US20140150496A1

US20140150496A1 - Multi-Use Jewelry Device

Info

Publication number: US20140150496A1
Application number: US13/691,957
Authority: US
Inventors: Jennifer Briggs-Jenkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-03
Filing date: 2012-12-03
Publication date: 2014-06-05

Abstract

A multi-use jewelry device is disclosed that provides users with versatile jewelry, including rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, etc. The multi-use jewelry device comprises at least two finger rings and at least one jump ring that links the at least two finger rings together in series. The multi-use jewelry device can be folded up into a single overall ring configuration. A user would fold the finger rings upon each other, to form a stack. The multi-use jewelry device can then be unfolded for use as a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring. For example, once the finger rings are unfolded to form a strand, a necklace chain can be removably secured to at least one finger ring to form a pendant. Further, multiple strands can be connected together to form a bracelet. Additionally, an ear hook clasp can be removably secured to one of the finger rings to form an earring.

Description

BACKGROUND

Individuals have long been wearing jewelry items as a form of personal adornment and expression. However, many conventional jewelry items are constructed to be worn on a particular part of the body, such as an earring on the ear, a ring on a finger or toe, a bracelet around an arm, a necklace around the neck, etc. Thus, the wearer must provide him or herself with a wide variety of jewelry items to provide the desired adornment for the various parts of the body. Such jewelry collections can be extensive, and given the material from which jewelry is often constructed, namely precious metals and gems, the amassing of such a collection can be expensive as well. A more efficient option for adorning one's body or expressing one's self is needed.
There is a need for an improved jewelry device that allows a single item of jewelry to function as and to be worn in multiple forms, such as a ring, a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring. The present invention discloses a multi-use jewelry device that allows a user to convert the device from a ring to a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring without need of specialized tools. Further, the multi-use jewelry device is provided in a form that does not meaningfully detract from the appearance of the jewelry item, and allows the jewelry item to otherwise maintain a generally conventional appearance when worn in any of the alternative forms.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a multi-use jewelry device that provides users with versatile jewelry, including rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, etc. The multi-use jewelry device comprises at least two finger rings and at least one jump ring that links the at least two finger rings together. The multi-use jewelry device can be folded up (or converted) into a single overall ring configuration. A user would fold the finger rings upon each other, to form a stack. Specifically, the finger rings would be positioned one on top of each other, such that a user's finger, thumb, or toe could be placed through the opening of each finger ring, forming a single overall ring configuration.
In a preferred embodiment, the multi-use jewelry device is unfolded as a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring. For example, once the finger rings are unfolded to form a strand or segment, a necklace chain can be removably secured to at least one finger ring to form a pendant. Further, once the finger rings are unfolded to form a strand, multiple strands can be connected together via a hinged clasp. Once the connected strands are at a desired length for a user, the terminal ends of the connected strands are then secured together around a wrist of a user via another hinged clasp to form a bracelet. Furthermore, once the finger rings are unfolded to form the strand, an ear hook clasp can be removably secured to one of the finger rings to form an earring.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-use jewelry device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the jump rings of the multi-use jewelry device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device unfolded as a pendant in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device unfolded as a pendant in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device unfolded as a pendant in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device unfolded as a pendant in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device unfolded as a bracelet in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the bracelet clasp of the multi-use jewelry device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of two multi-use jewelry devices unfolded into a pair of earrings in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-use jewelry device with a charm in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the multi-use jewelry device with charm, unfolded as a pendant in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
The present invention discloses an improved multi-use or convertible jewelry device that allows a single item of jewelry to function as and to be worn in multiple forms, such as a ring, a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring. The multi-use jewelry device allows a user to convert the device from a ring to a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring without the need for specialized tools. Further, the multi-use jewelry device is provided in a form that does not meaningfully detract from the appearance of the jewelry item, and allows the jewelry item to otherwise maintain a generally conventional appearance when worn in any of the alternative forms.
The multi-use jewelry device comprises at least two finger rings and at least one jump ring that links the at least two finger rings together. The multi-use jewelry device can be folded up into a single overall ring configuration. A user would fold the finger rings upon each other, to form a stack. The multi-use jewelry device can then be unfolded for use as a pendant, a bracelet, or an earring. For example, once the finger rings are unfolded to form a strand, a necklace chain can be removably secured to at least one finger ring to form a pendant, or multiple strands can be connected together to form a bracelet. Additionally, an ear hook clasp can be removably secured to one of the finger rings to form an earring.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-use jewelry device 100 that provides users with versatile jewelry, including rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, etc. The multi-use jewelry device 100 comprises at least two finger rings 102 and at least one jump ring 104 that links the at least two finger rings 102 together. Typically, the finger rings 102 are circular in shape, however any other suitable shape, such as squares, triangles, ovals, etc., or any other suitable polygonal shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Please note that even though rings 102 are referred to as “finger rings” throughout the specification, it is understood that the finger rings 102 can be placed on any of a user's digits and not just the fingers, such as a thumb or toe, without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The finger rings 102 would be of similar size and shape as a prior art ring, and would be shaped to receive a user's digit and function the same as a prior art ring. Specifically, the finger rings 102 comprise a central, digit-sized continuous opening 101 therethrough, for receiving a user's finger, thumb, or toe. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 101 are substantially the same size and have a substantially circular configuration so that the finger rings 102 can slide over a user's digit, such as a finger, thumb, or toe. For aesthetic reasons and for comfort, it is preferred that the periphery of the finger rings 102 be substantially identical, although this is not required. The size of the openings 101 depends on the size of the digits of the user wearing the multi-use jewelry device 100. The openings 101 are typically a ring size 3 to 16, with an average ring size being approximately 6 to 6 ½, though these sizes should not be construed as a limitation on the invention.
The finger rings 102 would generally be constructed of metal alloys, such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold, green gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, resin, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the finger rings 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, in a preferred embodiment, different metal alloys are used for each finger ring 102 in the multi-use jewelry device 100, but the device 100 is not limited to this configuration and any suitable configuration of metal alloys can be used depending on the wants and needs of a user, including using the same metal alloy for each finger ring 102.
The finger rings 102 are approximately between ½ inch (i.e., toe ring size) and 1 inch (i.e., large finger size) in diameter, and approximately between 1/16 and ⅞ inches thick as measured from top surface 106 to bottom surface 108. Any suitable number of finger rings 102 can be used with the multi-use jewelry device 100, the more finger rings 102 used, the longer the chain of rings created and the longer the pendant, bracelet, or earring when the finger rings 102 are unfolded. In a preferred embodiment, three finger rings 102 are used in the multi-use jewelry device 100, but the device 100 is not limited to three finger rings 102 and any number of finger rings 102 can be used depending on the wants and needs of a user.
The multi-use jewelry device 100 further comprises at least one jump ring 104 that links the at least two finger rings 102 together. Typically, the jump rings 104 are circular in shape, however any other suitable shape, such as squares, triangles, ovals, etc., or any other suitable polygonal shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The jump rings 104 further comprise a central, continuous opening 103 therethrough. The jump rings 104 would preferably be of similar size and shape, and would function to secure the finger rings 102 together in a series.
The jump rings 104 would generally be constructed of metal alloys, such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold, green gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, resin, etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the jump rings 104 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Furthermore, the jump rings 104 are not restricted to a round shape. Oval is also utilized to more effectively link finger rings 102 and can be helpful when linking finger rings 102 with a wide width.
The jump rings 104 are approximately between 1/16 and ½ of an inch in diameter, and approximately between 0.4 and 1.5 millimeters thick as measured from top surface 110 to bottom surface 112. Any suitable number of jump rings 104 can be used with the multi-use jewelry device 100, the more jump rings 104 used, the easier for a user to fold the finger rings 102 into a single overall ring configuration and to unfold the finger rings 102 into a pendant, bracelet, earrings, etc. In a preferred embodiment, three jump rings 104 are secured together in series creating a strand of jump rings 104. The terminal ends of the jump ring strand are then used in the multi-use jewelry device 100 to connect (or link) each finger ring 102 together, but the device 100 is not limited to three jump rings 104 and any number of jump rings 104 can be used depending on the wants and needs of a user.
The multi-use jewelry device 100 can be folded up (or converted) into a single overall ring configuration. A user would fold the finger rings 102 upon each other, to form a stack. Specifically, the finger rings 102 are collapsed together, i.e., accordion them together, with the openings 101 generally aligned. The finger rings 102 would be positioned one on top of each other, such that a user's finger, thumb, or toe could be placed through the opening 101 of each finger ring 102, forming a single overall ring configuration.
FIG. 2 illustrates the jump rings 104 of the multi-use jewelry device 100. As stated supra, the multi-use jewelry device 100 further comprises at least one jump ring 104 that links the at least two finger rings 102 together. The jump rings 104 would preferably be of similar size and shape, and would function to secure the finger rings 102 together in a series. Specifically, the jump rings 104 comprise a central, continuous opening 103 therethrough. The size of the openings 103 depends on the wants and needs of a user, jeweler, manufacturer, etc., and typically the size of the openings 103 are substantially identical. Further, for aesthetic reasons and for comfort, it is preferred that the periphery of the jump rings 104 be substantially identical, although this is not required.
Any suitable number of jump rings 104 can be used with the multi-use jewelry device 100, the more jump rings 104 used, the easier for a user to fold the finger rings 102 into a single finger ring and to unfold the finger rings 102 into a pendant, bracelet, earrings, etc. However, if too many jump rings 104 are used, it can be difficult to fold the finger rings 102 into a single finger ring and wear it comfortably on a user's digit. In a preferred embodiment, three jump rings 104 are secured together in series creating a strand of jump rings 104. The terminal ends of the jump ring strand are then used in the multi-use jewelry device 100 to connect (or link) each finger ring 102 together, but the device 100 is not limited to three jump rings 104 and any number of jump rings 104 can be used depending on the wants and needs of a user.
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the multi-use jewelry device 100 unfolded as a pendant. To achieve the pendant configurations shown in FIGS. 3-6, a user unfolds the finger rings 102, forming one continuous strand (or segment) 118 of finger rings 102. The length of the strand or segment 118 in the pendant configurations shown in FIGS. 3-6, in an end-to-end configuration not including a clasp, is approximately between 1 and 9 inches, however this measurement will depend, in large part, on the diameter of the finger rings 102 and jump rings 104. Typically, there are approximately two to four finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118, and more preferably three finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118. However, a single segment or strand can be more than 3 or 4 finger rings, and multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together to create longer or shorter segments or strands. The multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Any number of segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together depending on the wants and needs of a user, and depending on how long or short the user wants the pendant to be.
Once the finger rings 102 are unfolded to form the strand or segment 118, a necklace chain 120 is removably secured to at least one finger ring 102. The necklace chain 120 can be any chain, cord, lanyard, ribbon, etc. as is known in the art, as long as it is suitable for securing around the neck of a user. The necklace chain 120 can be removably secured to at least one finger ring 102 via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, etc. or via threading the necklace chain 120 through the opening 101 of at least one of the finger rings 102, or via any other suitable securing means or securing method as is known in the art.
As shown in FIG. 3, the necklace chain 120 is threaded through the opening 101 of a finger ring 102. The ends (not shown) of the necklace chain 120 would then be secured together around a neck of a user, allowing the strand 118 of finger rings 102 to dangle down towards the ground in a vertical direction. The ends of the necklace chain 120 can be removably secured together via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.
As shown in FIG. 4, the necklace chain 120 is connected through a plurality of strands 118. Specifically, the necklace chain 120 is threaded through the opening 101 of a finger ring 102 from each strand 118. Any number of strands 118 can be added to the necklace chain 120 depending on the needs and wants of a user. The ends (not shown) of the necklace chain 120 would then be secured together around a neck of a user, allowing the strands 118 of finger rings 102 to dangle down towards the ground in a vertical direction. The ends of the necklace chain 120 can be removably secured together via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ends 122 of the necklace chain 120 would be secured to a finger ring 102 via clasps 124. Specifically, each end 122 of the necklace chain 120 would comprise a clasp 124 or other suitable securing means, which would be removably secured to the same finger ring 102, near the top of the finger ring 102. The necklace chain 120 would be positioned around a neck of a user, allowing the strand 118 of finger rings 102 to dangle down towards the ground in a vertical direction.
As shown in FIG. 6, the ends 122 of the necklace chain 120 would be secured to a finger ring 102 via clasps 124. Specifically, each end 122 of the necklace chain 120 would comprise a clasp 124 or other suitable securing means, which would be removably secured to different finger rings 102, such that the strand 118 of finger rings 102 is pulled apart in a generally horizontal configuration. The necklace chain 120 would be positioned around a neck of a user, allowing the strand 118 of finger rings 102 to be positioned in a horizontal arrangement on the user's neck.
FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the multi-use jewelry device 100 unfolded as a bracelet. To achieve the bracelet configuration shown in FIGS. 7-8, a user unfolds the finger rings 102, forming one continuous strand (or segment) 118 of finger rings 102. The length of the strand or segment 118 in the bracelet configuration shown in FIGS. 7-8, in an end-to-end configuration not including a clasp, is approximately between 1 and 9 inches, however this measurement will depend, in large part, on the number of finger rings 102, and the diameter of the finger rings 102 and jump rings 104. Typically, there are approximately two to four finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118, and more preferably three finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118. However, a single segment or strand can be more than 3 or 4 finger rings, and multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together to create a longer or shorter segment or strand. The multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, chain combined with clasps (hooks, springs, etc.), etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Any number of segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together depending on the wants and needs of a user, and depending on how long or short the user wants the bracelet to be.
Once the finger rings 102 are unfolded to form the strand or segment 118, multiple strands or segments 118 are connected together via a hinged clasp 128 (as shown in FIG. 8) or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, chain combined with clasps (hooks, springs, etc.), etc. Once the connected strands 118 are at a desired length for a user, the terminal ends of the connected strands 118 are then secured together around a wrist of a user via a hinged clasp 128, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, chain combined with clasps (hooks, springs, etc.), etc. to form the bracelet.
FIG. 9 illustrates multiple multi-use jewelry devices 100 unfolded as a set of earrings. To achieve the earring configuration shown in FIG. 9, a user unfolds the finger rings 102, forming one continuous strand (or segment) 118 of finger rings 102 connected in series. The length of the strand or segment 118 in the earring configuration shown in FIG. 9, in an end-to-end configuration not including a clasp, is approximately between ½ and 4 inches, however this measurement will depend, in large part, on the diameter of the finger rings 102 and jump rings 104. Typically, there are approximately two to four finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118, and more preferably three finger rings 102 connected in series, in one segment or strand 118. However, multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together to create a longer or shorter segment or strand. The multiple segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, chain combined with clasps (hooks, springs, etc.), etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Any number of segments or strands 118 can be removably secured together depending on the wants and needs of a user, and depending on how long or short the user wants the earring to be.
Once the finger rings 102 are unfolded to form the strand or segment 118, an ear hook clasp 132 is removably secured to one of the finger rings 102. The ear hook clasp 132 can be any suitable earring securing means as is known in the art, such as conventional earring or jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, chain combined with clasps (hooks, springs, etc.), etc. Once the ear hook clasp 132 is removably secured to a finger ring 102, the earring is formed and a user can unfold another multi-use jewelry device 100 to form a second strand or segment 118. A second ear hook clasp 132 or any other suitable earring securing means is removably secured to one of the finger rings 102, creating a pair of earrings. A user can then insert each ear hook clasp 132 into one of the holes of the pierced ears of a user, allowing the strand 118 of finger rings 102 to dangle down towards the ground in a vertical direction.
FIGS. 10-11 illustrate the multi-use jewelry device 100 comprising a charm 900. Specifically, the multi-use jewelry device 100 can comprise a charm 900, a gemstone, an external design, etc., or any other suitable design or accessory as is known in the art. In FIG. 10, when the multi-use jewelry device 100 is folded up (or converted) into a single overall ring configuration, the charm 900 is connected to one of the finger rings 102 via a jump ring 104, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The charm 900 would then dangle against a user's finger or other digit, when the multi-use jewelry device 100 is being worn.
In FIG. 11, the multi-use jewelry device 100 with charm 900 is unfolded as a pendant. To achieve the pendant configurations shown in FIG. 11, a user unfolds the finger rings 102, forming one continuous strand (or segment) 118 of finger rings 102. Once the finger rings 102 are unfolded to form the strand or segment 118, a necklace chain 120 is removably secured to at least one finger ring 102. The necklace chain 120 can be any chain, cord, lanyard, ribbon, etc. as is known in the art, as long as it is suitable for securing around the neck of a user. The necklace chain 120 can be removably secured to at least one finger ring 102 via conventional jewelry clasps, hooks, springs, magnetic clasps, etc. or via threading the necklace chain 120 through the opening 101 of at least one of the finger rings 102, or via any other suitable securing means or securing method as is known in the art. The charm 900 would then hang vertically and dangle inside the center finger ring 102, when the multi-use jewelry device 100 is being worn.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-use jewelry device comprising:

at least two finger rings; and

at least one jump ring that links the at least two finger rings together in series; and

wherein the at least two finger rings are folded up to form a single overall ring configuration.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two finger rings are unfolded to form a pendant.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a chain is threaded through at least one of the at least two finger rings and removably secured with a clasp to form the pendant.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising a chain comprising a clasp at both ends, wherein each clasp is removably secured to at least one of the at least two finger rings.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two finger rings are unfolded to form a bracelet.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein multiple sets of at least two finger rings are removably secured together in series to form the bracelet.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the multiple sets of at least two finger rings are removably secured together in series via a hinged clasp which is removably secured between the multiple sets of at least two finger rings.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two finger rings are unfolded to form an earring.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising an ear hook clasp which is removably secured to at least one of the at least two finger rings.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein three jump rings link the at least two finger rings together in series.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least two finger rings comprise at least one of platinum, white gold, yellow gold, green gold, silver, copper, bronze, wood, or resin.

12. A multi-use jewelry device comprising:

at least two finger rings; and

at least two jump rings that link the at least two finger rings together in series; and

wherein the at least two finger rings are unfolded to form a pendant.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein a chain is threaded through one of the at least two finger rings and removably secured with a clasp to form the pendant.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising a chain comprising a clasp at both ends, wherein each clasp is removably secured to at least one of the at least two finger rings.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least two finger rings are folded up to form a single overall ring configuration.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least two finger rings are unfolded to form a bracelet.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein multiple sets of at least two finger rings are removably secured together in series to form the bracelet.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the multiple sets of at least two finger rings are removably secured together in series via a hinged clasp.

19. A multi-use jewelry device comprising:

three finger rings; and

three jump rings that link the three finger rings together in series; and

wherein the three finger rings are folded up to form a single overall ring configuration.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the three finger rings comprise a charm.