INVENTOR: Fredric Ellman and Steven Ellman

DOC NO. : 3471-104PCT

PCT PATENT APPLICATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application serial number 14/497,391, entitled "JEWELRY DISPLAY SYSTEM USING UNIVERSAL ACCESSORY BAR", filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 26, 2014, and also claims the benefit of provisional patent application entitled "Click Together Hold and Release

System for Creating Jewelry Items" (serial number

61/882,902) filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 26, 2013 the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to jewelry and more particularly to a jewelry display system using a universal accessory bar for enabling a user to selectively engage and disengage accessory bars to create, interchange and

transform decorative jewelry pieces for wear by a user. Description of the Related Art

Jewelry is most commonly marketed to consumers in a singular fixed form and completely lacks the ability to be creatively customized, stacked, mixed or matched. Whether it is a bracelet, necklace, ring, anklet or earring, a user cannot easily transform the piece without breaking it apart. Pre-made jewelry sold as part of a jewelry design kit is available, however these kits typically includes small, easy to lose pieces that do not interconnect

seamlessly or securely. Currently, there are no

alternatives for jewelry display systems, which combine the ability to creatively customize, interchange, mix and match accessories.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a jewelry display system using a universal accessory bar for enabling a user to selectively engage and disengage accessory bars to creatively

customize, interchange and seamlessly interconnect

decorative jewelry pieces. It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable linkable accessory bar having interconnecting means for matingly engaging more than one accessory bar together.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a body loop member connected to the interchangeable linkable accessory bar for securing the accessory bar to the body of the wearer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable linkable accessory bar capable of selectively illuminating. It is another object of the present invention to provide pre-printed decorative labels and jewels for attachment to the interchangeable linkable accessory bar.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable linkable accessory bar capable of being decoratively customized by the user using pre ^¬ printed labels, markers, glitter, paint, beads, jewels, or other various ornaments. It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable accessory bar capable of securely storing items therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present

invention, an interchangeable linkable accessory bar is provided having a housing element having at least one surface. The bar includes a decorative element mounted to the surface and means for interconnecting more than one accessory bar. The interconnecting means is substantially visually concealed when the bars are securely

interconnected .

The housing element may include a top surface, opposed side walls, opposed ends between the side walls, and a substantially curved bottom surface.

The interconnecting means may include at least one or more of the following, an outwardly extending protrusion affixed to and protruding outwardly from the housing element, and a receiving opening extending through the surface of the housing element. The receiving opening of one accessory bar provides a secure link with the

protrusion of another accessory bar to retain the

protrusion .

The interchangeable linkable accessory bar may include means coupled to the housing element for displaying the decorative element, means for removably storing items within the housing element, and means for illuminating the decorative element, wherein the illuminating means is stored within the housing element.

The decorative element may be an electronic display.

The interchangeable linkable accessory bar may include a body loop member having means for securing the member to the accessory bar.

The housing element may be secured to any of several different body loop members of jewelry from the group consisting of a ring, necklace, bracelet, anklet or

earring .

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a jewelry display system is provided including at least two

interchangeable linkable accessory bars. The accessory bars have a housing element having at least one surface, opposed openings within the element, and means for

interconnecting more than one bar together. The

interconnecting means is substantially visually concealed. At least one decorative element is mounted to the surface of the housing element. A body loop member has means for securing the member to the accessory bar. The securing means transversely connects through the opposed openings of the bar. The interconnecting means includes at least one or more of the following, an outwardly extending protrusion affixed to and protruding outwardly from the housing element, and a receiving opening extending through the surface of the housing element. The receiving opening of one accessory bar provides a secure link with the

protrusion of another accessory bar to retain the

protrusion .

The jewelry display system may include means coupled to the housing element for displaying the decorative element .

The jewelry display system may include means for removably storing items within the housing element.

The jewelry display system may include means for illuminating the decorative element, wherein the

illuminating means is stored within the housing element. The housing element may be secured to any of several different body loop members of jewelry from the group consisting of a ring, necklace, bracelet, anklet or

earring .

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a method for creating jewelry assemblies out of one or more

interchangeable linkable accessory bars for wear on a body is provided. The bars have a housing element and at least one interconnecting means coupled to the housing element, wherein the interconnecting means includes a male

protrusion and female opening. The steps include selecting more than one accessory bar, then arranging the accessory bars for dynamically creating a decorative element. Next, the user aligns the interconnecting means of each accessory bar and engages the accessory bars by inserting the

protrusion of one accessory bar into the opening of another accessory bar, such that each protrusion is inserted securely into an opening and each opening securely receives a protrusion. Finally, the user adorns the assembly by securing the body loop member to the body.

The method may further include removing the assembly from the body, disengaging the accessory bars, rearranging the accessory bars. Next, aligning the interconnecting means of each accessory bar, engaging the accessory bars by inserting the protrusion of one accessory bar within the opening of another accessory bar, such that each

protrusions is inserted into an opening and each opening receives a protrusion, and adorning the assembly by

securing the body loop member to the body. The method may further include storing items within the housing element.

The method may further include selectively

illuminating the decorative element.

The method may further include decorating the housing element using pre-printed labels, markers, glitter, paint, beads, jewels, or ornaments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may

hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a jewelry display system using a universal accessory bar as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a jewelry display system having a universal accessory bar, showing a body loop member as a beaded bracelet threaded therethrough in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. IB is a perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 1A; FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the bottom and opposed side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 1A; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the jewelry display system, showing an end bar and a wristband threaded therethrough in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bottom and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the bottom and opposed side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the end of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the bottom of a plurality of interconnected accessory bars in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B a perspective view of the top of a plurality of interconnected accessory bars in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bottom of a plurality of interconnected accessory bars, showing end bars in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the top of a

plurality of interconnected accessory bars, showing end bars in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the top of a pair of interconnected accessory bars, showing two end bars connected together in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the bottom of a pair of interconnected accessory bars, showing two end bars connected together in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar, showing a top surface for providing a label thereon in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic perspective view of the bottom and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the accessory bar of the third embodiment taken along lines 6C-6C of FIG. 6A; FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar, showing a top surface in the opened position for providing means for storing items within the housing element in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a diagrammatic perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 7A; FIG. 7C is a diagrammatic perspective view of the bottom and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 7A; FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar, showing the top surface in the closed position for securing stored items within the housing element in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the top and side of the accessory bar, showing a top surface having means for illuminating a decorative element in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a diagrammatic perspective view of the bottom and side of the accessory bar of the jewelry display system of FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the accessory bar of the fourth embodiment taken along lines 9C-9C of FIG. 9A.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a jewelry display system 10 having a universal interchangeable linkable accessory bar 12 for creating, interchanging and

transforming decorative jewelry pieces 14 for wear by a user. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the universal accessory bar 12 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bar 12 includes a substantially hollow housing element 16 having a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, opposed side walls 22A, 22B, and opposed ends 24A, 24B. In the preferred embodiment, the housing element 16 is

substantially rectangular when viewed from the top and curved to rest on the wrist when viewed from the side.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a decorative element 30 is mounted to the top surface 18 of the bar 12 and may include jewelry design, stones, characters, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, or variety of combinations thereof and the like.

A body loop member 70 secures to the housing element 16 at an opening 13. Preferably each opposed end 24A, 24B includes an opening 13, thus creating a passage through the housing element 16 to thread a body loop member 70

therethrough. The body loop member 70 may include, but is not limited to, an elastic band, chain, wire, string, lace or other like means whereby a finger, wrist, neck or ankle may be inserted therethrough for wear on the body. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the body loop member is a beaded bracelet 70, whereas in FIG. 2A the body loop member is a band 72, preferably made of silicon or rubber. In alternate embodiments, the body loop member may have additional means for attaching to the accessory bar 12 mounted thereto. The body loop member 70 is scaled in size, such that the user may adorn the jewelry piece 14 as a bracelet, necklace, ring, anklet or the like. The opposed side walls 22A, 22B include means for interconnecting more than one accessory bar 12. The interconnecting means is preferably an outwardly extending protrusion 32 or pair of protrusions substantially adjacent a receiving opening 34. The protrusions are preferably substantially round heads 35 coupled to the accessory bar by an outwardly extending neck 37. The protrusions 32A of the first side wall 22A are opposed the receiving opening 34B of the second side wall 22B, while the protrusions 32B of the second side wall 22B are opposed the receiving opening 34A of the first side wall 22A.

The protrusions 32 and openings 34 of each bar 12 are universally configured such that multiple accessory bars may be connected together, interchanged and mixed and matched to form unique designs combinations.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, a second embodiment of the accessory bar 12 is illustrated, wherein the accessory bar 12 is further defined as an end bar 12A. The end bars 12A provide a finished look to each jewelry piece 14. Each end bar 12 has one side wall substantially curved 22C free from protrusions 32 and openings 34. The end bars 12A are preferably positioned at the end of each combination of accessory bars 12, such that the side wall 22C provides a tailored finished edge to the jewelry piece 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, multiple bars 12 are

connected together to form the jewelry piece. The

protrusions 32 of one bar 12 are inserted into the

receiving openings 34 of another bar 12. The protrusions 32 and openings 34 click and lock into position such that the heads 25 are secure within the housing element 16 and prohibited from easily falling out. A plurality of bars 12 may be connected together as shown to form a unique

combination decorative display 30, which is selectively interchangeable . Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the decorative element

30 of the jewelry piece is finished when two end bars 12C are connected to the ends of the jewelry piece. In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, two end pieces alone may be connected without additional bars 12 in between.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, a third embodiment of the accessory bar 12 is illustrated, wherein the accessory bar 12B has a top surface 18, which may be a removable lid 18A, suitable for providing a pre-printed decorative label or other decorative design or ornament thereon, including but not limited to, beads and jewels. In this embodiment, the lid 18A is preferably clear and suitable for custom

decoration thereon. The pre-printed label or jewel can be applied during manufacture or alternatively provided as part of a do-it-yourself customization kit for users to create their own bars. In particular, users may decorate the housing element using items, not limited to, pre ^¬ printed labels, markers, glitter, paint, beads, jewels, or ornaments .

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and 8, a fourth embodiment of the accessory bar 12 is illustrated, wherein the housing element 16 of the accessory bar 12C includes a removable top cover 42 having a top surface 44. The removable top cover 42 of the present invention is preferably rotatably connected to one of the opposed ends 24A via a hinge 46 or other like connecting means. The removable top cover has an opened position (shown in FIG. 7A) and a closed position (shown in FIG. 8) . When in the opened position, an

interior 48 of the hollow housing element 16 is accessible and suitable for holding and storing items such as make-up, accessory and any other items desired. In alternate embodiments, the hinge may be connected to one of the opposed side walls 22A, 22B. In further alternate

embodiments, the removable top cover 42 may connected to form the housing element 16 by sliding and connecting closed with the opposed side walls 22 and opposed ends 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, a fifth embodiment of the accessory bar 12 is illustrated, wherein the top surface 18 of the accessory bar 12D includes an electronic display 50. The housing element 16 includes a means for illuminating or an electrical means 52, preferably at least one bulb 54 electrically connected to a power source 56, here a

battery. An on/off power switch 58 is located on the top surface 18 and in communication with the illuminating means 52 for selectively turning on/off the display 50. The opposed ends 24A, 24B include a fastener means 60,

preferably a loop. Various other decorative and electronic displays are contemplated for inclusion on the top surface 18 including, but not limited to, other light displays, audio sounds, and watches.

The user may create jewelry assemblies out of one or more interchangeable linkable accessory bars for wear on the body. The user first selects more than one accessory bar and arranges the accessory bar for dynamically creating a combined decorative element. The user may also decorate the housing element using pre-printed labels, markers, glitter, paint, beads, jewels, or ornaments. Then the user aligns the interconnecting means of each accessory bar and engages the accessory bars by inserting the protrusion of one accessory bar into the opening of another accessory bar, such that each protrusion is inserted securely into an opening and each opening securely receives a protrusion. Finally, the user adorns the assembly by securing the body loop member to the body.

In conclusion, herein is presented a jewelry display system for creating, interchanging and transforming

decorative jewelry pieces for wear by a user. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description.

It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention .

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.