Abstract:
This invention relates to interchangeable jewelry, wherein items of jewelry such as pendants and rings may be easily and securely interchanged with other pieces of jewelry. The invention provides a mechanism that allows individual items of jewelry to be attached to each other in a removable manner while providing security while attached. The invention also provides a mechanisms comprises a screw arrangement along with a ball and spring arrangement that provides additional steadfastness to the items that are being connected.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to the field of Jewelry. More particularly, the present invention relates to interchangeable jewelry, wherein items of jewelry such as pendants and rings may be easily and securely interchanged with other pieces of jewelry. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    The human race has felt the desire to adorn themselves with jewelry from time immemorial. Humans have used jewelry to project and enhance specific persona. They have also used jewelry specific to match various occasions. Like many other walks of the modern-day life, jewelry with a promise of customisation holds out a huge attraction to the modern humans. At the same time jewelry reflects personality and it also remains one of the most expensive wears a person possesses. These two aspects make it difficult to strike a balance between the standardisation that convenience and has flexibility generally lead to and a desire to been maintain the uniqueness that every piece of jewelry is typically expected to radiate. 
         [0003]    One of the simplest ways to bring varity the jewelry that one possesses is by providing the ability to interchange the various elements of jewelry. For example a necklace which typically may have a component such as a chain which goes round the neck and a pendant or the centre piece. The interchangeability may be brought in by constructing the necklace in a way that would make it possible to use different pendants with the same chain or vice versa. 
         [0004]    There have been numerous attempts made to achieve this. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,837 discloses an interchangeable jewelry insert for detachable attachment to a receptacle of an item. One key drawback of this invention is that it does not provide adequate security to the jewelry. 
         [0006]    While the modern-day jewelry offers a variety of options in terms of interchangeable jewelry. The customer looks out for ease of use, security of the connections, and price. Moreover, given the delicate nature of the jewelry and the material used in making them, it is a tricky matter to provide a secure mechanism for facilitating interchangeability while providing robustness that will ensure its longevity. 
         [0007]    There is therefore a need to provide mechanisms to facilitate interchangeability of jewelry pieces such that the jewelry would be both secure and the mechanism of long life. There is also a need to provide such mechanism at an affordable price. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide mechanisms to facilitate interchangeability of jewelry pieces such that the jewelry would be both secure and the mechanism of long life. 
         [0009]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide such mechanism at an affordable price. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to one aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided that allows individual items of jewelry to be attached to each other in a removable manner while providing security while attached. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present invention such mechanisms comprises a screw arrangement along with a ball ( 8 ) and spring arrangement that provides additional steadfastness to the items that are being connected. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  discloses the preferred embodiment of the invention in an exploded view and assembled view respectively 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  discloses an embodiment of the present invention 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  discloses another embodiment of the present invention 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  discloses a third embodiment of the present invention 
       
    
    
     LIST OF PARTS 
       [0016]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Shank - 1 
               
               
                   
                 Collet - 2; collet base - 2A; jewel 
               
               
                   
                 housing (2B); hole in jewel housing (2C) 
               
               
                   
                 Threaded hole - 3; annular space - 3A, 
               
               
                   
                 non-concentric hole (3b) 
               
               
                   
                 Grub screw - 4 
               
               
                   
                 Shaft - 5 
               
               
                   
                 Outside face of the shank - 6 
               
               
                   
                 Slot - 7 
               
               
                   
                 Solid object - 8 
               
               
                   
                 Longitudinal axis of the shaft - 9 
               
               
                   
                 Elastic element - 10 
               
               
                   
                 Second elastic element (10a) 
               
               
                   
                 Seal (10b) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The invention discloses detachable jewelry. It comprises a pieces of jewelry that are detachable attached to each other such that while being attached they are securely attached to withstand forces placed upon them while wearing and handling. In particular the present invention discloses a detachable locking arrangement where two pieces of jewelry are connected to each other detachably using male female threaded elements incorporating locking device that comprises an elastic element and a ball/slot arrangement. 
         [0018]    The invention is now explained with the help of a finger ring. A typical finger ring comprises a shank ( 1 ) that goes round the finger and a collet ( 2 ) that houses a jewel stone. The present invention incorporates shank ( 1 ) and the collet ( 2 ) as independent parts that are detachably and securely connected to each other using the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shank ( 1 ) is provided with a threaded hole ( 3 ) (also called a shank hole or a grub screw hole) to receive a grub screw ( 4 ). The shank hole ( 3 ) is threaded on the inside whereas the grub screw ( 4 ) is provided with threading on the outside. A shaft ( 5 ) with threading on its outside is provided on the outside face of the shank ( 1 ), preferably concentrically with shank hole ( 3 ). A slot ( 7 ) is made in the wall of the shaft ( 5 ) to accommodate a solid object ( 8 ) (preferably in the form of a round ball ( 8 )) which is preferably made out of non corrosive metal. The size and shape of the ball ( 8 ) is such that its lateral movement with respect of a longitudinal axis of the shaft ( 5 ) is facilitated unhindered. The size of the slot ( 7 ) is such that the ball ( 8 ) protrudes slightly out of the wall of the shaft ( 5 ). The shaft ( 5 ) is hollow with an elastic element ( 10 ) inserted in it from the grub screw end of the shank ( 1 ). The elastic material fits in snugly inside the hole ( 3 ) and provides resistance to the lateral movement of the ball ( 8 ). The shape of the ball ( 8 ) is such that in its relaxed position, the ball ( 8 ) protrudes from the slot ( 7 ) provided in the shaft wall. The grub screw ( 4 ) is placed in the shank hole ( 3 ) to close the shank hole ( 3 ). 
         [0019]    The arrangement of the shank hole ( 3 ), shaft ( 5 ) and the grub screw ( 4 ) with the ball ( 8 ) and the elastic element ( 10 ) in their respective places forms the arrangement that allows secure attachment of the collet ( 2 ) with the shank ( 1 ). A typical collet ( 2 ) that is used in the present invention is shown in Figure xx. It shows an ornamental base ( 2 A) of the collet that is optional. The base ( 2 A) serves as a washer or packing element. It has a threaded hole at its centre. The jewel housing ( 2 B) (also termed as the collet housing) is the other part of the collet ( 2 ). The jewel housing ( 2 B) is also provided with a central threaded hole ( 2 C). 
         [0020]    When securely attaching the collet ( 2 ) to the shank ( 1 ) to form a wearable jewelry piece, the ornamental base ( 2 A) (or simply the base) is threaded over the shaft ( 5 ) till it reaches the threading limit. While doing so, it passes over the ball ( 8 ), pressing the ball ( 8 ) against the elastic element ( 10 ) in the process. As the ornamental element completely moves past the ball ( 8 ) during its movement along the shaft ( 5 ), the ball ( 8 ) bounces back away from the elastic element ( 10 ) and assumes its relaxed position. 
         [0021]    The jewel housing ( 2 B) is threaded over the shaft ( 5 ) next. The threading of the hole ( 2 C) in the jewel housing ( 2 B) is optionally provided with a notch to accommodate the ball ( 8 ) in its relaxed position. As the jewel housing ( 2 B) starts to thread over the shaft ( 5 ), its threading starts to press the ball ( 8 ) laterally into the elastic element ( 10 ). As the collet ( 2 ) makes its way along the shaft ( 5 ), the threads, due to the slant in the thread system, clear the ball ( 8 ) sufficiently for the ball ( 8 ) to bounce back and retract into the troughs of the thread. Once the onward movement of the collet ( 2 ) housing is stopped at the base ( 2 A) which is already in its own secure position, the housing and the base ( 2 A) are considered securely attached to the shank ( 1 ). 
         [0022]    The security or the immobility of the shank/collet system with respect to each other is achieved through the ingenious mechanism of threading and ball ( 8 ) and socket or a slot ( 7 ) provided in the invention. The ball ( 8 ) in its retracted position situated within the troughs of the housing thread is still under pressure from the elastic element ( 10 ). This pressure, which is in turn exerted on the threads of the collet housing ( 2 B) makes the collet housing ( 2 B) sufficiently immobile under the routine stresses placed on it during the normal wearing and handling of the jewelry. At the same time the level of stress is sufficiently low to allow easy and convenient removal of the collet housing ( 2 B) by a reverse operation (unscrewing) during which the threads once gain push the ball ( 8 ) into the elastic element ( 10 ) and come out over the shaft ( 5 ). The base ( 2 A), in its turn is also detached from the shank ( 1 ) by its reverse rotation and is able to overcome the ball ( 8 ) easily during this operation. 
         [0023]    It&#39;s therefore evident that the ball ( 8 ) along with the elastic element ( 10 ) exerts sufficient pressure on the collet/shank system to provide immobility to it once positioned in place and allows opening up of the collet and shank system to detach the two from each other. 
         [0024]    It is thus clear that the jewelry constructed using the present invention benefits from the flexibility of attachment and detachment while minimising the chances of parts separating from each other inadvertently leading to a loss of precious jewelry. It is evident that the present invention provides a double security system so that if one system of security fails, there&#39;s always a back-up security means. This also reduces the wear on the parts thereby increasing the longevity of the jewelry. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment of the present invention, rather than providing a grub screw and screw hole arrangement, the hole in which elastic element is inserted is sealed with solder or other type of welding. In such embodiments, there&#39;s no need for a grub screw. 
         [0026]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the position of the socket in the shaft wall is such that the ball ( 8 ) is positioned completely above the base ( 2 A) when the base ( 2 A) is in its final threaded position. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the position of the ball ( 8 ) may be such that it overlaps the threads of the base ( 2 A) and the housing in their final positions along the shaft ( 5 ). (See  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0028]    It is important the ball ( 8 ) covers at least a part of the collet housing ( 2 B) as the collet housing, rather than the collet base ( 2 A), is what needs to be secured with the shank In the case where a notch is provided on the threads of the housing, it is provided preferably such that the ball ( 8 ) in its retracted position situates entirely inside the slot ( 7 ). 
         [0029]    The diameter of the ball ( 8 ) is typically between 1-2 times the pitch of the threads of the housing hole. However, there is no limitation on the size of the ball or its relative size with respect to the pitch of the housing hole threads in order for this arrangement to work. 
         [0030]    There is preferably some play between the elastic element ( 10 ) and the ball ( 8 ) (while in its relaxed position) to allow smooth and effortless operation of the invention. However, the play is not necessary. In the case the ball ( 8 ) and the elastic element ( 10 ) are dimensioned such that they fit together stiffly in the relaxed position of the ball ( 8 ), it will reduce the ease with the invention operated, however, the invention will serve its purpose. 
         [0031]    The provision of the grub screw ( 4 ) facilitates the insertion and removal of the elastic element ( 10 ) and the ball ( 8 ) with ease. This is important as the easy replacability of these elements increases the utility of the present invention. 
         [0032]    A chamfer ( 5 A) is provided at the top of the shaft ( 5 ) to facilitate easy insertion of the base ( 2 A) and the collet housing ( 2 B) over it. 
         [0033]    The ball ( 8 ) is preferably round or spherical in shape for the ease of manufacture, however, any other shape that allows insertion of the ball ( 8 ) in the slot ( 7 ) and its free lateral movement under pressure and allows it to protrude from the slot ( 7 ) is acceptable. A typical alternative is shown in  FIG. 1 . In general the more it protrudes from the slot ( 7 ), without protruding too much (which will hamper the screwing of the base ( 2 A) and the housing), the better. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment of the present invention (see  FIG. 2 ), a hole ( 3 ) is provided into the shank ( 1 ). The hole ( 3 ) is of sufficient diameter to accommodate an elastic element ( 10 ) such that there&#39;s an annular space ( 3 A) created between the outside surface of the element ( 10 ) and the inside of the threads of the hole ( 3 ). A threaded hollow shaft ( 5 ), with threads on its outside surface, is provided on lower side of the collet housing ( 2 B) of the collet ( 2 ), such that it can be screwed into the annular space. There&#39;s a slot ( 7 ) made in both the wall of the shaft ( 5 ) and wall of the shank hole ( 3 ). The elastic element ( 10 ) fits in concentrically with the shank hole ( 3 ). There&#39;s a provision for receiving a grub screw ( 4 ) at the finger end of the shank hole ( 3 ), made in the form of a grub screw hole ( 3 ). The elastic element ( 10 ) and the ball ( 8 ) is inserted through the grub screw hole ( 3 ) such that the ball ( 8 ) is placed loosely between the element ( 10 ) and the inside face of the shank hole ( 3 ) and within the slot ( 7 ) provided therein. The grub screw ( 4 ) is placed in the grub screw hole ( 3 ) and seals it. The hollow shaft ( 5 ) provided at the end of the collet housing ( 2 B) is screwed into the annular space. The threading starts to pass over the ball ( 8 ) by continually pushing it into the elastic element ( 10 ). The housing ( 2 B) reaches the top of the grub screw hole ( 3 ), which becomes its final position. At this stage the ball ( 8 ) is pressed into the elastic element ( 10 ) sufficiently for the element ( 10 ) to be under lateral pressure but retracted sufficiently to find itself locked in the troughs of the treads. In a manner similar to the preferred embodiment, the collet ( 2 ) is now positioned securely attached to the shank ( 1 ) so that the detachment of the two is easily facilitated when necessary. 
         [0035]    In a further embodiment of the invention (see  FIG. 3 ), the shaft ( 5 ) is attached to the bottom of the collet housing ( 2 B) and inserted in a hole in the shank ( 1 ). The shank ( 1 ) is provided with a hole that is non-concentric ( 3   b ) with the shaft ( 5 ) in which the elastic element ( 10 ) is accommodated. A slot ( 7 ) is made to connect the shank hole and the shaft ( 5 ) laterally. A ball ( 8 ) is placed in the slot ( 7 ) so that the ball ( 8 )&#39;s lateral movement resulting from the shaft ( 5 ) as it is being screwed into the shank hole is resisted by the elastic element ( 10 ) and whereby the ball ( 8 ) gets retracted into the troughs of the shaft threading once the shaft ( 5 ) completes its forward movement. 
         [0036]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention (see  FIG. 4 ), more than one ball ( 8 ) and slot arrangement is provided. 
         [0037]    The invention described here is applicable in earrings, pendants, cuff links, bracelets, possibly decorative pins, tie pins, brooches, bangles, and any items of jewelry which benefits from interchangeable decorative parts. 
         [0038]    It is thus clear from the foregoing discussion that the present invention comprises the following items. 
         [0039]    1. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry, characterised in that said two pieces while being attached to each other are securely attached to withstand forces placed upon them while wearing and handling, said detachable attachment device comprising male and female threaded elements incorporating a locking device which allows said two pieces of jewelry to be securely attached to each other. 
         [0040]    2. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as claimed in claim  1 , wherein said jewelry is selected from a group comprising a finger ring earrings, pendants, cuff links, bracelets, decorative pins, tie pins, brooches, bangles, and any items of jewelry which benefits from interchangeable decorative parts. 
         [0041]    3. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 2, wherein said finger ring further comprises:
       a shank ( 1 ) that goes round the finger and an independent collet ( 2 ) that houses a jewel stone, wherein said shank ( 1 ) is provided with a threaded hole ( 3 ) to receive a locking member, preferably a grub screw ( 4 ), said shank hole ( 3 ) is threaded on its inside whereas said grub screw ( 4 ) is provided with threading on its outside,   a shaft ( 5 ) with threading on its outside is provided on the outside face of said shank ( 1 ), preferably concentrically with a shank hole ( 3 ); a slot ( 7 ) is made in the wall of said shaft ( 5 ) to accommodate a solid object ( 8 ), preferably in the form of a round ball ( 8 ), said solid object preferably made out of non corrosive metal, wherein the size and shape of said solid object is such that its lateral movement with respect of a longitudinal axis of the shaft ( 5 ) is facilitated unhindered, and wherein the size of the slot ( 7 ) is such that the said solid object protrudes slightly out of the wall of the shaft ( 5 ),   said shaft ( 5 ) is hollow with an elastic element ( 10 ) inserted in it from the grub screw end of the shank ( 1 ), such that said elastic material ( 10 ) fits in snugly inside said shank hole ( 3 ) and provides resistance to the lateral movement of the ball ( 8 ), wherein the shape of the said solid object ( 8 ) is such that in its relaxed position, said solid object ( 8 ) protrudes from said slot ( 7 ) provided in the shaft wall,       
 
         [0045]    and wherein said grub screw ( 4 ) is placed in the shank hole ( 3 ) to close the shank hole ( 3 ); 
         [0046]    and wherein the arrangement of the shank hole ( 3 ), shaft ( 5 ) and the grub screw ( 4 ) with the ball ( 8 ) and said elastic element ( 10 ) in their respective places forms said locking device that allows secure attachment of the collet ( 2 ) with the shank ( 1 ), 
         [0047]    and wherein said collet ( 2 ) comprises:
       an optional ornamental base ( 2 A) which serves as a washer or packing element, said collet having a threaded hole at its centre,   a collet housing ( 2 B) which is provided with a central threaded hole ( 2 C) such that said collet ( 2 ) is attached securely to said shank ( 1 ) to form a wearable jewelry piece by threading said base ( 2 A) over said shaft ( 5 ) till it reaches its threading limit, followed by threading said jewel housing ( 2 B) over said shaft ( 5 ).       
 
         [0050]    4. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 3, further wherein said threading of the hole ( 2 C) in the jewel housing ( 2 B) is provided with a notch to accommodate said solid object ( 8 ) in its relaxed position. 
         [0051]    5. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 4, wherein said locking member is a second elastic element ( 10   a ) which is inserted in said shank hole and sealed with a seal which is in the form of a solder plus or a welded plug. 
         [0052]    6. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 5 wherein the position of said slot in the shaft wall is such that said solid object ( 8 ) is positioned completely above the base ( 2 A) when the base ( 2 A) is in its final threaded position. 
         [0053]    7. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 5 wherein the position of said solid object ( 8 ) is such that it overlaps the threads of the base ( 2 A) and the housing in their respective final positions along the shaft ( 5 ). 
         [0054]    8. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 5 wherein the position of said solid object is such that said solid object covers at least a part of the collet housing ( 2 B). 
         [0055]    9. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 5 wherein said solid object is a ball of any shape that allows insertion of said ball ( 8 ) in said slot ( 7 ) and its free lateral movement under pressure and allows said ball to protrude from the slot ( 7 ) the amount of protrusion being such as not to hamper the screwing of said base ( 2 A). 
         [0056]    10. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 9 wherein said solid object is a ball, preferably round or spherical in shape. 
         [0057]    11. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 2 wherein said finger ring further comprises
       a shank ( 1 ) that goes round the finger and an independent collet ( 2 ) that houses a jewel stone, wherein said shank ( 1 ) is provided with a threaded hole ( 3 ) to receive a locking member, preferably a grub screw ( 4 ), said shank hole ( 3 ) is threaded on its inside whereas said grub screw ( 4 ) is provided with threading on its outside, and wherein said threaded hole ( 3 ) is of sufficient diameter to accommodate an elastic element ( 10 ) such that there is an annular space ( 3 A) created between the outside surface of said element ( 10 ) and the inside of the threads of the hole ( 3 ),   a threaded hollow shaft ( 5 ), with threads on its outside surface, is provided on lower side of a collet housing ( 2 B) of the collet ( 2 ), such that it can be screwed into said annular space ( 3 A)   a slot ( 7 ) made in both the wall of the shaft ( 5 ) and wall of the shank hole ( 3 ), wherein said elastic element ( 10 ) fits within, preferably concentrically, said shank hole ( 3 ) to accommodate a solid object ( 8 ), preferably in the form of a round ball ( 8 ), said solid object preferably made out of non corrosive metal,   at the finger end of the shank hole ( 3 ) a grub screw hole ( 3 ) to receive said grub screw ( 4 ), wherein said elastic element ( 10 ) and the ball ( 8 ) is inserted through the grub screw hole ( 3 ) such that the ball ( 8 ) is placed loosely between the element ( 10 ) and the inside face of the shank hole ( 3 ) and within the slot ( 7 ) provided therein,       
 
         [0062]    wherein the collet and shank are detachably attached by placing said grub screw ( 4 ) in the grub screw hole ( 3 ) and sealing it, screwing said hollow shaft ( 5 ) into said annular space, whereby threading of the collet housing starts to pass over the ball ( 8 ) by continually pushing it into the elastic element ( 10 ) until when said housing ( 2 B) reaches the top of the grub screw hole ( 3 ). 
         [0063]    12. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 2 wherein said finger ring further comprises
       a shank ( 1 ) that goes round the finger and an independent collet ( 2 ) that houses a jewel stone   a shaft ( 5 ) which is attached to the bottom of a collet housing ( 2 B) and inserted in a hole in the shank ( 1 ), wherein said shank ( 1 ) is provided with a non-concentric hole ( 3 b) that is non-concentric with said shaft ( 5 ) in which said hole an elastic element ( 10 ) is accommodated,   a slot ( 7 ) is made to connect the shank hole and the shaft ( 5 ) laterally and wherein a solid object, preferably a ball ( 8 ) is placed,       
 
         [0067]    whereby the lateral movement of said ball ( 8 ) resulting from the shaft ( 5 ) as it is being screwed into the shank hole is resisted by the elastic element ( 10 ) and whereby the ball ( 8 ) gets retracted into the troughs of the shaft threading once the shaft ( 5 ) completes its forward movement. 
         [0068]    13. A detachable attachment device for two pieces of jewelry as described in item 3, wherein number of each of said slots ( 7 ) and said solid objects ( 8 ) is two. 
       EXAMPLE  
       [0069]    The jewelry of the type discussed here, that is finger rings, are extremely delicate in nature and difficult to manufacture even without incorporating intricacies such as detachable attachment devices in them. Some of the parts involved in making of the present invention, such as the solid object or ball ( 8 ), grub screw, the slot ( 7 ), are extremely small in size, for example of the order of 1-2 mm. To make threaded holes or slots of such small size, and to have objects such as balls or elastic elements inserted in them to achieve the key objects of the present invention—that is providing a detachable attachment device by which two pieces of jewelry may be detachably attached is an extremely skilful task, which is why there is no such jewelry available till date. 
         [0070]    While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitation in re scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. 
         [0071]    Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.