MULTI-TRACK ARTICULATING NECKLACE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/652,604, filed May 28, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A necklace is formed with left, center, and right tracks of meshed tiles or “tile segments.” In one embodiment, the tiles are hexagonal and the pattern of meshed tiles resembles a honeycomb. Each left tile is paired with a right tile, with two transverse linking bars connecting the left and right tiles. One of the linking bars connects upper sections of the left and right tiles, and passes through a transverse through hole (which may comprise multiple aligned holes if the center tiles are not solid) in a lower section of a center tile. The other of the linking bars connects lower sections of the same left and right tiles, and passes through a similar through hole in an upper section of a second center tile. This pattern continues along the necklace.

The through holes in the center tiles are larger than the linking bars that pass through them, at least in the direction that is in the plane of the tile. This allows the center tiles a limited amount of rotation with respect to each linking bar, in the plane of the tiles, sufficient to articulate the necklace into a loop. The center tiles may also have an unconstrained ability to pivot about the longitudinal direction of a linking bar, or this ability can be constrained to a given degree by use of non-circular linking bar profiles with a major axis larger than a height of the through holes.

In another aspect, a clasp mechanism of the necklace is formed with the general appearance of the meshed tiles. One side of the clasp mechanism has a center tile with a receiver for a spring clasp. The other side of the clasp has a spring clasp adapted to latch into the receiver, with one side of the spring clasp fixed to a center tile and the other side of the spring clasp fixed to a side tile. The necklace is unlatched by pressing the center and side tiles towards each other to compress the spring clasp.

The foregoing general description of the illustrative implementations and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Any values or dimensions illustrated in the accompanying graphs and figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all features may not be illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in front plan view, an embodiment articulated into a loop;

FIG. 2 shows, in front plan view, the embodiment of FIG. 1 articulated into a straight configuration;

FIG. 3A shows, in a front plan view, a section of the FIG. 1/2 embodiment articulated into a straight configuration, and including transverse linking bars that secure the tiles together;

FIG. 3B shows the section of FIG. 3A, with the tiles rotated in the plane of the tiles to articulate the section in an arc;

FIGS. 3C and 3D depict, respectively, back and front perspective views of part of the FIG. 3A section;

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate respectively in top plan, top perspective, side elevation, and end elevation views, a center tile of an embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show respectively in top perspective and end elevation views, a receiver side of a clasp mechanism of an embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows, in top plan view, a spring lock side of the clasp mechanism;

FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, a clasp safety arm of the clasp mechanism;

FIG. 8 shows, in back perspective view, an exploded view of the clasp mechanism; and

FIG. 9 shows, in back perspective view, a latched view of the clasp mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended to be a description of various, illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functionalities are described in connection with each illustrative embodiment; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functionalities.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in front plan view, a first necklace embodiment 100 articulated into a loop. FIG. 2 shows, in front plan view, necklace embodiment 100 articulated into a straight configuration, after disconnecting a receiver side 102 of a clasp mechanism from a spring latch side 104 of the clasp mechanism. Necklace embodiment 100 is constructed of left tile segments, center tile segments, and right tile segments, in this case shaped uniformly as hexagonal tile segments meshed in a beehive pattern. Some of the center tile segments are shown with gemstones mounted therein. Although the gemstones themselves are decorative, and a given embodiment need not have them, the particular inventive way in which tiles are joined allows for fairly low-profile tile designs with room for mounting gemstones that are not blocked from the rear.

FIG. 3A shows, in a front plan view, a section 300 of the FIG. 1/2 embodiment 100 articulated into a straight configuration, and including transverse linking bars that secure the tiles together. Section 300 consists of right tile segments 302a, b, c, center tile segments 304a, b, c, and left tile segments 306a, b, c, interconnected by transverse linking bars 308a-e. Center tile segments 304a-c have an optional, central open section for holding a gemstone.

Each left tile segment pairs with a right tile segment, e.g., 302a and 306a are paired. Tile segments 302a and 306a are connected by transverse linking bars 308a and 308b. The connection may be rigid, i.e, each linking bar may be soldered to each left and right tile segment. Alternately, the left and right tile segments may capture the ends of the linking bars without a rigid connection, e.g., by flaring an end of a linking bar after insertion into a tile segment. In some embodiments, the linking bars may attach to a tile segment without passing completely into it as shown.

Each pair of left and right tile segments meshes with two adjacent center tiles, e.g., tile pair 302a, 306a meshes with center tiles 304a, 304b. The assembly is held together by linking bars 308a and 308b, where center tile 304a is captured between tiles 302a and 306a by linking bar 308a and center tile 304b is captured between tiles 302a and 306a by linking bar 308b. This pattern repeats, i.e., a third linking bar 308c also captures center tile 304b, but between tiles 302b and 306b, which are connected by third linking bar 308c and also by a fourth linking bar 308d, which in turn captures center tile 304c.

Each linking bar passes through a transverse through hole in a center tile. In FIG. 3A, the center tiles are not solid at the locations of each through hole, thus the transverse through hole resembles two aligned through holes in opposing sides of the center tile. Nevertheless, the effect is the same as the portions of the through holes that limit angular articulation are at the opposing sides, and such a design is considered “a through hole.”

The particular way in which the linking bars capture the center tiles via the through holes allows a design range of rotation of each center tile with respect to each linking bar, as viewed normal to the face/front of the tiles. Such an articulation is shown in FIG. 3B, where tile section 300 has been articulated into an arc turning down and to the right. Note that in FIG. 3B, the sides of the through holes are contacting the sides of the linking bars, preventing further angular articulation of the center tiles.

The design range of rotation can be based on the number of tiles in the embodiment. For instance, with 90 center tiles, plus/minus 2 degrees of rotation of a center tile with respect to each linking bar allows the assembly to arc completely into a circle. Plus/minus 3 degrees would allow such an embodiment to be worn in more of an oval shape, with some center tiles arcing more than other center tiles.

FIGS. 3C and 3D depict, respectively, back and front perspective views of part of the FIG. 3A section 300, with jewels 320a and 320b mounted respectively in center tiles 304a and 304b. It can be appreciated, particularly from the back perspective view, that each center tile can also rotate about each linking bar that captures it, about the longitudinal axis of that linking bar. This allows for a second degree of motion of the necklace assembly, allowing the necklace to fall naturally around a wearer's neck and/or shoulders when worn. An alternative embodiment is further comprised of a third, twisting degree of motion along the necklace, depending on the up/down fit of the linking bars in the center tiles. The overall effect can be one of an undulating surface that conforms to the wearer.

FIGS. 4A-D illustrate respectively in top plan, top perspective, side elevation, and end elevation views, a center tile 400 of an embodiment. A mounted jewel 402 is shown in the top plan view of FIG. 4A, but is removed from the other views to better show the shape of center tile 400. One salient feature is a jewel mounting cavity 404 that passes between a front and a back side of tile 400. The cavity contains a beveled ledge that assists in holding a jewel in a proper position.

Below the beveled ledge, at a distance that prevents interference with a mounted jewel in cavity 404, two transverse through holes 406a, 406b pass through the sides of the tile 400. Particularly from the side elevation of FIG. 4C, it can be appreciated that through holes 406a and 406b are oblong. When a linking bar has a round cross section, those skilled in the art will appreciate how the oblong shape of 406a and 406b allow tile 400 to rotate, as viewed from the FIG. 4A view, with respect to each linking bar that captures that center tile.

Although not shown, each linking bar can also be oblong or rectangular in cross section instead of round, with a major dimension that prevents unlimited rotation of the center tile about the longitudinal axis of the linking bar. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various profiles of either the linking bars and/or the through holes may be designed to achieve a desired range of articulation in each of multiple degrees of freedom.

In one embodiment, the tiles are assembled by placing two linking bars in adjacent through holes of two adjacent center tiles, and then inserting the ends of the two linking bars into two side tiles and securing the linking bars to the side tiles. The “chain” is continued by placing another linking bar in the second through hole of one of the first two center tiles, and a fourth linking bar in an adjacent through hole of a third center tile, and then securing the third and fourth linking bars to a second pair of side tiles. This operation is repeated until a desired overall length is achieved.

Some embodiments may have an overall length such that no clasp mechanism is required, and it can just be lowered over the head. Other embodiments may have a clasp mechanism. A particular preferred clasp mechanism is shown in FIGS. 5A-9, and will now be described.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show respectively in top perspective and end elevation views, a receiver side 500 of a clasp mechanism. Clasp receiver side 500 appears from the top as four tiles—a left tile 502a, a back center tile 502b, a right tile 502c, and a front center tile 502d. The four tiles, however, are a monolithic piece with scribe lines to make them appear as four tiles. In the end face of tile 504b, a receiver aperture 504 is formed to accept a spring lock. In the bottom of tile 502a, a safety catch plate 506 is formed. Both will be explained further upon description of additional parts of the clasp mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows, in top plan view, a spring lock side 600 of the clasp mechanism. Clasp spring lock side 600 appears from the top (when assembled), as three tiles-a right tile 602a, a center tile 602b, and a left tile 602c. In reality, tiles 602b and 602c are rigidly connected, and tiles 602a and 602b connect to two arms of a spring lock 604 designed to engage with receiver aperture 504 of receiver side 500.

FIG. 7 shows, in perspective view, a clasp safety arm 700 of the clasp mechanism. Clasp safety arm 700 consists of an extended arm 702 with two hinge barrels 704a, 704b on a top side at one end of arm 702 and a catch 706 protruding on the top side near an opposite end of arm 702.

FIG. 8 shows, in back perspective view, an exploded view of a clasp mechanism comprising parts 500, 600, and 700. Although most features present in this view have already been described, hinge features 606a, 606b, and 606c are visible in this view on the underside of tile 602c. A hinge barrel 606b is located between two hinge end plates 606a and 606b, all three features having aligned bores, which also align after assembly with a bore in hinge barrels 704a, 704b of clasp safety arm 700.

FIG. 9 shows, in back perspective view, an assembled and latched view of the clasp mechanism shown in FIG. 8. Spring lock 604 (hidden lines) is inserted and locked into the receiver aperture (FIG. 5A/B) of receiver side 500, specifically tiles 502b and 502d. The clasp safety arm hinge barrels 704a,b are attached to the hinge features on the underside of tile 602c by a hinge pin (not visible), allowing arm 702 to swing against the underside of tile 502a and secure catch against feature 506.

To unlatch the clasp of FIG. 9, one first lifts arm 702 to disengage it from feature 706. One then pushes side tiles 602a and 602c towards each other, which compresses spring lock 604 to allow it to disengage and be pulled away from tile 502d.

Although not shown, tile 502b and 602b each have a through hole similar to those already described for “standard” center tiles, allowing them to be captured between “standard” side tiles by linking bars, such that the clasp mechanism is joined to the remainder of a necklace.

One embodiment has been described with uniform, hexagonal tiles. In an alternative embodiment, the center tiles could be hexagons and the side tiles could be trapezoids or otherwise truncated hexagons, creating a uniform edge of the necklace. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the tiles are polygons. In alternative embodiment at least some of the tiles are octagons. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the tiles are circles. In an alternative embodiment, the center tiles could be diamonds and left and right tiles could be triangles. In one embodiment, tile shapes are selected based on aesthetics with alternative shapes providing differing appearances. In an alternative embodiment, tile shapes are selected based on functionality, provide differing arrangements for linking bars, affecting the manufacturing process as well as the articulation. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, it is intended that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. That is, unless expressly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation.

Furthermore, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “proximate,” “minor variation,” and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10% or preferably 5% in certain embodiments, and any values therebetween.

All of the functionalities described in connection with one embodiment are intended to be applicable to the additional embodiments described, except where expressly stated or where the feature or function is incompatible with the additional embodiments. For example, where a given feature or function is expressly described in connection with one embodiment but not expressly mentioned in connection with an alternative embodiment, it should be understood that the inventor intended that that feature or function may be deployed, utilized or implemented in connection with the alternative embodiment unless the feature or function is incompatible with the alternative embodiment.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosures. Indeed, the novel methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosures. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosures.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosures. Indeed, the novel methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods, apparatuses and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosures. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosures.