DEVICE AND METHOD

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/671,833 entitled, “DEVICE AND METHOD,” filed Jul. 16, 2024. The entire contents and disclosures of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wearable accessories, and more particularly to customizable jewelry systems. Specifically, the invention pertains to jewelry that allows the wearer to modify its visual appearance through the use of interchangeable, non-dangling visual elements that are securely and seamlessly integrated into the structure of the jewelry. The invention addresses the need for aesthetic flexibility without compromising comfort, durability, or suitability for physical activity.

Background of the Invention

Jewelry has long served as a medium for self-expression, cultural symbolism, and aesthetic enhancement. However, conventional designs typically fall into one of two categories: static imagery or modular adornment with charms. Both have inherent limitations that restrict their adaptability, comfort, and practicality, especially for active or sporty lifestyles.

Most jewelry features static imagery, such as engraved symbols, embossed patterns, or inset stones, which are permanently affixed and unchangeable. While these designs may hold personal meaning or artistic appeal, they offer little room for customization or adaptability. Wearers seeking to change the message, mood, or appearance of their jewelry must purchase entirely new pieces thereby limiting expressive flexibility and increasing cost over time.

Alternatively, charm-based jewelry, such as bracelets or necklaces with hanging pendants, offer some level of personalization. Yet this modularity often comes with practical trade-offs such as physical interference including, for instance, dangling charms that can jangle noisily, get caught on clothing or gear, and/or cause discomfort during physical activity or sports. Their movement may distract or even pose a safety risk in active environments. In some cases, due to affixation difficulties, many charms require fine motor skills and special tools or clasps to attach or remove. This makes reconfiguration cumbersome, especially for users with limited dexterity or time constraints. In other cases, charms may increase bulk and imbalance as more charms are added. The jewelry can become bulky and unevenly weighted, leading to discomfort or aesthetic imbalance.

Modern consumers, particularly those who live active, on-the-go lifestyles, demand accessories that are versatile, lightweight, and non-intrusive. Traditional charm jewelry often fails to meet these needs, leaving a gap in the market for designs that combine personalization with functionality.

Together, these limitations reflect a broader market gap, i.e., the lack of expressive, customizable jewelry that is also streamlined, stable, and suitable for motion-heavy environments. To address these issues, there is a need for an innovative jewelry system that: maintains a sleek, low-profile form without noisy or protruding components; allows rapid and intuitive customization of visual elements, such as images, colors, or symbols; is secure and comfortable during sports, movement, or daily activity; and eliminates the need for complicated tools or mechanisms for reconfiguration. Such a system could leverage modern materials, magnetic or snap-in mechanisms, embedded digital displays, or other modular yet non-intrusive components. This would allow users to personalize their jewelry on the fly without sacrificing function, comfort, or style.

SUMMARY

According to first broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a customizable jewelry system, comprising: a wearable base unit configured to be worn on a body part of a user; a modular display region disposed on the wearable base unit; and at least one interchangeable visual element removably attachable to the modular display region, wherein the visual element is secured without dangling or protruding from the surface of the base unit, and wherein the visual element is configured to be manually attached or removed by a user without the use of tools.

According to a second broad aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of displaying a lifestyle in a customizable jewelry system, comprising: affixing at least one interchangeable visual element removably attachable to a modular display region of a wearable base unit configured to be worn on a body part of a user; securing the visual element without dangling or protruding from a surface of the base unit, and configuring the visual element to be manually attached or removed by a user without the use of tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracelet having interchangeable visual elements according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the clasp system beginning to open the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates disconnecting the clasp system and an initial opening of the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a full opening of the bracelet of FIG. 1 upon disconnecting the clasp system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an initial pivoting of a clasp retaining surface to create an opening to remove or insert one or more interchangeable visual elements disposed in the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a continually pivoting of a clasp retaining surface to create an opening to remove or insert one or more interchangeable visual elements disposed in the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a final pivoting of a clasp retaining surface to create an opening to remove or insert one or more interchangeable visual elements disposed in the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an initial removal of an interchangeable visual element from the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a continued removal of an interchangeable visual element from the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interchangeable visual element fully removed from the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary necklace for receiving an interchangeable visual element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below, unless specifically indicated.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of any subject matter claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. 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 clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “include”, “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “comprising”, the term “having”, the term “including,” and variations of these words are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

For purposes of the present disclosure, directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” etc., are used merely for convenience in describing the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be oriented in various ways. For example, the diagrams, apparatuses, etc., shown in the drawing figures may be flipped over, rotated by 90° in any direction, reversed, etc.

For purposes of the present disclosure, a value or property is “based” on a particular value, property, the satisfaction of a condition, or other factor, if that value is derived by performing a mathematical calculation or logical decision using that value, property or other factor.

For purposes of the present disclosure, it should be noted that to provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about.” It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “clasp” refers to a device with interlocking parts used for fastening things together. In some embodiments, a clasp may including a fastening mechanism used to secure two ends of an item together, such as in in jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and watches. Its main purpose is to hold the item in place while allowing it to be easily opened and closed by the wearer.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “ergonomic” refers to equipment design intended to maximize comfortable and secure wearability in the lifestyles being depicted. Additional aspects include designing and arranging receptacles and tiles for use so that the wearer and pieces interact most efficiently, securely, safely and comfortably in their lifestyle environment.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “image” refers to a representation of the external form of a person or thing in art.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “lifestyle” refers the way in which a person or group lives. A lifestyle may encompass the overall way a person or group lives, including their habits, behaviors, attitudes, values, and choices. It reflects their personal identity and how they choose to interact with the world, encompassing various aspects like work, leisure, social interactions, and consumption patterns for example.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “motif” refers a pattern or design.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “picture” refers to a design or representation made by various means (such as painting, drawing, or photography).

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “receptacle” refers to an item of jewelry (including options such as but not limited to bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, watches, etc.) or other personal and commercial items (such as but not limited to keychains, eyeglasses, cell phone cases, beverage glasses, etc.) expressly designed to accept decorated lifestyle tiles and permit those tiles to be inserted and removed.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “system” refers to receptacles and tiles expressly designed to work together so that tiles can be inserted and removed from the receptacle so that the tile can be moved between receptacles at the wearer/user's discretion to best depict their lifestyles.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “tile” refers to a generally square, rectangular or other geometrically shaped ceramic, enamel, or similar material that has a border that is part of an overall design and/or made of metal to permit the easy insertion and removal of the aforementioned tiles into corresponding receptacles that are part of the disclosed system. Each tile contains a design applied through decal, metal work, painting, and/or other method of affixing a prescribed design. The designs reflect the lifestyle that the wearer intends to depict in the disclosed system.

Description

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure provides a system for representing lifestyles through decorated tiles that can be inserted into a system of jewelry and other items specifically designed to accept and display the lifestyle tiles. Thus, prescribed embodiments relate to representing lifestyles through a system permitting decorated tiles to be inserted into items made to receive those tiles including but not limited to jewelry (including options such as but not limited to bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, watches, anklets, etc.). The disclosed tiles could also be inserted into other personal and commercial items (such as but not limited to keychains, eyeglasses, cell phone cases, beverage glasses, etc.).

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracelet assembly 100 depicting a bracelet 102 having interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may include and be regarded as decorative lifestyle tiles that display a preferred depiction of a wearer's lifestyle. Such depictions may include pictures or images 110. Thus, the decoration on the lifestyle tiles will fashionably depict and reflect various lifestyles of which the wearer may be a part. For example, there may be groups of tiles for equestrians, pets, hobbyists, sailors, travelers, etc.

Interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may be mated with bracelet 102 as described below. Prescribed embodiments of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may include curved tiles having a formed geometrical shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, squared, oval, triangular, elliptical, or any other geometrical shape suitable for depictions and capable of mating with bracelet 102, as described below.

Bracelet 102 has an inner surface 118 which will generally contact a body part of a user when worn. Bracelet 102 has an outer surface 116. In a preferred embodiment, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) will generally lie flush with or below outer surface 116 of bracelet 102 when affixed, as described below.

Bracelet 102 may be separated into parts joined together, for example, by a hinge 112 to create a hinged assembly. FIG. 3 illustrates disconnecting the clasp system (as described below) and an initial opening of the bracelet of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a full opening of the bracelet of FIG. 1 upon disconnecting the clasp system (as described below) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, bracelet 102 is configured to pivot about hinge 112 from a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 1) to an open configuration (e.g., FIGS. 4-8) such as for receiving or releasing a user extremity including, for example, a wrist.

Each portion of the bracelet 102 may be securely fastened such as by a closing mechanism including, for example, a clasp 104. While one type of clasp 104 is depicted, for example in FIGS. 1-11, it is readily appreciated that any type of clasp may be utilized which is sufficient for acting as a fastening mechanism used to secure two ends of an item together and holding an item in place while allowing it to be easily opened and closed by a wearer.

Turning to FIGS. 2-3 and 11, clasp 104 may include a pivoting toggle 106 arranged with an insert 1102 to be received within a groove portion 304 of an extension 302 which is configured at one end 312 (first end) of bracelet 102. Insertion opening 308 may be configured at another end 310 (second end) of bracelet 102. When insert portion 306 is inserted into insertion opening 308, toggle 106 slightly pivots such that insert portion 306 is urged past insert 1102 such that insert 1102 rests in groove portion 304 in a joined assembly.

Insert portion 306 may be configured to abut against groove portion 304 when it is inserted into groove portion 304 to thereby prevent withdrawal of extension 302 from within insertion opening 308. Only when toggle 106 is pivoted to swing insert 1102 upwardly to remove it from groove portion 304 is extension 302 free to slide from within insertion opening 308 to thereby open clasp 104. Thus, extension 302 may be disconnected from insertion opening 308 as shown in FIG. 4.

Turning to FIG. 5, clasp 4 may be configured with a hinge 502 to allow an abutting and retaining surface 504 of clasp 104 to be pivoted away from end 312 of bracelet 102 thereby creating an opening 508. Once opening 508 is created, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11), may be slid into or out from retaining edges 114 and removed from bracelet 102, as described below.

FIG. 6 illustrates a continually pivoting of a clasp retaining surface 504 to create an opening to remove or insert one or more interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) disposed in bracelet 102.

Turning to FIG. 7, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may be disposed on an exterior surface 706 of bracelet 102. As depicted, this embodiment of exterior surface 706 is curved. It is noted that prescribed embodiments of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may include curved surfaces, for example, of tiles. Described embodiments may provide a configuration of the aforementioned curved surface design of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104, and 1106 corresponding to the curved exterior surface 706 of bracelet 102 such that they form a matched and mated configuration in a final assembly. Furthermore, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104, and 1106 may be configured to move smoothly along exterior surface 706 with respect to one another as they are inserted or removed within or from bracelet 102.

In one disclosed embodiment, retaining edges are formed along edges of bracelet 102. Retaining edges 114 may be configured to retain interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) within internal grooved surfaces, channels, or tracks 702 which may correspond to receive appropriately dimensioned edges 704 of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) inserted therein and resting on exterior surface 706 of bracelet 102. FIG. 7 illustrates a final pivoting of a clasp retaining surface 504 to create opening 508 to remove or insert one or more interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) disposed in bracelet 102.

Turning to FIG. 8, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) are initially removed from external surface 706 of bracelet 102 along internal grooved surfaces, channels, or tracks 702. Likewise, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may also be inserted on external surface 706 of bracelet 102 along internal grooved surfaces, channels, or tracks 702 in a reverse order.

FIG. 9 illustrates a continued removal of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) from bracelet 102. Again, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may also be inserted on external surface 706 of bracelet 102 along internal grooved surfaces, channels, or tracks 702 in a reverse order.

FIG. 10 illustrates full removal of interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) from the bracelet 102. Yet again, interchangeable visual elements 108, 120, 122, 1104 (FIG. 11), 1106 (FIG. 11) may also be inserted on external surface 706 of bracelet 102 along internal grooved surfaces, channels, or tracks 702 in a reverse order.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary necklace 1206 for receiving interchangeable visual elements (e.g., interchangeable visual element 108) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Front view 1200 depicts necklace 1206 having a window 1208 to display interchangeable visual element 108. Perspective view 1202 illustrates door 1210 opened for receiving interchangeable visual element 108 in an internal receptacle 1216 of main body portion 1222 necklace 1206. In one disclosed embodiment, integral magnets may be disposed within main body portion 1222 to retain door 1210 in a closed position, for example, as shown in front view 1200 and top view 1204. While magnets 1214 are depicted for retaining door 1210 in a closed position, it is readily appreciated that other retention means may be employed in a design of the disclosed necklace including clasps, string, hooks, snap-in mechanisms, embedded digital displays, or other modular yet non-intrusive components, etc., or other means for securely retaining door 1210 in a closed position against main body portion 1222.

Internal receptacle 1216 may be appropriately formed and dimensioned to receive correspondingly dimensioned and shaped interchangeable visual element 108. Corresponding ledges 1218 may be formed in internal receptacle 1216 to facilitate retaining interchangeable visual element 108 therein in a flush design. One or more eyelets 1220 may be formed on main body portion 1222, for example, as a small loop or ring. Disclosed embodiments or eyelets may include metal materials that serve as a connection or attachment points, such as for chains, rope, string, etc.

In accordance with disclosed embodiments, the present interchangeable visual elements (e.g., 108, 120, 122, 1104, 1106) may be represented as lifestyle tiles to form a lifestyle tile system. The lifestyle tile system permits a wearer to purchase items (e.g., jewelry, etc.) that can accept decorated tiles to display the wearer's lifestyle. For example, an individual might purchase a bracelet and multiple tiles that may be inserted into that bracelet. If the wearer does not want to wear the bracelet but still wants to display the tiles to show their lifestyle, they could remove the tile(s) from the bracelet and insert them into one of the other receptacles that are part of the system (such as into a necklace receptacle, a ring receptacle, a belt buckle receptacle, earring receptacles, anklets, watch receptacles, etc.). The decoration on the tiles will fashionably depict and reflect various lifestyles of which the wearer may be a part. For example, there may be groups of tiles for equestrians, pets, hobbyist, sailors, travelers, etc.

Exemplary disclosed tiles and their receptacles are designed to be used in the lifestyle that they are representing. By way of example, the bracelet receptacle is an ergonomical solid oval design with a secure clasp that can easily be worn when riding a horse or sailing or travelling without risk of getting caught on something or losing tiles. The bracelet is preferably designed to accept tiles on the top of the bracelet; however, it is readily appreciated that some alternative designs may allow embodiments to permit tiles on the top and bottom of the bracelet as desired. The tiles are curved to easily insert into the fixed oval bracelet and the bracelet clasp is designed to securely contain the tiles and close the bracelet around the wearer's wrist. The necklace tile receptacle and watch band tile receptacle may be curved to accept a curved tile but are ergonomically designed with a flat back to permit the tile receptacle to rest squarely and comfortably against the wearer's body for comfort. The ring tile receptacle and earring tile receptacle are similarly designed to accept the curved tiles but to be comfortable for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention, the lifestyle tiles may be comprised of metal, ceramic, enamel, or similar material and have a border comprised of metal or as part of the design to permit the easy insertion and removal of tiles into the receptacles that are part of the system. Each disclosed tile may contain a design applied through decal, metalwork, painting, or other method of affixing the design. The designs reflect the lifestyle that the wearer intends to depict in the system. In addition, the wearable base unit for receiving the disclosed lifestyle tiles may be considered as a bracelet, necklace, watch, ring, earring, belt buckle, or anklet, for example, and may be made from a flexible, durable, or sport-compatible material. Thus, in some preferred embodiments, a border, base and back of the disclosed lifestyle tiles may comprise metal wherein a design picture for the lifestyle tile is on an industrial strength decal that adheres to the metal.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a system for representing lifestyles through decorated tiles that can be inserted into a system of jewelry and other items specifically designed to accept and display the lifestyle tiles.

The present disclosure also provides a system of products that work together to depict a lifestyle comprising one or more decorated tiles, and tile receptacles such as jewelry (for example, bracelet, necklace, watch, ring, etc.) or other personal or commercial items (for example, keychains, eyeglasses, cell phone cases, beverage glasses, etc). The wearer/user may insert a preferred tile, such as one depicting their beloved lifestyle, into the system of one or more receptacles designed to accept the aforementioned tile in a corresponding configuration. In some disclosed embodiments, a preferred tile may be configured as an electronic display configured to selectively render different visual designs. The electronic display may be controlled via a mobile application or onboard interface.

In addition, the present disclosure provides an opportunity for the tiles to be inserted into other personal and commercial items expressly designed with receptacles to accept the lifestyle tiles (for example, keychains, eyeglasses, cell phone cases, belt buckles, beverage glasses, shoes, fashion wear, clothing, helmets, horse bonnets, etc.).

Having described the many embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure, while illustrating many embodiments of the invention, are provided as non-limiting examples and are, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the various aspects so illustrated.

All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited in the present application are incorporated herein by reference.

While the present disclosure has been disclosed with references to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.