0045] Figures 4-6 show an example of a pendant with an interchangeable insert not according to the invention. Figure 4A and 4B show top and side cross-section views of a pendant having an empty receptacle (38), Figures 5A-B show side cross-section views of an interchangeable insert (48) and rubber sleeve (50) comprising a rubber extension (54), Figure 6 shows an assembled view of the pendant having the interchangeable insert (48) attached within the receptacle (38). The interchangeable insert is a cylindrical body with the shaft (56) of the body being coupled to the rubber sleeve (50) comprising a sleeve portion (52) and an elastically deformable rubber extension (54) extending from the sleeve portion. The shaft (56) may have an enlarged end (55) for keeping the sleeve portion (52) in place. The receptacle (38) has a base (46) and sidewall (42a, 42b) defining an interior cylinder that is sized to receive the interchangeable insert (48). In a plane that is substantially parallel to the base (46) of the receptacle, the sidewall (42a, 42 b) has an inward extension (44) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (44) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastically deformable extension (54) of the interchangeable jewellery insert, the elastically deformable extension (54) at least partially regaining its form after passing by the inward extension and frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (42a). To attach the interchangeable insert (48) within the receptacle (38), the insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the elastic extension (54) to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (44) with the elastic extension (54) at least partially regaining its form in frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (42a). In the attached position the elastic extension (54) does not engage a surface of the inward extension (44). To remove the insert (48) a finger or any other rod-like instrument, is inserted through an opening (40) in the base (46) of the receptacle and used to exert a sufficient external manual force on the base of the insert so as to overcome the frictional engagement of the elastic extension (54) with the surface of the sidewall (42a) and the surface of the inward extension (44). The force is sufficient for the elastic extension (54) to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension, providing for release of the insert from the receptacle.

[0046] Figures 7Aand 7B show an interchangeable insert not according to the invention that will fit a grommet that will be found in clothing and other articles including, without limitation, jeans, jean jackets and shirts etc., belts, handbags , leather wristbands, hats and even pet jewellery. The grommet comprises a base end (64) and a sidewall (68) that defines an interior cylinder sized to fit at least a portion of an interchangeable insert. The portion of the sidewall furthest from the base comprises a lid flange (80) that extends radially outward with the lid flange (80) being folded back on itself and extending towards a central axis of the cylinder to form an inward extension (62). In another example of a grommet (not shown), the grommet comprises a sidewall that defines an interior cylinder having two open ends, a lid end and a base end. At the lid end the sidewall extends towards a central axis to form an inward extension and then folds back to extend radially outward to form a lid flange. To incorporate the grommet into an article the portion of the sidewall closest (66) to the base end (64) is folded radially outward to form a base flange that engages a retaining washer (not shown) with the grommet being held within the article by opposing forces of the retaining washer and lid flange (80). Figure 7A shows a side cross-section view of a grommet having an empty receptacle (60). Figure 7B shows an assembled view of the grommet having the interchangeable insert (76) attached within the receptacle (60). The interchangeable insert is a cylindrical body with the shaft (78) of the body being coupled to a rubber sleeve comprising a sleeve portion (72) and an elastic extension (74) that is continuous with and extending outward from the sleeve portion. The shaft (78) of the body may have an enlarged end (77) for keeping the rubber sleeve in place. The grommet receptacle (60) has a base (64) and sidewall (68) defining an interior cylinder that is sized to receive at least a portion of the interchangeable insert (76). The sidewall (68) has an inward extension (62) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (62) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastic extension (74) of the interchangeable jewellery insert with the elastic extension (74) at least partially regaining its form after passing by the inward extension and frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (68) that is in between the inward extension (62) and the base (64) of the receptacle. To attach the interchangeable insert (76) within the grommet receptacle (60), the insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the elastic extension (74) to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (62) with the elastic extension (74) at least partially regaining its form in frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (68) that is in between the inward extension (62) and the base (64) of the receptacle. In the attached position the elastic extension (74) does not engage a surface of the inward extension (62). To remove the insert (76) a rod-like instrument is pushed through the open base end or the portion of the insert that is outside the receptacle is pulled or pried with sufficient external manual force so as to overcome the frictional engagement of the elastic extension (74) with the surface of the sidewall (68) and the surface of the inward extension (62). The force is sufficient for the elastic extension (74) to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension, providing for release of the insert from the grommet receptacle. Figure 7C shows an example of a grommet, which has a raised upper sidewall (69) at the outside of the lid flange for preventing the jewellery insert from being dislodged.

[0047] Figures 8A - 8E show other examples of pendants with interchangeable inserts which do not form part of the claimed invention but represent information useful for understanding the claimed invention. Figure 8A shows a side view of an insert having rubber extruded from a hollow metal shaft (210) of the body to form several spike-like elastic extensions (212). The rubber is extruded through holes that are bore through the shaft surface. Figures 8B shows assembled views of the pendant and insert combination. Figures 8C-8E show another example. Figures 8C, and 8D show a top view, and side view of the rubber sleeve (214) comprising several separate stud-like extensions. Figure 8E shows an assembled view of the pendant and insert combination.

[0048] Still another example is shown in figures 9A - 9B, which does not form part of the claimed invention but represents information useful for understanding the claimed invention. Figure 9A shows a side perspective view of a ring (92) having an empty receptacle (94) and Figure 9B shows an interchangeable insert (90) that may be detachably attached within the receptacle (94). The interchangeable insert (90) is a cubic body with the shaft (98) of the body having a cube shaped elastic extension (100) extending therefrom and the base (96) of the body having a spike-like elastic extension (102) extending therefrom. The receptacle (94) has a base (106) and sidewall (108) that is sized to receive the interchangeable insert (90). The base (106) of the receptacle and the sidewall (108) have a groove or cavity (110,112) for receiving and frictionally engaging the elastic extensions (100, 102) of the insert. The cavity openings are smaller than the extensions while the cavity interiors are larger than the cavity openings. Thus the cavity opening is a lip that frictionally engages the extensions. To attach the interchangeable insert (90) within the receptacle (94), the insert is slid or pushed into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the extensions to be deformed by and pass by the cavity openings with the extensions at least partially regaining form within the interior of the cavities. To remove the insert (90), the body is pulled or pried with sufficient external manual force so as to overcome the frictional engagement of the extensions (100, 102) with the opening of the cavities (110, 112) of the receptacle.

[0049] Figure 10Ashows a top view of a metal circlip (218). Acirclip can be forced to pass through a smaller opening or a lip, reexpending on other side to provide a secure fit. Figure 10B shows an assembled view of a pendant, which does not part of the claimed invention, and insert combination with the metal circlip (218).

[0050] Figure 11A shows an example of an insert, where the shaft (222) is made of elastic material such as rubber. The shaft (222) may have a first end (224) with a larger diameter for engaging a receptacle. The shaft may have a second end (226) which is formed to hold a button cap (228). Figure 11B shows another example where the shaft (230) is made of elastic material, and has an enlarged end (232). In this example, the shaft may be bound to a button cap (234) by bonding material, for example but not limited to, glue.

[0051] Figure 12 shows an example of a two-piece button that has a first piece (122) that comprises a base (121) and a first portion of a sidewall (123) extending from the base and a second piece (120) in the form of a button cap that comprises a second portion of the sidewall (125a, 125b) and an opening (127) sized to deform an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert. More particularly, the sidewall (125b) has an inward extension (126) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (126) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastic extension of an interchangeable insert with the elastic extension at least partially regaining its form after passing by the inward extension (126) and frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (123) that is in between the inward extension (126) and the base (121) of the receptacle. The second portion of the sidewall (125) may be a raised sidewall (125a) that is sized to fit a dimension of the body of an interchangeable jewellery insert that is larger than the opening (127) defined by the inward extension (126), thereby reducing the possibility that the insert is snagged or accidentally dislodged. To attach an interchangeable insert within the button receptacle (120,122), the interchangeable insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the elastic extension of the insert to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (126) with the elastic extension at least partially regaining its form in frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (123) that is in between the inward extension (126) and the base (121) of the receptacle. In the attached position the elastic extension may also engage a surface of the inward extension (126). In certain examples, the elastic extension, when in the attached position, may engage a surface of the inward extension (126) without engaging the portion of the sidewall (123) in between the inward extension and base. A rivet-type fastener (124) engages an opening in the base (121) to attach the button to clothing or other articles or items. The fastener (124) has a central axial opening, as do the first and second pieces of the button receptacle. A rod like instrument may be inserted through the central opening of the fastener (124) to remove an interchangeable insert from the button receptacle.

[0052] Figures 13A-C show another example of a button receptacle. Figures 13A-C show a three-piece button that has a first piece (134) that comprises a base (131) and a first portion of a sidewall (133) extending from the base and a second piece (130) in the form of a button cap that comprises a second portion of the sidewall (135) and an opening (137) sized to deform an elastically deformable extension of an interchangeable insert, and a third piece in form of an annular plug (132) that functions to maintain the shape of the button cap during the manufacturing process and when assembled. The sidewall (135) has an inward extension (136) extending towards a central axis of the receptacle. The inward extension (136) of the receptacle is sized for deforming the elastic extension of an interchangeable insert with the elastic extension at least partially regaining its form after passing by the inward extension (136) and frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (133) that is in between the inward extension (136) and the base (131) of the receptacle. The second portion of the sidewall (135) may be a raised sidewall that is sized to fit a dimension of the body of an interchangeable jewellery insert that is larger than the opening (137) defined by the inward extension (136), thereby reducing the possibility that the insert is snagged or accidentally dislodged. To attach an interchangeable insert within the button receptacle (130, 132, 134), the interchangeable insert is pushed down into the receptacle with sufficient manual force to cause the elastic extension of the insert to be deformed by and pass by the inward extension (136) with the elastic extension at least partially regaining its form in frictionally engaging a surface of the sidewall (133) that is in between the inward extension (136) and the base (131) of the receptacle. In the attached position the elastic extension may also engage a surface of the inward extension (136). In certain examples, the elastic extension may engage a surface of the inward extension (136) without engaging the sidewall (133) when in the attached position. A rivet-type fastener (138) engages an opening in the base (131) to attach the button to clothing or other articles or items. The fastener (138) has a central axial opening, as do the first, second and third pieces of the button receptacle. A rod like instrument may be inserted through the central opening of the fastener (138) to remove an interchangeable insert from the button receptacle.

[0053] Figure 13D shows another example of a button receptacle. This button receptacle has a peripheral opening (146) through which a rod-like instrument may be inserted to remove an interchangeable insert. The peripheral opening may be in the first piece or in the first piece and the second piece.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US6427487B [0004] • US5414948B [0004] • US6026658B (0004) • US4374470B 100041 • US6742359B [0004] • DE20302197 Γ00051

• US4800738A fOOOSI • US439991QA [0007] • CH679256 [0008] • -QE18J 4229 (0009) • FR2667486 100101 • 1)32600319A fOOl 11 • US4899556A (0012) • US4220018A (0013) • US5315739Å Γ0014) • US255SS78A F00151 • US6470709B Γ00361

Claims

An interchangeable jewelery insert (6, 34) and an element comprising a storage device (4, 22) for receiving the interchangeable jewelery insert (6, 34), the insert (6, 34) comprising: a body having a first an end and a second end, the first end having at least one dimension, designed to fit into a receptacle opening of the element storage device (4, 22); the other end having at least one dimension greater than an internal extension (12, 24, 126, 136) of the receiving aperture; and an extension (10, 36) formed of natural rubber, silicone or elastomers or plastics or metals which have elastic properties or are designed to be elastically deformable, and connected to an uptake portion (14) of the body, said extension (10, 36). is a closed continuous circuit along a periphery of the body and extends outward; the storage device (4, 22) comprising: the receiving opening having a base (16, 28, 121, 131) and a side wall (18, 32, 123, 133); and which side wall (18, 32, 123, 133) engages in friction with the elastically deformable extension (10, 36) of the insert and the inner extension (12, 24, 126, 136) of the storage device (4, 22) is made for deforming the elastic deformable extension (10, 36), characterized in that the base (16, 28, 121, 131) has an opening (20, 30, 146) which allows the insert to be removed with a finger or a a rod-like instrument such as a pen by insertion through the opening in the base and the exercise of hand force, which opening is less than a perimeter defined by the side wall.