Abstract:
The present invention provides inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and adaptive parts

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates to articles that are intended to be worn upon the person as ornaments. This invention is also related to fastenings comprising material utilizing magnetism.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0004]     Of the many types of ornaments that people use to decorate their bodies, some of the most popular types are beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants. Beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants are usually inexpensive, casual, and cute, which is appealing to everyone.  
         [0005]     Like any other fashion market, due to ever-changing consumer demand, the market for beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants is under extreme pressure to constantly provide new designs to consumers. Continually providing fresh looks is both expensive in terms of development and manufacture, and risky because there can be no guarantee that the desired crowd of consumers will embrace any particular design.  
         [0006]     Therefore, there is an ongoing need to provide new, desirable, and inexpensive beaded jewelry, charms, and pendants to consumers. In particular, and especially in light of the defining, but sometimes conflicting, human desires of treasuring the past and creating the future, there is an ongoing need to provide new, desirable, and inexpensive jewelry that can change and transform, attach and detach, and be expanded and simplified, so that previous pieces can still be used while new pieces can always be incorporated in ever changing designs envisioned and executed by the actual wearer.  
         [0007]     Jewelry systems and convertible jewelry articles are known in the art. However, as discussed hereinbelow, prior art jewelry systems and convertible jewelry articles do not meet the above-identified consumer needs because the prior art jewelry systems are either proprietary, un-expandable, non-transformable, and/or limited in design or construction.  
         [0008]     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0110798 to Ignatowski describes a three-piece convertible eyeglass retainer/jewelry article. An article according to lgnatowski is convertible from an eyeglass retainer to multiple independent jewelry articles, such as a necklace, bracelet, dangling glass extension, or hair jewelry. Of course, the essential characteristic of the jewelry article of the Ignatowski publication is the eyeglass retainer. While one or two of the strands can be used as a necklace or bracelet, at least one of the strands is inevitably adapted for attachment with a temple arm of eyeglasses. Thus, the Ignatowski patent does not provide or even suggest true inter-transformation or inter-changeability.  
         [0009]     U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0148251 to Plumly describes a jewelry system including a locket clasp for conversion of a bracelet into a necklace. A jewelry finding according to Plumly is provided as a neck accessory with locket clasps and/or flexible loops at the ends thereof, which enables a flexible bracelet to be worn as a necklace. However, the clear shortcoming of the Plumly patent is the limited scope of the solution it provides. Specifically, the jewelry finding of the Plumly patent does not accommodate any other type of jewelry except bracelets. For example, the jewelry finding of the Plumly patent cannot be used with earrings, while using the jewelry finding with a necklace would be superfluous at best. Thus, the Plumly patent provides a narrow solution to a specific problem, and does not provide true inter-transformation where one design can be augmented or simplified to become a completely different design or item or article.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,871 to Romano describes a jewelry system including a necklace assembly having opposed end that are connectable to one another by releasably lockable primary finding components. The primary necklace assembly of the Romano patent comprises three pre-set pieces—a first bracelet component, a second bracelet component, and a pin component—that are attached together by auxiliary findings. Substantial design and construction effort is employed in order to make the auxiliary findings between the three components as “unobtrusive” as possible. In fact, while the primary findings of the Romano patent may be of “prior art” construction, the auxiliary findings are unusual and specific to the Romano patent, which means that the jewelry system of the Romano patent does not have free and unlimited inter-transformability and interchangeability. For example, due to the fact that the auxiliary findings of the Romano patent are not a general or common type of finding, it is clearly not possible to replace or interchange the pin component of the Romano patent with a pin component from a previous or future jewelry system.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,252 to Mochizuki describes a combination necklace that can be assembled in different configurations from separate necklaces of different or equal lengths. The Mochizuki patent provides only longer or shorter loops that are mechanically coupled together. In other words, the combination necklace of the Mochizuki patent can be a long necklace, a choker, a bracelet, an anklet, or any or loop-type jewelry article. However, the combination necklace of the Mochizuki patent is not adapted to become an earring, or a pendant, or some other type of non-loop jewelry. Also, the combination necklace of the Mochizuki patent cannot be augmented or enhanced with pendants, charms, or the like. Moreover, the Mochizuki patent does not disclose or even suggest the use of magnets. Thus, like the foregoing references, the combination necklace of the Mochizuki patent does not provide true inter-transformation where one design can be augmented or simplified to become a completely different design.  
         [0012]     It is known in the art to provide magnet clasps to secure or close two ends of a jewelry article. For a recent example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0061689 describes a magnetic jewelry clasp comprising two bodies that each have a surface magnetically attracted to the other. It is also known in the art to provide jewelry with magnets for purported therapeutic effects. For a recent example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0173692 describes a magnetic key chain can be understood to be used on a living body, including around the wrist, around the arm, fingers, legs, ankles, and neck. Supposedly, a wide range of therapeutic benefits may be realized by wearing the magnetic jewelry at a variety of locations on the body.  
         [0013]     It should be recognized, that using magnets as simple clasps or for their purported therapeutic effect clearly fails to full exploit the versatility of magnets.  
         [0014]     It should be further recognized that each prior reference provides for, and requires, the retention of the original form despite a possible change in use, resulting in a mere connection in a different way without inter-transformation.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Essentially, inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or item or article by using diverse, interchangeable parts. In one preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according to the present invention comprises a filament or elongated member, a magnet threaded on or attached to the filament, and a plurality of ornamental items.  
         [0016]     In another preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according to the present invention comprises one or more of a plurality of magnets or a band of magnetic material, without a filament or elongated member, wherein the magnets are releasably, magnetically attached to each other in various and diverse shapes and designs.  
         [0017]     In either preferred embodiment, at least one magnet is preferably adapted for releasable magnetic connection with a dangle, pendant, necklace, charm, and/or decorative cover piece or item or article.  
         [0018]     Depending upon its form, jewelry articles according to the present invention may also comprise a magnetic or non-magnetically coupled clasp (i.e., for a necklace, etc.), a magnetic or non-magnetically coupled hook (i.e., for an earring), a magnetically or non-magnetically coupled pin (i.e., for a broche), or another suitable closure and/or attachment device for user convenience. Alternatively, jewelry articles according to the present invention may comprise a band or loop, whereby using a closure and/or attachment device would be unnecessary. Dangles, pendants, charms, belly button clasps, other non-piercing body jewelry and/or any other adaptive covers according to the present invention preferably comprise at least one magnet adapted for releasable magnetic connection with the jewelry article. In this manner, the present invention provides easy adaptation for a wide array of adaptive designs, articles, items, or jewelry or art products. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a jewelry article according to the present invention, wherein the jewelry article is a necklace;  
         [0020]      FIG. 1A  shows a dangle jewelry article as one example of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1B  shows a pendent jewelry article as another example of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1C  shows a charm jewelry article as another example of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 1D  shows a magnet cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a cut-away detail view of the magnet, filament, and beads of the jewelry article of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a jewelry article according to the present invention, wherein the jewelry article is a ring;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a jewelry article according to the present invention, wherein the jewelry article is a drop-style earring;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a pair of jewelry articles according to the present invention, wherein the jewelry articles are connected and configured as an article of apparel, which is a belt;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6A  shows a multi-layered jewelry article according to the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-section view of a group of magnets showing their respective, specific polarities;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a jewelry article showing a magnet and cover assembly;  
         [0031]      FIG. 8A  is a jewelry article according to the present invention showing a combination of several significant aspects of the present invention, namely connectability, layering, and a variety of ornaments;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8B  is a component of jewelry article  8 A transformed into a bracelet with a dangle;  
         [0033]      FIG. 8C  is a component of jewelry article  8 A transformed into a pair of magnetic earrings;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8D  is a component of jewelry article  8 A transformed into a ring with a magnet cover;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8E  is a component of jewelry article  8 A transformed into a simple necklace;  
         [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a jewelry article according to the present invention that does not require a base element (i.e., a filament) to hold the individual bead elements together;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9B  is a partial sectional view of  FIG. 9B  showing the non-filament magnetic connection through the components;  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention noting the use of terminal magnets along the length of a jewelry item allowing oriented (horizontal, vertical, dangle, drooped) positioning;  
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention suggesting one use in a layering effect;  
         [0040]      FIG. 12  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention noting the capacity of multiple layers, intermediate magnetic items, decorative features, and other items;  
         [0041]      FIG. 13  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention suggesting the combination of layering designs and individual decorative bead elements in combination with multiple magnets; and  
         [0042]      FIG. 14  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention suggesting the use of a flexible magnetic member to replaceably receive multiple individual bead elements and layered magnets with dangles, loops, and other designs.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0043]     Specific features and advantages offered by the present invention are described hereinbelow in reference to several preferred embodiments. Specifically, a first preferred embodiment is discussed in reference to FIGS.  1  to  5 . A second preferred embodiment is discussed in reference to FIGS.  6  to  8 . An additional preferred embodiment is discussed in reference to  FIG. 9  discussing magnetic attachment. The following preferred embodiments have certain particular features and advantages, but jewelry articles according to the present invention may nonetheless have nearly innumerable configurations, and the present invention is not limited to any preferred embodiment. Moreover, while the preferred embodiments described hereinbelow all make use of magnets, the present invention contemplates that the inter-connection of the various components and ornaments used in the present invention may be accomplished using other releasable means, such as clips, hook-and-loop closures, and even non-permanent glue.  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 1A ,  1 B,  1 C, and  1 D, there is shown a first preferred jewelry article according to the present invention. The jewelry article of  FIG. 1  is a necklace. The necklace comprises a filament  10  (see  FIG. 2 ) and a variety of beads  30 . Significantly, the necklace comprises a plurality of magnets. As described hereinafter, the magnets are either terminal magnets  20  or intermediate magnets  25 . Those skilled in the art should readily understand, that while terminal and intermediate magnets ( 20 ,  25 , etc.) are discussed in various embodiments and shown in various polarity orientations; the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown. It should be understood, that terminal and intermediate magnets, or other magnatizable materials (e.g., steel, etc.) used in lieu thereof, may be interchanged and re-positioned in alternative magnetic orientation to provide for additional adaptive embodiments.  
         [0045]     Filament  10  may be made from any suitable structure or material, for example a metal wire, string, rope, leather, fabric strips, thread, rubber strands, or elastic material. Filament  10  may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. For example, a necklace according to the present invention could use a flexible filament, while a bracelet could use a semi-rigid filament, and a barrette or hair-comb could use a rigid filament. Beads  30  have distinctive shapes, but are not limited to any specific shape. Beads  30  may be made from any suitable type of material, including glass, metal, clay, polymers, stone, bone, and natural substances, such as nuts, seeds, wood, shells, plastic, paper, fabric, or leather.  
         [0046]     Terminal magnets  20  and intermediate magnets  25  are adapted for releasable magnetic connection with each other or with an ornament, which may be, for example, a dangle  40 , pendant  50 , charm  60 , or cover  70 . As discussed in further detail hereinbelow, ornaments for the present invention are practically unlimited in variation, and may be adapted as inter-transformational jewelry items, such that the ornament may be formed into several shapes or designs. For example, a dangle may be inter-transformed into a ring, bracelet, etc.  
         [0047]     Terminal magnets  20  and intermediate magnets  25  may be any suitable shape, including cubes, cylinders, discs, cones, pyramids (see  FIG. 6A ), stars, hearts, etc. Magnets  20  and  25  are preferably neodymium, but may be any suitable material, including, without limitation, hematite, steel, or a ferro-magnetic material. Neodymium is one preferred material for magnets  20  and  25  because it provides a relatively stronger magnetic field by weight, which allows for longer and/or heavier ornaments to be attached thereto. It is recognized that additional materials (other rare earth metals, etc.) may also be used to generate the magnetic field. A stronger magnetic field also provides a more secure connection between pairs of magnets, whereby ornaments are less likely to drop off of the jewelry article.  
         [0048]     A jewelry article according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will comprise at least one intermediate magnet  25  (see  FIG. 2 ) and may comprise two or more terminal magnets  20 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a pair of terminal magnets  20  may be used as a clasp and the remaining intermediate magnets  25  are used for magnetic connection with a dangle  40 , pendant  50 , charm  60 , or cover  70 . Alternatively, jewelry articles according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a more conventional clasp (not shown), whereby using a pair of terminal magnets as a clasp would be unnecessary.  
         [0049]     As described in further detail hereinafter, dangles  40 , pendants  50 , and charms  60 , according to the present invention may adaptively comprise at least one terminal magnet  20 , layer magnet  28 , intermediate magnet  25 , or other magnetic item adapted for optional, releasable magnetic connection with related terminal, layer, or intermediate magnets ( 20 ,  25 ,  28 ), or a flexible magnetic band portion on the jewelry article.  
         [0050]     Magnet covers  70  according to the present invention will comprise a base magnet  72  and a cover element  75 . In various adaptive embodiments, magnet cover  70  may or may not comprise a filament in comparison to dangles  40 , pendants  50 , and charms  60 , or other articles or items. In a similar manner, beads  30 , cover element  75  may be any suitable materials (e.g., plastic, rhinestones, etc.) and any aesthetic shape (e.g., flowers, domes, cones, pyramids, stars, hearts, moons, etc.). In the present discussion, it should be understood, that magnet covers  70  and other items and articles of the present invention may include adaptive covers  75 , for example in the shape of a flower, and this cover may itself be made from a magnet or a magnatizable material.  
         [0051]     Ornaments useful in the present invention are not limited to fashionable or trendy materials and aesthetics. In fact, ornaments useful in the present invention may be very refined (e.g., precious and/or semi-precious stones and metals) or just plain fun (e.g., toys, letters, and animal shapes), or anything in between.  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a detail view of an ornament in the form of a dangle  40  connected to a jewelry article. The detail view of  FIG. 2  is a cut-away view to show how the various magnets and beads are interconnected. It should be understood, that while  FIG. 2  is presented for the present description, the polarity shown is not restrictive and may be otherwise adapted and position depending upon a user&#39;s and designer&#39;s preference or a particular shape, item, or article employed in the design.  
         [0053]     As shown, filament  10  of the jewelry article extends through beads  30  and intermediate magnet  25 . A second filament  10 ′ underpins dangle  40 , and extends through the beads  30 ′ thereon. The second filament  10 ′ terminates in a terminal magnet  20 . As is shown in  FIG. 2 , terminal magnet  20  and intermediate magnet  25  have respective channels  21  and  26 , through which extend their respective filaments. In terminal magnet  20 , channel  21  ends at a recess  22 , which is the significant difference between the structure of a terminal magnet  20  and an intermediate magnet  25 . It is noted that those skilled in the art should also recognize that terminal and intermediate magnets may be switched, used as replacements according to adaptive interpretations of the present invention, or repositioned along the length of filament to enable new designs, articles, or items.  
         [0054]     As shown in the present embodiment, the end of filament  10 ′ is finished with a knot  27  or another suitable end so that filament  10 ′ cannot be pulled out of terminal magnet  20 , and recess  22  is provided so that knot  27  does not protrude out of terminal magnet  20 .  
         [0055]     A significant and advantageous feature of the present invention is the ability to combine several jewelry articles and ornaments to make innovative and fresh designs. In fact, the present invention provides an enormous variation of jewelry articles, including (but not limited to) finger rings (see  FIG. 3 ), earrings (see  FIG. 4 ), nipple rings, nose rings, belly rings, toe rings, wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, chokers, necklaces (see  FIG. 1 ), headbands, barrettes, belts (see  FIG. 5 ), watches, shoe buckles, pocket book straps, decorations, faux (and actual) body piercings, and adaptive combinations of the same (e.g., a nose ring+necklace combo), and so on.  
         [0056]     It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that employing the present invention in alternative embodiments may allow a user to adaptively connect body parts via jewelry. For example, a user may connect a nose ring with a magnetic earing, with a belly button article simultaneously. In a second example, a user may attach a belt or choker to a nipple or nose ring or in other combinations dependent upon a user&#39;s selections.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , as a specific example of the variety of designs provided by the present invention, there is shown a belt that comprises four magnetically connected jewelry articles  80 ,  85 ,  90 , and  95 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to be used independently as well as together. In fact, a user is neither limited to number of jewelry articles that can be used together, nor the resulting configuration of the jewelry articles that are used.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , there is shown a second preferred embodiment, which is indicated generally as reference numeral  100 , of a jewelry article according to the present invention. Significantly, jewelry article  100  comprises layered magnets  28  in addition to terminal magnets  20  and intermediate magnets  25 , which are described hereinabove. For the sake of clarity, in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , terminal magnets  20  of jewelry component  64  are distinguished from terminal magnets  20 ′ of jewelry component  66  and terminal magnet  20 ″ of pendant  60 , even though terminal magnets  20 ,  20 ′, and  20 ″ are substantially identical in form and use and, according to adaptive embodiments may be magnets  25 ,  28  while retaining the present creative function provided by the invention.  
         [0059]     As shown specifically in  FIG. 6B , by providing magnets  20 ,  20 ′, and  28  with specific polarities, it is possible to layer those magnets, in addition to merely connecting them end-to-end. Thereby, jewelry article  100  may be designed in several dimensions or directions. It is again noted, that the polarities shown are suggestive only, and where for example magnet  28  is placed in a different orientation, or is made in a different shape. In sum, the polarity orientation may be adapted to suit a particular user&#39;s need or desire without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0060]     Referring again to  FIG. 6A , jewelry article  100  comprises jewelry components  62 ,  64 , and  66 . The terminal magnets  20 ′ of jewelry component  66  are magnetically connected to respective terminal magnets  20  of jewelry component  64  is a substantially conventional end-to-end manner. Moreover, the layered magnets  28  of jewelry component  62  are magnetically connected to respective terminal magnets  20 ′ is a substantially side-to-side manner. By optionally and alternatively connecting the magnet in end-to-end and/or side-to-side manners, jewelry article  100  has a depth or width that has heretofore not been provided by conventional jewelry systems. In addition, referring to  FIG. 7 , because all the ornaments discussed above in reference to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention are equally useful with the second preferred embodiment, given cover  70  with magnet  72  having the appropriately specific polarity, layered magnet  28  may itself be layered upon, wherein cover  70  is magnetically connected side-to-side with layered magnet  28 , which is, in turn, magnetically connected side-to-side with terminal magnet  20 .  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , with the additional feature of layered magnets, the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is even more flexible, adaptable, changeable, transformable, enhanceable, simplifiable, attachable, and detachable, than the first preferred embodiment, which is already rich with possibilities. The highly ornamented necklace of  FIG. 8A , is composed of a bracelet ( FIG. 8B ), magnetic earrings ( FIG. 8C ), faux lip/nose piercings, a ring ( FIG. 8D ), and a choker necklace ( FIG. 8E ).  
         [0062]     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , there is shown a third preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein, due to the strong magnetic quality of individual bead elements  35 , no base element (i.e., a filament) is required to hold individual bead elements  35  together. The features and advantages of the present invention as described hereinabove are still provided by the third preferred embodiment, with the exception of a filament or the through-holes, channels, and recesses necessary to accommodate such a filament. By completely removing the constraint of a filament (as best shown in the cut-away  FIG. 9B  showing continuous cross-sections), the third preferred embodiment further improves on the underlying advantages of the present invention, namely a practically unlimited ability to transform into various jewelry components. It should be understood, that adaptive embodiments of the present invention may replace the filament and or the magnets with a continuous or segmented flexible magnetic strip (i.e. flexible magnets) that enables the easy placement, replacement, and transformative-use of any design with a variety of components in the same spirit and scope as the above discussion. It should be further understood, that while individual bead elements  35  are shown in a generally rounded form, alternative embodiments are envisioned, including interlocking geometric shapes or any other shape (each individually magnets or magnatizable materials (e.g. steel) formed to create designs without filaments.  
         [0063]     As will be discussed below, additional alternative and adaptive embodiments of the present invention are provided in additional  FIGS. 10-14 .  FIG. 10  emphasizes the ready adaptability of the present invention to positioning a terminal magnet  20  along a continuous chain allowing ready attachments of additional items, dangles, designs, etc. The benefit of the present design, is that terminal magnet  20 , employing its present polarity may be positioned in multiple positions along the length of, for example, a necklace creating additional attachment points.  
         [0064]      FIG. 11  discloses other adaptive positioning for terminal magnets  20 , allowing smooth layering or multi-layering of designs, items, or articles. The present embodiment makes clear that a user can easily adapt the present invention to a variety designs employing terminal magnets within a first strand while others at the end of a member.  
         [0065]      FIG. 12  discloses a more complex adaptive positioning of terminal magnets  20 , intermediate magnets  25 , and multiple layered magnets or magnet layer groups  28 . As is readily apparent from the design, a user can easily benefit from the unique polarity and forms of the various components in an adaptive design allowing the incorporation of multiple components in a final piece.  
         [0066]      FIG. 13  discloses yet a further design employing multiple layers of design and multiple individual bead elements  35  in combination with terminal and intermediate magnets  20 ,  25 . As can be seen from this further representative example, layered, multi-layered, and dangled designs are easily created without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0067]      FIG. 14  discloses yet a further embodiment of the present invention employing multiple magnetic individual elements  35 , magnet layered items  28 , positioned on a continuous flexible magnetic strap or band  101 . As discussed above, a flexible magnetic strap or band  101  may be used in place of a filament or non-filament multiple magnet band. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention allows the ready replacement of and creative designs using multiple individual decorative elements.  
         [0068]     The present invention also contemplates systems or kits for making the jewelry articles described hereinabove. Jewelry kits according to the present invention are preferably complete craft kits, comprising magnets, beads, and other materials and articles sold in a single package and intended for use to create a finished magnetic jewelry fashion article. The kits would include a plurality of items useful for making the jewelry articles, including individual filaments, individual magnets with or without specific polarity, and any individual, interchangeable, jewelry components, such as dangles, with or without magnets, as well as satin pouches, plastic containers, beads-in-a-bottle, and bottles with corks, etc. The end user makes a jewelry article in accordance with instructions provided in the kit.  
         [0069]     It should be recognized by one skilled in the art, that in one preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according to the present invention comprises a filament or elongated member, a magnet threaded on or attached to the filament, and a plurality of ornamental items. In another preferred embodiment, a jewelry article according to the present invention comprises a plurality of magnets without a filament or elongated member, wherein the magnets are releasably, magnetically attached to each other or to various parts of a use&#39;s body (e.g., an earing, etc.) in various and diverse shapes and designs. In either preferred embodiment, at least one magnet is preferably adapted for releasable magnetic connection with various ornaments, such as a dangle, pendant, charm, and/or decorative cover piece, or other drape-able or scoop item, or combinations thereof in any draping or non-draping form in either a vertical or horizontal orientation or combination thereof.  
         [0070]     It should be further understood, that depending upon its form, jewelry articles according to the present invention may comprise a clasp (i.e., for a necklace), a hook (i.e., for an earring), a pin (i.e., for a broche), or another suitable closure and/or attachment device. Alternatively, jewelry articles according to the present invention may comprise a band or loop, whereby using a closure and/or attachment device would be unnecessary. Ornaments, such as dangles, pendants, charms, and/or covers, according to the present invention preferably comprise at least one magnet adapted for releasable magnetic connection with the jewelry article or a magnatizable material or material attractable to a magnet, including wherein the magnet is in the form of a continuous flexible magnetic member adapted to join with other magnetic or non-magnetic members.  
         [0071]     In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.  
         [0072]     Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.