Abstract:
The components of the system include a set of armatures and retention mechanisms that enable the construction of projects using beads where the beads are retained on the armature by the retention mechanism, but the beads can be removed without the use of tools or excessive force. This set of components provides a system to be used as a toy or craft project. The beads can be removed, replaced and reorganized to change the design and provide a high level of re-usability and playability for children and in crafting.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to toys and crafts involving the use of beads. Specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate to an armature and a retention mechanism for use in crafts and toys using beads. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Beads are commonly used in crafts and come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. Beads are threaded over wires and strings in craft projects. Beads serve as a decorative element in these projects and are selected to fit the aesthetic needs of the overall project. The wires and strings onto which the beads are threaded in these projects are small diameter materials that are threaded through the center of the beads. The beads are annular structures with a variety of shapes and materials. Once a set of beads has been placed on the wire or string, the ends are tied or closed off to maintain the position of the beads on the crafted item. 
         [0003]    For example, if the beads are utilized with an underlying wire, the wire may be looped or similarly closed off at the ends so that the wire forms a structure at the terminus that is larger than the opening of the interior channel defined by bead. This closing structure prevents the beads from coming off of the wire and is difficult for someone without tools to undo. 
         [0004]    Similarly, with beads that are threaded over a string, the ends of the string are tied off or knotted creating a structure that is larger than the opening defined by the bead. To undo the design, the user must untie or cut off the knot or tie. As a result, the beads used in these projects are fixed and cannot be easily removed. This is often an essential feature of these crafting projects, because it is undesirable that a design using beads, such as a piece of jewelry or a similar item crafted using beads, to come apart while in use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation and the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least “one.” 
           [0006]      FIG. 1A  is a diagram of one embodiment of a structure with two armatures. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the structure covered with decorative beads. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of one embodiment of a retention mechanism. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3A  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate structure with multiple armatures and a coupling mechanism. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the alternate structure with decorative beads. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate structure with a butterfly shape. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the alternate structure partially covered with decorative beads. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate retention mechanism. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate retention mechanism. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5C  is a diagram of one embodiment of an end view of an alternate retention mechanism. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5D  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate retention mechanism. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram of one embodiment of a locking mechanism. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6B  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate locking mechanism. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6C  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate locking mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a diagram of one embodiment of a cross-section of a locking mechanism in a locked state. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is a diagram of one embodiment of a cross-section of a locking mechanism in an unlocked state. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of one embodiment of a structure with a locking mechanism. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]      FIG. 1A  is a diagram of one embodiment of a structure with two armatures. The structure  100  can have any shape or number of constituent components including armatures  101 ,  103 . The structure  100  can be shaped to resemble any structure or object. For example, the structure can be designed to resemble a skeleton of the human form or a building. In one embodiment, the structure  100  is a single integral piece. In another embodiment, the structure is composed of multiple armatures  101 ,  103  that are coupled together using any type of coupling mechanism to form the structure  100 . Each of the armatures  101 ,  103  in a structure  100  can include a retention mechanism  105 . Any number of retention mechanisms  105  can be included in any individual armature  101 ,  103  or an overall structure  100  defined by a set of armatures. A ‘set,’ as used herein, refers to any positive whole number of items including one item. 
         [0024]    Each armature  101 ,  103  can be formed from any semi-rigid material including any type of plastic, resin, rubber, sheathed wire or similar artificial or natural material. The armature  101  can have any size or shape that is suitable for threading beads. The diameter of the armature  101  can range from one millimeter to one centimeter or more. The armature  101  can have a cylindrical cross-section, a smooth surface or can have any variance in diameter with any number of squared or angular exterior surfaces. The armature  101  can be formed integrally with the retention mechanism  105  or they can be separately attached to one another through a form-fit, snap-fit, adhesive or similar attachment mechanism. 
         [0025]    The armature  101  can be formed through a molding process, extrusion process or through a similar manufacturing process. The flexibility of the armature  101  largely depends on the type of materials chosen for the design of the structure  100 . The armature  101  can have a very rigid structure to maintain the intended design or can have a relatively flexible structure to enable a range of movement in different aspects of the armature. For example, the structure  100  is designed to resemble a human form and the arms and legs (armatures  101 , 103 ) have a certain flexibility to enable a user to easily pose and thread each armature  101 ,  103 . 
         [0026]    A retention mechanism  105  can include a set of arms  107 A,  107 B and a protective structure  109 . The arms  107 A,  107 B are compression elements that allow the bead to be threaded over the retention mechanism  105  and onto the armature  103 . The arms  107 A,  107 B can be hingedly attached or integrally formed as a hinge with the armature  103 . When a bead is slid over the retention mechanism  105 , the arms  107 A,  107 B compress toward the armature  103  and allow passage of the bead in either direction. However, a threshold amount of force is required to move the arms  107 A,  107 B requiring that a user apply the threshold force to the bead to move it across the retention mechanism  105 . When the threshold force is not applied by the user, incidental forces acting on a bead are not sufficient to enable the bead to cross the retention mechanism  105 . 
         [0027]    The protective structure  109  can be a rounded end, soft material or similar structure that prevents the armature  101 ,  103  from being a safety hazard. The protective structure  109  can have any shape or be formed from any material. The protective structure  109  can have a decorative function. The dimensions of the protective structure  109  are selected to ensure that it does not inhibit movement of a bead during threading. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the structure covered with decorative beads. The structure  100  includes the armatures  101 ,  103  that are covered with a set of decorative beads  121 ,  125 . These beads  121 ,  125  can have any shape, size, color or similar decorative characteristics. The beads  121 ,  125  can be plastic, metal, resin, rubber, wood or any other similar natural or artificial material. The beads  121 ,  125  can be transparent or opaque and can have any number of decorative features imprinted, embossed, painted or similarly attached to them. Some beads  121 ,  125  can include more elaborate structures that are attached to them such as the wing structure  121  shown  FIG. 1B . This wing structure  121  is attached to the armature  101  through an annular element or is similarly attached to a bead  125 . A ‘bead,’ as referred to herein is any structure that includes at least one annular element or similar interior channel for threading over an armature. The diameter of the interior channel of each of the beads is greater than that of the armature, but smaller than the extended arms of the retention mechanism  105 . This enables the retention mechanism  105  to hold the beads  121 ,  125  on the armature  101 ,  103  unless a sufficient force is applied to them to collapse the arms of the retention mechanism  105 . This set of features defines a relationship between the beads  121 ,  125  and the retention mechanism  105  that enables a user to reliably add and remove beads to alter a design making the structure suitable for use as a toy or as part of a craft project where a design can be temporarily fixed and not require tools for adding or removing beads or holding them in place on the structure  100 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of one embodiment of a retention mechanism. In this embodiment, the retention mechanism  205  is shown while the bead  223  is crossing the retention mechanism  205 . The arms of the retention mechanism  207 A,  207 B are collapsed against the armature  203  such that the overall diameter of the combined armature  203  and arms  207 A,  207 B and their retention mechanism  205  fits within the diameter of the channel defined by the bead  223 . The size, dimensions and number of arms  207 A,  207 B can be varied with the overall design of the structure including the type beads such that the dimensions of the retention mechanisms complement one another where the collapsed set of arms  207 A,  207 B has a diameter that is slightly smaller than that of the channel of the beads  223  to be used and that the arms  207 A,  207 B when not compressed, form a structure that is larger than the channel diameter. The structure of the arms  207 A,  207 B is flexible but has a resilient memory such that the arms revert to a state of expansion when sufficient force is not applied to compress them. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate structure with multiple armatures and a coupling mechanism. This is an alternate embodiment of the structure with a set of armatures  301  in a star pattern. In this embodiment, the armatures  301  are connected through a coupling mechanism  303 . The coupling mechanism  303  can be designed to interact with any number of armatures  301  with any type of connection mechanism. In one embodiment, in a relationship between the armatures  301  and the coupling mechanism  303  can be a male/female plug relationship with either the armature or coupling mechanism having the male or female connector. The coupling mechanism  303  can also utilize a snap-fit, form-fit or similar mechanical coupling mechanism to attach any number of armatures. Any combination and number of coupling mechanisms  303  can be used to form any size or shape of a structure using any number of armatures  301 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the alternate structure with decorative beads. In this embodiment, the star-shaped pattern is covered with a set of beads  307  to form a completed design. Any shape, pattern or combination of beads can be utilized. In some embodiments, additional mechanisms or functional elements such as a hook  305  can be included in a structure  300 . These additional mechanisms and functional elements can be integrally formed or attached to the armatures or coupling mechanisms. This enables the completed structure  300  to be used as a decorative element such as an ornament or similar decoration. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4A  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate structure with a butterfly shape. In this embodiment, the structure  400  includes two interlocking armatures  401 ,  403 . This structure  400  forms a butterfly shape. Any shape of animate or inanimate object can be created using the interlocking sets of armatures and coupling devices.  FIG. 4B  is a diagram of one embodiment of the alternate structure partially covered with decorative beads. The partially decorated structure  400  includes a set of beads that have been placed on the armature  401  and the armature  403  including a combination of small beads  421  and the large doll bead  423 . This embodiment, in combination with the previously described embodiments, gives an illustration of the range of structures that can be created using the system. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the structures illustrated herein and described herein are provided for sake of example and not limitation. Any number and combination of armatures can be utilized and any number and combination of retention mechanisms can be utilized to create any shape or structure suitable for decorative purposes or for use as a toy. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5A  is one embodiment of an alternate retention mechanism. In one embodiment, the retention mechanism  501 A includes a compression element  503 A. In this embodiment, the compression element  503 A is a ring structure attached to the retention mechanism  501 A. The ring structure may be formed from any compressible material such as a rubber, foam or similar material. The bead  505 A can cross the retention mechanism  501 A when sufficient force is applied to compress the compression element  503 A. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a diagram of an alternate retention mechanism. In this embodiment, the retention mechanism  501 B includes a compression element  503 B that is formed from a set of bristles or similar structures. The bristles can be formed from any natural or artificial material. The bead  505 B can cross the retention mechanism  501 B when sufficient force is applied to bend the bristles  503 B such that they fit within the channel of the bead  505 B.  FIG. 5C  is a diagram of an end view of an alternate retention mechanism. The array of bristles  503 B or similar structures can have any spacing or number and any length sufficient to define a diameter that is larger than that of the bead. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5D  is a diagram of one embodiment of an alternate retention mechanism. In one embodiment, the retention mechanism  501 D may include a set of moveable parts such as a set of leaves  503 D that when compressed, allow a bead  505 D to cross the retention mechanism  501 D. These leaves  503 D can be spring loaded or similarly biased to an extended position and can be moved to a compressed position when sufficient force is applied to a bead  505 D to enable it to cross over the retention mechanism  501 D. The leaves  503 D can have any shape suitable for enabling the bead  505 D to cross the retention mechanism  501 D when the appropriate force is applied such as a shape with angled, beveled or rounded edges. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are diagrams of a variety of locking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the locking mechanisms  601 A- 601 C include a cap  603 A- 603 C defining locking chambers  605 A- 605 C. The locking mechanisms  601 A- 601 C can have any shape, dimensions or decorative features  607 A- 607 C. In one embodiment, the caps  603 A- 603 C open to reveal the locking chambers  605 A- 605 C. The caps  603 A- 603 C can be divided into halves that are hingedly or similarly connected. The caps  603 A- 603 C define a locking chamber  605 A- 605 C that locks a retention mechanism placed within the locking mechanism  601 A- 601 C to add an additional level of security to the design when completed as well as provide additional decorative elements. The locking chamber  605 A- 605 C can be a form-fit with the retention mechanism or similarly inter-lock in the retention mechanisms. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams of cross-sections of alternate locking mechanisms. In this embodiment, the locking mechanisms  701 A,  701 B define an opening into which a retention mechanism is inserted. The compression mechanisms are aligned with the opening to allow insertion of the retention mechanisms. The retention mechanisms are then rotated relative to the opening such that the compression mechanisms no longer align with the opening. The misalignment locks the retention mechanisms with the locking mechanisms  701 A,  701 B. In this manner, the locking mechanisms  701 A,  701 B can be utilized to secure a completed design by protecting the retention mechanism and to provide an additional decorative element to a structural design. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of one embodiment of a structure with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism  801  can be used to secure the end of any armature in a structure  800 . Any number of locking mechanisms  801  can be utilized in a structure up to the number of retention mechanisms in the structure. The locking mechanism  801  can be locked and unlocked without the use of tools and can be re-used any number of times. While locked the locking mechanism  801  prevents the movement of the retention mechanism  803  that is disposed within the locking mechanism  801 . This prevents the removal of beads over the locked retention mechanism. The locking mechanism  801  can be unlocked through the rotation of the locking mechanism or through a similar unlocking or releasing process. The locking mechanism  801  can be removed from a structure when unlocked and the retention mechanism continues to provide a lower level of security or fixation for the design as described above that requires a user to apply a threshold amount of force to remove beads. 
         [0039]    The described locking mechanisms are provided by way of example. One skilled in the art would understand that other similar locking mechanisms are within the scope of the invention. The principle, structures and features of these locking mechanisms can be used in combination with any shape or size of locking mechanism such that they can be complementary to any type of retention mechanism. 
         [0040]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with references to specific embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope that is set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.