Abstract:
A Jewelry and timepiece protection and storage device which provides selective added decorative and/or non-decorative functional enhancements to horological and non-horological jewelry items having band, chain, strap, lanyard or similar holding entity and which when such jewelry items are worn they at least in part surround a body part such as the wrist, arm, ankle, neck, head, waist. The enhancements are electronic or mechanical. Decorative functional enhancements may be non-electronic and/or electronic visual display capabilities allowing selective viewing of selective interchangeable pictures, photos, artwork replicas and other graphic material. Changeability of the jewelry piece apparent shape and/or size is possible, and there can be a light emitting device. Non-decorative functional enhancements may include selective protective covering, physical and/or electronic storage capabilities for information or personal identification, medical alert or non medical documents, physical paraphernalia, instruments, tools, batteries, non-electronic, electronic and computer devices, global positioning and tracking devices, record keeping devices or communication devices. The invention further is constructed to permit the device to allow easy and ready selective at least visual access to a selective portion of the jewelry item being enhanced.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/418,893 filed Oct. 15, 2002 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a jewelry and timepiece protection and storage device that provides selectively added decorative and/or non-decorative functional enhancements to horological and non-horological items jewelry items. The jewelry items have band, chain, strap, rope, lanyard or similar holding entity and when worn they at least in part surround a body part such as the finger, toe, wrist, arm, ankle, leg, thigh, neck, head, waist.  
           [0003]    Such horological jewelry items may include, timekeeping devices or timepieces such as a wristwatch, finger watch, ankle watch, necklace/pendant watch, etc. including those having analog and/or digital displays and electronic and/or mechanical and/or radio controlled movements. Non-horological, non-timekeeping jewelry items may include items such as a bracelet, anklet, necklace, pendant necklace, ring, crown or tiara, or belt buckle/belt.  
           [0004]    The invention further is constructed to permit the device to allow easy and ready selective at least visual access to a selective portion of the jewelry item being enhanced. The portion of jewelry in the case of a timepiece is the watch body and more specifically the time indicating elements and in non-horological, non-timekeeping jewelry items would be things such as an ornament, a jewel, a pendant, a charm, a buckle, a band or chain closure element.  
           [0005]    There is no known prior art having the diverse functionality, selectivity of functionality and ease of use as the present invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    This invention relates to a jewelry and timepiece protection and storage device that provides selective added decorative and/or non-decorative functional enhancements to a selected jewelry item.  
           [0007]    The selected jewelry item must have the following characteristics: it should have a band, strap, chain, rope, lanyard or similar holding entity and when said selected jewelry item is worn by the user it at least in part surrounds a body part such as the finger, toe, wrist, arm, ankle, leg, thigh, neck, head, waist. The jewelry item may include horological, timekeeping devices or timepieces including those having analog and/or digital displays and electronic and/or mechanical and/or radio controlled movements that can be worn examples of which include items such as a wristwatch, finger watch, ankle watch, necklace/pendant watch and also non-horological, non-timekeeping jewelry items such as a bracelet, anklet, necklace, pendant necklace, ring, crown or tiara, or belt buckle/belt.  
           [0008]    The selected jewelry item defines a longitudinal dimension that lies essential along the length of the holding entity when said holding entity surrounds the body part when worn by the user.  
           [0009]    The selected jewelry item has a top or outer surface or aspect that faces away from the skin of the user when the selected jewelry item is worn by the user.  
           [0010]    Decorative functional enhancements of the jewelry item, timepiece or jewelry piece, may selectively include:  
           [0011]    1. Non-electronic and/or electronic visual display capabilities allowing selective viewing of selective interchangeable pictures, photos, artwork replicas and other graphic material.  
           [0012]    2. Interchangeable decorative elements/ornamentation such as decorative plates, ornamental stickers/decals, miniature figurines, or jewels.  
           [0013]    3. Changeability of the jewelry item apparent shape and/or apparent size.  
           [0014]    4. Light emitting device and liquid crystal displays.  
           [0015]    Non-decorative functional enhancements may selectively include:  
           [0016]    1. Selective protective covering to and when applicable added protective securement and/or fixation of a selected portion of the jewelry item relative to the remaining jewelry item. For example in the case of a wristwatch, the device can provide additional securement protection between the watch body and its watchband, thereby decreasing the likelihood of the wristwatch falling off the user&#39;s wrist if a spring pin holding the watchband and watch body together were to pop out.  
           [0017]    2. Physical and/or electronic storage capabilities for any one or a combination of a vast array of informational material or data such as personal identification, medical (medical alert) and/or non medical information, documents and notes, UPC bar code, magnetic strip and credit card related information, logo indicia, physical paraphernalia including medications, vitamins and supplements in such forms as pills, tablets, powders, creams and lotions, religious articles, toys, dice, games, jewelry, personal hygiene, health and beauty aids, medical test strips, lancers for blood testing, prophylactics, condoms, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, compact with mirror, mirror, contact lenses, magnifying mirrors or lenses, scents and perfumes, candy, mints, tobacco products such as snuff, matches, lighters, coins, postage stamps, stickers/decals, bookkeeper&#39;s resin, stationery goods, record keeping and memo taking devices, art supplies, keys, tape measures, thermometers, tools, batteries, compasses, other non-electronic devices, electronic and computer devices like mini computers, personal digital appliances, electronic scheduling and planning devices, electronic games, calculators, navigational, global positioning and tracking devices, mini-televisions, radios, cameras, audio-video equipment, sound and music devices, pagers, phones, walkie-talkies, and communication devices, electronic record keeping and memo taking devices, timekeeping devices, visual displays or light emitting devices, keyless entry devices, remote control devices, alarm devices, personal protection devices, physiological monitoring and analysis devices including those of a cardiovascular and hematological nature.  
           [0018]    3. Manual memo pad and note taking capabilities.  
           [0019]    The invention further is constructed to permit the device to allow easy and ready selective at least visual access to a selective portion of the jewelry item being enhanced. The portion of jewelry in the case of a horological, timekeeping device or timepiece is the watch body and more specifically the time indicating elements and in non-timekeeping jewelry would be things such as an ornament, a jewel, a pendant, a charm, a buckle, a band or chain closure element.  
           [0020]    The jewelry and timepiece protection and storage device is a unit having at least one attachment component comprising of: a first fastening element and at least one additional second fastening element.  
           [0021]    The attachment component attaches and engages with the selected jewelry item&#39;s holding entity selectively in at least one of a permanent and a reversible manner.  
           [0022]    The attachment component&#39;s fastening elements may be any suitable known or to be discovered fastening means including loops with or without elastic—through which the holding entity is threaded, straps with hook &amp; loop material—Velcro®, snaps, clamps, clips screws, magnetic means. The attachment component fastening element and the selected jewelry item holding entity may also have reciprocal substrate fastening means such as for snaps or screws. The attachment component-fastening element may selectively be made integral with the jewelry item holding entity.  
           [0023]    The first and second fastening elements can be variably spaced, separated however in at least one instance the spacing, separation must be at least a distance that is at least as wide as the longitudinal length of the watch body including applicable attachment appendages in the case of a wearable timepiece and in non-horological, non-timekeeping jewelry items is defined as the longitudinal length of the selected portion of the jewelry item, such as an ornament, a jewel, a pendant, a charm, a buckle, band or chain closure element as applicable.  
           [0024]    The first and second fastening elements spaced separation may be bridged by one of either a simple gap, without specific bridging material or bridging material which is selectively non-stretchable and/or stretchable, having one broad surface, appropriately sized and configured to fit the selected jewelry portion and any applicable holding entity lying between first and second fastening elements.  
           [0025]    The bridging material is located in at least one of the following positions relative to the selected jewelry item, above the selected jewelry item top surface and below the selected jewelry item bottom surface.  
           [0026]    The bridging material may be at least one of opaque, semi-opaque, translucent, semi-transparent and transparent and have pictorial/graphic and non-graphic textual/informational material content.  
           [0027]    The bridging material may be non-fenestrated or fenestrated with at least one window-like aperture. This aperture may have a lens, which may have magnification capabilities.  
           [0028]    The bridging material permits visualization of at least a part of the selected jewelry portion.  
           [0029]    The bridging material may be attached to the fastening elements by at least one of the following means: intrinsic or permanent attachment to at least one of the fastening elements, reversible fastening means such as any known or to be discovered fastening means including loops with or without elastic, hook &amp; loop material—Velcro®, snaps, clamps, screws, magnetic means.  
           [0030]    There is at least one mobile/covering component having at least one movable portion relative to the jewelry item when the device is positioned on the jewelry item. The mobile/covering component has at least one broad surface that is approximately sized and configured to fit at least a part of the selected jewelry portion. The mobile/covering component may selectively have non-stretchable or stretchable elements. The mobile/covering component may be at least one of opaque, semi-opaque, translucent, semi-transparent, and transparent and have pictorial/graphic and non-graphic textual/informational material content. The mobile/covering component may be operatively connected to the attachment component by at least one of the following means: Intrinsic or any know permanent attachment means at least at one end, non-pivot or pivoting rivet/post fixation at one end, hinges at one end, sliding groove, reversible fastening means such as any known or to be discovered fastening means including loops with or without elastic, hook &amp; loop material Velcro™, snaps, clamps, screws, magnetic means at least on one end.  
           [0031]    The mobile/covering component can selectively be constructed so it can be selectively temporarily detached completely from the attachment component.  
           [0032]    The attachment component and mobile/covering component may have reciprocal attachment substrates to accommodate said operative connections and positions as described above and below where applicable.  
           [0033]    The attachment component has at least one position in which it attaches to the holding entity such that the selected jewelry portion lies between the attachment component&#39;s first and at least one second fastening element and which permits the mobile/covering component when attached to the attachment component to overlie the selected jewelry portion. Selectively a second position on the holding entity in which the attachment component&#39;s first and at least one second fastening element are removed from said first position and which does not permit the mobile/covering component when attached to the attachment component to overlie the selected jewelry portion.  
           [0034]    The mobile/covering component has a first and at least one second position relative to the selected jewelry portion when the mobile/covering component is at least partially attached to the attachment component and when said attachment component is in its first position.  
           [0035]    The mobile/covering component has a first position which overlies or covers and is essentially parallel to the selected jewelry portion top surface thus possibly obscuring at least in part the visualization of the top surface of the selected portion of the jewelry item and the mobile/covering component has at least one second position which does not overlie or cover and is not essentially parallel to the selected jewelry portion top surface and does not visually obscure the top surface of the selected portion of the jewelry item.  
           [0036]    The mobile/covering component has operatively connected to it, at least one instrument appropriately sized and configured to fit on the mobile/covering component. The operative connection includes any known or to be discovered means of attachment including at least one of a permanent and a reversible nature. The mobile/covering component and the instrument are appropriately adapted to facilitate this operative connection as appropriate.  
           [0037]    The instrument has at least one holding/storage means, which may be at least one of an electronic nature and a non-electronic, mechanical nature. The holding/storage means permitting selective input, retrieval, and exchange of at least one of tangible and non-tangible material.  
           [0038]    The instrument having electronic holding/storage element means selectively including at least one of a vast array of electronic and computer devices including mini computers, personal digital appliances, global positioning and tracking devices or mini-televisions, radios, cameras, audio-video equipment, sound and music devices, pagers, phones, walkie-talkies, record keeping and memo taking devices, timekeeping devices, visual displays or light emitting devices, keyless entry devices, alarm devices, personal protection devices, physiological monitoring and analysis devices including those of a cardiovascular and hematological nature.  
           [0039]    The non-tangible material would include electronic digital or analog data of all kinds, for example data of an informational, graphic, voice, sound, music, visual, audiovisual nature.  
           [0040]    The instrument having a non-electronic, mechanical storage element selectively would include at least one of a container that opens and closes and which selectively has means to at least one of not visually displaying its contents and visually displaying its contents including such means as a window, or aperture, having at least a small transparent portion; a clamp; a hook; a frame; a slotted frame; a perimetrical receiving port or well; a suction cup; straps; magnet; ferromagnetic material; a prong; clip; screw or other suitable holding/storage element; the holding/storage element being able to hold/store at least one appropriately sized item selected by the user and said item being removable from said holding/storage element as selected by the user.  
           [0041]    The tangible material includes appropriately sized at least one of: physical informational material, records or data such as personal identification, medical (medical alert) and/or non medical information, documents and notes, UPC bar code, magnetic strip and credit card related information, logo indicia, appropriately sized physical objects and paraphernalia such as pictures, photos, artwork replicas and other graphic material, inserts, decorative plates, ornaments, miniature figurines, or jewels; medications, vitamins and supplements in such forms as pills, tablets, capsules, powders or creams and lotions, religious articles, toys, dice, games, jewelry, personal hygiene, health and beauty aids, medical test strips, lancers for blood testing, prophylactics, condoms, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, compact with mirror, mirror, contact lenses, magnifying mirrors or lenses, scents and perfumes, candy, mints, tobacco products such as snuff, matches, lighters, coins, postage stamps, stickers/decals, bookkeeper&#39;s resin, stationery goods, record keeping and memo taking devices, art supplies, keys, tape measures, thermometers, tools, batteries, compasses, other non-electronic devices, electronic and computer devices like mini-computers, personal digital appliances, electronic scheduling and planning devices, electronic games, calculators, navigational, global positioning and tracking devices or mini-televisions, radios, cameras, audio-video equipment, sound and music devices, pagers, phones, walkie-talkies and other similar communication devices, electronic record keeping and memo taking devices, timekeeping devices, visual displays or light emitting devices, keyless entry devices, remote control devices, alarm devices, personal security and protection device, physiological monitoring and analysis devices including those of a cardiovascular and hematological nature.  
           [0042]    Various inserts can be manually interchangeably locatable in for example either a frame having a slotted or grooved passageway; in a perimetrical receiving port or well; or in a container having a window top.  
           [0043]    Elastic loops or bands or other stretchable fastening means can be used as a means to effect the adjacent relationship and attachment of the device unit, attachment component or mobile/covering component, the jewelry item, timepiece or jewelry piece. The stretchable fastening means selectively may allow for the device to be shifted/pushed to the side of or pulled up off of the jewelry item, timepiece face or jewelry piece top surface by the user in order to view the time or jewelry piece. The unit would then recoil back over the jewelry item after viewing the selected jewelry portion.  
           [0044]    Any applicable hinges can have spring biasing to facilitate open or closing as applicable. The hinges can also be of a pivot/rotate nature.  
           [0045]    The lid-like container top can have at least one frame with or without lens.  
           [0046]    The container may have at least one side aperture for cable or plug access or to accommodate for projections from items being stored.  
           [0047]    The device can have a symbol such as a cross or medical symbol to alert potential rescuer of the user&#39;s medicine conditions information physically or electronically stored within the device frame, perimetrical receiving port, container or within electronic storage areas as applicable.  
           [0048]    A device with a container of a given size and/or shape can be attached to a timepiece with a timepiece body of a different size and/or shape causing the apparent general appearance of the watch body which is covered by the device to be different than it actually is.  
           [0049]    A device can have a decorative method and means of manufacture of inserts: Insert with images of things such as photos, cartoon characters, sports and collector&#39;s cards, artwork replicas, etc. can be pre-printed/pre-painted individually (one image on each sheet) or in multiple quantities (multiple images per given sheet) on sheets of paper or plastic or other suitable material stock, then cut out manually with scissors or dye cut. Alternatively they can be pre-scored so they can be punched out and then they can be selectively placed in the device&#39;s image display (frame or container) for viewing and decoration.  
           [0050]    A device can have decorative method and means of manufacture of stick on ornaments (stickers/decals) made of paper, or plastic or other suitable material selectively opaque, semi-opaque, semitransparent, translucent, transparent or clear, may be of a pictorial or graphic and/or non-graphic textual or informational nature or any combination of the above with self adhesive.  
           [0051]    The stick on ornaments have selectively photos, cartoon characters, sports cards, collector&#39;s cards, signs of the zodiac, artwork replicas, decorative designs selectively pre-printed/pre-painted/preformed and pre-scored selectively individually or in multiple quantities on sheets with backing non-stick paper or other suitable material. These stickers/decals are than selectively peeled and removed from the backing sheet and selectively placed on the device&#39;s surface for viewing and decoration.  
           [0052]    A device can have a decorative method and means of manufacture of magnetic ornaments made of rubberized plastic magnet impregnated material or other suitable magnetic material, the magnetic ornaments having selectively photos, cartoon characters, sports cards, collector&#39;s cards, artwork replicas, decorative designs selectively pre-printed/pre-painted/preformed and pre-scored or pre-cut selectively individually or in multiple quantities in sheets, these magnetic ornaments are than selectively placed on the device&#39;s reciprocal magnetic or ferromagnetic surface for viewing and decoration.  
           [0053]    The device can have a decorative method and means of printing of inserts or stickers/decals wherein pre-formatted image files are created electronically and then sent on-demand electronically to the user to then be printed out by the user on a computer printer or other suitable printer and upon suitable sheet material. The images are then cut by the user to be selectively appropriately positioned on the device for viewing and decoration.  
           [0054]    An electronic visual display method and means of manufacture would include the downloading of image files or inserting of a disc, card or cartridge having image files into the device&#39;s storage areas. These images can include photos, cartoon characters, sports and collector&#39;s cards, artwork replicas, etc. They can then be selectively displayed for viewing and decoration.  
           [0055]    The invention is now further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0056]    [0056]FIGS. 1, 1 a ,  1   c  and  1   d  show one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 1 and 1 a  are respectively top and side views of the device. FIG. 1 b  is a selected timepiece, top view. FIGS. 1 c  and  1   d  are mid section long axis partial cut away views of the device-timepiece ensemble respectively “closed” and “open”.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIGS. 2, 2 a ,  2   c ,  2   d ,  2   e  show another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2 and 2 a  are respectively top “opened” and side “covered” views of the device. FIG. 2 b  is a selected timepiece, side view. FIG. 2 c  is a mid section view of the attachment portion of the device through line with arrows of FIG. 2. FIGS. 2 d  and  2   e  are respectively top and top projection views of the device-timepiece ensemble “open”.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIGS. 3, 3 a , and  3   b  are respectively top, side, and bottom views of another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 d , and  3   e  are device-timepiece ensemble top views respectively in first and second positions. FIG. 3 c  is a mid partial section short axis view of device ensemble as seen in FIG. 3 d.    
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  are projection views of a buckle end of a belt respectively from above and below. FIG. 4 d  is a side view with partial cut away of the device-buckle/belt ensemble, as it would be worn by the user similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3 now as adapted to a belt/belt buckle. FIG. 4 e  is a top view of the same device-buckle/belt ensemble the device is now put into a position which uncovers the buckle previously covered by the device.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 5 is a view from above of another embodiment of the invention FIG. 5 a  is a view from above of a selected jewelry item in this case a timepiece (a wristwatch). FIG. 5 b  is a view from above of the device-timepiece ensemble. FIGS. 5 c  and  5   d  are mid-section long axis side views (through line B-B′ of FIG. 5 b ) through the device-timepiece ensemble with the mobile/covering component in two different positions, respectively “closed” and “open”. FIG. 5 e  is a section view through line A-A′ of the FIG. 5 b.    
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 6, 6 a ,  6   b ,  6   c  and  6   d  are views from above of embodiments similar to that described in FIG. 5 but with some possible variations of shape and size and orientation of opening and closure of the mobile/covering component. Note the holding/storage element is not shown for simplification.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 7 is a view of the device of FIG. 5 from above. Note the holding/storage element is not shown for simplification. FIGS. 7 a  through  7   e  show views from above of several variations in device attachment means. FIG. 7 f  is a view from above of an embodiment with combined slit aperture and Velcro attachment means, while FIGS. 7 g ,  7   h  and  7   i  are the respective anterior, side, and posterior views of this device-timepiece ensemble.  
         [0063]    FIGS.  8  to  8   b  are views of an embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the device. FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  are side views of the device mobile/covering component in respectively “closed” and “opened” positions.  
         [0064]    FIGS.  9  to  9   u  are views of an embodiment of the invention in which the mobile/covering component and the attachment component are constructed such that the mobile/covering component can be selectively completely detached from the attachment component. The mobile/covering component in FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b  and  9   c  is seen respectively in top, side with partial cut away and bottom projections. Multiple variations of the attachment component are seen in top view FIGS. 9 d ,  9   h ,  9   l , and  9   p . Each of these variations of attachment component embodiment are shown also attached to a watch in the device-watch ensemble views in respective, midline long axis cut away side view, top, and short axis cut away view through line z-z′ for that of FIG. 9 d  in FIGS. 9 e ,  9   f  and  9   g ; for that of FIG. 9 h  in FIGS. 9 i ,  9   j  and  9   k ; for that of FIG. 9 l  in FIGS. 9 m ,  9   n  and  9   o ; for that of FIG. 9 p  in FIGS. 9 q ,  9   r  and  9   s . FIGS. 9 t  and  9   u  are respectively midline long axis cut away side view and top view of the attachment component which is incorporated into the holding entity, the watchband. FIGS. 9 v  and  9   w  each show left to right respectively top, bottom and partially cut away midsection views of snap-on ornaments—respectively diamond and square shaped faceted jewels.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 10 is a view from above of a sheet having decorative elements, inserts. FIG. 10 a  is a blow up view of the encircled region D-D′. FIG. 10 b  is a section view through line E-E′ of FIG. 10 a . FIG. 10 c  is a partial section side view of the insert being positioned into a frame with slots that serves as the holding/storage element that would be attached to the device&#39;s mobile/covering component external surface.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 11 is a view from above of a sheet having self-adhesive decorative elements, stickers/decals or ornaments. FIG. 11 a  is a blow up view of the encircled region D-D′. FIG. 11 b  is a section view through line E-E′ of FIG. 11 a  while FIG. 11 c  shows the element being peeled off of the backing sheet. FIG. 11 d  is a partial section side view of the element being positioned into the top surface of a container that serves as the holding/storage element attached to the device&#39;s mobile/covering component external surface.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 12 is a view from above of a sheet having of decorative elements of a magnetic or ferromagnetic nature. FIG. 12 a  is a blow up view of the encircled region D-D′. FIG. 12 b  is a section view through line E-E′ of FIG. 12 a . FIG. 12 c  is a partial section side view of the decorative element being positioned on a device reciprocal magnetic or ferromagnetic holding/storage element that serves as the holding/storage element attached to the device&#39;s mobile/covering component external surface.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0068]    In order to facilitate this discussion and to serve as a source of quick reference the timepiece related components are uniformly numbered and named as follows:  
         [0069]    [0069] 1 —Timepiece or Watch Body/Watch Case  
         [0070]    [0070] 1   a —Timepiece Anterior Face or Aspect  
         [0071]    [0071] 1   b —Timepiece Posterior Face or Aspect  
         [0072]    [0072] 1   c —Timepiece Body Appendage (which facilitates attachment of watchband or strap or similar holding entity)  
         [0073]    [0073] 2 —Timepiece Background Face (which in Analog Display Timepieces is the surface that usually lies posterior or deep to the time indicating elements, the Hands; and in Digital Display Watches is essentially the same surface as the time indicating elements, digital indicia or suitable symbolic substitute)  
         [0074]    [0074] 3 —Timepiece Time Indicating Elements (which in Analog Display Timepieces is the Hands; and in Digital Display Timepieces the digital indicia or suitable symbolic substitute)  
         [0075]    [0075] 4 —Numerals or marks on analog display watches (which are frequently absent in that they are not essential to determine the time)  
         [0076]    [0076] 5 —Timepiece Crystal  
         [0077]    [0077] 6 —Time setting and adjusting means, such as the watch stem and knob  
         [0078]    [0078] 7 —Time Movement Axis Hub (which connects to the Hands of Analog Display Timepieces  
         [0079]    [0079] 11 —Watchband, strap or similar holding entity  
         [0080]    [0080] 11   a —Watchband Buckle, or Closure Element  
         [0081]    [0081] 11   b —Watchband Holes or Eyelets  
         [0082]    Referring to FIGS.  1  to  1   d , there is a timepiece device for protecting a selected timepiece (a wristwatch) and for holding/storing and selectively exhibiting different selectable items as selected by a user. The selectable items include selectively pictures, other graphic material, memo pad, informational material and other paraphernalia being changeable by the user. The device, comprised of a unit U dimensioned to the general size and configuration of a selected timepiece  1 . Said unit can in appearance be selectively at least one of opaque, semi-opaque, semitransparent, translucent, transparent and clear and have pictorial or graphic and/or non-graphic textual or informational material content. Said unit having an attachment component AC and a covering component CC having at least one holding/storage element. Said holding/storage element being located in this instance on the covering component&#39;s external aspect. Said holding/storage element may selectively include a container  17  (as in this instance), a clamp, a hook, a frame, a suction cup, straps, magnet, ferromagnetic material, a prong, clip, screw, other suitable holding/storage elements or equivalents. Said holding/storage element being able to hold at least one appropriately sized item (not pictured) selected by the user and said item being removable from said holding/storage element as selected by the user. This container has a snap-on top part  17   a  and a bottom part  17   b . There are fastening means relative to the attachment component AC for removably securing/attaching the unit to the said timepiece which in this example are the slit-like apertures SA separated by a distance at least as wide as the longitudinal length of the timepiece body  1  and applicable timepiece body appendages  1   c  through which the timepiece strap limbs or watchband  11  are threaded in the manner suggested by the curving arrows between FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 b  and the covering component CC being locatable relative to said timepiece anterior face  1   a  such that in a first position the covering component CC is located in at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacency and essentially parallel relatively to the anterior face of the timepiece  1   a  as seen in FIG. 1 c  thus selectively at least partially covering and which may visually impede or obscure the timepiece&#39;s time indicating elements, the hands  3 , which may make the reading of the time by the user difficult or impossible, and in a second position the covering component CC is not in at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacency and essentially parallel and is removed from the anterior face of the timepiece  1   a  as seen in FIG. 1 d  and allowing at least visual access to the timepiece&#39;s time indicating elements, the hands  3 , and thus permitting the reading of the time by the user. There are reciprocal hooks and loops (Velcro) means VM that facilitate said first (and second) positions.  
         [0083]    The unit can be positioned on the timepiece in at least one other position in which it attaches to the watchband such that the time indicating element or watch body do not lie between the attachment component&#39;s first and second fastening elements slit-like apertures SA, not shown.  
         [0084]    Referring to FIGS.  2  to  2   e , there is a timepiece device for protecting a selected timepiece (a wristwatch) and for holding/storing and selectively exhibiting different selectable items as selected by a user. The selectable items include selectively pictures, other graphic material, memo pad, informational material and other paraphernalia being changeable by the user (with a similar embodiment to that seen in Sheet  1 ). The device is case-like, comprising a unit U dimensioned to the general size and configuration of a selected timepiece  1 . Said unit can in appearance be selectively at least one of opaque, semi-opaque, semitransparent, translucent, transparent and clear and have pictorial or graphic and/or non-graphic textual or informational material content. Said unit having an attachment component AC and a covering component CC having at least one holding/storage element. Said holding/storage element being located on the covering component&#39;s external aspect in this instance. Said holding/storage element may selectively include a container  17  (as in this instance), a clamp, a hook, a frame, a perimetrical receiving port or well, a suction cup, straps, magnet, ferromagnetic material, a prong, clip, screw, other suitable known holding/storage elements or equivalents. Said holding/storage element being able to hold at least one appropriately sized item (not pictured) selected by the user and said item being removable from said holding/storage element as selected by the user. This container has a snap-on top part  17   a  and a bottom part  17   b . Note that the roof of the covering component CC and the container  17   b  floor have a shared wall  18 . There are means relative to the attachment component AC for removable securing/attaching the unit to the said timepiece which in this example are the slit-like apertures SA through which the timepiece strap limbs or watchband  11  are threaded in the manner suggested by the curving arrows between FIG. 2 b  and FIG. 2 c  and the timepiece body  1  and appendages  1   c  fitting into the receptacle-like confines of the attachment component AC and the covering component CC being locatable relative to said timepiece anterior face  1   a  such that in a first position the covering component CC is located in at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacency and essentially parallel relatively to the anterior face of the timepiece  1   a  similar to FIG. 2 a  (if the time piece were present) thus selectively at least partially covering and visually impeding or obscuring the timepiece&#39;s time indicating elements, the hands  3 , which may make the reading of the time by the user difficult or impossible, and in a second position the covering component CC is not in at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacency and essentially parallel and is removed from the anterior face of the timepiece  1   a  as seen in FIG. 2 d  and FIG. 2 e  and allowing at least visual access to the timepiece&#39;s time indicating elements, the hands  3  and thus permitting the reading of the time by the user. There is a snap on method of securing the covering component CC together with the attachment component AC and the container top part  17   a  to its bottom part  17   b  as suggested by the direction of the arrows in FIG. 2 a . There are crude hinges  10  and  19  bridging respectively the said components AC and CC and the said container parts  17   a  top and  17   b  bottom.  
         [0085]    The unit can be positioned on the timepiece in at least one other position in which it attaches to the watchband such that the time indicating element or watch body do not lie between the attachment component&#39;s first and second fastening elements slit-like apertures SA, not shown.  
         [0086]    Referring to FIGS.  3  to  3   d , there is a jewelry and timepiece protective and storage device comprising a mobile/covering component  20  approximately sized and configured to the general size and configuration of at least a portion of a selected jewelry piece or timepiece. Said mobile/covering component  20  having a first surface that is selectively flat/planar or appropriately contoured to accommodate the general contour of said portion of piece and a opposing outer second surface and an intervening dimension between opposing surfaces additionally upon this second outer surface is operatively connected a container  23  having a screw-on lid configuration, with top part  23   a  and bottom part  23   b . There is a smiley face decorative sticker  15   a  atop the container top part  23   a . There are at least two elastic/stretchable loops  21  fastening means which function as the attachment component of said device to the jewelry item, which in this case is a wristwatch. Said fastening means are separated by a distance at least as wide as the longitudinal length of the timepiece body  1  and applicable timepiece body appendages  1   c  through which the timepiece strap limbs  11  are threaded. Said mobile/covering component  20  having an aperture  20   a  facilitating operatively connection of the loops to said mobile/covering component  20 . Said mobile/covering component  20  while the said device is attached to said jewelry item has at least two operative positions one covering said jewelry item such that the mobile/covering component is essentially in juxtaposed adjacency to the said jewelry item as in FIG. 3 c  and FIG. 3 d  and a second position not covering said jewelry item such that the component is not in essential juxtaposed adjacency as in FIG. 12 e , such second position being facilitated by the stretching of at least one elastic loop by the user, note thumb  22 .  
         [0087]    The arrangement is such that the user shifts, pushes, lifts the device to the side and off of the said jewelry item into the said second position in order to view the said portion of the jewelry item, the anterior watch face  1   a  as seen in FIG. 3 e , the user then releases the device allowing it to recoil back over the said jewelry item into the said first position as in FIG. 3 d . Said stretchable loop means, the attachment component having sufficient stretchability and memory to allow such first and second positional changes.  
         [0088]    The mobile/covering component  20  selectively could alternatively have other holding/storage means operatively connected to it including as least one of a clamp, a hook, a frame, a perimetrical receiving port or well, a suction cup, a strap, magnet, ferromagnetic material, a prong, clip, screw, other suitable known holding/storage elements or equivalents preferably attached to at least the outer surface.  
         [0089]    The device can also be positioned on the timepiece watchband in at least one other position in which the attachment component&#39;s first and second fastening elements do not flank either side of the time indicating element or watch body, not shown.  
         [0090]    Referring to FIGS. 4 d  and  4   e  is the device in a similar embodiment to that described in FIG. 3 as it would be adapted and applied to a belt with buckle. The elastic loops  20  that constitute the attachment component respectively fit around the belt close to the belt buckle as in FIG. 4 d  and FIG. 4 e . The numbered belt parts also include, the belt  25 , buckle looped passageway  24   b , belt-buckle attachment junction  25   c , the belt free end  25   d , the belt holes  25   a , buckle prong  24   a . The said first position of the mobile/covering component  20  is illustrated in FIG. 4 d , said second position of the mobile/covering component  20  is illustrated in FIG. 4 e , note how the unit  20  is away from the buckle  24  and the elastic loops  21  are stretched.  
         [0091]    The device can also be positioned on the belt in at least one other position in which the attachment component&#39;s first and second fastening elements do not flank either side of the belt buckle, not shown.  
         [0092]    Referring to FIG. 5, there is a jewelry and timepiece protector with holding/storing capabilities that comprises an attachment component  32  being approximately sized and configured to the general size and configuration of at least a portion of a selected jewelry item which in this case is a timepiece  1 . Said attachment component having a bridging flat/planar or appropriately contoured sheet material with an essentially central, essentially circular aperture  36 . Said attachment component has at least two fastening means on either side, in this case hook and loop Velcro® One Wrap™ straps  39  that are separated by a distance at least as wide as the longitudinal length of the timepiece body  1  and applicable timepiece body appendages  1   c  which secure the attachment component to the timepiece. These straps  39  wrap around the watchband  11  as seen in cross section in FIG. 5 e.    
         [0093]    The device having at least one mobile/covering component  34 . The mobile/covering component  34  is intrinsically operatively connected to the attachment component  32  near it central aperture at the hinged or bendable area  35 . This mobile/covering component  34  has more than one operative position relative to the attachment component  32  and the said timepiece when said device is secured to the said timepiece in this illustrated position. The mobile/covering component  34  having, at least one first operative position that is at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacent and essentially parallel to the anterior face of the timepiece  1   a  thereby covering it as seen in FIG. 5 b  and FIG. 5 c , which may visually impede or obscure at least in part a portion of the timepiece face time indicating elements, the hands  3 , which may make the reading of the time by the user difficult or impossible. The mobile/covering component  34  in this position overlies a potential window or viewing area  36 ; and at least one second operative position that is not at least one of essentially juxtaposed adjacent and parallel to the timepiece surface as seen in FIG. 5 d , note the users fingers  41  lifts a hooks and loops (Velcro) tab  40  (along with the mobile/covering component  34 ), whereby the mobile/covering component  34  does not cover nor visually impede or obscure the timepiece time indicating elements, the hands  3 , thus permitting the reading of the time by the user. The tab  40  attaches and detaches to the reciprocal Velcro top surface of the adjacent attachment strap to the watchband  39  and thereby facilitates both the first and second positions of the mobile/covering component  34 . Note the window or viewing area  36  is open. The mobile/covering component  34  having means for securing at least one holding/storage element in this instance to the its external surface, the mobile/covering component  34  having attached such holding/storage element that can include selectively a container  17  (as in the present instance), a clamp, a frame, a perimetrical receiving port or well a prong, a clip, a screw, a hook, a suction cup, magnet, ferromagnetic material, straps or, other suitable known holding/storage element. The container  17  in this instance is snap-on in configuration with top part  17   a  and bottom part  17   b . Note filler or adhesive  40   a  which attaches and levels the container to the component. The mobile/covering component&#39;s exact shape, size, and the direction of orientation of it opening and closure can vary.  
         [0094]    The device can also be positioned on the timepiece watchband in at least one other position in which the attachment component&#39;s first and second fastening elements do not flank either side of the time indicating elements or watch body, not shown.  
         [0095]    Referring to FIGS.  6  to  6   d , there are several examples of possible variations in the shape and size of the device and variations in to general shape and size of the mobile/covering component; Round (FIG. 6 which is similar to FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 a ), square (FIG. 6 b ), rectangular (FIG. 6 c ), oval (FIG. 6 d ), and also variations in the orientation of opening and closure of the mobile/covering component FIG. 6 versus FIG. 6 a . It should be also noted that a unit&#39;s shape does not have to duplicate exactly the timepiece body&#39;s shape and the covering component&#39;s shape does not have to duplicate the general shape of the unit and a container atop the component can be configured to the general shape and size of a selected timepiece body/anterior face or can be a differing shape and size. In this way the device when attached to a selected watch can give the device-timepiece ensemble a whole new shape, size and appearance.  
         [0096]    Referring to FIG. 7, there are several examples of possible variations in the means of attachment of the device to the watch including variations in slit-like aperture shapes FIG. 7 a , FIG. 7 b , and FIG. 7 c  variations in loop/ring shaped attachment FIG. 7 d  and FIG. 7 e  (ring and bar), and a slit apertures and posterior Velcro closure combination FIG. 7 f  through FIG. 7 i.    
         [0097]    Referring to FIGS. 8, 8 a ,  8   b  this is an embodiment of the device similar to that shown in Sheet  5 . The attachment component&#39;s bridging material in this instance is an elongated rectangular sheet of transparent plastic  32 . On either side, Sides A or B, of this bridging material is Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening straps  39 . The mobile/covering component  34  is also an elongated rectangular sheet of plastic that may be anything from transparent to opaque.  
         [0098]    There is a screw-on top type container  23  operatively connected to the mid portion of the top surface of the mobile/covering component  34 . The container has an essentially square bottom  23   b  and a round top portion  23   a . There is a window with lens  23   c  at the top of container top  23   a ; this window serves as a visual display means permitting personalized selection and placement of pictures, photographs, etc. and various paraphernalia positioned beneath it and within the container to be seen. Also note the jewel ornament JO on either side of the mobile/covering component  34 . This ornament can be selectively customized, for example with a given corporation&#39;s logo symbol or emblem.  
         [0099]    On Side A of the device there is a permanent fastening between the attachment component Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening strap  39  and the mobile/covering component  34 . On Side B of the device there is a reversible Velcro® fastening means between the top of the Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening strap  39  and mobile/covering component  34  “free-end”, note the Velcro button means—VM, which is a Velcoin® attached to the “free-end&#39;s” undersurface.  
         [0100]    When in use the device is attached to the top of the jewelry item, such as a watch or bracelet by wrapping the straps  39  around the jewelry item&#39;s band or similar holding entity. The mobile/covering component  34  is lifted into its second position as in FIG. 8 b  on the “free-end” side, Side B, to uncover a viewing area  36  beneath, whereby the jewelry item top surface can be seen. While the Velcoin® and the top surface of the Velcro strap Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening strap  39  on Side B engage each other to close or secure the mobile/covering component while in the first position where it can overlie and be essentially parallel to the jewelry item top surface.  
         [0101]    Referring to FIGS. 9 a ,  9   b  and  9   c  there are views of the mobile/covering component respectively from above, the side and from below.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIGS. 9 d ,  9   e ,  9   f  and  9   g  are views of one variation in the embodiment of the attachment component. FIG. 9 d  is an overhead view. FIG. 9 e  is a partial long axis midsection view of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 f  is an overhead view of the attachment component that is attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 g  is a short axis cross-sectional view through line Z-Z′ of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIGS. 9 h ,  9   i ,  9   j  and  9   k  are views of one variation in the embodiment of the attachment component. FIG. 9 h  is an overhead view. FIG. 9 i  is a partial long axis midsection view of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 j  is an overhead view of the attachment component that is attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 k  is a short axis cross-sectional view through line Z-Z′ of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIGS. 9 l ,  9   m ,  9   n  and  9   o  are views of one variation in the embodiment of the attachment component. FIG. 9 l  is an overhead view. FIG. 9 m  is a partial long axis midsection view of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 n  is an overhead view of the attachment component that is attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 o  is a short axis cross-sectional view through line Z-Z′ of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIGS. 9 p ,  9   q ,  9   r  and  9   s  are views of one variation in the embodiment of the attachment component. FIG. 9 p  is an overhead view. FIG. 9 q  is a partial long axis midsection view of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 r  is an overhead view of the attachment component that is attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch. FIG. 9 s  is a short axis cross-sectional view through line Z-Z′ of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item, in this case a wristwatch.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIGS. 9 t  and  9   u  are views of one variation in the embodiment of the attachment component in which it is integrated into the jewelry item holding entity, in this case the watchband. FIG. 9 u  is an overhead view. FIG. 9 q  is a partial long axis midsection view of the attachment component attached to the jewelry item.  
         [0107]    The mobile/covering component  34  is an elongated essentially rectangular sheet of plastic that may be anything from transparent to opaque. It has snap fastening elements on its undersurface at each of its ends that are made reciprocal to the corresponding snap fastening element of the attachment component. Thus the mobile/component can be selectively snap-attached onto, engaged with the attachment component in either of three ways: 1) completely attached, please note that the device can thus provide additional reinforcement, securement, and protection to the jewelry item, specifically in this instance a watch, between the watch body and its watchband, thereby decreasing the likelihood of the wristwatch falling off the user&#39;s wrist if a spring pin holding the watchband and watch body together were to pop out; 2) partially attached on either of its ends, allowing for the mobile/covering component  34  to be lifted into its defined first and second positions as previously described; and 3) to be completely unsnapped and thus detached from the attachment component. Each of the mobile/covering component snap fastening elements has a decorative diamond shaped snap top Sn. This decorative snap top can be selectively customized, for example with a given corporation&#39;s logo symbol or emblem.  
         [0108]    There is a screw-on top type container  23  operatively connected to the mid portion of the top surface of the mobile/covering component  34 . The container has an essentially square bottom  23   b  and a round top portion  23   a . There is a window with lens  23   c  at the top of container top  23   a ; this window serves as a visual display means permitting personalized selection and placement of pictures, photographs, etc., and various paraphernalia positioned beneath it and within the container to be seen.  
         [0109]    The attachment component can have many variations in embodiment however the common element is the presence of snap fastening elements that are made reciprocal to the corresponding snap fastening element of the mobile/covering component  34 .  
         [0110]    [0110]FIGS. 9 d ,  9   h ,  9   l , shows views from above of variations of the attachment component that have bridging material between attachment component strap like Velcro fastening elements.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIGS. 9 d ,  9   e ,  9   f ,  9   g  shows the attachment component with bridging material that in this instance is an elongated rectangular sheet of transparent plastic  32 . On either side of this bridging material is Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening straps  39  with the reciprocal snap fastening element Sn integrated into it. The attachment component bridging material when attached to the jewelry item lies above the jewelry item top surface.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIGS. 9 h ,  9   i ,  9   j ,  9   k  shows the attachment component with bridging material that in this instance is an elongated sheet with a large central window that may be anything from transparent to opaque plastic  32 . On either side of this bridging material is Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening straps  39  with the reciprocal snap fastening element Sn integrated into it. The attachment component bridging material when attached to the jewelry item lies above the jewelry item.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIGS. 9 l ,  9   m ,  9   n ,  9   o  shows the attachment component with bridging material that in this instance is an elongated rectangular sheet plastic that may be anything from transparent to opaque  32 . On either side of this bridging material is Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening straps  39  with the reciprocal snap fastening element Sn integrated into it. The attachment component bridging material when attached to the jewelry item lies beneath the jewelry item bottom surface.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIGS. 9 p ,  9   q ,  9   r ,  9   s  shows the attachment component without bridging material it is at least two Velcro® One Wrap™ fastening straps  39  with the reciprocal snap fastening element Sn integrated into each strap.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIGS. 9 t  and  9   u  shows the attachment component, at least two reciprocal snap fastening elements made integral with the holding entity/band of the jewelry item. Selectively additional reciprocal snap fastening elements can be integrated into the band, allowing the mobile/component to be attached onto the band away from and not covering the selected portion of the jewelry item, note the more laterally placed snap fastening elements in both FIGS. 9 t  and  9   u.    
         [0116]    Note that all variations of the device described on this sheet can be positioned on the timepiece watchband in at least one other position in which the attachment component&#39;s first and at least one second fastening element do not flanked on either side of the selected portion of the jewelry item in this case the watch body. Therefore the mobile/covering component  34  can be positioned on the attachment component, without overlying the watch body in either of its said first or second positions  
         [0117]    Additionally snap-on decorative elements, ornaments, FIGS. 9 v  and  9   w  that are reciprocal to those of the attachment element&#39;s snap fastening elements Sn can be attached as desired to the attachment component&#39;s snap fastening element when they are not engaged by the mobile/covering component&#39;s snap elements.  
         [0118]    Referring to FIG. 10, the device includes a visual display method and means of manufacture of inserts  13 , the insert  13  being made of paper, or plastic or other suitable material and can be selectively opaque, semi-opaque, semi-transparent, translucent, transparent or clear, and can have pictorial or graphic and/or non-graphic textual or informational material or any combination of the above including selectively photos, cartoon characters, sports cards, collector&#39;s cards, signs of the zodiac, artwork replicas, schematic examples being  13   w ,  13   x ,  13   y , and  13   z  selectively pre-printed/pre-painted/embedded individually or in multiple quantities on sheets  42  of paper, or plastic or other suitable material, then cut to be selectively placed (note user&#39;s fingers  41  positioning  13   y ) in the device&#39;s image display frame or display cover or display container (for example frame  12 ) for viewing and decoration.  
         [0119]    Referring to FIG. 11, the device includes a decorative method and means of manufacture of self adhesive ornaments (such as stickers/decals)  16  made of paper, or plastic or other suitable material with self adhesive selectively being made of opaque, semi-opaque, semitransparent, translucent, transparent or clear, and may have pictorial or graphic and/or non-graphic textual or informational material or any combination of the above, including selectively photos, cartoon characters, sports cards, collector&#39;s cards, signs of the zodiac, artwork replicas, decorative designs schematic examples being  16   w ,  16   x ,  16   y , and  16   z  selectively pre-printed/pre-painted/embedded and preformed and pre-scored/precut selectively individually or in multiple quantities on sheets  43  with backing non-stick paper or other suitable material  44 , these self adhesive ornaments  16  are than selectively peeled and removed from the backing sheet (for example  16   y ) and selectively placed on any suitable device surface (note user&#39;s finger  41  positioning  16   y  atop container  37 ) for viewing and decoration.  
         [0120]    Referring to FIG. 12, the device includes a decorative method and means of manufacture of ornaments made of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material  46 , the ornaments having pictorial or graphic, non-graphic textual or informational material or any combination of the above selectively photos, cartoon characters, sports cards, collector&#39;s cards, signs of the zodiac, artwork replicas, decorative designs schematic examples being  46   w ,  46   x ,  46   y , and  46   z  selectively pre-printed/pre-painted/embedded within or laminated upon, preformed and pre-cored/pre-cut selectively individually or in multiple quantities in sheets  47 , these ornaments are than selectively placed on the a suitable device reciprocal magnetic or ferromagnetic holding/storage element for viewing and decoration. Note user&#39;s fingers  41  positioning/pressing on  46   y  on to a reciprocal magnetic or ferromagnetic holding/storage element  48  atop unit  20  that is positioned on a timepiece  1  (a wristwatch).  
         [0121]    Many other forms of the invention exist, each differing from the other in matters of detail only.  
         [0122]    The scope of the invention is to be determined by the following claims.  
         [0123]    While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the inventive concept.