Patent Publication Number: US-2020275747-A1

Title: Multi-Orientation Jewelry

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/789,762 filed Jan. 8, 2019 and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/646,940 filed May 8, 2018, the entirety of both of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for using multi-orientation jewelry. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Jewelry is used for a variety of purposes. However, generally jewelry is made to be displayed in a single orientation. Consequently, there is a need for the ability to modify the orientation of the jewelry. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, top side perspective view of a pendant in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pendant in a first orientation in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a pendant in a second orientation in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pendant in a third orientation in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 5C  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 6C  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bracelet in one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicant&#39;s invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of pendant in one embodiment.  FIG. 1  shows a pendant  100 . The pendant  100  can comprise virtually any jewelry piece. As shown in  FIG. 1  the pendant  100  comprises a semi-circle, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Virtually any shape which has an outer perimeter can be utilized. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 1 , the pendant  100  comprises a pendant body  103 . As noted, the pendant body  103  can comprise a variety of shapes. A pendant, as used herein, refers to a piece or multiple pieces of jewelry. The pendant can be used as a necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc. The pendant  100  can be used in any way that traditional jewelry is worn and displayed. 
     The pendant  100  can comprise a variety of materials. The pendant  100  can comprise metals such as silver, gold, etc. Further the pendant  100  can comprise wood, plastic, rubber, stones, ceramics, and combinations thereof. The pendant  100  and/or the coupler can comprise virtually any material known in the art to be used on jewelry. Additionally, the pendant  100  and coupler  102  can comprise the same or different materials. 
     In one embodiment the pendant body  103  is primarily hollow. The pendant  100  has at least two holes  101  located about the periphery of the pendant body  103 . In one embodiment, these holes  101  are fluidly connected. As an example, a user can insert a coupler, such as chain, described in more detail below, into a hole and retrieve the chain from a dissimilar hole. 
     In one embodiment, and as shown, the holes  101  are fully encased. A fully encased hole is a hole which is completely surrounded by material. This surrounding material provides the support and structure and allows the pendant body  103  to be suspended from a coupler. 
     The number of the holes  101  can vary depending upon the application. As shown in  FIG. 1 , there are eight holes  101   a - h  located on the top end  104  of the pendant. This provides eight separate entry and exit points from which the user can choose to result in a wide variety of pendant orientations. In one embodiment, and as shown, at least one hole  101  is located on every side of the pendant  101 . Thus, as shown holes are located on the bottom  106 , the top  104 , and the side  105 . In one embodiment, the holes  101  are evenly spread along the perimeter of the pendant body  103 . 
     In one embodiment the pendant  100  comprises a width as measured parallel with the hole  101  alignment. The pendant  100  also comprises a height which is perpendicular to the width. The pendant  100  also comprises a thickness which is the distance between the front face, depicted in  FIG. 1 , and the rear face, opposite the front face. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the holes  101  are located on the thickness of the pendant. The portion of the pendant which connects the front face to the back face is referred to as the connecting face. In one embodiment the holes  101  are not located on the front or back face. Instead, the holes  101  are only located along the outer perimeter on the thickness or connecting face  110 . In one embodiment the connecting face  110  extends around the entire perimeter of the pendant. Having the holes  101  on the thickness of the pendant  101 , the connecting face  110 , prevents the coupler  101  from obstructing the view of the pendant  100 . Thus, in one embodiment, the holes  101  of the pendant are not visible from a front or rear elevation. Rather, the holes  101 , being located on the thickness which couples the front and back faces, are only visible from top, bottom, left, right, and perspective views, in one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment the holes  101  are spaced along the entire outer periphery, the connecting face  110 . In one embodiment the holes  101  are equally spaced along the outer periphery. 
     The holes  101  can be created using any method known in the art. In one embodiment a hollow mold which includes the holes is created and dies are cast from the mold. Thus, in one embodiment the pendant body  103  is a hollow body and the holes  101  provide access to the interior cavity. In other embodiments, however, the holes  101  are connected to channels which cut through the otherwise solid pendant body  103 . 
     The size and shape of the holes  101  can vary depending upon the pendant  100  and the desired application. The holes  101  can have virtually any shape, including circular, oval, square, rectangular, etc. As shown, the holes  101  have a rectangular shape. Increasing the surface area of the holes  101  allows for easier manipulation of the coupler through the pendant body  103 . 
     As noted, the pendant  100  is coupled with a coupler. The coupler can comprise any device which couples and displays the pendant  100 . The coupler can comprise a chain, braid, rope, wire, etc. which is used to suspend and display a pendant  100 . The coupler can also comprise studs and earring structures for displaying earrings. 
     The orientation of the pendant  100  can be adjusted and changed by changing how the coupler is attached to the pendant  100 . For example, if a coupler is inserted through the first hole  101   a  on the top  104  of the pendant  100 , and the coupler is retrieved through the last hole  101   h  on the top  104  of the pendant  100 , then the pendant  100  will be displayed as shown in  FIG. 1 . The top  104  of the pendant  100  will be on top in this display orientation. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pendant in a first orientation in one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the coupler  102  is attached to two holes on the top  104  of the pendant. Thus, the flat portion of the half-circle pendant  100  is on top. 
     Conversely,  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a pendant in a second orientation in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the coupler  102  is attached to two holes  101  on the bottom  106  of the pendant. Thus, the resulting orientation is one in which the flat portion of the semi-circle is located on the bottom. All that is changed is the selection of different holes  101  and a completely different orientation is achieved. If the pendants  100  are earrings, then it appears that the user has two different sets of earrings when the user only has one set of earrings. As an example, the user could wear the earrings from  FIG. 2 , and then the next day wear the same earrings but with the orientation from  FIG. 3 , and it would appear to be a completely different pendant  100 . Thus, the system and method allow a single pendant  100  to achieve a plurality of orientations by simply adjusting how the coupler  102  couples to the pendant. 
     In one embodiment the pendant body  103  has two opposing faces: a front face and a rear face. In one embodiment each face is generally planar. In one embodiment the front face and the rear face comprise the same color and the same design. Thus, regardless of whether the front face or the rear face is visible, the same design and color scheme will be presented. In other embodiments, however, the front and rear face comprise a dissimilar design and/or color. As an example, one side can comprise an engraving while the other side will comprise a different engraving or a different design. While the orientation of the pendant can be adjusted depending on the holes used to align the coupler, so too can the face be selected. As shown,  FIG. 15  can present a front face comprising a first color whereas  FIG. 16  can show the rear face comprising a second color. Thus, the system and method provide the opportunity to utilize and coordinate dissimilar faces on the same pendant. A user can display the pendant  100  with the front face in a first orientation, and then the next day display a dissimilar rear face in a second orientation. This provides yet another avenue of differentiation while using the same pendant. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pendant  100  in a third orientation in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the user utilizes one hole  101  from a top side and one from the side. This allows the pendant  100  to hang at the depicted angle. In still other embodiments the pendant  100  can be couple to two holes  101  on the side of the pendant. As can be seen, in this orientation the major dimension, the length, is vertical. This is contrasted to  FIGS. 2 and 3  wherein the major dimension, the length, was horizontal. This is the pendant, and the only difference is the holes  101  which are utilized with the coupler  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations. In  FIG. 5 , the pendant  100  comprises a circular shape. As depicted the circle comprises a transparent portion which meets a horizontal bar horizontal three-quarters from the top and a solid bottom one-forth. The holes  101  are located along the periphery of the pendant body  103 . The top illustration shows an embodiment wherein two holes  101  on opposing sides, each of equal height are selected for the coupler  102 . This results in the coupler  102  connecting opposing sides forming a horizontal line. The top illustration shows two different couplers used at various heights. If a shorter visible, horizontal line, is desirable then holes near the top of the pendant  100  are utilized. If a more visible horizontal line is desired, then two holes  101  closer to the center of the circle can be utilized. This figure shows that even if the same orientation is utilized, specifically, with the transparent portion on top, that this orientation can be adjusted to present a different design. As shown, the upper-most coupler  102  presents a design wherein the coupler is near the top of the circle whereas the lower-most coupler presents a design wherein the coupler  102  is closer to the centerline of the circle. Because the top portion is transparent, the location of the coupler  102  will be more visible compared to an opaque or solid top. Thus, the location of the coupler  102  provides another lever of differentiation. 
     As noted, the top illustration provides possible locations for the couplers  102 . Thus, a single coupler  102  can occupy the locations illustrated, or other locations. In other embodiments, however, the pendant  100  comprises more than one coupler  102 . Thus, rather than illustrating the possible locations of a single coupler, the pendant  100  can comprise two couplers located in the locations illustrated in the top illustration. Thus, in some embodiments the pendant  100  may utilize one, two, or more couplers. This provides yet another opportunity to differentiate a single pendant. Specifically, one day a user may use the pendant  100  with a single coupler, and then the next day the user may use two couplers resulting in a dissimilar look even though the same pendant  100  was used. 
     As can be seen, the top holes in the top illustration of  FIG. 5  illustrate holes which are not fully encased. Rather, the holes are simply holes in the outer perimeter and there is a void or opening within the inner confines of the outer perimeter. This is contrasted to fully encased holes where the holes are surrounded by material. The bottom holes of the top illustration of  FIG. 5  are examples of fully encased holes. 
     The middle illustration shows the same design but the coupler is coupled to an off-set upper-left quadrant. This results in the design twisting clockwise. The resulting design is an off-set design with the previously horizontal bar making an angle with the horizon. This angle can be made deeper or shallower by changing the utilized holes  101 . 
     The lower illustration shows a perspective view of the middle illustration. Due to the transparent top, the holes on the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the circle are visible. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic of a pendant illustrating various orientations. The design depicted in this embodiment is similar to that of  FIG. 5  and also has three-quarters which is transparent adjacent to a horizontal bar. In the top illustration two opposing holes of equal height are utilized to create a coupler with a horizontal line. The horizontal line is approximately parallel to the horizontal bar. The lowest illustration illustrates a side perspective view of the top illustration. 
     In the middle illustration the pendant is rotated 90 degrees clockwise. Thereafter, holes  101  of equal comparative height are utilized to again create a coupler  102  with a horizontal line. However, given the rotation of the pendant, the horizontal line is approximately perpendicular to the horizontal bar. 
     The middle illustration illustrates two separate locations for couplers  102 . As noted, a single coupler  102  can be used at these various locations, or multiple couplers can be used. As noted, selection of various holes can result in multiple possible orientations. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment. As shown the pendant  100 , like the other pendants depicted, have at least two holes  101  along the outer perimeter. In the embodiment depicted, the earring  107  can be coupled to the pendant  100  via one or more of these holes  101 . 
     As previously shown, the orientation, and thus, the appearance of the pendant  100 , can be adjusted by coupling the earring  107  to different holes  101 . If the earring  107  is coupled closer to the pendant body  103 , the result is a different appearance. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an earring in one embodiment. As shown the earring has one coupler  102  which extends outward from the earring  107 . The coupler  102  couples with one or more holes  101  in the pendant  100 . As depicted, the coupler  102  comprises a rod or post which engages with one hole  101  in the pendant  100 . The earring further comprises a stud  108  which can couple with a human piercing, such as an ear. 
     While the embodiment depicted comprises a single coupler  102  which engages with a single hole  101 , this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, for example, the coupler  102  can engage with two or more holes  101 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bracelet in one embodiment. A bracelet  109  is another example of a way in which a pendant  100  can be worn and displayed by a user. A bracelet  109  is often worn on a user&#39;s hands or feet. As shown the bracelet  109  comprises a loop with a coupler  102  on each end. The coupler  102  can comprise any coupler previously described herein which engages with a hole  101  in the pendant  100 . As shown the coupler  102  comprises an end which folds backwards upon itself to form an open loop. The free end of the coupler  102  can be inserted into a hole  101  to couple the bracelet  109  with the pendant  100 . As depicted, the same is repeated with the other end. As can be seen, the display and orientation of the pendant  100  can be adjusted by varying or changing the holes which are used by the coupler  102 . 
     While a system of a pendant with multiple display orientations has been described, a method of utilizing the pendant  100  will be described. First, a pendant  100  and at least one coupler  102  is selected. Next, the desired display face of the pendant is selected. Thereafter, a desired orientation is selected. The user then couples the coupler  102  with the respective hole  101  to achieve the desired orientation and face. The user can insert the coupler  102  through a first hole  101  and remove the coupler  102  from a second hole  101 . The user then wears and displays the pendant  100 . 
     Later, to change the orientation, the user removes the pendant, removes the coupler  102 , and then recouples the coupler with the pendant  100  with the desired orientation and face. 
     The system and method discussed herein provides several advantages and benefits over the prior art. First, the discussed system and method simplifies jewelry selection. If a user is packing for a trip, for example, the user can take a single pendant which provides variety. There is no need to pack a variety of pendants. 
     Aside from providing variety while using a single pendant, or single set of pendants in the case earrings, for example, the system and method provides for customization. As an example, if longer earrings are desired, an orientation can be utilized which provides a longer pendant. If wider earrings are desired, an orientation offering a wider pendant orientation can be utilized. In embodiments wherein the front and rear face comprise different colors or designs, the user can select a different face. For example, if the user wants to use the blue face, the user can select that face of the pendant. Later if the user wants to utilize the gold face, the user can utilize that face of the pendant. Likewise, if a user wants to use additional couplers, or even different couplers, this is a differentiator which is easily implemented. 
     Another advantage is the ability to quickly and easily convert to different orientations. No separate tools or equipment are necessary. Instead, the user simply couples the coupler with the necessary holes to obtain the desired orientation. 
     Another advantage is the ability to transition from jewelry pieces. A single pendant can be coupled as shown in  FIG. 19  to function as a necklace. Thereafter, the same pendant can be coupled with earring studs or loops to function as an earring. The piece can be used in a bracelet, belt buckle, or any mechanism to display the piece. Thus, rather than simply categorizing a pendant as a necklace or earring, the same pendant can easily function as multiple pieces by simply changing the coupler. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.