Patent Publication Number: US-2003221449-A1

Title: Bracelet with changeable photograph frame

Description:
1) DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] Bracelet with Changeable Photograph Frame  
       2) CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0002] Not Applicable.  
       3) STATEMENT REGARDING FED SPONSORED R&amp;D  
       [0003] Not Applicable  
       4) REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX  
       [0004] Not Applicable.  
       5) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] The present invention relates generally to an article of jewelry and specifically to a cuff style molded bracelet of transparent plastic material to be worn on the wrist, comprised of two parts—a band body and a removable transparent lens, providing a changeable display of decorative items such as photographs, pictures or any small memento, to be ornamentally displayed about the wrist.  
       [0006] SUGGESTED U.S. PATENT CLASSIFICATION: 63/3, 63/DIG3.  
       [0007] FIELD OF SEARCH: 63/3,7,8,9,11,18,21,23, 40; D 11/1-18.  
       [0008] Description of Prior Art:  
       [0009] Jewelry for displaying various small items on one&#39;s wrist has been created dating back to beginnings of recorded history—an example is the charm bracelet where independent charms are attached to a chain and dangle from the wrist. Bracelets housing designs or pictures are known in the prior art.  
       [0010] a. Brady, U.S. Pat. No. 2,413,541, issued Dec. 31, 1946 is a bracelet with four magnifying lenses for optically magnifying photographs mounted on a removable backing clamp.  
       [0011] b. Cox, U.S. Pat. No. 05,081,852, issued Jan. 21, 1992 is a bracelet with five compartments integrally formed with the band.  
       [0012] None of these references provide a bracelet of a smooth cuff style arc shape with one display lens/frame that is easily accessible to display and change a picture of choice.  
       (6) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013] This cuff style molded bracelet of plastic material is comprised of two parts—a band body (tinted or clear) and a removable transparent optically clear lens. There is an indentation in the underside of the lens of sufficient space to insert and change, a small photograph, picture, or any small memento thereby providing ornamentation to the bracelet surface. The frame is sized about 1½ by 1¼″ that would hold an i-Zone™ mini photograph or any picture of choice. After placing the picture into the lens indentation, the lens slides into the body, forming a smooth surface. This will be an attractive piece of jewelry as well as a conversation piece.  
     
    
    
     (7) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
     [0014]FIG. 1. Is a left side elevational view showing the lens lifted from body thereof.  
     [0015]FIG. 2: Is a rear elevational view of the assembled bracelet thereof.  
     [0016]FIG. 3. Is a rear elevational exploded view thereof.  
     [0017]FIG. 4. Is a left side elevational exploded, transparent view thereof. 
    
    
     (8) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0018] This invention provides for a way to carry and view a photo, picture or memento in a wrist bracelet. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the photo or other item is placed into a recess (R) in the back of a transparent lens (A) that slides into a channel (B) in the bracelet band (C). The small end of two tapered dowels (D), an integral part of the lens, slide easily into the large end of two tapered slots (E) in the band. A stop post (F) on the underside of the lens enters a slot (G) in the band channel to stop the lens with the item it contains at the center of the bracelet band. The blades (H) that attach the tapered pins to the lens are slightly thicker than the slots (I) in the band. The friction between the blades and the band slots retains the lens in the band.  
     [0019] The bracelet assembly is placed on the arm by pushing the small part of the wrist thru the gap (J) in the bracelet band.  
     [0020] Another way to accomplish the retention friction would be to use a slightly larger lens bow radius where installation of the lens would be accomplished by slightly bowing the lens up in the center and down on the pins before installation. An alternative to this plan would be a slightly smaller lens bow where installation of the lens would be accomplished by pressing down in the center of the lens as it enters the band channel.  
     [0021] The photo or keepsake in the lens can be replaced as often as desired. This is accomplished by removing the lens from the band by pushing on the lens to overcome the static friction between the blades and the slots and sliding it out.  
     [0022] The mold cavity for the band can be made using wire EDM (electrical discharge machining) to make the tapered slots and band; the radiused edges can be formed in inserts that are made using EDM electrodes. The lens cavity can be made using EDM or other traditional machining processes.