Patent Publication Number: US-6701747-B2

Title: Decorative articles with interchangeable modules

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to decorative articles having interchangeable modules, and more particularly to rings having interchangeable modules that may be mounted, either individually or in combination, from the side, the inside or the outside of the rings. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The desirability of having decorative articles, such as rings, with interchangeable settings has long been evident in the art. Interchangeable settings allow a wearer to match the decorative article with other articles of jewelry, clothing, or accessories. Several rings with interchangeable settings are disclosed in the prior art. Many of these rings use a device attached to the interchangeable setting to hold the setting on the ring. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,399,547; 4,393,667; 5,133,195; and 5,357,770 disclose a device, such as a latch, a lever, a flexible member, or an arm, that is attached to the interchangeable setting and holds the setting on the ring. 
     Other prior art rings disclose a device connected to the ring to hold the interchangeable setting on the ring. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,482; 5,228,317; and 5,375,434 disclose devices, such as a second shank, a door, a cover, or hooks, that are connected to the ring and that hold the settings in an opening in the ring. 
     Another device for holding interchangeable settings to a ring is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,408. In this patent, a collar is disposed within a blind bore in the inner surface of the ring. The interchangeable setting or enhancer includes a stem with a bulbous distal portion that is attached to the ring by inserting the stem in the blind bore and through the collar, which deforms and retains the stem. 
     Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages in the rings and interchangeable settings found in the prior art. For example, some prior art rings and interchangeable settings are relatively complicated and costly to manufacture. In addition, some prior art rings rely on wearable parts to hold the interchangeable settings. These wearable parts may become worn with repeated changing of the settings on the ring, negating their utility. 
     Importantly, some prior art devices for holding the interchangeable settings to the ring are not readily disguised or hidden. Consequently, the interchangeable settings do not appear as an integral part of the ring, which detracts from the aesthetic value of the ring. Furthermore, many rings in the prior art permit only one interchangeable setting to be attached at a time. Moreover, many rings in the prior art permit the interchangeable settings to be mounted only in a single fashion relative to the ring, e.g., mounted from outside of the ring. 
     The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention provides a decorative article, including a body, an interchangeable module, and a supporting member. The body has first and second surfaces and defines an aperture therethrough. The interchangeable module includes means for retaining the module against the first surface adjacent the aperture. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface of the body and is selectively pivotable to contact the retaining means of the module and maintain the module mounted on the body. 
     Another aspect of the present invention provides a decorative article, including a body, an interchangeable module, and a supporting member. The body has first and second surfaces and defines a slot therethrough. The interchangeable module includes a decorative portion, a narrow member, and a retaining member. The decorative portion is disposed adjacent the second surface of the body. The retaining portion is connected to the decorative portion and is received in the slot. The narrow member is connected to the decorative portion and is positioned in the slot. The retaining member is connected to the narrow member and engages the first surface of the body adjacent the slot. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface of the body and is selectively pivotable to contact the retaining member and maintain the module mounted on the body. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a decorative article, including a body, an interchangeable module, and a supporting member. The body has first and second surfaces and defines a mounting hole therethrough. The module is interchangeably mounted on the body. The module includes a decorative portion and a retaining portion. The decorative portion is disposed adjacent the second surface of the body. The retaining portion is connected to the decorative portion and engages the first surface of the body adjacent the mounting hole. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface of the body and is selectively pivotable to contact the retaining portion and maintain the module mounted on the body. 
     A still further aspect of the present invention provides a decorative article, including a body, an interchangeable module, and a supporting member. The body has first and second surfaces and defines an aperture therethrough. The interchangeable module includes a decorative portion and at least one retaining member. The decorative portion is disposed adjacent the second surface of the body. The at least one retaining member includes an arm and a catch. The arm is pivotally attached to the decorative portion and is disposed through a catch opening defined by the aperture. The catch is disposed on a distal end of the arm. The catch engages the first surface of the body adjacent the catch opening. The supporting member is pivotally attached to the first surface of the body and is selectively pivotable to contact the at least one retaining member and maintain the module mounted on the body. 
     Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for mounting an interchangeable module on a body. The body has first and second surfaces and defines an aperture therethrough. The method comprises the steps of: disposing a portion of the module at least partially through the aperture; retaining the portion against the inner surface adjacent the aperture; pivoting a member attached to the inner surface; contacting the portion with the member; and maintaining the portion retained against the inner surface with the member. 
     The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the invention disclosed herein, but is intended merely to summarize the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a decorative article in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 2A-B illustrate the embodiment of the body of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the embodiment of the interchangeable module of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 4A-B illustrate top views of additional embodiments of decorative articles of FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 5A-B illustrate additional embodiments of interchangeable modules; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a decorative article in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the body of FIG. 6; 
     FIGS. 8A-B illustrate embodiments of interchangeable modules in accordance with the decorative article of FIG. 6; 
     FIGS. 9A-B illustrate yet another embodiment of a decorative article in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the embodiment of the body of FIGS. 9A-B; 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the interchangeable module of FIGS. 9A-B; 
     FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of a decorative article in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 13-16 illustrate embodiments of decorative articles having combinations of interchangeable modules in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIGS. 17A-D illustrate embodiments of locking mechanisms for decorative articles in accordance with the present invention. 
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a decorative article  10  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the decorative article  10  including a body or shank  20  and a module  30 . FIGS. 2A-B illustrate the body  20  of FIG. 1 in a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the interchangeable module  30  of FIG. 1 in a side view and a top view, respectively. 
     In the present embodiment, the decorative article  10  is a ring, where the body or shank  20  is worn on a finger. The body or shank  20  is composed of a suitable material, such as a precious metal, and may be formed by those methods known in the art, such as machining, casting, soldering, or a combination thereof. The body or shank  20 , which is best depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, has a first, inner surface  24  and a second, outer surface  26  and defines an aperture or slot  50  therethrough. In the present embodiment of the ring, the body  20  includes an opening  22  defined by the inner surface  24 . The opening  22  receives the finger of the person wearing the ring  10 . The body  20  may further include an inner cavity or hollow  28  defined by the inner surface  24  and adjacent the slot  50 . 
     The module  30  is an interchangeable, decorative piece mounted on the body or shank  20 . In the present embodiment, the module  30  is mounted to the side of the body  20 . The interchangeable module  30 , which is best depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, includes a decorative portion  32  and a retaining portion  34 . The decorative portion  32  includes a decorative surface or element  33 , such as a finial or mounted gemstone, and disposes adjacent the outer surface  26  of the body  20 . The retaining portion  34  attaches or mounts the decorative portion  32  on the body  20 . 
     The retaining portion  34  positions in the slot  50  and engages with or retains against the inner surface  24  adjacent the slot  50 . In the present embodiment, the retaining portion  34  includes a retaining member  36  connected to the decorative portion  32  by an adjoining or narrow member  37 . Adjacent the opening  22 , the slot  50  has an open side that receives the narrow member  37 . The retaining member  36  disposes in the hollow  28  and engages with or retains against the inner surface  24  adjacent the slot  50 . Thus, the retaining portion  34  positions on the body  20  from substantially one direction, e.g. from the opening  22  defined by the inner surface  24 . 
     In general, the retaining member  36  has a dimension or width W 1  that is greater than a dimension or width W 2  defined by the slot  50 . In the present embodiment, the retaining member  36  and narrow member  37  form a “tee.” Other suitable structures for the retaining portion  34  may include a narrow member  37  having a bulbous end, tooth, hook, or cross member forming the retaining member  36 . As best shown in the side view FIG. 3A, the narrow member  37  may have a greater depth than the retaining member  36 , and a retaining shoulder  38  may be formed therebetween. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the decorative article  10  includes a supporting member or bar  40  pivotally attached to the inner surface  24  of the body  20 . A pivotal connection  46  is formed between the supporting member  40  and the body  20  and is preferably disposed in the inner cavity or hollow  28  of the body  20 . To form the pivotal connection  46 , small holes (not shown) may be drilled, laser cut or cast in place in the surfaces  26  and  24  on both sides of the hollow  28 . A small rod or pivot  48  may be positioned through one hole in the body, passed through a bore in the end of the supporting member  40 , and then positioned in the other small hole in the body. The ends of the rod  48  may then be secured or fused in the holes. As best evidenced in FIG. 2A, the outside surface  26  is preferably smoothed and polished to hide the construction of the pivotal connection  46  and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the article  10 . 
     The supporting member  40  is pivotable between a first, released position and a second, supporting position. In the present FIGS. 1 and 2A, the supporting member  40  is shown disposed within the opening  22  and in the second, supporting position. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2B, the supporting position of the supporting member  40  corresponds to the member  40  being pivoted adjacent the inner surface  24 . In the supporting position, a first, retaining surface  42  of the supporting member  40  contacts the retaining portion  34  of the module  30  and maintains the module  30  mounted in the slot  50 . 
     In the supporting position, the supporting member  40  is preferably disposed within and hidden by the hollow  28  defined by the inner surface  24 . Moreover, a second, completing surface  44  of the supporting member  40  is preferably contoured to complete the form of the opening  22  when the supporting member  40  is positioned in the hollow  28 . Thus, the supporting member or bar  40  completes the body or shank  20  of the ring  10  and functions without detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the ring  10 . 
     The supporting member or bar  40  advantageously acts in conjunction with the body of the wearer to sustain the interchangeable module  30  mounted on the body  20 . However, the supporting member  40  may be sufficient, in itself, to remain in the supporting position when not in contact with the wearer and maintain the module  30  mounted on the body or shank  20 . For example, the supporting member  40  may have an interference or friction fit with the inner surface  24  of the body  20  when in the supporting position. Alternatively, a locking mechanism, such as disclosed below with reference to FIGS. 17A-D, may be used to sustain the supporting member  40  in the supporting position. 
     To further illustrate the structure and operation of the present invention, the decorative article  10  is illustrated in a top view of FIG.  4 A. The body  20  in FIG. 4A is shown cut away to reveal the arrangement of the hollow  28 , supporting member  40 , and retaining portion  34 . The interchangeable module  30  is mounted to the body  20  by positioning the adjoining or narrow member  37  in the slot  50 . The retaining member  36  is disposed in the hollow  28  and adjacent the inner surface  24 . The decorative portion  32 , connected to the narrow member  37 , is disposed adjacent the outer surface  26  of the body  20 . 
     The retaining member  36  engages with or retains against the inner surface  24  adjacent the slot  50  and has a dimension or width greater than a dimension or width of the slot  50 . In this way, the retaining member  36  prevents the retaining portion  34  from escaping through the slot  50 . The module  30  is thus limited to removal from the body  20  in only the one direction from which it is inserted, e.g. the open side of the slot  50 . The supporting member  40  contacts the retaining member  36  in the one direction and maintains the module  30  mounted on the body  20 . By reversing the above assembly, the module  30  may be selectively removed from the body  20 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the decorative article  10 ′ in FIG. 4B includes first and second modules  30   a  and  30   b  mounted on either side of the body  20 . The body  20 ′ in FIG. 4B is shown cut away to reveal the arrangement of the hollow  28 , supporting member  40 , and retaining portions  34   a  and  34   b . The first and second modules  30   a  and  30   b  are individually disposed in first and second slots  50   a  and  50   b  so that both retaining members  36   a  and  36   b  are disposed adjacent one another within the hollow  28 . The supporting member  40  contacts both of the retaining members  36   a  and  36   b  to maintain the modules  30   a  and  30   b  mounted on the body  20 ′. The body or shank  20 ′ in FIG. 4B preferably has a width that is approximately twice that of the body  20  in FIG.  4 A. In this way, settings may be interchangeably used with the narrower body  20  in FIG.  4 A and with the wider body  20 ′ in FIG.  4 B. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the first and second modules  30   a  and  30   b  may be integrally connected. Referring to FIG. 5A, an alternative embodiment of an interchangeable module  30   c  is illustrated. The module  30   c  includes first and second decorative portions  32   c  and  32   c ′ integrally formed on either side of a common, retaining portion  34   c . The retaining portion  34   c  positions in the hollow  28  of the body  20 ′ having two slots  50   a  and  50   b , such as described above in FIG.  4 B. 
     Referring to FIG. 5B, yet another embodiment of an interchangeable module  30   d  is illustrated. The interchangeable module  30   d  includes a decorative portion  32   d  and includes a retaining portion  34   d , such as a “Tee,” attached to the decorative portion  32   d . In the present embodiment, the decorative portion  32   d  is a guard or a band that positions adjacent the body of the decorative article or ring to which the module  30   d  attaches. Either one or two of such modules  30   d  may be interchangeably mounted adjacent the body of the decorative article or ring, such as described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-B. In addition, two such decorative portions or guards  32   d  may be integrally connected by a common, retaining portion, such as described above. The module  30   d  may be particularly advantageous when used as part of a wedding ring set. Wedding ring sets having several bands or rings do not typically stay aligned on the finger of the wearer. Using the module  30   d  overcomes this shortcoming. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of a decorative article  12  with an interchangeable module  70  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 6, the decorative article  12  including a body or shank  20  and a module  70  is illustrated in a perspective view. FIG. 7 illustrates the body  20  of FIG. 6 in a cross-sectional view, and FIGS. 8A-B illustrate perspective views of embodiments of interchangeable modules  70 . 
     As discussed above, the body  20  includes inner and outer surfaces  24  and  26  and defines an aperture or mounting hole  60  therethrough. The body  20  includes an opening  22  defined by the inner surface  24  and include an inner cavity or hollow  28  defined by the inner surface  24  adjacent the aperture or mounting hole  60 . A supporting member or bar  40  is pivotally attached to the inner surface  24  by a pivotal connection  46  preferably disposed in the hollow  28 . 
     The module  70 , such as the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8A-B, is an interchangeable decorative piece, which in the present embodiment is mounted from the inner surface  24  of the body  20  as described below. The inner-mounted module  70  includes a decorative portion  72  and a retaining portion  74 . The decorative portion  72  may have a decorative element  73 . The retaining portion  74  is connected to the decorative portion  72  and has an increased dimension or positive stopping surface  76 . 
     The module  70  is mounted on the body or shank  20  by inserting the decorative portion  72  into the mounting hole  60  from the inner surface  24 . The module  70  is positioned so that the decorative element  73  is visible from the outside surface  26  of the body  20 . The module  70  is inserted until the retaining portion  74  engages with or retains against the inner surface  24  adjacent the mounting hole  60 . More specifically, the module  70  is inserted until a decreased dimension or shoulder  62  of the mounting hole  60  stops or contacts the increased dimension or positive stopping surface  76  of the module  70 . 
     The retaining portion  74  prevents the module  70  from passing through the mounting hole  60  towards the outer surface  26 . The module  70  is thus limited to removal from the body  20  in only one direction towards the inner surface  24 . The supporting member  40  is then pivoted to contact the retaining portion  74  in the one direction and hold the module  70  in the mounting hole  60 . In particular, the retaining surface  42  contacts the bottom of the module  70  and the completing surface  44  completes the contour of the opening  22 . The module  70  may be selectively removed from the body  20  by reversing the above assembly. The present embodiment is suitable for modules that have a decorative element  73  that has a dimension approximately equal to or less than the decreased dimension or shoulder  62  of the mounting hole  60 . For example, the decorative element  73  may include pavé gems. 
     Referring to FIG. 8A, an embodiment of an interchangeable module  70   a  in accordance with the decorative article  12  of FIG. 6 is illustrated in a perspective view. The present embodiment of the interchangeable module  70   a  has a longitudinal shape, meaning that two, parallel sides are substantially longer than the other parallel sides. The decorative portion  72  includes the decorative surface or element  73 . The retaining portion  74  includes the increased dimension or positive stopping surface  76 . For the longitudinal module  70   a  of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the positive stopping surface  76  be formed only on the two longitudinal sides of the module  70   a . This has been found to facilitate the positioning of the module  70   a  within the mounting hole  60  as discussed above. 
     In other embodiments, the increased dimension or positive stopping surface  76  may be formed around all sides of the retaining portion  74 . One such embodiment is illustrated in FIG.  8 B. In this embodiment, the module  70   b  has an oval shape. The decorative item  73  on the decorative portion  72  may be, for example, a large stone. The increased dimension or positive stopping surface  76  circumscribes the entire retaining portion  74 . This arrangement is suitable for modules with shapes that are, for example, square, round, oval, rectangular, or triangular. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9-11, yet another embodiment of a decorative article  14  with an interchangeable module  90  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In FIGS. 9A-B, the decorative article  14  with interchangeable module  90  is illustrated in a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. In FIG. 10, the embodiment of the body or shank  20  of FIGS. 9A-B is individually illustrated in a perspective view. In FIG. 11, the embodiment of the module  90  of FIGS. 9A-B is individually illustrated in a bottom view. 
     The decorative article  14  includes a body or shank  20 . The body or shank  20  includes inner and outer surfaces  24  and  26  and defines an aperture  80  therethrough. The body  20  includes an opening  22  and a hollow or inner cavity  28  defined by the inner surface  24 . A supporting member or bar  40  is pivotally connected to the inner surface  24  by a pivotal connection  46  disposed in the hollow  28 . The aperture  80  is contoured to define a groove  82 . Opposite the groove  82 , the aperture  80  is contoured to define a catch opening  84 , which opens to an adjacent niche or nook  86  defined by the inner surface  24 . The niche  86  has a more expansive dimension or width than a dimension or width W 4  of the catch opening  84 . 
     The interchangeable module  90  in the present embodiment is mounted from the outer surface  26  of the body  20 . The outer-mounted module  90  includes a decorative portion  92 , which may have a large decorative element  93 . The module  90  includes a retaining portion  94  having at least one retaining member  96 . The retaining member  96  includes an arm  97  pivotally attached to the decorative portion  92 . For example, the retaining member  96  may be disposed in apertures  95  in the decorative portion  92 . The apertures  95  are preferably not visible on the decorative element  93  of the decorating portion  92 , as best shown in FIG.  9 A. 
     A catch  98  is disposed on a distal end of the pivotable arm  97 . The catch  98  has a dimension or width W 3  greater than the dimension or width W 4  of the catch opening  84 . The catch  98  is a suitable element to be disposed in the niche  86  and engaged with or retained against the inner surface  24  adjacent the catch opening  84 . The catch  98  may be, for example, a bulbous end, a cross member, a hook, a tooth, or a “tee” disposed on the distal end of the arm  97 . In the present embodiment of the module  90 , the retaining portion  94  also includes a fixed member or key  99 . The fixed member  99  is fixedly attached to the decorative portion  92  and positions in the groove  82  defined by the aperture  80 . 
     The module  90  is mounted on the body  20  from the outer surface  26  by installing the retaining portion  94  into the aperture  80 . Specifically, the retaining member  96  is pivoted to extend downward from the decorative portion  92 . The fixed member  99  is positioned in the groove  82 , while the retaining member  96  is inserted into the aperture  80 . The retaining member  96  is then pivoted so that the arm  97  is disposed through the catch opening  84 . The catch  98  is positioned in the niche  86  and is engaged with or retained against the inner surface  24  adjacent the catch opening  84 . The module  90  is limited to removal from the body  20  in the one direction towards the outer surface  26 . The supporting member  40  is pivoted to contact the retaining portion  94  and hold the module  90  in the aperture  80 . The module  90  may be selectively removed from the body  20  by reversing the above assembly. 
     Referring to FIG. 12, yet another embodiment of a decorative article  16  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in a cross-sectional view. The decorative article  16  includes a body or shank  20  and an interchangeable module  100 . In the present embodiment, the interchangeable module  100  is also an outer-mounted module. The module  100  includes a decorative portion  102  and a retaining portion  104 . The decorative article  16  of the present embodiment is particularly suitable for modules  100  with a large decorative element  103 , such as a diamond or a large bezel. The retaining portion  104  includes first and second retaining members  106   a  and  106   b  pivotally attached to the decorative portion  102 . Each retaining member  106   a  and  106   b  includes a catch  108   a  and  108   b.    
     The module  100  is mounted from the outer surface  26  of the body  20  by installing the retaining members  106   a  and  106   b  through an aperture  80  defined in the body  20 . The retaining portion  104  is installed in the aperture  80  so that the decorative element  103  is exposed outside the body  20 . The retaining members  106   a  and  106   b  are then pivoted through catch openings  82   a  and  82   b  defined by the aperture  80 . The catches  108   a  and  108   b  are then disposed in complementary recesses  86   a  and  86   b  defined by the inner surface  24 . 
     The catches  108   a  and  108   b  engage with or retain against the inner surface  24  adjacent the catch openings  82   a  and  82   b . The catches  108   a  and  108   b  prevent the module  100  from being removed from the aperture  80  in a direction towards the outer surface  26 . The supporting member or bar  40  is then pivoted to contact the first and second retaining members  106   a  and  106   b . The supporting member  40  sustains the catches  108   a  and  108   b  adjacent the inner surface  24  to hold the module  100  mounted on the body  20 . The module  100  may be selectively removed from the body  20  by reversing the above assembly. 
     Referring to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a decorative article  18  is illustrated having a combination of interchangeable modules  30  and  70   c  in accordance with the present invention. The decorative article  18  includes a side-mounted, interchangeable module  30 , such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The decorative article  18  also includes an inner-mounted, interchangeable module  70   c , such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 6-8. 
     According to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14A, the inner-mounted module  70   c  may include a gap  78  defined in the retaining portion  74  to accommodate the retaining portion ( 34 ) of the side-mounted module  30  as described below. To mount the modules  30  and  70   c  on the body  20 , the inner-mounted module  70   c  is first mounted on the body  20 . The module  70   c  is positioned into the mounting hole  60  from the inner surface  24  as discussed above. The decorative element  73  is positioned adjacent the outer surface  26 . Next, the retaining portion ( 34 ) of the side-mounted module  30  is installed in the slot ( 50 ) in the body  20  as discussed above. The retaining portion ( 34 ) is disposed in the gap  78  defined in the inner-mounted module  70   c . The supporting member  40  is pivoted to contact both retaining portions ( 34 ) and  74  to sustain the side and inner-mounted modules  30  and  70   c  mounted to the body  20 . 
     According to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14B, an inner-mounted module  70   d  for use with the decorative article  18  of FIG. 13 may include one or more integrally attached, side modules  79  and  79 ′. The module  70   d  includes a decorative portion  72   d  to be positioned in the mounting hole  60  as described above. The module  70   d  may include a retaining portion  74   d ; however, this is not strictly necessary. The one or more integrally attached, side modules  79  and  79 ′ are installed in slots ( 50 ) in the body  20  as discussed above. 
     Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a decorative article  19  is illustrated having a combination of interchangeable modules  30  and  90 ′ in accordance with the present invention. The decorative article  19  in FIG. 15 includes a side-mounted, interchangeable module  30 , such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The decorative article  19  also includes an outer-mounted, interchangeable module  90   a , such as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9-11. 
     According to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the outer-mounted module  90   a  may include a slot  91  to accommodate the retaining portion ( 34 ) of the side-mounted module  30 . To mount the modules  30  and  90   a  on the body  20 , the outer-mounted module  90   a  is mounted in a mounting aperture ( 80 ) as discussed above. The slot  91  of the outer-mounted module  90   a  is positioned adjacent a slot ( 50 ) defined in the body  20 . The adjacent slots ( 50 ) and  91  accommodate the retaining portion ( 34 ) of the side-mounted module  30 . Finally, the supporting member  40  is pivoted to contact the retaining portions ( 34 ) and  94  of both the modules  30  and  90   a.    
     The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13-16 illustrate only a few of several, other possible combinations of interchangeable modules that may be mounted together on the body or shank  20 . With the benefit of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention is applicable to a number of additional embodiments combining two or more interchangeable modules on the body or shank  20 . 
     As noted above, the present invention operates sufficiently without the use of a locking mechanism: however; in some circumstances a locking mechanism may be desirable. For example, a locking mechanism may be beneficial, but not necessarily essential, for use with an interchangeable module having a heavy or expensive decorative element or stone. Referring to FIG. 17A, an embodiment of a locking mechanism  120  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The locking mechanism  120  is a snap lock, including one or more protrusions  122  on the inner surface  24  of the body  20 . When the supporting member  40  is pivoted to the supporting position shown by dashed lines, the protrusions  122  of the snap lock  120  hold the supporting member  40  with a compression fit. It is understood, of course, that the protrusions  122  may be disposed on the supporting member  40 . With use of the snap lock  120 , a slit or thin lip (not shown) may be necessary on the distal end of the supporting member  40  to facilitate the easily release of the supporting member  40  from the snap lock  120 . 
     Referring to FIG. 17B, another embodiment of a locking mechanism  130  is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The locking mechanism  130  is a reverse hinge having a catch or tooth  132  to engage with or retain against a complimentary recess  134  defined in the end of the supporting member  40 . Once the supporting member  40  is disposed in the hollow  28  of the body  20 , the reverse hinge  130  may be pivoted to dispose the tooth  132  in the recess  134 . In this way, the supporting member  40 , being caught by the tooth  132 , is unable to move away from the inner surface  24 . To release the supporting member  40 , the reverse hinge  130  may be pivoted to remove the tooth  132  from the recess  134  and allow the supporting member  40  to pivot away from the inner surface  24 . 
     In another embodiment of a locking mechanism, a biasing member  140 , such as a leaf spring shown here in FIG. 17C, may be used individually or in combination with the other locking mechanisms to bias the supporting member  40 . The biasing member  130  may be configured to sustain the supporting member  40  in the hollow  28  and maintain the module (not shown) mounted on the body  20 . Again, the present invention operates without the use of such a biasing member  140 ; however, in some circumstances the biasing member  140  may be desirable. Furthermore, depending on the desired biased position of the supporting member  40 , the biasing member  140  may be configured to position the supporting member  40  in the opening  22  of the body  20 . The body  20  may then be immediately ready to remove or receive an interchangeable module without requiring the wearer to release the supporting member  40  from the supporting position. 
     In yet another embodiment of a locking mechanism  150  in FIG. 17D, a cam action spring  152  may be used in conjunction with a cam  154  on the end of the supporting member  40 . The cam action spring  152  acts against the cam  154 , which is configured to position the supporting member  40 . For example, the cam  154  may have two surfaces  156   a  and  156   b  forming a wedge on the end of the supporting member  40 . The first surface  156   a  may be flat, while the second surface  156   b  may be slightly rounded. When the first surface  156   a  is engaged with the cam action spring  152 , the supporting member  40  is positioned adjacent the inner surface  26  as shown in FIG. 17D to sustain an interchangeable module (not shown) mounted on the body  20 . The supporting member  40  may be selectively moved away from the inner surface  26  by overcoming the biasing of the cam action spring  152  against the cam  154 . 
     Locking mechanisms, such as the snap lock  120 , reverse hinge  130 , leaf spring  140  and cam with cam action spring  150  discussed herein, are known in the art of jewelry design. Other suitable locking mechanisms are applicable to the present invention, the implementation of which would be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure. 
     The embodiments of the decorative articles illustrated herein, including embodiments of the body, supporting member, and interchangeable modules, have been depicted in a basic form in order to illustrate the gross anatomy of the present invention more clearly. It is understood that these basic forms may be aesthetically designed or altered by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the present invention. 
     With the benefit of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art of jewelry design will recognize that the present invention is applicable to decorative articles other than the embodiments of rings explicitly illustrated herein. For example, the present invention is applicable to other embodiments of decorative articles, including but not limited to bracelets, chokers, necklaces, earrings, or pendants. In these additional embodiments of decorative articles, the construction of the interchangeable modules and supporting member may be substantially the same. The body or shank, however, is defined as a piece of material for supporting and displaying the interchangeable module. The body or shank has at least two surfaces with an aperture defined therethrough. As such, the body or shank need not be limited to the ring shape as explicitly embodied herein. 
     For example, an additional embodiment of a decorative article in accordance with the present invention may include a bracelet with interchangeable modules, wherein the body is a large, thin member worn on the wrist. In another additional embodiment, a decorative article in accordance with the present invention may include a choker with interchangeable modules, wherein the body is a member worn on the neck. In yet another additional embodiment, a decorative article in accordance with the present invention may include a pendant with interchangeable modules, wherein the body is a piece of material to be hung from a necklace. These additional embodiments of the bracelet, choker, and pendant may preferably include a locking mechanism, such as a cam action spring acting against a cam for biasing the supporting arm to help sustain the modules as described above. 
     With the benefit of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art of jewelry design will further recognize that the interchangeable modules of the present invention may include embodiments other than those explicitly illustrated herein. Accordingly, an interchangeable module according to the present invention may include a decorative portion, item or element encompassing, but not limited to, entire classes of housings, settings, mountings, bezels, ornaments, jewels, stones, ancillary shanks, guards, bands, chains, filigrees, finials, and decorative knobs. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, obvious modifications and alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.