1. Field Of The Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to jewelry pieces; and, more particularly, to clasps and/ connectors for forming jewelry pieces.

2. Description Of Related Art

Jewelry pieces are generally pre-constructed and formed for immediate wear. However, one must purchase several different jewelry pieces in order to have coordinating jewelry with his / her outfit. The accumulation of several jewelry pieces is not only costly, but it also results in the need to store and organize the plethora of jewelry piece. Additionally, jewelry such as necklaces can become entangled with fixed or movable objects such as branches, swing links, and the like. On such occasions there exists the danger that the entangled jewelry piece can choke or even strangle the wearer.

Various jewelry systems have been heretofore disclosed and utilized. Examples are set forth summarily below:

U.S. Patent No. 2752764 to Lederer discloses magnetic earrings with interchangeable ornaments.

U.S. Patent No. 3668890 to Broido discloses a watch bracelet with a pair of bands and a coupling member, for example loop-shaped, chosen from a set of coupling members of different dimensions. Two free ends of the band are provided with means for releasably and interchangeably fixing a chosen coupling member to the bands to form a bracelet of given length.

U.S. Patent No. 4912944 to Crosley et al. discloses an article of jewelry comprising a base element which supports an ornamented substrate element thereon by magnetic attraction, both the base element and the substrate element having magnetically attractable properties and at least one of them having the properties of a permanent magnet, whereby the substrate element is interchangeable with other like elements bearing different ornamentation.

U.S. Patent No. 5099659 to Carranza et al. discloses a magnetic clasp having first and second magnetized portions, each with a hole disposed in the center thereof. The two portions are magnetically attractive to each other but are divided with a gap at their interface to permit easy separation thereof. A third magnetic portion is sized to fit within the hole in the first and second rings. The third magnetic portion prevents lateral movement of the first and second magnetized portions at their interface. The male portion has attached to its opposite ends a chain, each end of the chain being further attached to a stop sized larger than the hole in the rings.

U.S. Patent No. 5806346 to Schlinger et al. discloses a method of inexpensively making a magnetic pendant necklace set. The method relies upon affixing opposite-polarity magnets of at least 27 megagauss oersteds in pole strength to each of two, substantially-flat ornamental settings with protruding rings to which the opposite ends of any type of necklace can be attached. The ornamental settings function (1) as a pendant clasp when joined together by their magnet centers and also (2) as a secure mount for the easy attachment of magnet-studded, pendant ornaments.

U.S. Patent Nos. 6715315 and 7201021 to Hartgrove disclose jewelry articles having magnetic elements and interchangeable settings. In one aspect, the jewelry articles include magnetically coupling body portions and interchangeable settings. The body portions magnetically couple together to hold the interchangeable settings. For example, the body portions can magnetically couple together using rare earth magnets to form a composite ring. Preferably, at least one of the body portions is rotatable to tangentially break the magnetic coupling between the body portions to interchange the setting. In another aspect of the present invention, magnetic elements are used to magnetically suspend a movable setting on a jewelry article. A longitudinal member has at least one end connected to the jewelry article. The setting is movably disposed on the longitudinal member. A first magnetic element adjacent an end of the longitudinal member magnetically repels a second magnetic element on the setting.

U.S. Patent No. 6962063 to Pearl discloses an arrangement of stringed magnetic and non-magnetic beads worn as a necklace or bracelet in loops about the user resulting from contact together of the magnetic beads and the size of the loops determined by the number of nonmagnetic beads therebetween, in which the stringing is according to facilitated counting of a uniform ratio of the non-magnetic to the magnetic beads rather than tedious counting of individual beads.

U.S. Patent No. 7216508 to Kretchmer et al. discloses jewelry-forming components of a body member having a first magnetized portion and a further element associated therewith for magnetically repelling or attracting and receiving another jewelry-forming component. A plurality of such components can be magnetically coupled to form an article of jewelry, generally in the form of a ring, bracelet, necklace or chain link.

U.S. Patent No. 8096145 to Corvino discloses a jewelry element, in particular a precious stone ring, including a magnetic device to cause the jewelry element to float with respect to the jewelry element base.

U.S. Patent No. 8113013 to Kessler discloses inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and adaptive parts. U.S. Patent Nos. D668985 and 8490429 to Huynh discloses an ornamental design and an article of jewelry including a pliable strand; and a plurality of precious or semiprecious objects movably positioned along the pliable strand. Each of the plurality of objects including a magnetic insert extending between opposing surfaces, which itself is formed from two magnets separated by a magnetic stabilizer and aligned such that the opposing ends of the magnetic insert have the same polarity thereby creating repulsive forces between each of the plurality of objects along the strand.

U.S. Patent No. 8596090 to Smith discloses an interchangeable jewelry insert for detachable attachment to a receptacle. The jewelry insert has a body with two ends, the first end having at least one dimension sized to fit within a receiving aperture of the receptacle of the item, and the second end having at least one dimension larger than the receiving aperture. The first end of the body has a first magnetic element. The receiving aperture has a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element provide a repelling force to secure the interchangeable jewelry insert to the receptacle.

U.S. Patent No. 8701438 to Kovel discloses a band having a major section of a major length with first and second free ends spaced by an opening of a minor length. First and second minor sections in a generally J-shaped configuration are coupled to each free end. The minor sections have lower, upper and intermediate segments. Each upper segment ends in a semicircular free tip. An opening is formed at each free tip. A decorative gem stone has an upper region in a generally dome-shaped configuration projecting above the upper segment. A topper is removably positioned within the opening and has a decorative center and opposed ends. The opposed ends include similarly configured first and second rings adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second minor sections of the band. U. S. Patent Application No. 20020148251 to Plumly discloses a jewelry finding is provided as a neck accessory that enables a flexible bracelet to be worn as a necklace. Locket clasps are provided at the ends of the neck accessory to provide secure interconnection of the bracelet clasp ends with the neck accessory, while at the same time enclosing and obscuring from view the connection hardware. According to an alternate embodiment, a universal approach is implemented that uses flexible loops to modify clasp ends of most any flexible bracelet to be connectible to fastening posts in the locket clasps of the neck accessory.

U. S. Patent Application No. 20070095101 to Pons discloses a jewelry forming article that utilizes free magnetic bodies and free deformable chains to form various jewelry objects, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the like. The various jewelry objects are formed by magnetically engaging the surfaces of the free magnetic bodies to two or more regions along a length of the deformable free chains, forming one or more loop circumferences along the length of the chains between the engaging regions, where the loop circumference may be increased or decreased by changing the positions of the engaging regions relative to the surfaces of the magnetic bodies to enable a person to secure the article on his or her body in the form of the various jewelry objects.

U. S. Patent Application No. 20100101274 to Worth discloses systems and methods for magnetically interchangeable jewelry that use planar surfaces and recessed magnets so that planar metallic disks (or other shapes) can be used as interchangeable ornamental features for the magnetically interchangeable jewelry. The interchangeable elements formed of a magnetically attractive material are releasably affixed to a base containing a recessed magnet (e.g., neodymium). The base is substantially flat other than an ornamental design and the ornamental elements rely on the strength of the magnet to firmly hold them in place rather than being recessed into the base or snapped into place. Other shapes could also be used for the interchangeable elements, if desired. The magnetically interchangeable jewelry can take a variety of forms including rings, bracelets, earrings, lanyards, multiple pendants on one necklace and/or other jewelry embodiments.

U. S. Patent Application No. 20120180522 to Severs discloses a jewelry device comprising a base unit which may be affixed to clothing or otherwise adapted to be worn on a person and a front unit which concentrically fits inside the base unit and either serves as an enclosure for an ornamented object or itself bears ornamentation. A ring or radial magnet is of a shape to fit inside the inner perimeter of the base unit. A ring or radial magnet is of a shape to fit around the outside perimeter of the front unit. Both front unit and base unit magnets are of a similar circumference allowing magnetic forces to secure front unit to base unit. Front units, or ornamented objects enclosed by the front unit, are interchangeable with other like elements bearing different ornamentation.

Foreign Patent Application No. DE10138989 to Meinck Malte discloses an article of jewelry that consists of a base element fixed to the body or clothing, such as ring, necklace, bracelet, brooch to which is detachably fixed a decorative element. The detachable connection consists of at least one magnet on an element, and a magnet-pendant positioned on another element.

Foreign Patent Application No. EP 1356747 to Dall'avo discloses a magnetic clasp for bracelets, necklaces and similar articles of goldsmithery or jewelry.

Internet Publication "Magnetic Jewelry Store" found at http://www.magnetjeweli7store.com magneticbracelets.html?gclid=CjO EOjw6deeBRCswoauq uC8haUBEiQAdq5zh8smq 1 y7vJyOnU7Qn04Chy 1 oBos2HCg89oemKzM47sMaAkBw8P8HA Q discloses magnetic bracelets.

Despite these jewelry constructs several disadvantageous still remain. Many of the constructs are provided as preassemble jewelry pieces; thus a user cannot design or construct her / his own jewelry piece. Other constructs fail to provide a system that can be readily assembled with minimum ease, while utilizing attachments that are inexpensive. As a result, several of the constructs are costly to manufacture. Moreover, several of the constructs fail to break-away when pulled on with adequate force, and as a result pose strangling risks to young children wearing the jewelry pieces.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a jewelry system that allows a user to assemble and design his / her unique jewelry piece. There is a further need in the art for a jewelry system that can be readily assembled with minimum ease, while utilizing attachments that are inexpensive. Moreover, there exists a need for a jewelry system that is secure; yet breaks-away when pulled on with adequate force to mitigate strangling risks to young children wearing constructed jewelry pieces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to magnetic jewelry connectors which can be interchangeably arranged to construct a wide variety of jewelry pieces. Briefly stated, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors are constructed having two mating magnetic clasps / plates / portions placed opposed to one another on a central portion forming a jewelry section. At least two magnetic connectors are provided for each given jewelry section. A plurality or more than one, jewelry section is preferably provided to form interchangeability when producing a jewelry piece to be worn. Pendant pieces are also preferably provided. The jewelry sections can be interchangeably connected to form a jewelry piece in the form of a bracelet, anklet, or necklace / pendant, earring or the like. As a safety measure, the jewelry piece will break apart to render the discrete jewelry section when pulled on by a child, thereby preventing choking hazards or risk of injury to other parts of the body with which the jewelry piece is associated.

The magnetic jewelry connectors are appointed to provide discrete, separate, jewelry sections that magnetically connect to interchangeably form a bracelet, anklet, necklace / pendant jewelry piece, ring and / or earrings to be worn. In addition to interchangeably for style / fashion when creating jewelry pieces, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors afford an important safety measure for children and those with disabilities in that the connection of the jewelry sections forming the jewelry piece will readily disconnect when pulled by a child, or entangled with an object such as a branch or swing link, thereby mitigating risk of injury to the neck, ears, hands or other body part with which the jewelry piece is associated.

At least one, and preferably a plurality, of the magnetic jewelry connectors are adapted to be magnetically bond together to form various jewelry pieces. The magnetic jewelry connectors generally comprise at least one jewelry section having at least two mating magnetic clasps placed opposed to one another on a central portion forming strand jewelry section. These sections are generally constructed as chains or beaded chains / or strands adapted to be interconnected to form a necklace, choker, bracelet, anklet or earring.

In a broad embodiment, the interchangeable jewelry system comprises at least two jewelry strand sections, each of said jewelry strand sections having a central body located centrally between two end walls, and said end walls comprising oppositely attracting mating magnetic portions placed opposed to one another on said central body. The jewelry strand sections are adapted to be interchangeably connected together through said mating magnetic portions to form a jewelry piece. Jewelry strand sections may be formed as strands for making bracelets and / necklaces, as posts with a magnetic top for forming earrings, and / or a ring portion with a magnetic ring top for forming a ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the subject invention, showing a plurality of magnetic jewelry connectors adapted to be magnetically bond together to form various jewelry pieces;

Figure 2 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the subject invention, showing a plurality of magnetic jewelry connectors adapted to be magnetically bond together to form various jewelry pieces;

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as a ball and cup mating configuration;

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as disk like plates; and

Figure 5a illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions include a clasp or hook to further secure the portions together, wherein the portions are being magnetically connected and the clasp or hook is disengaged;

Figure 5b illustrates the embodiment of Figure 5a wherein the portions are magnetically connected and the clasp or hook is engaged to a locking position; Figure 6a illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as dome shapes with substantially flat disk shaped magnetic surfaces that engage with one another, wherein the portions are shown for forming interchangeable earring jewelry pieces; and

Figure 6b illustrates the embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as dome shapes with substantially flat disk shaped magnetic surfaces that engage with one another, and the portions are shown for forming interchangeable necklace or bracelet jewelry pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The best mode for carrying out the present disclosure is presented in terms of the embodiments herein. The embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any of the headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

The subject magnetic jewelry connectors are appointed to provide discrete, separate, jewelry sections that magnetically connect to interchangeably form a bracelet, anklet, earring, or necklace / pendant jewelry piece to be worn. In addition to interchangeably for style / fashion in creating jewelry pieces, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors provide a significant safety feature that particularly concerns children and those with disabilities, in that the connection of the jewelry sections forming the jewelry piece readily disconnect when pulled by a child, thereby mitigating choking risks and the risk of injury to other parts of the body with which the jewelry piece may be associated.

Generally, the subject magnetic jewelry connectors are constructed with two mating magnetic clasps placed opposed to one another on a central portion, forming a jewelry section. At least two magnetic connectors are provided for each given jewelry section. A plurality or more than one, jewelry section is preferably provided to form interchangeability in yielding a jewelry piece to be worn. Pendant pieces are also preferably provided. The jewelry sections can interchangeably be connected to form a bracelet, anklet, earring or necklace / pendant jewelry piece. As a safety measure, the jewelry piece will break apart to render discrete each jewelry section, when pulled on by a child, thereby reducing the risk of choking or injury to the wearer's neck, ear, wrist, ankle, or hand.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the subject invention, showing a plurality of magnetic jewelry connectors adapted to be magnetically bonded together to form various jewelry pieces. Magnetic jewelry connectors are shown generally at 10. Specifically, strand jewelry sections are shown at 11 as connector strands having two mating magnetic clasps 12a, 12b placed opposed to one another on a central portion 13 forming strand jewelry section 11. These sections are generally constructed as chains or beaded chains / or strands adapted to be interconnected to form a necklace 30, choker (not shown), or bracelet (not shown). Pendant jewelry sections are shown generally at 20. Pendant jewelry sections have two mating magnetic clasps 22a, 22b placed opposed to one another on a central portion 23 having a . pendant 24 forming pendant jewelry section 20. Pendant jewelry section 20 is adapted to be interconnected to strand jewelry sections 11 to form a necklace with a pendant as shown generally at 31.

Earring jewelry sections are shown generally at 40. Earring jewelry sections 40 include a base stud portion 41 having a mating magnetic top surface 42 attached to a stud 43 having an earring backing 44 removably attached thereto. Base stud portion 41 is adapted to be inserted into a user's ear lobe / or other pierced body part, and secured by way of earring backing 44, presenting mating magnetic top surface 42 for magnetic attachment of a jewelry top portion 45. Jewelry top portion 45 is constructed having a show surface 46 preferably with an ornamental feature attached to a base portion 47 having a mating magnetic surface adapted to matingly engage with the mating magnetic top surface 42 of the base stud portion 41 to form an earring as shown generally at 49.

The connectors / mating magnetic surface can be constructed as mating magnetic balls adapted to be received within mating magnetic cups as shown generally in Figure 1, or as a plethora of various mating connector structures. These mating magnetic surfaces may be decorative mating clasps, hooks, fasteners, plates, balls, or other constructs functioning to matingly magnetically interconnect to one another to form a jewelry piece. A single jewelry section may be used alone, as shown via strand jewelry sections 11 ' unilaterally forming a bracelet 50. Alternatively, more than one jewelry sections 11 / strand / pendant 20 may be mated to form a jewelry piece. The jewelry pieces / sections can be formed in a plethora of designs and made with a plethora of different jewelry pieces, links, beads, chains, and the like.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the subject invention, showing a plurality of magnetic jewelry connectors adapted to be magnetically bonded together to form various jewelry pieces. Referring to Figure 2, the magnetic jewelry connectors are shown generally at 110. Specifically, strand jewelry sections are shown at 111 showing connector strands having two mating magnetic clasps 112a, 112b placed opposed to one another on a central portion 113 forming strand jewelry section 111. These sections are generally constructed as chains or beaded chains / or strands adapted to be interconnected to form a necklace 130, choker (not shown), or bracelet. Pendant jewelry sections are shown generally at 120. Pendant jewelry sections have two mating magnetic clasps 122a, 122b placed opposed to one another on a central portion 123 having a pendant 124 forming pendant jewelry section 120. Pendant jewelry section 120 is adapted to be interconnected to strand jewelry sections 111 to form a necklace with a pendant as shown generally at 131.

Earring jewelry sections are shown generally at 140. Earring jewelry sections 140 include a base stud portion 141 having a mating magnetic top surface 142 attached to a stud 143 having an earring backing 144 removably attached thereto. Base stud portion 141 is adapted to be inserted into a user's ear lobe / or other pierced body part, and secured by way of earring backing 144. Mating magnetic top surface 142 is thereby presented for magnetic attachment of a jewelry top portion 145. Jewelry top portion 145 is constructed with a show surface 146 preferably with an ornamental feature attached to a base portion 147 having a mating magnetic surface 148 adapted to matingly engage with the mating magnetic top surface 142 of the base stud portion 141 to form an earring as shown generally at 149.

A single jewelry section may be used alone, as shown via strand jewelry sections 111 ' unilaterally forming a bracelet 150. In an alternative embodiment a decorative portion may be provided as a charm 160 adapted to be placed or slid upon strand jewelry section 111. Charm 160 is constructed with a loop or clasp 161 attached to a magnetic plate / surface 162. The surface 162 is adapted to be matingly magnetically attached to a charm portion 163 constructed with a charm show surface 164. The surface 164 is fixed to a mating magnetic charm plate / surface 165 adapted to mate with magnetic plate / surface 162 of loop or clasp 161. Loop or clasp 161 is adapted to slide onto strand jewelry section 111 to place the charm 160 on strand 111.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as a ball and cup mating configuration, shown generally at 300. Partial view of strand jewelry sections 31 la, 31 lb are shown with mating magnetic clasps 312a and 312b, respectively, forming connectors having mating magnetic surfaces. Connectors / mating magnetic surfaces of the clasps are constructed as mating magnetic ball 312a adapted to be received within mating magnetic cup 312b as shown.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as disk like plates, shown generally at 400. A partial view of strand jewelry sections 411a, 411b is shown wherein mating magnetic clasps 412a and 412b, respectively, form connectors having mating magnetic surfaces. Connectors / mating magnetic surfaces of the clasps are constructed as mating magnetic plates or disks 312a and 312b as shown.

Figures 5 a and 5b illustrate an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions include a clasp or hook to further secure the portions together. Figure 5a shows the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are being magnetically connected and the clasp or hook is disengaged, shown generally at 500. Figure 5b illustrates the embodiment of Figure 5a wherein the portions are magnetically connected and the clasp or hook is engaged to a locking position, shown generally at 550. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, a partial view of strand jewelry sections 511a, 511b is shown wherein mating magnetic clasps 512a and 512b, respectively, form connectors having mating magnetic surfaces. Connectors / mating magnetic surfaces of the clasps are constructed as mating magnetic ball 512a adapted to be received within mating magnetic cup 512b as shown. A rotating clasp 515 is mounted on cup 512b and upon insertion of magnetic ball 512a the clasp 515 is rotated 180 degrees to hug or cradle ball 512a as shown at 510.

Figure 6a illustrates an embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as dome shapes with substantially flat disk shaped magnetic surfaces that engage with one another, shown generally at 600. Herein, the portions are shown for forming interchangeable earring jewelry pieces 649. Earring jewelry sections are shown generally at 640. Earring jewelry sections 640 include a base portion 641 having a mating magnetic top surface 612a attached to a stud / post / chain or other support 643 having an earring backing (such as 44 in Figure 1) or lobe hook as shown herein at 644. Lobe hook 644 of base stud portion 641 is adapted to be inserted into a user's ear lobe / or other pierced body part, presenting mating magnetic top surface 612a for magnetic attachment of a jewelry top portion 645. Jewelry top portion 645 is constructed having a show surface 646 preferably with an ornamental feature attached to a base portion 647 having a mating magnetic surface 612b adapted to matingly engage with the mating magnetic top surface 612a of the base stud portion 641 to form an earring as shown generally at 649. In the embodiment shown, base portion 641 and top portion's 645 base portion 647 are herein formed as dome shapes with substantially flat disk shaped magnetic surfaces 612a, 612b, respectively, that magnetically engage with one another. Different jewelry top portions 645 are provided for interchangeability, as shown for example at 645'. A plethora of different top portions can be provided in a full range of designs and shapes without departing from the subject invention. Figure 6b illustrates the embodiment of the mating magnetic portions wherein the portions are formed as dome shapes with substantially flat disk shaped magnetic surfaces that engage with one another, wherein the portions are shown for forming interchangeable necklace or bracelet jewelry pieces, shown generally at 650. A partial view of strand jewelry sections 611a, 611b is shown wherein mating magnetic clasps 612a and 612b, respectively, form connectors having mating magnetic surfaces. Connectors / mating magnetic surfaces of the clasps are constructed as mating magnetic plates or disks 612a and 612b on dome shaped bases as shown.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Accordingly, having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such detail need not be strictly adhered to; but that further changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims.