Abstract:
An interchangeable and rotatable jewelry display for beads or ornaments. The invention provides a stable changing and retaining mechanism. Also, a method for displaying and rotating interchangeable ornaments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/302,048 entitled “Interchangeable Ornament Jewelry Display” to Gregg Burgard, filed on Apr. 29, 1999, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,122 on Nov. 20, 2001, and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT MATERIAL 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field) 
     The present invention relates to jewelry for displaying rotatable, interchangeable objects, such as beads. The invention utilizes a unique mechanism for changing the objects. The present invention is also a method for changing a decorative object in a piece of jewelry. 
     2. Background Art 
     Jewelry has always been considered an important element of a well-dressed individual, reflecting the personality and taste of the wearer. Due to the often significant expense involved in acquiring jewelry pieces, however, many individuals have necessarily limited their own collection to a few pieces. Such pieces may become outdated, or no longer coordinate with the wearer&#39;s wardrobe. 
     Another area that allows a person to express their individuality is the avocation of bead collecting. The increasing popularity of this field has led to the desire for novel ways to display beads. Jewelry is perfectly suited for display of beads, as the particular piece can often enhance the appearance of the selected bead. Interchangeability in such items of jewelry is very desirable in order to allow the wearer to change the particular bead or beads displayed. 
     Others in the past developed various jewelry pieces that allow for more than one displayed ornament or gem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,241, to Kohl, entitled  Hinged Finger  Ring; U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,974, to Shinohara, entitled  Ornament ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,608, to Berkowitz, entitled  Multi - Use Jewelry Piece ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,200, to Carter, entitled  Combination Ring Pendant ; U.S. Pat. No. 1,792,534, to Germain, entitled  Article of Jewelry ; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,585,183 and 1,553,198, both to Stern and entitled  Jewelry,  all disclose a fixed pair or multiple gems or stones that can be interchangeably displayed, either via a hinged set of rings/pendants or a pivotable/reversible setting. 
     Other patents disclosed various items of jewelry with interchangeable gems or stones. These include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,317, to Hendricks, entitled  Gem Changer Ring ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,080,803, to Suzuki, entitled  Jewelry Article with Selectively Visible Portions ; U.S. Pat. No. 792,334, to Levy, entitled  Finger Ring ; U.S. Pat. No. 922,212, to Tropin, entitled Jewelry; U.S. Pat. No. 685,044, to Haussmann, entitled  Jewelry ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,757, to Mesica, entitled  Jewelry with Rotatable Ornamentation ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,882, to Johnson, entitled  Jewelry with Interchangeable Elements ; U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,176, to Lichtenstein, entitled  Earring Assembly with Removable Ornaments ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,869, to Zinni, entitled  Pendant Frame with Retained Elements ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,225, to Rogers, entitled  Jewelry for Animals ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,850, to Lalieu, entitled  Earring with Selectable Decorative Element ; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,710,734, to Johnson, entitled  Pendant.    
     The prior art delineated above shares the common feature of lack of a stable and secure closure mechanism. The need for a mechanism that allows easy interchangeability, but resists breakage due to forcing or overuse, prompted the development of the present invention. 
     The present invention is an apparatus for displaying ornaments or beads. 
     It successfully addresses the problems encountered with the wear and tear that results from repeatedly changing the ornament, through the use of a novel twisting and sliding catch mechanism. The construction of the present invention results in jewelry pieces that allow interchangeability of displayed beads in an attractive setting, while decreasing the risk of breakage of the holder and subsequent loss of the displayed beads. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION) 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a jewelry apparatus for interchangeably displaying ornaments, the apparatus comprising a retainer, a catch slidably and rotatably inserted into the retainer, and a shaft for interchangeably receiving and holding the ornaments and allowing the ornaments to rotate around the shaft, the shaft positionally disposed in the retainer by the catch. The retainer preferably comprises an egg-shaped, spherical or square shape, and preferably comprises a J-shaped groove vertically situated within the retainer. The retainer preferably opens via a tunnel extending downward from the J-shaped groove and a tunnel extending sideways opposite the J-shaped groove. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer further comprises a connector affixed to a lower end of the retainer, and a spindle holder affixed to a lower end of the connector. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the catch comprises a substantially inverted T-shaped device, and preferably comprises a decorative holder for a display device comprising a rope, a string, or a chain. The catch preferably comprises a J-shaped groove positionally sideways in the T-shaped device, further comprises an indent opposite the J-shaped groove, and preferably further comprises an eyelet on one end of the inverted T-shape. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shaft comprises a knob at one end of the shaft, and a stop at an opposite end of the shaft. Preferably the shaft comprises a solid cylinder. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the retainer comprises a first ring section, the shaft comprises a spindle affixed to the first ring section, and the catch comprises a second ring section rotatably and slidably moveable around the spindle. Preferably, the first ring section comprises a display arm extending upward from the ring section and holding the spindle, and the second ring section comprises a spindle retainer arm and a second display arm. In a preferred embodiment, the spindle retainer arm comprises an upper end having a slot for receiving the spindle, and preferably the second display arm comprises an indent for receiving an end of the spindle. The first ring section preferably comprises a tab on the ring section, and the second ring section preferably comprises a notch corresponding to the tab. 
     The present invention also comprises a method for interchangeably displaying at least one rotatable ornament on a jewelry piece comprising a catch, a shaft and a retainer, the method comprising the steps of rotating the catch downward in the retainer, sliding the catch sideways out of the retainer, threading at least one ornament on the shaft, and replacing the catch in the retainer. Preferably, after sliding the catch sideways out of the retainer, at least one ornament is removed from the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the catch comprising a T-shaped device having a substantially J-shaped groove is rotated downward in the retainer, and more preferably rotated downward in a J-shaped groove in the retainer. In a preferred embodiment, after the catch is slid sideways out of the retainer, the shaft is partially removed from the retainer. Preferably the shaft comprising a knob is partially removed from a lower end of the retainer, and more preferably a straight shaft is partially removed from an upper end of the retainer. Preferably the catch comprising a J-shaped groove is replaced positionally around a knob of the shaft. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a first ring section is rotated downward and around a spindle directionally away from a second ring section; the first ring section is slid laterally away from the second ring section along the spindle; at least one ornament is threaded upon the spindle; and the first and second ring sections are reassembled. Preferably the first ring section is slid away from the second ring section comprising a spindle retainer arm and a second display arm, and is slid away from a spindle retainer arm upper end having a slot for receiving the spindle. 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry piece that allows for sturdy yet facile interchangeability of the ornament. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide jewelry pieces which may be used to display assorted beads. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a distinct presentation of beads. 
     A primary advantage of the present invention is the presentation of beads on a spindle having a retaining mechanism that resists breakage. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to display beads of different shapes and sizes by changing the spindle. 
     Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with ornament in place; 
     FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in closed position; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in closed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in closed position, without ornament; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with first and second ring portions slightly open; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with first and second ring portions mostly open; 
     FIG. 7 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with first and second ring portions mostly open; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with first and second ring portions open and the spindle partially slid out; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention fully assembled without ornaments; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the shaft element of the alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a rear view of the receiver element of the alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a rear view of the catch element of the alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a right side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention fully assembled without ornaments; 
     FIG. 14 is a right side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the catch rotated downward; 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the catch rotated downward and partially withdrawn from the receiver; 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the catch fully withdrawn from the receiver and the shaft displaced downward; 
     FIG. 17 is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention fully assembled without ornaments; 
     FIG. 18 is a front view of the further embodiment of the present invention showing the retainer; 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of the further embodiment of the present invention showing the catch; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of the further embodiment of the present invention showing the shaft; 
     FIG. 21 is a side view of the further embodiment of the present invention with the catch rotated downward; 
     FIG. 22 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the catch out of the retainer; and 
     FIG. 23 is a front view of the further embodiment of the present invention with the shaft displaced upward through the retainer. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     The present invention utilizes a unique mechanism for interchangeable jewelry ornament retention and rotation, such as a glass bead. Several embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-16. FIGS. 1-8 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a jewelry ring. FIG. 1 shows ornament retainer  10  with ornament  74  in place. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, ornament retainer  10  comprises first ring section  12  and second ring section  14 . Extending upward from first ring section  12  is display arm  16 , from which spindle  18  extends to be substantially parallel to the top of first ring section  12 . Second ring section  14  comprises spindle retainer arm  20  and second display arm  22 , both extending upward from second ring section  14 . Second display arm  22  has indent  24  at the far end for receiving blunt spindle end  26  when the ring is assembled. Likewise, spindle retainer arm  20  has opening  28  at the far end. Opening  28  has a diameter and shape approximate to and capable of enabling spindle insertion. Opening  28  is also positionally equivalent to location of indent  24  on second display arm  22 . 
     On top portion  30  of first ring section  12  is tab  32 , which corresponds to notch  34  on top portion of second ring section, to assist in proper alignment of the two ring sections when assembled. 
     In use, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, first ring section  12  is rotated upward and away from second ring section  14  around spindle  18 . First ring section  12  is then pulled laterally to slide spindle  18  out of indent  24 . Once spindle  18  has cleared sufficient space for inserting an ornament, the ornament (having a threading hole) is then placed on spindle  18 . First ring section  12  is then slid to insert spindle  18  completely through the ornament or bead and engage indent  24  on end of second display arm  22  on second ring section. First ring section  12  is rotated downward to meet second ring section  14 . To prevent further lateral twisting, tab  32  rests within notch  34 , thereby holding first ring section  12  and second ring section  14  together in such a manner as to resemble and function as one ring. As can be seen in the drawings, ornament  74  rotates about spindle  18 . Likewise various ornaments can be interchanged with this ring invention. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-16, illustrating a pendant  36 . Pendant  36  comprises three parts, as shown in FIGS.  10 - 12 : shaft  38 , catch  40  and receiver  42 . Receiver  42  is preferably egg-shaped, with a cylindrical hole in bottom end  44  for receiving shaft  38 . Receiver  42  also comprises J-shaped groove  46  extending downward from top end  48  for receiving catch  40 . Opposite the open side of J-shaped groove  46  is indent  50 . 
     Shaft  38  comprises rod  52 , preferably cylindrical, and alternatively having a square or triangular cross-section. Top end  54  of shaft  38  ends in knob  56  slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of shaft  38 . Lower end  58  of shaft  38  ends in stop  60 , which prevents ornaments or beads from sliding off the end of shaft  38 . 
     Catch  40  preferably comprises an inverted T-shape, with top end  62  ending in decorative loop  64  for accommodating a chain or rope. Horizontal portion  66  of the inverted T-shape is cylindrical, and encompasses sideways reverse J-shaped groove  68  opening downward. Downward opening  70  is slightly smaller than diameter of knob  56  on shaft  38 . 
     To operate so as to add, change or remove ornaments or beads, the following manipulations are performed. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, catch  40  is rotated downward to move vertical portion  72  of T-shape down along J-shaped groove  46  in receiver  42  (see directional arrow in FIG.  14 ). Once at bottom end of groove  46 , catch  40  is slidably moved horizontally to exit open end  47  of J-shaped groove  46  (as indicated by directional arrow in FIG.  15 ). Shaft  38  is then pulled downward through the hole in bottom end  44  of receiver  42 , as indicated by the directional arrow in FIG. 16, and is thus ready for threading of beads. Once the desired number of beads have been threaded onto shaft  38 , shaft  38  is inserted into the hole in bottom end  44  of receiver  42  until knob  56  is aligned with the open end of J-shaped groove  46  on the side of receiver  42 . Catch  40  is then inserted into side opening of receiver to encompass knob  56  and inserted into indent  50 , then is rotated upward along J-shaped groove  46  to securely hold shaft  38  in place. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 17-23, the ornaments or beads are displayed on a crescent pendant  76 . This embodiment comprises variations of a catch, a receiver, and a shaft. Receiver  78  in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, includes opening  80  opposite the side J-groove opening, instead of an indent. Also, receiver  78  is attached from the bottom to shaft holder  82  via crescent-shaped connector  84 . (Other shapes, such as angular or half-square, may be used as well.) 
     Shaft  86  in this embodiment, shown in FIG. 20, is preferably a solid cylinder, but may be hollow. Shafts of different diameters may be used to accommodate beads or ornaments having various thread-hole sizes. 
     Catch  88 , as shown in FIG. 19, is similar to that previously described, with the exception of horizontal T-portion  90 . In this embodiment, horizontal T-portion  90  is of sufficient length to protrude from opening  80  in receiver  78 . On the protruding end is small eyelet  92 , designed to hold a removable safety catch (not shown). 
     To use this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the following manipulations are performed: as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the safety catch is removed from eyelet  92  of catch  88 , allowing catch  88  to be rotated downward and slid laterally out the opposite side of the J-shaped groove of receiver  78 . Once catch  88  is removed, shaft  86  is slid partially out of the top of receiver  78 , as shown in FIG. 23, and the desired ornaments are threaded thereupon. Shaft  86  is then reinserted downward to rest in shaft holder  82 . Catch  88  is reinserted into the side hole of the J-shaped groove on the receiver, eyelet end first, until eyelet  92  protrudes from opening  80  on receiver  78  opposite the J-shaped groove side opening. Catch  88  is then rotated upward in the J-shaped groove, and the safety catch is replaced on eyelet  92  to hold pendant  76  together. 
     The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.