Abstract:
Jewelry components that are magnetized with the same polarity and that are associated with a retaining element or elements so that they magnetically repulse each other and provide spatially arranged components that form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. The components are operatively associated so as to magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart. When the components are moved or positionally changed in the piece due to movement of the wearer, gravitational changes or simple displacements, the magnetic forces cause the components to return to their original positions. These movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry articles that include the components and elements.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of application No. 60/725,132 filed Oct. 7, 2005, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND ART  
       [0002]     The invention relates to jewelry components that are magnetized and joined to form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. In particular, the present invention relates to jewelry components that magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart.  
         [0003]     Jewelry articles are generally made of different types of precious metals and stones and are held together by mechanical linkages or interconnections. This is of course well known to the skilled artisans and in common use today. Designers are somewhat limited by these mechanical connections, and it would be desirable to have other joining forms for creation of new and unusual jewelry articles.  
         [0004]     The use of magnetic force to join components is known in the field. Various permanent magnets have been used, and these can be provided with very strong magnetic fields. They are generally used to hold two oppositely magnetized components together. Such permanent magnets are generally made of non-precious metal alloys and for that reason are not desirable for use in fine jewelry.  
         [0005]     While there have been some attempts at making precious metal magnets, two problems have been encountered. Many precious metal magnets do not possess sufficient magnetic strength to secure jewelry components together. Furthermore, attempts at alloying such metals to increase their magnetic strength causes further dilution of the precious metal content of the alloy, thus rendering it less desirable for use in jewelry components or articles. A magnetized platinum cobalt alloy is known, but previously has not been deemed to be suitable for use in jewelry components or articles.  
         [0006]     In addition, highly magnetic jewelry articles can be problematic in certain situations. Contact of strong magnets with credit cards, computer disks or other magnetically sensitive materials can cause damage to such materials. Also, rings, bracelets and necklaces, if strongly magnetized, are generally located such that they can easily come in contact with magnetically sensitive materials to cause damage or loss of information therein.  
         [0007]     It also would be desirable to have magnetically joinable jewelry components to assist designers in creating new visual appealing designs or for these components to have magnetic strengths that are sufficiently strong to hold the jewelry components in desired arrangements or positions. The present invention now satisfies these needs and provides other advantages for the use of magnetic components in fine and costume jewelry applications.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The invention relates to jewelry components that are magnetized with the same polarity and that are associated with a retaining element or elements so that the components magnetically repulse each other and provide spatially arranged components that form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. In particular, the present invention relates to jewelry components that include a retaining member and a plurality of such components which are operatively associated so as to magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart. When the components are moved or positionally changed in the piece due to movement of the wearer, gravitational changes or simple displacements, the magnetic forces cause the components to return to their original positions. These movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry articles that include the components and elements. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE  
       [0009]     The drawing figure illustrates a particular arrangement of similarly polarized magnetized disks mounted in sliding relation upon a shaft with the magnetic force providing a spaced vertical relation. If the disks are separated or are moved to be closer together, the magnetic force returns them to the arrangement shown.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0010]     The present invention relates to a jewelry article comprising at least first and second magnetic jewelry-forming components, each configured and dimensioned in a predetermined shape and having a magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with the other component, wherein the magnetizable portions repulse each other with a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength such that the components can be placed in different positions relative to each other, and the first component further comprises a retaining structure that prevents the second component from being completely separated from the first component when the magnetized portions of the components repulse each other, such that the magnetic repulsion between the components enables them to attain a first configuration wherein the second component is positioned remotely from the first component and a second configuration wherein the person&#39;s hand strength applies a force to urge the components towards each other, wherein upon release of the force the components return to the first configuration.  
         [0011]     The invention also relates to a magnetic jewelry-forming component for preparing a jewelry article comprising a body member configured and dimensioned in an ornamental shape and having a first magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component and at least one further element that has a magnetized portion of the same polarity as the first magnetizable portion for magnetic association therewith, wherein the body member has a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength such that the body member and at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component can be placed in different positions relative to each other, and wherein the further element comprises a retaining structure that prevents complete separation of the body member from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component when the first magnetized portion of the body member is magnetically repulsed from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component, wherein the body member has outer and inner surfaces, the at least one other jewelry-forming component comprises at least one dimensioning member that is operatively associated with the body member with the first magnetizable portion of the body member and the dimensioning member magnetically repulsing each other with a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength, such that the magnetic repulsion between the body and dimensioning members enables the component to attain a first configuration wherein the one component can be affixed to a rod or rods, bar or other elongated object(s), the other component is associated with the rod in a manner that enables it to freely move along the rod and the stop can be positioned behind the other component to prevent its movement away from the body member by a desired distance. The other component is free to move between the body member and stop member, with the magnetic repulsion between the components holding the second component away from the first.  
         [0012]     Preferably, the components are maintained in their magnetic repulsion configuration by guides either through the components or constraining the components. This is important due to the fact that magnetic fields are unidirectional and opposite polarities prefer and dominate to attract each other. Generally, the components are designed with some control to prevent attraction. In addition to the above, the components can be keyed, cammed or otherwise arranged guided to prevent the components from moving into a position where they would attract rather than repel. For example, two magnets shaped like spoke wheels would normally rotate slightly so that the spokes do not align and then would come together because space between fields are reversed. To maintain repulsion with these forms, a keyed axle, i.e., a square shaped axel and square hole in the wheel, is used to maintain the spoke wheels in the desired position.  
         [0013]     Another preferred arrangement is to have the first and second components connected by a flexible restraining structure, such as a wire or tether, so that the components can move relative to each other but only by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the components can be placed in a chamber of a transparent material or a cage so that they can move relative to each other while still being visible. The chamber can be configured in any desired cylindrical shape, such that round, polygonal etc, where the components are configured to move only vertically in the chamber. This can be accomplished, for example, by configuring a rectangular shaped component in a rectangular chamber. Any shaped component that keys or is otherwise restrained from rotation can be used. These cage or chamber structures provide the limits in furthest separation distance of the components. It is important to recognize that the polarity of the components must be such that the same polarity on each component faces the other, so that the maximum repulsive force is generated to urge the components apart. dimensioning member is positioned remotely from the body member and a second configuration wherein the person&#39;s hand strength urges the dimensioning members towards the body member.  
         [0014]     In one embodiment, the body member has at least one female element associated therewith for magnetically attracting and receiving a male element of the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component, with the first magnetized portion providing a minimum magnetic strength that is sufficient to retain the male element within the female element and a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength to separate the male and female elements, such that a plurality of such components can be magnetically coupled to form an article of jewelry. The body member can have an arcuate shape with the female element is located at an end of the arcuate shape, and wherein the female element defines a cavity having a depth sufficient to receive a male element of the other jewelry-forming component at different positional relationships therein.  
         [0015]     Alternatively, the further element can be a male element that extends away from the female element and is located on the opposite end of the arcuate shape, with the male element having a forward end that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetizable portion of the body member of the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component. The body member then can be at least partially tubular and with first magnetized portion of the body member being provided by a magnetized pellet or disk member. Also, the further element can be female element located on an opposite end of the tubular body member. Preferably, each female element defines a cavity having a depth sufficient to receive a male element at different positional relationships therein, and each female element is magnetized to attract oppositely polarized male elements.  
         [0016]     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a jewelry article in the form of a ring, bracelet, anklet, chain, choker, necklace, or watchband comprising between two and two hundred jewelry-forming components defined herein. These articles are conveniently formed by a plurality of jewelry-forming components with sufficient surrounding structure or members to retain the components in magnetic association. Generally, the surrounding structure or members help guide and constrain the components so that they are not repulsed out of a desired magnetic relation or out of the jewelry article. This is generally achieved by the use of one or more stop members which help define a boundary within which the components are located. For example,  
         [0017]     When one component is in the form or a body member affixed onto a rod, bar or other elongated object, then at least one other component can be associated with or placed along the rod in an arrangement such that the magnetic repulsion of the components causes the second component to be free-floating or levitating above the body member of the first component. These components are provided with essentially the same magnetic polarity so that they repulse each other and with a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength, such that the magnetic repulsion between the components can be changed by hand force. This enables the second component to be moved between a first configuration wherein it is positioned remotely from the body member and a second configuration wherein the person&#39;s hand strength, gravity or other forces cause the component to move away from or even toward the body member, thus imparting motion to the jewelry article.  
         [0018]     The relative size of the components or the degree of magnetivity can be used to achieve the desired spacing between them. For example, a relatively large component can be used to force relatively smaller components to be repulsed further away. Alternatively, relatively heavier components can be used so that their weight causes movement toward each other with the magnetic force then causing the components to move apart. When arranged vertically, gravitation force is a major consideration, with the components levitating due to the magnetic repulsion. When the components are arranged in a horizontal configuration, gravitational effects are reduced. The movements of the components imparted by magnetic repulsion provides unique effects in the jewelry article.  
         [0019]     The drawing FIGURE illustrates a preferred article in the form of an earring  10 . The earring has a central rod  15  upon which three disks  20 ,  25 ,  30  are mounted. Each disk is shown solid but may have a band of precious stones, such as diamonds, mounted around its periphery. They also may have other adornments or ornamentation, or they can be of different shapes or sizes. The lowermost disk  20  can be affixed to the rod  15 , whereas the top disks  25 ,  30  can freely move vertically up and down on the rod  15 . Disks  25 ,  30  are configured so that they can rotate on the rod  15  as well. A stop member in the form of a peripheral rib  35  is provided to limit the upward movement of the top disk  30 . Alternatively, the lowermost disk  20  can sit on a stop member  40  to prevent downward movement of that disk, and it can be configured so that it also rotates on the rod  15 . Each disk is magnetized with the same polarity, so that they repulse each other to a spaced relation. For example, the bottom disk  20  repulses the middle disk  25  which in turn repulses the upper disk  30 . The middle disk  25  also repulses the lower disk  20  downwards. The resulting spacing is achieved as shown in the drawing. As the person wearing the earring walks or moves, such movement, along with the weight of the disks and gravity, causes the top two disks  25 ,  30  to move downward, but the magnetic repulsion force then causes those disks to move upward. This movement makes the piece appear to be magically levitating and changing as the person moves, thus providing a unique appearance that heretofore has not been achieved. The relative size and weight of the disks can be achieved to obtain a desired spacing or other spatial arrangement. The top of the rod has a linkage to a post  50  which can be rotated to a perpendicular position to the rod and inserted into the pierced ear lobe for engaging an holding element that enables the earring to be worn.  
         [0020]     While a single rod is illustrated, one or more rods, wires or similar retaining elements can be used to maintain the disks in the desired spaced magnetic repulsive arrangement.  
         [0021]     The disks are shown in the drawing as having a circular circumference but of course any size or shape can be used. While flat surfaces in opposed magnetic repulsion are preferred these are not required as the magnetic forces can be emanate from any shape. This feature enables the invention to have parts with holes, recesses, cavities, slots or other discontinuities with other components being held in magnetic association or repulsion in the holes or slots along with, or by, the appropriate restraining member or members. The skilled artisan can contemplate a wide variety of variations of how to implement or incorporate these features in a final article of jewelry. For example, if one component is provided with a cylindrical cavity having a sufficient depth, the other component can be configured to fit within the cavity. The weight of the second component can be selected so that it cannot be repulsed out of the cavity whereas the magnetic force between the two components maintains the distance between them. The cavity can include openings or slots in its cylindrical sidewall to provide greater visibility of the second component therein. Alternatively, the second component can be associated with the cavity with a mechanical connection that prevents complete separation, such as configuring the cavity with include a narrowed or partially blocked opening or with a stop member as described previously.  
         [0022]     For any of these embodiments, an adornment of a precious stone, a material having a different color from that of the body member, indicia, or a part of a character, pattern or design can be included for further visual effects in the final article. For example, the magnetic field emitted or radiated by one component can be used to configure additional components to form indicia or other ornamental patterns that are visible when the components are in their usual magnetic repulsion positions. The magnetized components can be arranged so that they are uniquely engageable to form the article. The jewelry article can also magnetically join or repulse these components and their adornments to form a bracelet, brooch, pin or earring. The jewelry article can also include components that form a clasp, with the movement of the components from one position to another position signifying the proper closing of the clasp.  
         [0023]     The term “adornment” is used herein to generally define any item that is added to the jewelry component or article. This would include stones, stone mountings, or inserts, overlays, or other attachments of a precious, semi-precious or non-precious metal or alloy, or of coatings of metal, plastic or elastomers that are provided upon or with the component or article. The adornment is preferably permanently attached or joined to the component or article but it can also be releasably associated with the component or article, e.g., a charm.  
         [0024]     The jewelry article can also include a restraining component to facilitate connection or removal of the article for wearing. A preferred component is a hinge or clasp. The article can include components that form a clasp, with the movement of the components from one position to another position signifying the proper closing of the clasp. The jewelry article can also include a plurality of magnetized locations arranged to be offset for providing rotational movement to the components as they come together to automatically provide a mechanical interlock of the components.  
         [0025]     As noted, the relative size of the magnetized areas is also taken into consideration. While the same size areas can be magnetized for convenience, different size areas can be provided as well. In general, the larger the size of the magnetized area, the lesser number of such areas are needed. It is desirable to make the matching magnetized areas of each component the same size, but this is not critical.  
         [0026]     One reason for making multiple areas of magnetic field is to obtain relative small but short localized field strengths. These would provide much weaker overall magnetic strength than if the entire ring or jewelry object is to be magnetized. Also, the smaller magnetized areas are more superficial in nature, and the field lines do not radiate far beyond the object if at all. Thus, the jewelry has no deleterious affect on watches, credit cards, computer disks or related items, while still providing magnetic force sufficient to impart the desired features to the jewelry.  
         [0027]     It should be noted that the magnetic strength of the joined components can be overcome much more easily by applying a shearing force rather than by trying to pull apart the components in directly opposite directions. For this reason, it is sometimes useful to design a flange or other retention member that prevents sliding motion for shearing the parts.  
         [0028]     In a useful arrangement, between 6 and 24 equally spaced magnetic poles are provided around each component. Preferably, 8 to 20 poles are used, with particularly advantageous effects being obtained with 12 to 16 poles. In general, between 4 and 40 poles can be used.  
         [0029]     In yet another embodiment, the multiple poles can be configured in the component as an indicia or other ornamental pattern that would be invisible during wearing of the component until and unless particles or films of magnetizable indicators, e.g., iron filings or films that are responsive to magnetic fields, come into proximity with the component. These embodiments indicate the wide range of utility of the present invention.  
         [0030]     The invention is not limited to earrings but can be applied to many different types of jewelry components using the principles disclosed herein. For example, the magnetic portions can be used to form chain links, clasps or stone mountings. One portion can be used to magnetically mount an adornment onto any other portion that forms part of a larger jewelry article. For example, a bracelet or necklace can be provided with magnetized portions that can receive other magnetized portions that carry stones, crystal or contrasting color components or the like. In this way, the owner of the piece can custom design it for the occasion by attaching the desired color coordinated stones or colored portions for example to complement an outfit or signify the occasion.  
         [0031]     Another advantageous utility of the tactile sensation of the portions clicking or locking into position is when the portions are utilized as part of a clasp having no visible means of connection. The clicking provides an indication of a positive locking of the parts together so that the user knows that the article has been properly joined for wearing. In addition, the multiple poles can be offset so that upon contact of the components, the poles impart a rotational movement to one component relative to the other, and this movement can be used to create an automatic mechanical interlock as the component moves from one position to another. This provides an even more secure connection and closing of the clasp.  
         [0032]     There are numerous ways to provide the plural magnetic locations on the article. Conventional magnetic materials can be buried or hidden in gold, silver or other precious metals that are not magnetizable. In this way, the precious metal would provide the desired appearance of the piece while the hidden magnetized material would provide the desired magnetic pole.  
         [0033]     A less complex way to achieve this result is to utilize a magnetizable precious metal, such as POLARIUM® as described herein. This alloy, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,567, can simply be magnetized in the desired locations using the appropriate fixtures as is known to the skilled magnetist.  
         [0034]     Other magnetizable precious metal alloys can also be used if desired. In all cases, the magnetic strength of the alloy must be sufficiently high to provide secure magnetic joining of the components without generating high magnetic fields that would affect magnetic sensitive components when handled by a wearer of the jewelry. For example, a person wearing earrings according to the preferred embodiment can safely handle credit cards or computer diskettes without damaging the electronic information therein. A distance of as small as 1/16th of an inch or less between the article and magnetic sensitive component is generally sufficient to avoid problems of this type.  
         [0035]     For costume jewelry or other less expensive pieces, conventional permanent magnets rather than precious metal magnets can instead be used. These can be visible or hidden, such as by coatings, encapsulation, or encasement, or as an inlay or by placement into a recess in a jewelry article or component.  
         [0036]     Any cross sectional configuration of the components is possible. Although shown as round in the preferred embodiments of these components, other configurations such as polygonal, elliptical or combinations thereof are suitable. When male and female components are used, they preferably have the same configuration, but this is not necessary and any matable configurations can be used. Also, the shape of the outer surface of these components is unlimited and can be of any desired shape with or without additional ornamentation, undulations, or other surface characteristics.  
         [0037]     The preferred magnetic strength should be between 200 and 4500 Gauss depending upon distances between the parts, types, shapes and sizes of magnets, etc. As the skilled artisan would know, this magnetic strength should be sufficiently low that the elements can be easily separated by hand or finger force, or even by the weight of the components. Depending upon the specific designs utilized, the article can be separated into the jewelry-forming components or the components can be moved to different relative positions, thus enabling the article to temporarily assume an expanded or larger size configuration to facilitate placement on the wearer.  
         [0038]     In some designs, if desired or necessary, the components can be disassembled to allow cleaning or rearrangement. Different components can reassembled in a different arrangement, if desired, or can be interchanged with other components of similar size to provide a different appearance to the piece, e.g., by providing different colors, stones or other items to match the clothing or the wearer or to simply provide a different visual effect to the piece.  
         [0039]     Typical sizes for the jewelry-forming components of the invention can vary over a wide range. Generally, arcuate shaped components are used, but the designer has an unlimited selection of desirable sizes, shapes, colors, etc., depending upon the visual effects to be achieved, of course limited only by sizes that can be worn by the wearer without discomfort or injury.  
         [0040]     The components of the invention can be used for many purposes. For example, a conventional necklace can be provided with a plurality of components that have oppositely polarized male (or female) elements extending away from the wearer. Then a plurality of ornamentations, such as gem or stone settings or metal shapes, e.g., cubes, polygons, figures, letters or numbers, etc., can be provided with a female (or male) element of opposite magnetic polarity to that of the male elements, This allows the user to connect the ornamentations onto the necklace in a desired manner by magnetically coupling the male and female elements. This arrangement allows the user to custom design the necklace for the occasion by adding the desired stones and other ornamentations, Moreover, since the couplings are not permanent, the necklace can be rearranged or redesigned as desired for future uses.  
         [0041]     By including an appropriate post or clasp arrangement on one of the jewelry-forming component of the invention, the skilled artisan is able to create a wide range of earring designs from such components. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the components of the invention can be used in combination with additional functional parts such as hinges, rivets, ball and socket joints, and other engineered items that allow for motion between the components. When a ball and socket type joint is used, the ball and socket can be magnetized with different polarities so that the can be maintained together in magnetic association. The final jewelry articles that can be made vary greatly, thus demonstrating the versatility of the jewelry-forming components of the invention. These examples are not intended to be limiting for the invention, as skilled artisans can easily create additional structures or methods to accomplish the desired results.  
         [0042]     The magnetic repulsion between the body member and the dimensioning members has a maximum strength that can be overcome by a person&#39;s hand strength. Generally, as a skilled artisan would know, a magnetic strength of between 200 and 4500 Gauss, depending upon distances between parts, types, shapes, and sizes of magnets, would be sufficiently low to be overcome by hand strength or by force applied in wearing the product. Hence, the force applied by the wearer to slide on the ring easily overcomes the magnetic force between the body member and the dimensioning members, urging the dimensioning members to spread out. With the wearer&#39;s hand strength urging the dimensioning members to spread out, the ring attains a different configuration in which the dimensioning members are moved towards and positioned closer to the body member.  
         [0043]     The preferred alloys for use in this invention are magnetized precious metal alloys, such as those which are platinum based and contain at least about 70% platinum by weight. While amounts as high as 95% by weight are suitable, the most preferred amount is between 75 and 80% by weight as these amounts enable the strongest magnetic properties to be achieved. In order to impart magnetic properties to these alloys, cobalt is added and the alloy is heat-treated. The amount of cobalt can range from about 5 to 30% by weight, and is complementary to the weight of the platinum. As between these two components, a weight ratio of 70:30 to 95:5 Pt:Co is preferable. An example of this material is known as POLARIUM® and is available from the inventor. This alloy, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,869,567, is preferred for fine jewelry because it has greater magnetic power than known magnetic gold alloys.  
         [0044]     Of course, various changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments are apparent to the skilled artisan after viewing this disclosure. For example, the number of components is not critical and it should be understood that two, three, four, or more can be used and fall within the scope of the present invention. This allows the designer to create multiple portion rings, clasps, bracelets or necklaces, etc., with the components repulsing each other when worn. Also, the components can be concentric, where one fits into the other, and the outer one has windows or cut-out portions to allow viewing of the adornments on the outer surface of the inner component. Any changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the inventions disclosed herein are intended to be encompassed and covered by the appended claims.