ARTICLES OF JEWELRY

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/684,016, filed Aug. 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to articles of jewelry that provide a therapeutic benefit.

BACKGROUND

Articles of jewelry may be used for both aesthetic purposes and therapeutic purposes. For example, articles of jewelry may be used for providing a sense of calmness or familiarity to a user based on touch, haptic, or tactile feedback.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the techniques and information described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an article of jewelry is disclosed herein. An article of jewelry comprises a crown extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the crown includes a tunnel extending in a substantially rectangular pattern around an outer periphery of a top portion of the crown; and a band extending from the first end of the crown to the second end of the crown.

In some embodiments, an article of jewelry is disclosed herein. An article of jewelry comprises a crown including a body, the body extending from a first end to a second end, the body having one or more holes and a tunnel, wherein the one or more holes provide visibility into the tunnel.

In some embodiments, an article of jewelry is disclosed herein. An article of jewelry comprises a crown extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the crown includes: a body having one or more holes; and a tunnel extending continuously in a substantially rectangular pattern around an outer periphery of a top portion of the crown, wherein the tunnel includes a hollow interior; one or more objects, wherein the one or more objects are disposed within the tunnel and are configured to move within the tunnel; and a band interconnecting the first end of the crown and the second end of the crown, wherein the band includes one or more projections disposed on an interior surface of the band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrated only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of jewelry;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the article of jewelry of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative article of jewelry;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an alternative article of jewelry;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 8

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative article of jewelry;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the alternative article of jewelry of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an alternative article of jewelry;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative article of jewelry; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative article of jewelry.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

“A,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. All references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively relative to the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

In the discussion that follows, terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/−10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.

Additionally, the articles of jewelry are discussed with the standard of orientation being when worn by a user of the articles of jewelry.

FIG. 1 illustrates an article of jewelry 100. The article of jewelry 100 may include a material. The material may be silver, 14K gold, 18K gold, plastic, or the like. In some examples, the article of jewelry 100 may be formed of a material such as tourmaline, hematite, ceramic, stainless steel, or the like. In an example, the article of jewelry 100 may be casted as a singular article of jewelry in a casting process. In another example, the article of jewelry 100 may created using 3D modeling techniques. In some examples, portions of the article of jewelry 100 may be welded, machined, metal cut, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, the article of jewelry 100 may include a band 102 and a crown 104. The crown 104 may include a first end 104a (shown in FIG. 4) and a second end 104b (shown in FIG. 4). The crown 104 may comprise one or more holes 106 disposed around an entirety of a body 108 of the crown 104. For example, the one or more holes 106 may extend around an entirety of the body 108 of the crown 104 from the first end 104a to the second end 104b such that interior portions of the crown 104 are exposed to the external environment. Put another way, the one or more holes 106 may allow visibility into interior portions of the crown 104.

Referring to FIG. 3, the body 108 of the crown 104 may include a tunnel 110 and a chamber 112. The tunnel 110 may be a hollow portion of the body 108. The tunnel 110 may be disposed at a top portion of the body 108, opposite the band 102. The tunnel 110 may extend in a substantially rectangular pattern continuously along a perimeter of a top portion of the body 108 such that the tunnel 110 allows for movement of an object around the perimeter of the top portion of the body 108. The object, as further discussed herein, may be contained within the article of jewelry 100 and, for example, may be contained within body 108 of the crown 104 (e.g., such that it can move within the tunnel 110 and/or chamber 112). The walls of the tunnel 110 may surround and enclose the chamber 112. The chamber 112 may be recessed relative to a top portion of the tunnel 110. According to an alternative implementation, chamber 112 may include one or more flat surfaces such that it is not recessed relative to the top portion of the tunnel 110. The structure of the tunnel 110 may generally have an irregular shape. For example, the tunnel 110 may have a plurality of widths and a plurality of heights that can be measured between respective walls of the tunnel 110 as the tunnel 110 extends around the top portion of the body 108. The irregular shape of the tunnel 110 may cause an object located inside the tunnel to interact (e.g., collide) with the irregular shape(s) to generate tactile and/or audible feedback and resulting therapeutic effects. The tunnel 110 may include a first (exterior) wall 110a and a second (interior) wall 110b. The plurality of widths and plurality of heights form a plurality of diameters that may be measured along the tunnel 110 between the first wall 110a and the second wall 110b. For simplicity, the diameter of an inner portion of the tunnel 110 will be described with respect to an average of the diameters that can be measured along inner portions of the tunnel 110. For example, the average diameter 1100 may range between about 0.25 mm and about 10 mm. In another example, the diameter 1100 may range between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm. In another example, the diameter 1100 may range between about 0.7 mm and about 4.7 mm.

In an example, one or more objects 114 may be disposed within the tunnel 110. The one or more objects 114 may be, for example, stones, gems, or any other suitable item that produces sound when rattled around. The one or more objects 114 may be sized and/or shaped to fit within the tunnel 110 while creating a desired sound and/or tactile feedback resulting in a therapeutic benefit. In an example, the article of jewelry 100 is crafted with the one or more objects 114 positioned within the tunnel 110. For example, the article of jewelry 100 may be formed as a singular piece and the interior of the article of jewelry 100 may be laser cut or machined such that material is removed from interior portions of the article of jewelry 100 and only the one or more objects 114 remain. In other examples, the tunnel 110 may include a latch to allow for insertion or removal of the one or more objects 114. The dimensioning of the tunnel 110 may provide a desired frequency when the one or more objects 114 are disposed inside the tunnel 110 and the one or more objects 114 move within the tunnel 110. The desired frequency of the one or more objects 114 rattling within the tunnel 110 of the crown 104 may provide a desired therapeutic benefit such as calming or stress relief. For example, the frequency of the one or more objects 114 rattling within the tunnel may be greater than approximately 1 dB and less than approximately 50 dB. In another example, the frequency of the one or more objects 114 rattling within the tunnel may be greater than approximately 1 dB and less than approximately 30 dB. Additionally, the one or more holes 106 may provide visibility to the one or more objects 114 disposed within the tunnel 110. The one or more objects 114 may have a desired color or luminosity so as to provide additional therapeutic benefits such as focusing. The therapeutic benefit may be provided based on the touch, haptic, and/or tactile (generally referred to as haptic herein) feedback provided based on the contact between the article of jewelry 100 and a body part of a person wearing the article of jewelry 100. The haptic feedback may be provided based on the arrangement of components, connections, and material properties of the article of jewelry 100 as described herein.

In some examples, the one or more objects 114 may light up when colliding with an interior surface of the tunnel 110 (or chamber 112). For example, a lighting component (e.g., a light emitting diode) may be activated based on a force generated from an object 114 colliding with an interior surface of the tunnel 110. In some examples, the one or more objects 114 may generate a sound when colliding with an interior surface of the tunnel 110. For example, the sound may be generated based on the colliding force from an object 114 colliding with an interior surface of the tunnel 110 and/or their respective material properties. In other examples, an interior surface of the tunnel 110 may include one or more portions that hold the one or more objects 114 in place (i.e., via magnetism, hooks, or the like). The one or more portions configured to hold the one or more objects 114 in place may release the one or more objects 114 when a sufficient movement or force is applied to dislodge the one or more objects 114 from the one or more portions configured to hold the one or more objects 114.

In some examples, the tunnel 110 may be filled such that it is not hollow and may not contain any objects 114. In some examples, the crown 104 may not have any holes 106, and the one or more objects 114 may not be visible within the tunnel 110. In some examples, the tunnel 110 may extend in a substantially ovular pattern continuously along the perimeter of the top portion of the body 108. In some examples, the tunnel 110 may extend in a desired pattern continuously along the perimeter of the top portion of the body 108 so as to provide a desired frequency or movement of an object disposed within the tunnel 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the article of jewelry 100 showing the band 102 interconnecting the respective ends 104a, 104b of the crown 104. The band 102 may be comprised of a first material. The first material may be, for example, gold, silver, aluminum, or any other suitable material which can be molded and worn. The crown 104 may be comprised of a second material. The second material may be, for example, gold, silver, aluminum, or any other suitable material which can be molded and worn. The first material of the band 102 and the second material of the crown 104 may be the same material. In other examples, the first material of the band 102 may be different from the second material of the crown 104.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an alternative article of jewelry 500. The article of jewelry 500 may be the same or have a similar shape and/or function in comparison to other articles of jewelry (e.g., article of jewelry 100) except as shown and described herein. The article of jewelry 500 may include a band 502 and a setting 504. In an example, the band 502 may be comprised of a plurality of bands. In such an example, the band 502 may include a first band 502a, a second band 502b, and a third band 502c. The setting 504 may be coupled or otherwise attached to the band 502. The setting 504 may have a generally irregular shape. The setting 504 may include an opening 506 disposed opposite the band 502. In some examples, the band 502 may be a singular band.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an alternative article of jewelry 800. The article of jewelry 800 may be the same or have a similar shape and/or function in comparison to other articles of jewelry (e.g., article of jewelry 100) except as shown and described herein. The article of jewelry 800 may include a band 802. The band 802 may include a flange 804. The flange 804 may include a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface 805a. The flange 804 may include a first end forming a first shoulder 806a. The flange 804 may include a second end forming a second shoulder 806b. The shoulders 806a and 806b may extend past an outer periphery of the band 802. The flange 804 may include a plurality of divots 808. The plurality of divots 808 may be disposed on the first surface 805a. The plurality of divots 808 may be disposed on the first surface 805b. The plurality of divots 808 may be recessed portions of the flange 804. In some examples, the divots 808 may removably receive an object therein.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an alternative article of jewelry 1000. The article of jewelry 500 may be the same or have a similar shape and/or function in comparison to other articles of jewelry (e.g., article of jewelry 100) except as shown and described herein. Where similar, like reference numerals are used. The article of jewelry 1000 includes a band 1002, a crown 1004, and a body 1008 of the crown 1004. The body 1008 of the crown 1004 may include a tunnel 1010 and a chamber 1012. The tunnel 1010 may be a hollow portion of the body 1008. The tunnel 1010 may be disposed at a top portion of the body 1008, opposite the band 1002. The tunnel 1010 may extend in a substantially rectangular pattern continuously along a perimeter of a top portion of the body 1008 such that the tunnel 1010 allows for movement of an object around the perimeter of the top portion of the body 1008. The tunnel 1010 may surround and enclose the chamber 1012. The chamber 1012 may be recessed relative to a top portion of the tunnel 1010. The tunnel 1010 may include a first (exterior) wall 1010a and a second (interior) wall 1010b. The plurality of widths and plurality of heights form a plurality of diameters that may be measured along the tunnel 1010 between the first wall 1010a and the second wall 1010b.

The tunnel 1010 may have a width measured between the first wall 1010a and the second wall 1010b. In an example, a first width 1010_W1 of the tunnel 1010 may be measured between the first wall 1010a and the second wall 1010b for one or more sides of the tunnel 1010. The first width 1010_W1 may range between about 0.25 mm and about 10 mm. In another example, the first width 1010_W1 may range between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm. In another example, the first width 1010_W1 may range between about 0.7 mm and about 4.7 mm. In an example, a second width 1010_W2 of the tunnel 1010 may be measured between the first wall 1010a and the second wall 1010b for one or more other sides of the tunnel 1010. The second width 1010_W2 may range between about 0.25 mm and about 9 mm. In another example, the second width 1010_W2 may range between about 0.5 mm and about 6 mm. In another example, the first width 1010_W2 may range between about 0.7 mm and about 4 mm.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative article of jewelry 1400. The article of jewelry is substantially similar to article of jewelry 1000, except as noted below. The article of jewelry 1400 includes a tunnel 1410 and a chamber 1412. The structure of the tunnel 1410 may generally have a rectangular shape. The tunnel 1410 may include a first (exterior) wall 1410a and a second (interior) wall 1410b. The tunnel 1410 may have a width measured between the first wall 1410a and the second wall 1410b. In an example, a width 1410_W of the tunnel 1410 may be measured between the first wall 1410a and the second wall 1410b for one or more sides of the tunnel 1410. The width 1410_W may range between about 0.25 mm and about 10 mm. In another example, the width 1410_W may range between about 0.5 mm and about 7 mm. In another example, the width 1410_W may range between about 0.7 mm and about 4.7 mm. The one or more objects 114 may be disposed within the tunnel 1410 and may be sized or shaped to rattle within the tunnel 1410.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative article of jewelry 1500. The article of jewelry is substantially similar to article of jewelry 1400, except as noted below. The article of jewelry 1500 includes a chamber 1512 and a setting 1516 disposed within the chamber 1512. An object 1514 may be disposed within the setting 1516. The object 1514 may be free to move within the setting 1516. In some examples, the setting 1516 may be transparent or translucent. In other examples, the setting 1516 may be opaque.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative article of jewelry 1600. The article of jewelry is substantially similar to article of jewelry 1500, except as noted below. The article of jewelry 1600 includes a setting 1602 and one or more projections 1604. The setting 1602 may be disposed on the crown 1004. In an example, the setting 1602 may be configured to open and close to receive an object therein. In an example, the one or more projections 1604 may be disposed along the band 1002. In an example, the one or more projections 1604 includes a first projection 1604a, a second projection 1604b, and a third projection 1604c. In some examples, the one or more projections may include between 1 and 40 projections. The one or more projections 1604 may be dome shaped. In other examples, the one or more projections 1604 may be smooth, elliptical, ovular, or a bezel setting.

The one or more projections 1604 may be evenly positioned along the band 1002. In some examples, when more than one of the one or more projections 1604, the respective projections may be spaced apart between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm apart. In some examples, the one or more projections 1604 may be spaced apart by 0.5 mm. In some examples, the one or more projections 1604 are positioned along the band 1002 to apply pressure to an acupressure point of a finger of a wearer of the article of jewelry 1600. For example, the one or more projections 1604 may be positioned to apply pressure to the Pericardium 8 or Heart 7 acupressure points. In some examples, the one or more projections 1604 may be positioned along an interior portion of the body 1008. In examples, with at least two projections 1604, the projections 1604 may be positioned bilaterally along the band 1002 to provide symmetrical stimulation to a finger of a wearer.

The one or more projections 1604 may have a diameter ranging between about 1 mm and 12 mm. The one or more projections 1604 may have a diameter ranging between about 2 mm and 10 mm. The one or more projections 1604 may have a diameter ranging between about 4 mm and 8 mm. The one or more projections 1604 may have a total height ranging between about 0.5 mm and 7 mm. The one or more projections 1604 may have a total height ranging between about 1 mm and 5 mm. The one or more projections 1604 may have a total height ranging between about 2 mm and 4.5 mm. In some examples, the one or more projections 1604 may include additional inserts to provide a desired neurosensory stimulation.

In some examples, the one or more projections 1604 may be removable. For example, the one or more projections 1604 may be threaded so as to allow the one or more projections 1604 to be screwed onto a corresponding portion of the band 1002 or a corresponding portion of the body. In other examples, the one or more projections 1604 may include texturing around an outer portion of the respective one or more projections 1604. The texture may provide a desired feel or sensation based on an intended therapeutic benefit. In other examples, the one or more projections 1604 may include magnetic inserts embedded within respective ones of the one or more projections 1604.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method of manufacturing an article of jewelry. The method 1700 involves a first step 1702 in which a shell for an article of jewelry is produced. In some examples, the shell may be 3D printed. In other examples, the shell may be welded, stamped, cut, or the like. At step 1704, the shell is machined such that a tunnel is formed within a crown of the article of jewelry. The tunnel is sized such that an object may fit therein, but does not allow the object to fall into a body of the article of jewelry. At step 1706, one or more objects are disposed within the tunnel. The one or more objects are disposed within the tunnel such that they may rattle within the tunnel and create a desired sound frequency. At step 1708, an outer periphery of the tunnel is welded shut such that the one or more objects may not freely exit the tunnel.

The articles of jewelry 100, 500, 800, 1000, 1400, 1500, and 1600 may be sized or shaped as desired to provide a desired therapeutic benefit based on haptic feedback. For example, the articles of jewelry 100, 500, 800, 1000, 1400, 1500, and 1600 may provide a calming sensation to a user of the article of jewelry. As another example, the articles of jewelry 100, 500, 800, 1000, 1400, 1500, and 1600 may reduce stress, assist with dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and assist with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

The description of the disclosure provided herein is intended to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles disclosed herein may be applied to other variations of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the article of jewelry may be scaled up or down to fit the user. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the applicable legal principles.