Abstract:
A method and system for providing a configurable jewelry closure is disclosed. The configurable jewelry closure comprises a series of common jewelry fasteners on links. The fasteners are easily opened and designed for continual opening, by the wearer. These easy opening fasteners provide the wearer the ability to attach jewelry strands of varying color, number and length to provide the wearer with a customizable piece of jewelry. These jewelry closures can be removed from the jewelry strand by the wearer over and over again rendering it still usable and customizable by the wearer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is claiming under 35 USC 119(e) the benefit of provisional patent Application serial no. 60/250,329 filed on Nov. 29, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to configurable jewelry closures, and more particularly to such closures used for necklaces, bracelets, anklets, belts, hatbands, belly chains and the like.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Conventional jewelry design commonly provides consumers with conventional closures that are fixed to one or more jewelry strands. For example, one conventional closure includes a simple clasp, such as a lobster clasp, that is fixed to one end of the jewelry strand and that attaches to a link at the opposite end of the jewelry strand. A loop made with the jewelry strands is closed using the conventional closure, allowing the user to wear the necklace, bracelet or other item made with the jewelry strands and conventional closure. The conventional closure is typically designed merely to allow one end of the strand to be attached to the other end of the strand. However, some conventional closures also allow for variations in the length of the strands. For example, some conventional closures are designed to be attached to any part of a portion of the strands.  
           [0004]    Although conventional closures allow jewelry strands to be formed into a loop, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that conventional closures are not intended to be repeatedly or continuously removed from the jewelry strand by the wearer. In addition, although some of the conventional closures allow for variations in the length of the jewelry strands along the conventional closure, the jewelry strands coupled to the conventional closure are not interchangeable at the will of the wearer. Furthermore, although some conventional jewelry closures are easily removed, they are not intended for repeated, continuous removal by the wearer. As a result, conventional designs of jewelry closures not intended for repeated removal from the jewelry strand by the wearer suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, removal of permanently fixed conventional closures from the jewelry strand by the wearer often renders the jewelry unusable, broken and uncustomizable by the wearer. In addition, continuous removal of conventional closures not intended for repeated removal from the jewelry strand by the wearer often renders the jewelry unusable, broken and uncustomizable by the wearer. The conventional closures also result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of matching color to the clothes being worn. In addition, the conventional closures result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of varying the number of jewelry strands worn together. Moreover, the conventional closures result in an inability of the wearer to customize the look of the jewelry with respect to the desired fashion effect of varying the length of the jewelry strands worn together.  
           [0005]    Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for a more flexible, customizable method and system for providing jewelry. The present invention addresses such a need.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention provides a closure and method for customizing jewelry. The method and system include providing a plurality of clasp. A first clasp and a second clasp of the plurality of are for attaching to at least one strand. The first clasp attaches to a first side of the at least one strand, while the second clasp attaches to a second side of the strand. The first clasp and second clasp are reusable. The first clasp and the second clasp allow for interchangeability of the at least one strand. In one embodiment, the method and system also includes at least a third clasp of the plurality of clasps and a plurality of links. The plurality of links is coupled with the first clasp. The third clasp is coupled with the second clasp. The third clasp and the plurality of links allow for a length of the jewelry to be customized. Preferably, each of the plurality of clasps is simple to use and effective.  
           [0007]    According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention provides a simple, effective mechanism for customizing the color, length, and type of jewelry strands and look of the jewelry without causing undue wear of the jewelry. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration, using the common lobster clasp.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2C is a diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a diagram of a fourth alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the three-clasp configuration.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4A is diagram of a second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration, using the common lobster clasp.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4B is diagram of a first alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4C is diagram of a second alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration, FIG. 4D is diagram of a third alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is diagram of a fourth alternate version of the second embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the two-clasp configuration.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6A is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6B is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6C is diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the method and system in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    The present invention relates to an improvement in jewelry. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.  
         [0021]    The present invention provides a closure and method for customizing jewelry. The method and system include providing a plurality of clasp. A first clasp and a second clasp of the plurality of are for attaching to at least one strand. The first clasp attaches to a first side of the at least one strand, while the second clasp attaches to a second side of at least one strand. The first clasp and second clasp are reusable. The first clasp and the second clasp allow for interchangeability of the at least one strand. In one embodiment, the method and system also includes at least a third clasp of the plurality of clasps and a plurality of links. The plurality of links is coupled with the first clasp. The third clasp is coupled with the second clasp. The third clasp and the plurality of links allow for a length of the jewelry to be customized. Preferably, each of the plurality of clasps is simple to use and effective.  
         [0022]    The present invention will be described in terms of specific closures and other specific elements, such as links. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that this method and system will operate effectively for other closures and other elements consistent with the present invention.  
         [0023]    To more particularly illustrate the method and system in accordance with the present invention, refer now to FIG. 1, depicting an item of jewelry including a preferred embodiment of a configurable closure  100  in accordance with the present invention. The closure  100  is used in conjunction with jewelry strands  116  (depicted as portions  116 A and  116 B). The configurable closure  100  includes the fasteners  102 ,  104  and  106  as well as lengths  108  and  110 . The fasteners  102 ,  104  and  106  are shown as being lobster clasps. The lengths  108  and  110  are depicted as being chains. However, the lengths  108  and  110  could be made of another material and the fasteners  102 ,  104  and  106  could be another type of fastener. The fasteners  102  and  104  are coupled together, preferably using the length  108 . The fastener  102  and  104  are fixed to the length  108 . In other words, the fasteners  102  and  104  are coupled to the length  108  in a manner not conducive to repeated removal from the length  108 . Similarly, the fastener  106  is fixed to the length  110 .  
         [0024]    In operation, the fasteners  102  and  106  are coupled to the loops  112  and  114 . As shown in FIG. 1, the fasteners  102  and  106  are coupled to the loops  112  and  114 , respectively, so that the fasteners  102  and  106 , respectively, can be easily and repeatably removed from the loops  112  and  114 , respectively. In order to close the loop, the fastener  104  is coupled to a portion of the length  110 . The fastener  104  is coupled to a link in the chain that makes up the length  110  so that the fastener  104  is easily separated from the length  110 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fastener  104  is coupled to a link in the chain that makes up the length  110 .  
         [0025]    The connection of fasteners  102 ,  104  and  106  to loop(s)  112  and  114  allows the wearer to customize the jewelry strand(s)  116  with respect to varying the color, number and length. Fastener  104  provides a reusable and customizable connection point along the length of chain  10  connected to fastener  106 . This allows a user to vary the overall length of the item of jewelry. The connection of fastener  104  to the chain  110  allows the wearer to customize the jewelry with regard to overall length of the jewelry piece. Fasteners  102  and  106  provide a reusable and customizable connection point to loops  112  and  114  of the jewelry strand(s)  116 . This allows the strand(s)  116  to be customized, for example by varying the color, number, length and arrangement of the strand(s)  116 . Thus, a user can rapidly and easily customize the jewelry piece using the closure  100  in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the closure  100 ′ in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second alternate version of the preferred embodiment  100 ″ of the closure in accordance with the present invention other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the three-clasp configuration. FIG. 2C is a diagram of a third alternate version of the preferred embodiment of the closure  100 ′″ in the three-clasp configuration.  
         [0027]    In FIGS. 2A, 2B and  2 C, many of the components are analogous to portions of the closure  100  depicted in FIG. 1. Consequently, these items are labeled similarly. For example, the closures  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ′″ each includes a length  108 ,  108 ′,  108 ″ or  108 ′″. In each case the closures  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ′″ remain the same essentially except for the shape and operation of the fasteners. In FIG. 2A the fasteners  102 ′,  104 ′ and  106 ′ used are common S-hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common S-hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the above-mentioned inventors. In FIG. 2B the fasteners  102 ″,  104 ″ and  106 ″ used are common hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the maker of the closure  100 ″. In FIG. 2C the fasteners  102 ′″,  104 ′″ and  106 ′″ used are common Spring Ring clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Spring Rings can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the maker of the closure  100 ′″. The closures  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ′″ function in effectively the same manner as the closure  100 . Thus, the closures  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ′″ provide the benefits of the closure  100 . Thus, a user is allowed to customize the jewelry by varying aspects such as the length of the jewelry piece as well as the length, number, type and arrangement of the strands  116 ′,  116 ″ or  116 ′″.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 is a diagram of a fourth alternate version of the preferred embodiment of a closure  150  in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners with in the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the three-clasp configuration. The closure  150  includes fasteners  152 ,  154  and  156  and lengths  158  and  160 . The fasteners  152  and  154  are fixed to the length  158 . The fastener  156  is fixed to the length  160 . The closure  150  is used in conjunction with strand(s)  166 . The closure  150  functions in essentially the same manner as the closures  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ′″ and thus provides the benefits of the closures  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ and  100 ″. As depicted in FIG. 3, the fasteners  152 ,  154  and  156  need not match. Instead, the fasteners  152 ,  154  and  156  can be mixed to achieve the desired result. For example, the fasteners  152  and  156  can match, while the fastener  154  is of another type. One such closure is depicted in FIG. 3, which utilizes hook clasps for fasteners  152  and  156  and a lobster clasp for the fastener  154 . Any number of combinations of mixed fasteners  152 ,  154  and  156  would result in the desired effect of giving the wearer a customizable piece of jewelry with respect to varying color, number and length of jewelry strand(s)  166 . Thus, the closure  150  can be customized. In addition, the overall length of the jewelry piece as well as features such as the number, type and arrangement of the strands  166  can be customized by the user.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4A is diagram of a second embodiment of the closure  200  in accordance with the present invention attached to a jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. The closure  200  utilizes two fasteners  202  and  204  coupled by a length  206 . The length  206  is preferably a chain. The fasteners  202  and  204  are preferably fixed to the length  206 . The closure  200  is used in conjunction with jewelry strand(s)  212  having loops  208  and  210 . The fasteners  202  and  204  depicted are lobster clasps.  
         [0030]    In operation, the fasteners  202  and  204  are coupled to the loops  208  and  210 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, the fasteners  202  and  204  are coupled to the loops  208  and  210 , respectively, so that the fasteners  202  and  204 , respectively, can be easily and repeatably removed from the loops  208  and  210 , respectively.  
         [0031]    The connection of fasteners  202  and  204  to loop(s)  208  and  210  allows the wearer to customize the jewelry strand(s)  212 . For example, a user might vary the color, number, length and arrangement of the jewelry strands  212 . Fasteners  202  and  204  thus provide a reusable and customizable connection point to loops  208  and  210  of the jewelry strand(s)  212 . This allows the strand(s)  212  to vary, for example in the color, number, length and arrangement of the strands  212 . Thus, a user can rapidly and easily customize the jewelry piece using the closure  200  in accordance with the present invention. Note, however, that varying the length of the entire jewelry piece is not possible.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  4 B- 4 D depict alternate version of the second embodiments of the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A. In each case shown in FIGS.  4 B- 4 D, all factors remain the same except for the shape and operation of the fasteners. FIG. 4B is diagram of a first alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure  200 ′ accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. FIG. 4C is diagram of a second alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure  200 ″ in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration. FIG. 4D is diagram of a third alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure  200 ′″ in accordance with the present invention using other common clasps attached to the jewelry strand(s) in the two-clasp configuration.  
         [0033]    The closures  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″ and  200 ′″ function in essentially the same manner. Consequently, portions of the closures  200 ′,  200 ″ and  200 ″ are labeled in a similar manner to the closure  200 . Referring to FIG. 4B, the fasteners  202 ′ and  204 ′ used are common S-hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common S-hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated. In FIG. 4C the fasteners  202 ″ and  204 ″ used are common Hook clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Hooks can be purchased pre-made or fabricated. In FIG. 4D the fasteners  202 ′″ and  204 ′″ used are common Spring Ring clasps that can vary in the particulars of size, shape and ornamentation. These common Spring Rings can be purchased pre-made or fabricated by the above-mentioned inventors. These examples are not inclusive of all the possible forms this invention can take. Thus, both the closure  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″ and  200 ″ and aspects of the strands  212 ,  212 ′,  212 ″ and  212 ′″ are customizable.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 is diagram of a fourth alternate version of the second embodiment of the closure  250  in accordance with the present invention mixing the common fasteners within the design of the configurable jewelry closure using the two-clasp configuration. The closure  250  includes fasteners  252  and  254  and length  256  and is used in conjunction with strand(s)  262  having loops  258  and  260 . The closure  250  operates in the same manner as the closures  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″ and  200 ″. Thus, the closure  250  has many of the same benefits of the closures  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″ and  200 ″″.  
         [0035]    In addition, there are various possibilities with regard mixing the common fasteners with in the design of the configurable jewelry closure. The closure  250  shows one example of mixing fasteners in the design. Fastener  252  uses the lobster clasp, while Fastener B utilizes the ring clasp. Any number of combinations of mixed fasteners  252  and  254  would result in the desired effect of giving the wearer a customizable piece of jewelry with respect to varying color, number and length of jewelry strand(s)  262 . Thus, the closure  250  can be customized. In addition, the user can customize features such as the number, type and arrangement of the strands  262 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 6A, 6B and  6 C are diagrams of an alternate version of the first embodiment of the closure  300  in accordance with the present invention as used with different jewelry strands owned by a user. Suppose a wearer has three jewelry strands  316 ,  318  and  320 , and fasteners  302 ,  304  and  306  (in any combination) in a closure in accordance with the present invention. The closure  300  also includes lengths  308  and  310 .  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6A depicts the closure  300  as used with a single strand  316  having loops  312  and  314 . Although the single strand  316  is shown in FIG. 6A, the strand  316 ,  318  or  320  could be used. FIG. 6B depicts the jewelry piece when two strands  316  and  318  are used in conjunction with the closure  300 . Although strands  316  and  318  are shown, any combination of two of the strands  316 ,  318  and  320  could be used. For example, for two strands, the possible combinations are strands  316  and  318  (hanging loose), strands  316  and  318  (twisted together), strands  316  and  320  (hanging loose), strands  316  and  320  (twisted together), strands  318  and  320  (hanging loose) and strands  318  and  320  (twisted together). FIG. 6C depicts the jewelry piece when three strands worn are used in conjunction with the closure  300 . The possible combinations for three are: strands  316 ,  318 , and  320  (hanging loose), strands  316  and  318  (twisted together) and  320  (hanging loose), strands  316  and  320  (twisted together) and  318  (hanging loose), strands  318  and  320  (twisted together) and  316  (hanging loose) and strands  316 ,  318 , and  320  (twisted together). Thus, at least fourteen combinations are possible. Moreover, more combinations may also be possible. In addition, the length of the necklace can preferably be altered. Thus, the necklace is further customizable.  
         [0038]    The configurable jewelry closures in accordance with the present invention can be used to customize jewelry with respect to the wearers desired fashion effect. By selecting variations of color, number and or length of jewelry strand(s) the wearer has customizable piece of jewelry to wear. By utilizing the reusable, customizable configurable jewelry closure the wearer gets the benefit of a multi-colored, multi-stranded and multi-length piece of jewelry. Furthermore, the configurable jewelry closure has the additional advantages in that: the present invention permits the wearing of multi-strands jewelry without requiring a clasp for each jewelry strand. In addition, use of one clasp reduces weight, bulk and tangle of the jewelry. The present invention also permits the wearer to determine the color, number and length of the jewelry strand(s) worn. Furthermore, the present invention may provide a reusable, customizable piece of jewelry suited to the wearers desired fashion effect. The present invention may also allow for even greater customization by allowing an easy twist in the jewelry strand(s) to create another customization based on the wearer&#39;s desire.  
         [0039]    A method and system has been disclosed for providing a customizable mechanism for jewelry. Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.