US20070051133A1

US20070051133A1 - Interconnecting jewelry and body ornamentation system

Info

Publication number: US20070051133A1
Application number: US11/221,606
Authority: US
Inventors: Natalee Wolff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-08
Filing date: 2005-09-08
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

The present invention concerns jewelry and body ornaments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments comprising a variety of individual segments and elements each of which is capable of being utilized independently as a separate functional piece of jewelry, while at the same time is capable of being easily interconnected with other separate segments of individual jewelry in order to form other pieces of jewelry and body ornamentation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jewelry and body ornaments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments comprising a variety of individual segments or elements each of which is capable of being utilized independently as a separate functional piece of jewelry, while at the same time is capable of being easily interconnected with other separate segments of individual jewelry in order to form other pieces of jewelry and/or body ornamentation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The art of jewelry and body ornamentation is replete with numerous variations in the design of various decorative elements such as, for example, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, watches and the like, each providing the users with a unique opportunity to adorn themselves with a variety of decorative embellishments as their particular mode may dictate. With the wide variety of such individual decorative elements available to the potential user, one is often faced with the situation of having an enormous collection of decorative elements, each of which exists only as a stand alone item, which while appropriate to be worn in the context for which it was originally designed does not allow the user to readily adapt that item to other uses.
The present invention overcomes the inherent limitations often presented to the user by the aforementioned situation and provides for a unique system which allows the user to make use of various individual decorative elements which he or she may possess in a variety of ways which have not heretofore been available to that user.
A number of prior art references are available in the art, each of which references are directed to some specific discreet elements of the system which is described and claimed in the present invention, however, none of which is directed to the totality of the combination, or its use and function in the manner described and claimed herein.
The Applicant know of no prior art which is specifically directed to the invention herein or would serve to render the claimed invention obvious.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments which can be worn by the user in a variety of configurations.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a series of individual decorative elements which can be readily incorporated with other such elements in order to assemble various alternative configurations of decorative jewelry.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a series of individual decorative elements which can be easily assembled into various configurations to be used as body ornamentation, such as belts, halter straps, arm and leg wrap straps, Grecian sandals straps, hair ornamentation, pet jewelry, and the like.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a aesthetically pleasing series of decorative combinations comprising two or more individual decorative elements which have been interconnected by means of compatible closure means associated with each of the individual decorative elements.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following discussion of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for jewelry and body ornaments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments comprising a variety of individual segments or elements each of which is capable of being utilized independently as a separate functional piece of jewelry, while at the same time is capable of being easily interconnected with other separate segments of individual jewelry in order to form other pieces of jewelry and/or body ornamentation.
The various individual segments of elements described in the present invention may be configured by the user into various arrangements of jewelry wherein differing elements may be utilized together to create an eclectic variation or alternatively, similar elements may be incorporated together to form a variation on the same look as is presented by the individual elements utilized.
When used throughout this application the terms “jewelry and body ornaments” and “jewelry and body ornamentation” are meant to include items such as bracelets, necklaces, belts, halter straps, arm and leg wrap straps, Grecian sandal straps, hair ornamentation, pet jewelry and the like, as will be familiar to one skilled in this art. The system of the present invention allows one to utilize one segment or many segments as a functional element in the context of each of the aforementioned uses.
The system of the invention described encompasses a collection of individual decorative elements which may be of either a unified theme and/or style, or, alternatively, may be an eclectic mix of individual design elements to form a larger whole which allows the user to achieve a virtually unlimited range of decorative jewelry or body ornamentation.
The system of the present invention is generally characterized by the presence of a compatible closure means associated with each individual decorative element, which provides the user with the ability to easily interconnect the various individual decorative elements into a cohesive whole, in such a manner as to create the appearance of an aesthetically pleasing combination.
The construction and obvious advantages of the system provided for by the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the various specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one specific embodiment of the system of the present invention showing some of the specific decorative elements.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another specific embodiment of the system of the present invention showing some of the specific decorative elements.
FIG. 3 is schematic representation of yet another specific embodiment of the system of the present invention showing some of the specific decorative elements and various closure means.
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of one possible combination assembled for the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of another possible combination assembled form the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of one possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 2
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of one possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 3.
FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of the system of the present invention showing some of the decorative elements and another closure means.
FIG. 11 is schematic representation of one possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of other possible combination s assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is schematic representation of another specific embodiment of another specific embodiment of the system of the present invention showing some of the possible decorative element and another closure means.
FIG. 14 is schematic representation of one possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is schematic representation of another specific embodiment of the present invention showing a variety of the possible other decorative elements.
FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of one possible combination assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of another possible comb assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIGS. 13 and 15.
FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of another specific embodiment of the present invention showing another possible decorative element.
FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of one possible comb assembled from the decorative elements depicted in FIGS. 15 and 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to jewelry and body ornaments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments comprising a variety of individual segments or elements each of which is capable of being utilized independently as a separate functional piece of jewelry, while at the same time is capable of being easily interconnected with other separate segments of individual jewelry in order to form other pieces of jewelry and/or body ornamentation.
The individual decorative elements of the present invention are each provided with compatible closure means which allows the user to interconnect each of the individual decorative elements to each other in a manner which is designed to create an aesthetically pleasing combination and is easy to achieve in a short amount of time.
The system of the present invention allows the user to create different combinations of compatible elements each time he or she chooses to do so, as one's mood and attire may dictate. It will be apparent from the following detailed description that the more such individual compatible decorative elements one has the more varied the combinations one can create.
With reference to FIG. 1, shown is one preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention depicting specific decorative elements 10, 12, and 14, each of which has a strong magnetic closure means on each end 16 and is assembled from various shaped beads 18, pieces of mother of pearl 20 and natural colored stones 22. The decorative elements depicted in FIG. 1 are of approximately 7½ inches in overall length, however, it is important to note that similar elements may be constructed of any desired length which would be deemed desirable.
FIG. 2 illustrates a variety of different decorative elements from the system of the invention 24, 26, and 28, which are a series of three coordinated bracelets which have been assembled using different round shaped beads 30, tubular shaped beads 32, octagonal shaped beads 34, and others shaped components 36. Each of the decorative elements shown in FIG. 2 has a strong magnetic closure means 16 on each end.
With reference to FIG. 4, shown are the three decorative elements 10, 12, 14 depicted in FIG. 1 in a necklace configuration with one of the three elements 12 is shown as a dangling element. In FIG. 4 the three coordinated bracelet elements are shown forming a coordinated necklace. The configuration of the necklace can be easily altered by interchanging which of the elements is made the dangling element.
With reference to FIG. 5, the three decorative elements 10, 12, 14 depicted in FIG. 1 are shown assembled into a necklace having a different configuration where each of the decorative elements are incorporated into the necklace with no element dangling, in order to present a different fashion statement.
In each of the configurations depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the decorative elements are shown interconnected by the same magnetic closure means 16.
FIG. 6 shows various configuration of the decorative elements 24, 26, 28 depicted in FIG. 2, attached using the magnetic closure 16.
FIG. 7 shows the three decorative elements 24, 26, 28 illustrated in FIG. 2, interconnected by means of strong magnetic closures 16 and configured in the form of a necklace with a dangling element, or a Y necklace.
With reference to FIG. 3, another preferred embodiment of the system of the invention is shown depicting specific decorative elements 40, 42 of varying lengths, each of which has a loop 44 and button 46 type closure means wherein, in this embodiment the elements are made up of various shaped colored beads 48 which have to be strung on an elastic cord which allows for beaded loop 44 to be expanded to fit over and snugly surround button 46.
FIG. 8 illustrates the assemblage of elements 40 and 42 with loop 44 of element 42 engaging button 46 of element 40, which button 46 of element 42 is engaged at a point along the lengths of element 40 by expanding the elastic cord to accommodate button 46. These arrangements can be used as a necklace or around one's waist.
FIG. 9 shows the assemblage of elements 40 and 42 depicted in FIG. 3, into a necklace configuration with a dangling element, wherein button 46 of element 40 engages both loop 44 of element 40 and loop 44 of element 42.
With reference to FIG. 10, shown are a variety of specific decorative elements 50, 52, and 54 which are made up from a variety of shaped colored beads and semi-precious stones. Each of decorative elements 50, 52, and 54 has a loop 56 and bar 58 closure means.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate various assemblages of decorative elements 50, 52 and 54 into more complex necklaces and bracelet configurations wherein each element is interconnected by means of loops 56 and bars 58.
FIG. 13, shows another variety of specific decorative elements 60 and 62 each of which is provided with loop and button type closure means wherein each of elements 60 and 62 have closure buttons of different designs 64, 66, and 68, which provides the user with yet another dimension for altering the overall appearance of the finished assemblage, as illustrated in the configuration presented in FIG. 14.
With reference to FIG. 15, additional specific embodiments of both decorative and functional elements 70 and 72 are illustrated each provided with strong magnetic closure means 16.
FIG. 16 depicts the assemblage of elements 70 and 72 by means of magnets 16.
FIG. 17 illustrates the assemblage of decorative elements 60 and 62 illustrated in FIG. 13 together with decorative element 70, illustrated in FIG. 15 to create a totally novel presentation by means of loop and button closures and strong magnet closures which are attached to various metallic components of elements 60 and 62.
With reference to FIG. 18, another specific embodiment of one element of the system of the present invention is shown 74 having strong magnetic closure 16.
FIG. 19 illustrates the assemblage of element 72, illustrated in FIG. 15 with element 74 illustrated in FIG. 18 to form a necklace having a dangling watch, which is both functional and decorative.
It is contemplated that the various decorative elements illustrated in FIGS. 1-18 described hereinabove each may be comprised of a variety of materials as has been discussed with reference to the FIGS. 1-18, including but not limited to precious and semi-precious stones, genuine and synthetic diamonds, crystals, colored and non-colored beads of every shape and dimensions, metal such as gold, silver, platinum, titanium and base metals, as well as other materials which may be deemed to possess a decorative quality.
The decorative elements described herein as part of the system of the present invention may each be assembled using string, elastic cord, metallic and non-metallic wire and other means, as may be deemed desirable and consistent with the quality of the other materials utilized in constructing the decorative elements or as dictated by the design thereof.
The closure means utilized in constructing each of the design elements comprising the system of the present invention will be selected from the group comprising strong magnetic closures, which may also be embellished with semi-precious stones or precious stones, button and loop closures, bar and ring closures and such other closure means as will meet the requirements of ease of assembly of the decorative elements and creating a positive closure to prevent unintended accidental disassembly.
The dimensions of the various decorative elements described herein are not critical and it is contemplated that each of the various designs of decorative elements will be created in a variety of different lengths as will typically be used in bracelets, necklaces of various lengths, anklets, dog and cat necklaces, dog and cat leashes, suspenders, belts, and other items of body jewelry as may be deemed desirable by the designer or user, such as for example hair nets, leg wraps and arm wraps and similar articles.
It will be further apparent to one skilled in this art that the improvements provided for in the present invention, while described with relation to certain specific physical embodiments also lend themselves to being applied in other physical arrangements not specifically provided for herein, which are nonetheless within the spirit and scope of the invention taught here.

Claims

1. A system of interconnecting jewelry and body ornaments comprising a variety of individual segments and elements each of which is capable of being utilized independently as a separate functional piece of jewelry, while at the same time is capable of being easily interconnected with other separate segments of individual jewelry in order to form other pieces of jewelry and body ornamentation.

2. The system according to claim 1 comprising at least two individual segments or elements.

3. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments or elements.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments and elements are interconnected using a closure means selected from the group comprising strong magnetic closures, button and loop closures, bar and ring closures and such other closure means as will meet the requirements of ease of assembly of the segments and elements and creating a positive closure to prevent unintended accidental disassembly.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments and elements are interconnected using a strong magnetic closure means.

6. The system and elements according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments are interconnected using a button and loop closure means.

7. The system according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments and elements are interconnected using a bar and loop closure means.

8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments and elements are assembled using a means selected from the group comprising strong elastic cord, metallic and non-metallic wire and other means, as may be deemed desirable and consistent with the quality of the other materials utilized in constructing the individual elements or as dictated by the design thereof.

9. The system according to claim 1 wherein the individual segments and elements are composed of materials selected from the group comprising precious and semi-precious stones, genuine and synthetic diamonds, crystals, colored and non-colored beads of every shape and dimension, metals including gold, silver, platinum, titanium and base metals, and other materials which may be deemed to possess a decorative quality.

10. The system according to claim 1 wherein the closure means associated with the individual segments and elements are embellished with semi-precious or precious stones.

11. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a bracelet for humans.

12. The system according to claim 1 comprising of a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a necklace for humans and animals.

13. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as an anklet for humans.

14. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a belt for humans.

15. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as suspenders for humans.

16. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a leash for dogs and cats.

17. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a hairnet for humans.

18. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected create a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as a leg wrap for humans.

19. The system according to claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of individual segments and elements which when interconnected creates a combination which is of sufficient dimensions to function as an arm wrap for humans.