Jewelry System

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of customizable jewelry articles, and in particular to jewelry articles such as necklaces, bracelets with interchangeable components.

In today's environment, wearers of jewelry want to customize their jewelry to suit the occasion, to provide an appropriate fit, look, and style or to otherwise express their individuality. Hence, there is a growing trend of customizing jewelry for fit and style. However, while there are a number of bracelets and necklaces that may be lengthened or shortened by moving the clasp to fasten to a different link in the bracelet or necklace, such arrangements do not provide a customized fit that looks fashionable and is functional at the same time. Similarly, while there are already on the market necklaces and bracelets to which charms may be clipped on/off, when desired, consumers are not always satisfied with the clip on look.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,178,942 discloses a jewelry clasp includes a female end component having a first push-button fastening means and a male end component that is releasably securable within the female end component. The male end component has a second push-button fastening means that engages a portion of the first push-button fastening means. The engaging portion of the first push-button fastening means is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. An ornamental component for jewelry that has an elongate member includes a housing, a channel passing through the housing, and a slot within the housing. The slot is substantially parallel to the channel and passes through a wall of the housing to the channel. A better design for customizable jewelry is desired.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a jewelry system is disclosed. The jewelry system may comprise a chain and a body. The chain has a first end and a second end. The chain may include a first aglet connected to the first end. The chain and first aglet are configured to be removable from a channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the channel. The body may include the channel extending therethrough, wherein the channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain. The channel includes an inner surface; and a lining disposed on the inner surface. The lining may be adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a jewelry system is disclosed. The jewelry system may comprise a chain and a body. The chain has a first end and a second end. The chain may include a plurality of links and a first aglet connected to the first end, wherein the chain and first aglet are configured to be removable from a first channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel. The body may include a first entrance port and a first exit port. The first entrance port may be disposed on a first side of the body. The first exit port may be disposed on a second side of the body, the first side opposing the second side. The first channel may extend from the first entrance port to the first exit port, wherein the first channel is configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain. The first channel may include a first inner surface and a first lining disposed on the first inner surface. The first lining may be adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the first channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the first channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a jewelry system is disclosed. The jewelry system may include a chain and a body. The chain may have a first end and a second end. The chain may include a plurality of links, a first aglet connected to the first end, a second aglet, and a stopper connected to the second aglet and to the second end of the chain. The stopper may be configured to have a stopper diameter that is a greater than a diameter of the first channel. The chain and first aglet may be configured to be removable from a first channel of a body and reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel. The body may include a first entrance port disposed on a first side of the body, a first exit port disposed on a second side of the body (the first side opposing the second side) and the first channel extending from the first entrance port to the first exit port. The first channel may be configured to slidingly receive the first aglet and the chain, and further configured to slidingly release the first aglet and the chain. The first channel may include a first inner surface, a first lining disposed on the first inner surface. The first lining may be adapted to: (a) hold a first segment of the chain is a first position in the first channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the first segment through the first channel, and (c) slidingly release the first segment when a pulling force on the chain exceeds a resistance threshold. The first lining may be is made of a rubber or elastic material adapted to grip one or more links.

These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Disclosed herein is a jewelry system.illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the jewelry system. The jewelry systemmay comprise a chainand a body.

The chain() has a first endand a second end. The chainmay include a first agletconnected to the first endof the chain. The chainand first agletare each configured to be removable from a first channelof the bodyand to be reinsertable into and threaded through the first channel. In an embodiment, the chainmay include a plurality of connected links.

illustrates an enlarged cross-section of the exemplary bodyof the jewelry systemof, shown without the exemplary chain, andillustrates an enlarged perspective view of the bodyof, also shown without the chain.illustrates an enlarged cross-section of the body(shown without the chain) of, taken along line-ofand viewed in the direction of the arrows.illustrates two segments(a-b) of the chaindisposed in the first channelshown in the cross-section of.

As shown in, the bodymay include a first entrance port, a first exit port, and the first channelextending from the first entrance portto the first exit port. In an embodiment, the first entrance portmay be disposed on a first sideof the body, and the first exit portdisposed on a second sideof the body. In an embodiment, the first sideof the bodymay be opposite to the second sideof the body. The first channelis configured to slidingly receive the first agletand the chain, and is configured to slidingly release the first agletand the chain. The bodymay be cylindrical, rectangular, circular, barrel shaped or any other appropriate or desirable shape. In an embodiment, the bodymay be made of a metal material or the like.

The first channelmay include a first inner surface(best seen in), and a first lining. The first liningmay be disposed on the first inner surface. In some embodiments like the one shown in, although not all embodiments, the first liningmay form a layer that extends the entire length of the first channel. The first liningis made of a rubber or elastic material adapted to grip the chain, or grip one or more linksof the chain. In some embodiments the first liningmay cover the entire first inner surface(e.g., in a layer) or may only cover portions of the first inner surface(e. g., the first liningmay comprise one or more patches, or dots of rubber or elastic material). The first liningis adapted to: (a) hold one or more segmentsof the chainin a generally stationary position in the first channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the one or more segmentsthrough the first channel, and (c) slidingly release one or more of the segmentswhen a pulling/tugging force on the chainexceeds a resistance threshold. The resistance threshold is the amount of force required to overcome the contact resistance (that holds the chain in a stationary position in the respective channel) between the first/second lining and the chain such that the chain moves in the direction of the force in the channel,.

illustrates two segments(-) of the chaindisposed in the first channel. As can be seen, the first channeland first liningare sized such that the material of the first liningclosely fits around both of the segmentsof the chainsuch that the material will grip and hold each of the segmentsof linksof the chainin a generally stationary position in the first channeland resist sliding movement of the one or more segmentsthrough the first channel. In embodiments in which the chainis comprised of connected links, the linksof the first segmentwhen pressed against the linksof the second segmentalso provide resistance to movement (in opposite directions) of the segments(-). However, when a pulling or tugging force on one or both segmentsexceeds a resistance threshold, the segmentswill slide in the direction pulled/tugged.

In some embodiments, the chainmay further include a second aglet, and a stopper. The second agletmay be connected directly or indirectly to the chain. The stopperis connected to the second agletand to the second end of the chain. In some embodiments, although not all embodiments, the stoppermay be disposed between the second agletand the second endof the chain(see). In the embodiment shown in, the stopperis an O-ring configured to catch against the first sideof the bodyand prevent the second agletfrom entering the first channel.

In use, the first agletmay be inserted into the first channelvia the first entrance port(). A user may thread the first agletthrough the first channelof the bodyby pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surface() of the first agletagainst the first lining() during movement through the first channel. In embodiments in which the first aglet() has a relatively smooth finish on the outer surface, the resistive force (also referred to as “contact resistance”) experienced by the first agletmay be less than the contact resistance experienced by the chain(from contact of the outer surfaceof the chainagainst the first lining()) when moving through the first channel, or more specifically the links(when moving through the first channel), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first lining() such that the first lining“grips” the links.

When the first agletis partially outside of the first exit port(), a user may exert a pulling force on the chainto pull the first agletand chainthrough first channelof the body. The first agletis then pulled until the portion of the chainon the second side() reaches a desired length and then the first agletis inserted into first entrance portof the first channeland pushed/pulled through the first channeluntil the first agletemerges from the first exit port.is a cross-section of the body, which shows two segments(a first portion of the plurality of linksforming a first segment, and a second portion of the plurality of linksforming a second segment) of the chaindisposed in the first channelafter the first aglethas been threaded through the first channeltwice. The chain() then forms a loop portionand two tail portions, where the circumference of the loop portionis configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions. The length of the loop portionand tail portionsof the chainare adjustable in the jewelry systemwithout use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of, it can be seen that one of the tail portionsis adjacent the first sideof the bodyand another tail portionis adjacent the second sideof the body. Said another way, in the embodiment of, the chainis configured to form a loop portionwhen the first aglethas been threaded in the same direction through the same channel twice, wherein the first segment() of the chainand the second segmentof the chainare disposed in the first channelin a generally parallel orientation when the chainforms the loop portionshown in.

The jewelry systemis customizable because the chainin the jewelry systemis configured to be interchangeable with other chainsand the bodyis configured to be interchangeable with other bodies, which provides the ability to easily convert between a necklace and bracelet, or from one style to another, by replacing the chainwith another or replacing the bodywith another. To change the look of the braceletshown in, the bodycan be removed from the chain, and replaced with a second body. To remove the first bodythe user pulls the chainin a direction to drag the first agletinto the first exit port, through the first channeland out the first entrance port. Similarly, the user then pulls the second agletto drag the chainthrough the first channel, and ultimately the first agletinto the first exit port, through the first channeland out of the first entrance port. The process to couple the second bodyto the chainis the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown inis a bracelet, it may be converted to a necklace by removing the chainand replacing it with a longer chain. Advantageously, the chainis interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry systemwith another chainwithout the use of a tool or fastener, and the body is interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry systemwith another bodywithout the use of a tool or fastener.

illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the jewelry systemconstructed in accordance with the present disclosure.is an enlarged cross-section of the bodyof the jewelry systemof, shown without the chain, taken along the lines-ofand viewed in the direction of the arrows. The embodiment ofis similar to that of, except that the body, as shown in, includes a second entrance port, a second exit portand a second channelextending from the second entrance portto the second exit port. In the embodiment shown in, the second entrance port() is disposed on the second sideof the bodyand the second exit portis disposed on the first sideof the body.

The second channel(see) includes a second inner surface, and a second liningdisposed on the second inner surface. Similar to the first lining, the second liningis adapted to (a) hold a second segment(see) of the chainin a generally stationary position in the second channel, (b) resist sliding movement of the second segmentthrough the second channel, and (c) slidingly release the second segmentwhen a pulling/tugging force on the chainexceeds a resistance threshold. The second channelis configured to slidingly receive and slidingly release the first agletand the chain. In the embodiment illustrated in, the first and second channels,may be disposed in a generally parallel orientation to each other in the body. Similar to the embodiment of, the chainmay further include the second aglet, and the stopper. In the embodiment of, the second agletmay be connected indirectly to the chainvia the stopper, which is configured to have a stopper diameter S () that is a greater than a diameter D () of the first channelso that the second agletis prevented from entering the first channel.

Similar to the exemplary embodiment of, in the embodiment illustrated inthe chainforms a loop portionand two tail portions, where the circumference of the loop portionis configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions. The length of the chainis also adjustable in the jewelry systemwithout use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of, it can be seen that one of the tail portionsis adjacent the first sideof the bodyand another tail portionis adjacent the first sideof the body, which is different than the embodiment of. Said another way, in the embodiment of, the chainis configured to form the loop portionwhen the first agletis been threaded in a first direction through the first channeland threaded in a second direction through the second channel, wherein the second direction is oriented opposite to the first direction.

In use, the first aglet() may be inserted into the first channel() via the first entrance port. A user may thread the first aglet() through the first channel() of the bodyby pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surface() of the first agletagainst the first lining() during movement through the first channel. Similar to that discussed for the embodiment of, the contact resistance experience by the first agletmay be less than that experienced by the chainwhen moving through the first channel, or more specifically that experience by the links(see) of the chain, which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first liningsuch that the first lining“grips” the links. When the first agletis partially outside of the first exit port(), a user may exert a pulling force on the chainto pull the first agletand chainthrough first channelof the body. The first agletis then pulled until the chainreaches a desired length and then the first agletis inserted into the second entrance portof the second channeland pushed through the second channeluntil the first agletemerges from the second exit port. The contact resistance experience by the first agletin the second channelmay be less than that experienced by the chainor by the links(see), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the second liningsuch that the second lining“grips” the links.

shows a first portion of the plurality of linksforming a first segmentof the chaindisposed in the first channel(of) after the first aglethas been threaded through the first channel, and a second portion of the plurality of linksforming the second segmentof the chaindisposed in the second channel(of) after the first aglethas been threaded through the second channel. As can be seen in, the first and second linings of this exemplary embodiment are each closely fitted to the respective segmentto provide contact resistance and hold the chainin a generally stationary position so that it does not slip through the respective channels unless a pulling/tugging force on the chain exceeds the resistance threshold.

The chainthen forms a loop portion() and two tail portions, where the circumference of the loop portionis configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of either of the tail portions. The length of the chainis adjustable in the jewelry systemwithout use of a tool or repositionable clasp. In the embodiment of, it can be seen that each tail portionis adjacent to the first sideof the body. Said another way, in the embodiment of, the chainis configured to form a loop portionwhen the first aglethas been threaded in a first direction through the first channeland in a second direction (opposite to the first) through the second channel.

To change the look of the necklaceshown in, the bodymay be removed from the chain, and replaced with a different body. To remove the bodythe user would pull the chainin a direction to drag the first agletinto the second exit port, through the second channeland out the second entrance port. Similarly, the user would then pull the second agletto drag the chainthrough the first channel, and ultimately the first agletinto the first exit port, through the first channeland out of the first entrance port. The process to couple the second bodyto the chainis the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown inis a necklace, it may be converted to a bracelet by removing the chainand replacing it with a shorter chain. As discussed earlier, the chainis interchangeable/replaceable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry systemwith a second chain, and the bodyis interchangeable/replaceable, without use of a tool or fastener, in the jewelry systemwith a second body.

illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of the jewelry systemconstructed in accordance with the present disclosure.is an enlarged cross-section of the bodyof the jewelry systemof, shown without the chain, taken along the line-ofand viewed in the direction of the arrows.is an enlarged perspective view of the bodyof the jewelry systemof, shown without the chain.is cross-section of the bodyof, taken along the line-and viewed in the direction of the arrows.also shows a segmentof the chaindisposed in the channelof the body.

As can be seen in, the embodiment ofis similar to that ofin so far as there is only one channelin the body, however unlike the embodiment of, only one segmentof the chainis disposed in the first channel(see). This third exemplary embodiment, is also different than the other two in so far as the second aglet() has been replace by a fastener, and the stopperis connected to the first aglet(instead of the second aglet). In this exemplary embodiment, second endof the chainis coupled to the bodyby a fastenerand the body includes a reciprocal fastener. In this exemplary embodiment, the reciprocal fasteneris ring mounted to extend from the outer surface of the bodyand the fasteneris a lobster clasp disposed on the second endof the chain. In other embodiments, other types of fastenersand reciprocal fastenersknown in the art may be used. In addition, the first agletis disposed between the first endof the chainand the body.

In the embodiment, shown in, the stoppermay be a pin-screwor the like. The pin-screwmay include a headconfigured to screw onto threads disposed on the outer surface of the first aglet. Alternatively, in other embodiments, such pin screwmay include a headand a threaded pin portion (not shown), wherein the threaded pin portion may be configured to screw into a threaded bore (not shown) in the first aglet. The stopperof the embodiment shown inis configured to have a stopper diameter S () that is a greater than a diameter D () of the first channelso that the first agletis prevented from entering the first channel. In this exemplary embodiment, the stopper diameter is the diameter of the head.

In use, second endof the chainmay be coupled to the bodyvia the fastener. The stoppermay be removed (if coupled to the aglet) from the first agletand the first agletmay be inserted into the first channelvia the first entrance port. A user may thread the first agletthrough the first channelof the bodyby pushing against the resistive force generated by contact of the outer surfaceof the first agletagainst the first liningduring movement through the first channel. Similar to that discussed for the embodiment of, the contact resistance experience by the first agletmay be less than that experienced by the chainor links(when moving through the first channel), which may be configured to catch into the relatively pliable surface of the first liningsuch that the first lining“grips” the chainor links. When the first agletis partially outside of the first exit port, a user may exert a pulling/tugging force on the first aglet/chainto pull the agletand chainthrough first channelof the body. The first agletis then pulled until the loop portion() of the chainreaches to a desired circumference and then the stopperis attached (e.g., screwed) to the first aglet.shows a first portion of the plurality of linksforming a segmentof the chaindisposed in the first channelafter the first agletis threaded through the first channel.

The chainforms a loop portionand tail portion. Similar to the other embodiments, the circumference of the loop portionis configured to be selectively adjustable by adjustment of a length of the tail portions. The length of the chainis adjustable in the jewelry systemwithout use of a tool. In the embodiment of, it can be seen that the tail portionis adjacent to the second side() of the body.

This embodiment of the jewelry systemis further customizable and is configured to have an interchangeable/replaceable chainand an interchangeable/replaceable body. To change the look of the necklaceshown in, the bodymay be removed from the chain, and replaced with a different body. To remove the bodythe user pulls the chainin a direction to drag the first agletinto the first exit port, through the first channeland out the first entrance port. The user may uncoupled the fastenerfrom the reciprocal fasteneron the bodyand replace the body. The process to couple the second bodyto the chainis the same as discussed earlier with regard to the first body. Alternatively, while the embodiment shown inis a necklace, it may be converted to a bracelet by removing the chainand replacing it with a shorter chain. Advantageously, the chainis interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry systemwith a second chain, without use of a tool, and the bodyis interchangeable/replaceable in the jewelry systemwith a second body, without use of a tool.

In practice, the teachings of the present disclosure may find applicability in customizable jewelry. For example, the present disclosure may be beneficial to consumers that desire to customize their jewelry without having to use a tool or repositionable clasp to adjust the length of the chain, or to convert a piece from a necklace to a bracelet with the interchangeable chain component. In addition, the jewelry system disclosed herein allows users to not only adjust the length of the loop portion by adjusting the tail portion and vice versa, the jewelry system supports even more unique customization because the body may be selectively interchanged/replaced with another body to alter the focal point of the jewelry and by extension the look and style of the body, as well as the functional interaction of the component parts of the jewelry system, (e.g., changing how the chain is threaded by changing the body utilized (e.g., replacing the body of the first exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with the body of the second embodiment.) Similarly, the interchangeable chain may be replaced with another chain that is of a different material, color or style to alter the look of the piece without requiring a tool to detach the body from one chain and attach to another.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed jewelry system without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.