CUSTOMIZABLE MULTI-COMPONENT NECKLACE AND CHAIN SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/732,150 filed on Jul. 19, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to jewelry devices and processes. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for customizable multi-component necklaces and chains.

BACKGROUND

Existing merchandise chains are often limited in customization options, often restricting users to a single design. The traditional chains are made from heavy or fragile materials and lack durability and user engagement. For example, many traditional chains are made from materials, such as wood, foam, or polystyrene, which are either too heavy, not durable enough for regular use or cannot be easily customized. As such, traditional merchandise does not engage users beyond the initial purchase.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides systems and methods for customizable multi-component necklaces and chains.

In some examples, a multi-component necklace is provided. The multi-component necklace includes a base, a trim removably coupled to the base, and a cover removably coupled to the trim.

Any single one or any combination of the following features may be used with the above embodiment. The base may include a heat-resistant material. The trim may include one or more trim connection points configured to removably couple to the base. The one or more trim connection points may include one or more protrusions such that the one or more trim connection points snap into the base. The cover may include one or more cover connection points configured to removably couple to the trim. The one or more cover connection points may include one or more protrusions such that the one or more cover connection points snap into the trim. The base may include one or more base connection points configured to receive the one or more trim connection points or the one or more cover connection points.

In other examples, a multi-component necklace is provided. The multi-component necklace includes a base, a first trim removably coupled to the base, a first cover removably coupled to the first trim, and a second trim removably coupled to the first cover.

Any single one or any combination of the following features may be used with the above embodiment. The second trim may be removably coupled to the first trim and disposed between the first trim and the first cover. The multi-component necklace may further include a second cover removably coupled to the second trim. The second trim may be disposed between the first cover and the second cover. The multi-component necklace may further include a third trim removably coupled to the second cover. The multi-component necklace may further include a third trim removably coupled to the second trim. The multi-component necklace may further include a third cover removably coupled to the second trim.

In still other examples, a method is provided. The method includes removably coupling a first trim to a base and removably coupling a first cover to the first trim.

Any single one or any combination of the following features may be used with the above embodiment. The method may further include removably coupling a second cover to the first cover. The method may further include removably coupling a second trim to the first cover, and removably coupling a second cover to the second trim or the first trim. The method may further include removably coupling a second trim to the first trim and the first cover such that the second trim is disposed between the first trim and the second cover. The second trim may include one or more trim connection points configured to removably couple the second trim to the first trim or the first cover, and the second cover may include one or more connection points configured to removably couple the second cover to the second trim or to the first trim.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example components of an example multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate exploded views of example configurations of a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example clip-based connection point assemblies for multi-component necklaces in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example magnet-based connection point assemblies for multi-component necklaces in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example mounting configuration using interlocking components of a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for assembling a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an example base for a multi-component necklace having wireless connection functionality in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 4, described below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

As described above, existing merchandise chains are often limited in customization options, often restricting users to a single design. The traditional chains are made from heavy or fragile materials and lack durability and user engagement. For example, many traditional chains are made from materials, such as wood, foam, or polystyrene, which are cither too heavy, not durable enough for regular use or cannot be easily customized. As such, traditional merchandise does not engage users beyond the initial purchase. Further, existing magnetic jewelry and LED-integrated jewelry do not offer the same level of modularity or customization.

The present disclosure provides a multi-component necklace that allows users to personalize their chains by easily changing the trim and cover components. The modular design of the multi-component necklace enables users to display their support for different events, causes, or teams by simply swapping out parts of the chain. The case of customization makes the system highly versatile and user-friendly. Further, the multi-component necklace offers a lightweight, durable solution with high-quality, heat-resistant plastics and modular components, allowing for easy customization and continuous user engagement. Additionally, the multi-component necklace may include wireless connection functionality, including quick response (QR) code integration, to enhance user interaction and engagement.

Multi-Component Necklace Structure

FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-component necklace 100 in accordance with this disclosure. The multi-component necklace 100 provides a highly-versatile and customizable accessory for users to, for example, express support for various teams, brands, entertainers, or causes. The multi-component necklace 100 includes three primary components: a base 110, a trim 120, and a cover 130, which can be easily assembled and disassembled to allow for personalization.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-component necklace 100 includes a base 110 removably coupled to a trim 120. The trim 120 is removably coupled to a cover 130. Alternatively, the cover 130 may be removably coupled to the base 110 as desired, such as in embodiments where the trim 120 is not used or where the cover 130 is disposed between the base 110 and the trim 120.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-component necklace 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, various components in FIG. 1 may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example components of a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates an example base 110, FIG. 2B illustrates an example trim 120, and FIG. 2C illustrates an example cover 130.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the base 110 includes a base body 202 having a first surface 204 and a second surface 206 opposing the first surface 204. The base body 202 may include sidewalls 208 along a perimeter of the base body 202. The sidewalls 208 may be configured to provide structural stability to the multi-component necklace 100 and, at least partially, support or secure the trim 120, the cover 130, or both when the multi-component necklace 100 is assembled.

The base body 202 includes one or more base connection points 210 configured to removably couple to the trim 120, the cover 130, or both. For example, the one or more base connection points 210 may be one or more protrusions, one or more apertures, one or more magnets, one or more hook and loop fasteners, or a combination thereof. Other suitable removable fastening systems, such as threaded fasteners and threaded inserts, are contemplated. The one or more base connection points 210 may be disposed on the first surface 204, the second surface 206, on surfaces of the sidewalls 208, or a combination thereof to achieve a desired design (functional or aesthetic). As shown in FIG. 2A, the one or more base connection points 210 are configured as one or more protrusions 214 and may align with one or more connection points of the trim 120, the cover 130, or both. The base 110 also includes a connection loop 216 configured to connect to a chain or other neck band to allow a user to wear the multi-component necklace 100.

The base 110 component serves as the foundational structure of the multi-component necklace 100. It may be designed to securely hold the other components in place. The base 110 may be typically made of heat-resistant materials, wear-resistant materials, or both, such as polymers, including fluoropolymers, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), nylon, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or other heat-resistant plastics. Additionally or alternatively, the base 110, the trim 120, the cover 130, or a combination thereof may include other suitable materials, such as metals and metal including aluminum, steel, brass, copper, titanium, silver, gold, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the base 110, the trim 120, the cover 130, or a combination thereof may include ceramics, resins, composites, or a combination thereof. These materials ensure durability and longevity of the base 110. The base 110 may vary in size, shape, and material based on the specific design requirements and may be selected based on application-specific performance or aesthetic requirements.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the trim 120 includes a trim body 222 having a first surface 224 and a second surface 226 opposing the first surface 224. The trim body 222 may include sidewalls 228 along a perimeter of the trim body 222. The sidewalls 228 may be configured to provide structural stability to the multi-component necklace 100 and, at least partially, support or secure the trim 120, the cover 130, or both when the multi-component necklace 100 is assembled. The trim body 222 of the trim 120 may include only the sidewalls 228 such that the first surface 224 and the second surface 226 are opposing ends of the sidewalls 228, creating an aperture or gap between the sidewalls 228 as shown. Alternatively, the trim body 222 may include one or more surfaces between the sidewalls 228 such that gaps between at least some of the sidewalls 228 are filled.

The trim body 222 includes one or more trim connection points 230 configured to removably couple to the base 110, the cover 130, or both. For example, the one or more trim connection points 230 may be one or more protrusions, one or more apertures, one or more magnets, one or more hook and loop fasteners, or a combination thereof. Other suitable removable fastening systems, such as threaded fasteners and threaded inserts, are contemplated. The one or more trim connection points 230 may be disposed on the first surface 224, the second surface 226, on surfaces of the sidewalls 228, or a combination thereof to achieve a desired design (functional or aesthetic). As shown in FIG. 2B, the one or more trim connection points 230 are configured as one or more apertures 232, which may align with one or more connection points of the base 110, the cover 130, or both.

The trim 120 component adds aesthetic value to the multi-component necklace 100 and snaps onto the base 110. The trim 120 may be customized in various colors and designs to match different themes or preferences. The trim 120 may be made from different materials, such as plastic or metal, and may include various textures and finishes.

As shown in FIG. 2C, cover 130 includes a cover body 242 having a first surface 244 and a second surface 246 opposing the first surface 244. The cover body 242 may include sidewalls 248 along a perimeter of the cover body 242. The sidewalls 248 may be configured to provide structural stability to the multi-component necklace 100 and, at least partially, support or secure the trim 120, the cover 130, or both when the multi-component necklace 100 is assembled.

The cover body 242 includes one or more cover connection points 250 configured to removably couple to the base 110, the trim 120, or both. For example, the one or more cover connection points 250 may be one or more protrusions, one or more apertures, one or more magnets, one or more hook and loop fasteners, or a combination thereof. Other suitable removable fastening systems, such as threaded fasteners and threaded inserts, are contemplated. The one or more cover connection points 250 may be disposed on the first surface 244, the second surface 246, on surfaces of the sidewalls 248, or a combination thereof to achieve a desired design (functional or aesthetic). As shown in FIG. 2C, the one or more cover connection points 250 are configured as one or more apertures 252 and one or more protrusions 254. For example, the one or more apertures 252 may align with the one or more protrusions 214 of the base 110 and the one or more protrusions 254 may align with the one or more apertures 232 of the trim 120 to assemble the multi-component necklace 100.

The cover 130 component serves as the outer layer of the multi-component necklace 100, providing the primary visual appeal and may include functional or decorative components, such as light sources including LED lighting. The cover 130 may be customized with logos, designs, or symbols representing different teams, brands, or causes. The cover 130 fits securely over the trim 120 and base 110. The cover 130 may be designed in different shapes, sizes, and materials, such as plastic, metal, or fabric, and may include additional decorative elements like embossing or engraving.

Although FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate example components 200, 240, and 280 of an example multi-component necklace, various changes may be made to FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, various components in FIGS. 2A-2C may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate exploded views of example multi-component necklaces in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded front view of the multi-component necklace 300A, FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded rear view of the multi-component necklace 300A, and FIGS. 3C-3G illustrate exploded views 300C-300G of different configurations of the multi-component necklace 300C-300G.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the multi-component necklace 300A may include the base 110 removably coupled to a first trim 320 which is removably coupled to a first cover 350. The first trim 320 is similarly configured to the trim 120 and the first cover 350 is similarly configured to the cover 130.

The base 110 includes the one or more base connection points 210 configured as the one or more protrusions 214 (shown disposed on the first surface 204 of the base body 202) configured to secure the base 110 to other components of the multi-component necklace 300A. The first trim 320 includes the one or more trim connection points 230 (shown disposed on an inner surface of the sidewalls 228 of the first cover 350. For example, the one or more trim connection points 230 are shown configured as the one or more apertures 232 to receive one or more protrusions (such as from the first cover 350). This allows the first trim 320 to be secured onto and removably coupled to the first cover 350. The first cover 350 includes the one or more cover connection points 250 configured as both the one or more apertures 252 and the one or more protrusions 254 to secure the first cover 350 to the first trim 320 and the base 110, for example, by aligning the one or more apertures 252 with the one or more protrusions 214 of the base 110 and the one or more protrusions 254 to the one or more apertures 232 of the first trim 320.

Alternatively, the first cover 350 may be configured to couple directly to the base 110 and the first trim 320 may be configured to couple to the first cover 350 such that the first cover 350 is between the base 110 and the first trim 320 for the multi-component necklace 300C as shown in FIG. 3C. To do so, for example, the first cover 350 may include one or more cover connection points 250 on the first surface 244 and the second surface 246 of the cover body 242. For example, the first surface 244 may include the one or more apertures 252 to removably couple to the base 110 and the second surface 246 may include the one or more protrusions 254 to removably couple to the first trim 320 or vice versa.

Although the multi-component necklace 300A and the multi-component necklace 300C includes only one each of the base 110, the first trim 320, and the first cover 350, other configurations are contemplated, such as configurations with multiple iterations of the first trim 320 and the first cover 350.

As shown in FIGS. 3C-3G, the multi-component necklace 300D may include a second iteration of the trim 120 and the cover 130 by having the second trim 330 and the second cover 360 in addition to the first trim 320 and the first cover 350 as shown in FIG. 3D. Similarly, a third iteration (a third trim 340 and a third cover 370) may be included in the multi-component necklace 300E as shown in FIG. 3E. Each of the second trim 330, the third trim 340, the second cover 360, and the third cover 370 may be configured similarly to the trim 120 and the cover 130, respectively, with desired configurations of the respective one or more trim connection points 230 and the one or more cover connection points 250 for each component to achieve a desired design.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3F, the multi-component necklace 300F may include a different arrangement of components, such as iterations of the trim 120 being removably coupled together or iterations of the cover 130 being removably coupled together. For example, the base 110 may be removably coupled to the first trim 320 and, in turn, the first trim 320 may be removably coupled to the second trim 330 where the second trim 330 is removably coupled to the first cover 350. Additionally, cover components may be removably coupled to each other, such as the first cover 350 and the second cover 360. Component iterations may be designed as desired.

Further, each of the base 110, the trim 120, and the cover 130 may be sub-components or components intended to collectively create a larger component as shown in FIG. 3G. For example, the multi-component necklace 300G may include a second cover 362 and a third cover 372 configured to removably couple to the second trim 330. The second cover 362 may form a first portion of a cover and the third cover 372 may form a second portion of the cover. As such, two or more covers may be removably coupled to a single trim. Each trim 120 may be similarly configured, for example, by having trim sub-components.

Although FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate exploded views of example multi-component necklaces, various changes may be made to FIGS. 3A-3G. For example, the multi-component necklace may include multiple iterations of the base in addition to multiple iterations of the other components to provide added stability. Additionally, various components in FIGS. 3A-3G may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example clip-based connection point assemblies for multi-component necklaces in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates an interlocking connection point assembly 400A, FIG. 4B illustrates an interlocking connection point assembly 400B, and FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded view of the interlocking connection point assembly 400A. The interlocking connection point assembly 400A and the interlocking connection point assembly 400B may be used as part of the multi-component necklace 100 of FIGS. 1-2C and the multi-component necklace 300 of FIGS. 3A-3G, for example, as the one or more connection points.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the interlocking connection point assembly 400A includes an interlocking base 410 having a cavity 412 and a lower clip mount 414. A first interlocking trim 420 includes an upper clip mount 422 and may be coupled to a second interlocking trim 430 and an interlocked cover 450. The lower clip mount 414 and the upper clip mount 422 are configured to interlock with one or more clips 440 by, for example, fitting the lower clip mount 414 to a first portion of the one or more clips 440 and the upper clip mount 422 to a second portion of the upper clip mount 422. The one or more clips 440 secures and removably couples the interlocking base 410 to the first interlocking trim 420. The second interlocking trim 430 and the interlocked cover 450 may then be subsequently secured to the interlocking base 410 and the first interlocking trim 420 by interlocking portions 432, 452 of the second interlocking trim 430 and the interlocked cover 450, respectively.

Additionally, the one or more clips may be formed integrally with one or more of the components. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the one or more trim clips 460 are integrally formed with, or not removably coupled to, the first interlocking trim 470. As such, the first interlocking trim 470 may have a mounting portion 472 that allows for the one or more trim clips 460 to rotate until the one or more trim clips 460 are removably coupled to the lower clip mount 414 of the interlocking base 410.

Although FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example clip-based connection point assemblies for multi-component necklaces, various changes may be made to FIGS. 4A-4C. For example, the multi-component necklace may include multiple iterations of the base in addition to multiple iterations of the other components to provide added stability. Additionally, various components in FIGS. 4A-4C may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example magnet-based connection point assembly 500A for multi-component necklaces in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates a base 510, and FIG. 5B illustrates a trim 520. The base 510 and the trim 520 are configured similarly to the base 110 and the trim 120 of FIGS. 1-2C, except as otherwise described.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the magnet-based connection point assembly 500A includes the base 510 having one or more base magnet cavities 512. The one or more base magnet cavities 512 may be disposed on the first surface 204 and configured to secure one or more magnets 514. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more base magnet cavities 512 may be disposed on any surface of the base 510, such as the sidewalls 208. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, the trim 520 includes one or more trim magnet cavities 522 configured to secure one or more magnets 524 that are oppositely polarized from the one or more magnets 514 of the base 510 such that the one or more magnets 524 and the one or more magnets 514 secure the trim 520 and the base 510. Although not shown, one or more covers may also include one or more magnet cavities with one or more magnets that removably couple the one or more covers to the base 510, the trim 520, or both.

Although FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example magnet-based connection point assembly for multi-component necklaces, various changes may be made to FIGS. 5A-5B. For example, the multi-component necklace may include multiple iterations of the base in addition to multiple iterations of the other components to provide added stability. Additionally, various components in FIGS. 5A-5B may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example mounting configuration using interlocking components of a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded view of a multi-component necklace 602 having an interlocking magnetic connection point assembly 600, FIG. 6B illustrates a base 610, FIG. 6C illustrates a trim 620, and FIG. 6D illustrates a first interlocking cover 630 and a second interlocking cover 640. The base 610, the trim 620, and the interlocking covers 630, 640 are configured similarly to the base 110, the trim 120, and the cover 130 of FIGS. 1-2C, except as otherwise described.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the multi-component necklace 602 includes the base 610 and the trim 620. The trim 620 removably couples the first interlocking cover 630 and the second interlocking cover one or more grooves 644 to the base 610. The base 610, as shown in FIG. 6B, includes one or more magnet cavities 612 configured to secure one or more magnets one or more magnets 614. Similarly, the trim 620, as shown in FIG. 6C, includes one or more magnet cavities 622 configured to secure one or more magnets 624 that are oppositely polarized from the one or more magnets one or more magnets 614 of the base 610 such that the trim 620 is removably coupled to the base 610. Additionally, the trim 620 includes one or more protrusions 626 that removably couple to (such as sliding into, snapping into, or are otherwise held in place by) grooves or indentions of the first interlocking cover 630, the second interlocking cover one or more grooves 644, or both.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the first interlocking cover 630 includes one or more protrusions 632 and one or more grooves 634. Similarly, the second interlocking cover 640 includes one or more protrusions 642 and one or more grooves 644. Each of the one or more protrusions 626 of the trim 620, the one or more protrusions 632, the one or more protrusions 642 are configured to removably couple to the one or more grooves 634 and the one or more grooves 644 such that, when assembled, the first interlocking cover 630 and the second interlocking cover one or more grooves 644 are secured and removably coupled to the base 610 using the trim 620.

Although FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example mounting configuration using interlocking components of a multi-component necklace, various changes may be made to FIGS. 6A-6D. For example, the multi-component necklace may include multiple iterations of the base in addition to multiple iterations of the other components to provide added stability. Additionally, various components in FIGS. 6A-6D may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 for assembling a multi-component necklace in accordance with this disclosure. For case of explanation, the method 700 of FIG. 7 is described using the multi-component necklaces 300A-300G of FIGS. 3A-3G. However, the method 700 may be used with any other suitable system and any other suitable multi-component necklace.

As shown in FIG. 7, removably coupling a first trim to a base at step 702. For example, the base 110 component is the first part to be positioned. The base 110 serves as the main the foundation for the other components of the multi-component necklace 100. The base 110 is aligned with the desired attachment points on the chain. The trim 120 component is then aligned with the base 110. The trim 120 is removably coupled, such as by snapping securely into place, on the base 110 using the one or more base connection points 210 and the one or more trim connection points 230, adding a layer of customization and aesthetic appeal.

The method 700 includes removably coupling a first cover to the first trim at step 704. For example, the cover 130 component is then attached to the base 110 and the trim 120. The cover 130 fits over both the base 110 and the trim 120 using the one or more cover connection points 250, which may optionally complete the assembly. The cover 130 provides the main visual representation and can be easily swapped out for different designs.

The method 700 further includes removably coupling one or more additional components to the base, the first trim, or the first cover at step 706. For example, a second cover 360 may be removably coupled to the first cover 350. Additionally, a second trim 330 may be removably coupled to the first cover 350, and a second cover 360 may be removably coupled to the second trim 330 or the first trim 320. Further, a second trim 330 may be removably coupled to the first trim 320 and the first cover 350 such that the second trim 330 is disposed between the first trim 320 and the second cover 360. Other configurations of the multi-component necklace 100 (such as those shown in FIGS. 3A-3G), including the third trim 340, the third cover 370, the second cover 362, and the third cover 372, may be achieved by removably coupling one or more iterations of the one or more additional components.

To customize the multi-component necklace 300, the trim 120 or cover 130 may be changed by unsnapping or otherwise uncoupling the current component from the base 110. For example, the cover 130 may be removed followed by the trim 120. New or additional iterations of the trim 120, the cover 130, or both may then be removably coupled to the base 110, such as by repeating steps 702 and 704 iteratively.

The method 700 allows for a multi-component chain that may be customized as desired, such as for different events with event-specific designs, where a user may incorporate event-specific iterations of the cover 130 and the trim 120 to customize the multi-component necklace 100 for different occasions, such as sporting events, charity events, or brand promotions. This modular design allows for easy updates and personalization. Additionally, the method 700 and the multi-component necklace 100 encourage ongoing engagement by continuously updating and personalizing the multi-component necklace 100 by acquiring new iterations of the cover 130 and the trim 120 as they become available. This ensures the multi-component necklace 100 remains relevant and engaging for the user.

Although FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a method 700 for assembling a multi-component necklace, various changes may be made to FIG. 7. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in FIG. 7 may overlap, occur in parallel, or occur any number of times.

Wireless Communication Functionality

FIG. 8 illustrates an example base 800 for a multi-component necklace having wireless communication functionality in accordance with this disclosure. The example base 800 is configured similarly to the base 110 of the multi-component necklace 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2A, except as otherwise described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the base 800 includes a wireless communication module 810 coupled to or embedded in the base 800 (such as in the cavity 412 of the interlocking base 410 of FIGS. 4A-4C). The wireless communication module 810 is configured to allow wireless connection functionality and may include passive wireless components or active wireless components. For example, the wireless communication module 810 may include passive optical codes, such as QR codes or barcodes, which may be scanned using an optical code reader to allow a user to engage with an application on a mobile device. Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless communication module 810 may include radio-frequency communication components to enable, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID) functionality.

For example, the wireless communication module 810 may be an RFID tag. The wireless communication module 810 may include at least one low-frequency RFID antenna configured to operate within a frequency range of about 30 kHz to about base 500 kHz, such as at about 125 kHz. The low-frequency RFID configuration may allow the wireless communication module 810 to transmit, in active configurations such as in near-field communication (NFC), and receive signals, including activation signals from an RFID reader, within about 50 cm or less, such as about 10 cm or less. For example, in NFC configurations, the wireless communication module 810 may be configured to operate at about 13.56 MHz to transmit and receive data signals. In other embodiments, the wireless communication module 810 may include at least one high-frequency RFID antenna configured to operate within a frequency range of about 3 MHz to about 30 MHz. The high-frequency RFID configuration may allow the wireless communication module 810 to transmit and receive signals within about 100 cm or less, such as about 50 cm or less. Other RFID configurations may also be used, such as ultra-high frequency RFID, and microwave RFID.

The wireless communication module 810 may then allow a user to interact with one or more applications on a mobile device to, for example, register the base 800, access exclusive digital content, or otherwise engage with a cause or organization.

Although FIG. 8 illustrates an example base 800 for a multi-component necklace, various changes may be made to FIG. 8. For example, various components in FIG. 8 may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

The present disclosure provides a multi-component necklace that offers personalization, case of use, and durability to promote ongoing engagement of users. Users can select different trims and covers to customize their multi-component necklace. This provides a unique way to express support for various teams, brands, or causes. The components are designed to removably couple (snap) together easily, allowing users to quickly assemble and disassemble the multi-component necklace without the need for special tools or skills. Made from high-quality, heat and wear-resistant plastics, the components are lightweight yet durable, ensuring the multi-component necklace can withstand regular use. By offering a variety of interchangeable components, the present disclosure encourages ongoing user engagement, allowing users to continuously update their multi-component necklace with new designs, keeping the product fresh and relevant. Further, the multi-component necklace of this disclosure may serve as personalized awards, such as for school functions, replacing traditional trophies and medals with customizable, event-specific designs. Additionally, the multi-component necklace of this disclosure may be used for corporate appreciation gifts, charity events, and brand promotions, providing a unique and memorable way to recognize achievements and support causes.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). The term “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

The description in the present disclosure should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism”, “module”, “device”, “unit”, “component”, “element”, “member”, “apparatus”, “machine”, “system”, “processor”, or “controller” within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.