Wearable device for hiding keepsakes and valuables

This invention is embodied in a wearable device for hiding keepsakes and valuables. The preferred embodiment of the device creates an internal hidden compartment formed between a first face, a second face and a channel-shaped retaining ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable devices for hiding items, and more specifically to wearable jewelry for hiding keepsakes and other valuables.

BACKGROUND

A locket is a jewelry pendant that has been around a long time and is well-known in the art. A locket typically consists of a front face and a back face with a hinge on one side and a ring on the top to accept a necklace. The front and back faces are typically concave surfaces that, when mated, form a shallow internal compartment. This internal compartment is usually sized to hold something the thickness of a photograph or other thin item such as a lock of hair.

Some lockets are made with a clear front face (like glass) so that a person can see what is inside without opening the locket. Such lockets are generally used for items like locks of hair which could fall out and become lost if the locket were repeatedly opened. Other lockets, like a picture locket, are generally enclosed on all sides and the photographs are secured to the inside back face by an assembly to hold the photograph to the back face but allow a viewer to see the photograph when locket is opened.

One drawback with the well-known standard prior art lockets is that the front and back faces are permanently connected to the locket. So, the locket owner has no ability to change the outside look of a locket without buying a new locket.

Another drawback of well-known standard prior art lockets is that the interior space is similar to the interior of a clam shell. Such space is suitable for a pearl or small item. But such a space is not suitable for other shaped items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is incorporated in a wearable device (the “device”)10for hiding keepsakes and valuables. The device10comprises a front face12, a back face14, and a channel-shaped retaining assembly16configured to create a vault18(i.e., an internal hidden compartment to store a keepsake (such as a recovery medallion or chip24, a small notepad or photo album, money, etc.) between the front face12and the back face14.

The front and back faces12,14are preferably rigid, opaque and adorned with ornamental objects30or other decorations. Because the front and back faces12,14are removable when the retaining assembly16is in the open position, the front and back faces12,14are changeable by the user.

It is an object of this invention to create a locket that can be changed out to suit one's personal style and taste without having to switch to a completely different locket. Also, the internal hidden compartment is thick enough through the entire width of the piece to hold a coin or notepad or other keepsake thicker than standard photo paper.

The structure, overall operation and technical characteristics of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of a preferred embodiment and the illustration of the related drawing as follows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown inFIGS. 1-4. Two optional embodiments for adding spacers between the front and back faces are shown inFIGS. 5-6.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the preferred device10comprises a front face12, a back face14, and a retaining assembly16. The front and back faces12,14are preferably opaque. In addition, the front and back faces are the same size and are held in place by the sides (i.e., legs)22of the channel which is the retaining assembly16when hinge20is in the closed position (seeFIG. 2). When hinge20is in the open position, the front face12and back face14(and anything stored in the hidden compartment18between the front and back face) can be removed (and replaced) from the retaining assembly16(seeFIG. 1).

It is preferred that the interior space between the legs22of the channel be wider than the thickness of the front and back faces12,14to create a space (or vault) to hold items. Configuring a device in this way creates a vault18(or “internal hidden compartment”) to store a personal keepsake24(such as a recovery medallion or chip, a small notepad or photo album, money, etc.) between the front face12and the back face14.

One way to keep the perimeter of the front and back faces against the sides22of the channel of the retaining assembly16is to add a spacer to create an internal hidden vault18. This spacer is placed between the legs22of the channel. Contents placed in the vault created by the spacer will remain hidden from view. As seen inFIG. 5, one embodiment of a spacer is an O-ring26. Another embodiment of a spacer is one or more posts28as seen inFIG. 6. A personal keepsake24can be placed in the hidden vault that is created by the spacer.

The front and back faces12,14are preferably rigid and adorned with ornamental objects or other decorations. The front and back faces12,14can also been engraved, embossed, carved or any other method of adornment. Because the front and back faces12,14are removable when the retaining assembly16is in the open position, the front and back faces are changeable by the user. The preferred method of securing the retaining assembly16is with a closing device, such as a standard lobster claw clasp (not illustrated) can be used to hold the device10in the closed position by connecting it to the bail32of the retaining assembly16. Other methods can be used such as a split ring, knotted cord or ribbon, or simply stringing a chain thru the bail32without the closing device.

In another embodiment, the front (or back) face can be transparent or partially transparent.FIG. 7illustrates an alternative embodiment of a partially transparent face35. If the user desires to employ a transparent or partially transparent face, but still wants to keep vault18hidden, the user can insert backer34as shown inFIG. 8. Backer34is preferably made of a colored material, but most any material of the right size will suffice.

While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those ordinarily skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.