Abstract:
A jewelry system for expressing a user&#39;s emotional state. The jewelry system includes a rotatable wheel and a stationary member having an aperture. The rotatable wheel has a number of emotional states indicated therein on its face. The stationary member and the rotatable wheel are substantially the same size so that when the stationary member is mounted over the rotatable wheel, the stationary member and rotatable wheel are substantially aligned. The stationary member covers the emotional states except for a selected emotional state that remains visible via the aperture. The rotatable wheel is capable of being rotated to display a selected emotional state through the aperture for viewing by the general public while other emotional states that are not selected remain concealed by the stationary member. The jewelry system might also include optional detachable charms.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to jewelry systems and more specifically to jewelry systems for expressing emotions to the general public. 
         [0002]    Tragic situations (e.g. the passing of a family member) do occur and many people often grieve and express their emotions in any number of ways. Some people might place a ribbon on their front door. By so doing neighbors and people in the community might provide support by placing flowers at the griever&#39;s door. 
         [0003]    Others might express their grief by placing a tattoo of the affected person on their bodies. However, for most people this might not be an acceptable way to express their grief Other grievers yet might seek to join a support group. They can attend monthly support group meetings through which they can discuss and share their experiences with other grievers. The support group provides an outlet through which they can express their grief. However support groups are few and far between and are unavailable in many communities. 
         [0004]    Consequently, many grievers have no outlet to express their emotions to the general public and can often become alienated from their communities. A griever that is grocery shopping might encounter a friendly grocery clerk that is unaware of the griever&#39;s personal situation. The griever may appear unresponsive and uncommunicative due to the griever&#39;s personal situation. The grocery clerk being unaware of the griever&#39;s situation might not understand the griever&#39;s reaction all of which might further alienate the griever. And so, many grievers can become more distant and less communicative since there is no way for them to share or express their grief or for the general public and community to provide reciprocal support. 
         [0005]    There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and how the present invention meets this need. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Various aspects of a jewelry system can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0007]    In a first embodiment, a user can utilize the jewelry system to express the user&#39;s emotional state to the general public. The user might be, for example, grieving the tragic passing of a loved one and might wish to express the user&#39;s feelings to the community. As another example, the user might also be coping with a seriously ill family member. 
         [0008]    The jewelry system of the present invention includes a rotatable wheel and a stationary member with an aperture. Here, the rotatable wheel preferably has a number of emotional states such as shock, anger, guilt, etc. indicated thereon on its face. In one embodiment, the rotatable wheel and the stationary member are substantially the same size, and when the stationary member is mounted over the rotatable wheel, the stationary member and rotatable wheel are substantially aligned. That is, the edges of the stationary member and that of the rotatable member substantially line up. 
         [0009]    When mounted over the rotatable wheel, the stationary member covers all of the emotional states except for a selected emotional state that remains visible through the aperture. Here, the user can then rotate the rotatable wheel to display a selected emotional state through the aperture for viewing by the general public while other emotional states that are not selected by the user remain concealed by the stationary member. In this manner, users can express to community members the users&#39; particular situation and their particular state of grief In turn, community members can understand and possibly offer their support. 
         [0010]    In a second embodiment of the present invention, a jewelry system for expressing information is disclosed. Such information might include a user&#39;s emotional state, special occasions, periods of sobriety, etc. The jewelry system includes a rotatable member and a stationary member having an opening. The rotatable member has the information displayed thereon on its face. The stationary member is mounted over the rotatable member such that the stationary member and rotatable member are substantially aligned. 
         [0011]    When mounted over the rotatable member, the stationary member covers the plurality of information except for a selected information piece, which is observable through the opening, and wherein the rotatable member is rotatable to select the desired information piece for viewing via the opening while non-selected information remains concealed by the stationary member. 
         [0012]    A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a jewelry system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a wheel of progression for the jewelry system of  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exterior member for the jewelry system of  FIG. 1A  according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a wheel of sobriety according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an alternate wheel of sobriety according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  illustrates an alternate wheel of sobriety according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates an emoticon wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a wheel of occasions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates another jewelry system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a further jewelry system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a jewelry system  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0025]    In  FIG. 1A , user  102  can utilize jewelry system  100  to express the user&#39;s emotions to the community and general public at large. Here, user  102  might be a griever grieving for illness or loss of a family member, for example. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , jewelry system  100  comprises exterior member  104  and interior wheel of progression  106 , both of which are either detachably coupled or non-detachably coupled to each other. Interior wheel of progression  106  includes a plurality of grief stages such as hope  120  etched on its surface as further described with reference to  FIG. 1B . Exterior member  104  further comprises one or more apertures  124  for receiving one or more detachable charms  125 ,  126 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 1B  illustrates wheel of progression  106  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0028]    In  FIG. 1B , wheel of progression  106  is rotatable around its axis  123  to display a plurality of grief stages. Wheel of progression  106  might be made of suitable metal such as silver or platinum. Preferably the diameter of the wheel might range from one inch to four inches. 
         [0029]    Expressed on the surface of the wheel of progression  106  are various grief stages. Each grief stage is preferably etched or might be indicated using any known methods consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. As shown, each grief stage is along each of a consecutive radius of wheel of progression  106 . As shown, the first grief stage is shock  108 , followed by denial  110 , followed by bargaining  112 . The next grief stage as shown is guilt  114 , anger  116 , depression  118 , hope  120 , and finally survival  122 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  illustrates exterior member  104  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Exterior member  104  includes window of acknowledgment  122  that allows each grief stage to be displayed by user  102 . As shown, window of acknowledgment  122  is a pie-shaped aperture that is defined by two radii  129 , each of which runs from axis  123  to diameter  130 . Diameter  130  defines the exterior boundary of window of acknowledgement  122 . 
         [0032]    Exterior member  104  also includes plurality of apertures  124  for receiving charms  125  and  126  as further discussed below. Exterior member  104  might comprise the same or a different metal type as wheel progression  106 . Design  131  can be provided on the surface of each exterior member  104 . As shown jewelry system might be in the form of a brooch or a necklace. Although not shown one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other embodiments consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be utilized. As another example, jewelry system  100  might be a lapel pin configured to be worn by user  102 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1A  exterior member  104  is mounted over wheel of progression  106  and both wheel of progression and exterior member  104  are substantially contiguous with each other. When exterior member  104  is mounted over wheel of progression  106 , each grief stage shock  106 , hope  120 , etc. can be displayed via window of acknowledgment  122  as will now be further described in the following paragraph. 
         [0034]    In operation, user  102  wishing to utilize the present invention begins by grasping jewelry system  100  in the palm of one hand. Exterior member  104 , which is stationary, is then held while the wheel of progression  106  is turned either clockwise or counterclockwise. Wheel of progression  106  is continuously manipulated in either direction until a desired grief stage is displayed and visible via window of acknowledgment  122 . Although not shown, in an alternate embodiment, wheel of progression  106  might itself remain stationary while exterior member  104  is rotated. In that case, exterior member  104  is rotated continuously until a desired grief stage is displayed within the window of acknowledgment  122 . 
         [0035]    Here, if user  102  is unfamiliar with the various grief stages, user  102  can rotate wheel of progression  106  and study each of the various stages. In this manner, the present invention can assist users to become aware of the various grief stages and at what stage they might possibly be. As an example, the grief stage being experienced by user  102  might be shock  108 . User  102  might be uncommunicative and not realize that he or she is in a state of shock. By studying the various grief stages as disclosed by the present invention, user  102  can realize not only which particular grief stage is being experienced but also that each particular stage is transitory. User  102  can then be assured that any stage no matter how debilitating will pass. 
         [0036]    In this manner, as user  102  progresses through the various grief stages, the present invention can assist users of jewelry system  100  to identify through awareness what stage they are in. Jewelry system  100  can help users validate their feelings that it is normal and necessary to go through various grief stages. As user  102  progresses through each grief stage user  102  feels a sense of achievement because there is a tangible and concrete way to acknowledge the passage of each stage. 
         [0037]    Once user  102  has identified the appropriate grief stage, user  102  can then attach jewelry system  100  to the user&#39;s clothing. In the case of a brooch embodiment, jewelry system  100  can be attachable via a safety pin (not shown) attached to the underside of wheel of progression  106 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , the grief stage being experienced by user  102  is hope  120 . The letters displayed by each grief stage through acknowledgment window  122  is such that they can be viewed by the general public or community no more than a few yards from user  102 . In this manner, users can express to community members the users&#39; particular situation and their grief stage. In turn, community members can understand  102  and possibly offer support. Opportunities flourish when people and the community find out that user  102  is grieving. Conversations are started and they come easily and naturally with questions like, “How old is your son?” and “Oh, my sister has cancer too” or “My thoughts and prayers are with you.” 
         [0039]    After the appropriate grief stage is determined, user  102  can now attach one or more detachable charms namely affected loved one charm  125  and/or cause of grief charm  126  to aperture  124  of jewelry system  100 . User  102  has the option to attach one or more charms. Affected loved one charm  125  allows user  102  to specify the individual for whom grief is being expressed. The loved ones that can be specified on affected loved one charm  125  include self, husband, wife, or son. User  102  might also specify daughter, sister, brother, family friend, and/or friend. 
         [0040]    Cause of grief charm  126  allows user  102  to indicate the reason for such grief. The available options are brain disease, passed away, breast cancer, cancer, accident or suicide. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other causes of grief consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be specified. For example, suicide, divorce, diabetes, AIDS, heart disease, or violence can also be specified. 
         [0041]    Since it is an extremely personal decision to share such information user  102  might feel that expression of such information is too private. In that case user  102  might decide to wear only affected loved one charm  125  or cause of grief charm  126 . In fact, user  102  might decide not to wear either charm. In that case only exterior member  104  and wheel of progression  106  are worn. It is noted that both charms can be attached using a clasp or hook type mechanism, and are attached to exterior member  104  so as to permit rotation of wheel of progression  102  without hindrance. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2A  illustrates wheel of sobriety  206  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 2A , wheel of sobriety  206  enables recovered alcoholics (e.g., user  102 ) that have remained sober for at least one year to display the duration of their sobriety. Unlike prior embodiments that indicate various grief stages, wheel of sobriety  206  shows the elapsed time periods beginning from “1 day”  208  through “1 year”  224  for which user  102  has remained sober. As in the prior embodiments, the various indications are shown along the direction of consecutive radii of wheel of sobriety  206 . 
         [0044]    Specifically, the indicated periods of sobriety are “1 day”  208 , “7 days”  210 , “1 month”  212 , “2 months”  214 , “3 months”  216 , “4 months”  218 , “5 months”  220 , “6 months +”  222 , and “1 year”  224 . User  102  can simply rotate wheel of sobriety  206  to select the appropriate period of sobriety for display within the window acknowledgment. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an alternate wheel of sobriety  226  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 2B , wheel of sobriety  226  indicates the period of sobriety in one year increments. As shown user  102  might indicate “1 year”  228 , “2 years”  230 , “3 years”  234 , “4 years”  236 , or “5 years”  238 . User  102  might also indicate “6 years”  240 , “7 years”  242 , “8 years”  244 , or “9 years”  246 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 2C  illustrates another alternate embodiment of wheel of sobriety  248  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 2C , wheel of sobriety  248  is a life-time wheel. As shown, user  102  can indicate “1 decade”  250 , “11 years”  252 , “12 years”  254 , “13 years”  255 , “14 years”  256  or “15 years”  258 . User  102  might also select “16 years”  260 , “17 years”  262 , “18 years”  264 , “19 years”  266  or “2 decades”  268 . Although not shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the indicated periods are exemplary and other periods of indications consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be indicated. In this manner, user  102  can utilize all of the aforementioned wheels of sobriety to express to the community periods of sobriety and in return receive acknowledgment and support from the community for such expression. 
         [0049]    It is therefore apparent, that the present invention is applicable to situations where users desire to express their emotions, activities or related information in order to convey such information to the community or the general public. Another example is illustrated with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  illustrates emoticon wheel  306  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 3 , emoticon wheel  306  comprises a plurality of emoticons through which user  102  can express the user&#39;s feelings. Specifically in  FIG. 3 , user  102  might be having a good day in which case emoticon wheel  306  is rotated to display emoticon  308 , which is a smiley face with teeth. Alternatively, depending on user  102 ′s feelings, cry emoticon  310 , happy emoticon  312 , angry emoticon  314 , party emoticon  316  or shades emoticon  318  might be displayed. 
         [0052]    As another example of the applicability of the present invention,  FIG. 8  illustrates a wheel of occasions  800  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 4 , wheel of occasions  406  can be used by user  102  to indicate special occasions that user  102  wishes to convey to the public. As shown, wheel of occasion  406  comprises a bat mitzvah  408 , baby shower  410 , engagement  412 , funeral  414 , miscellaneous  416 , birthday  418 , and wedding  420 . If, for example, user  102 ′s daughter is getting married, user  102  can rotate the wheel of occasions such that wedding  420  is displayed in the window of acknowledgment. Note that although not shown, the appropriate detachable charms  125 ,  126  can be utilized with the aforementioned wheels. Here, for example, affected love one charm  125  can indicate “daughter” to show that user  102 ′s daughter is getting married. 
         [0054]    Note also that although not shown, the present invention is applicable to shapes and sizes consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Applicability of the present invention to different shapes and sizes is illustrated with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  illustrates jewelry system  500  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 5 , jewelry system  500  comprises a circular exterior member  504  and a triangular wheel of progression  506 . Either triangular wheel of progression  506  or circular exterior member  504  can be rotated to display a desired state of grief or other desired information to be conveyed to the public. 
         [0057]    As another example  FIG. 6  illustrates jewelry system  600  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 6 , jewelry system  600  comprises square exterior member  604  and circular wheel of progression  606 . As in prior embodiments, either wheel of progression  606  or square exterior member  604  is rotatable. 
         [0059]    It is thus apparent that the present invention has many advantages not hereinbefore observed in the prior art: (1) the jewelry system of the present invention promotes connectivity and acknowledgment so that grievers and other users can increase their likelihood of connecting with others and receiving support from others in the community; (2) the jewelry system can promote learning of the grief stages through awareness and allow users&#39; feelings to become validated as part of the normal grieving process; and (3) the jewelry system allows users to select and display the grief stage they are in and consciously accept and honor their feelings. 
         [0060]    The jewelry system (4) also provides a tangible and concrete way to mark a milestone through a user&#39;s progression; (5) the jewelry system is a connection point and is a tangible item that can be touched to provide a sense of peace; (6) jewelry system 100 encourages support so that users can feel that they are not alone; and (7) once survivorship is achieved users can wear the jewelry system to commemorate and honor the experience for many years as a tribute to oneself or to loved ones. 
         [0061]    The jewelry system of the present invention can also provide community benefits namely (1) allowing the community to recognize those directly in their midst who are suffering through grief; (2) enabling the community to choose to become involved and provide encouragement and support through a smile, a kind word, encouragement, prayer or other meaningful gestures; (3) allowing users the choice to wear a cause of grief charm such that the public can become aware that users are grieving and to possibly share experiences; (4) providing a deeper sense of appreciation and meaning because community members can reflect on their own lives and become more appreciative for the health and well being of their loved ones. 
         [0062]    While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the present invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.