EP2782470A1

EP2782470A1 - Scented jewelry

Info

Publication number: EP2782470A1
Application number: EP12850843.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark BUSBEE
Original assignee: FIORA CHARMS Ltd
Priority date: 2011-11-21
Filing date: 2012-11-21
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Also published as: WO2013078331A1; US20130139549A1

Abstract

An article of jewelry that includes a bead with an opening forming a hole therethrough having a first section adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section, where the first section and section each include an inner surface and an outer surface, where the inner surfaces form absorbent material areas, where the absorbent material areas are at least partially filled with absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid, where the first outer surface and the second outer surface are sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted, and where the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber.

Description

SCENTED JEWELRY

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001 ] This application claim priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 61/562,240, filed November 21 , 201 1 , entitled "SCENT DISPERSING JEWELRY BEAD", which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present invention relates to jewelry.

BACKGROUND

[003] Jewelry and fragrant liquids are known in the art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[004] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes an article of jewelry that includes a bead. In some embodiments, the bead includes an opening forming a hole therethrough, a first section and a second section, where the first section is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section. In some embodiments, the first section includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface, where the first inner surface forms a first absorbent material area and where the first absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a first absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the second section includes a second inner surface and a second outer surface, where the second inner surface forms a second absorbent material area and where the second absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a second absorbent material adapted to absorb the fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the first outer surface and the second outer surface are sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted and the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber. [005] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material further includes a fragrant liquid.

[006] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber from at least one tree.

[007] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or a Eucalyptus tree.

[008] In some embodiments, the bead is formed of plastic, metal, wood or a combination thereof.

[009] In some embodiments, the bead is formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, steel, copper and alloys thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bead is a filigree bead.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first section of the bead is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section by a threaded coupling.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present invention is an article of jewelry that includes a bead and a bead holder, where the bead includes an opening forming a hole therethrough and the bead holder is adapted to be positioned in the hole of the bead. In some embodiments, the bead includes an opening forming a hole therethrough and the bead includes a first section and a second section. In some embodiments, the first section is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section and the first section includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface. In some embodiments, the first inner surface forms a first absorbent material area and the first absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a first absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the second section includes a second inner surface and a second outer surface, the second inner surface forms a second absorbent material area, and the second absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a second absorbent material adapted to absorb the fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the first outer surface and the second outer surface are sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted, and the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one fiber is from a tree.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one fiber is from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or a Eucalyptus tree.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bead holder is selected from the group consisting of a chain, a rope, and/or a band.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bead holder is selected from the group consisting of a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and an earring.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material further includes the fragrant liquid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bead and/or bead holder is formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, steel, copper and alloys thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the bead is a filigree bead.

[0020] In some embodiments, the present invention is an article of jewelry that includes a jewelry structure and an absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the absorbent material contacts the jewelry structure. In some embodiments, the absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber and the at least one fiber is from a tree.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one fiber is from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or Eucalyptus tree. [0022] In some embodiments, the jewelry structure is selected from the group consisting of a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and an earring.

[0023] In some embodiments, the jewelry structure includes an inner surface forming an absorbent material area and wherein at least a portion of the absorbent material is positioned in the absorbent material area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates features of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

[0030] The figures constitute a part of this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the like shown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0032] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases "in one embodiment" and "in some embodiments" as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0033] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0034] In some embodiments, the instant invention is an article of jewelry such as a bead

100 as shown on Figure 1. In some embodiments, the shape of the bead 100 may be spherical, cylindrical, cubic, conical, pyramidal and/or any other three dimensional shape. [0035] In some embodiments, the bead 100 is formed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, and/or any other material suitable for use in jewelry. In some embodiments, the bead 100 is formed of a combination of metal, plastic, wood and/or any other material suitable for use in jewelry. In some embodiments, the bead 100 is formed of metal and metal alloys suitable for use in jewelry including, but not limited to, silver, gold, platinum, copper, steel, iron, aluminum and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the bead 100 is formed of precious metal including, but not limited to, silver, gold and platinum. In some embodiments, the bead 100 is formed of polymeric and/or hard rubber materials suitable for use in jewelry including, but not limited to polystyrene-butadiene-styrenes (SBS), polyacrylonitrile- butadiene-styrenes (ABS), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyarylenes (polyetherether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) and the like), polyethylene sulfones (PES), polyetherimides (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoroplastics (FEP and PFA), olefmic rubbers, polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyoxyalkylenes (i.e., polyacetals) such as POM, polyoxyethylenes (POE), polyoxybutylenes (POB), styrene-maleic-anhydrides (SMA)).

[0036] In some embodiments, the bead 100 may include an opening 102 forming a hole

104 therethrough. In some embodiments, the opening 102 is sufficiently designed to accommodate a bead holder positioned within the hole 104. In some embodiments, the bead holder includes, but is not limited to, a chain, a rope, and/or a band.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bead 100 may include a first section 106 and a second section 108. In some embodiments, the first section 106 is releasably coupled to the second section 108. [0038] In some embodiments, the bead 100 includes a rivet 200 as shown in Fig. 2 and

Fig. 4. In some embodiments, a first section 202 of the rivet 200 is incorporated as a component of the first section 106 of the bead 100. In some embodiments, the second section 204 of the rivet 200 is incorporated as a component of the second section 108 of the bead 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first section 106 is releasably coupled to the second section 108 by a threaded connection as shown in Fig. 3. In some embodiments, the first section 106 includes threads 300 that threadably connect to mating threads 301 of the second section 108. In some embodiments, the first section 106 is releasably coupled to the second section 108 by a quick connect-type coupling. In some embodiments, the first section 106 is releasably coupled to the second section 108 by any acceptable manner that is known or to be developed in the art.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first section 106 includes an inner surface 302 and an outer surface 304. In some embodiments, the second section 108 includes an inner surface 306 and an outer surface 308.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inner surface 302 of the first section forms an area for storing the absorbent material 310. In some embodiments, the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material is hemispherical, conical, pyramidal, cubic and/or any other three dimensional shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material is based on the shape of the bead 100.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner surface 306 of the second section 108 forms an area for storing the absorbent material. In some embodiments, the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material is hemispherical, conical, pyramidal, cubic and/or any other three dimensional shape based on the shape of the bead 100. In some embodiments, the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material and the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material are substantially the same. In other embodiments, the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material and the shape of the area for storing the absorbent material are substantially different.

[0043] In some embodiments, the areas for storing an absorbent material are at least partially filled with absorbent material. In some embodiments, the area for storing an absorbent material in the first section 106 of the bead is at least partially filled with absorbent material 310 and the area for storing an absorbent material in the second section 108 of the bead includes little or no absorbent material 312. In some embodiments, the area for storing an absorbent material in the second section 108 of the bead is at least partially filled with absorbent material 312 and the area for storing an absorbent material in the first section 106 of the bead includes little or no absorbent material 310.

[0044] In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 is adapted to absorb at least one fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 is formed of at least one fiber. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 is formed of at least one fiber produced from at least one tree. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 is formed of a at least one fiber produced from at least one tree that includes, but is not limited to, Popular trees, Aspen trees, and/or Eucalyptus trees or combinations thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 release moisture while storing the scent from the fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the absorbent materials 310, 312 are adapted to store the scent from a fragrant liquid for a longer period than common absorbent materials such as cotton. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 are adapted to release moisture more quickly than common absorbent materials such as cotton. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 include cotton. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 310, 312 is sufficiently designed for a controlled release of components of the fragrant liquid that may include, but are not limited to, moisture, volatile components such as alcohol, and/or scent.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fragrant liquid may include, but is not limited to, any chemical compound that has a smell or odor when it is sufficiently volatile to be transported to the olfactory system in the upper part of the nose. In some embodiments, the fragrant liquid may include a perfume, a fragrance, a fragrant oil, cologne, and/or other odorous liquid.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fragrant liquids may include, but are not limited to, medicinal fragrant liquids adapted to improve health and/or mood. In some embodiments, the medicinal fragrant liquids may include those liquids adapted to improve breathing such as peppermint essential oils and/or peppermint camphor or liquid having a menthol aroma. In some embodiments, the medicinal fragrant liquids may include, but are not limited to, aroma oils such as bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine, frankincense, clary sage, cedarwood, and/or ginger.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 are sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted. In some embodiments, the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 may include any suitable design for controlled release of at least one component of the fragrant liquid that may include, but are not limited to, moisture, volatile components such as alcohol, and/or scent. In some embodiments, the suitable design may includes, but is not limited to, filigree and/or mesh. Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5 show a bead having a mesh design according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] For the purposes of this application, the term "design" may describe a structural and/or ornamental feature. For the purposes of this application, term "mesh" may include, but is not limited to, any semi-permeable barrier made of connected strands of metal, fiber, or other flexible/ductile material.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a filigree design. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 include a filigree design that is ornamental. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a layer having a filigree design external from the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a mesh design. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 include a filigree design that is ornamental. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a layer having a mesh design external from the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a filigree design that is a structural element of the bead. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 includes a mesh design is a structural element of the bead. In some embodiments, the mesh and/or filigree design of the outer surface 308 of the first section 106 and/or the outer surface 304 of the second section 108 provides structural support between the large diameter rim 314, 318 and the small diameter rim 316, 310 of the first section 106 and/or second section 108.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer surface 308 of the first section 106 and/or the outer surface 304 of the second section 108 include a mesh and/or filigree design that is sufficiently designed for a controlled release of at least one component of the fragrant liquid that may include, but are not limited to, moisture, volatile components such as alcohol, and/or scent. In some embodiments, the controlled release and/or flow of at least one component of the fragrant liquid from the absorbent material is controlled, at least in part, by the size of at least one feature of the mesh and/or filigree design. In some embodiments, the at least one feature is the opening in the mesh and/or filigree design.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mesh design includes a mesh with the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 37 microns to 107.6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranges from 63 microns to 76.1 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 88 microns to 53.8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 125 microns to 38.1 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 177 microns to 25.4 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 297 microns to 13.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 500 microns to 9.51 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 841 microns to 6.73 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 1.19 millimeters to 4.76 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 2.00 millimeters to 4.00 millimeters. In some embodiments, the size of the openings between the connected strands of the mesh ranging from 2.38 millimeters to 3.36 millimeters.

[0055] In some embodiments, the mesh design includes mesh having a Tyler mesh size ranging from 400 mesh to 1.050 inches. Tyler mesh size is defined as the number of openings per (linear) inch of mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 270 mesh to .742 inches. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 200 mesh to 0.525 inches. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 150 mesh to 0.441 inches. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 100 mesh to 0.525 inches. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 60 mesh to 0.371 inches. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 42 mesh to 3 mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 32 mesh to 5 mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 24 mesh to 8 mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 16 mesh to 10 mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh has a Tyler mesh size ranging from 14 mesh to 12 mesh.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface 304, 308 of the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 is formed of a permeable material sufficiently designed to be permeable to scents, moisture and/or other volatile components of the fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the permeable material may include, but is not limited to, fabric and/or cloth. In some embodiments, the thickness of the material used to form the bead may be adjusted to reduce or increase the permeability to scents, moisture and/or other volatile components of the fragrant liquid.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first section 106 and/or the second section 108 may include at least one opening forming a hole in the outer surface 304, 308.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 4 of the bead 100 of Figure 1.

In the embodiment shown on Fig. 4, the bead includes a rivet 400 installed within the bead. In some embodiments, may include an opening 402 forming a hole 404 therethrough. In some embodiments, the bead includes a first section 406 threadably coupled to a second section 408. In some embodiments, the bead includes absorbent material 410. In some embodiments, the bead includes absorbent material 412.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bead 100 is adapted to provide a protective barrier when worn on the skin. In some embodiments, the bead 100 is adapted to emit scents from fragrant liquids applied to the absorbent material 310, 312.

[0060] In some embodiments, the present invention includes a bead 500 and a bead holder 502 as shown in Fig. 5. In some embodiments, the bead 500 may include the features of the beads of any of the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 is adapted to be positioned in the hole 504 of the bead 500. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may be positioned in the hole 504 of more than one bead 500.

[0061] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 is formed of metal including, but not limited to, silver, gold, platinum, copper, steel, iron, aluminum and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 is formed of plastic or other suitable material known in the art for use in jewelry. [0062] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 includes, but is not limited to, a chain, a rope, and/or a band. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 is a chain that may include, but is not limited to, an anchor chain, a bead chain, a ball chain, a box chain, a byzantine chain, a cable chain, a figaro chain, a panther chain, a popcorn chain, a rolo chain, a rope chain, a snake chain, a Venetian link chain, a wheat chain, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include different types of chains. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include the same type of chain.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include, but is not limited to, a braided chain.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 is formed of a rope and/or band formed of any material and design acceptable in the art of making jewelry.

[0065] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include, but is not limited to, a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and/or an earring.

[0066] In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include a bracelet such as a chain bracelet, a link bracelet, a charm bracelet, a medical ID bracelet, an identification bracelet, a beaded bracelet, a toggle clasp bracelet, an omega bracelet, a liquid silver bracelet, a cuff bracelet, and/or a bangle bracelet. In some embodiments, the bead holder 502 may include, but is not limited to, an earring such as hoop earrings, drop earrings, and/or stud earrings.

[0067] In some embodiments, the instant invention is an article of jewelry that includes, but is not limited to a jewelry structure in contact with an absorbent material. In some embodiments, the absorbent material has the features of the absorbent material as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the absorbent material includes a fiber formed from a tree. In some embodiments, the absorbent material includes a fiber formed form a tree that includes, but is not limited to, a Popular, Aspen and/or Eucalyptus tree.

[0068] In some embodiments, the jewelry structure includes, but is not limited to a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and an earring.

[0069] In some embodiments, the jewelry structure includes an inner surface that forms an area for storing the absorbent material. In some embodiments, the absorbent material is stored in the area formed by the inner surface of the jewelry structure. In some embodiments, the jewelry structure includes at least one surface that is sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted.

[0070] In some embodiments, the jewelry structure is a hollow. In some embodiments, the jewelry structure includes, but is not limited to, a hollow earring, a hollow bracelet, and/or a hollow necklace. In some embodiments, the hollow earring, hollow bracelet, and/or hollow necklace is at least partially filled with an absorbent material as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the hollow jewelry structure includes at least one surface that is sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted.

[0071] In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be positioned on an exterior surface of the jewelry structure. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be intertwined with the jewelry structure.

[0072] In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a method for providing a scented or fragrant bead that includes, but is not limited to providing a bead as described in any of the embodiments above having an absorbent material as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may be positioned in the first section of the bead and/or the second section of the bead. In some embodiments, the method further includes contacting a fragrant liquid with the absorbent material positioned in the first section of the bead and/or the second section of the bead. In some embodiments, the fragrant liquid is contacted with the absorbent material with any suitable means such as spraying a storage container and/or pouring from a vial.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method further includes uncoupling the first section of the bead from the second section of the bead to expose at least a portion of the absorbent material in either or both sections of the bead. In some embodiments, the uncoupling of the bead is performed before contacting the fragrant liquid with the absorbent material.

[0074] In some embodiments, the bead is not uncoupled prior to contacting the fragrant liquid with the absorbent material. In some embodiments, the fragrant liquid contacts the absorbent material through the porous section of the first section and/or second section of the bead.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a bead holder as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the bead holder is adapted to be positioned in the hole in the bead. In some embodiments, the bead holder is inserted through the hole of the bead.

[0076] In some embodiments, the instant invention further includes a method for providing scented jewelry which includes, but is not limited to, providing a jewelry structure at least in a partial contact with an absorbent material as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the method further includes contacting the fragrant liquid with the absorbent material.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method of the present invention includes providing a bead and/or jewelry structure as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the method further includes contacting a fragrant liquid including, but not limited to, a medicinal fragrant liquid such as peppermint essential oils, peppermint camphor, and/or a liquid having a menthol aroma with the absorbent material of the bead and/or jewelry structure as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning the one or more of the beads and/or jewelry structures having the medicinal fragrant liquid sufficiently close to a person so as to result in an improvement in the health of the person by inhalation of the scents from the medicinal fragrant liquid. In some embodiments, the positioning step includes positioning the one or more of the beads and/or jewelry structures having medicinal fragrant liquid sufficiently close to a person's nose and/or mouth. In some embodiments, the positioning step results in improved respiration.

[0078] In some embodiments, the method of the present invention includes providing a bead and/or jewelry structure as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the method further includes contacting a fragrant liquid with the absorbent material of the bead and/or jewelry structure as described in any of the embodiments above. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning the one or more of the beads and/or jewelry structures having the fragrant liquid sufficiently to a person exposed to irritating odors so as to result in a reduction of the irritating effect of the odors on the person. In some embodiments, the person exposed to irritating odors includes a sewage handling facility worker and/or a miner.

[0079] While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, the various steps of any method described herein may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An article of jewelry comprising a bead;

wherein the bead includes an opening forming a hole therethrough; wherein the bead includes a first section and a second section;

wherein the first section is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section; wherein the first section includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface; wherein the first inner surface forms a first absorbent material area; wherein the first absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a first absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid;

wherein the second section includes a second inner surface and a second outer surface;

wherein the second inner surface forms a second absorbent material area;

wherein the second absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a second absorbent material adapted to absorb the fragrant liquid;

wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface are sufficiently porous for a scent from the fragrant liquid to be emitted; and

wherein the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material further comprises the fragrant liquid.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one fiber is from a tree.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein the at least one fiber is from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or a Eucalyptus tree.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the bead is formed of plastic, metal, wood or a combination thereof.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the bead is formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, steel, copper and alloys thereof.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the bead is a filigree bead.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the first section of the bead is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section by a threaded coupling.

9. An article of jewelry comprising a bead and a bead holder;

wherein the bead includes an opening forming a hole therethrough; wherein the bead holder is adapted to be positioned in the hole of the bead;

wherein the first section is adapted to be releasably coupled to the second section; wherein the first section includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface; wherein the first inner surface forms a first absorbent material area;

wherein the first absorbent material area is at least partially filled with a first absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid;

wherein the second inner surface forms a second absorbent material area;

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the at least one fiber is from a tree.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein the at least one fiber is from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or a Eucalyptus tree.

12. The article of claim 9, wherein the bead holder is selected from the group consisting of a chain, a rope, and/or a band.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the bead holder is selected from the group consisting of a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and an earring.

14. The article of claim 9, wherein the first absorbent material and/or the second absorbent material further comprises the fragrant liquid.

15. The article of claim 9, wherein the bead and/or bead holder is formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, steel, copper and alloys thereof.

16. The article of claim 9, wherein the bead is a filigree bead.

17. An article of jewelry comprising:

a jewelry structure; and

an absorbent material adapted to absorb a fragrant liquid;

wherein the absorbent material contacts the jewelry structure;

wherein the absorbent material is formed of at least one fiber; and wherein the at least one fiber is from a tree.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein the at least one fiber is from one or more of a Popular tree, an Aspen tree and/or Eucalyptus tree.

19. The article of claim 17, wherein the jewelry structure is selected from the group consisting of a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, a waist chain, and an earring.

20. The article of claim 17, wherein the jewelry structure includes an inner surface forming an absorbent material area and wherein at least a portion of the absorbent material is positioned in the absorbent material area.