Abstract:
A device for displaying an item, wherein the item being displayed can be selectively changed. The device includes an annular body with an inside circumferential surface having an associated mounting arrangement including a shoulder, a groove and a snap ring. A changeable item for display is generally received in the annular body and held in place between the shoulder and the groove by positioning the snap ring into the groove. In some embodiments, the annular body may be adapted to be carried and used on a strap or band, generally in the manner a wristwatch is carried and used. In other embodiments, the annular body may be free-standing or adapted to be supported by a suitable support. The present invention may further include a cover hingedly attached to the annular body. In some embodiments, the cover may have generally similar characteristics as the annular body, it may interchangeably display other selected items, and/or it may include or display a watch face.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to devices and methods for displaying or mounting items, such as jewelry and similar objects, including wristbands for displaying ornaments. More particularly, it relates to devices, including wristbands or straps, and methods for displaying commemorative medallions. 
         [0002]    Devices for displaying or mounting items for display are known in the prior art. Many such devices are adapted for containing and displaying specific items. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,999 (Shevins) discloses a wristwatch with an illuminated ornamental display separate from the clock face display, wherein the ornamental display is made of a translucent material and the light illuminates the ornamental display from beneath. The Shevins device has the primary purpose of enhancing the readability and ornamental appearance of a watch. Such a device is useful if the user has a translucent item to be displayed and does not mind the additional size of the wristwatch due to the separate displays for the clock face and the displayed item. 
         [0004]    Another device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,691 (Kaminsky) displays artwork, logos, designs, etc. on an opaque area that lies above the hands of the clock, wherein the central portion of the clock hands are obscured by the opaque area. The Kaminsky device lacks the ability to selectively change the displayed artwork. It further bears limitations on the size of a design that may be incorporated underneath the crystal display of the watch face. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,552 (Seabrook) discloses a changeable memorandum wristband. The Seabrook device includes a cover that is closeable over the memorandum information. The device has the specific purpose of reminding the user of appointments, phone numbers and other similar information. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for a device for displaying items or objects either in conjunction with a wristband or a timepiece face or alone, wherein the items for display may be selectively and easily changed by the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a device for displaying an item, wherein the item being displayed can be selectively changed. The device includes an annular body with an inside circumferential surface having an associated mounting arrangement including a shoulder, a groove, and a snap ring. A changeable item for display is generally received in the annular body and held in place between the shoulder and the groove by positioning the snap ring into the groove. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the device for displaying an item includes an annular body with an inside circumferential surface having an associated mounting arrangement including a shoulder, a groove, and a cap. The inside circumferential surface of the annular body and the cap have complimentary threads. A changeable item for display is generally received in the annular body and held in place between the shoulder and the groove by screwing the cap into the annular body or by screwing the annular body into the cap. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the annular body may be adapted to be carried and used on a strap or band, generally in the manner a wristwatch is carried and used. In other embodiments, the annular body may be free-standing or adapted to be supported by a suitable support. The present invention may further include a cover hingedly attached to the annular body. In some embodiments, the cover may have generally similar characteristics as the annular body, it may interchangeably display other selected items, and/or it may include or display a timepiece and/or the face of a timepiece. 
         [0010]    The present invention, in another embodiment, may further include a cover hingedly attached to the annular body and having generally similar characteristics as the annular body. The cover may display additional items that may be selectively interchanged. The cover may also display a clock or watch face as a substitute for an additional item. 
         [0011]    While multiple embodiments of the present invention are disclosed, including preferred embodiments, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein and the accompanying drawings, which show and describe illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the cover, comprising a watch, is open. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an annular body and open cover with a coin-like medallion displayed in both the annular body and the inside of the cover. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a snap ring on the underside of the annular body. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a hinge, snap ring and cushioning ring of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of the connector posts, the latching mechanism and the snap ring of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an annular body and closed cover wherein a coin-like item is displayed on the outer-side of the cover. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hinge attaching the cover to the annular body. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the latching mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of an annular body and open cover wherein a coin-like item is displayed in both the annular body and the inner-side of the cover. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a clock or timepiece is substituted for a display item in the cover. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a timepiece is substituted for a display item in the cover. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is another side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a timepiece is substituted for a display item in the cover. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a timepiece is substituted for a display item in the cover, the cover being in an open position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a top view diagram of the face of an annular body or cover. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is an expanded perspective view of an upper removable bezel and corresponding annular body. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is an alternate expanded perspective view of an upper removable bezel and corresponding annular body. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is an expanded perspective view of a lower removable cap and corresponding annular body. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is an expanded perspective view of a lower removable cap and corresponding annular body, wherein the cap and the annular body have complimentary threads. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a display device  10  in accordance with the present invention generally includes a wristband  12  and an annular body  14  attached to and/or carried by the wristband  12 . Another embodiment of the changeable ornament wristband of the present invention further includes a cover  16 . 
         [0031]    The wristband  12  of the present invention is that of the style typically used in conjunction with wristwatches. The wristband  12  illustrated in the FIGS. is exemplary. In accordance with the present invention, the wristband  12  may be made of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, leather, gold, silver, stainless steel and copper. In a further embodiment of the display device of the present invention, the wristband  12  may be made of a magnetic material typically used in magnetic therapy bracelets. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the annular body  14  supports a display item  22  that a user has chosen or selected to be displayed. The annular body  14  may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes in relation to the size and shape of the display item  22  desired.  FIG. 2 , for example, shows one display item  22  of circular shape and another of circular shape with a flat bottom. The display items  22  illustrated in the FIGS. are exemplary and do not limit the invention in any way. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display item is a generally coin-like commemorative medallion. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the annular body  14  comprises a shoulder  24 , a groove  34  and a snap ring  32 . The shoulder  24  extends inward from the inside surface of the annular body  14 , thereby creating a shoulder  24  that has a smaller circumference than the outermost circumference of the display item  22 , and creating a shoulder surface  25 , illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The shoulder  24  keeps the display item  22  from falling through the upper circumferential surface of the annular body  14 . 
         [0034]    The display item  22  is firmly secured against the shoulder surface  25  by use of a snap ring  32 . Viewing the annular body  14  from the lower circumferential surface, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the snap ring  32  is adapted to securely fit into the groove  34 . The groove  34  is an indentation in the inside surface of the annular body  14  placed a distance approximately the width of the display item  22  away from shoulder surface  25  in a direction towards the lower circumferential surface of the annular body  14 . The snap ring  32  has a spring-like quality. When the snap ring  32  is in a stable state, the outermost circumference of the snap ring  32  is larger than that of the inside surface of the annular body  14 . The snap ring  32  is adapted to be temporarily tensed or deflected in such a way that the outermost circumference of the snap ring  32 , or portions thereof, is temporarily smaller than the internal circumference of the annular body  14 . The snap ring  32  can then be generally aligned with the groove  34 , so that when released, it will return to its larger circumference and snuggly fit into the groove  34 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the snap ring  32  contains holes  42  at both ends. A suitable tool may be used in conjunction with the holes  42  to remove the snap ring from the groove  34 , thereby allowing a user to remove and change the display item  22 . 
         [0036]    In an additional embodiment, a cushioning ring  44  having an external circumference  45  generally corresponding to the internal circumference of the annular body  14  and an internal circumference  46  generally corresponding to the circumference of the shoulder  24  can be placed between the shoulder surface  25  and the surface of the display item  22 . Alternatively, the internal circumference  46  of the cushioning ring can be larger or smaller than the circumference of the shoulder  24 . The cushioning ring  44  can be removable. Alternatively, the cushioning ring  44  can be permanently attached to the shoulder surface  25 . The cushioning ring  44  can be manufactured from a synthetic rubber, fabric, or any other suitable material known in the art for dampening movement or softening or cushioning the contact between two objects. In one embodiment, the cushioning ring  44  is a gasket of the type manufactured by Borel (of Kansas City) or other suitable gasket like structure. In the present invention, the cushioning ring  44  can be used to firmly support and cushion the display item  22  while minimizing movement of the display item  22  between the shoulder  24  and the snap ring  32 . 
         [0037]    In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in a broken-apart perspective view in  FIG. 15 , the annular body  14  can include a removable bezel  100  or rim attached to the uppermost circumferential surface of the annular body  14 . The bezel  100  is adapted to snap-fit onto the annular body  14 . The bezel is adapted to be quickly and easily removable. Alternatively, the bezel  100  can be secured to the annular body  14  by any other means of attachment known in the art. For example, the bezel  100  may have an annular surface. In such an embodiment, the annular surface of the bezel  100  and the annular body  14  may include complimentary threads, wherein the bezel  100  screws into the annular body  14 . Alternatively, the annular body  14  may screw into the bezel  100 . The complimentary threads may involve two or three turns or windings around both the annular body  14  and the annular surface of the bezel  100 . Alternatively, any number of turns or windings may be selected. Similarly, where a more permanent bezel is desired, the bezel  100  can be secured to the annular body  14  with machine screws  102  which enter the underside of the annular body  14 , pass through the annular body  14 , and enter into the underside of the bezel  100 . Such means of attachment may be desired where the user possesses only one display item  22  that she wishes to place in the annular body  14 . The bezel  100  may be decorative in nature and may be interchangeable. 
         [0038]      FIG. 16  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a removable bezel  100 , wherein the display item  22  may be positioned on the upper surface of the shoulder  24 , and the bezel  100  can then be secured over the display item  22  in the same manner previously described. The bezel  100 , as used in this manner, has an inner circumference that is smaller than the overall circumference of the display item  22 . The display item  22  is thereby supported firmly between the shoulder  24  and the bezel  100 . A cushioning ring  44 , as described previously, can further be positioned between the shoulder  24  and the display item  22 . In a similar manner, a cushioning ring  44  can be positioned between the bezel  100  and the display item  22 . 
         [0039]    In a further embodiment, shown in  FIG. 17 , a bezel or cap  104  may similarly be included on the lower circumferential surface of the annular body  14 , i.e., on the bottom. The bezel or cap  104  may be made of entirely opaque material. Alternatively the bezel or cap  104  may be entirely, or contain portions that are, transparent or translucent. In such an embodiment, the bezel or cap  104  is adapted to snap-fit onto the annular body  14 . The bezel or cap  104  is adapted to be quickly and easily removable. Alternatively, the bezel or cap  104  can be secured to the annular body  14  by any other means of attachment known in the art. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the bezel or cap  104  may have an annular surface  105 . In such an embodiment, the annular surface  105  of the bezel or cap  104  and the annular body  14  may include complimentary, cooperating threads  106 , wherein the bezel or cap  104  screws into the annular body  14 . Alternatively, the annular body  14  may screw into the bezel or cap  104 . The complimentary threads  106  may involve two or three turns or windings around both the annular body  14  and the annular surface  105  of the bezel or cap  104 . Alternatively, any number of turns or windings may be selected. Similarly, where a more permanent bezel is desired, the bezel or cap  104  can be secured to the annular body  14  with machine screws  102  which pass through the bezel or cap  104  and enter into the underside of the annular body  14 . The bezel or cap  104  may be decorative in nature and may be interchangeable. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment of the present invention having a removable bezel or cap  104  on the underside of the annular body  14 , the display item  22  may be positioned against the lower surface of the shoulder  24  and the bezel or cap  104  can then be secured underneath the display item  22  in a similar manner as that previously described. In an embodiment having a bezel rather than a cap, the bezel, as used in this manner, has an inner circumference that is smaller than the overall circumference of the display item  22 . The display item  22  is thereby supported firmly between the shoulder  24  and the bezel or cap  104 . A cushioning ring  44 , as described previously, can further be positioned between the shoulder  24  and the display item  22 . Similarly, a cushioning ring  44  can be positioned between the bezel or cap  104  and the display item  22 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the display device of the present invention takes the form of a changeable ornament wristband  10  including connector posts  26  on the outside surface of the annular body  14  for securing the annular body  14  to a wristband  12 . The connector posts  26  contain spring pin holes  28  adapted to receive the protruding ends  54  of a spring pin  52 , shown in  FIG. 5 . The spring pin  52  may be used in conjunction with the wristband  12  in the typical fashion of mounting or connecting wristwatches to watchbands or the like. The spring pin  52  is inserted into one of the ends of the wristband  12 . The protruding ends  54  may be pressed into the barrel  56  of the spring pin  52 , and the spring pin  52  is placed in such a position that when the protruding ends  54  are released, they extend into the spring pin holes  28  of the connector posts  26 , thereby securing the wristband  12  to the annular body  14 . 
         [0042]    An alternative embodiment of the display device  10  of the present invention further comprises a cover  16  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The cover  16  may display additional display items  22  or, alternatively, may comprise a timepiece face  92 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the cover  16  is attached to the annular body  14  by a hinge  72 . The cover  16 , therefore, has the ability to be opened and closed.  FIG. 7  shows the cover  16  in a closed position over the annular body  14 , while  FIG. 2  shows the cover  16  in an open position allowing annular body  14  to be visible. Hinge  72 , illustrated in  FIG. 7 , is exemplary. Other suitable structures and/or methods may be used to operably connect the cover  16  and the annular body  14 . For example, the cover  16  may be entirely separable from the annular body  14 , and be snap-fit onto the annular body  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the hinge  72  may be hidden from view as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention including a cover  16  may further comprise a latching mechanism  82  shown in  FIG. 8 . The latching mechanism  82  is partially attached to the cover  16  and partially attached to the annular body  14 , thereby, when engaged, securely holding the cover  16  substantially parallel to the annular body  14  in a closed position. The latching mechanism  82  of one preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , contains a male component  58  containing moveable ball bearings and a female component  59  adapted to receive the ball bearings. Typically, one component, i.e., the male component  58 , would be carried by the cover  16  while the other complimentary component, i.e., the female component  59 , would be carried by the annular body  14 . 
         [0045]    The cover  16  may carry, hold or display another display item  22  more or less similar to the display item  22  described above, in a more or less similar manner as described for the annular body  14 . Alternatively, the cover may hold two or more additional display items  22 . For example, one display item  22  may be visible on the outside or exterior of the cover  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , while a separate display item  22  may be visible on the inside of the cover  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each additional display item  22  is held in place in the cover  16  by a snap ring  32  in conjunction with a shoulder  24  and groove  34  as previously discussed for the display item  22  displayed in the annular body  14 . Alternatively, a bezel or cap  104  may be used to secure each additional display item  22  in the cover  16  in the manner previously discussed for securing the display item  22  in the annular body  14 . In such embodiments, the bezel or cap  104  may be snap-fit. In other such embodiments, the bezel or cap  104  and the cover  16  may include complimentary threads  106 , wherein the bezel or cap  104  screws into the cover  16 , or wherein the cover  16  screws into the bezel or cap  104 . Alternatively, the bezel or cap  104  can be secured to the cover  16  by any other suitable means of attachment known in the art. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 , in a further embodiment of the cover  16 , a clock or watch face  92  may be substituted for one of the additional display items  22 . The clock face  92  may be placed on the outside of the cover  16  and visible when the cover is in a closed position, as shown in the FIGS. Alternatively, the clock face  92  may be placed on the inside of the cover  16  and visible only when the cover  16  is in an open position. The timepiece or clock face  92  illustrated in the FIGS. is exemplary. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in the FIGS., in one embodiment of the display device and method of the present invention, the display item  22  is a commemorative medallion or coin. In an alternative embodiment, the display item  22  may be a commemorative medallion clock face  23 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The display items  22  illustrated in the FIGS. are exemplary. 
         [0048]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to multiple embodiments, including preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the present invention may be adapted to be a stand-alone display or mount without an attached wristband. With such a device, a user may display the item at any desired location, such as a desktop, counter surface, etc. Alternatively, the device may be adapted for use with necklaces, bracelets, key chains and other similar articles by altering or eliminating the connector posts in such a manner to comply with the intended use. For example, one or both of the connector posts may be replaced with a suitable bail.