Abstract:
An illuminated article of adornment, such as jewelry, having a conductor loop, a magnetically connectable clasp housing a removable battery, and a medallion having internal light emitting diode (“LED”). The clasp consists of two magnetically connectable clasp components, at least one of which is adapted with an interior chamber for containing a battery power source. Each clasp component includes a vertex end connected to an electrical conductor, and a magnetically attractable base. At least one of the clasp components contains a magnet thereby allowing the clasp components to be magnetically connectable in base-to-base relation without requiring precise manual alignment. No further mechanical connection is required. Once connected the clasp completes an electrical circuit resulting in the illumination of an LED electrically connected to the necklace opposite the clasp portion. The LED is preferably connected to or embedded within a crystal to enhance the illumination effect.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/436,938, filed May 18, 2006, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/682,363, filed on May 18, 2005. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to articles of adornment such as jewelry, and more particularly to a jewelry items, such as a necklace or bracelet, and more particularly to jewelry items or other items of adornment, having an electrically powered light-emitting device for providing an illumination effect. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    The market for jewelry is substantial and diverse. As a result, there exist a wide variety of jewelry designs. For example, jewelry designs span a large range from simple to complex, and from expensive fine jewelry pieces to less expensive costume jewelry pieces. Among these designs are several lighted jewelry pieces including illuminated earrings and lighted pendants. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,965, issued to Kamara, discloses a necklace having an illuminated medallion with a conductor loop coated with non-conductive material, and connected to the conductor loop a clasp that houses a removable battery, and a bead having and internally embedded LED. The prior art necklace disclosed by Kamara is depicted herein in  FIGS. 1-3 , and is burdened by significant disadvantages. More particularly, the clasp consists of two generally cylindrical pieces require the user to manipulate the pieces into a press fit configuration as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The clasp is thus not only difficult to connect, but results in misalignment of the necklace/conductor ends when in the connected configuration. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,933, issued to Ohlund, discloses a jewelry piece having a loop conductor with an LED and a clasp housing a battery. The clasp disclosed by Ohlund has similar disadvantages to that disclosed by Kamara. More particularly, the Ohlund clasp requires the user to make a threaded connection and results in misalignment of the necklace/conductor ends. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there exists a need for illuminated jewelry having an improved clasp that is easily connected and results in alignment of the necklace ends. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the art by providing an improved an illuminated Jewelry article having a conductor loop, a magnetically connectable clasp housing a removable battery, and a medallion having internal light emitting diode (“LED”). The clasp consists of two magnetically connectable clasp components, at least one of which is adapted with an interior chamber for containing a battery power source. Each clasp component includes a vertex or tapered end connected to an electrical conductor, and a magnetically connectable base. At least one of the clasp components contains a magnet thereby allowing the clasp components to be magnetically connectable in base-to-base relation without requiring precise manual alignment. No further mechanical connection is required. Once connected, the clasp completes an electrical circuit resulting in the illumination of an LED electrically connected to the necklace generally opposite the clasp portion. The LED is preferably connected to or embedded within a crystal to enhance the illumination effect. The conductor loop may include an external coil that functions to maintain the electrical conductor—running from the clasp section to the pendant section—in a generally arcuate configuration. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in the field of illuminating jewelry. 
         [0013]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved clasp for jewelry. 
         [0014]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetically connectable clasp for jewelry. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated necklace having a magnetically connectable clasp. 
         [0016]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a jewelry item wherein the clasp further functions as a battery housing. 
         [0017]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated necklace having an improved conductor assembly that maintains the necklace in a generally arcuate shape while resisting crimping or kinking. 
         [0018]    In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art illuminated necklace; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2 and 3  depict detailed views of a press fit clasp for use with the prior art illuminated necklace; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  depicts an illuminated necklace in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a partial detailed view of the combination battery compartment and magnetic clasp assembly in un-clasped/spaced relation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a detailed sectional view thereof in an un-clasped configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a detailed sectional view thereof in a clasped configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a detailed sectional view of a magnetic clasp end; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a sectional view of the conductor assembly taken along line A-A in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts a conductor retaining sleeve of the magnetic clasp; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts a conductor end fitting; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a wire adapted with a conductor end fitting received within a conductor retaining sleeve; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts a threaded magnetic clasp end connector and magnet; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  depicts an alternate embodiment with an ornamental illuminated figure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment clasp component assembly; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view thereof; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 16-18  are side views of the alternate embodiment clasp component; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view thereof taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is a sectional view thereof taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a clasp cover; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a sectional view thereof taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a front view thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view of an assembled clasp component taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the assembled clasp; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  is an end view thereof; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  is a side view of an alternate embodiment clasp assembly; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  is a side sectional view thereof; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 30-33  depict a detailed view of clasp insert having circumferentially spaced recesses; and 
           [0047]      FIGS. 34-36  depict a detailed view of a clasp component adapted with protuberances corresponding to the recesses defined by the clasp component depicted in  FIGS. 30-33 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    With reference now to the drawings there is depicted an illuminated necklace  10  in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS. 1-3  depict an illuminated necklace in accordance with the prior art.  FIG. 4  depicts an illuminated necklace  10  in accordance with the present invention. Necklace  10  includes a clasp  12  having at least one internal battery compartment, electrical conductor assemblies, generally referenced as  14  and  16 , connected to clasp  12 , and an illuminated medallion  18  adapted with a light emitting device connected to conductor assemblies, generally referenced as  14  and  16 , for providing illumination. Conductor assemblies  14  and  16  thus combine to form a loop conductor having first and second discontinuities, with clasp  12  located within the first discontinuity and medallion  18  located within the second discontinuity. As used herein the term “medallion” means the article or assembly attached to the necklace generally opposite the clasp, namely the decorative element that is normally positioned on the wearer&#39;s chest, and is intended to cover any suitable shape, such as a cube, figurine, number, letter, symbol, useful article, or decorative element. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5-7  provide a detailed view of the novel clasp, referenced as  12 , of the present invention. Clasp  12  includes first and first and second connectable clasp components, referenced as  20  and  22  respectively. Clasp components  20  and  22  are essentially identical mirror image components. Accordingly, identical reference numbers are used herein for identical parts thereof. Each clasp component  20  and  22  comprises a partially hollow housing formed by a main clasp body  24 . Clasp components  20  and  22  are preferably conically shaped as depicted in  FIG. 5 , and include an end portion connected to one of the electrical conductor assemblies  14  and  16 . Clasp body  24  defines an internally threaded open end  24 A and an electrically conducting cap  26  in threaded engagement therewith. As seen in  FIG. 12 , cap  26  is externally threaded for mating threaded engagement with the internally threaded open end portion  24 A of clasp body  24  as best depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Clasp body  24  is in removable threaded engagement with cap  26  to form a housing that contains a magnet  28  and a battery  30 . Clasp body  24  is further configured for receiving an end of conductor assembly  14  (or  16 ) having an end fitting, referenced as  32  and depicted in  FIG. 10 , received within a conductor retaining sleeve  34  depicted in  FIG. 11 . Conductor retaining sleeve  34  further has an end of the electrical conductor assemblies  14  or  16  disposed thereon such that a radially enlarged end, referenced as  14 D and  16 D respectively, is formed and sandwiched between retaining sleeve  34  and main body  24  as best depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0050]    As best depicted in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8  and  8 A, each electrical conductor assembly,  14  and  16 , preferably has a core conductor, referenced as  14 A and  16 A respectively, a plurality of stainless wires or filaments  14 B/ 16 B helically wound on conductor  14 A/ 16 A, a plastic coating  14 C/ 16 C, and a tapering helically wound outer wire  14 D/ 16 D in surrounding relation therewith. Core conductors  14 A and  16 A are preferably formed from a MONEL® alloy. MODEL® is a trademark of Inco Alloys International, Inc. MONEL® comprises a rustless (stainless) metal alloys primarily composed of nickel (up to 67%) and copper, with some iron and other trace elements, and thereby provides a conductor that is suitable for sodering. 
         [0051]    A plurality of stainless wires or filaments, referenced as  14 B and  16 B, are preferably wrapped tightly around core conductors  14 A and  16 A, and provide structural strength. Stainless wires  14 B and  16 B function to maintain the necklace in an arcuate shape when worn and further function to prevent the conductor assembly from kinking. In addition, core conductors  14 A/ 16 A, and stainless wires  14 B/ 16 B, are externally coated with a coating of non-conductive composition, referenced as  14 C/ 16 C. Coating  14 C/ 16 C is preferably a nylon composition of approximately 0.025 inches in thickness. It should be apparent that any suitable non-conductive material is considered within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0052]    The helically wound outer wires  14 D and  16 D in surrounding relation with the nylon inner conductor wires preferably taper from a larger diameter for portions thereof disposed toward the clasp end, to a smaller diameter for portions thereof disposed at the illuminated medallion end. In a preferred embodiment, helically wound wires  14 D and  16 D taper from a large inner diameter of approximately 0.074 inches (outer diameter of approximately 0.092 inches) at the clasp end, to a smaller inner diameter of approximately 0.028 inches (outer diameter of approximately 0.044 inches) at the illuminated end. Helically wound wires  14 D and  16 D are preferably fabricated from medical grade surgical stainless steel wire, such the type often used to form catheter systems. The material used for the outer wires is considered significant and is preferably selected from hypoallergenic material selections. The helically wound outer wire  14 D/ 16 D functions structurally to maintain an arcuate shape and prevent the necklace from forming a V-shape when worn. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the conductor assembly disclosed above, it should be noted that other conductor assemblies, such as the conductor assembly disclosed above without the helical outer wires ( 14 D and  16 D), or a simple single strand copper conductor having a non-conductive outer layer, is considered within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , illuminated necklace  10  further includes a medallion  18  adapted with a light emitting device. In a preferred embodiment, medallion comprises a transparent crystal  18 B containing a miniature light emitting diode (“LED”)  18 A. Medallion  18  may comprise a transparent or translucent structure, or alternatively may comprise a generally opaque structure having transparent or translucent portions. Electrical power is provided to LED  18 A by electrical conductor assemblies  14  and  16  that are connected thereto. An electrical circuit is completed when clasp  12  is connected such that clasp members  20  and  22  are disposed in face-to-face contacting relation as depicted in  FIG. 7  More particularly, magnets  28  not only conduct electricity, but function to bias and maintain caps  26  of clasp members  20  and  22  in face-to-face relation without need for further mechanical connecting structure. The use of magnetic attachment is considered significant in providing a clasp that is easily connected by the user since the magnetic attraction between clasp members  20  and  22  help guide the clasp to the connected configuration. In addition, the user is able to undo clasp  12  by simply applying a separating force to the clasp members  20  and  22 , and is thus not required to manipulate any tiny mechanical latching mechanism as commonly found on necklaces. As noted above, an electrical circuit is created when clasp  12  is connected and conducting caps  26  are in contact thereby completing an electrical circuit. Each battery  30  is preferably capable of providing a current at 1.5 Volts DC, and when clasp  12  is in the connected configuration batteries  30  are electrically connected in series so as to provide a battery output of approximately 3.0 Volts DC. As should be apparent, caps  26 , magnets,  28 , and conductor end fittings  32 , and conductors  14  and  16 , are all in electrical communication such that electrical current is allowed to flow through conductors  14  and  16  to LED  18 A thereby causing illumination. 
         [0054]      FIG. 13  depicts an alternate embodiment illuminated necklace, generally referenced as  50 . Necklace  50  includes the magnetic clasp  12 , having magnetically connectable clasp ends  20  and  22 , and conductor assemblies  14  and  16 . In addition, necklace  50  includes an alternate medallion, namely a figurine  19  having the design of a popular character. As with the previously disclosed embodiment, figurine  19  includes a transparent or translucent body  19 A containing a LED electrically connected to clasp  12 . As should now be apparent, the present invention may be adapted with an illuminating medallion of any suitable shape or structure. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 14-27  depict an alternate embodiment clasp component, referenced as  100 . Clasp component  100  includes a clasp body  110  having a projecting tip  112  defining a through bore  114 . Clasp body  110  further defines an annular recessed groove  116  disposed in proximity to tip  112  and in surrounding relation therewith. Tip  112  functions to receive the conductor assembly  14  or  16  such that conductors  14 A/ 16 A may be insertedly received within through bore  114  for electrical connection to a battery as further discussed below. Recessed groove  116  functions to receive an end portion of helical outer wire  14 D insertedly received therein in a connection configuration. Tip  112  projects from clasp body  110  so as to support helical outer wire  14 D from within thereby preventing radial deformation when grasped by the user. This aspect her provides ergonomic benefits making the outer wire radially rigid thereby providing an ergonomic structure for grasping while manipulating the clasp. Clasp body  110  further defines a radial aperture  118  disposed in generally perpendicular relation with through bore  114 . Radial aperture  118  functions to receive a self-tapping threaded fastener  118 A therein. Fastener  118 A functions to secure conductor assemblies  14  and  16  relative to clasp component  100  by engagement therewith. 
         [0056]    Clasp body  110  further defines a sidewall opening  120  and an end opening  122 . Sidewall opening  120  is sized to provide for insertion of a battery  126  into clasp body  110 , and end opening  122  is sized for receiving a magnet  124  inserted therein. Once battery  126  and magnet  124  are installed a cover, referenced as  128 , is placed in covering relation with clasp body  110 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . Cover  128  defines open ends  130  and  132 . Open end  130  functions to allow tip  112  to project through cover  128 . Open end  132  functions to receive clasp body  110  insertedly therein and terminates proximal end  122  of clasp body  110  when installed thereon. Clasp body  110  further includes a radially outwardly projecting circumferential lip  123 , that engages a corresponding radially inwardly recessed circumferential groove  133  proximal cover end  132 , which structures function to provide a detachable snap-fit connection between clasp body  110  and cover  128  as best seen in  FIG. 25 . As further seen in  FIG. 25  magnet  124  and battery  126  fit within internal chambers defined by clasp body  110 . In a preferred embodiment, magnet  124  is exposed at the base of clasp body  110 . As further depicted through bore  114  provides a conduit for connection of an electrical conductor to battery  126 . Battery  126  may be removed and replaced by removing cover  128 , removing battery  126  through clasp body opening  120 , installing a new battery, and replacing cover  128  into snap-fit engagement with clasp body  110 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 28-36  depict an alternate clasp assembly, generally referenced as  200 , in accordance with the present invention. As best seen in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , clasp assembly  200  includes first and first and second magnetically connectable clasp components, referenced as  210  and  212  respectively. When in a connected configuration, clasp components  210  and  212  essentially form a generally cylindrical clasp having tapered opposing ends from which electrically conducting flexible members, referenced as  214  and  218 , project. Each clasp component  210  and  212  comprises a partially hollow housing. Clasp components  210  and  212  are preferably generally cylindrically shaped with generally planar shaped first ends and generally conically shaped opposing second ends from which electrical conductor assemblies  214  and  218  respectively project as illustrated in  FIG. 28 . In this alternate embodiment, clasp component  210  is preferably longer in length as compared with clasp component  212  such that sufficient space is made available therein to form an internal battery compartment. 
         [0058]    Clasp component  210  comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body having a tapered end  210 A and an open end  210 B. Tapered end  210 A defines an axial through bore through which an electrical conductor  214  passes. Conductor  214  terminates and an electrically conducting end fitting  215  having a radially enlarged flanged head that maintains the conductor end received within the tapered end  210 A of clasp component  210 . A helical coil spring  216  may be disposed in surrounding relation with a portion of end fitting  215  to provide a spring biased force for maintaining end fitting  215  in contact with a battery  222 . Battery  222  preferably includes a generally cylindrical main body  222 A and an axially projecting conductor  222 B on one end thereof as best illustrated in  FIG. 29 . A generally cylindrical magnet  224  defines an axial through bore for receiving projecting conductor  222 B of battery  222 , such that magnet  224  is disposed in surrounding relation with battery conductor  222 B adjacent open end  210 B of clasp component  210 . Magnet  224  functions to maintain clasp components  210  and  212  in magnetic engagement (e.g. magnetically connected). An insert  226  is disposed in engagement with the open end  210 B of clasp component  210 . Insert  226  is preferably fabricated from an electrically non-conductive material, and may engage the open end  210 B via snap fit, press fit, threaded engagement or any other suitable connection configuration. As best seen in  FIGS. 30-33 , insert  226  further includes a flanged end defining three concave recesses  228 , generally angularly spaced 120-degrees, that function along with corresponding convexly projecting protuberances  229  formed on the adjacent face of clasp component  212 , to provide an electrically “on/off” switching function when clasp  200  is in the magnetically connected configuration as more fully disclosed herein. The structure and function of a magnetic clasp for illuminated articles, such as jewelry, having simple on/off switching configurations when in the clasped configuration is considered a significant aspect of the present invention. 
         [0059]    Clasp component  212  comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body having a tapered end  212 A and an open end  212 B. Open end  212 B includes projecting protuberances  229  sized and shaped for received mating engagement with concave recesses  228  on insert  226  of clasp component  210 . Tapered end  210 A defines an axial through bore through which an electrical conductor  218  passes. Conductor  218  terminates and an electrically conducting end fitting  228  having a radially enlarged flanged head that maintains the conductor end received within the tapered end  212 A of clasp component  212 . In addition to providing magnetic attraction for clasp connection, magnet  230  functions as an electrical conductor. Clasp component  212  further includes convexly projecting protuberances  229  formed on end  212 B to provide an electrically “on/off” switching function when clasp  200  is in the magnetically connected configuration as more fully discussed below. 
         [0060]    As should now be apparent, clasp  200  comprises a magnetically connectable clasp configurable to a magnetically connected configuration as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  wherein an electrical circuit is completed for illumination of an electrically connected LED pendant as disclosed above. In this configuration projecting conductor  222 B is placed in electrical communication clasp member  212  via contact with magnet  232  thereby completing/activating an electrical circuit. The present invention thus achieves double duty from magnet  232 , namely the combination of functioning as a magnet as well as an electrical A significant aspect of the present embodiment includes providing a magnetically connectable clasp that is configurable between electrically “on” and “off” configurations when in a magnetically connected configuration. In the activated, or “on”, configuration clasp components  210  and  212  are configured such that projecting protuberances  229  on clasp component  212  are received within corresponding recesses  228  of insert  226  of clasp component  210 . In this configuration the clasp is magnetically connected such that clasp components  210  and  212  are in electrical contact with magnets  224  and  232  are in physical contact and the post end  222 B of battery  222  in clasp component  210  in physical contact with magnet  232  in clasp component  212 . Clasp  200  may further be configured in a magnetically connected, but electrically deactivated, or “off”, configuration by twisting component  210  relative to component  212  such that protuberances  229  of clasp component  212  are not seated within recesses  228  formed on insert  226  of clasp component  210 . When protuberances  229  are not seated within recesses  228 , the protuberances function as spacers that separate the clasp components  210  and  212  thereby breaking the electrical circuit while still maintaining magnetic connection of clasp components  210  and  212 . It has been found that use of three protuberances  229  is preferred as the three function as legs forming a stable tripod mounting configuration that maintains the clasp magnetically connected but electrically deactivated. This configuration allows the user to wear the illuminated jewelry in a non-illuminated electrical state to conserve battery life. 
         [0061]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.