Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a jewellery item. Specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a customisable jewellery item, particularly a customisable jewellery item comprising an interchangeable ornamental part. Specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a modular jewellery item, particularly a modular jewellery item comprising a plurality of modular bodies joined by links.

Background

It is desirable to give the user of a jewellery item the ability to customise and personalise that jewellery item. In order to meet the needs of the user, the jewellery item needs to be aesthetically pleasing, but also provide a secure and robust means of customisation.

Existing customisable jewellery items often allow for interchangeable ornamental parts to be attached and removed to a jewellery item such as a ring. This provides for a jewellery item to be re-used in a number of ways by accessorising the item with different interchangeable ornamental parts. Such existing customisable jewellery items suffer from problems related to both their functionality and their aesthetic appearance.

As such, there is a need for a customisable jewellery item which :

(a) provides a secure and safe way to mount interchangeable accessories;

(b) is compact in design with small dimensions;

(c) is simple to use and operate;

(d)allows a user to customise the jewellery item using multiple modular parts;

(e) is aesthetically pleasing

To mitigate some, if not all, of the above problems, there is provided a customisable jewellery item which in use allows the user of the customisable jewellery item to easily and securely fix and remove an interchangeable ornamental part by mechanically guiding the interchangeable ornamental part during the affixing and removing process. There is further provided a modular body for a modular jewellery item which in use may be joined to a further modular body via a link. In addition, there is provided a modular jewellery item comprising a plurality of modular bodies joined by one or more links.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a body having an aperture for receiving in use a lug forming part of an interchangeable ornamental part, wherein the body further comprises a cavity for receiving the lug when inserted through the aperture and for allowing at least partial movement of the lug in a first direction; a stop to prevent rotation of the lug within the cavity; a lug recess proximal the stop for holding the lug; and a resilient member which in use acts upon the lug to hold the lug in the lug recess.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for fitting an interchangeable ornamental part to a customisable jewellery item, the method comprising the steps of: aligning the lug to the aperture; inserting the lug through the aperture into the cavity; rotating the interchangeable ornamental part in a first direction; and upon the lug abutting the stop, releasing the interchangeable ornamental part thereby allowing the resilient member to bias the lug and thereby locking the lug into the lug recess.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for removing an interchangeable ornamental part to a customisable jewellery item, the method comprising the steps of: pushing down on the interchangeable ornamental part in order to push the lug against the resilient member; rotating the interchangeable ornamental part in a second direction; upon the lug abutting the stop, releasing the interchangeable ornamental part thereby allowing the resilient member to act upon the lug and thereby directing the lug out of the cavity through the aperture; and removing the interchangeable ornamental part.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for fitting an interchangeable ornamental part to a customisable jewellery item, the method comprising the steps of: aligning the lug to the aperture; inserting the lug through the aperture into the cavity; rotating the interchangeable ornamental part in a first direction; and upon the lug abutting the stop, releasing the interchangeable ornamental part thereby allowing the resilient member to bias the lug and thereby locking the lug into the lug recess such that the lug is held in the final engaged state.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for removing an interchangeable ornamental part from a customisable jewellery item, the method comprising the steps of: pushing down on the interchangeable ornamental part in order to push the lug against the resilient member thereby releasing the lug from the final engaged state; rotating the interchangeable ornamental part in a second direction; upon the lug abutting the stop, releasing the interchangeable ornamental part thereby allowing the resilient member to act upon the lug and thereby directing the lug out of the cavity through the aperture; and removing the interchangeable ornamental part.

Such aspects provide for a customisable jewellery item which is configured to mechanically secure an interchangeable ornamental part in a simple and effective way. The customisable jewellery item mechanically guides the user as to when an interchangeable ornamental part is securely fixed and when an interchangeable ornamental part can be safely removed, thus providing a simple to use and user- friendly item.

Beneficially, this provides for more efficient use of resources, and helps reduce waste, since a single body can be used to realise multiple jewellery items through the use of multiple interchangeable ornamental parts, thus alleviating the need for a separate body to be used for each of the multiple jewellery items.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the stop comprises a first protrusion extending from the body into the cavity, which first protrusion is positioned relative to the aperture so as to enable movement of the lug in the first direction as far as the stop; preferably the customisable jewellery item comprises a second protrusion extending from the body into the cavity, which second protrusion is positioned relative to the aperture so as to inhibit movement of the lug in a second direction, which second direction is preferably opposite to the first direction; preferably wherein the lug is elongate and comprises opposite ends and the stop comprises a pair of first protrusions each of which first protrusions acts in use on respective opposite ends of the lug to help align the lug with the lug recess; preferably wherein the lug is elongate and comprises opposite ends and the item comprises a pair of second protrusions each of which act in use on respective opposite ends of the lug to inhibit movement of the lug in the second direction; preferably the customisable jewellery item is configured to allow at least partial rotation of the lug in the cavity in a first direction and the pair of second protrusions inhibits rotation in the second direction, which second direction is preferably opposite to the first direction of rotation.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a first element which protrudes from the body into the cavity and comprises a first and a second protrusion; preferably wherein the first element has a first side comprising the first protrusion and a second side comprising the second protrusion; preferably wherein the first element comprises an arcuate form protruding from the body into the cavity the opposite sides of which arcuate form respectively comprise one of the first and the second protrusion.

Beneficially, the user is informed as to when an interchangeable ornament part is correctly aligned and so can be safely inserted or removed, thus reducing the risk of the user accidentally damaging the item due to premature release or removal of the interchangeable ornamental part.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the body comprises a cover having the aperture therein; preferably wherein the cover comprises the lug recess; preferably wherein the lug recess is formed in a cover face which in use forms an internal face of the body thereby to help define the cavity; preferably wherein the aperture and the lug recess each have an elongate axis and the aperture elongate axis and the lug recess elongate axis are not parallel, and preferably wherein the aperture elongate axis and the lug recess elongate axis subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 80 to 100 degrees and again more preferably about 90 degrees, indeed in one form the aperture and the lug recess are arranged in a substantially cruciate form; preferably wherein the body comprises a cover recess for the cover wherein the cover and body are fixedly attached, e.g. by welding, and alternatively in which cover recess is configured to cooperate with the cover in use to hold the cover in place, preferably wherein the configuration is adapted to enable a mechanical and/or frictional cooperation between the cover recess and the cover.

Beneficially, this provides for a more secure fastening mechanism due to the fact that the interchangeable ornamental part is mechanically secured by the resilient member and the lug recess.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the resilient member comprises a spring; preferably wherein the spring is a pressure coil spring ; wherein the spring is shaped to have a free length larger than the internal height of the body.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the resilient member comprises a spring cover which in use biases the lug into the lug recess; preferably wherein the spring cover is attached to a first free end of the spring; preferably wherein a second free end of the spring is attached to the body, preferably wherein the spring is attached to the body by a holding pin forming part of the body.

Beneficially, this allows in use for resilient member to have a pre-tension applied by maintaining resilient member in a substantially compressed state. In use, this enables return force to be applied to the interchangeable ornamental part upon insertion and as such ensures that the lug is pushed into the lug recess.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the body is shaped to define the cavity in a substantially cylindrical form.

Beneficially, this allows for the body to be manufactured to house the resilient member in an efficient form thus allowing the customisable jewellery item to be compact in design with small dimensions. Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the body comprises a cleaning access hole on a distal end which in use allows the cavity to be cleaned by a cleaning tool.

Beneficially, this provides a simple means by which ingress and foreign objects can be removed from within the cavity of the body.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising an interchangeable ornamental part and preferably wherein the interchangeable ornamental part is attached to the lug by a joining member; preferably wherein the joining member protrudes from a face of the interchangeable ornamental part and is substantially orthogonal to the lug; preferably wherein the cross sectional diameter of the joining member is greater than the cross sectional width of the lug; preferably the customisable jewellery item comprises the interchangeable ornamental part.

Beneficially, this restricts the range of tilting movement which can be applied to interchangeable ornamental part when inserted into the customisable jewellery item. This helps to prevent any damage that may occur to interchangeable ornamental part as a result of over tilting and subsequently applying excess strain to joining member. Furthermore, the restriction of tilting movement of interchangeable ornamental part when inserted into a customisable jewellery item provides a feeling of a more stable mounting to the user.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a method for fitting an interchangeable ornamental part and a method for removing an interchangeable ornamental part wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a third protrusion extending from the body into the cavity, the third protrusion is positioned relative to the first protrusion so as to inhibit movement of the lug in the second direction when the lug in use is held in the lug recess; preferably there is provided a pair of third protrusions each of which act in use on respective opposite ends of the lug to inhibit movement of the lug in the second direction when the lug in use is held in the lug recess.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a bridging element joining the first protrusion and the third protrusion such that the bridging element, first protrusion, and third protrusion form an internal face of the body thereby to help define the lug recess. Preferably, there is provided a pair of bridging elements each of which join one of the pair of first protrusions and a respective one of the pair of third protrusions wherein the pair of bridging elements, pair of first protrusions, and pair of third protrusions form an internal face of the body thereby to help define the lug recess.

Beneficially, by forming the lug recess as part of the body, a more compact customisable jewellery item may be provided in relation to the lug recess being incorporated within the cover.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising an intermediate lug recess for holding the lug wherein the lug recess is configured to hold the lug in a final engaged state and the intermediate lug recess is configured to hold the lug in an intermediate engaged state.

Beneficially, the intermediate lug recess provides a safety mechanism whereby the interchangeable ornamental part does not become immediately disconnected from the body in the event that the lug is accidentally pushed out of the lug recess, but rather is held in the intermediate lug recess in an intermediate engaged state.

Optionally but preferably, the final engaged state is different to the intermediate engaged state, and the intermediate engaged state provides a visual indication that the lug in use is partially engaged. Preferably, the interchangeable ornamental part is positioned at a first height when the lug in use is held in the final engaged state and the interchangeable ornamental part is positioned at a second height different to the first height when the lug in use is held in the intermediate engaged state. Preferably, the first height is less than the second height such that the interchangeable ornamental part substantially protrudes from an external face of the body when the lug in use is held in the intermediate engaged state.

Beneficially, this provides visual feedback to the user that the interchangeable ornamental part is partially engaged and so needs to be placed back in a final engaged state in order to ensure that the interchangeable ornamental part is properly secured.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the intermediate lug recess is positioned between the aperture and the lug recess. Preferably, the customisable jewellery item comprises an intermediate protrusion extending from the body into the cavity, the intermediate protrusion is positioned between the aperture and the lug recess so as to inhibit movement of the lug in a second direction when the lug in use is held in the intermediate lug recess. Preferably, wherein the lug is elongate and comprises opposite ends, and the item comprises a pair of intermediate protrusions each of which act in use on respective opposite ends of the lug to inhibit movement of the lug in the second direction when the lug is held in the intermediate lug recess.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a second element which protrudes from the body into the cavity and comprises a third protrusion; preferably, wherein the second element has a first side comprising the third protrusion and a second side comprising a fourth protrusion, such that the fourth protrusion inhibits movement of the lug in the first direction when the lug is held in the intermediate lug recess; preferably, wherein the intermediate protrusion and fourth protrusion form an internal face of the body and thereby help define the intermediate lug recess.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising an intermediate bridging element joining the intermediate protrusion and fourth protrusion such that the intermediate bridging element, intermediate protrusion and fourth protrusion form an internal face of the body and thereby help define the intermediate lug recess. Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item comprising a cover comprising the intermediate bridging element; preferably wherein the intermediate bridging element is formed on a cover face which in use forms an internal face of the body.

Beneficially, this provides for a more compact customisable jewellery item as a thinner, lower profile, cover may be used than when the lug recess or intermediate lug recess are formed in the cover.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a customisable jewellery item wherein the aperture and the lug recess each have an elongate axis and the aperture elongate axis and the lug recess elongate axis are not parallel, and preferably wherein the aperture elongate axis and the lug recess elongate axis subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 100 to 140 degrees and again more preferably about 120 degrees; preferably, wherein the intermediate lug recess has an elongate axis and the aperture elongate axis and the intermediate lug recess elongate axis are not parallel, and preferably wherein the aperture elongate axis and the intermediate lug recess elongate axis subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 40 to 80 degrees and again more preferably about 60 degrees.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a method wherein the interchangeable ornamental part is released during the rotating but prior to the lug abutting the stop thereby allowing the resilient member to bias the lug and thereby placing the lug into the intermediate lug recess such that the lug is held in the intermediate engaged state.

Beneficially, this provides a safety mechanism whereby the interchangeable ornamental part is held in an intermediate engaged state if the interchangeable ornamental part becomes accidentally dislodged from the final engaged state. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular body for a modular jewellery item comprising a plurality of modular bodies joined by one or more links, each link having a pair of distal lugs separated by an elongate member, each distal lug having at least one insertion orientation. The modular body comprises an angled channelform having a channel axis and being adapted to receive a distal lug when the distal lug is aligned in the at least one insertion orientation with the channel axis, such that the angled channelform enables movement of the distal lug along the channel axis and restricts rotation of the distal lug within the angled channelform. The modular body further comprises an interior chamber defining a holding cavity connected to the angled channelform. The holding cavity is adapted to hold the distal lug when inserted through the angled channelform and to enable at least partial rotation of the distal lug from the at least one insertion orientation to a holding orientation. In the holding orientation, movement of the distal lug out of the modular body is restricted.

Beneficially, this allows for a custom item of jewellery to be constructed by a user through the joining of a plurality of modular bodies via one or more links. Preferably, the modular bodies are releasably secured to the modular jewellery item thus allowing complex jewellery items to be realised from a combination of simple parts.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a modular jewellery item comprising two or more modular bodies joined by one or more links.

According to an additional aspect of the invention there is provided a modular jewellery item comprising at least one link, each link having a pair of distal lugs separated by an elongate member having a first length between the distal lugs. The modular jewellery item further comprises at least two modular bodies each comprising an angled channelform having an external opening for receiving a distal lug. Each of the at least two modular bodies further comprises an interior chamber defining a holding cavity connected to the angled channelform by an internal opening, the interior chamber comprising a wall forming an outer portion of the modular body. The external opening is offset from the internal opening thereby to define an outer lip extending by a second length away from the wall. In use the link acts to hold the at least one wall of each of the at least two modular bodies by a first distance substantially equal to the first length and wherein the first distance and the second length of both of the at least two modular bodies is greater than the first length thereby to help retain the distal lug within the holding cavity.

Beneficially, this provides a simple and secure means of joining a plurality of modular bodies by at least one link in order to form an endless chain of modular bodies, since a link acts to hold the walls of respective modular bodies by a distance less than the distance required for the distal lugs of the link to be moved out of the angled channelform.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein movement of the distal lug out of the modular body is restricted in the holding orientation since removal of the distal lug requires rotation of the distal lug so as to realign the at least one insertion orientation with the channel axis.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the distal lug is dimensioned so as to restrict rotation of the distal lug within the angled channelform.

Beneficially, this helps to ensure that the distal lug is correctly inserted into the modular body and furthermore ensures that distal lug remains in the at least one insertion orientation within the angled channelform.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the interior chamber further comprises a wall forming an outer portion of the modular body. The wall comprises a first portion and a second portion separated by a passage within which in use the elongate member is placed.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the angled channelform has an external opening for receiving the distal lug.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the passage and the external opening form a continuous channel within which in use the elongate member is placed. Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the holding cavity is connected to the angled channelform by an internal opening offset from the external opening thereby to define an inner lip. The inner lip forms an internal face of the interior chamber which in use helps prevent the distal lug in the holding orientation from being removed through the angled channelform.

Beneficially, this provides a further safety mechanism whereby lateral movement of the distal lug within the holding cavity is restricted by the inner lip, thus preventing the distal lug from entering the angled channelform when held in the holding cavity in the holding orientation.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body further comprising a removable locking member proximal the angled channelform and being configured to at least partially restrict the angled channelform thereby preventing the distal lug from being removed through the angled channelform.

Beneficially, this provides a further safety mechanism to prevent accidental separation of a link from a modular body since the link is secured to a modular body when the removable locking member is in place, and the link can only be separated from the modular body when the removable locking member is removed.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular body wherein the removable locking member is an interchangeable ornamental part.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular jewellery item wherein the wall comprises a first portion and a second portion separated by a passage within which in use the elongate member is placed.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a modular jewellery wherein the passage and the external opening form a continuous channel within which in use the elongate member is placed. According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a link for use in a modular jewellery item. The link comprises a pair of distal lugs and an elongate member joining each of the pair of distal lugs.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a link wherein a distal lug of the pair of distal lugs further comprises an orientation protrusion formed on a face of the distal lug.

Optionally but preferably, there is provided a link further comprising an ornamental feature.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a customisable jewellery item and an interchangeable ornamental part according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an interchangeable ornamental part;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a customisable jewellery item according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a customisable jewellery item with an affixed interchangeable ornamental part according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a body according to the first embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a top-side view of the body according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the body along section GG of Figure 6 according to the first embodiment;

Figure 8 shows an under-side view of the body according to the first embodiment; Figure 9 is an expanded view of the top side of a cover according to the first embodiment;

Figure 10 is an expanded view of the bottom side of a cover according to the first embodiment;

Figure 11 is an expanded view of elements of a customisable jewellery item according to the first embodiment;

Figure 12 shows the elements of Figure 11 in assembled form according to the first embodiment;

Figure 13 shows a side view of an interchangeable ornamental part according to the first embodiment;

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the section AA shown in Figure 13 according to the first embodiment;

Figure 15A-C show an expanded view of a method for fitting an interchangeable ornamental part to a customisable jewellery item according to the first embodiment;

Figure 16 shows several customisable jewellery items comprising an interchangeable ornamental part according to the first embodiment;

Figure 17 shows several customisable jewellery items comprising several interchangeable ornamental parts according to the first embodiment;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a customisable jewellery item and an interchangeable ornamental part according to a second embodiment;

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an interchangeable ornamental part;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a customisable jewellery item according to the second embodiment; Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a customisable jewellery item with an affixed interchangeable ornamental part according to the second embodiment;

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a body according to the second embodiment;

Figure 23 shows a top-side view of the body according to the second embodiment;

Figure 24 shows an illustrative view of a lug recess according to the second embodiment;

Figures 25A-B show a customisable jewellery item comprising an interchangeable ornamental part being held in a final engaged state and an intermediate engaged state according to the second embodiment;

Figure 26 shows a cover according to the second embodiment;

Figure 27 shows a top side view of the body according to the second embodiment;

Figure 28 shows a modular jewellery item according to a third embodiment;

Figure 29 shows a modular body for a modular jewellery item such as the modular jewellery item of Figure 28 according to the third embodiment;

Figure 30 shows a cross sectional view of the modular body of Figure 29 according to the third embodiment;

Figure 31A and 31B show a top-side view and a bottom-side view of the modular body of Figures 29 and 30 according to the third embodiment;

Figures 32A-C show an example process of joining a link to a modular body as shown in Figure 30 according to the third embodiment; Figure 33 shows a modular body comprising a removable locking member according to the third embodiment;

Figure 34 shows a further modular jewellery item according to the third embodiment;

Figure 35 shows a top-side view of a modular body of the modular jewellery item of Figure 34 according to the third embodiment;

Figure 36 shows a bracelet according to the third embodiment;

Figures 37A-C show a link according to the third embodiment;

Figures 38A-D show different views of two distal lugs according to the third embodiment;

Figures 39A-B show a distal lug having a circular cross sectional shape according to the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

First Embodiment

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show customisable jewellery item 10 comprising body 12, extended body part 13, and aperture 14. Interchangeable ornamental part 18 comprising lug 16 is in use attached to body 12 through insertion of lug 16 into aperture 14.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of customisable jewellery item 10 with interchangeable ornamental part 18 as shown in Figure 1.

Customisable jewellery item 10 comprises body 12, extended body part 13, and aperture 14. Figure 4 further shows interchangeable ornamental part 18 comprising lug 16. Aperture 14 is shaped to receive lug 16 and, beneficially, aperture 14 is shaped in order to achieve a more stable fastening with interchangeable ornamental part 18 by restricting the tilt range of interchangeable ornamental part 18 when affixed to customisable jewellery item 10.

Body 12 of customisable jewellery item 10 further comprises cavity 20, stop 22, lug recess 24, and resilient member 26. Resilient member 26 is preferably a spring and yet more preferably a coil spring. Alternatively, resilient member 26 may be any other resilient member such as a wave spring, torsion spring, or conical spring.

Cover 28 is positioned within cover recess 30 forming part of body 12. Preferably, cover 28 has a diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of cover recess 30. Cover 28 prevents the inner elements of body 12 from being visible and furthermore reduces the ingress of foreign objects or dirt into cavity 20 which would otherwise potentially compromise the functionality of customisable jewellery item 10. Preferably, cover 28 is welded to body 12 during assembly, preferably cover 28 is laser welded to body 12. Alternatively, cover recess 30 is configured to cooperate with cover 28 in use to hold cover 28 in place, wherein the configuration is adapted to enable a mechanical and/or frictional cooperation between cover recess 30 and cover 28. Preferably, after cover 28 is positioned and affixed within cover recess 30, the surface of cover 28 and the surface of body 12 are mechanically brushed in order to give the appearance of a consolidated surface.

Body 12 further comprises spring cover 32 attached to a first end of resilient member 26 and holding pin 34 attached to a second end of resilient member 26. Preferably, spring cover 32 and holding pin 34 are mechanically fastened to resilient member 26. Preferably, resilient member 26 is a spring and more preferably a coil spring. Preferably, spring cover 32 is mechanically fastened to coil spring 26 by placing a protrusion of spring cover 32 between adjacent coils at a first end of coil spring 26. Similarly, holding pin 34 is mechanically fastened to coil spring 26 by placing a protrusion of holding pin 34 between adjacent coils at a second end of coil spring 26. Beneficially, this allows for resilient member 26 to be mechanically secured to body 12 without the need for extra fastening means. In addition, the preferred configuration ensures that a pulling force is never exerted onto resilient member 26 which could detach resilient member 26 from holding pin 34 thus damaging the customisable jewellery item 10.

Body 12 further comprises cavity wall 36, cavity wall lower surface 38, and cavity wall upper surface 40, which define the boundary of cavity 20. Preferably, cavity 20 is shaped to accommodate resilient member 26. Yet more preferably, cavity wall 36, cavity wall lower surface 38, and cavity wall upper surface 40 define cavity 20 which is substantially cylindrical in order to accommodate coil spring 26.

Figure 5 shows an expanded view of body 12 which comprises cavity 20, cover recess 30, holding pin 34, cover alignment recess 42, and cleaning access holes 44, 46.

Cover alignment recess 42 in use ensures that cover (not shown) is correctly aligned to body 12. Preferably, cover (not shown) comprises a cover alignment protrusion (as discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 9) which corresponds in size and shape to cover alignment recess 42. Beneficially, this eliminates mistakes which could occur due to misalignment of cover (not shown) to body 12 during manufacture. Such mistakes would hinder the functionality of a customisable jewellery item as the aperture (not shown) would be incorrectly aligned to the stop (not shown) thus inhibiting an interchangeable ornamental part from being attached to the customisable jewellery item.

Preferably, body 12 comprises cleaning access holes 44, 46 which are configured to enable cavity 20, and elements within cavity 20, to be cleaned with a cleaning tool (not shown) such as a needle, a thin wire, or any other suitable tool.

Figure 6 shows a top-side view of body 12 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows body 12 comprising cavity 20, stop 22, cover recess 30, holding pin 34, cover alignment recess 42, and cleaning access holes 44, 46.

Stop 22 comprises first protrusion 48 extending from body 12 into cavity 20 and further first protrusion 52 extending from body 12 into cavity 20. In use, stop 22 prevents rotation of a lug (not shown) within cavity 20. Preferably, first protrusion 48 is positioned relative to the aperture (not shown) so as to enable movement of the lug (not shown) in a first direction as far as stop 22. Preferably, the first direction is a clockwise rotation. Alternatively, stop 22 may be positioned within cavity 20 such that the first direction is a counter-clockwise rotation.

Figure 6 further shows second protrusion 50 extending from body 12 into cavity 20 and further second protrusion 54 extending from body 12 into cavity 20. Second protrusion 50 is positioned relative to the aperture (not shown) so as to in use inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in a second direction. Preferably, the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

Preferably, the lug (not shown) is substantially elongate and comprises opposite ends. Stop 22 comprises pair of first protrusions 48, 52 which in use act on respective opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to prevent further rotation of the lug (not shown) in the first direction and help align the lug (not shown) to the lug recess (not shown). Second protrusions 50, 54 in use act on respective opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to inhibit rotation of the lug (not shown) in the second direction.

As such, first protrusions 48, 52 serve as a guide which confines the rotation of the lug (not shown) in the first direction in order to indicate to a user of the customisable jewellery item that the interchangeable ornamental part has been correctly aligned in order to be securely affixed. Conversely, second protrusions 50, 54 serve as a guide which confines the manual rotation of the lug (not shown) in the second direction to indicate to a user of the customisable jewellery item that the interchangeable ornamental part has been correctly aligned in order for it to be safely removed without damage. Beneficially, this provides for a simple and secure way for an interchangeable ornamental part to be attached to a customisable jewellery item. The customisable jewellery item guides the user as to when an interchangeable ornamental part is securely fixed and when an interchangeable ornamental part can be safely removed.

Figure 6 also shows first element 56 which protrudes from body 12 into cavity 20. First element 56 comprises first protrusion 48 and further second protrusion 54 such that first protrusion 48 is located on a first side of first element 56, and further second protrusion 54 is located on a second different side of first element 56.

First element 56 comprises arcuate form 58 protruding from body 12 into cavity 20. The opposite sides of arcuate form 58 respectively comprise first protrusion 48 and further second protrusion 54. Preferably, the opposite sides of arcuate form 58 subtend one another at an angle less than 180. More preferably, at an angle between 45 and 135 degrees. More preferably again in the order of 80 to 100 degrees. Yet more preferably about 90 degrees.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of section G-G marked on Figure 6 and shows body 12 comprising cavity 20, stop 22, cover recess 30, holding pin 34, and cover alignment recess 42. Figure 7 further shows second protrusion 50 and further first protrusion 52.

Preferably, stop 22 is shaped in order to allow for a resilient member (not shown) to be placed within cavity 20. Preferably, stop 22 comprises an arcuate form in order to allow a resilient member which is a coil spring (not shown) to be placed within cavity 20. Alternatively, stop 22 may be shaped in order to accommodate a resilient member of a different shape.

Figure 8 is an under-side view of body 12 comprising cleaning access holes 44 and 46 which are preferably arcuate shaped. Optionally, body 12 comprises a single cleaning access hole. Alternatively, body 12 may comprise a plurality of cleaning access holes.

Cleaning access holes 44 and 46 allow for a cleaning tool (not shown), such as a needle, a thin wire, or any other suitable tool, to be inserted into the cavity (not shown) of body 12 in order to facilitate cleaning of the inner components of body 12. Cleaning access holes 44 and 46 help to enable easy maintenance of customisable jewellery item 10 and furthermore help to extend the usable life of such an item by allowing the user to remove ingress or foreign bodies which might accrue during normal use of customisable jewellery item 10. Such foreign bodies may adversely affect the mechanism and workings of customisable jewellery item 10 and the removal of such foreign bodies helps to extend the lifetime of customisable jewellery item 10.

Figure 9 is an expanded view of the top side of cover 28. Preferably, cover 28 comprises aperture 14, lug recess 24, and cover alignment protrusion 60. In use, cover alignment protrusion 60 aligns with cover alignment recess 42 in order to ensure correct alignment of cover 28 to body (not shown). Correct alignment of cover 28 to body (not shown) ensures that aperture 14 is correctly aligned to the stop (not shown) forming part of the body (not shown).

Preferably, cover alignment protrusion 60 comprises an element radially protruding from cover 28. Alternatively, other geometries and sizes could be employed in order to ensure correct alignment of cover 28 with body (not shown).

Figure 10 is an expanded view of the bottom side of cover 28 which comprises aperture 14, lug recess 24, cover alignment protrusion 60, and cover face 62. Preferably, cover face 62 in use forms an internal face of body 12 and helps define cavity 20. Preferably, cover face 62 in use is equivalent to cavity wall upper surface 40 shown in Figure 4.

Aperture 14 has aperture elongate axis 64 and lug recess 24 has lug recess elongate axis 66. Preferably, aperture elongate axis 64 and lug recess elongate axis 66 subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and more than 0 degrees. More preferably, aperture elongate axis 64 and lug recess elongate axis 66 subtend one another at an angle between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. More preferably, aperture elongate axis 64 and lug recess elongate axis 66 subtend one another at an angle in the order of 80 to 100 degrees. Yet more preferably, aperture elongate axis 64 and lug recess elongate axis 66 subtend one another at an angle about 90 degrees. Optionally, aperture 14 and lug recess 24 are arranged in a substantially cruciate form.

Lug recess 24 is dimensioned to receive a lug (not shown) of an interchangeable ornamental part (not shown). Beneficially, lug recess 24 provides a further means of fastening an interchangeable ornamental part to a customisable jewellery item by in use preventing substantially lateral movement of the interchangeable ornamental part. This provides for a more secure fastening mechanism due to the fact that the interchangeable ornamental part is mechanically secured by the resilient member (not shown) and lug recess 24.

Figure 11 is an expanded view of elements of customisable jewellery item 10. Figure 11 shows body 12, resilient member 26, cover 28 comprising cover alignment protrusion 60, cover recess 30, spring cover 32, and cover alignment recess 42. Resilient member 26 is preferably a spring and more preferably a pressure coil spring. Preferably, resilient member 26 is shaped to have free length 68. Preferably, free length 68 is larger than internal height 70 of body 12, as shown in Figure 12.

Preferably, the elements of customisable jewellery item 10 shown in Figure 11 are assembled in a set order. Preferably, spring cover 32 is mechanically fastened to resilient member 26 which is in turn mechanically fastened to a holding pin (not shown) forming part of body 12. Cover 28 is then placed within cover recess 30 by ensuring that cover alignment protrusion 60 is correctly aligned to cover alignment recess 42. Preferably, cover 28 and cover recess 30 are configured to enable a mechanical or frictional cooperation.

Figure 12 shows the elements of Figure 11 in assembled form. Resilient member 26 is attached to body 12 by holding pin 34 and is further attached to spring cover 32. Spring cover 32 biases cover 28 owing to the fact that resilient member 26 has a free length (not shown) larger than internal height 70 of body 12. Beneficially, this in use allows for resilient member 26 to have a pre-tension applied by maintaining resilient member 26 in a substantially compressed state, thus enabling return force to be applied to the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) upon insertion and as such ensures that the lug (not shown) is pushed into the lug recess (not shown).

Figure 13 shows a side view of interchangeable ornamental part 18 comprising lug 16 according to an aspect of the invention.

Preferably, lug 16 is dimensioned to fit within the lug recess (not shown) forming part of the body (not shown) of the customisable jewellery item (not shown). Preferably, lug 16 is elongate in shape and yet more preferably has a cross- sectional shape which is substantially rectangular.

Joining member 72 joins lug 16 to face 74 of interchangeable ornamental part 18. Preferably, lug 16, joining member 72, and face 74 are manufactured as a single piece in order to simplify manufacture.

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the section AA shown in Figure 13.

Preferably, joining member 72 has cross sectional diameter 76 and lug 16 has cross sectional width 78. Preferably, cross sectional diameter 76 of joining member 72 is greater than cross sectional diameter 78 of lug 16. Beneficially, this restricts the range of tilting movement which can be applied to interchangeable ornamental part 18 when inserted into a customisable jewellery item (not shown). This helps to prevent any damage that may occur to interchangeable ornamental part 18 as a result of over tilting and subsequently applying excess strain to joining member 72. Furthermore, the restriction of tilting movement of interchangeable ornamental part 18 when inserted into a customisable jewellery (not shown) item provides a feeling of a more stable mounting to the user.

Figure 15A-C show an expanded view of a method for fitting interchangeable ornamental part 18 to customisable jewellery item 10.

Figure 15A shows interchangeable ornamental part 18 being aligned to customisable jewellery item 10. Preferably, interchangeable ornamental part 18 is aligned to customisable jewellery item 10 by aligning the lug (not shown) forming part of interchangeable ornamental part 18 to aperture 14 forming part of customisable jewellery item 10.

Once interchangeable ornamental part 18 is aligned to customisable jewellery item 10, the lug (not shown) is inserted through aperture 14 into the cavity (not shown) forming part of body 12.

Interchangeable ornamental part 18 is then rotated in first direction 80, as shown in Figure 15B. Rotation of interchangeable ornamental part 18 in first direction 80 causes the lug (not shown) to abut the stop (not shown) forming part of body 12. The act of the lug (not shown) abutting the stop (not shown) indicates to the user of customisable jewellery item 10 that the lug (not shown) correctly aligned with the lug recess (not shown) forming part of body 12.

Once the lug (not shown) is correctly aligned with the lug recess (not shown), the user may release interchangeable ornamental part 18. Upon release, the resilient member (not shown) forming part of body 12 biases the lug (not shown) and thereby pushes the lug (not shown) into the lug recess (not shown). The resilient member (not shown) holds the lug (not shown) into the lug recess (not shown) thereby joining interchangeable ornamental part 18 to customisable jewellery item 10.

The skilled person will appreciate that in order to remove an interchangeable ornamental part from a customisable jewellery item, the steps shown in Figure 15A-C can be performed in reverse.

As such, there is provided a simple and secure method for joining and removing an interchangeable ornamental part from a customisable jewellery item. The customisable jewellery item is configured to guide the user to the correct orientation and is further configured to help prevent possible damage to either the interchangeable ornamental part or the customisable jewellery item as a result of incorrect alignment.

Figures 16 and 17 show several customisable jewellery items comprising an interchangeable ornamental part.

In Figure 16A, interchangeable ornamental part 82 forms part of customisable jewellery item 84 which is a ring. In Figure 16B, interchangeable ornamental part 82 forms part of customisable jewellery item 86 which is an earring. In Figure 16C, interchangeable ornamental part 82 forms part of customisable jewellery item 88 which is a necklace. In Figure 16D, interchangeable ornamental part 82 forms part of customisable jewellery item 90 which is a bracelet. Figure 17 A-D shows further examples of several customisable jewellery items comprising several interchangeable ornamental parts. The skilled person will appreciate that the examples given in the figures are in no way limiting and further examples may be considered in other types of jewellery.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment is now described whereby common features as present in the first embodiment are prefixed with the number "1", and those features particular to the present embodiment are prefixed with the number "2".

Figures 18, 19, and 20 show customisable jewellery item 110 comprising body 112, extended body part 113, and aperture 114. Interchangeable ornamental part 118 comprising lug 116 is in use attached to body 112 through insertion of lug 116 into aperture 114. The skilled person will appreciate that the interchangeable ornamental part shown in Figures 2, 13, and 14 of the first embodiment can be used as part of the customisable jewellery item of the present embodiment.

Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of customisable jewellery item 110 with interchangeable ornamental part 118 as shown in Figure 18.

Customisable jewellery item 110 comprises body 112 and aperture 114. Figure 21 further shows interchangeable ornamental part 118 comprising lug 116. Aperture 114 is shaped to receive lug 116 and, beneficially, aperture 114 is shaped in order to achieve a more stable fastening with interchangeable ornamental part 118 by restricting the tilt range of interchangeable ornamental part 118 when affixed to customisable jewellery item 110.

Body 112 of customisable jewellery item 110 further comprises cavity 120, stop (not shown), lug recess (not shown), intermediate lug recess (not shown), and resilient member 126. Resilient member 126 is preferably a spring and yet more preferably a coil spring. Alternatively, resilient member 126 may be any other resilient member such as a wave spring, plate spring, torsion spring, or conical spring. Cover 128 is positioned within cover recess 130 forming part of body 112. Preferably, cover 128 has a diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of cover recess 130. Cover 128 prevents the inner elements of body 112 from being visible and furthermore reduces the ingress of foreign objects or dirt into cavity 120 which would otherwise potentially compromise the functionality of customisable jewellery item 110. Preferably, cover 128 is welded to body 112 during assembly, preferably cover 128 is laser welded to body 112. Alternatively, cover recess 130 is configured to cooperate with cover 128 in use to hold cover 128 in place, wherein the configuration is adapted to enable a mechanical and/or frictional cooperation between cover recess 130 and cover 128. Preferably, after cover 128 is positioned and affixed within cover recess 130, the surface of cover 128 and the surface of body 112 are mechanically brushed in order to give the appearance of a consolidated surface.

Body 112 further comprises spring cover 132 attached to a first end of resilient member 126 and holding pin 134 attached to a second end of resilient member 126. Preferably, spring cover 132 and holding pin 134 are mechanically fastened to resilient member 126. Preferably, resilient member 126 is a spring and preferably a coil spring. Preferably spring cover 132 is mechanically fastened to coil spring 126 by placing a protrusion of spring cover 132 between adjacent coils at a first end of coil spring 126. Similarly, holding pin 134 is configured to cooperate with coil spring 126, wherein the configuration is adapted to enable a mechanical and/or frictional cooperation between holding pin 134 and coil spring 126. Beneficially, this allows for resilient member 126 to be mechanically secured to body 112 without the need for extra fastening means.

Body 112 further comprises cavity wall 136, cavity wall lower surface 138, and cavity wall upper surface 140, which define the boundary of cavity 120. Preferably, cavity 120 is shaped to accommodate resilient member 126. Yet more preferably, cavity wall 136, cavity wall lower surface 138, and cavity wall upper surface 140 define cavity 120 which is substantially cylindrical in order to accommodate coil spring 126.

Body 112 further comprises cleaning access holes 144, 146. Preferably, cleaning access holes 144, 146 are arcuate shaped. Alternatively, body 112 comprises a single cleaning access hole. Alternatively, body 112 may comprise a plurality of cleaning access holes.

Cleaning access holes 144 and 146 allow for a cleaning tool (not shown), such as a needle, a thin wire, or any other suitable tool, to be inserted into cavity 120 of body 112 in order to facilitate cleaning of the inner components of body 112. Cleaning access holes 144 and 146 help to enable easy maintenance of a customisable jewellery item and furthermore help to extend the usable life of such an item by allowing the user to remove ingress or foreign bodies which might accrue during normal use of the customisable jewellery item. Such foreign bodies may adversely affect the mechanism and workings of the customisable jewellery item and the removal of such foreign bodies helps to extend the lifetime of the customisable jewellery item.

Figure 22 shows an expanded view of body 112 which comprises cavity 120, cover recess 130, cover alignment recess 142, lug recess 124, and intermediate lug recess 210.

Cover alignment recess 142 in use ensures that the cover (not shown) is correctly aligned to body 112. Preferably, the cover (not shown) comprises a cover alignment protrusion (as discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 26) which corresponds in size and shape to cover alignment recess 142. Beneficially, this eliminates mistakes which could occur due to misalignment of cover (not shown) to body 112 during manufacture. Such mistakes would hinder the functionality of a customisable jewellery item as the aperture (not shown) would be incorrectly aligned to the stop (not shown) thus inhibiting an interchangeable ornamental part from being attached to the customisable jewellery item.

As described in more detail in relation to Figure 23, body 112 comprises lug recess 124 and intermediate lug recess 210. Preferably, lug recess 124 and intermediate lug recess 210 are formed as part of body 112. Alternatively, the lug recess and the intermediate lug recess are formed as part of a removable part, such as part of a cover (not shown). Alternatively, either the lug recess or the intermediate lug recess are formed as part of a removable part, such as part of a cover (not shown). Figure 23 shows a top-side view of body 112 shown in Figure 22. Figure 23 shows body 112 comprising cavity 120, stop 122, lug recess 124, and intermediate lug recess 210.

Stop 122 comprises first protrusion 148 extending from body 112 into cavity 120. Preferably, first protrusion 148 is positioned relative to the aperture (not shown) so as to enable movement of the lug (not shown) in a first direction as far as stop 122.

Body 112 comprises second protrusion 150 extending from body 112 into cavity 120. Preferably, second protrusion 150 is positioned relative to the aperture (not shown) so as to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in a second direction, which is preferably opposite to the first direction. Preferably, the first direction is a clockwise direction, and the second direction is a counter-clockwise direction.

Preferably, the lug (not shown) is substantially elongate and comprises opposite ends. Stop 122 comprises pair of first protrusions 148, 152 which in use act on respective opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to help align the lug (not shown) with lug recess 124. Pair of second protrusions 150, 154 act in use on opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in the second direction.

As such, first protrusions 148, 152, serve as a guide which confines the rotation of the lug (not shown) in the first direction in order to indicate to a user of the customisable jewellery item that the interchangeable ornamental part has been correctly aligned in order to be securely affixed. Conversely, second protrusions 150, 154 serve as a guide which confines the manual rotation of the lug (not shown) in the second direction to indicate to a user of the customisable jewellery item that the interchangeable ornamental part has been correctly aligned in order for it to be safely removed without damage. Beneficially, this provides for a simple and secure way for an interchangeable ornamental part to be attached to a customisable jewellery item. The customisable jewellery item guides the user as to when an interchangeable ornamental part is securely fixed and when an interchangeable ornamental part can be safely removed. Figure 23 also shows first element 156 which protrudes from body 112 into cavity 120. First element 156 comprises first protrusion 148 and further second protrusion 154 such that first protrusion 148 is located on a first side of first element 156, and further second protrusion 154 is located on a second different side of first element 156.

First element 156 comprises an arcuate form protruding from body 112 into cavity 120. The opposite sides of the arcuate form respectively comprise first protrusion 148 and further second protrusion 154. Preferably, the opposite sides of the arcuate form subtend one another at an angle less than 180. More preferably, at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees. More preferably again in the order of 50 to 70 degrees. Yet more preferably about 60 degrees.

Body 112 comprises third protrusion 202 extending from body 112 into cavity 120. Preferably, third protrusion 202 is positioned relative to first protrusion 148 and inhibits movement of the lug (not shown) in the second direction when the lug (not shown) is held in use in lug recess 124.

Figure 23 also shows pair of third protrusions 202, 204 which in use act on respective opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in the second direction when the lug (not shown) in use is held in lug recess (124).

Bridging element 206 joins first protrusion 148 and third protrusion 202 such that first protrusion 148, third protrusion 202, and bridging element 206 form internal face of body 112. Therefore, first protrusion 148, third protrusion 202, and bridging element 206 help define lug recess 124. Preferably, pair of bridging elements 206, 208 join pair of first protrusions 148, 152 and pair of third protrusions 202, 204 such that a first protrusion is joined to a third protrusion by a bridging element. Pair of bridging elements 206, 208, pair of first protrusions 148, 152, and pair of third protrusions 202, 204 form internal face of the body 112 thereby to help define the lug recess 124. Figure 24 shows a side elevation view of lug recess 124, first protrusion 148 formed on a side of first element 156, third protrusion 202, and bridging element 206.

Bridging element 206 has a height substantially less than a height of third protrusion 202, and third protrusion 202 preferably has a height substantially less than a height of first protrusion 148. In this way, first protrusion 148 in use inhibits movement of the lug (not shown) in the first direction in order to align the lug (not shown) with lug recess 124. Third protrusion 202 is preferably dimensioned so as in use not to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in the first direction during insertion of the lug, and inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in the second direction when the lug (not shown) is held in lug recess 124. Bridging element 206 in use prevents the lug (not shown) from being pushed out of the cavity (not shown) by the resilient member (not shown) thereby holding the lug (not shown) in lug recess 124.

Returning once again to Figure 23, lug recess 124 is configured to hold the lug (not shown) in a final engaged state. Figure 23 further shows intermediate lug recess 210 for holding the lug (not shown). Intermediate lug recess 210 is positioned between the aperture (not shown) and lug recess 124, and is configured to hold the lug (not shown) in an intermediate engaged state. In use, the intermediate engaged state provides a visual indication to a user of the customisable jewellery item that the lug (not shown) is engaged in the intermediate engaged state and is not engaged in the final engaged state.

Preferably, the final engaged state is different to the intermediate engaged state. As will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 25, yet more preferably, the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) is positioned at a first height when the lug (not shown) in use is held in the final engaged state and the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) is positioned at a second height different to the first height when the lug (not shown) in use is held in the intermediate engaged state. Preferably, the first height is less than the second height such that the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) substantially protrudes from an external face (not shown) of body 112 when the lug (not shown) in use is held in the intermediate engaged state. Figures 25A-B shows an illustrative example of the lug (not shown) being held in a final engaged state and an intermediate engaged state.

In the final engaged state, as shown in Figure 25A, interchangeable ornamental part 118 is flush to external face 230 of body 112. As such, first surface 232 of interchangeable ornamental part 118 is positioned at first distance 234 relative to external face 230. In the intermediate engaged state, as shown in Figure 25B, first surface 232 is positioned at second distance 236 relative to external face 230, where second distance 236 is greater than first distance 234. Therefore, in the intermediate engaged state interchangeable ornamental part 118 substantially protrudes from body 112 providing a visual indication to a user of the customisable jewellery item that interchangeable ornamental part 118 is not in the final engaged state.

Returning to Figure 23, intermediate lug recess 210 therefore provides a safety mechanism such that in the event that the lug (not shown) in use becomes dislodged from lug recess 124, the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) does not become disconnected from body 112. Rather, the lug (not shown) is held in intermediate lug recess 210 in the intermediate engaged state, thus maintaining connection of the interchangeable ornamental part (not shown) to body 112.

Figure 23 further shows intermediate protrusion 212 extending from body 112 into cavity 120. Intermediate protrusion 212 is positioned between the aperture (not shown) and lug recess 124 so as to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in a second direction when the lug (not shown) in use is held in intermediate lug recess 210.

Preferably, the lug (not shown) is substantially elongate and comprises opposite ends. Pair of intermediate protrusions 212, 214 act in use on respective opposite ends of the lug (not shown) to inhibit movement of the lug (not shown) in the second direction when the lug (not shown) is held in intermediate lug recess 210.

Second element 216 protrudes from body 112 into cavity 120 and comprises third protrusion 202. Second element 216 has a first side comprising third protrusion 202 and a second side comprising fourth protrusion 218. Fourth protrusion 218 inhibits movement of the lug (not shown) in the first direction when the lug (not shown) in use is held in intermediate lug recess 210. Intermediate protrusion 212 and fourth protrusion 218 form internal face of the body 112 and help define intermediate lug recess 210.

Optionally, an intermediate bridging element (not shown) joins intermediate protrusion 212 and fourth protrusion 218 such that intermediate bridging element (not shown), intermediate protrusion 212 and fourth protrusion 218 form internal face of body 112 and thereby help define intermediate lug recess 210. Preferably, the intermediate bridging element (not shown) is a part of the cover (not shown), and yet more preferably is formed on a cover face (not shown) which in use forms internal face of the body 112.

Figure 26 shows cover 128 comprising aperture 114, cover alignment protrusion 160, and first face 162. Aperture 114 comprises aperture elongate axis 164.

Figure 27 shows aperture elongate axis 164 overlaid on top of body 112. Figure 27 further shows lug recess elongate axis 166 and intermediate lug recess elongate axis 228.

Aperture elongate axis 164 and lug recess elongate axis 166 are not parallel, and preferably aperture elongate axis 164 and lug recess elongate axis 166 subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 100 to 140 degrees and again more preferably about 120 degrees.

Aperture elongate axis 164 and intermediate lug recess elongate axis 228 are not parallel, and preferably aperture elongate axis 164 and intermediate lug recess elongate axis 228 subtend one another at an angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 40 to 80 degrees and again more preferably about 60 degrees. As such, there is provided a simple and secure method for joining and removing an interchangeable ornamental part from a customisable jewellery item. The customisable jewellery item is configured to guide the user to the correct orientation and is further configured to help prevent possible damage to either the interchangeable ornamental part or the customisable jewellery item as a result of incorrect alignment. During normal operation, the interchangeable ornamental part is held in a final engaged state. If the interchangeable ornamental part somehow becomes dislodged during use of the customisable jewellery item, the customisable jewellery item is configured to hold the interchangeable ornamental part in an intermediate engaged state. The intermediate engaged state is visually different to the final engaged state in order to provide feedback to the user of the customisable jewellery item that the interchangeable ornamental part is not fully engaged.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment is now described whereby common features as present in the first and second embodiment are prefixed with the numbers "1" and "2" respectively, and those features particular to the present embodiment are prefixed with the numbers "3", "4", and "5".

Figure 28 shows modular jewellery item 310 comprising modular bodies 312, 314 joined by link 316 comprising distal lugs 324, 326 separated by elongate member 328. As described in more detail below, distal lugs 324, 326 have at least one insertion orientation. Figure 28 also shows further links 318, 320, 322. Whilst Figure 28 shows two modular bodies 312, 314 joined by link 316, modular jewellery item 310 can comprise a plurality of modular bodies joined by one or more links, such as links 316, 318, 320, and 322.

As will become apparent in the following description, the modular jewellery item of the present embodiment beneficially allows for a custom item of jewellery to be constructed by a user through the joining of a plurality of modular bodies via one or more links. Preferably, the modular bodies are releasably secured to the modular jewellery item thus allowing complex jewellery items to be realised from a combination of simple parts. Furthermore, the shape and form of each link can be different, allowing a user of a modular jewellery item to produce multiple overall designs by joining a plurality of modular bodies with one of more different links.

Figure 29 shows modular body 312 for a modular jewellery item, such as modular jewellery item 310.

Modular body 312 comprises angled channelform 336 and interior chamber 342 defining holding cavity 340 connected to angled channelform 336.

Modular body 312 comprises at least one angled channelform, such as angled channelform 336, connected to at least one holding cavity, such as holding cavity 340. More preferably, a modular body comprises more than one angled channelform and more than one holding cavity such that each angled channelform connects to a respective holding cavity. Yet more preferably, a modular body comprises four angled channelforms and four holding cavities such that each angled channelform connects to a respective holding cavity. Alternatively, a modular body comprises more than four angled channelforms and more than four holding cavities such that each angled channelform connects to a respective holding cavity.

Angled channelform 336 has external opening 356 formed on first face 366 of modular body 312. Preferably, external opening 356 is proximal an outer edge of first face 366. Yet more preferably, first face 366 is substantially polygonal in shape and external opening 356 is circumferentially disposed on first face 366. Optionally, a modular body comprises a plurality of angled channelforms each having respective external openings such that the plurality of external openings are circumferentially disposed evenly on a first face of the modular body.

Figure 30 shows a cross sectional view of modular body 312 as shown in Figure 29.

Modular body 312 comprises angled channelform 336 and interior chamber 342 defining holding cavity 340 connected to angled channelform 336. Figure 30 further shows channel width 337, channel axis 338, external opening 356 formed on first face 366 having normal vector 367, internal opening 358, wall 346 forming an outer portion 348 of modular body 312, and inner lip 360 forming an internal face 362 of interior chamber 342.

External opening 356 is shaped for receiving a distal lug, such as distal lug 324 as shown in Figure 28. Yet more preferably, external opening 356 is shaped for receiving the distal lug when the distal lug is in the at least one insertion orientation such that, when the distal lug is not in the at least one insertion orientation, insertion of the distal lug into the angled channelform 336 through external opening 356 is restricted. Beneficially, this ensures that the link is correctly joined to modular body 312 and avoids potential damage as a result of a user attempting to insert a distal lug in an incorrect orientation.

Angled channelform 336 has channel width 337 and channel axis 338 and is adapted to receive a distal lug when the distal lug is aligned in the at least one insertion orientation with channel axis 338. When the distal lug is aligned with channel axis 338, angled channelform 336 enables movement of the distal lug along channel axis 338 and restricts rotation of the distal lug within angled channelform 336.

Angled channelform 336 is preferably angled with respect to first face 366 of modular body 312. More preferably, angled channelform 336 is angled with respect to normal vector 367 of first face 366 such that channel axis 338 and normal vector 367 subtend one another at an angle less than 90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees, more preferably between 15 degrees and 75 degrees, more preferably still in the order of 15 to 25 degrees, and again more preferably about 20 degrees.

Channel axis 338 is substantially equal to at least one insertion orientation of the distal lug such that when the distal lug is in the at least one insertion orientation, which substantially aligns with channel axis 338, the distal lug is in use able to be inserted through external opening 356 and laterally move within angled channelform 336 in the direction of channel axis 338. In addition, angled channelform 336 is preferably shaped to substantially restrict or prevent movement of the distal lug in a direction substantially not equal to channel axis 338 when the distal lug in use is within angled channelform 336.

Preferably, the distal lug is dimensioned so as to restrict rotation of the distal lug within angled channelform 336.

To illustrate this, Figures 38A-D show cross sectional views of two distal lugs.

Figure 38A shows distal lug 372, which is similar to distal lug 316 as shown in Figure 28. Figure 38B shows a cross sectional view of distal lug 372 taken along section BB as shown in Figure 38A. Distal lug 372 has cross sectional height 374, maximum cross sectional width 376 which is an effective diameter of circle 378, and orientation protrusion 380.

Preferably, distal lug 372 is dimensioned such that cross sectional height 374 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, to allow insertion of distal lug 372 into the angled channelform when distal lug 372 is in an insertion orientation. Yet more preferably, cross sectional height 374 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, by a first tolerance amount. Preferably, orientation protrusion 380 is sited outside of an angled channelform and so a total height of distal lug 372, including cross sectional height 374 and a height of the orientation protrusion 380, can be greater than a channel width of an angled channelform.

Furthermore, distal lug 372 is preferably dimensioned such that maximum cross sectional width 376 is greater than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, by a second tolerance amount, thus restricting rotation of the distal lug 372 within the angled channelform. Preferably, the first and second tolerance amounts are sufficiently small to ensure a tight fit of the distal lug 372 within an angled channelform. Beneficially, this allows for insertion and movement of a distal lug into and along an angled channelform when the distal lug is in an insertion orientation, whilst substantially restricting rotational movement of the distal lug within the angled channelform, thus maintaining the distal lug in the insertion orientation when in the angled channelform.

Figure 38C shows an alternative distal lug 382 which has a hexagonal cross sectional shape. Figure 38D shows a cross sectional view of distal lug 382 taken along section CC as shown in Figure 38C. Distal lug 382 has cross sectional height 384, and maximum cross sectional width 386 which is an effective diameter of circle 388.

Preferably, distal lug 382 is dimensioned such that cross sectional height 384 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, to allow insertion of distal lug 382 into the angled channelform when distal lug 382 is in an insertion orientation. Yet more preferably, cross sectional height 384 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, by a first tolerance amount.

Furthermore, distal lug 382 is preferably dimensioned such that maximum cross sectional width 386 is larger than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width 337 of angled channelform 336 as shown in Figure 30, by a second tolerance amount, thus restricting rotation of the distal lug 382 within the angled channelform. Preferably, the first and second tolerance amounts are sufficiently small to ensure a tight fit of the distal lug 382 within an angled channelform.

Referring once again to Figure 30, angled channelform 336 beneficially permits the insertion and removal of a distal lug into and from holding cavity 340 only when the distal lug is in the insertion orientation, which substantially corresponds to channel axis 338. This, therefore, reduces the likelihood of the distal lug becoming accidentally dislodged from holding cavity 340 which would result in the link becoming detached from modular body 312, thus providing a secure means of joining a link to modular body 312. Holding cavity 340 is adapted to hold the distal lug when inserted through angled channelform 336 and to enable at least partial rotation of the distal lug from the at least one insertion orientation to a holding orientation. In the holding orientation, non-rotational movement of the distal lug out of modular body 312 is substantially restricted.

Holding cavity 340 is connected to angled channelform 336 by internal opening 358. Yet more preferably, internal opening 358 is offset from external opening 356 thereby to define inner lip 360, which forms internal face 362 of interior chamber 360. Internal face 362 in use helps prevent the distal lug in the holding orientation from being removed through angled channelform.

Interior chamber 342 is shaped to accommodate a distal lug and is preferably dimensioned such that the volume of holding cavity 340 is substantially larger than the volume of a distal lug in order to allow partial movement and rotation of the distal lug within holding cavity 340.

Movement of the distal lug out of modular body 312 is restricted in the holding orientation since removal of the distal lug requires rotation of the lug so as to realign the at least one insertion orientation with channel axis 338.

Holding cavity 340 is defined by interior chamber 342. Preferably, interior chamber 342 comprises wall 346 forming an outer portion 348 of modular body 312.

As shown in Figure 31A, a wall, such as wall 346 in Figure 30, comprises first portion 350 and second portion 352 separated by passage 354 within which in use an elongate member (such as elongate member 328 as shown in Figure 28) is placed. Preferably, the distance between first portion 350 and second portion 352 is substantially equal to a cross sectional diameter of the elongate member such that lateral movement of the elongate member is restricted when in use placed within passage 354. Preferably, the elongate member and passage 354 are dimensioned so as to ensure a tight fit of elongate member within passage 354. Preferably, external opening 356 and passage 354 form continuous channel 354, 356 within which in use an elongate member (not shown) is placed. In particular, when a distal lug has been inserted into internal chamber (not shown) through angled channelform (not shown), subsequent rotation of the distal lug from the at least one insertion orientation into the holding orientation causes movement of the elongate member from external opening 356 into passage 354.

Preferably, and as shown in more detail with reference to Figure 37C, a distal lug, such as distal lug 324 of Figure 37C, forming part of a link comprises an orientation protrusion, such as orientation protrusion 332 of Figure 37C. In use, orientation protrusion 332 ensures that the link is correctly oriented with respect a modular body such that distal lug 324 may only be inserted into an external opening when orientation protrusion 332 is correctly aligned with the external opening. Preferably, the external opening is shaped to accommodate orientation protrusion 332 only when distal lug 324 is in at least one insertion orientation.

Figure 31B shows modular body 312 which preferably comprises second face 368 comprising groove 369 defining an opening to passage 354 on second face 368. In use, groove 369 allows at least partial rotation of a lug beyond the holding orientation by allowing further movement of the elongate member within passage 354.

Second face 368 is an opposite face to first face 366 as shown in Figure 31A, and external openings are formed on a single face of a modular body. Alternatively, where the modular body comprises a plurality of external openings, each external opening in the plurality of external openings can be formed on alternate faces of the modular body.

Figures 32A-C show an example process of joining link 316 to modular body 312 as shown in Figure 30.

In the example shown in Figure 32A, link 316 and distal lug 324 are positioned in insertion orientation 334 which is substantially equal to channel axis 338. Distal lug 324, having been inserted through external opening 356, is positioned within angled channelform 336. Angled channelform 336 permits lateral movement of distal lug 324 in the direction of channel axis 338, but restricts rotation of distal lug 324 within angled channelform 336, due to the shape of distal lug 324 as described in relation to Figures 38A-D.

The example of Figure 32B shows distal lug 324 having been inserted through angled channelform 336 into holding cavity 342 and subsequently rotated such that distal lug 324 is in an intermediate orientation 370. When distal lug 324 is in intermediate orientation 370 movement of distal lug 324 into angled channelform 336 is partially restricted and, more preferably, is prevented. Preferably, intermediate orientation 370 is closer to holding orientation than to insertion orientation 338, yet more preferably intermediate orientation 370 is substantially equal to holding orientation 344.

The example of Figure 32C shows distal lug 324 placed within holding cavity 342. Distal lug 324 is in holding orientation 344 such that non-rotational movement of distal lug 324 through angled channelform 336 and out of modular body 312 is restricted and preferably is prevented . Optionally, inner chamber 340 is dimensioned to allow at least partial non-rotational movement of distal lug 342 within holding cavity 342.

Inner lip 360 partially restricts non-rotational movement of distal lug 324 thereby to prevent distal lug from being placed within angled channelform when distal lug 324 is in holding orientation 344. Inner lip 360 further partially restricts rotational movement of distal lug 324 around a rotational axis approximate to holding orientation 344.

Insertion orientation 334 and holding orientation 344 preferably subtend at an angle of between 0 and 180 degrees, more preferably in the range of 45 to 135 degrees, and more preferably still at an angle between 90 degrees and 130 degrees, and again more preferably about 110 degrees.

Figure 33 shows modular body 312 and link 316 comprising distal lug 324. Modular body 312 comprises angled channelform 336 having channel axis 338. Furthermore, Figure 33 shows modular body 312 optionally comprising removable locking member 364. Preferably, removable locking member 364 is an interchangeable ornamental part, such as interchangeable ornamental part 18 shown in Figure 2 or interchangeable ornamental part 118 as shown in Figure 19.

Removable locking member 364 is positioned proximal angled channelform 336 and is configured to at least partially restrict angled channelform 336 thereby preventing distal lug 324 from being removed through angled channelform 336. Preferably, removable locking member 364 prevents distal lug 324 from being rotated from holding orientation 344, as shown in Figure 32C, to insertion orientation 334, as shown in Figure 32A. More preferably again, rotation in use of distal lug 324 in direction 365 from holding orientation 344, as shown in Figure 32C, causes link 316 to abut removable locking member 364 when distal lug 324 is substantially in further intermediate orientation 371 such that distal lug 324 is prevented from entering angled channelform 336.

In use, removable locking member 364 is removed from modular body 312 prior to distal lug 324 being inserted into angled channelform 336 and is preferably subsequently affixed to modular body 312 when distal lug 324 is in holding orientation, as shown by holding orientation 344 in Figure 32C.

Beneficially, a removable locking member provides a further safety mechanism to prevent accidental separation of a link from a modular body since the link is secured to a modular body when the removable locking member is in place, and the link can only be separated from the modular body when the removable locking member is removed.

Figure 34 shows modular jewellery item 410 comprising link 416 having distal lugs 424, 426 separated by elongate member 428. Elongate member 428 has first length (LI) 500 between distal lugs 424, 426 such that first length 500 corresponds to the distance between distal lug 424 and distal lug 426. Figure 34 further shows modular body 412, and modular body 414 which comprises holding cavity 443 and wall 447. Modular body 412 comprises angled channelform 436 having external opening 456, interior chamber 440 defining holding cavity 442 connected to angled channelform 436 by internal opening 458. Interior chamber 440 comprises wall 446 forming an outer portion 448 of modular body 412. Figure 34 further shows outer lip 504 extending by second length (L2) 502 away from wall 446.

Angled channelform 436 has external opening 456 for receiving distal lug 424. Preferably, distal lug 424 has a circular cross sectional shape and distal lug 424 can move and rotate within angled channelform 436.

Figures 39A-B show a distal lug having a circular cross sectional shape.

Figure 39A shows distal lug 424, and Figure 39B shows a cross sectional view of distal lug 424 taken along section DD as shown in Figure 39A. Distal lug 424 has cross sectional height 460 which corresponds to the maximum cross sectional width of distal lug 424 owing to the symmetrical form of the cross sectional shape of distal lug 424.

Preferably, distal lug 424 is dimensioned such that cross sectional height 460 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform, such as channel width (not shown) of angled channelform 436 of Figure 34, to allow insertion of distal lug 424 into the angled channelform. Yet more preferably, cross sectional height 460 is smaller than a channel width of an angled channelform by a third tolerance amount. The third tolerance amount is preferably sufficiently small to ensure a tight fit of distal lug 424 within an angled channelform.

Returning once again to Figure 34, distal lug 424 alternatively has a non-circular cross section shape and dimensioned such that movement and rotation within angled channelform 436 is restricted, as described in more detail above.

External opening 456 is offset from internal opening 458 thereby to define outer lip 504. Outer lip 504 extends away from wall 446 by second length 502. Preferably, external opening 456 is offset from internal opening 458 by an offset amount substantially equal to second length 502.

In use, distal lug 424 is held within holding cavity 442 of modular body 412 and distal lug 426 is held within holding cavity 443 of modular body 414 such that link 416 acts to hold walls 446 and 447 by a first distance. The first distance is substantially equal to first length 500. The first distance and second length (L2) 502 of both modular bodies 412, 414 is greater than first length (LI) 500 thereby helping to retain distal lug 424 within holding cavity 442 and distal lug 426 within holding cavity 443.

As shown in Figure 35, the wall, as shown as wall 446 in Figure 34, comprises first portion 450 and second portion 452 separated by passage 454 within which in use elongate member 428 is placed. Preferably, the distance between first portion 450 and second portion 452 is substantially equal to a cross sectional diameter of elongate member 428 such that lateral movement of elongate member 428 is restricted when in use placed within passage 454. Preferably, the elongate member and passage 454 are dimensioned so as to ensure a tight fit of elongate member within passage 454.

External opening 456 and passage 454 form continuous channel 454, 456 within which in use elongate member 428 is placed. In particular, insertion of a distal lug into internal chamber (not shown) through angled channelform (not shown) causes movement of elongate member 428 from external opening 456 into passage 454.

Beneficially, the modular jewellery item of Figures 34 and 35 provides a simple and secure means of joining a plurality of modular bodies by at least one link in order to form an endless chain of modular bodies, since a link acts to hold the walls of respective modular bodies by a distance less than the distance required for the distal lugs of the link to be moved out of the angled channelform.

Figure 36 shows bracelet 510 forming an endless chain of modular bodies, with modular bodies 512, 514, 515 being shown along with links 516, 518. Modular body 512 is joined to modular body 514 by link 516, and modular body 514 is joined to modular body 515 by link 518. Whilst not shown, the skilled person will appreciate that bracelet 510 comprises additional modular bodies joined by at least one link thus forming an endless chain of modular bodies. Whilst not shown, the skilled person will appreciate that the combination of modular bodies as described above does not concern exclusively bracelets but can also be used to form other types of jewellery such as modular pendants, modular earrings, etc. Figure 37A shows link 316 comprising distal lugs 324, 326 joined by elongate member 328. Link 316 comprises ornamental feature 330. Preferably, ornamental feature 330 is positioned at an equal distance between distal lugs 324, 326. Alternatively, an ornamental feature may be offset and substantially closer to one distal lug than the other distal lug.

As shown in Figures 37B and 37C, distal lugs 324, 326 have a non-circular cross sectional shape and comprise alignment protrusions, such as alignment protrusion 332 formed on a first face of distal lug 324.