Patent Publication Number: US-11375780-B2

Title: System, method and apparatus for necklace pendant

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/792,229, filed Jan. 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application generally relates to a pendant and, in particular, to a necklace pendant having a hidden, deployable container for a fluid. 
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A variety of devices has been developed to employ personal jewelry as a mechanism for transporting and/or dispensing perfume or cologne. For example, some designs use jewelry to carry fragrance whose odor permeates the jewelry. These designs do not permit the jewelry to be recharged with the fragrance. 
     Other designs disclose fragrance holders such as a lipstick case, a vanity case, and a ring. The fragrance holding material is concealed within a compartment covered by an ornamental piece having openings through which the fragrance may pass. The openings can be adjustable to regulate the intensity of the fragrance to be produced. A similar design discloses an ear ring with a compartment for containing a pad to carry the perfume. 
     Another type of perfume dispenser microencapsulates the fragrance and the capsules are dispensed with a tape material. The capsules are crushed as they are dispensed. This arrangement can reduce loss of the highly volatile perfume through evaporation. Although these devices are suitable for some applications, improvements in pendants with fragrance options continue to be of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of a necklace pendant having a deployable container for a fluid are disclosed. For example, a pendant for a necklace can include a body having an aperture, and a hole extending into the body from the aperture. The hole can terminate at a closed bottom within the body. A body coupling can be located adjacent to the aperture. In some versions, a lid can be configured to be attached to and detached from the body. The lid also can be configured to be mounted to the necklace to support the body therefrom. The lid can include a lid coupling configured to be coupled to the body coupling to close the aperture. The lid coupling can be configured to be uncoupled from the body coupling to provide access to the hole. 
     In addition, a container can be configured to be removably mounted in the body. The container can have a retained position wherein the container is seated on the closed bottom of the hole and captured inside the body by the lid when the lid is mounted to the body. In this position, the container can be configured to not dispense fluid. The container also can have a released position wherein the lid is detached from the body such that the container is at least partially exposed from the body. In this position, the container can be configured to dispense fluid. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description can be had by reference to the versions illustrated in the drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope as there can be other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a pendant. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the pendant of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a pendant. 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of the pendant of  FIG. 1 , showing an interior thereof in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, isometric view of the pendant of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partially exploded, isometric view of the pendant of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a body of the pendant. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lid for the pendant body of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the lid, fragrance container and pendant body of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a pendant. 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the pendant of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the pendant of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a left side view of the pendant of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a left side view of the pendant of  FIGS. 10 and 11  at an initial stage of deployment. 
         FIG. 15  is a left side view of the pendant of  FIGS. 10 and 11  at an intermediate stage of deployment. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of a necklace pendant having a deployable fluid container that can be hidden are disclosed in  FIGS. 1-15 . For example,  FIGS. 1-6  disclose examples of a pendant  101  for a necklace  103  (shown in dashed lines in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Versions of the pendant  101  can include a body  105  comprising an aperture  107  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and a hole  109  extending into the body  105  from the aperture  107 . The aperture  107  and the hole  109  can be circular and cylindrical, respectively, and co-axial. In one example, the aperture  107  is a single external aperture and is the only aperture in the body  105 , such that there are no other openings or apertures in the body  105 . Embodiments of the hole  109  can terminate at a closed bottom  111  ( FIG. 4 , shown in phantom) within the body  105 , to form a blind hole. 
     Some examples of the body  105  can include an exterior shape such as the rectangular block-like form shown. Other versions of the pendant  101 , such as the body  105  or lid  121 , can include other details such as the raised rectangular feature  106  shown on the front face of body  105 , and the jewel or jewel-like encrustations  108  ( FIG. 3 ) on one or more surfaces. Still other examples of the pendant  101  can be formed from various materials, such as stainless steel and/or plated with a precious metal, such as gold. 
     Versions of the pendant  101  can further include the lid  121 , which can be configured to be removably mounted to the body  105 . For example, the lid  121  and body  105  can be removably attached to each other with various mechanisms and techniques, such as mechanical interlocking features, threads, snap lock, press fit, magnets, etc. The lid  121  can be configured to be mounted to the necklace  103  ( FIG. 1 ) via a through hole  122  in the lid  121  to support the body  105  therefrom. The lid  121  also can be co-axial with the aperture  107  and hole  109  when mounted to the body  105 . Examples of the lid  121  can configured to be coupled to the body  105  to close the aperture  107  and hole  109 . The lid  121  can be configured to be uncoupled from the body  105  to provide access to the aperture  107  and hole  109 . 
     In addition, the pendant  101  can further include a container  131  ( FIGS. 4-6 ) that is configured to be removably mounted in the body  105 . Examples of the container  131  can include a cylindrical container, such as a manual pump dispenser. Such a dispenser can be configured to dispense a fluid as an aerosol or fragrance (e.g., perfume or cologne). 
     The container  131  can have a retained position ( FIGS. 1-4 ) wherein the container  131  is inside the body  105  and/or a portion of the lid  121 . The container  131  can be seated on the closed bottom  111  ( FIG. 4 ) of the hole  109 . The container  131  can be captured inside the body  105  beneath a bottom  123  of the lid  121  when the lid  121  is mounted to the body  105 . In this position, the container  131  is configured to be stored and not actuated to dispense fluid. When lid  121  is removed from the body  105  ( FIG. 5 ), the container  131  can further include a released position (shown partially released in  FIG. 6 , and completely released in  FIG. 5 ) wherein the container  131  can be exposed and can be removed from the body  105  and located at least partially or completely outside the body  105 . In this position, the container  131  is configured to be actuated and dispense fluid (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
     In addition, embodiments of the body  105  can include a body coupling  113  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7-9 ) located adjacent to the aperture  107  and hole  109 . The body coupling  113  can be located at or adjacent to a distal end of the hole  109  at or near the aperture  107 . The body coupling  113  can be axially spaced apart from the aperture  107 , as shown. In the illustrated example, the body coupling  113  can include one or more ribs  115  that can protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the body  105  that defines the hole  109 . The ribs  115  can include opposing slots  117  that extend to the inner surface of the body  105 . Different or other mechanical features also can be used to secure the lid  121  to the body  105 . 
     Versions of the lid  121  can include the bottom  123  or axial lower end, which can be beveled as shown. The bottom  123  also can include adjacent protrusions  125  ( FIG. 8 ) that can extend radially outward from the lid  121 . The protrusions  125  can be configured to align with the slots  117  in the ribs  115  and extend through the slots  117  when the lid  121  is mounted to the body  105 . Embodiments of the lid  121  can have shoulders  127  that are circumferentially aligned with the protrusions  125 , but axially spaced apart from them. When the lid  121  is mounted to the body  105  and rotated, the ribs  115  can be captured by the lid  121  between the shoulders  127  and the protrusions  125  to secure the lid  121  from removal from the body  105 . In one example, the lid  121  can be rotated about 90 degrees relative to the body  105  to secure the lid  121  to the body  105 . In other versions, the range of rotation can be anywhere from at least about 5 degrees, to not greater than about 175 degrees. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  depict another embodiment of the pendant  101  having a lid  121  with an elongated neck and shoulder  125  on a distal end thereof. In some examples, shoulder  125  can provide a reinforced attachment mechanism to secure the lid  121  to the body  105 , provide space for the container  131 , etc. 
     The versions of  FIGS. 12-15  can include the pendant  101  with any of the features, components and elements described herein. In addition, the pendant  101  can include a hinge assembly  141 . The hinge assembly  141  can be used to couple the lid  121  to the body  105 , as shown. For example, the hinge assembly  141  can include a body hinge  143  coupled to the body  105 . The hinge assembly  141  also can include a lid hinge  145  coupled to the lid  121 . A slide  147  can movably extend from a slide body  149 . The slide  147  can comprise a linear slide that is linearly movable relative to the slide body  149 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , the lid  121  can be mounted to the body  105 , such as by press fit or snap fit. In an example, a rim  110  on body  105  can engage a lip  124  inside the lid  121 . In some embodiments, the container  131  can be captured and located inside both lid  121  and body  105 , as shown. In some versions, the container  131  cannot be actuated in this position and no fluid can be release or detected. 
     In  FIG. 14 , the lid  121  is removed from body  105  as shown by the vertical arrow, such that the slide  147  begins to exit the slide body  149 . In an example, the slide  147  can have a limited range of egress from slide body  149 , such that the lid  121  can be always coupled to the body  105 , whether directly or indirectly. 
     In  FIG. 15 , the lid  121  is shown in a further articulated position. For example, the slide body  149  can pivot about body hinge  143  relative to body  105 . In another example, the lid  121  can pivot about the lid hinge  145  relative to the slide  147 . These positions can enable the container  131  to be actuated to release at least some of its fluid contents, as desired. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities can be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. 
     In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention. 
     It can be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, can mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one item in the list can be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C. 
     Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     The description in the present application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. 
     As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing various parts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or are so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would consider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range of values for those parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below (e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variance that one of skill in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance for the parts mentioned. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, sacrosanct or essential feature of any or all the claims. 
     After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features which, for clarity, are described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every possible value within that range.