Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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JEWELRY ITEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to items of jewelry, and in particular
to a modular simulated gem and gem setting jewelry
arrangement.
Brief Description of the Art
Unitary jewelry items and/or modular links for forming jewelry
bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and rings are well known. The
so-called tennis bracelet, for example, is a bracelet having a
series of connected modular units, each unit comprising an
actual diamond or other gem and a setting therefor.
Reference is made to the following U.S. patents:
Patent No. Inventor(s) _
,Des. 110,568 L. Garfinkel
1,189,497 A. Schwartzman
1,589,423 H. Payton
1,344,365 H. Wachenheimer
2,538,090 H. Ferragamo
4,781,038 Branca et al.
Des. 146,779 M. Slater
Des. 117,577 J. Sand
Des. 257,017 J. Barr
Des. 156,650 W.W. Pearce et al.
4,763,489 L. Strong
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2
Des. 48,950 C. Rosenberger
1,410,366 E.H. Buchman
Des. 131,847 W.W. Hobe
1,153,362 J.C. Wacha
Des. 42,643 H.H. Meyers
Des. 176,664 Adolph Katz
Des. 143,588 O. Green
Des. 265,639 Josef J. Barr
Des. 84,213 A.E.R. Speidel
Des. 56,605 H. Grasmuk
Des. 151,904 A. Katz
Des. 145,426 J. Braunstein
Des. 144,901 J. Braunstein
Des. 160,241 P. Bardach
Reference is also made to prior U.S. patents of the
inventor of the present invention as follows: Patent No.
6,532,766, filed August 6, 1999 for "DECORATIVE JEWELRY
ITEM", and Design Patent No. 314,929 filed August 22, 1989
entitled "BRACELET OR THE LIKE".
Non-patent references of interest may include:
1. "Charms" catalog, Page 136, Item #136-20, by Americas
GOLD, 650 South Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90014'
2. "Liberty Collections" catalog, Pages 4 and 21, by Liberty
I. Exchange, 333 Washington St. #203-1, Boston, MA 02108;
3. "Diamond Flower" jewelry by S&R Designs, Inc., Marlton,
NJ;
4. Items #P10529, #84619, #84622, National Jeweler, May 16,
1997;
5. Janet Alix necklace, Jewelers' Circular Keystone, May,
1997;
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6. Catalog Item #4D, Skalet Gold, 3600 N. Talman Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60618;
7. Caroline Ballou Collection, June Las Vegas Show, K25-K27,
and Barnett Robinson, Inc. June Las Vegas Show, Galleria
#10;
8. Item N362, P.Q.C. Jewelry, National Jeweler, June 1, 1998,
Page 142;
9. "Love Tears" collection, by Studs, Inc., 42 W. 48 St., New
York, NY 10036;
10. Slide pendant, by Superior Diamond Cutters Inc., 589 Fifth
Ave., New York, NY 10017;
11. Uni-Creation, Inc., Emby International, Inc. collection,
589 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017;
12. A Promotional Supplement To JCK, May 1997, Pages 178, 179;
13. Item SS424, Corona Jewellery Company, 16 Ripley Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3N9, Canada;
14. "Bezel-set jewelry, California Gold Center, 606 S. Hill
St., Los Angeles, CA 90014;
15. "Partners" fashion jewelry, Cache fashion watches,
Mervyn's California catalog flyer, 1998, Page 11;
16. California Precision Products Co. Catalog "Laser Spot-
Welding Systems", One Industrial Court, Riverside, Rhode
Island 02915;
17. Maty, Collection Automne - Hiver 97-98, Valeur 30F, No.
76.
The jewelry items shown and described in the art noted above
take on various aesthetically pleasing forms for displaying
gems, real or simulated, in a variety of visual and structural
configurations.
Channel settings and bezel settings that use real gems
increase the price of a jewelry item dramatically.
In all such items of the prior art in which a gem or simulated
gem is mounted in a gem setting, the gem or simulated gem is
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positioned brought down from above the setting and secured in
place. In assembling the gem and gem setting combination,
typically a series of upwardly directed prongs project from
the setting, also referred to as a"base", and the gemstone,
or simulated gemstone, is lowered to fit within the upwardly
extending prongs, after which the series of prongs are bent
inwardly and downwardly to embrace the gem or simulated gem.
While this configuration displays the gem in the foreground
relative to the setting, there are many disadvantages to such
construction.
In particular, with the prongs of the setting exposed, it is
relatively easy to snag clothing or inflict minor injuries to
the skin of a person by an inadvertent scraping action.
Moreover, the prongs of the setting base are unsightly,
detracting from the aesthetic qualities of the item of
jewelry.
If one were to conceive of the idea of avoiding the
unsightliness of upwardly extending gem mounting prongs, the
idea would be quickly rejected, due to the fact that if a
precious stone, for example a diamond or ruby, is mounted
below the upper surface of the setting base, the pointed
bottom of the stone would penetrate the skin of the user even
more so than is commonly done even with stones mounted from
the top of a setting base or bezel. The pointed bottom of a
precious stone is, by design, formed with specific depth and
angles to capture as much light as possible for reflection
through the stone, thereby enhancing the brilliance and
spectacle of the gem.
Yet another disadvantage of the use of prior art unitary
modules for connection in series to form a tennis bracelet,
for example, is that such bracelet construction is.rather
labor intensive, each modular unit having to be connected to
an adjacent unit, and for a bracelet with, typically thirty or
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more, individual modules, the cost of the bracelet to the
ultimate consumer may be inflated beyond expectation of the
purchaser who values the item of jewelry on the basis of its
precious stone content. Typical prong, channel, and bezel
5 settings not only use expensive gems that sometimes get
damaged during the setting procedure, but these types of
settings themselves are costly. The purchaser would be
greatly benefitted by a less costly manufacturing process,
since, for the same purchase price, the purchaser would
receive more or larger stones, simulated or real. Such
simulated or real stones of a greater quality. There is
therefore a need in the art for reducing the manufacturing
costs of multi-modular jewelry items.
One solution to avoid employing upwardly extending gem
mounting prongs is found in the aforementioned U.S. Patent
No. 6,532,766 in which a gem or simulated gem is inserted
from below into a hollow base member having a top bezel
with an opening therein to expose the gem or simulated gem
below.
2 0 SUNIlKARY OF THB INVENTION
The present invention satisfies the needs and desires of the
purchasing public while simultaneously solving the afore-
mentioned problems associated with jewelry items in which the
gem is mounted above the setting using upwardly protruding
prongs. The invention thus solves the same problems as does
the aforementioned '766, patent, but in a different way,
while offering certain additional features not found in the
'766 patent.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising: a hollow
base member having a decorative top; a cap with an opening
therein; and a cap attachment arrangement for attaching the
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cap to the hollow base member with at least a portion of the
decorative top being viewable through the cap opening.
The decorative top may be integral with the base member, or it
may be defined by a top surface on the base member with a
separate decorative object fixed to such top surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising: a
base member having a hollow interior, a top with an opening
therein leading to the hollow interior, a bottom, and a
sidewall extending from the top to the bottom, the sidewall
having an opening therein leading to the hollow interior; a
decorative insert configured and sized in relation to the base
member to be inserted within the hollow interior through the
sidewall opening and viewable through the top opening; and a
retainer for retaining said decorative insert within said base
member hollow interior.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the base member
is segmented, defining a plurality of base member segments
each having a decorative top, fixedly connected together side-
by-side. Similarly, the cap is segmented, defining a like
plurality of cap segments each having an opening therein,
fixedly connected together side-by-side; and the cap
attachment means is adapted to attach the segmented cap to the
segmented base member with at least a portion of each
decorative top being viewable through the cap openings.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
decorative jewelry item, comprising: a base member having a
hollow interior, a top with an opening therein leading to the
hollow interior, a bottom, and a sidewall extending from the
top to the bottom; and a decorative insert configured and
sized in relation to the base member top opening to be
inserted, through the top opening, into the hollow interior
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and positioned below the top; the decorative inset being
fixed within the base member hollow interior with the
decorative insert viewable through the top opening.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is
provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising:
a base member having a hollow interior, a peripheral
sidewall surrounding said hollow interior and defining a
top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge, and an
integrally formed decorative top closing said hollow
interior along said top peripheral edge;
a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement for attaching said cap to
said base member with said base member decorative top
positioned below said cap top surface, and with at least a
portion of said decorative top being viewable through said
cap opening.
According another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a piece of jewelry with a designed structure
including at least one recess for receiving the decorative
jewelry item as previously described herein.
According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a piece of jewelry with a designed
structure, comprising:
an integrally formed decorative portion having a hollow
interior, a peripheral sidewall surrounding said hollow
interior and defining a top peripheral edge and a bottom
peripheral edge, and an integrally formed decorative top
closing said hollow interior along said top peripheral
edge;
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a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement for attaching said cap to
said decorative portion of said piece of jewelry with said
decorative top positioned below said cap top surface, and
with at least a portion of said decorative top being
viewable through said cap opening.
According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising:
a base member having a hollow interior, a peripheral
sidewall surrounding said hollow interior and defining a
top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge, and an
integrally formed top surface closing said hollow interior
along said top peripheral edge, said base member top
surface having an opening therein leading to said hollow
interior;
a decorative object placed on said base member top
surface, and said decorative object comprising a precious
stone;
a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement for attaching said cap to
said base member, said decorative object configured and
sized in relation to said base member and said cap to be
placed partially within said top surface opening while
being prevented from falling through said top surface
opening by said top surface and to extend below said cap
top surface, with at least a portion of said decorative
object being viewable through said cap opening, said cap
attachment arrangement fixing said cap to said base member
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whereby said precious stone is free to move while being
loosely captured between said base member and said cap.
According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising:
a base member having a hollow interior, a peripheral
sidewall surrounding said hollow interior and defining a
top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge, and an
integrally formed top surface closing said hollow interior
along said top peripheral edge;
a decorative object placed on said base member top
surface;
a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement for attaching said cap to
said base member, said decorative object configured and
sized in relation to said base member and said cap to be
positioned completely below said cap top surface, with at
least a portion of said decorative object being viewable
through said cap opening.
According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising:
a hollow base member having an integrally formed raised
decorative top portion;
a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement consisting of a base member
portion defined on said hollow base member and a cap
portion defined on said cap, for attaching said cap to said
base member with at least a part of said base member raised
decorative top portion protruding into said cap opening.
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According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a decorative jewelry item, comprising:
a base member having a hollow interior, a peripheral
sidewall surrounding said hollow interior and defining a
top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge, and an
integrally formed planar top surface closing said hollow
interior along said top peripheral edge;
a decorative object placed on said base member top
surface;
a cap with an opening therein, said cap having a top
surface; and
a cap attachment arrangement for attaching said cap to
said base member, said decorative object configured and
sized in relation to said base member and said cap such
that a portion of said decorative object protrudes through
said cap opening.
The invention embodies both the construction or constructions
of a decorative jewelry item as well as the method or methods
for making a decorative jewelry item.
It will be appreciated that, in accordance with the principles
and concepts of the present invention, since the decorative
object, decorative insert, or simulated decorative object or
insert, is typically positioned below the top of the
decorative jewelry item and above the bottom of_the base
member, snagging of clothing, and penetration of the user's
skin is avoided. Unlike real gems, the simulated gem of the
present invention does not extend below the bottom of-the base
member in which it is contained_
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In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
plurality of such decorative jewelry items joined together.
For example, a pair of such decorative jewelry items may be
joined together in the manufacturing process so that the
number of individual modular units to be assembled, to fom a
tennis bracelet for example, is halved.
The present invention also provides for a number of selectable
structural configurations and mounting processes, depending on
need, desired security for a mounted gem or simulated gem, and
aesthetic considerations.
In the most preferred embodiments of the invention, the
decorative insert or object is mounted within its single or
multiple segmented base member with no part of the insert
extending above the top rim, or bezel, of the base member.
However, it will be understood that even if the decorative
insert or object protrudes a small distance above the top rim,
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or bezel, clothing will not be snagged, and the slightly
exposed top surface of the insert or object above the top rim,
or bezel, will not be sufficient to scratch objects or the
user's skin. If desired, in the manufacture of the decorative
insert or object, a process step may be applied to round over,
bevel, or otherwise soften the peripheral edges of the insert
or object to assist in minimizing snagging of clothing or
scratching objects or the user's skin. Accordingly, a
secondary preferred embodiment of the invention will have the
top surface of the decorative insert or object at the same
level of, or slightly above, the top rim, or bezel, of the
base member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
These and other aspects of the invention will be better
understood, and additional features of the invention will be
described hereinafter having reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member having an integral decorative top;
FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a side perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a bottom perspective view of a dual segment cap
for the base member shown in Figure 1;
FIGURE 5 is a front perspective view of the dual segment cap;
FIGURE 6 is a side perspective view of the dual segment cap;
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FIGURE 7 is a side perspective view illustrating the method of
placing a dual segment cap over the top of a dual segment base
member;
FIGURE 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but with the
cap fully assembled to the base member, defining a finished
-decorative jewelry item;
FIGURE 9 is a front perspective view of the assembled jewelry
item shown in Figure 8;
FIGURE 10 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member in which the decorative top of each segment exhibits a
different visual appearance or property;
FIGURE 11 is a side perspective view of the dual segment base
as shown in Figure 10;
FIGURE 12 is a front perspective view of a dual segment cap
illustrating that a cap member may have any one of a variety
of possible shapes for the openings therein and for the
texturing and design of the major top surface of the cap;
FIGURE 13 is a side perspective view of a dual segment cap
showing a variety of possible sidewall texturing or designs;
FIGURE 14 is a bottom view of an alternate dual segment cap
configuration without mounting prongs;
FIGURE 15 is a fully assembled dual segment decorative jewelry
item employing a base member similar to that shown in Figure
11, and a cap structure similar to that shown in Figure 14;
FIGURE 16 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member having a decorative top, the base member decorative top
including a base member top surface and a separate decorative
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object fixed thereon and a number of mounting channels on the
sides of the base member;
FIGURE 17 is a rear perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 16;
5 FIGURE 18 is a side perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 16;
FIGURE 19 is a bottom perspective view of a dual segment cap
for the base member shown in Figure 16;
FIGURE 20 is a front perspective view of the dual segment cap;
10 FIGURE 21 is a side perspective view of the dual segment cap;
FIGURE 22 is a side perspective view illustrating the method
of placing of a dual segment cap over the top of a dual
segment base member;
FIGURE 23 is a view similar to that of Figure 22, but with the
cap fully assembled to the base member, defining a finished
decorative jewelry item;
FIGURE 24 is a front perspective view of the assembled jewelry
item shown in Figure 23;
FIGURE 25 is a view similar to that of Figure 16 with circular
through holes in the top surface of the dual segment base
member replacing the channels shown in Figure 16;
FIGURE 26 is a view similar to that of,Figure 25 with the
exception that each separate decorative object placed on the
top surface of the dual segment base member has a greater
thickness than that shown in Figure 25;
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FIGURE 27 is a dual segment completed decorative jewelry item
employing the thickened decorative object shown in Figure 26
which protrudes through the cap of the assembly;
FIGURE 28 is a dual segment cap illustrating the possibility
of a non-planar top surface of the cap and the possibility of
at least partially covering the opening in the cap with a
filagree-like structural design;
FIGURE 28A is an enlarged cross section of one side of the cap
segment taken along the line 28A-28A in Figure 28;
FIGURE 29 is a dual segment finished decorative jewelry item
in which the base member segments and the cap segments are
heart shaped, and the top surface of the cap segments are
concave;
FIGURE 30 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 25, but
with the fixed decorative objects mounted on the top surface
of the base member being of different shapes and designs for
the two segments;
FIGURE 31 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member having a recess formed concentrically in each of the
segments;
FIGURE 32 is a cross sectional view of one of the segments of
the base member shown in Figure 31, taken along the line 32-
32, with a separate decorative object captured loosely in the
recess of the base member and between the base member and
applied cap;
FIGURE 33 is a view similar to that of Figure 32, but without
and opening in the bottom of the recess in the base member;
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FIGURE 34 is a top view of a dual segment cap illustrating
different shape and size possibilities for the cap segments,
and in particular a wavy inner edge and a thin annular
configuration;
FIGURE 35 is a top view of a dual segment cap illustrating
different shape and size possibilities for the cap segments,
and in particular a scalloped interior edge and a fillagree
pattern structure;
FIGURE 36 is a top view of a dual segment cap illustrating
different shape and size possibilities for the cap segments,
and in particular a cloverleaf-like interior edge and star
shaped fillagree pattern structure;
FIGURE 37 is a top view of a dual segment cap illustrating
different shape and size possibilities for the cap segments,
and in particular a square interior edge and a heart shaped
interior edge;
FIGURE 38 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member having rectangular openings in its top surface as
opposed to the circular openings shown in Figure 25;
FIGURE 39 is a front perspective view of a dual segment cap in
which the outside edge is serrated, and the cap has a thin
annular radius for each segment;
FIGURE 40 is a side perspective view of the dual segment cap
shown in Figure 39;
FIGURE 41 is a side perspective view of an assembled
decorative jewelry item employing the base member from Figure
38 and the cap from Figure 39;
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FIGURE 42 is a front perspective view of the assembled
decorative jewelry item shown in Figure 41;
FIGURE 43 is a view similar to that of Figure 42 showing
possible major surface texturing or designs for the portion of
the top surface of the base member extending radially
outwardly of the annular cap segments surrounding the
decorative objects fixed to the top surface of the base member
segments;
FIGURE 44 is view similar to that shown in Figure 39, except
that the outer surface of the cap is plain and smooth, and the
inner edge surfaces are serrated;
FIGURE 45 is a front perspective view of a finished decorative
jewelry item employing the base member from Figure 38 and the
cap from Figure 44;
FIGURE 46 is a front elevation view of a multi-stepped cap,
with each exterior edge serrated, mounted on a base member
having a textured top surface;
FIGURE 47 is a single non-segmented decorative jewelry item
having features similar to the dual decorative jewelry item
shown in Figure 23;
FIGURE 48 is a front perspective view of the single decorative
jewelry item shown in Figure 47;
FIGURE 49 illustrates the possibility of constructing a single
non-segmented decorative jewelry item without employing prongs
on the cap and without providing windows in the sidewalls of
the base member;
FIGURE 50 is a front elevational view of the single decorative
jewelry item shown in Figure 49;
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FIGURE 51 is a side perspective view of a single non-segmented
decorative jewelry item similar to that shown in Figure 49,
but with lettering and/or designs being formed on the sidewall
of the base member;
FIGURE 52 is a side perspective view of a single non-segmented
decorative jewelry item similar to that shown in Figure 49,
but with designed openings in the sidewall of the base member
and without any means for attaching to another decorative
jewelry item;
FIGURE 53 is a side perspective view of the single non-
segmented decorative jewelry item as shown in Figure 49,
except that at least a portion of the sidewall exhibits a line
pattern;
FIGURE 54 is a front perspective view of a single non-
segmented decorative jewelry item similar to that shown in
Figure 48, except that the base member and cap are heart
shaped, and the cap top surface is concave;
FIGURE 55 shows a length of a piece of jewelry, such as a
bracelet, having a center structural portion with a number of
cylindrical pockets which can receive single non-segmented
decorative jewelry items made in accordance with the present
invention, such as those shown in Figures 48, 50, and 52;
FIGURE 56 shows a length of a piece of jewelry, such as a
necklace, having a center structural portion with a number of
cylindrical pockets which can receive single non-segmented
decorative jewelry items made in accordance with the present
invention, such as those shown in Figures 48, 50, and 52;
FIGURE 57 is a front perspective view of a finger ring having
a heart shaped pocket formed therein for receiving a single
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non-segmented decorative jewelry item made in accordance with
the present invention, such as that shown in Figure 54;
FIGURE 58 shows a length of a piece of jewelry, such as a
pendant, having a structural portion with a number of
5 cylindrical pockets which can receive single non-segmented
decorative jewelry items made in accordance with the present
invention, such as those shown in Figures 48, 50, and 52;
FIGURE 59 shows a length of a piece of jewelry, such as an
earring, having multiple pockets for receiving differently
10 configured decorative jewelry items in each pocket in
accordance with the present invention, such as geometrically
altered ones of those shown in Figures 48, 50, and 52;
FIGURE 60 is a front perspective view of a dual segment base
member, each segment having a sidewall with an opening
15 therein;
FIGURE 61 is a side perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 60;
FIGURE 62 is a front perspective view of a decorative object
to be inserted in the base member of Figures 60, 61;
FIGURE 63 is a view similar to that of Figure 60, with a pair
of decorative objects shown in Figure 62 being inserted into
the sidewall openings in the base member;
FIGURE 64 is a fully assembled dual segment decorative jewelry
item comprised of the base member shown in Figure 60 and a
pair of decorative objects shown in Figure 62;
FIGURE 65 is a cross sectional view of a variation of the
present invention in which the decorative object is a real
precious stone, or gem;
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FIGURE 66 is a'top view of just the base member of the
variation shown in Figure 65, with the cap removed and with
the precious stone, or gem, schematically represented by a
dashed line;
FIGURE 67 is a partial cross sectional view of a first type of
teetering mechanism between a decorative object and the top
surface of a base member;
FIGURE 68 is a partial cross sectional view of a second type
of teetering mechanism between a decorative object and the top
surface of a base member;
FIGURE 69 is a partial cross sectional view of a third type of
teetering mechanism between a decorative object and the top
surface of a base member;
FIGURE 70 is a cross sectional view of a base member with a
rotatable decorative object pivotally mounted at the top of
the base member between the base member and the cap;
FIGURE 71 is a top view of just the base member of the
variation shown in Figure 70, with the,cap removed;
FIGURE 72 is a front perspective view of another single
segment base member having a sidewall with an opening therein
and a support for a decorative insert;
FIGURE 73 is a side perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 72;
FIGURE 74 is a front perspective view of a decorative object
adapted to be inserted in the base members of Figures 72, 73,
76, 81, 82, and 83;
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FIGURE 75 is a side perspective view of the decorative object
shown in Figure 74;
FIGURE 76 is a front perspective view of another single
segment base member having a sidewall with dual openings
therein and a plate-like support for a decorative insert;
FIGURE 77 is a front perspective view of another single
segment base member having a sidewall with dual openings
therein and a modified plate-like support for a decorative
insert;
FIGURE 78 is a view similar to that of Figure 73, with a
decorative object as shown in Figure 75 being inserted through
the top opening of the base member;
FIGURES 79 and 80 are side and front perspective views,
respectively, of a fully assembled single segment decorative
jewelry item comprised of the base member as shown in Figures
72 and 73 and the decorative object as shown in Figure 74 and
75;
FIGURE 81 is a front perspective view of another dual segment
base member having a sidewall with openings therein and a pair
of supports for two decorative inserts;
FIGURE 82 is a side perspective view of the base member shown
in Figure 81;
FIGURE 83 is a front perspective view of another dual segment
base member having a sidewall with dual openings therein and a
pair of plate-like supports for a decorative insert, the
figure illustrating three different support configuration
possibilities;
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FIGURE 84 is a view similar to that of Figure 82, with a pair
of decorative objects as shown in Figures 75 being inserted
through the top openings of the dual base member;
FIGURES 85 and 86 are side and front perspective views,
respectively, of a fully assembled dual segment decorative
jewelry item comprised of the base member as shown in Figures
81 and 82 and the decorative object shown in Figure 74 and 75;
FIGURES 87 and 88 are top and side perspective views,
respectively, of a multiple decorative insert; and
FIGURE 89 is a front perspective view of a multiple segmented
base member adapted to receive the multiple decorative insert
of Figures 87 and 88.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1-9.
Figures 1-3 represent the front, rear, and side perspective
views of the base member 2. In this embodiment, each
decorative jewelry item 1 (Figure 8), hereinafter also
referred to as a module or modular link, is segmented to
define two segments 3 and 5 in a substantially figure-8 shape.
The dual segmented base member 1 has a segmented decorative
top 7, 9, exhibiting a design representing a diamond cut
surface on each segment. In the embodiment of Figures 1-9,
the diamond cut design is formed integrally on the top surface
of the base member 2. As will be described below, an
alternate embodiment may employ a separate decorative object
fixed to the top surface of the base member 2.
The base member 2 preferably has a hollow interior defined by
a thin sidewall 6 extending downwardly from the decorative top
7, 9, the sidewall 6 having at least one cutout 13 extending
through sidewall 6 into the interior of the base member 2.
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The cutout 13 is provided to accept a prong from a cap member
to be described hereinafter.
To enhance the beauty of the decorative jewelry item, to
lighten it, to conserve precious metal, and to make it have
more of a delicate appearance, the sidewall 6 may be provided
with a series of side windows 11 also opening to the interior
of the hollow base member 2. The windows 11 provide a
convenient placement for the cutouts 13, i.e. at the top of
the window just beneath the decorative top 7, 9 of base member
2. It will be appreciated that a prong from above can be bent
into window 11 and fill cutout 13 if the prong is bent over
toward the interior of the base member 2.
A connector tongue 15 is provided at the rear of the
decorative jewelry item for insertion into a front window 17
of an adjacent decorative jewelry item.
Figures 4-6 show a bottom, front, and side perspective view of
a dual segment cap 19 designed and configured to fit over the
top of the dual segment base member 2 and secured thereto.
As best understood by reference to Figures 4, 7, and 8, the
inner diameter of each sidewall 27 of the segmented cap 19 has
a diameter slightly greater than the respective decorative
tops 7, 9 of the base member 2. Thus, when the cap 19 is
brought down over the top of the base member 2 (see Figure 7),
the prongs 21 slide over the side of sidewall 3,5 in alignment
with cutouts 13, and the cap 19 ultimately fits over the top
of base member 2 with the downwardly directed peripheral wall
27 covering a relatively small top portion of the base member
sidewall 3, 5. After the cap 19 is in place, the prongs 21
are bent inwardly through the sidewall windows 11, and due to
the width and depth of the cutout 13 being slightly larger
than the width and thickness of the prongs 21, after prongs 21
are bent inwardly, they are not visible from a side viewing
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position of the completely assembled decorative jewelry item 1
(see Figure 8).
As seen in Figure 9, the finished decorative jewelry item is
an attractive dual segmented modular link which can, when
5 connected to other modular links of the same kind, form a
tennis bracelet with the decorative diamond cut surfaces 7, 9
being seen through the openings 23, 25 of the cap 19.
Preferably, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures
1-9 is provided with four windows 11 on each side of the
10 decorative jewelry item, or two per segment side (see Figure
3), with the two windows nearest the ends having a cutout 13
on the surface forming the windows 11. Since the decorative
jewelry item is symmetrical, the embodiment of Figures 1-9
embodies a total of eight windows and four cutouts.
15 Similarly, as seen in Figure 4, the cap 19 comprises four
prongs 21, but the number of prongs 21 and window cutouts 13
can range from one to eight, or even more.
Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a base member 31 in
which, like the base member 2 of Figure 1, is provided with an
20 integral decorative top 33, 35 on two base member segments.
The diamond cut surface of decorative top segment 35 is
similar to that shown in Figure 1, but with a larger number of
radial cuts. However, the other decorative top 33 shows a
lesser number of radial diamond cuts in the surface thereof,
but such diamond cuts are formed after the decorative top
segment 33 is provided with a number of holes 37. The holes
can be arranged orderly, or, as seen in Figure 10, they can be
of random sizes, random shapes, and random positions on the
decorative top 33.
Figure 11 is a side perspective view of the base member 31
showing that no side windows are provided in the sidewall 39.
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21
A front end window 41 is formed at the opposite end from the
connector tab 15 for accommodating the connector tab of an
adjacent modular link when the finished decorative jewelry
item is in the form of a tennis bracelet, for example. In
such an arrangement, the connector tab 15 is inserted in an
adjacent end window 41 and then bent around the bottom ledge
of window 41.
Figure 12 is the top view of a variation of the cap shown in
Figure 5, with no depending prongs. In Figure 12, one-half of
the cap 43 has a circular opening therein, while the other
half has a heart shaped opening. The top surface 42 of the
segment with a heart shaped opening is plain, while the
segment with a circular opening contains multiple design
patterns and textures on its top surface 44, it being
understood that the designs and textures shown are examples
only of what can be done to the surfaces. Preferably, there
will not be multiple patterns on any surface of the cap, i.e.
if the surface is to be textured, for example, then the whole
top surface will be of the same texture.
Figure 13 is a side perspective view of a dual segment cap
similar to that shown in Figure 6, again without any mounting
prongs. The side surfaces 45 of the cap 43 show multiple
designs and texturing, and again if the side surface is to be
textured, the entire side will be of the same texture.
However, the design or texture on the side 45 of.cap 43 does
not necessarily have to correspond to the design or texture of
the top surface.
Figure 14 shows the bottom view of the cap shown in Figure 13,
but without showing any design or texturing. Since there are
no prongs, the sidewall 45 of cap 43 has an inner diameter
slightly greater than the diameter of the segments of the base
member 31, allowing the cap 43 to cover the top portion of the
base a short distance.
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Figure 15 shows the finished assembly of Figure 11 and Figure
13 with optional identical diamond cut decorative tops on the
two segments of the base member 31 viewable through identical
circular openings in the cap 43 which is devoid, in Figure 15,
of any design or texturing. Since there are no prongs or
cutouts in the Figure 15 assembly, the cap 43 is fixed to the
base member 31 by means of soldering, welding, adhesive, or
other known adhering processes.
Figures 16-24 are very similar to Figures 1-9, respectively,
with some notable differences. One difference is that, in the
embodiment of Figures 1-9, the top of the base member 2 has
diamond cut patterns formed thereon, while in Figures 16-24,
the decorative top of the base member 51 comprises a planar
top surface 53, 57 upon which is fixed two separate, and
individual, decorative objects, 55, 59. This is best viewed
in Figures 17 and 18.
A second difference to be noted is that a number of vertical
channels 61 are provided around the periphery of the base
member 51, channels 61 extending through the top surface 53,
57 of the base member 51.downwardly to corresponding open
windows 56 in the sidewalls of the base member segments 52,
54. The windows 56 correspond in number and placement the
same as windows 11 of the embodiment of Figures 1-9.
Preferably, the channels 61 are provided in alignment with the
outermost windows, i.e. the sidewall windows 56 closest to the
short ends of the dual segment decorative jewelry item.
The purpose for the channels 61 can be appreciated by
referring to the associated cap 71 shown in Figures 19-21, in
which a plurality of rectangular prongs 77 extend from the
lower surface of the cap 71 and are not visible in a top view
due to such placement. The cap 71 has a pair of openings 73,
75 through which the decorative objects 55, 59 can be observed
when the decorative jewelry item is completely assembled. As
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seen in Figure 19, a recess 79, 81 is provided in each segment
of the dual segment cap 71, the diameter of the decorative
objects 55, 59 being larger than the diameter of the cap
openings 73, 75, but smaller than the diameter of the recesses
79, 81. Unlike the cap 19 shown in Figures 4-6, the cap 71 is
the same length and width as the base 51. In Figure 19, the
cap 71 is shown to have a flat bottom surface 78, and the
recess 79 is not as noticeable compared to the recess 24 of
cap 19, recess 79 intending to cover only the diamond cut
decorative objects 55, 59 projecting into the cap recesses
79,81.
Thus, when the cap 71 is brought down over the top of base
member 51, since both cap 71 and base member 51 have the same
length and width, prongs 77 fit perfectly into and slide
through channels 61 until the cap 71 is seated on the base
member 51 with the bottom of the cap resting on the top
surface 53, 57 of the base member 51, and the decorative
objects 55, 59 being framed by the openings 73, 75 in the cap
71.
The two decorative objects 55, 59 are described separately in
this description to indicate that the design and shape of such
decorative objects 55, 59 need not necessarily be identical as
they appear to be in Figures 16-24.
After contact between the cap 71 and base member 51, the
prongs 77 are bent inwardly through the respective windows 56,
and, because the thickness of the prongs 77 is made to be the
same as the depth of channels 61, after the prongs 77 are bent
over, as shown in Figure 23, the prong/channel attachment
arrangement is barely visible.
A third difference is seen in the provision of a number of
through holes 62 formed in the surface of the base member top
surfaces 53 and 57 outside the periphery of the decorative
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24
objects 55 and 59 (shown in Figure 16 only, for convenience).
The purpose of these through holes 62 is to reduce the amount
of precious metal or material of the base member 52,54. By
placing the holes 62 in a pattern such as that shown in Figure
16, a significant amount of base material, e.g. gold, will be
saved, and yet the physical integrity of the finished
decorative jewelry item will not be diminished. Because the
holes 62 are covered and hidden from view by the cap 71, they
will not detract from the beauty of the item. Additionally,
such through holes 62 in the base member 52,54 will also
lighten the article of jewelry, e.g. a tennis bracelet, which
comprises a number of decorative jewelry items 51. This would
be a desirable feature especially for women. Through holes of
this type for reducing the amount of precious metal or
material can be formed in virtually all of the decorative
jewelry item base members shown and described herein, and the
variation shown in Figure 16 is to be considered exemplary
only.
Figure 24 is a front perspective view of the completely
assembled decorative jewelry item employing the base 51 and
cap 71, as described.
Figures 25-27 show another attachment arrangement for
attaching a cap to a base member. In these figures, the base
member 81 has a planar top surface on the two segments 83, 87
upon which are fixed a pair of decorative objects 85, 89. In
the top surface 83, 87 of the base member 81, a number of
circular holes 88 are formed, and a cap 95, similar to that
shown in Figure 19 is provided, but with the depending prongs
being circular in cross section and positioned on the bottom
surface of the cap 95 away from the outer peripheral edge and
to be in alignment with holes 88 of the base member 81. Thus,
when the cap 95 is brought down over the top of base member
81, the prongs will slide through holes 88 and be bent over
(not shown) in the interior of the hollow base member 81. The
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number of holes 88, and the number of prongs, can vary from
one to eleven, or even more.
The base member of Figure 26 is similar to that shown in
Figure 25, except that the thickness of the two decorative
5 objects 85, 89 are-considerably thicker. A cap 95 is chosen
to have a central opening just slightly larger than the
diameter of the thickened decorative objects 91, 93, such that
when the cap is brought down over the base member 81, the
thickened decorative objects 91, 93 project through and extend
10 above the top surface of the cap 95, as best seen in Figure 27
showing the completed article.
Figure 28 shows a variation of a cap 101 having a pair of
annular shaped segments 101A,101B with the top surface 103 of
each cap segment being conical/concave in shape to enhance the
15 beauty of the finished product. Figure 28 also shows the
possibility of adding an open filagree-like design structure
105 to the inner periphery of the opening 104 and/or an open
filagree-like design structure 106 to the outer periphery of
the cap segments lOlA, 101B.
20 Figure 28A is a cross section of one side of the cap segment
lOlA taken along the line 28A-28A in Figure 28. This figure
illustrates, in solid and dashed lines, several possibilities
for the shape of the top surface 103, i.e., a planar and
horizontal shape 103A, a convex shape 103B, a concave shape
25 103C, a linear conical shape 103D, a conical-concave shape
103E, and a conical-convex shape 103F. These shape variations
can be chosen by the designer for cap configurations other
than annular; for example, such shapes can be applied to a
heart shaped cap segment such as those shown in Figure 29.
Figure 29 shows a finished decorative jewelry item in which
both segments of the base 107 are heart shaped and both
segments of the cap 108 are heart shaped and, like that of
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26
Figure 28, the cap 108 has a concave peripheral upper surface
109 and a heart shaped opening 110 to expose the decorative
objects 111, 113 beneath.
Figure 30 illustrates the possibility that the decorative
objects 117, 119 fixed to the base member 115 may be of any
particular desirable configuration and formed by any means of
diamond cutting or other surface enhancing processes. In
Figure 30, the top decorative object 117 is square in
configuration with crisscross diamond cut features, and the
lower decorative object 119 is heart shaped with a square
matrix of diamond cut lines.
It will be understood that the geometric shape of the opening
in any cap in accordance with the present invention need not
be the same geometric shape as the decorative object below.
For example, instead of using a heart shaped decorative object
119 in Figure 30, a square or circular shaped decorative
object could be fixed to the base member 115, and the opening
in a cap (not shown) fitted over base member 115 may be heart
shaped.
Figures 31-33 show embodiments of the invention into which a
decorative object 121 is loosely captured or entrapped between
a base member 123 and a cap 129. The base member shown in
Figure 31, for example, has a planar upper surface 125 and a
pair of concave, or right angled, recesses 127. The bottom of
the recess 127 may have an opening 129 in it to conserve
precious metal material, since that part of the finished
jewelry item will not be seen.
Figure 32 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 32-32
in Figure 31, wherein it can be seen that when the cap 129 is
brought into contact with the planar surface 125 of the base
member 123, there exists a void within the decorative jewelry
item within which the decorative object 121 is loosely
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27
contained. This permits the decorative object 121 to move
around within the confines of the finished decorative jewelry
item, giving an interesting aspect to the item of jewelry.
In addition to, or instead of, providing a recess 127 in the
base member 123, the cap 129 may be provided with a recess 131
of sufficient depth to permit the loose mounting of the
decorative object 121 captured between the cap 129 and the
base 123. For example, a cap designedsimilar to that shown
in Figure 19, but with a greater depth for the recess 131
could be employed for this purpose. Importantly, the opening
129 in the base member 123 and the opening 133 in the cap 129
are smaller in dimension than the decorative object 121 so as
to avoid the possibility of the decorative object 121 falling
out of its setting.
Figure 33 is similar to that of Figure 32 with the exception
that the bottom 135 of the recess 127 of base member 123 has
no opening.
Figures 34-37 show, schematically, several possible shapes and
configurations for the cap openings. The outer shapes for the
caps in these figures is, but is not limited to, a figure-8
shape. The cap 141 of Figure 34 shows a cap segment having an
undulated or wavy interior edge, while the annular cap segment
145 is intended to show that the radial width of the cap
segment can be made quite thin, whereby a decorative object
may be exposed through the opening therein, while the surface
of a base member upon which it is mounted may also be exposed
to view and display interesting surface textures or designs
(see Figure 43, for an example).
When the outer diameter of the bottom cap segment 145 is,
instead, made equal to the outer diameter of the base member
segment, the thinness of the cap segment 145 will display the
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decorative top of the base member larger than a regular sized
cap opening.
Figure 35 shows a cap 147 with one segment 149 having a
scalloped interior edge 146 and/or a scalloped exterior edge
148 (shown as an option in dashed lines), and the other cap
segment 151 having a thin annular width with an open filagree-
like pattern design 152 formed on the inner peripheral surface
and/or an open filagree-like design 154 formed on the outer
peripheral surface.
Figure 36 shows a cap 153 with one cap segment 155 having a
cloverleaf or wide cross opening, while the other segment 157
has a circular opening with a filagree-like or thin filament
arrangement forming a star over the opening therein.
Figure 37 shows a,cap 159 in which one segment 161 has a
square opening therein, and the other segment 163 has a heart
shaped opening.
It is to be understood that interior and exterior shapes or
designs of the cap segments of a dual segment decorative
jewelry item may be the same for both segments, or they may be
different. For example, Figures 34-37 show different designs
for the two segments, but a designer may choose to make both
segments identical, choosing the desired design for each
segment from any one of the examples illustrated or suggested
by such illustrations.
Figure 38 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 25, but
with the prong openings 173 in the upper surface 174 of base
171 being rectangular instead of circular.
Figures 39 and 40 show a front and side perspective view of a
cap 175 which has the shape of a figure-8 and has serrations
along its entire outer peripheral surface. Additionally, the
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prongs 179 are rectangular in shape so as to fit within the
rectangular openings 173 of the base member 171 shown in
Figure 38.
Figures 41 and 42 are side perspective and front perspective
views, respectively, of the assembled decorative jewelry item
employing the base 171 of Figure 38 and cap 175 of Figure 39.
In these figures, it will be observed that the cap 175 has a
pair of circular openings exposing the decorative objects
below, while the thin radial width of each cap segment is such
that a large portion of the upper surface 174 of base 177 is
exposed outside of the serrated outer edge of cap 175.
Figure 43 shows the possibility of providing surface texturing
or design features in the portion of the upper surface 177
exposed outside of the installed cap 175.
Figure 44 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 39, except
that the outer peripheral surface of the cap 181 is smooth,
while the interior surface of the two openings therein is
serrated, or otherwise textured.
Figure 45 is a view similar to that of Figure 42, except that
the cap has the features of Figure 44 instead of those of
Figure 39. If desired, the top surface of cap 181 may also be
serrated, or it may have a conical appearance.
Figure 46 is a side view of a decorative jewelry item in which
the cap 191'has a multi-stepped configuration, in Figure 46
only a non-limiting two-step configuration being shown. The
outer edges of both stepped portions 193, 195 are serrated, or
otherwise textured, and the top surface of each step 193, 195
is also serrated or otherwise textured. For consistency of
design, the base member 199 may also be provided with a
serrated or otherwise textured upper surface 197.
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Figures 47-54 depict single non-segmented decorative jewelry
items suggesting several options in the manufacture of such
single non-segmented jewelry items. For example, Figure 47 is
a single segment version of the arrangement shown in Figure
5 23, the decorative jewelry item 201 having a connector tab 203
for connecting to a similar decorative jewelry item in forming
a necklace or tennis bracelet, for example.
Figure 48 should be understood to represent a front
perspective view of the decorative jewelry item 201 shown in
10 Figure 47, or it can be understood that the variation shown in
Figure 48 does not have a connector tab 203, and therefore may
be inserted into a cylindrical pocket of a larger article of
jewelry such as a necklace, pendant, ring, or the like, to be
described hereinafter.
15 Figure 49 shows a side perspective view of a decorative
jewelry item 205 having a sidewall of base member 207 with no
windows formed therein, meaning that the cap 206 is fixed to
the base member 207 by means of depending tabs bent over
inside the hollow base member 207 or is soldered, welded, or
20 otherwise bonded to base.
Figure 50 is a front perspective view of the decorative
jewelry item of Figure 49, but it also may represent a view of
a decorative jewelry item 205 without any connector tab 204.
Figure 51 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 49, except
25 that the sidewall 209 of the decorative jewelry item 211 has
formed therein or thereon a selection of letters and/or
symbols 213. The designs and patterns may be cutouts or
engravings of shapes and/or letters.
Figure 52 is a side perspective view similar to that shown in
30 Figure 51 of a decorative jewelry item 215 in which the
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31
sidewall 217 has designed openings 219 therein, in Figure 52
such openings 219 being heart shaped.
Figure 53 shows a decorative jewelry item 221 similar to that
shown in Figure 49, except that a line pattern is formed on
the sidewall 223. The line pattern may be placed over the
entire sidewall outer surface or on only selectable locations,
at the whim of the jewelry designer.
Figure 54 shows a single non-segmented decorative jewelry item
227 having a heart shaped base 229 and a heart shaped cap 231
with a concave upper surface.
Figure 55 shows a length of bracelet 231 of arbitrary design
having a number of cylindrical pockets 233 formed therein.
The pockets 233 are sized to accept any of the single
cylindrical non-segmented decorative jewelry items described
herein, for example the decorative jewelry item 205 of Figure
50. An appropriate attaching process is employed to fix the
decorative jewelry item 205 in place, such as by soldering,
welding, adhesives, etc. 'Alternatively, instead of forming
the bracelet 231 with pockets 233 for insertion of the base
member 207 of a complete decorative jewelry item 205, the
bracelet 231 itself may be provided with an integral base
portion, also numbered 233 in Figure 55, formed, for example,
by casting. With such a construction, there are two
possibilities for providing a decorative top for such integral
base portion. One possibility is to place a decorative object
on the top of the integral base portion, fixed or loose, and
fit a cap over the decorative object the same as previously
described for a decorative jewelry item employing a separate
base member construction. Another possibility is to form the
base portion 233 to extend slightly above its surroundings,
and form a diamond cut design in the top of the integral base
portion 233. Thereafter, only a cap needs to be fitted over
the integrally formed base portion 233 to complete the
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decorative jewelry item. Of course, if the top of the
integral base portion 233 extends outwardly far enough, a cap
may be applied first, and then the top of the integral base
portion 233 can be diamond cut.
Figure 56 is a portion of a necklace 235 having a center piece
237 of arbitrary design and also containing a number of
cylindrical pockets 239 formed therein. Again, an insertable
decorative jewelry item such as that shown in Figure 50 may be
fixedly attached within the cylindrical pockets 239.
Alternatively, as with the bracelet of Figure 55, a base, also
numbered 239 in Figure 56, may be integrally formed when the
necklace center piece is formed.
Figure 57 shows a front perspective view of a finger ring of
arbitrary design, except that a front central area of the ring
241 has a heart shaped pocket 243 formed therein for accepting
a single non-segmented decorative jewelry item such as that
shown in Figure 54. Alternatively, as with the bracelet of
Figure 55, the base, also numbered 243 in Figure 57, may be
integrally formed when the ring is formed.
Figure 58 similarly shows a pendant, or broach, 245 of
arbitrary design having a number of cylindrical pockets 247
formed therein to accept a single non-segmented decorative
jewelry item. Alternatively, as with the bracelet of Figure
55, the base, also numbered 247 in Figure 58, may be
integrally formed when the pendant or broach is formed.
Figure 59 shows a dangling earring 249 in which a number of
rectangular and oval shaped decorative jewelry items 451, 453
are connected together in an unusual and interesting fashion.
The square-shaped or diamond-shaped decorative jewelry items
451 and each of the oval decorative jewelry items 253 are
constructed in the same manner as described herein for the
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manufacture of a single non-segmented decorative jewelry item.
The individual portions of the earring 249 may be connected by
a wire, string, or coupling member, or they may be, in desired
places, soldered, welded, cast together as a unit, or
otherwise fixedly bonded together.
Figures 60-64 show a decorative jewelry item having the form
of a dual base member 261 for receiving a pair of decorative
inserts 275 (Figure 62) either in a fixed position within base
member 261 or loosely captured within base member 261.
The base member 261 has a hollow interior, a top 262 with a
pair of heart shaped openings formed therein leading to a
hollow interior. A sidewall 263 extends from the top surface
262 downwardly and has at least one opening 269 therein in
each of the two segments 263, 265 of the base member 261. In
the front and side perspective views shown in Figures 60 and
61, it will be observed that a pair of bent latch fingers 267
are attached to the bottom of the sidewall 263. In the
preferred embodiment, latch fingers 267 are formed on the
bottom surface of a window 264 formed at the bottom of the
base member 261 in each segment 263, 265.
The base member 261 is manufactured, or prepared during
assembly, such that the latch fingers 267 are bent away from
the top window opening 269, as best seen in Figure 61. This
permits the insertion of a pair of decorative inserts 275
through the sidewall openings 269 and into the hollow interior
of the base member 261, as best seen in Figure 63. After full
insertion of the two decorative inserts 275, the latch fingers
267 are bent upwardly to align precisely with the upper edge
of the opening 269 and preferably through a cutout 266 in a
support plate 271, 272 shown in Figure 60. In this manner,
the decorative insert 275 is captured within the base member
261 between the base member top 262 and the support plate 271.
The upwardly bent latch fingers 267 are soldered or glued in
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34
place after the heart shaped decorative inserts 275 are
installed.
The support plate 272 is shown to have a heart shaped opening
therein, primarily to lessen the amount of precious metal used
in the construction of the decorative jewelry item and yet
provide adequate support for the heart shaped insert 275.
It will be understood that an adhesive or other type of
material or molecular bonding may fix the decorative inserts
275 on the support plates 271, 272, or the decorative inserts
275 may be loosely captured between the support plate 271, 272
and top 262 of the base member 261. In such a case, the
openings in the top surface 262 and the support plate 272 must
necessarily be of a size smaller than the size of the
decorative insert to prevent dislodging of the insert 275
inadvertently.
Figure 65 is a cross sectional view of a variation of the
present invention in which the jewelry item 281 comprises a
real precious stone, or gem 287, as the decorative object
captured between a cap 283 and a base member 285. The cap 283
can be secured to.base member 285 by any of the methods
described above.
The precious stone 287 shown has its widest dimension larger
than both the opening 289 in cap 283 and the distance between
the inwardly ends of projecting tabs 293 in base member 285.
This is best seen in Figure 66 which is a top view of just the
base member 285 of the variation shown in Figure 65, with the
cap removed and with the precious stone 287 schematically
represented by a dashed line.
The base member 285 has a depth sufficient to prevent the
bottom 297 of the precious stone 287 from extending below the
base member, thereby protecting the wearer of the jewelry item
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281 from being punctured by the sharp end 297 of the stone
287.
The base member 285 has a sidewall 290 extending downwardly
from the decorative top 287,293, the sidewall 290 having a
5 plurality of open windows 295 formed therein. The top surface
opening 292 of the base member top surface 293 has an inner
peripheral edge 294 and a plurality of tabs 293 projecting
inwardly from the peripheral edge, the tabs 293 being of a
length sufficient to prevent the precious stone 287 from
10 falling through the top surface opening 292, whereby the
precious stone 287 is supported by the tabs 293 with minimal
blockage of light entering the sidewall windows 295 and
illuminating the precious stone 287 from beneath.
In a preferred embodiment of Figures 65 and 66, the stone 287
15 is seen to be loosely captured between the cap 283 and base
member top surface (i.e., tabs 293 in the embodiment shown).
However, it is within the skill of a craftsman to configure
and dimension the cap opening 289 and length and number of
tabs 293 to clamp the precious stone 287 securely between the
20 cap 283 and base member 285, if desired.
Figure 67 is a partial cross sectional view of a first type of
teetering mechanism between a decorative object 301 and the
top surface of a base member 303. In this variation, the base
member top surface 303 extends across the interior of the base
25 member, such as that shown in Figure 33, wherein the base
member top surface 135,303 has an upwardly projecting bump 305
positioned thereon, and the decorative object 121,301 has a
bottom which rests on the bump 305, whereby the loosely
captured decorative object 301 teeters on the bump 305
30 functioning as a fulcrum.
Figure 68 is a partial cross sectional view of a second type
of teetering mechanism between a decorative object 307 and the
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top surface 309 of a base member. Here, the base member top
surface 309 extends across the hollow interior of the base
member, and the decorative object 307 has a bottom with a
downwardly projecting bump 311 positioned thereon, whereby the
loosely captured decorative object 307 teeters on the bump 311
functioning as a fulcrum. The base member top surface 309 may
be a plate-like member spanning the entire extent of the
interior of the base member, or it may be a band or strap
connected at its ends across the extent of the interior of the
base member.
With reference to Figure 69, if desired, for more security in
keeping the decorative object 30.1 centered within the
decorative jewelry item, the decorative object 313 may have a
bottom with a depression 319 therein in alignment with, and
sized to receive, the upwardly projecting bump 317 positioned
on the base member top surface 315. In such a case, the
dimensional design of the cap and base member employing the
teetering mechanism of Figure 69 will be such so as to not
permit the bump 317 from exiting the depression 319.
Similarly, and consistent with the variation shown in Figure
69, the base member top surface 309 shown in Figure 68 may
have a depression (not shown) therein in alignment with, and
sized to receive, the downwardly projecting bump 311
positioned on the bottom of the decorative object 307.
Figure 70 is a cross sectional view of a decorative jewelry
item 321 having a cap 323 fitted to a base member 325 with a
rotatable decorative object 329 pivotally mounted at the top
of the base member 325 between the base member 325 and the cap
323. The decorative object 329 may have a diamond cut upper
surface 330, or it may be made decorative by employing any of
the surface preparation processes described herein. The cap
323 has a central opening 327 which preferably is sized
smaller than the rotatable decorative object 329 so as to keep
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the decorative object 329 from excessive tilting and exposing
an edge above the top of cap 323. Alternatively, the opening
327 may be purposely sized larger to allow the decorative,
object 329 to rotate as much as 360 , if desired. Similarly,
the base member 325 may have a plate, or strap, or tab (not
shown) fixed to the interior thereof to prevent full rotation
of the decorative object 329 even when the cap opening 327 is
sized larger than the decorative object 329.
Referencing the cross sectional view in Figure 70 and the top
view of the base member and decorative object combination in
Figure 71 with the cap removed, the base member 325 is seen to
have a hollow interior, and the decorative top 332,329 thereof
comprises: a top surface 332 with an opening 334 therein
leading to the hollow interior; and the decorative object 329.
The decorative object 329 is rotatably mounted in the recess
326 between the base member 325 and the cap 323 using axially
aligned pins 331 resting in, and rotatable in, corresponding
oppositely facing side notches 333 formed in the base member
top surface 332, whereby the decorative object 329 is free to
rotate within the recess 326 about an axis passing through the
pins 331. The notches 333 open laterally into the base member
top surface opening 334.
Figures 72-86 depict alternative constructions in which a
decorative insert is inserted, through an opening in the top
of a hollow base member (single or segmented), and is fixed
within the base member with the insert below the base member
top and viewable through the top opening.
In the perspective views of Figures 72 and 73, a single heart
shaped base member 341 is shown to have a top, or bezel, 343
which may be flat, concave, conical, and/or textured. The top
343 has a heart shaped opening 344 leading to the hollow
interior of the base member 341. A sidewall 345 has openings
347, and the base member 341 is provided with a connector
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tongue 349 which connects with an opening 351 on the opposite
side of another base member.
Spanning across the hollow interior of base member 341 sis a
support brace 353 having an insert support 355 fixed thereto,
the insert support 355 having a hole 357 sized, shaped, and
oriented to receive the pin 363 of a decorative object 359
shown in Figures 74 and 75. The decorative object 359
comprises a plate-like decorative insert 361 having mounting
pin 363 projecting from its rear.
Other configurations of base members which can receive a
decorative insert inserted from the top are shown in Figures
76 and 77. In Figure 76, a base member 365, having a top 367,
sidewalls 369, a connector tongue 377 and mating rear opening
279, and window openings 371 in the sidewalls 369, also has an
insert support in the form of a flat plate-like member 373. A
flat decorative insert, like that of Figure 62 may be inserted
through the top opening 368 and affixed to the insert support
373 by any known process. An optional hole 375 may be
provided to accept a decorative insert of the type shown in
Figures 74 and 75.
In Figure 77, a base member 381 having a top 383, sidewalls
385 with windows 387, and an top opening 384, also has an
insert support 389. In order to save precious metal, the
insert support 389 has a central opening 390 which has
negligible effect on the mounting security of a decorative
insert affixed to the insert support 384.
Turning now to Figures 78-80, Figure 78 shows the decorative
object 359 partially inserted in the hole 357 of insert
support 355, and Figures 79 and 80 show side and front
perspective views, respectively, of a fully assembled jewelry,
article comprising base member 341 and decorative object 359.
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Typically, the decorative object 359 will be rigidly fixed to
the insert support 355 (or 373, or 389) by a process selected
from the group consisting of applying an adhesive, soldering,
welding including laser welding, molecular bonding, swaging,
bending, and clamping. However, a variation of such an
assembly is to fix the decorative object 359 within the hollow
interior of base member 341, but permit it to move about when
the wearer of the jewelry article moves, thereby creating
interesting visual effects.
To accomplish this, rather than to solidly affix the
decorative object 359 in place, pin 361 (Figure 75) can pass
through the hole 357,375 in its support 355,373 and be bent,
or have an adhesive, solder, weld, or retainer 363 applied on
pin 361 below and spaced from its support 355 or 373
(suggested by the dashed lines 355 in Figure 75). By making
the hole 357, 375 slightly larger than the pin 359, the
decorative object 359 is free to rotate and slidably move
toward and away from the top of the base member 341, 365 to a
limited extent, and if the hole is large enough, the
decorative object 359 may additionally tilt, all adding to the
visual character of the completed jewelry item.
Figures 81-86 illustrate dual segmented versions of the single
segment jewelry articles depicted in Figures 72-80. As such,
no additional detailed description is warranted, other than to
identify the corresponding elements of the different
embodiments.
In Figures 81, 82, and 84-86, a dual segment heart shaped base
member 395 is illustrated, each segment having a hollow
interior, a top 397 with heart shaped openings 398, sidewalls
399, windows 401 formed in the sidewalls 399, a support brace
407, and an insert support 409 with a hole 411 therein.
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A pair of decorative objects 359, with their plate-like
decorative inserts 361 and rear projecting pins 363, are shown
just being inserted in insert supports 409 in Figure 84.
Figures 85 and 86 show, respectively, side and front
5 perspective views of the completed dual segmented jewelry
article.
In the manufacture of multiple segmented jewelry articles,
precious metal and labor cost savings can be realized by
providing a means to mount a multiple segmented decorative
10 insert within a multiple segmented base member with a minimum
amount of bonded contact and yet maintain a high degree of
structural integrity. One example of this can be seen by
reference to a representative embodiment shown in Figures 87-
89.
15 Figures 87 and 88 depict a multiple segmented decorative
object 421 having multiple segmented plate-like inserts 423
connected together by integral bridging portions 424. As seen
in Figure 88, only the end inserts 423 have rear projecting
pins 425.
20 Figure 89 shows a corresponding multiple segmented base member
427 having base portions 429, 431, and 433. Base portions 429
and 433 each have an insert support 435 and 439, respectively,
each insert support 435,439 having a hole 437,441 therein for
accepting the rear projecting pins 425 of the multiple
25 segmented decorative object 421. Channels 428 accept bridging
portions 424 of a segmented decorative object 421. With this
configuration, precious metal is saved by the elimination of a
center insert support and center pin on decorative object 421,
and the creation of channels 428. Manufacturing cost is also
30 reduced due to the labor and materials saved by not having to
fix a center pin of the center decorative insert 423 to an
underlying insert support. Yet, the structural integrity of
the jewelry article is obviously not adversely affected.
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In this specification, where fixing or bonding is suggested,
such fixing or bonding processing is intended to be selected
from a number of available processes suitable for the task at
hand including soldering, swaging, bending of prongs, applying
of adhesive, and welding including laser welding, sonic
welding, and other molecular bonding techniques.
Additionally, in this specification, where a decorative top,
decorative object, decorative insert, or surface texturing or
design are suggested, it is to be understood that such surface
treatment may be selected from any of a large number of
surface treatment processes, including diamond cutting, hole
forming, embossing, engraving, lettering, forming line
patterns, texturing, plating, coloring, etching, scoring,
knurling, serrating, coating, painting, embossing, engraving,
and shaping. In addition to having different surface
treatments, the decorative object or insert may also be made
of a different material than its base member or cap.
In like manner, the circular and heart shaped decorative
objects and inserts shown and described herein are merely
examples of an unlimited number of shapes and configurations,
and the invention is not to be limited to the shapes and
configurations depicted in the drawing and described herein.
For example, one interesting shape configuration for a
decorative insert is that of a daisy flower with a center
stem. In such an embodiment, the plate-like daisy flower
insert may purposely be positioned spaced from the underlying
insert support to simulate a flower at the end of a flower
stem.
While Figures 60-64 and 72-88 show the decorative inserts
being supported by a provided insert support member within the
interior of the base member, it is equally preferred to have
the decorative insert integrally formed with the formation of
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the base member, again diminishing labor costs. In one such
embodiment, rather than referring to an opening in the top of
the base member, it would be more accurate to refer to a
recess in the top portion of the base member. That is, for
the purposes of implementing the invention, the decorative
insert support may be installed within the hollow base member
or be made integrally with it, and where a top opening is
mentioned in this text, it is to be interpreted as meaning
either a top opening or a top recess.
It is to be understood that, while most of the embodiments of
the present invention advantageously position the decorative
object below the top surface of its base member., it is within
the scope of the invention to have the depth of the recess or
opening in the base member top to be slightly smaller or
greater than the thickness of the decorative insert.
It is further to be understood that the number of connected
modules to form a multiple-segment decorative jewelry item,
and the geometrical arrangement of such connected modules, is
virtually limitless. The specific arrangements shown and
described herein are exemplary only.
In all embodiments and variations of the invention, the base
members and caps do not necessarily have to be of the same
type of material (metal) or color. For example, the base
member can be silver, while the cap is yellow gold, or the
base member and cap can be of different gold karat weights.
Another example is a white gold base member with a pink gold
cap. It is also within the scope of the present invention to
make the base member of plastic or other hard material that is
aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
While only certain embodiments of the invention have been set
forth above, alternative embodiments and various modifications
will be apparent from the above description and the
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accompanying drawing to those skilled in the art. For
example, although specific examples are shown and described
for convenience and ease of understanding, in variations of
the invention, the base member or base member segments, the
cap or cap segments, the openings in the cap or cap segments,
the decorative objects, and the decorative inserts may,
independently, be circular, square shaped, diamond shaped,
heart shaped, and the like. Any combination of these and
other geometric shapes are intended to be within the scope of
the invention.
Likewise, it is contemplated that the designer may select for
the base members, caps, objects, and inserts, surface features
such as serrated surfaces, smooth surfaces, faceted surfaces,
planar surfaces, convex surfaces, concave surfaces, conical
surfaces, straight peripheral sides, stepped peripheral sides,
as well as other shapes as described herein, including
combinations of such features in a virtually limitless number
of arrangements and presentations.
Additionally, although single and dual-segmented decorative
jewelry items are shown and described in detail herein, any
desired number of segments may be selected, the construction
of which would be well within the skill of a person working in
the jewelry art following the teaching in this description.
As described, the decorative object(s) and exposed surfaces of
the stepped portion of the base units have preferred surface
textures as shown and described. However, at the discretion
of the designer, any or selected ones of such surfaces may be
faceted, knurled, smooth, shiny, colored, frosted, or formed
with diffraction gratings or filigree patterns, or may have
thereon random markings, organized markings, and/or may be
textured to simulate real gems.
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In the preferred embodiments shown and described herein, the
fastening means for fixing the cap to the base member, fixing
a decorative object to the top surface of a base member, or
maintaining a decorative insert within the hollow interior of
a base member, may be implemented by methods such as
soldering, swaging, scoring, adhesive bonding, and welding
including laser welding. Swaging, scoring, and laser welding
are techniques that work well with certain assembly process
steps in accordance with the present invention, but are not
10suitable for fixing real gems in place due in large part to
the configuration, shape, and weight of real gems. As to
laser welding, reference is made to the apparatus and methods
of laser welding techniques disclosed in California Precision
Products Co. Catalog "Laser Spot-Welding Systems", One
Industrial Court, Riverside, Rhode Island 02915, U.S.A.
These and other alternatives and variations are considered
equivalents and within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
.. , ,
The following claims are entitled to the broadest
possible scope consistent with this application. The claims shall
not necessarily be limited to the preferred embodiments or to the
embodiments shown in the examples.
