Abstract:
A flexible, durable, comfortable, cost-effective, easy-on, easy-off flexible jewelry cover completely envelopes jewelry articles and elements extending from said articles, preventing the user from scratching, abrading, or otherwise harming other people or articles he may touch. Further, the cover protects the jewelry articles from unwanted, damaging, and messy substances. The cover may be adapted for use on any appendage, including, but not limited to, fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, hands, and feet. Due to the durable, yet flexible material, the cover fits comfortably on any appendage and does not restrict bodily movements. The cover will not pierce or puncture exterior layers of clothing such as gloves and socks. The cover is also disposable, therefore promoting sanitary conditions.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a jewelry cover prevents jewelry from abrading people and surfaces it touches, and protects exposed jewelry articles from foreign substances and damage. More specifically, the present invention provides a flexible, durable, comfortable, disposable, and cost effective strip that is easily applied to and removed from said jewelry article and the user&#39;s appendage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rings, jewelry, bands, and similar accessories are all constantly exposed to the elements and messy substances. Jewelry articles worn on all appendages, including toe-rings and other foot-worn decorations, are susceptible to harmful substances in addition to routine wear and tear. Substances can damage jewelry, thus negatively affecting its value, as well as damage its cosmetic appeal. 
     Further, jewelry can inadvertently harm people and items, as well as puncture or damage gloves or other clothing. Innocuous contact with another can potentially lead to a hurtful scratch or cut from a sharp edge of a jewelry article. People employed in jobs requiring frequent use of hands and physical contact, such as physical therapists or dental hygienists, risk harming a patient every time they touch. These medical professionals may place latex gloves over their jewelry, but sharp edges can snag and pierce the gloves, rendering them useless. Further, tools and utensils are subject to scratching, abrasions, and similar damage whenever someone wearing jewelry uses them. As users continuously contact others there is an ever-growing need for a cover to protect the jewelry and similar accessories. Although there are many covers known in the art for use in protecting jewelry articles, none resolve all of the problems solved by the present invention. 
     For instance, there are many known casings that specifically cover finger-worn articles. Although these casings are protective, they are rigid and typically made of hard plastics. These hard materials hinder flexibility, thus restricting movement of the hand or finger. Due to their rigidity and inflexibility, hard casings are uncomfortable and even abrasive. 
     Other covers made of more pliable materials can also restrict movement. These pliable covers may not secure to an appendage as well as covers made of rigid materials. To compensate for this lack of stability, known pliable covers wrap around several appendages even though the jewelry intended to be protected fits on a single digit. For instance, there are known jewelry covers that teach leather straps wrapped around a finger to protect a ring, but further include a separate element worn around the user&#39;s wrist or palm. A support element then connects the finger wrap and wrist or palm wrap elements. Ultimately, three (and sometimes more) strap pieces combine in the same cover device to provide the necessary stability. These cumbersome covers and may not provide the same level of protection as their rigid counterparts and yet still limit the user&#39;s movement. 
     Additional covers known in the art have similarly complicated assemblies. Many covers stay in place by chains connecting the cover to a wristband element. These chains are typically structurally weak; should any one link snap, the cover will detach and expose the jewelry. Therefore, even more intricate jewelry covers do not lead to enhanced jewelry protection. The more parts a cover has, the more it may restrict movement, and the more difficult it may be to apply to an appendage. Jewelry covers having fewer structural and interrelated elements are likelier to result in easy-on, easy-off application as opposed to those with a greater number of parts. 
     Further, as the number of parts increases, so does the cost of the cover. Fewer components leads to cheaper manufacturing costs and allows suppliers to provide an inexpensive product to the consumer. Reducing the number of elements lessens the need for repair and maintenance opportunities, therefore lowering future costs as well. 
     Many covers intended for multiple uses accrue dirt and remnants of harmful substances. Constant cleaning of the cover can be costly and abrasive cleaners may wear away protective coverings. Cursory cleanings allow residue of the harmful substance to remain on the cover. Unclean covers can harbor germs and lead to dirtier, more harmful substances than the very materials the covers intend to protect against. Disposing of the cover after a finite number of uses prevents unsanitary covers from contacting jewelry and spreading to the user. Many of the covers already described, especially those made of costlier materials like leather, or those with elaborate chain elements, are meant for repeated uses. Disposable covers have a far greater chance of promoting sanitary conditions than nondisposable ones. 
     Many jewelry covers in the art have the disadvantage of being specifically tailored to articles worn on the finger or wrist. Usually, jewelry covers protect rings and precious gems lodged in finger or hand worn articles but are not adapted to protect articles worn on other appendages. Covers employing multiple strap elements, chains, or hard plastics are cumbersome enough to use on a hand, let alone a toe, ankle, or foot. Toe-rings and foot-worn jewelry must remain exposed and cannot receive the protective benefits of known jewelry covers. 
     Another disadvantage of known jewelry covers, especially those made of hard materials, is their tendency to damage additional layers of clothing. A hard jewelry cover may pierce a latex glove intended to be worn over the jewelry cover. Covers with chains or other protruding elements may catch, puncture, and/or tear fabric gloves or socks. When a user puts on a jacket or shirt, known covers can catch on to the fabric and damage the clothing or fall off from the appendage and expose the jewelry. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a jewelry cover that protects people and articles from scratches, damage, and general harm; does not damage, pierce, puncture, snag, or tear other articles of clothing; protects jewelry articles from unwanted substances; is made of a durable, flexible material that can be worn on any appendage; provide easy-on, easy-off application and detachment; is comfortable to the wearer; is cost-effective; and is disposable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to meet the need in art for a jewelry cover that protects people and articles from scratches, damage, and general harm; does not damage, pierce, puncture, snag, or tear other articles of clothing; protects jewelry articles from unwanted substances; is made of a durable, flexible material that can be worn on any appendage; provide easy-on, easy-off application and detachment; is comfortable to the wearer; is cost-effective; and is disposable, the present invention has been devised. 
     The present invention is a flexible elongate strip adapted to wrap around a jewelry article worn on a user&#39;s appendage. In this context, an appendage includes any body part that receives a jewelry article; typically, but not limited to, a finger or a toe, and can further include a hand, palm, foot, wrist, or ankle. Jewelry articles are not limited to cosmetic decorations of great monetary or sentimental value, but rather may include any accessory worn on any appendage. 
     The strip is substantially flat and typically does not resemble an exact geometric shape. However, the strip can be any known shape provided it wraps around an appendage. To maintain necessary flexibility and durability, the strip is typically made of silicone, but can be made of any similarly durable and flexible material that prevents the penetration of messy and/or harmful substances, including, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, and fabric. 
     Regardless of its shape and material, the strip does not have corners or edges sharp enough to puncture a latex glove or catch on a piece of fabric clothing. Due to the strip&#39;s durability, the user can wrinkle and place it in his pocket or purse without risk of damaging, creasing, or tearing. The flexible material provides smooth, comfortable contact with the user&#39;s skin and does not hinder movement. 
     Further, the smooth material allows the user to physically contact other people without harming them. For instance, users engaging in regular physical contact with others, such as the aforementioned physical therapists and dental hygienists, can use the jewelry cover to protect their patients from the sharp edges of jewelry articles when the present invention is in use, and at the same time protect their jewelry and prevent tearing, snagging, piercing, or puncturing of gloves. The material&#39;s flexibility also allows users to move their appendages without hindering motion, so people can work without having to deal with cumbersome jewelry covers. These are clear advantages over known jewelry covers, especially covers made of rigid materials. 
     A typical embodiment comprises a strip having two ends, usually referred to as a first end and a second end, with both ends generally rounded at the corners. The portion of strip connecting the two ends has generally parallel straight edges. Positioned towards the first end in the preferred embodiment is a substantially hollow housing having a cross-sectional shape. This housing protrudes from the top side of the strip and is covered on all sides and on top by walls made of the same material as the strip. It has a cross-sectional shape adapted to receive at least one precious stone, gem, or similar element protruding from a jewelry article. Although bounded by walls and a top, the housing has no base; the bottom surface of the strip opens such that its inner walls are exposed. The inside surfaces of the walls and top define a cavity occupied by protruding elements from jewelry articles when the cover is worn. The housing of the preferred embodiment is adapted to receive at least one such protruding element of a jewelry article. 
     In many embodiments, a lip surrounds the base of the housing, i.e. where the housing begins protruding from the top surface of the strip. This lip extends the cross-sectional shape of the housing past the generally parallel straight edges of the strip. To best accept all shapes and sizes of protruding jewelry elements, the housing&#39;s cross-sectional shape is substantially elliptical or oval-shaped. Further, the lip separates the first end with the straight, middle portion of the strip. 
     Another major feature of the present invention is the securement means. The securement means secures the jewelry cover to the appendage while in use. Most embodiments employ a throughhole adapted to closely receive the housing. Even in the absence of additional securement means elements, this configuration conceals the jewelry article and still maintains a tight, comfortable fit around the appendage. 
     The throughhole is positioned towards the second end of the strip, opposite the end in which the housing protrudes. The throughhole extends longitudinally through the entire thickness of the strip and has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the housing. When the strip is in use, the housing covers the jewelry article; the middle portion of strip wraps around the appendage; the throughhole wraps back to the housing; and the housing extends through the throughhole. Since the throughhole is substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the housing, it too has an outer lip that extends the outer edge of the strip. This lip separates the second end of the strip with the middle portion. 
     Many different kinds of securement means may be used to provide added stability to the strip. Snaps, buttons, adhesives, and clasps, either used individually, in combination, with the throughhole, or independent of the throughhole, all provide means of ensuring the cover has a tight, comfortable fit around the appendage. 
     One such securement means includes at least one raised protrusion extending from the top surface of the strip, similar to how the housing extends from the top surface of the strip. This protrusion has its own cross-sectional shape. The present invention does not require that the protrusion and housing have substantially similar cross-sectional shapes. The protrusion is positioned in proximity to the housing, opposite the first end of the strip. The protrusion is preferably laterally disposed relative to the strip, i.e. oriented substantially at a right angle relative to the parallel edges of the strip. Most embodiments utilize at least one protrusion. 
     The protrusion is adapted to fit inside an opening positioned near the second end of the strip. The opening is a hole or slit extending longitudinally through the entire thickness of the strip, similar to the throughhole. The opening is positioned between the second end of the strip and the throughhole adapted to receive the housing when the strip is in use. This contrasts from the protrusion which is not between the first end and housing, but located on the side of the housing closer to the parallel edges. 
     There is at least one opening for every protrusion. To maximize securement, the opening has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the protrusion, as the opening is adapted to closely receive the protrusion. When in use, the throughhole of the present invention will receive the housing, and each opening will receive exactly one protrusion. The total number of openings may exceed the number of protrusions so the user can adjust the band as needed for comfort. Although the throughhole fits over the housing, the flexible material may stretch as needed with the extra openings. The strip becomes more secure around the user&#39;s appendage and jewelry article as the number of protrusions and openings increases. 
     The following description best describes the present invention&#39;s functionality: a user places a jewelry article on an appendage; for example, an engagement ring having at least one precious stone is placed on a finger. The housing accepts the stone such that the cavity defined by the inner surfaces of the housing envelopes the entire stone. The middle portion of strip wraps around the user&#39;s finger such that the bottom surface of the strip contacts the ring or band. The strip wraps around the entire ring leaving no portion of the ring exposed. To secure the cover in place, the throughhole is brought towards and placed over the housing. The throughhole closely receives the housing since they have the same cross-sectional shape. This configuration completely covers the engagement ring, therefore protecting it from damaging substances, as well as scratching anyone or anything. With the housing now extended through the throughhole, the second end of the strip provides added securement when at least one protrusion slots into at least one opening. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. These and other constructions will become obvious to those skilled in the art from the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5-6  are top isometric views of alternate embodiments with alternate securement means. 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an environmental view of the present invention in use on a user&#39;s finger. 
         FIGS. 9-12  are top isometric views of alternate embodiments with alternate securement means. 
         FIG. 13  is a top isometric view of an alternate embodiment without the throughhole configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description and corresponding drawings are of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the present flexible jewelry cover invention  10  is shown. The flexible jewelry cover  10  is an elongate strip preferably made of silicone or a similarly flexible yet durable material that feels comfortable against a user&#39;s skin and will not puncture, pierce, snag, or tear additional layers of clothing placed over it. Cover  10  has a top surface  15  with an outer edge, described in detail below, which tapers outwardly and downwardly to bottom surface  60  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     At its top surface  15 , the shape of the cover  10  is bounded by a first, arch-shaped edge  2  having generally rounded and tapered edges  4 , and a second edge  3  having rounded corners  5 . The arch-shape indicates which end the user will grip when applying the cover  10  to an appendage. The first edge  2  and its tapered edges  4  define the first portion  20  of the cover  10 , and the second edge  3  having rounded corners  5  define the second portion  30 . Connecting the two ends  20  and  30  is middle portion  40 . Middle portion  40  is bounded on its sides by substantially parallel straight edges  6 . 
     Positioned between the first portion  20  and the middle portion  40  is housing  1 . Housing  1  can have any cross-sectional shape, provided the cavity defined by the inner walls  70  and inner surface  72  of the housing cap  17  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) are adapted to accept at least one jewelry article. In the preferred embodiment, housing  1  has a substantially elliptical or oval cross-sectional shape as shown. 
     Positioned between the second portion  30  and the middle portion  40  is throughhole  7 . Throughhole  7  can have any cross-sectional shape, provided it is substantially the same cross-sectional shape as housing  1  as throughhole  7  is adapted to closely receive housing  1 . In the preferred embodiment, throughhole  7  has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape as housing  1  has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. 
     Surrounding the housing  1  at its base is a base support  19 . The base support  19  provides added durability to the housing  1  at its base, further preventing the housing  1  from tearing, shearing, or breaking off the rest of the strip. Base support  19  has generally the same cross-sectional shape as the housing  1 . Surrounding the base support  19  is first outer lip  11 . First outer lip  11  has generally the same cross-sectional shape as the housing  1  (and, as it follows, base support  19 ) and extends the outer boundary of the cover  10  at the first outer boundary  13 . Found on either side of the strip, first outer boundary  13  bulges out past the outer dimensions of first portion  20  and middle portion  40  established by tapered edges  4  and parallel edges  6 , respectively. Similarly, second outer lip  12  surrounds throughhole  7  and extends the outer boundary of the cover  10  at second outer boundary  14 . Also found on either side of the strip, second outer boundary  14  bulges out past the outer dimensions of second portion  30  and middle portion  40  established by rounded corners  5  and parallel edges  6 , respectively. 
     The lips  11  and  12  and outer boundaries  13  and  14  have generally the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of housing  1  and throughhole  7 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1 , first outer lip  11  is generally oval shaped and first outer boundary  13  is generally arcuate as the cross-sectional shape of housing  1  is substantially an oval. Second outer lip  12  is generally oval shaped and second outer boundary  14  is generally arcuate as the cross-sectional shape of throughhole  7  is substantially an oval. 
     First portion  20 , first outer lip  11 , middle portion  40 , second outer lip  12 , and second portion  30  are all coplanar and past of the top surface  15 . 
     Housing  1  is bounded on all sides by a wall  16  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), said wall  16  protruding from the top surface  15 . The walls  16  terminate at the housing cap  17 . The cap  17  is the first element of the cover  10  to extend through throughhole  7  when the cover  10  is in use. 
       FIG. 1  also depicts the top surfaces  46  of protrusions  45  (shown in full in  FIG. 2 ). The top surfaces  46  cap off the protrusion walls  47  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions  45  is generally elongate and oval shaped. The protrusions  45  are positioned near the housing  1  but opposite the first edge  2 , and are instead oriented in the middle portion  40  between parallel straight edges  6 . 
     Shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are the openings  50 , each of which has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the protrusions  45  as they are adapted to closely receive the protrusions  45  when the cover  10  is in use. The openings  50  are positioned on the second portion  30  between throughhole  7  and second edge  3 . There is at least one opening  50  for every protrusion  45 . In the preferred embodiment there is at least one protrusion  45 , and as it follows, at least one opening  50 . In many embodiments, both the protrusions  45  and openings  50  are laterally disposed relative to the strip, i.e. they are generally oriented at a right angle relative to the parallel edges  6  of the strip. 
     Additional elements located on first portion  20  are grips  8 . Many embodiments contain a plurality of at least one grip  8  which help the user apply the cover  10  over a jewelry article and to an appendage. Grips  8  can extend from the top surface  15 , albeit it not as far as housing  1  or protrusions  45 , or they may recess into the cover  10 . Recessed grips  8  do not recess longitudinally through the entire thickness of the strip. Grips  8  do not need to be an exact shape; the grips  8  shown in  FIG. 1  are substantially the same shape as protrusions  45 . One grip  8  does not need to be the exact same shape and dimension as another. Shown in the drawings is a plurality of five grips  8 . The grips  8  are arranged such that their center lines  9  that bisect them are collinear. This is not required, as any configuration or orientation that assists the user in applying the cover  10  to the jewelry article appendage is acceptable. 
       FIG. 2  shows the preferred embodiment at an isometric angle. At this view, the walls  16  of housing  1  as well as the walls  47  of protrusion  45  are seen. Further, a clearer view of base support  19  surrounding housing  1  is seen. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the shape of the cover  10  is bounded at its bottom surface by an arch-shaped, first bottom edge  62  with bottom tapered edges  64 , and a second bottom edge  63  having bottom rounded corners  65 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of the bottom surface  60  of cover  10 . In addition to the elements that comprise the bottom, outer edge of the strip,  FIG. 3  shows the inner surface  72  of housing cap  17 . Further,  FIG. 3  shows the opposite sides of openings  50 ; in this drawing, the openings  50  are not capped (see  FIGS. 5 and 6  for capped openings  55 ). The opposite side of throughhole  7  is also observable. Many embodiments of the strip include the chamfered edge  74 . The middle portion  61  of bottom surface  60  is bounded by substantially straight, parallel edges  66 . Chamfered edge  74  tapers inwardly into the cavity and provides connection of the inner wall  70  to bottom surface  60 . This connection is best seen in the isometric view of  FIG. 4 , in which inner surface  72 , inner walls  70 , and chamfered edge  74  are all viewable. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict an alternate embodiment of the present invention complete with capped openings  55 . These caps have outer walls  57 , similar to the outer walls  47  of the protrusions, as well as a top  56 , analogous to the top  46  of the protrusions  45 . These outer walls  57  extend from the second portion  30 . The capped openings  55  have a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape as the protrusions  45 , and as it follows, the openings  50 . The openings  50  are not sealed in the capped embodiments, but instead provide the opening through the strip that accepts the protrusions  45 . These openings  50  in the bottom surface  60  are best shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5  depicts the simplest embodiment, in which the cover  10  features one protrusion  45  and one capped opening  55 .  FIG. 6  shows another alternate embodiment, complete with multiple protrusions  45  and multiple capped openings  55 . The more protrusions and capped openings  55 , the better the securement around the jewelry article and the user&#39;s appendage. 
       FIG. 7  provides an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The outer wall  16  of housing  1 , protrusions  45 , and the protrusion outer walls  47  are seen extending from the top surface  15 . Bounding the base of housing  1  is base support  19 . Along the bottom surface, first bottom edge  62  and second bottom edge  63  are seen at opposite sides of the strip. Along the top surface, first edge  2  and second edge  3  are also viewed at opposite sides of the strip. This drawing also depicts an elevation view of embodiments in which grips  8  are recessed into the strip. 
       FIG. 8  shows the present invention while in use. Here, the cover  10  is wrapped around a user&#39;s appendage, depicted as a finger F. The cavity inside housing  1  defined by inner walls  70  and inner surface  72  completely encapsulates a jewelry article worn on finger F. The cover  10  then wraps around the support element for the jewelry article, which would be a ring or similar finger-worn accessory in this embodiment, until the support element is also covered. Throughhole  7  is wrapped around with the rest of the strip and housing  1  is inserted through it, housing cap  17  the first element of housing  1  to extend through throughhole  7 . Throughhole  7  is stretched and in direct contact with outer wall  16 . In this drawing, middle portion  40  is seen through a stretched portion of throughhole  7 . Additional securement means are not pictured in this drawing. 
       FIGS. 9-12  feature alternate embodiments of the present invention, each with a different securement means different than the protrusion-and-opening configuration previously described.  FIG. 9  depicts a snap securement means  80  affixed to the top surface  15  of cover  10 . In this drawing, snap means  80  is positioned on the side of the housing  1  where the protrusions  45  are located in the preferred embodiment. Snap means  80  can be positioned throughout anywhere middle portion  40  provided the jewelry article is protected when the cover  10  is in use. The snap insert  85  extends from the bottom surface  60  so that it can engage the snap means  80  when in use. The securing element  86  that affixes the snap insert  85  into the strip is shown protruding through second portion  30 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a clasp  90  as the securement means, said clasp  90  positioned on the side of the housing  1  where the protrusions  45  are located in the preferred embodiment. Clasp  90  can be positioned anywhere throughout middle portion  40  provided the jewelry article is protected when the cover  10  is in use. The edge of the strip defined by second edge  3  and second bottom edge  63  is fed through the opening  95  when the cover  10  is in use. After this edge is fed through opening  95 , the user closes the clasp latch  97  by backwardly rotating it about hinge  98 . Once the clasp latch  97  is tight enough that it cannot move, but is still comfortable to the user, the cover  10  is secured. 
       FIG. 11  depicts the securement means as a button  100 . In this drawing, button  100  is affixed to the top surface  15  and positioned on the side of the housing  1  where the protrusions  45  are located in the preferred embodiment. Button  100  can be positioned anywhere throughout middle portion  40  provided the jewelry article is protected when the cover  10  is in use. Opening  50 , previously adapted to closely receive the protrusion  45 , is now adapted to wrap around button  100 . When the cover  10  is in use, housing  1  will extend through throughhole  7 , and the user will place opening  50  around the button  100 . In this embodiment, the opening  50  is not capped. 
       FIG. 12  depicts an adhesive  110  placed on the top surface of the strip  15  as an alternate securement means. In this drawing, adhesive  110  positioned on the side of the housing  1  where the protrusions  45  are located in the preferred embodiment. Adhesive  110  can be positioned anywhere throughout middle portion  40  provided the jewelry article is protected when the cover  10  is in use. When the strip is in use, and the housing  1  has extended through throughhole  7 , the user presses the free end of the strip, i.e. the edge of the strip defined by second edge  3  and second bottom edge  63 , to the adhesive  110  for securement. Pressing the strip together allows the bottom surface  60  of the strip to adhere to the top surface  15 . The adhesive  110  may be resealable as needed. Alternatively, the strip itself may be self-adhesive. There may be another adhesive section  110  on the bottom surface  60  positioned where the openings  50  are located in the preferred embodiment. This extra section of adhesive would provide even greater securement when the strip is in use. The user would press the ends together in the same manner as if there were only one adhesive section. 
       FIG. 13  provides yet another alternative embodiment which does not employ a throughhole. Instead, the cover  10  securement means utilizes an alternative securement means, such as a snap, clasp, button, or adhesive as depicted in  FIGS. 9-12 . For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 13  shows use of the adhesive  110 , wherein the adhesive  110  is positioned on the first portion  20  as opposed to being on middle section  40 , i.e. the side of the housing  1  where the protrusions  45  are located in the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Here, the housing  1  accepts at least one jewelry article and any elements extending from it, and the strip wraps around the appendage just as in the preferred embodiments. However, the far end of the strip defined by the second edge  3  and bottom edge  63  wrap around the appendage and terminate at first portion  20 . The user then presses the free end of the strip to the adhesive  110  in a similar fashion as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 . Pressing the strip together allows the bottom surface  60  of the strip to adhere to the top surface  15 . Alternatively, the strip itself may be self-adhesive. With no throughhole, no part of the strip closely receives housing  1 . Further, the strip may be much shorter than in other embodiments, as depicted by a condensed middle section  40 . 
     Similar to the embodiment featured in  FIG. 12 , the adhesive  110  may be resealable as needed. There may be another adhesive section  110  on the bottom surface  60  positioned where the openings  50  would be located in the preferred embodiment. This extra section of adhesive would provide even greater securement when the strip is in use. The user would press the ends together in the same manner as if there were only one adhesive section, or if the strip were configured in the same way as previously disclosed. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.