Abstract:
Systems and methods related to the selection and arrangement of decorative elements. The system includes a tray having at least one simulation cavity which replicates the dimensions of an actual article of jewelry. The method includes selecting various decorative elements and arranging them within the at least one cavity to sample various arrangements, then placing the decorative elements in the article of jewelry.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Individuality is a cornerstone in the fashion and accessories industries. More particularly, it is becoming more and more desirable to pick specific decorative element(s) to include in a piece of jewelry that symbolizes a person&#39;s favorite things or activities, or just because it looks pretty. Examples of this can be seen in fashion accessories such as charm bracelets and charm-filled lockets. 
         [0002]    It is not uncommon to have parties or gatherings in which a multitude of different decorative elements are on display from which one can choose to include in a certain piece of jewelry. For instance, in the case of a locket, a person can choose a plurality of decorative elements to place inside of the locket. Further, various shapes and sizes of lockets provide for various configurations of different shaped and sized decorative elements. The decorative element selection process may prove difficult or at least more cumbersome if one cannot efficiently determine if the desired decorative elements will fit within the desired locket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is directed to a system and method for more efficiently selecting and arranging decorative elements to be placed within an article of jewelry. A tray is provided which comprises at least one cavity replicating the dimensions of an article of jewelry. The invention provides for various trials of arranging decorative elements in the cavity before finalizing the ultimate design to be placed within the article of jewelry. 
         [0004]    According to one aspect of a device according to the present invention, a device is provided for arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article, The device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one simulation cavity extends from the first surface towards the second surface, and at least one additional recess extends from the first surface towards the second surface. An aperture is formed through the first and second surfaces, and the at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article. 
         [0005]    According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body includes a plurality of simulation cavities extending from the first surface towards the second surface. 
         [0006]    According to yet another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body comprising a plurality of recesses extending from the first surface towards the second surface. 
         [0007]    According to still another aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may be substantially the same shape. 
         [0008]    According to a further aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may be substantially circular. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, each simulation cavity may have a different volume than each of the other simulation cavities. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the device may further include a circumferential ridge extending inward into the aperture. The ridge may be disposed closer to the second surface than the first surface. According to another aspect of a device according to the present invention, the body may further include a first side extending between the first surface and the second surface and a channel extending inward from the first side and terminating in a substantially circular terminus, the channel being adapted to receive a drinkware stem. The channel and simulation cavity may be on opposite sides of the aperture. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of a method according to the present invention is a method for selecting and arranging decorative elements for placement within a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article. The method includes the steps of providing a tray, selecting at least one of a plurality of decorative elements, placing the selected element in the tray and receiving a jewelry article including the exact element or a replicate thereof. The tray may have a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one simulation cavity extending from the first surface towards the second surface, at least one recess extending from the first surface towards the second. surface, and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces. The at least one simulation cavity is sized and configured to emulate dimensions of the cavity of the predetermined jewelry article. Where a plurality of simulation cavities are provided, they may be the same or different shapes and/or sizes. The recess may be configured to receive tools (e.g., tweezers or other tongs-like device) that may be used in performing one or more steps according to the present invention. The selected decorative element may placed within one of the plurality of cavities to indicate a preferred decorative element arrangement. The predetermined jewelry article is then received, which includes a received decorative element arrangement within the cavity of the article, wherein the received decorative element arrangement is at least substantially similar to the preferred decorative element arrangement. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, it may include the step of supporting a cup at least partially within the aperture. The method may include the steps of, after the selecting step, placing the at least one selected decorative element into the cup and removing the at least one selected decorative element from the cup. The method may further include the steps of removing one of the decorative elements from one of the simulation cavities and placing the removed decorative element into the cup. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of a method according to the present invention, it may include the step of transferring the preferred decorative element arrangement to a geographic location at which the received decorative element arrangement is created. 
         [0014]    An embodiment of a device according to the present invention may include a body having a substantially planar first surface extending between a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a left side extending between the front side and the rear side, and a right side opposite the left side and extending between the front side and the rear side, the body having a second surface opposite the first surface. A circular aperture may be formed through the first and second surfaces, wherein a circumferential ridge extends inward into the aperture. A first reentrant circular simulation cavity having a first diameter extends from the first surface towards the second surface, wherein the first simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture. A second reentrant circular simulation cavity haying a second diameter also extends from the first surface towards the second surface. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter, and the second simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture, and may be between the right side and the first simulation cavity. At least a portion of the second cavity may be located closer to the front side than the first cavity. A third reentrant circular simulation cavity having a third diameter extends from the first surface towards the second surface. The third diameter may be larger than the second diameter. The third simulation cavity may be positioned between the right side and the aperture, and closer to the front side than each of the first and second simulation cavities. A first reentrant recess may be accessible from the first surface and may extend from the first surface towards the second surface. The first recess may be positioned between the left side and the aperture. A second reentrant recess may be accessible from the first surface and may extend from the first surface towards the second surface. The first recess may be positioned between the rear side and the aperture. Each simulation cavity may be sized and configured to emulate dimensions of a cavity of a predetermined jewelry article. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  along lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method. according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7-11B  illustrate steps according to the method of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0022]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed. without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment  100  of a tray according to the present invention. The tray  100  preferably comprises a body  102 , a first simulation cavity  110 , a second simulation cavity  120 , and a third simulation. cavity  130 . It should be noted, however, that the present invention should not be construed as limited to having three cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  as more or fewer cavities are also contemplated. The tray  100  may have other compartments such as a first recess  140 , second recess  150 , or holes or slots formed therethrough, such as an aperture  160 . 
         [0024]    The body  102  is preferably sized and configured to support the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130 , the first recess  140 , the second recess  150 , and the aperture  160 . As shown here, it may be preferable to place the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  on one side of the body  102 , such as on one side of the aperture  160 , for ease of use as will be described further below. The body  102  has a first surface  104 , a second surface  106 , and a height H as defined as the distance from the second surface  106  through the first surface  104 . As shown here, the shape of the body  102  is substantially rectangular; alternatively, other shapes are contemplated. The body  102  is preferably formed from one or more desirable, preferably rigid, materials, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, and/or plastic (e.g., high impact polystyrene). 
         [0025]    The cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  are preferably integrally formed within the body  102  and recessed from the first surface  104  towards the second surface  106  of the body  102 . Looking to  FIG. 2 , each of the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  preferably has a different diameter D1, D2, D3, respectively, but, with reference to  FIG. 3 , each cavity  110 ,  120 ,  130  has a substantially similar recessed depth of R1. 
         [0026]    Preferably the diameters D1, D2, D3 of the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130 , respectively, correspond to the diameter D5 of a pocket in similarly shaped articles of jewelry  10  (see  FIG. 11A ). Additionally or alternatively, the recessed depth R1 is preferably substantially similar to the internal depth R2 of the article of jewelry  10  (see  FIG. 11B ). 
         [0027]    The cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  are depicted here as at least substantially circular. However, other shapes are contemplated. and within the purview of the present invention. As non-limiting examples, at least one of the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  may be shaped as a heart or other non-circular shape. The cavities may all be of the same shape or of one or more differing shapes. Additionally or alternatively, the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  may be sized similarly to the size of custom jewelry locket cavities (e.g., lockets offered for sale under the brand name of ORIGAMI OWL®). 
         [0028]    Continuing to look at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first recess  140  and the second recess  150  are shown, The first recess  140  may comprise any preferred shape. The first recess  140  is preferably integrally formed within the body  102  and recessed from the first surface  104  towards the second surface  106  of the body  102 , and may be located on the side of the body  102  or aperture  160  opposite the plurality of cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130 . 
         [0029]    The second recess  150  is preferably rectangular in shape and is preferably integrally formed within the body  102  and recessed from the first surface  104  towards the second surface  106  of the body  102 . As shown here, the second recess  150  may be positioned along one side of the body  102 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the aperture  160  may be substantially circular and preferably. comprises a ridge  164  projecting inward from the aperture periphery  162  at or near the second surface  106  of the body  102 . The ridge  164  may further include a plurality of optional notches  166  spaced approximately 90 degrees apart from each other around. the circumference of the aperture  160 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  shows the tray  100  receiving a cup  20  (sometimes referred to colloquially as a votive candle holder, or simply votive) within the aperture  160 . The ridge  164  and the plurality of notches  166  may be designed to accommodate a particular or various forms of cups  20 . Alternatively, a cup element or another cavity (not shown) may be integrally formed within the body  102  of the tray  100 . The notches  166  may serve as manufacturing reliefs and/or provide for enhanced frictional relief to ease insertion and/or removal of a cup  20  to/from the aperture  160 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a second embodiment  200  of a tray according to the present invention. Like numbers represent identical or substantially similar elements to those of the first tray embodiment  100 . In addition to the elements included in the first embodiment  100 , this tray  200  includes a stemware retainer  270  adapted to receive and retain a piece of stemware  30 . The stemware retainer  270  preferably has an open-end  272  located on a first side  208  of the body  202 , a channel  274  with a width W extending inward into the body  102  from the open-end  272 , and ends in a substantially circular terminus  276 . The terminus  276  preferably has a diameter D4 greater than the channel width W. As illustrated here, a piece of stemware  30  may enter the stemware retainer  270  at the open-end.  272 , move along the channel  274 , and be received within the terminus  276 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  shows a flow chart of a method of selecting and arranging decorative elements to be arranged in an article of jewelry  10 . The elements of the flow chart shown in  FIG. 6  are further illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 .  FIG. 7  shows a container  40  with one or more compartments  42  provided, wherein each compartment  42  of the container  40  hosts a plurality of decorative elements  60 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates providing the tray  100 , with the cup  20  received within the aperture  160 . 
         [0034]    Decorative elements  60  are selected (step  601 ) from the container  40  ( FIG. 7 ) and placed (step  602 ) within the cup  20  in the tray  100  ( FIG. 8 ). This step may be achieved by picking the decorative elements  60  from the compartments  42  with a tweezers  50  (or any tongs-like device) as shown or with fingers  52 . The selected decorative elements  60  are then removed from the cup  20  (step  603 ), again with the tweezers  50  or fingers  52 , and placed (step  604 ) within at least one cavity  110 ,  120 ,  130  ( FIG. 9 ), until the preferred decorative elements  60  are positioned in at least one of the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130 . If decorative elements  60  are no longer desired in a final layout, they may be removed (optional step  605 ) from the respective cavity and returned to the cup  20  or the container  40 . This method provides a user with the ability to test out various decorative elements  60  and various placements and arrangements of the decorative elements  60  within a replication of the cavity of the article of jewelry  10  ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ). As some lockets may necessitate that the decorative elements  60  not overlap within the article of jewelry  10 , this step allows the user to sample different decorative elements  60  in different arrangements. The selecting step  603 , placing step  604  and/or removing step  605  may be repeated until the preferred decorative elements  60  are selected and a preferred arrangement of the decorative elements  60  is achieved.  FIG. 9  illustrates each cavity  110 ,  120 ,  130  having decorative elements  60  positioned therein; however, if more than one cavity is provided, not every cavity  110 ,  120 ,  130  must be utilized. 
         [0035]    After the preferred decorative elements  60  are placed and arranged in at least one of the cavities  110 ,  120 ,  130  ( FIG. 10 ), the tray  100  may be transferred to a location at which the arrangement of decorative elements  60  are noted and/or placed within an article of jewelry  10  ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ), preferably in accord with the design having first been laid out in the respective cavity. The location at which the elements  60  are placed within the article  10  may be at the same general geographic site (e.g., in the same building or on the same piece of real property) where the selection and arrangement of the decorative elements  60  occurred. Alternatively, the placement of elements  60  in an article  10  having a cavity substantially corresponding to the size and shape of a respective cavity  110 ,  120 ,  130  may occur at a different geographic site. Regardless of assembly location, the jewelry article  10  is received (step  606 ) including the decorative element(s)  60 , or simulations or reproductions thereof, that were placed in step  604 . The decorative element(s)  60  provided in the jewelry article  10  may be loose within the article  10  or affixed to the article  10  and/or affixed to other decorative element (a)  60  provided. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a finished article of jewelry  10 . As seen here, too article of jewelry  10  contains the decorative elements  60  as arranged in the first simulation cavity  110  of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0037]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.