Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELRY SEGMENTS
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No.
61/429,075, filed December 31, 2010.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates to apparel, and more particularly, to
ornamental articles,
such as jewelry.
III. BACKGROUND
[0003] Jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings, is often too
fragile or expensive
to be enjoyed by most children. Consequently, conventional jewelry is
infrequently worn
by children as means of expression. For the same reasons, jewelry is not a
preferred
medium for sharing between children to foster friendships.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[00041 According to a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a
first
interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first
length. The
first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end
and a second
connector at the second end. A second interchangeable segment may have third
and
fourth ends separated by a second length. The second interchangeable segment
may
include a third connector at the third end and a fourth connector at the
fourth end. The
first and second interchangeable segments may connect to at least partially
encircle a
user.
[0005] According to another particular embodiment, an apparatus includes
an
interchangeable segment having first and second ends separated by a first
length. The
first interchangeable segment may include a first connector at the first end
and a second
connector at the second end. The first and second connectors may attach to at
least
partially encircle a user.
[0006] According to another particular embodiment, a method of providing
jewelry
includes providing a first interchangeable segment having first and second
ends separated
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by a first length. The first interchangeable segment may include a first
connector at the
first end and a second connector at the second end. A second interchangeable
segment
having third and fourth ends separated by a second length may be provided. The
second
interchangeable segment may include a third connector at the third end and a
fourth
connector at the fourth end. The first and second interchangeable segments may
connect
to at least partially encircle a user.
[0007] These and other advantages and features that characterize
embodiments are set
forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However,
for a
better understanding of the embodiments, and of the advantages and objectives
attained
through their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the
accompanying
descriptive matter in which there are described exemplary embodiments.
V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that
includes an
interchangeable segment of jewelry having first and second ends and associated
connectors;
[0009] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a connecting end of an embodiment of
an
interchangeable segment of jewelry, such as the interchangeable segment of
FIG. I;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that
includes
multiple interchangeable segments that may be replaceably connected to form a
bracelet,
such as the interchangeable segment of FIG. I;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus that
includes first
and second interchangeable segments that are reversibly connected to foim an
article of
jewelry;
[0012] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a
multiple
interchangeable segments coupled to one another using magnets or other
fasteners; and
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a watch
interchangeable segment coupled to one or more interchangeable segments.
VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A particular embodiment of a method includes connecting two or
more pieces, or
interchangeable segments, of jewelry to create a whole piece of a bracelet, a
necklace, a
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ring, an anklet, a watch, or other ornamental article. Each interchangeable
segment may
be interchangeable with any other piece to form the whole. The interchangeable
segments may connect by using magnets, but may also be connected using one or
more
of: clips, adhesives, a hook-and-loop fastener, clasps, interlocking joints,
twisting caps,
male and female ends, or other fasteners. An illustrative fastener may include
multiple
connectors to foim a single segment. Each interchangeable segment may include
a
different color, texture, shape, or design. Embodiments of interchangeable
segments
include circuitry (e.g., a watch, an audio producing device, and a light), as
well as
precious stones and metals.
100151 An embodiment of an interchangeable segment is constructed from
silicone.
However, other embodiments may include metal, string, beads, wood, and other
plastics.
The magnets may be encapsulated or exposed. The magnets may be secured using
adhesives, crimping, molding, or other attachment processes. An encapsulated
magnet
may be glued in addition to being encapsulated. A magnet may comprise magnetic
particles (e.g., crushed magnets). An embodiment may include an additional
connector
configured to discourage "breakaway" by further attaching to connected
connectors. For
example, a clasp, sleeve, or other connector may at least partially fit over
multiple
connectors to further hold them together.
[00161 An embodiment incorporates a timing device, such as watch face. A
watch band
comprising interchangeable segments may be changed or altered to create a new
appearance. The watch face may comprise a metal or a magnetic surface (e.g.,
magnetized metal) that is attracted to a magnet of an interchangeable segment
comprising
a watch band. Multiple interchangeable segments, or a single interchangeable
segment,
may be attached to one or more surfaces of the watch face. The interchangeable
segments may include additional magnets molded or otherwise attached to their
ends to
connect the main magnet in the end of the interchangeable segment. The
additional
magnets may increase or decrease the designed size of the interchangeable
segments. An
interchangeable segment may be pushed together, collapsed, redistributed, or
scrunched
together as magnets connect to form different size bands. The timing mechanism
of the
watch may include non-magnetic materials or materials that are unaffected by
the
magnets used to connect the interchangeable segments to the watch face.
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100171 Turning more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of an
embodiment of an apparatus that includes an interchangeable segment 100 having
first
and second ends 102, 104. The first and second ends 102, 104 may be separated
by a
length 106. The interchangeable segment 100 may include a first connector 108
at the
first end 102 and a second connector 110 at the second end 104. The
interchangeable
segment 100 may be configured to removably connect to one or more other
interchangeable segments (not shown) via the connectors 108, 110.
[00181 The interchangeable segment 100 may be constructed of a flexible
substance,
such as silicone. Interchangeable segments of other embodiments may include
cloth,
rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, rope, and plastic,
among other
illustrative materials. The interchangeable segment 100 may include design
features,
such as one or more shapes, lengths, and colors. Other design features may
include a
texture, a scent, a light source, and audio circuitry.
[00191 The first and second connectors 108, 110 may include magnets. For
example,
magnets may be encapsulated, glued, or otherwise attached to the first and
second ends
102, 104. In an embodiment, the magnets have the opposite polarity. In another
embodiment, the magnets of the interchangeable segment 100 have the same
polarity.
Other embodiments may use connectors that include at least one of: clasps,
hook-and-
eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, screws, ferrite, Velcro'', bolts, twist ties,
cable ties, hook-
and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female
end
fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of
an
interchangeable segment 200, such as the interchangeable segment 100 of FIG.
1. The
interchangeable segment 200 includes an end 202 having a connector 204. The
connector
204 may comprise a magnet. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnet may be exposed and
attached to the end 202. For example, the sides of the connector 204 may be
molded
integrally with the end 202. A connector of another embodiment is
encapsulated, or
molded within the end with no exposed magnetic surface (e.g., covered by a
silicone
layer). In either case, the connector 204 may additionally be adhered to an
inner surface
of the end 202.
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[00211 FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus that
includes multiple interchangeable segments that may be replaceably connected
to form a
bracelet. More particularly, the apparatus 300 may include a first
interchangeable
segment 302 having first and second ends 304, 306. The first interchangeable
segment
302 may be the same as the interchangeable segment 100 of FIG. 1. The first
and second
ends 304, 306 of the interchangeable segment 302 of FIG. 3 may be separated by
a first
length 308. The first interchangeable segment 302 may include a first
connector 310 at
the first end 304 and a second connector 312 at the second end 306. A second
interchangeable segment 314 may include third and fourth ends 316, 318
separated by a
second length 320. The second interchangeable segment 314 may include a third
connector 322 at the third end 316 and a fourth connector 324 at the fourth
end 318. The
first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may attach via the
connectors 310,
312, 322, 324 to at least partially encircle a wrist, arm, neck, or ankle of a
user.
[00221 The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may be
comprised of a
flexible substance. The connectors 310, 312, 322, 324 may include magnets. For
example, magnets may be encapsulated, glued, or otherwise attached to the ends
304,
306, 316, 318. Other embodiments may use connectors that alternatively or
additionally
include non-magnetic fasteners.
[00231 The first and second interchangeable segments 302, 314 may include
different
design features, such as different colors and shapes. Interchangeable segments
of another
embodiment are identical, or match. Other design features may include a
texture, a scent,
a light source, and audio circuitry.
[00241 For example, an embodiment of an interchangeable segment includes
lighting,
such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate depending on whether the
interchangeable segment is connected to another interchangeable segment. An
LED of
an embodiment may illuminate differently depending on the type of
interchangeable
segment to which the interchangeable segment connects or is close to. For
example, an
interchangeable segment may flash or change color when it is close to another
interchangeable segment. As such, the interchangeable segment may include a
microprocessor and associated sensing circuitry to detect the connection to or
proximity
of another interchangeable segment.
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[0025] An embodiment of an interchangeable segment includes audio
producing circuitry
that produces sound depending on whether and how the interchangeable segment
is
connected. Speaker circuitry of an embodiment may illuminate differently
depending on
which type of interchangeable segment to which the interchangeable segment
connects or
is close to. As such, the interchangeable segment may include a microprocessor
and
associated sensing circuitry to detect the connection to or proximity of
another
interchangeable segment.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus
400 that
includes first and second interchangeable segments 402, 404 that are
reversibly connected
to form an article of jewelry. The first interchangeable segment 402 may
include first and
second connectors 406, 408. The second interchangeable segment 404 may include
third
and fourth connectors 410, 412. The first and second interchangeable segments
402, 404
may attach via the connectors 406, 408, 410, 412. According to a particular
embodiment,
the connectors 406, 408, 410, 412 are magnetic. Other illustrative fasteners
may include
at least one of: clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners, snaps, buttons, screws,
Velcro , bolts,
twist ties, ferrite, cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, nails, interlocking
joints, twisting
caps, male and female end fasteners, string, tape, and other known fasteners.
[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the lengths of the first and
second
interchangeable segments 402, 402 are substantially the same. The respective
lengths of
another embodiment may be different. The first interchangeable segment 402 may
be
substantially flat and may taper in width towards the ends 406, 408. The
connectors of
the ends 406, 410 may match one another in size and may be flush with one
another when
connected. A silicon casing at the ends 406, 410 may touch around the edges of
the
connectors to substantially conceal the connectors from view. An aperture for
fitting a
connector may be formed in the end 406, and an inside surface of the end 406
may grip
and hold the connector.
[0028] The first and second interchangeable segments 402,404 are flexible
and include
different colors, text, textures (e.g., raised portions), shapes and designs.
While the
interchangeable segments 402,404 shown in FIG. 4 may include silicone, the
interchangeable segments of other embodiments may include cloth, rubber, wood,
metal,
ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, and plastic, among other illustrative
materials.
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[00291 FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an apparatus that includes a
multiple
interchangeable segments coupled to one another using magnets or other
fasteners. One
of the interchangeable segments may include a timepiece. More particularly,
the
apparatus 500 includes a watchband interchangeable segment 502 and a watch
interchangeable segment 504. The watch interchangeable segment 504 may
comprise or
be attached to a timepiece (not shown). The one or more connectors 506, 508
may be
embedded or otherwise attached to the watch interchangeable segment 504.
Illustrative
connectors include at least one of: magnets, clasps, hook-and-eye fasteners,
snaps,
buttons, ferrite, screws, Velcro', bolts, twist ties, cable ties, hook-and-
loop fasteners,
nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end fasteners,
string, tape, and
other known fasteners. Either or both of the watchband interchangeable segment
502 and
the watch interchangeable segment 504 comprise a flexible material, and may
include
cloth, rubber, wood, metal, ferrite, stone, crystal, leather, rope, and
plastic, among other
illustrative materials.
[00301 The connectors 506, 508 may couple to connectors 510,512 of the
watchband
interchangeable segment 502. In another embodiment, an end of first and second
interchangeable segments may couple to opposing sides of a central
interchangeable
segment. The watchband interchangeable segment may include additional
connectors
514-521 used to adjust the length of the watchband interchangeable segment.
For
instance, the connectors 519 and 520 may be collapsed, or placed in close
proximity, to
one or more of the connectors 510, 518 to shorten the effective or perceived
length of the
watchband interchangeable segment 502. As such, the watchband interchangeable
segment 504 may include deformations 522-527, such as slits, grooves,
perforations or
apertures. The deformations 522-527 may allow the watchband interchangeable
segment
502 to stretch, contract, fold, overlap, or otherwise deform to allow the
connectors to be
in contact with one another. Either of the watchband interchangeable segment
502 and a
watch interchangeable segment 504 may be interchangeable with other watchband
interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable segments having
different design
features.
[00311 FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 600 that includes a
watch
interchangeable segment 602 coupled to one or more interchangeable segments
604, 606.
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The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include a timepiece. Another
embodiment
may include a watch interchangeable segment coupled to opposing ends of a
single
interchangeable segment. The watch interchangeable segment 602 may include
connectors 608, 610 that couple to corresponding connectors 612, 614. The
watch
interchangeable segment may include metal or magnetized surfaces to facilitate
attachment to the connectors 612, 614.
[0032] Additional connectors (not shown) may couple to connectors 612, 614
to shorten
the effective length of the one or more interchangeable segments 604, 606, as
described
herein. Illustrative connectors include at least one of: magnets, clasps, hook-
and-eye
fasteners, snaps, ferrite, buttons, screws, Velcro, bolts, twist ties, cable
ties, hook-and-
loop fasteners, nails, interlocking joints, twisting caps, male and female end
fasteners,
string, tape, and other known fasteners. Either or both of the watch
interchangeable
segment 602 and the interchangeable segments 604, 606 comprise a flexible
material, and
may include cloth, rubber, wood, metal, stone, crystal, ferrite, leather,
rope, and plastic,
among other illustrative materials. Either of the watch interchangeable
segment 602 and
the one or more interchangeable segments 604, 606 may be interchangeable with
other
watchband interchangeable segments and/or watch interchangeable segments
having
different design features.
[0033] Those skilled in the art may make numerous uses and modifications
of and
departures from the specific apparatus and techniques disclosed herein without
departing
from the inventive concepts. For example, connectors may include multiple
prongs, or
finger extensions that narrow in relation to the width of another portion of
the
interchangeable segment. The prongs may include a magnet or other fastener at
the end.
Consequently, the disclosed embodiments should be construed as embracing each
and
every novel feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed
by the
apparatus and techniques disclosed herein and limited only by the scope of the
appended
claims, and equivalents thereof.
