AU2009100851A4

AU2009100851A4 - Improved bead

Info

Publication number: AU2009100851A4
Application number: AU2009100851A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Catherine Scarcella
Original assignee: Scarcella Catherine Ms
Current assignee: Scarcella Catherine Ms
Priority date: 2008-08-27
Filing date: 2009-08-25
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2017-08-25

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT IMPROVED BEAD The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: IMPROVED BEAD For many years the beads that have been used as components for items ofjewelry have consisted of a single ornate piece with a hole or holes through it. This invention has been specifically devised to provide an improved bead that can be assembled from several components to produce an individual bead. Each bead 5 can be assembled using a different combination of components to produce a unique bead without the need to first produce a new model or mould. A bead in accordance with this invention is constructed from two parts that fit together to produce a bead body. Between the two parts of the bead body is a 10 space around the circumference of the bead. During assembly individual panels can be inserted into this space. The individual panels can be of different widths with different designs, letters, numbers, patterns, gemstones, or attachments on each panel. The bead bodies can also be decorated with various different designs. The different combination of panels and bead bodies can produce a large range of 15 different beads. With the use of different combinations of these panels and bead bodies a bead can be constructed to form a personalized item for an individual. The number of panels that fit into a bead depends on the size of the panels used. The sum of all the panels will equal 360 degrees and so form a compete circle 20 around the body of the bead. For example if ten panels of the same size were used, each panel would cover 36 degrees of the circumference of the bead. Alternatively a single circular panel covering 360 degrees could also be used. At the top and bottom of each panel is a tab that is an extruded section of an arc of 25 a circle. The top and bottom of the bead body has a groove with the same radius and sectional shape as these panel tabs. During assembly the panel tabs are inserted into the grooves that are located on the top and bottom of the bead body. The two parts of the bead body are then 30 fitted together with the panels fitted in between them, the tabs of each panel will be secured in the top and bottom groves of the bead body and thereby hold the panels in place. The components of the bead are preferably made from gold and/or silver, 35 however other materials can also be used. In addition gemstones can be set into the panels and/or the bead body. The invention maybe better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which: 40 Figure 1 is a perspective of an improved bead with the parts separated to show detail.

2 Figure 2 is a perspective of an improved bead with all of the parts assembled to form a completed bead. The bead shown has a top part of the bead body I and a lower part of the bead 5 body 2. Both of these parts have a circular groove 5 that are opposite to each other. The individual panels 3 have a base curved with a radius suitable to fit against the body of the bead, each panel also has an arc shaped tab 4 at its top and bottom. These tabs 4 have a radius and shape that enables them to fit into the grooves 5 in the two parts of the bead body. 10 To assemble the bead the two parts of the bead body 1 and 2 are secured together with the individual panels 3 in between, the tabs 4 of each panel will be secured in the top and bottom groves 5. For the purpose of securing the two parts of the bead body together it is preferable to use solder at their joint, however other 15 methods can be used. For example the two parts could be threaded together, or the top part 1 could be flanged outwards to retain the lower part 2.

Claims

1. A bead comprising of top and bottom components, with panels that fit in between the said top and bottom components. 5

2. A bead as claimed in claim 1, wherein each panel has a tab at each end that is an extruded arch of a circle and fits into a corresponding circular groove in each the top and bottom components of the bead, thereby retaining the panels securely in place. 10

3. A bead according to any claims I and 2, wherein the components that form the bead are made from precious or non-precious metals.

4. A bead according to any claims 1-3, wherein there is a letter, number, 15 gemstone, or ornate pattern on each of the panels.

5. A bead substantially as herein before described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. Catherine Scarcella 19 August 2009 (Name of Applicant) (Date)