WO2010138995A1

WO2010138995A1 - Modular jewellery

Info

Publication number: WO2010138995A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Zander
Original assignee: Robert Zander
Priority date: 2009-06-01
Filing date: 2010-05-28
Publication date: 2010-12-09

Abstract

The invention provides for an item of modular jewellery having an insert configured to define a visually appealing feature and a main body shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert so that the visually appealing feature of the insert is readily visible from at least one side of the main body. The item of jewellery further includes a cover for covering a part of the insert when received in the main body so that the insert is sandwiched between the main body and cover, as well as releasable attachment means configured to releasably attach the cover to the main body so that said cover is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

Description

MODULAR JEWELLERY

Background of the invention

This invention relates to an item of modular jewellery and a method of assembling an item of modular jewellery.

Description of the Prior Art

Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Jewellery is one of the oldest forms of body adornment and has been used for thousands of years. The Inventor has devised an improvement to exiting jewellery to provide increased aesthetic appeal and customization possibilities.

Summary of the present invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an item of modular jewellery having: an insert configured to define a visually appealing feature; a main body shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert so that the visually appealing feature of the insert is readily visible from at least one side of the main body; a cover for covering a part of the insert when received in the main body so that the insert is sandwiched between the main body and cover; and releasable attachment means configured to releasably attach the cover to the main body so that said cover is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts. Typically, the insert is configured to define the visually appealing feature by including a recessed support for supporting at least one gem which forms the visually appealing feature.

Typically, the insert defines the recessed support.

Typically, the support is shaped and dimensioned to support a plurality of gems in a particular pattern to form the visually appealing feature.

Typically, the insert includes at least one gem cover for covering and securing the at least one gem inside the recessed support.

Typically, the recessed support and gem cover complementarily define at least one cavity for supporting a plurality of jewels in a floating arrangement defining a particular pattern to form the visually appealing feature.

Typically, the insert is configured to define the visually appealing feature by being manufactured from a visually appealing material.

Typically, the visually appealing feature includes a number of gems cast into the insert.

Typically, the insert and main body are disk-shaped and dimensioned for complementary fitment of the insert into the main body.

Typically, the cover includes a transparent portion so that the visually appealing feature is readily visible when the insert is sandwiched inside the main body.

Typically, the cover is an annulus for covering a periphery of the insert.

Typically, the attachment means includes magnetic attachment means. Typically, the attachment means includes a first magnet arranged about a portion of an inner perimeter of the cover.

Typically, the attachment means includes a second magnet arranged about a portion of an outer perimeter of the main body, said second magnet for complementary engagement with the first magnet.

Typically, the main body or cover includes fastening means for fastening the item of jewellery to a body of a person.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling an item of modular jewellery having an insert configured to define a visually appealing feature, a main body shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert, a cover for covering a part of the insert when received in the main body so that the insert is sandwiched between the main body and cover and releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the cover to the main body, said method including: inserting the insert into the main body; covering the insert with the cover to secure the insert so that the visually appealing feature is readily visible from at least one side of the body; and releasably attaching the cover to the main body, so that the insert is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

Typically, the step of releasably attaching the cover to the main body includes magnetically attaching the cover to the main body.

Typically, the step of releasably attaching the cover to the main body includes sandwiching the insert between the main body and a magnetic cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings - A -

An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure 1 shows an exploded side schematic representation of one example of a modular item of jewellery;

Figure 2 shows an exploded side schematic representation of the item of jewellery of Figure 1 having an assembled insert;

Figure 3 shows a side schematic representation of the item of jewellery of Figure 1 in an assembled form;

Figure 4 shows an exploded side schematic representation of a further example of an item of modular jewellery;

Figure 5 shows a side schematic representation of the item of jewellery of Figure 4 in an assembled form;

Figure 6 shows a front schematic representation of a further example of an item of jewellery;

Figure 7 shows a front schematic representation of a yet further example of an item of jewellery;

Figure 8 shows an exploded side schematic representation of a further example of an item of modular jewellery;

Figure 9 shows an exploded side schematic representation of a further example of an item of modular jewellery;

Figure 10 shows an exploded side schematic representation of a further example of an item of modular jewellery; and

Figure 11 shows an exploded front view of the item of jewellery shown in Figure 9.

Detailed Description of preferred examples

In broad terms, the current arrangement provides for an item of modular jewellery 10 which includes an insert 12 which is configured to define a visually appealing feature. This visually appealing feature can be defined in a number of different manners, with some examples described in more detail below. However, it is to be appreciated that the visually appealing feature is inherently open-ended and the invention is not to be construed as limited to any particular visually appealing feature.

The item of jewellery 10 also includes a main body 22 which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert 12 so that the visually appealing feature of the insert 12 is readily visible from at least one side 42 of the main body 22. The item of jewellery 10 also includes some manner of cover 30 for covering a part of the insert 12 when received in the main body 22 so that the insert 12 is sandwiched between the main body 22 and the cover 30. Finally, the item of jewellery 10 also generally includes releasable attachment means configured to releasably attach the cover 30 to the main body 22 so that the cover 30 is readily removeable from the main body 22. This easy-removability of the cover generally facilitates customization of the item of jewellery 10 by allowing interchanging of inserts. Typically, different inserts define different visually appealing features.

With reference now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown one example of an item of modular jewellery 10. The item of jewellery 10 includes an insert 12, a main body 22, a cover 30, and releasable attachment means 24 in the form of a magnet.

In this example, the insert 12 includes a recessed support 14 for operatively supporting a plurality of gems 16, which forms the visually appealing feature. The insert 12 also includes a gem cover 18 for covering the support 14 to sandwich and thus secure the gems 16 inside the insert 12 (shown in Figure 2). The main body 22 is shaped and dimensioned to operatively receive the insert 12 so that the support 14 and the gems 16, which generally form the visually appealing feature, are readily visible from at least one side of the main body 22 when in use.

It is to be appreciated that, in this example, the gem cover 18 is used only to secure the gems inside the insert 12. As such, the gem cover 18 is completely separate from the cover 30 used to releasably secure the insert in the main body 22. As described below, further examples have differently configured inserts that do not require such a gem cover 18.

The item 10 also includes releasable attachment means 24 configured to releasably secure the insert 12 inside the main body 22. As mentioned above, this attachment means 24 is typically magnetic attachment means configured to interact with the cover 30 to secure the insert 12 inside the main body 22. However, other examples may have differently configured attachment means, e.g. a press-fit arrangement for the cover 30, clips for receiving the cover 30, or the like. This releasable attachment means allows the insert 12 to be easily interchangeable so that an overall appearance of the item of jewellery 10 is customizable, as described in more detail below.

The main body 22 also typically includes fastening means for fastening the item 10 to a body of a person, in use. The fastening means includes bail portion 32 fixed to the main body 22, or the cover 30 by means of a post 34 defining a transverse aperture 38. In use, bail portion 32 is placed about the post 34 so that aperture 40 aligns with aperture 38 and pin 36 is passed through both apertures 38, 40 to secure bail portion 32 to post 34. Bail portion 32 is typically configured to receive a chain or similar means for fastening the main body to a person's body. However, further examples can include different fastening means as is generally known in the art.

In the example shown, the insert 12 defines the recessed support 14, as shown. However, further examples can have different structures, as described with reference to Figure 4 below. It is to be appreciated that both the main body 22 and the insert 12 is designed so that the gems 16 are displayed once the item 10 is assembled. As such, sides 42 and 44 of the main body 22 and the insert 12, respectively, are typically transparent, e.g. made from glass, polymers, crystal, and/or the like.

The support 14 defines internal recesses 28 wherein the gems 16 are positioned, in use. It is to be appreciated that the structure of the support 14 can be designed to position the gems 16 in a particular pattern. Examples of different patterns are shown and described below with reference to Figure 6 and 7. Cover 18 covers the gems 16 once positioned inside the insert 12, simultaneously securing the gems inside the recesses 28 of the support 14. It is to be appreciated that this manner of securing the gems need not require the use of adhesives or mechanical mounting methods, but that the gems can be held in place by the cover urging them against the support 14 or to the side 44 of the insert 12. The item 10 also includes attachment means in the form of magnets 24, 26 and magnetic cover 30. The main body 22 has a magnet 24 arranged about an inner perimeter, as shown. The insert 12 includes a magnet 26 arranged about an outer perimeter, as shown. Magnet 24 and 26 are arranged to attract each other when the insert 12 is received in the main body 22, as shown in Figure 3. Magnetic cover 30 can be used, in one example, to secure the insert 12 inside the main body 22.

It is to be appreciated that the covers 18 and 30 are typically transparent with a magnetic periphery, or the like, which allows the covers 18 and 30 to engage the magnets 26 and 24, respectively. In another example, the covers 18 and 30 can be transparent and shaped and dimensioned to form a press-fit with the insert 12 and the main body 22, respectively. In one example, rare-earth magnets can be used to ensure proper attraction and subsequent securing of the insert 12 to the main body 22.

Figure 2 shows the insert 12 of Figure 1 in an assembled state wherein the gems 16 are positioned on the support 14 and secured by gem cover 18. The gems 16 are generally visible from side 44, as described above. In this form, the insert 12 becomes modular in that it can be interchangeable with the main body 22.

Figure 3 shows the insert 12 secured in the main body 22 by means of the magnets 24 and 26, as well as the magnetic cover 30. The insert 12 is easily removeable in order to customize the appearance of the item of jewellery 10. Different supports 14 can be used to arrange gems 16 in different shapes and patterns. To change the appearance of the item, insert 12 can be replaced with another insert using a different support having a different pattern, arrangement of gems, etc.

It is to be appreciated that the insert 12 is not permanently attached to the main body 22, as the magnetic attachment means 24 and 26 allows the insert 12 to be interchanged according to requirement or desire. In addition, the main body 22, insert 12, support 14, etc. are typically manufactured from precious metals, e.g. gold, silver, platinum, or the like. Similarly, any transparent portions of the main body 22, insert 12, etc. can be manufactured from crystal, glass, or the like. These different materials can all form part of the visually appealing feature of the item of jewellery 10, as described above.

Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown another example of the item of jewellery 10. In this example, the support 14 is a separate component of the insert 12. The support 14 fits inside the insert 12 and operatively receives the gems 16 to support them in a particular pattern or shape inside the insert 12.

The insert 12 further includes two covers 18 and 20 for sandwiching the gems 16, supported by the support 14, inside the insert 12 (shown in Figure 5). In the example shown, the insert 12 includes a planar frame having the two covers 18 and 20 for sandwiching the support 14 to secure the gems 16 within the frame. The covers 18 and 20 are typically manufactured from some transparent material, such as glass, crystal, or the like. When the gems 16 are secured on the support 14 inside the insert 12 by the covers 18 and 20, the insert forms a modular unit that is receivable inside the main body 22.

In one example, the planar frame of the insert 12, as well as the covers 18 and 20 are annular and shaped and dimensioned for complementary fitment to each other, as shown. As previously mentioned, the covers 18 and 20 each have a transparent portion so that the gems 16 are readily visible when secured inside the insert 12. However, in further examples described below, the insert 12 does not include any covers.

Figure 5 shows the item of jewellery 10 in an assembled state where the insert 12 is received by the main body 22. The insert 12 is further held in place by the magnetic cover 30, as shown. It is to be appreciated that the magnetic cover 30 is an optional component and some examples need not have it. For example, in one embodiment, only magnets arranged about the inner and outer perimeters of the main body 22 and the insert 12, respectively, attach the insert 12 to the main body (as described in more detail above).

It is to be appreciated that the support 14 can have any number of different shapes or configurations to produce particular effects or to display the gems 16 in a particular manner. The support 14 can be sandwiched between covers 18 and 20 inside the insert 12 such that the support does not abut against inner sides of the insert. In this manner, a "floating effect" can be created where the support 14 and the gems 16 appear to be floating inside the insert 12.

Figures 6 and 7 show examples of different shapes and patterns that different supports 14 can produce. By changing the inserts, the item of jewellery 10 is able to present different visually appealing features, as described above. An example of different inserts 12 attached or held inside the main body 22 is shown. In Figure 6, the support 14 has a cross-shape and supports gems 16 therein, as shown. In Figure 7, the support 14 is star-shaped with gems 16 supported therein, as shown. It is to be appreciated that the support 14 can have numerous different shapes, e.g. clover-shaped, circular, triangular, or any other kind of polygon-shape. It is also to be appreciated that the insert 12 is typically manufactured or made from transparent material to highlight such an arrangement of gems, such as glass, crystal, suitable polymers, or the like. In addition, when viewed from the front, the main body 22 and cover 30 are typically annular or ring-like to allow a person to look through the item of jewellery 10 from the front and rear. This provides an effect where the gems 16 are "floating" inside the item of jewellery 10.

Figure 8 shows a further example of a modular item of jewellery 10 according to a preferred example of the current arrangement. The item of jewellery 10 is substantially similar with the example described above, in that it includes an insert 12 having the recessed support 14 with gems 16, and the main body 22 which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert 12 so that the insert is readily visible from both sides of the body 22. The item of jewellery 10 also includes a slightly different cover 30 for covering a part of the insert 12 when received in the main body 22 so that the insert 12 is sandwiched between the main body 22 and cover 30. The cover 30 is larger and more aesthetically elaborate than the cover of the examples described above. In this example, the main body 22 is received inside the cover 30 which surrounds the body, as shown.

The item of jewellery 10 also includes the releasable attachment means in the form of magnets 24 and 26 which are configured to releasably attach the cover 30 to the main body 22 so that said cover 30 is readily removeable from the main body 22 to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery 10 through interchanging of different inserts 12, typically having different patterns and layouts of gems 16. The attachment means typically includes a first magnet 24 arranged about a portion of an inner perimeter of the cover 30, as shown, with the attachment means also including a second magnet 26 arranged about a portion of an outer perimeter of the main body 22. These first and second magnets 24 and 26 are for complementary engagement with each other to secure the insert inside the main body 22.

In the current example, the insert 12 again defines the recessed support 14. As shown, the insert 12 and main body 22 are generally disk-shaped and dimensioned for complementary fitment of the insert 22 into the main body 22. In this regard, reference is again made to Figures 6 and 7 showing a front view of the item of jewellery 10 in an assembled state. It is to be appreciated that both the main body 22 and the cover 30 include transparent portions so that the insert 12 is readily visible from sides 42 and 43 when the insert 12 is sandwiched inside the main body 22 and covered by the cover 30.

As described above, it is to be appreciated that the support 14 is generally shaped and dimensioned to support a plurality of gems 16 in a particular pattern. This pattern or shape of gems is not limited in any way. Accordingly, different inserts 12 can have different colours, patterns or shapes of gems, each presenting a different visually appealing feature. It is to be appreciated that once a person buys the item of jewellery, changing the style and/or aesthetic appearance thereof only involves interchanging the insert with another having a different visually appealing feature, such as layout, materials, colour and/or appearance.

Similar to an example described above, the insert 12 includes at least one gem cover 18 for covering and securing the gems inside the recessed support 14 of the insert 12. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the gems can be cast into a transparent material which sets and holds the gems 16 in the desired layout, shape and/or pattern. In such an example, the recessed support 14 and gem cover 18 can complementarily define a cavity for supporting the gems 16 in a floating arrangement defining a particular pattern, or the like. In another example, the insert 12 can taper towards one side 42 or 43 with the main body defining a complementary taper for receiving and positioning the insert 12 inside the main body 22 before the cover 30 sandwiches the insert 12 inside the main body 22. In the example shown in Figure 8, the fastening means 32 is located on the cover 30 instead of the main body 22, as per the examples described above. As such, the fastening means 32 can be positioned on either the main body or the cover 30.

Figure 10 shows a further example of the current arrangement where the insert provides a particular visually appealing feature by being manufactured from a specific material. In this example, the material is wood, but other materials can be used as desired. In this manner, different visually appealing features can be achieved. It is also to be appreciated that different inserts can also include gems placed into any type of material in any shape or pattern to provide yet further visually appealing features.

Figure 11 shows the separate parts of the item of jewellery 10 of the example shown in Figure 9. The insert 12 includes gems cast into a transparent material to provide the visually appealing feature. The main body 22 is an annulus and receives the insert 12, with the cover 30 placed over the main body 22 to secure the insert 12 therein, as described above.

The invention includes associated methods of assembling the different examples of the items of jewellery 10 described above. Where appropriate, one method typically includes the steps of arranging the gems 16 on the support 14, and covering the support 14 with the gem cover(s) 18 (and 20, where applicable) to secure the gems 16 inside the insert 12. The gems 16 are supported to be readily visible from at least one side of the insert 12, as described above. The method also includes the step of releasably attaching the insert 12 to the main body 22, so that the insert 12 is interchangeable to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery.

The invention further includes an associated method of assembling an item of modular jewellery 10 shown in Figure 8. As described, the item 10 generally includes the insert 12 including a recessed support 14 with gems 16 arranged inside said support, the main body 22 shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert 12, the cover 30 for covering a part of the insert 12 when received in the main body 22 so that the insert 12 is sandwiched between the main body and cover and releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the insert to the main body.

The method includes inserting the insert 12 into the main body 22, covering the insert 12 with the cover 30 to secure the insert so that the support 14 is readily visible from at least one side of the body 22, and releasably attaching the cover 30 to the main body, so that the insert 12 is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

In addition, according to later-described examples, there is also included a method of assembling the item of jewellery by inserting the insert 12 into the main body 22, covering the insert with the cover 30 to secure the insert 12 so that the visually appealing feature is readily visible from at least one side of the main body 22, and releasably attaching the cover 30 to the main body 22, so that the insert 12 is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

The Inventor believes that the current invention allows one item of jewellery which is customizable to house a number of different inserts having different designs, gems, etc. By different inserts each providing different visually appealing features, the item of jewellery can be customized by exchanging one insert for another.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention broadly appearing and described in more detail herein.

It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Features that are common to the art are not explained in any detail as they are deemed to be easily understood by the skilled person. Similarly, throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning, unless the context of use clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An item of modular jewellery having: an insert configured to define a visually appealing feature; a main body shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert so that the visually appealing feature of the insert is readily visible from at least one side of the main body; a cover for covering a part of the insert when received in the main body so that the insert is sandwiched between the main body and cover; and releasable attachment means configured to releasably attach the cover to the main body so that said cover is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

2. The item of jewellery of claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to define the visually appealing feature by including a recessed support for supporting at least one gem which forms the visually appealing feature.

3. The item of jewellery of claim 2, wherein the insert defines the recessed support.

4. The item of jewellery of either one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the support is shaped and dimensioned to support a plurality of gems in a particular pattern to form the visually appealing feature.

5. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the insert includes at least one gem cover for covering and securing the at least one gem inside the recessed support.

6. The item of jewellery of claim 5, wherein the recessed support and gem cover complementarily define at least one cavity for supporting a plurality of jewels in a floating arrangement defining a particular pattern to form the visually appealing feature.

7. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insert is configured to define the visually appealing feature by being manufactured from a visually appealing material.

8. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the visually appealing feature includes a number of gems cast into the insert.

9. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insert and main body are disk-shaped and dimensioned for complementary fitment of the insert into the main body.

10. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover includes a transparent portion so that the visually appealing feature is readily visible when the insert is sandwiched inside the main body.

11. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover is an annulus for covering a periphery of the insert.

12. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment means includes magnetic attachment means.

13. The item of jewellery of claim 12, wherein the attachment means includes a first magnet arranged about a portion of an inner perimeter of the cover.

14. The item of jewellery of claim 13, wherein the attachment means includes a second magnet arranged about a portion of an outer perimeter of the main body, said second magnet for complementary engagement with the first magnet.

15. The item of jewellery of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body or cover includes fastening means for fastening the item of jewellery to a body of a person.

16. A method of assembling an item of modular jewellery having an insert configured to define a visually appealing feature, a main body shaped and dimensioned to receive the insert, a cover for covering a part of the insert when received in the main body so that the insert is sandwiched between the main body and cover and releasable attachment means for releasably attaching the cover to the main body, said method including: inserting the insert into the main body; covering the insert with the cover to secure the insert so that the visually appealing feature is readily visible from at least one side of the body; and releasably attaching the cover to the main body, so that the insert is readily removeable from the main body to facilitate customization of the item of jewellery through interchanging of inserts.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of releasably attaching the cover to the main body includes magnetically attaching the cover to the main body.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of releasably attaching the cover to the main body includes sandwiching the insert between the main body and a magnetic cover.

19. An item of jewellery, or a method of assembling an item of jewellery, substantially as hereinbefore described

20. An item of jewellery, or a method of assembling an item of jewellery, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.