Abstract:
An apparatus for the distribution and display of jewelry includes a plurality of precious or semi-precious gems coupled together in a “T” shape with at least one horizontalbar and one downbar, the horizontalbar having clasps at both ends and the downbar having a clasp at one end. The apparatus further includes a clothing article requiring at least one strap for support with a semi-permanently attached loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The apparatus further includes a flexible strand or chain having attached loops at both ends, each of the loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The jewelry article is designed in order to be distributed and displayed as an integral structural member of the clothing and jewelry combination or the flexible strand or chain and jewelry combination.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    The field of this invention concerns devices and methods used in the distribution and display of jewelry and similar articles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Jewelry, including that of precious and semi-precious gems, is typically distributed and displayed in boxes, envelopes, cards and other media by the jeweler or retailer. Distribution of jewelry, when purchased with other items, is often separated from the other items either entirely or separated in such a manner where the items are functionally two independent items and not structurally dependent on one another. The jewelry may match another item intended to be purchased in tandem with the jewelry, for example a broach and a dress, but remains at least removable and separate or at most, giving the appearance of an afterthought of the original clothing item design and intention. In the example given, a dress is still completely functional without the matching broach.  
           [0003]    Once the jewelry is purchased by the customer, the medium of distribution, whether a box, envelope, card, or similar medium of distribution and display, generally are not used in the future display of that jewelry, especially while the jewelry piece is being worn by the customer. Frequently, these methods of retail distribution and display of the jewelry are discarded and therefore a waste in regards to that portion of the jewelry purchase by the customer; the more extravagant or expensive the method of retail distribution and display, the larger the pecuniary waist of the customer. Such waist may further be experienced by the retailer due to increased mark-up percentage by the distributor(s), which may incorporate increased net cost to the retailer.  
           [0004]    Additionally, jewelry may be fashioned in shapes that embrace and often circumscribe the contours of the human shape, as a necklace, bracelet, anklet, waist chain (“belly chain”), or similar form. Jewelry may also be fashioned in a form that allows it to be attached to clothing, such as a broach or tie tack, as mentioned above. However, jewelry is not currently distributed and displayed as an integral part of garments requiring at least one strap for support and garment integrity.  
           [0005]    Recently, it has become fashionable to wear one&#39;s undergarments in such a manner that the dorsal portion of the undergarment (e.g., thong, G-string, or the like) is permitted to be seen above the waistline of the dorsal portion of a pair of trousers, shorts, skirt, dress, kilt, or similar article of clothing. The general intent of this method of display of undergarments, as a fashion statement, is to be seen by others as well as to be current in the world of fashion.  
           [0006]    An attempt to combine fine jewelry, consisting, for example, of precious and semi-precious gems, on the dorsal portion of the thong seen above the waistline may be uncomfortable for the wearer. Additionally, the risk of loss of fine jewelry in an attempt to display jewelry in such a manner should greatly increase the possibility of loss of that jewelry worn because this manner of display diverges from intended jewelry design and use.  
           [0007]    The wearer of such a piece of jewelry attached to an undergarment (e.g., thong, G-string, or the like) may also risk damage to porous or semi-porous gems or stones, such as pearls or opals, with constant exposure to heat and moisture from bodily fluids.  
           [0008]    In regard to jewelry pieces that attach to clothing, many jewelry articles attach and detach by various mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,202 describes a belt loop jewelry article that engages and releases belt loops with clasps. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,203 describes an interchangeable snap-on adornment for fashion accessories that uses a stud and socket combination that engages and releases clothing. In still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,434 describes an ornamental neckpiece chain or cord which spans the neck of a collared shirt by connecting to the button and buttonhole when the shirt is unbuttoned. Once any of these jewelry accessories are removed, however, the item of clothing is structurally unaltered and the integrity of the clothing article remains in substantially the same state as when the clothing article was first made (small holes may be present after using the snap-on adornment).  
           [0009]    In regard to clothing and jewelry combinations where the jewelry piece is necessary and an integral part of the clothing article structure, not limited to an accessory only, existing examples are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,818 includes a garment link which serves may serve as a necessary structural member of the clothing article by linking two straps, but is not intended to be easily removed from the clothing article. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,663 describes a feminine garment with a sexually stimulating effect due to a string of beads which serves as the sole support of the clothing article in the pubis and rectal areas, again where the beads are not removable without damaging the clothing article.  
           [0010]    U.S. patent application US 2002/0108688 A1 describes a handbag and case with a multi-purpose bejeweled strap which is easily removable and may also be worn as a necklace or bracelet by engaging the opposing ends of the removable strap. However, the strap may be easily substituted for many other removable purse straps which can engage and release the clasps or eyes of the handbag. Even the invention disclosed in 1941 in U.S. Pat. No. 2,228,686, which describes an easily removable bejeweled chain, may potentially engage and release the handbag of US 2002/0108688. The jewelry strap of this handbag does not render the handbag unusable, however, as many people carry a handbag in their hands, especially if the handbag also has a handle. Additionally, the object of the removable bejeweled strap is a point of storage, where one is able to wear the strap as an accessory in the event that the strap is removed instead of storing it in the handbag. This is quite different from the invention disclosed herein.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0011]    The design of this jewelry and jewelry distribution and display combination is intended to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings. It is therefore an object of this invention to serve as a distribution method of fine jewelry, as precious and semi-precious gems, as an interchangeable and a structurally necessary member of both clothing and human form-fitting jewelry.  
           [0012]    It is an object of this invention to display jewelry in the store for purchase and also while on the wearer in a manner that it can be seen by people other than the wearer of the jewelry. The strategic placement of the jewelry permits viewing by the public, despite the intimate nature of the display piece, namely, an undergarment or other garment, normally shielded from public view.  
           [0013]    The jewelry itself is designed to be detached easily from the display piece and can be converted from a structural member of the garment to a more conventional piece of jewelry, for instance a necklace, bracelet, anklet, waist chain (“belly chain”), or similar form by the addition of certain elements including a chain extension and jewelry baubles. Thus, the garment serves as a method of distributing the jewelry to the wearer in an innovative, novel, and useful manner and is combined with the distribution of a kit to convert the garment-support to purely ornamental fine jewelry.  
           [0014]    A further object of this invention is the display of jewelry as a structurally necessary part of a garment in order that people other than the wearer of the jewelry may view the jewelry as both a required support strap of the garment and as a piece of jewelry fitting the shape of the human form. Therefore, removal of the jewelry piece would render the garment nonfunctional when removed. The design of the jewelry piece is designed to withstand the various physical stresses (as shear stress, torque or torsion) as would a necessary support member of a garment.  
           [0015]    When the garment is a thong, G-string, or other form of undergarment, the jewelry may be viewed as the dorsal portion of the undergarment showing above the waistline of a pair of trousers, shorts, skirt, dress, kilt, or similar article of clothing.  
           [0016]    Similarly, the undergarment could be a brassiere in which the jewelry supports and/or connects the two halves (breast cups) either in the front or in the back of the bra. Further, the garment could be any garment designed with support straps, for example a gown, dress, skirt, bikini, lingerie, negligee or garter.  
           [0017]    In all cases in which the jewelry is displayed and distributed in combination with a garment or article of clothing, the jewelry is detachable so that the garment may be washed in a machine and need not necessarily be hand-washed, thus saving the wearer a lot of labor and time. Moreover, while the garment piece is being cleaned, the jewelry still may be worn by the wearer through use of the conversion kit as more traditional looking jewelry.  
           [0018]    A further object of this invention is the display of jewelry as mentioned above such that any combination of the display methods mentioned (necklace, bracelet, anklet, waist chain (“belly chain”), or related methods of display) may be worn in such a manner as to match one other with either similar, contrasting, complementary, or even identical jewelry pieces (allowing for natural variation in any natural precious or semi-precious gem) with a jewelry piece attached to a garment or undergarment, for example a thong or G-string. Thus the wearer can coordinate one&#39;s fashion accessories in a manner never before possible.  
           [0019]    A further object of this invention is the display of jewelry as an integral portion of a garment, including a thong undergarment, which preserves the integrity of porous and semi-porous gems by positioning the gems away from areas of heat and moisture of the human body. The invention is designed to be worn in such a manner as to protect the jewelry from said heat and moisture as well as away from dirt, odors, and other potentially unpleasantness, while still serving its function as a structural component of the garment.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a view of the clothing piece.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a view of the flexible strand.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a view of a first embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a central member, two sidebars and a downbar.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a view of a second embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a visibly distinguishable central member, two sidebars and a downbar.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a view of a third embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a visibly distinguishable central member with attachments thereto, two sidebars and a downbar.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a view of a fourth embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a flexible strand and a downbar.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a view of a fifth embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a flexible strand and a downbar and a visibly distinguishable attachment device.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a view of a sixth embodiment of the jewelry piece, showing a flexible strand and a downbar and a visibly distinguishable attachment device and attachments thereto.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a view of the first embodiment of the jewelry piece, comprising a visibly distinguishable central member, two sidebars and a downbar, and the clothing piece to form a complete clothing undergarment and jewelry display.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 is a view of the second embodiment of the jewelry piece, comprising a flexible strand and downbar with a visibly distinguishable attachment device, and the clothing piece to form a complete clothing undergarment and jewelry display.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 11 is a view of the first embodiment of the jewelry piece, comprising a visibly distinguishable central member, two sidebars and a downbar engaging attachments, and the flexible strand piece to form a complete necklace, bracelet, anklet, waist chain (“belly chain”), or similar form to embrace and circumscribe a portion of human shape for jewelry display.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 12 is a view of the second embodiment of the jewelry piece, comprising a flexible strand and downbar with a visibly distinguishable attachment device and engaged attachments, and the flexible stand forming a complete necklace, bracelet, or similar item to embrace and circumscribe a portion of human shape for jewelry display.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 13A and 13B are a view of the flexible strand piece and the clothing piece used with identical jewelry pieces to compose a matching undergarment and necklace jewelry display.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 14A and 14B are a view of the first embodiment of the jewelry piece, comprising a visibly distinguishable central member, two sidebars and a downbar, and a clothing piece to form a complete brazier and jewelry display.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 15 is a view of the first embodiment of two jewelry pieces, comprising a visibly distinguishable central member, two sidebars and a downbar, and a clothing piece to form a complete clothing cocktail dress and jewelry display.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    As shown in FIG. 1, the clothing article comprises a frontpiece  1 , preferably triangular in shape, but may be another shape, with the top of the frontpiece  2  wider than the bottom of the frontpiece  3 , with two opposing sidebar members  4  and  5  and one downbar member  6 , planarly arranged. The sidebar and downbar members are attached to the frontpiece member at a first end  7 ,  8  and  9  and each have a semi-permanently attached loop  10 ,  11  and  12  at a second end  13 ,  14  and  15 . The downbar member attachment to the frontpiece is centered. All or part of the clothing piece may comprise fabric, animal hide, leather, metal, rubber, plastic or carbon fiber.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible strand comprises a flexible strand or similar article  16 , preferably steel cable, chain or similar material in strength, having attached loops  17  and  18  at each end of said strand, each of said loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device, here preferably jewelry lobster clasps. All or part of the flexible strand may comprise fabric, animal hide, leather, metal, rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, beads, trinkets, semi-precious and precious gems.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the jewelry piece comprising a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets with a center member of a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets  19  connected to two opposing sidebar members of a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets of  20  and  21  and one downbar member of a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets  22 , planarly arranged with a first end  23 ,  24  and  25  connecting the central member to each bar. The first end of the sidebars and downbar may include loops  59 . The sidebar and downbar members each have a jewelry clasp  26 ,  27  and  28  at the second end  29 ,  30  and  31 , preferably a “lobster” clasp, for engaging and releasing attachments, preferably loops, or separate decorative elements, including beads, trinkets, semi-precious and precious stones. The jewelry piece downbar member and the clothing piece downbar member are designed to connect above or about the tailbone region of the wearer. An alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the jewelry piece bejeweled central member comprising a visibly distinguishable central member  32 . A further alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 illustrates the jewelry piece bejeweled central member comprising a visibly distinguishable central member  32  and an engaged separate decorative element  33 . The separate decorative elements may include beads, trinkets, semi-precious and precious gemstones.  
         [0038]    As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the jewelry piece comprising a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets with a bejeweled flexible strand of a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets  34  and a bejeweled downbar member of a plurality of jewels, beads, stones and trinkets  22 , connected to the flexible bejeweled strand  35  at the first end  36 . The flexible strand has jewelry clasps  26 ,  27  and  28  at the free ends  37  and  38  and the downbar member has a jewelry clasp at a second end  31 , preferably “lobster” clasps, for engaging and releasing attachments, preferably loops. An alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, illustrates the bejeweled downbar member engaging the bejeweled flexible strand with a visibly distinguishable attachment device  39 , preferably at least one closed loop, or separate decorative elements, including beads, trinkets, semi-precious and precious stones. The jewelry piece downbar member and the clothing piece downbar member are designed to connect above or about the tailbone region of the wearer. A further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, illustrates a separate decorative element  33  engaging the visibly distinguishable attachment device  39 .  
         [0039]    As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the jewelry piece  40  and the clothing piece  41  are connected together with the clasps of the jewelry piece  26 ,  27  and  28  engaging the loops of the clothing piece  10 ,  11  and  12  to form a complete clothing undergarment and jewelry display. As shown in FIG. 9, the jewelry piece bejeweled central member comprises a visibly distinguishable central member  32 . In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the bejeweled downbar member engages the bejeweled flexible strand with a visibly distinguishable attachment device  39 , here a closed loop. The positioning of the jewelry piece precious and semi-precious gems are situated such that the gems are above the tailbone as well above the waistline of various articles of clothing.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the jewelry piece  40  and the flexible strand  16  are connected together with the clasps of the jewelry piece  26 ,  27  and  28  engaging the loops  17  and  18  of the flexible strand to form a complete necklace, bracelet, anklet, waist chain (“belly chain”), or similar form to embrace and circumscribe a portion of human shape for jewelry display. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the jewelry piece and flexible strand, here a steel cable, are assembled to form a necklace to display the jewelry of precious and semi-precious stones. The unengaged downbar member  22  of the jewelry article is suspended at the ventrally oriented lowest point of the necklace with separate decorative elements  33  and  42  engaged by the clasp of the jewelry piece downbar.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIG. 13, the combination of FIGS. 9 and 11 show a matching jewelry display of a jewelry piece  40  and clothing piece  41 , here an undergarment, combination together with a jewelry piece  40  and flexible strand  16  necklace combination.  
         [0042]    As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the jewelry piece  40  and clothing piece  43 , here a brassiere, are connected together with the clasps of the jewelry piece  26  and  27  engaging the loops of the brazier  44  and  45  to form the connecting ventral points of the two cups of the brazier  46  and  47  and the ventral attachment of the ventral and dorsal anterior straps for a jewelry display. Each cup of the brazier  48  and  49  includes a plurality of loops  44 ,  45 ,  50  and  51 , at least one loop at the top of the cup  44  and  45  and at least one loop at the point of the cup closest to the vertical axis of the human breastbone  50  and  51 , configured to receive attachment devices  52  and  53 , preferably lobster clasps. The clasps of the jewelry piece and clothing piece, here a brazier, in FIGS. 14A and 14B are assembled to form a brazier to display the jewelry of precious and semi-precious stones. The downbar member of the jewelry piece  22  is suspended at the ventrally oriented lowest posterior point of the brazier with separate decorative elements  33  and  42  engaged by the clasp of the jewelry piece downbar  28 .  
         [0043]    As shown in FIG. 15, two jewelry pieces  40  and clothing piece  54 , here a cocktail dress, are connected together with the clasps of the jewelry piece  26  and  27  engaging the loops of the cocktail dress  55  and  56  oriented above the breasts ventrally at a first end  57  and second end  58  positioned dorsally about the wearer of the cocktail dress, preferably about the shoulder blades dorsally at a second end, to form the ventral to dorsal anterior straps for an over the shoulder jewelry display of precious and semiprecious stones. The downbar member of the jewelry piece  22  is suspended from the highest anterior point of the strap  60  with separate decorative elements  33  and  42  engaged by the clasp of the jewelry piece downbar  28 .  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of the valve housing unit  1 , is shown, which illustrates one possible embodiment of the retainer  12 , the top of the valve piston  11 , which is in position against the underside of the retainer  12 , and the openings  16 , in the retainer, which allow water to pass during the normal operation of the valve housing unit  1 .  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  21 .  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIG. 7, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  22 .  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIG. 8, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  23 .  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 9, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  24 .  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 10, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  25 .  
         [0050]    Referring now to FIG. 11, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  26 .  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIG. 12, a top view of a possible alternate embodiment of the retainer is illustrated  27 .  
         [0052]    Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed and claimed herein.  
         [0053]    For example, the valve housing unit could be manufactured using various means; it could be cast as a single piece, or to facilitate the manufacture of the device, it could be made from two or more pieces which are assembled then joined by gluing, welding, or some other permanent means.  
         [0054]    The valve and retainer could also be manufactured in alternate configurations while still remaining within the scope of the invention claimed and disclosed. For example, there could be a flapper type which is held open by a retainer which protrudes from the frangible zone to hold the valve open. The valve could also consist of a piece of flexible tubing with the frangible zone acting as the retainer, such that when the frangible zone is intact, the tubing within it is maintained in a straight and open position, but when the frangible zone is broken, the tubing returns to its original cast bent position acting to shut off the supply of water.