Patent application title: Apparatus for Arranging Jewelry
Inventors:
IPC8 Class: AA44C2500FI
USPC Class:
1 1
Class name:
Publication date: 2021-07-22
Patent application number: 20210219678
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for arranging jewelry. The
apparatus may comprise a lock body with a first surface and a second
surface. The second surface may comprise a first insertion point and a
second insertion point. The apparatus may further comprise a receiving
unit disposed on the first surface of the lock body. The receiving unit
may comprise a through hole configured to receive an elongated material.
The elongated material may be insertable through the through hole. The
apparatus may further comprise a movable closure mechanism mechanically
coupled to the lock body. The movable closure mechanism may comprise a
first end that is insertable into the lock body through the first
insertion point. The movable closure mechanism may comprise a second end
that is configured to move into or out of the lock body through the
second insertion point.Claims:
1. An apparatus for arranging jewelry, comprising: a lock body with a
first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises
a first insertion point and a second insertion point; a receiving unit
disposed on the first surface of the lock body, wherein the receiving
unit comprises a through hole configured to receive an elongated
material, which elongated material is insertable through the through
hole; and a movable closure mechanism mechanically coupled to the lock
body, wherein the movable closure mechanism comprises (i) a first end
that is insertable into the lock body through the first insertion point
and (ii) a second end that is configured to move into or out of the lock
body through the second insertion point.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock body comprises a locking mechanism located internal to the lock body.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism is configured to engage with the locking mechanism.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is spring-operated.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable closure mechanism is configured to receive one or more decorative units when at least one of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism is moved out of the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable closure mechanism is configured to hold one or more decorative units in a suspended configuration when at least one of the first end or the second end of the closure mechanism is inserted into the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable closure mechanism is a U-shaped member.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the movable closure mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first position corresponds to a closed configuration for the movable closure mechanism.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second position corresponds to an open configuration for the movable closure mechanism.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism comprises a feature configured to engage a locking mechanism in response to a first user input.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first user input comprises a rotation or a translation of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the feature comprises a notch, a groove, an indent, a bump, a protrusion, a hook, a loop, a latch, or a magnet.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable closure mechanism is configured to disengage from the locking mechanism in response to a second user input.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second user input comprises a rotation or a translation of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable closure mechanism is configured to (i) engage a locking mechanism in response to a first user input and (ii) disengage from the locking mechanism in response to a second user input.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first user input and the second user input comprise different types of inputs.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a first direction, and wherein the second input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a second direction that is different than the first direction.
19. A method of arranging jewelry, comprising: (a) providing an apparatus for arranging jewelry, wherein the apparatus comprises: (i) a lock body with a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a first insertion point and a second insertion point; (ii) a locking mechanism located internal to the lock body; (iii) a receiving unit disposed on the first surface of the lock body, wherein the receiving unit comprises a through hole configured to receive an elongated material; and (iv) a movable closure mechanism mechanically coupled to the lock body, wherein the movable closure mechanism comprises (i) a first end that is insertable into the lock body through the first insertion point and (ii) a second end that is configured to move into or out of the lock body through the second insertion point; (b) providing a first user input to disengage the movable closure mechanism from the locking mechanism to permit an arrangement of one or more decorative pieces on at least a portion of the movable closure mechanism; and (c) providing a second user input to engage the movable closure mechanism with the locking mechanism, thereby restricting a removal of the one or more decorative pieces from the movable closure mechanism.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a first direction, and wherein the second input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a second direction that is different than the first direction.
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/962,081, filed Jan. 16, 2020, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Jewelry pieces such as necklaces may be configured to hold a variety of decorative pieces including charms. Charms may be attached to a necklace to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the jewelry piece. Charms may be customized and/or interchanged by the user depending on mood, environment, or personal preference.
SUMMARY
[0003] Recognized herein are various limitations with jewelry pieces currently available. Many jewelry pieces may have complex designs for holding charms that detract from a simple aesthetic look. Further, some jewelry pieces may have additional unnecessary features to conceal such complex designs. Provided herein are various apparatuses that may allow a user to quickly and efficiently change charms while maintaining a simple and aesthetically appealing look.
[0004] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for arranging jewelry. The apparatus may comprise a lock body with a first surface and a second surface. The second surface may comprise a first insertion point and a second insertion point. The apparatus may further comprise a receiving unit disposed on the first surface of the lock body. The receiving unit may comprise a through hole configured to receive an elongated material. The elongated material may be insertable through the through hole. The apparatus may further comprise a movable closure mechanism mechanically coupled to the lock body. The movable closure mechanism may comprise a first end that is insertable into the lock body through the first insertion point. The movable closure mechanism may comprise a second end that is configured to move into or out of the lock body through the second insertion point.
[0005] In some embodiments, the lock body may comprise a locking mechanism located internal to the lock body. In some embodiments, at least one of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be spring-operated.
[0006] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism may be configured to receive one or more decorative units when at least one of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism is moved out of the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
[0007] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism may be configured to hold one or more decorative units in a suspended configuration when at least one of the first end or the second end of the closure mechanism is inserted into the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
[0008] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism may be a U-shaped member.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first end of the movable closure mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first position corresponds to a closed configuration for the movable closure mechanism.
[0011] In some embodiments, the second position corresponds to an open configuration for the movable closure mechanism.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism comprises a feature configured to engage a locking mechanism in response to a first user input.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first user input comprises a rotation or a translation of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body.
[0014] In some embodiments, the feature comprises a notch, a groove, an indent, a bump, a protrusion, a hook, a loop, a latch, or a magnet.
[0015] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism is configured to disengage from the locking mechanism in response to a second user input.
[0016] In some embodiments, the second user input comprises a rotation or a translation of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body.
[0017] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism is configured to (i) engage a locking mechanism in response to a first user input and (ii) disengage from the locking mechanism in response to a second user input.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first user input and the second user input comprise different types of inputs.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a first direction, and the second input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a second direction that is different than the first direction.
[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for arranging jewelry, comprising: (a) providing an apparatus for arranging jewelry, wherein the apparatus comprises: (i) a lock body with a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a first insertion point and a second insertion point; (ii) a locking mechanism located internal to the lock body; (iii) a receiving unit disposed on the first surface of the lock body, wherein the receiving unit comprises a through hole configured to receive an elongated material; and (iv) a movable closure mechanism mechanically coupled to the lock body, wherein the movable closure mechanism comprises (i) a first end that is insertable into the lock body through the first insertion point and (ii) a second end that is configured to move into or out of the lock body through the second insertion point; (b) providing a first user input to disengage the movable closure mechanism from the locking mechanism to permit an arrangement of one or more decorative pieces on at least a portion of the movable closure mechanism; and (c) providing a second user input to engage the movable closure mechanism with the locking mechanism, thereby restricting a removal of the one or more decorative pieces from the movable closure mechanism.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a first direction, and the second input comprises a movement of the movable closure mechanism in a second direction that is different than the first direction.
[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0023] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also "Figure" and "FIG." herein), of which:
[0025] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for arranging jewelry, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a lock body, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a movable closure mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a receiving unit with a through hole, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first surface of the lock body, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second surface of the lock body, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates one or more charms configured to hang from the movable closure mechanism in a suspended configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a secondary attachment configured for use with the apparatus for arranging jewelry, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for arranging jewelry. The apparatus may comprise a lock body, a receiving unit, and a movable closure mechanism. The apparatus for arranging jewelry may be a jewelry apparatus.
[0034] The jewelry apparatus may be worn by a user. The user may wear the jewelry apparatus by inserting or threading an elongated material through the receiving unit of the jewelry apparatus and securing a first end of the elongated material to a second end of the elongated material, thereby creating a loop of the elongated material. The user may wear the jewelry apparatus by positioning or securing the loop around a portion of the user's body (e.g., an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user). The loop of the elongated material may be configured to hold the jewelry apparatus in a hanging and/or a suspended configuration. A suspended configuration may correspond to any configuration in which a portion of a weight of the jewelry apparatus is supported by a portion of the user's body (e.g., an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user). The jewelry apparatus may or may not be in contact with another portion of the user's body when the jewelry apparatus is placed in the suspended configuration. In some cases, a portion of the jewelry apparatus may be in contact with another portion of the user's body when the jewelry apparatus is placed in a suspended configuration. The loop of the elongated material may be configured to hang from an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user. The loop of the elongated material may be positioned or secured around an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user. The loop of the elongated material may hang from the arm, wrist, or neck of the user. A portion of the loop may be in contact with a portion of the arm, the wrist, or the neck of the user when the loop is positioned around and/or suspended from the arm, wrist, or neck of the user. When the user positions or secures the loop of the elongated material around the user's arm, wrist, or neck, the jewelry apparatus may be configured to hang from the user's arm, wrist, or neck in a suspended configuration.
[0035] In an example, the jewelry apparatus may be a pendant that hangs from an elongated material such as a chain, strap, band, wire, cord, or string that may fit around a user's neck. The pendant may have a configuration of a lock (e.g., a padlock). In some cases, the pendant may have a configuration of an inverted padlock with a lock body positioned above a U-shaped member of the lock, when the user wears the pendant.
[0036] The jewelry apparatus may be formed as a lock, comprising a lock body, a receiving unit, and a movable closure mechanism. The positional arrangement and the orientation of the lock body relative to the movable closure mechanism may allow a user to quickly and efficiently add, remove, or change one or more charms configured to hang from the movable closure mechanism of the jewelry apparatus. As an added advantage, the user may quickly and efficiently add, remove, or change one or more charms without positioning the movable closure mechanism in a configuration that would allow the lock body or the receiving unit to decouple or separate from the loop of the elongated material. This may prevent loss of the jewelry apparatus and/or a part of the jewelry apparatus (e.g., the lock body, the receiving unit, or the movable closure mechanism) while the user adds, removes, or changes one or more charms. The positional arrangement of the lock body relative to the movable closure mechanism may adjust a location of a center of gravity and/or a center of mass of the jewelry apparatus, thereby providing more stability when the jewelry apparatus is placed in a suspended configuration, and reducing a displacement (e.g., a translation or a rotation) of the jewelry apparatus or the one or more charms attached to the jewelry apparatus, when the user is in motion or causes a motion. The positional arrangement of the receiving unit relative to the lock body may provide a more stable connection between the lock body and the elongated material, thereby reducing an angular, translational, or rotational displacement of the jewelry apparatus when the user is in motion and/or when a motion of the user causes a movement of the elongated material or one or more components of the jewelry apparatus. This may prevent unwanted rotation of the lock body relative to the elongated material and/or the user. The positional arrangement of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body may isolate the one or more charms attached and/or secured to the movable closure mechanism of the jewelry apparatus from a motion induced by a movement of the elongated material. The relative positional arrangement of the receiving unit, the lock body, and the movable closure mechanism may limit an amount of movement of the jewelry apparatus (e.g., a rotation of the jewelry apparatus that causes the elongated material to twist around itself) when the user is in motion. The arrangement of the movable closure mechanism relative to the lock body may allow a user to interchange one or more charms without having to remove or separately support other charms already suspended from the movable closure mechanism. The positional arrangement of the one or more components of the jewelry apparatus may allow a user to add, remove, or change one or more charms while the user is wearing the jewelry apparatus (i.e., while the jewelry apparatus is suspended from the elongated material, which may be positioned around the user's neck). In some cases, the positional arrangement of the one or more components of the jewelry apparatus may allow a user to add, remove, or change one or more charms while the user is not wearing the jewelry apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a jewelry apparatus 100 that may be positioned and/or suspended around a portion of the user's body. The jewelry apparatus 100 may comprise a lock body 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the jewelry apparatus 100 may comprise a receiving unit 120 located adjacent to the lock body 110. In some cases, the receiving unit 120 may be located adjacent to a first surface of the lock body 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving unit 120 may be configured to receive an elongated material 150. A first end of the elongated material 150 may be secured to a second end of the elongated material 150 to create a loop of the elongated material 150. The loop of the elongated material 150 may be positioned and/or secured around a portion of the user's body so that the user may wear the jewelry apparatus 100 in a suspended configuration.
[0038] The lock body may comprise a first material. The first material may be rigid (i.e., configured to resist a deformation when a force is exerted on the first material). Alternatively, the first material may be flexible (i.e., configured to bend or deform when a force is exerted on the first material).
[0039] In some cases, the first material may comprise an organic material. The organic material may comprise a carbon-based compound and/or any material comprising carbon. The organic material may comprise cellulose, wood, rubber, bone, ivory, one or more polymers, and/or one or more lignins.
[0040] In some cases, the first material may comprise an inorganic material. The inorganic material may comprise a compound that may or may not comprise carbon. The inorganic material may comprise stone, ceramic, glass, one or more metals, one or more alloys, and/or one or more compounds comprising silicon. In some cases, the first material may comprise a combination of one or more organic materials and one or more inorganic materials.
[0041] In some cases, the first material may comprise rubber, silicone, leather, natural clay, polymer clay, and/or porcelain. In other cases, the first material may comprise a metallic material and/or a plastic material.
[0042] The lock body may comprise a metallic material. The metallic material may comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum, platinum, calcium, magnesium, barium, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, cadmium, actinium, and gold. In some cases, the metallic material may comprise an intermetallic material. The intermetallic material may be a solid-state compound exhibiting metallic bonding, defined stoichiometry and ordered crystal structure (i.e., alloys). The intermetallic material may include brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin), duralumin (aluminum, copper, manganese, and/or magnesium), gold alloys (gold and copper), rose-gold alloys (gold, copper, and zinc), nichrome (nickel and chromium), and/or stainless steel (iron, carbon, and additional elements including manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, boron, titanium, silicon, vanadium, tungsten, cobalt, and/or niobium). In some cases, the intermetallic material may comprise superalloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, titanium, and/or aluminum.
[0043] The lock body may comprise a plastic material. The plastic material may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PES), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), acetal (polyoxymethylene or POM), nylon (PA or polyamide), polyurethane (PU), and/or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
[0044] The lock body may have one or more dimensions corresponding to a height, width, and/or length of the lock body. The height of the lock body may be at least about 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or more. The width of the lock body may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or more. The length of the lock body may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, or more.
[0045] In some cases, the lock body may have a desired weight. The desired weight may be at least about 0.001 grams (g), 0.01 g, 0.1 g, 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g, 20 g, 30 g, 40 g, 50 g, 60 g, 70 g, 80 g, 90 g, 100 g, 200 g, 300 g, 400 g, 500 g, or more.
[0046] In some cases, the lock body may have a desired density. The desired density may be at least about 0.001 grams per cubic centimeter, 0.01 grams per cubic centimeter, 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter, 1 gram per cubic centimeter, 2 grams per cubic centimeter, 3 grams per cubic centimeter, 4 grams per cubic centimeter, 5 grams per cubic centimeter, 6 grams per cubic centimeter, 7 grams per cubic centimeter, 8 grams per cubic centimeter, 9 grams per cubic centimeter, 10 grams per cubic centimeter, 20 grams per cubic centimeter, 30 grams per cubic centimeter, 40 grams per cubic centimeter, 50 grams per cubic centimeter, or more.
[0047] The lock body may be in the shape of a sphere, a cube, a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, or a solid polygon with three or more surfaces. The solid polygon may have a horizontal cross-section. The horizontal cross-section may be in a shape of a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any polygon with at least three or more sides. The solid polygon may have a vertical cross-section. The vertical cross-section may be in the shape of a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any polygon with at least three or more sides.
[0048] The lock body may comprise one or more curved edges extending from a first portion of the lock body to a second portion of the lock body. The lock body may comprise one or more straight edges extending from a first portion of the lock body to a second portion of the lock body.
[0049] The lock body may be solid or hollow. The lock body may be a decorative piece that does not comprise a functioning lock mechanism. Alternatively, the lock body may be configured to house a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may or may not require a key to open and/or close the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may or may not require a key to engage and/or disengage a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism. In some cases, the key may be a secondary attachment secured to a portion of the jewelry apparatus.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the apparatus for arranging jewelry may comprise a receiving unit 120. The receiving unit may or may not be a part of the lock body 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving unit 120 may be located adjacent to a first surface 110a of the lock body 110. The first surface 110a may be an upper surface of the lock body 110. The lock body may be positioned below or underneath the receiving unit when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The lock body may be configured to hang below or underneath the receiving unit when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The receiving unit 120 may be configured to direct a portion of the elongated material 150 through a portion of the receiving unit 120 and along an axis that is parallel to the first surface 110a of the lock body 110.
[0051] In some embodiments, the receiving unit may be a separate unit that is attached to a first surface of the lock body. The receiving unit may be attached to the first surface of the lock body using one or more screws, magnets, clips, clasps, pins, strings, and/or one or more adhesives. In other embodiments, the receiving unit may be integrated with the lock body. In some examples, the receiving unit may be a portion of the first surface of the lock body that extends upwards from the first surface of the lock body.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, the receiving unit 120 may have a through hole 121 configured to receive an elongated material 150. A cross-section of the through hole 121 may be in the shape of a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any polygon with at least three or more sides. The through hole 121 may have an inner diameter. The inner diameter may be at least about 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. The inner diameter may be greater than a diameter or a width of the elongated material. The through hole 121 may comprise a first opening disposed on a first surface of the receiving unit 120 and a second opening disposed on a second surface of the receiving unit 120. The through hole 121 may have an axial length. The axial length may correspond to a length between the first opening and the second opening of the through hole. The axial length may be at least about 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. The axial length may be a length sufficient to prevent unwanted twisting or rotation of the jewelry apparatus relative to the elongated material or the user. The through hole 121 may provide a thread path configured to receive the elongated material 150. The thread path may have an opening disposed on a first surface of the receiving unit 120 and an exit disposed on a second surface of the receiving unit 120. The thread path may be configured to direct the elongated material 150 through the receiving unit 120 from the first surface of the receiving unit 120 to the second surface of the receiving unit 120. In some cases, the receiving unit 120 may comprise a loop or a ring configured to receive the elongated material 150. In other cases, the receiving unit 120 may comprise a hook configured to secure the receiving unit 120 around a portion of the elongated material 150 when the jewelry apparatus is suspended from the elongated material 150 and/or when the jewelry apparatus is worn by the user in a suspended configuration.
[0053] In some cases, the receiving unit 120 may be integrally formed with the lock body 110. In other cases, the receiving unit 120 may be a separate unit that may be attachable to and/or detachable from the lock body 110. The receiving unit 120 may or may not be movable or rotatable relative to the lock body 110.
[0054] The receiving unit may be configured to accommodate a portion of a length of the elongated material when the loop comprising the elongated material is positioned or secured around an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user, and/or when the jewelry apparatus is placed in a suspended configuration around a portion of the user's body. The receiving unit may be configured to distribute a weight of the jewelry apparatus along a length of the elongated material, when the jewelry apparatus is suspended from an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user. The receiving unit may or may not be detachable from the lock body. In some cases, the receiving unit may be configured to detach from the lock body when the lock body is pulled away from the user by a pre-determined amount of force. The pre-determined amount of force may be greater than a force generated by a mass of the jewelry apparatus when the jewelry apparatus is worn in a suspended configuration.
[0055] The receiving unit may comprise a second material. The second material may comprise a metallic material and/or a plastic material. The metallic material may comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum, platinum, calcium, magnesium, barium, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, cadmium, actinium, and gold. In some cases, the metallic material may comprise an intermetallic material. The intermetallic material may be a solid-state compound exhibiting metallic bonding, defined stoichiometry and ordered crystal structure (i.e., alloys). The intermetallic material may include brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin), duralumin (aluminum, copper, manganese, and/or magnesium), gold alloys (gold and copper), rose-gold alloys (gold, copper, and zinc), nichrome (nickel and chromium), and/or stainless steel (iron, carbon, and additional elements including manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, boron, titanium, silicon, vanadium, tungsten, cobalt, and/or niobium). In some cases, the intermetallic material may comprise superalloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, titanium, and/or aluminum. The plastic material may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PES), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), acetal (polyoxymethylene or POM), nylon (PA or polyamide), polyurethane (PU), and/or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).
[0056] In some cases, the second material may comprise an organic material and/or an inorganic material. In some cases, the second material may comprise rubber, silicone, leather, natural clay, polymer clay, and/or porcelain.
[0057] The second material may be rigid (i.e., configured to resist a deformation when a force is exerted on the second material). Alternatively, the second material may be flexible (i.e., configured to bend or deform when a force is exerted on the second material).
[0058] The receiving unit may comprise an anterior side and a posterior side. The anterior side may be a side that faces away from a user. The posterior side may be a side that faces the user. The anterior side and/or the posterior side may comprise one or more indents configured to receive one or more insets. The one or more insets may be a jewel, a gem, or a diamond. In some cases, the one or more insets may be attached to the anterior side and/or the posterior side using an adhesive and/or one or more screws, magnets, or pins.
[0059] The receiving unit may have a vertical cross-section and a horizontal cross-section. The vertical cross-section may be in the shape of a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any polygon with at least three or more sides. The horizontal cross-section may be in the shape of a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, or any polygon with at least three or more sides.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the receiving unit 120 may be configured to receive an elongated material 150. The elongated material 150 may be a chain, a string, or a thread. The elongated material 150 may comprise a third material. The third material may comprise a metallic material, a plastic material, and/or a textile material. The textile material may comprise string or yarn produced by spinning raw fibres comprising wool, flax, cotton, and/or hemp. In some cases, the elongated material may comprise rubber, silicone, and/or leather. In other cases, the elongated material may comprise one or more organic materials and/or one or more inorganic materials. The elongated material may be elastic, expandable, and/or stretchable. Alternatively, the elongated material may be inelastic.
[0061] The elongated material may be configured to support a weight of the lock body, the receiving unit, and the movable closure mechanism of the jewelry apparatus when the elongated material is threated through the through hole of the receiving unit. The elongated material may be worn around a neck, a wrist, or an arm of a user. In some cases, the elongated material may be configured to support a weight of one or more charms attached to the apparatus. The lock body, the receiving unit, the movable closure mechanism, and/or the one or more charms may be suspended from the neck, the wrist, or the arm of the user when the user positions or secures a loop of the elongated material around the user's neck, wrist, or arm. The elongated material may be configured to support a weight of the jewelry apparatus when the jewelry apparatus is suspended from an arm, a wrist, or a neck of the user.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the apparatus for arranging jewelry may comprise a movable closure mechanism 130. The movable closure mechanism 130 may be located adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the lock body 110. The second surface may be located opposite from or adjacent to the first surface on which the receiving unit is located. The movable closure mechanism 130 may be a single unitary piece. In some cases, the movable closure mechanism 130 may be a U-shaped bar. As shown in FIG. 3, the movable closure mechanism 130 may comprise a first end 135a and a second end 135b. The first end 135a and/or the second end 135b may be insertable into the lock body 110. The first end 135a and the second end 135b may be oriented in a similar direction. The movable closure mechanism 130 may comprise one or more curved edges and/or one or more straight edges. The one or more curved edges and/or the one or more straight edges may extend from a first portion of the movable closure mechanism to a second portion of the movable closure mechanism. The one or more curved edges and/or the one or more straight edges may extend from a first location on the movable closure mechanism to a second location on the movable closure mechanism. In some cases, the one or more curved edges and/or the one or more straight edges may extend from the first end 135a to the second end 135b.
[0063] The one or more curved edges and/or the one or more straight edges may be configured to hold one or more charms in a suspended configuration when the user wears the jewelry apparatus. The one or more charms may hang from the one or more curved edges and/or the one or more straight edges of the movable closure mechanism. The movable closure mechanism may be configured to hold a plurality of charms. The plurality of charms may comprise n charms, where n may be at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more. The plurality of charms may be configured to hang from the movable closure mechanism. The plurality of charms may each comprise an attachment unit. The attachment unit may comprise a loop and/or a ring through which a first end and/or a second end of the movable closure mechanism may be threaded.
[0064] The movable closure mechanism may be configured to arrange the plurality of charms in an arrangement pattern. The arrangement pattern may or may not correspond to a shape and/or a profile of a portion of the movable closure mechanism. The arrangement pattern may or may not correspond to a shape and/or a profile of a portion of one or more curved or straight edges of the movable closure mechanism. A profile may correspond to a two-dimensional shape of a portion of the movable closure mechanism when viewed from a plane parallel to a plane on which an anterior side of the jewelry apparatus is located when the jewelry apparatus is worn by the user. The profile of the movable closure mechanism may comprise one or more arcs. In some cases, the profile of the movable closure mechanism may comprise one or more edges. Each of the one or more edges may be disposed at one or more angles relative to one another. The one or more angles may range from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The one or more angles may or may not be distinct.
[0065] The movable closure mechanism may be configured to receive the one or more charms when at least one of the first end or the second end of the closure mechanism is moved out of the lock body through a first insertion point or a second insertion point disposed on a second surface of the lock body. The movable closure mechanism may be configured to hold the one or more charms in a suspended configuration when at least one of the first end or the second end of the closure mechanism is inserted into the lock body through a first insertion point or a second insertion point disposed on a second surface of the lock body.
[0066] The movable closure mechanism may comprise a fourth material. The fourth material may comprise a metallic material and/or a plastic material. The fourth material may be rigid (i.e., configured to resist a deformation when a force is exerted on the fourth material). Alternatively, the fourth material may be flexible (i.e., configured to bend or deform when a force is exerted on the fourth material). In some cases, the fourth material may comprise an organic material and/or an inorganic material. In other cases, the fourth material may comprise rubber, silicone, leather, natural clay, polymer clay, and/or porcelain.
[0067] As described elsewhere herein, the movable closure mechanism may comprise a first end and a second end. A distance between a center of the first end and a center of the second end may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. The first end and/or the second end may each have a cross-section in the shape of a circle. The first end may be insertable into a first insertion point located on a second surface of the lock body. The second end may be insertable into a second insertion point located on a second surface of the lock body. The first end may be inserted into the lock body at a first insertion depth. An insertion depth may correspond to a length of a portion of the first end or second end of the movable closure mechanism that is inserted into the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point. The second end may be inserted into the lock body at a second insertion depth. The first insertion depth may be greater than or equal to the second insertion depth. The first insertion depth may be less than or equal to the second insertion depth.
[0068] The first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may comprise a surface feature. The surface feature may be configured to engage with a locking mechanism and restrict a movement (e.g., a translation, a rotation, and/or an insertion or removal) of the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism. The surface feature may be a notch, a groove, an indent, a bump, a protrusion, a hook, a loop, a latch, and/or a magnet. The surface feature may be configured to engage a locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is moved towards the second surface of the lock body. In some cases, the surface feature may be configured to engage a locking mechanism when either the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism is inserted into the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point. The first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage the locking mechanism when inserted and/or pushed into the first insertion point or the second insertion point at a first insertion depth that is greater than a pre-determined insertion depth. In some cases, the surface feature may be configured to engage the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is twisted, pulled, and/or translated relative to the lock body. In some cases, the first end and the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with the locking mechanism simultaneously when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, twisted, translated, and/or rotated relative to the lock body.
[0069] In some cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is moved in an axial direction. A movement in an axial direction may comprise a movement along an axis. The axis may be a straight line that extends in a direction. The axial direction may correspond to the direction in which the axis extends. The axis may or may not be parallel to a surface of the lock body. In some cases, the axis may be oblique to a surface of the lock body. In some cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is rotated. A rotation may involve an angular displacement of the movable closure mechanism relative to a portion of the lock body (e.g., the first insertion point or the second insertion point). In some cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is moved in an axial direction and/or rotated relative to the lock body.
[0070] The first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage from the locking mechanism when inserted and/or pushed into the first insertion point or the second insertion point at a second insertion depth that may or may not be greater than the pre-determined insertion depth. The second insertion depth may be greater than or equal to the first insertion depth. Alternatively, the second insertion depth may be less than or equal to the first insertion depth. In some cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage from the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is twisted, pulled, and/or translated relative to the lock body. In some cases, the first end and the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage from the locking mechanism simultaneously when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, twisted, translated, and/or rotated relative to the lock body.
[0071] In some cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is moved in an axial direction. In other cases, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is rotated. Alternatively, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to disengage with the locking mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is moved in an axial direction and/or rotated relative to the lock body.
[0072] Engaging and disengaging the movable closure mechanism and the locking mechanism may involve one or more actions by the user (e.g., a push, a pull, a twist, a translation, a rotation, etc.) directed in a different direction and/or a different orientation.
[0073] In some embodiments, the movable closure mechanism may be configured such that the first end and the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be simultaneously insertable into or removable from the lock body through the first insertion point and the second insertion point.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the lock body 110 may comprise a second surface 110b. In some cases, the second surface 110b may be a bottom surface of the lock body 110. The second surface 110b may comprise a first insertion point 111 and a second insertion point 112. A distance between a center of the first insertion point 111 and a center of the second insertion point 112 may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. A distance between the first insertion point 111 and the second insertion point 112 may correspond to a distance between the first end and the second end of the movable closure mechanism. A center of the first insertion point 111 and a center of the second insertion point 112 may lie on an axis. The axis may or may not be parallel to an edge of the second surface 110b of the lock body 110. The axis may be oriented at an angle relative to an edge of the second surface 110b. The angle may be at least about 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, 180 degrees, or more.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the first end 135a of the movable closure mechanism 130 may be inserted into the first insertion point 111 at a first insertion depth. The first insertion depth may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. In some cases, the first end 135a of the movable closure mechanism 130 may be inserted into the first insertion point 111 at another insertion depth that is different than the first insertion depth.
[0076] The first end of the movable closure mechanism may be insertable through the first insertion point. The first end may or may not be completely removable from the lock body. In some cases, the first end may comprise a surface feature with one or more dimensions that are larger than the diameter of the first insertion point. As such, the surface feature may be configured to prevent a user from completely removing the first end from the lock body through the first insertion point. The surface feature may be configured to support a weight of the movable closure mechanism and a weight of one or more charms suspended from the movable closure mechanism.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the second end 135b of the movable closure mechanism 130 may be inserted into the second insertion point 112 at a second insertion depth. The second insertion depth may be at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, or more. The second insertion depth may be greater than or equal to the first insertion depth. The second insertion depth may be less than or equal to the first insertion depth. In some cases, the second end 135b of the movable closure mechanism 130 may be inserted into the second insertion point 112 at another insertion depth that is different than the second insertion depth.
[0078] The second end of the movable closure mechanism may be insertable through the second insertion point. The second end may or may not be completely removable from the lock body. In some cases, the second end may comprise a surface feature with one or more dimensions that are larger than the diameter of the second insertion point. As such, the surface feature may be configured to prevent a user from completely removing the second end from the lock body through the second insertion point. The surface feature may be configured to support a weight of the movable closure mechanism and a weight of one or more charms suspended from the movable closure mechanism.
[0079] The first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to engage with a locking mechanism housed within the lock body. The locking mechanism may or may not require a key to open or close the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise one or more springs. In some cases, the locking mechanism may comprise a spring-operated locking mechanism. The spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage and/or disengage a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism when a portion of the movable closure mechanism is pushed into the lock body and/or when a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism is inserted into the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
[0080] The locking mechanism may be configured to engage with one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism such that the first or second end may not be removable from the lock body. When the locking mechanism engages the one or more surface features, a portion of the locking mechanism may be repositioned relative to the one or more surface features to limit a movement (e.g., a translation, a displacement, and/or a rotation in any direction) of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. In some cases, the portion of the locking mechanism may comprise another surface feature configured to engage with the one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. Alternatively, when the locking mechanism engages the one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism, a portion of the locking mechanism may be mechanically or magnetically coupled to the one or more surface features. When the locking mechanism engages the one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may not be removable from the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
[0081] The locking mechanism may be configured to disengage the one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism such that the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism may be removable from the lock body. When the locking mechanism disengages from the one or more surface features, a portion of the locking mechanism may be repositioned relative to the one or more surface features to enable or re-enable a movement (e.g., a translation, a displacement, and/or a rotation in any direction) of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. Alternatively, when the locking mechanism disengages from the one or more surface features, a portion of the locking mechanism may be mechanically or magnetically decoupled from the one or more surface features disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. When the locking mechanism disengages from the one or more surface features, the first end or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be removable from the lock body through the first insertion point or the second insertion point.
[0082] The locking mechanism may be configured to engage with a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism when the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, twisted, translated, and/or rotated by a first pre-determined amount of force. The first pre-determined amount of force may be at most about 10 Newtons (N), 9 N, 8 N, 7 N, 6 N, 5 N, 4 N, 3 N, 2 N, 1 N, 0.1 N, 0.01 N, 0.001 N, or less. In some cases, the first pre-determined amount of force may be at least about 0.001 N, 0.01 N, 0.1 N, 1 N, 2 N, 3 N, 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, 10 N, or more.
[0083] The locking mechanism may be configured to disengage a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism when the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, twisted, translated, and/or rotated by a second pre-determined amount of force. The second pre-determined amount of force may be at most about 10 Newtons (N), 9 N, 8 N, 7 N, 6 N, 5 N, 4 N, 3 N, 2 N, 1 N, 0.1 N, 0.01 N, 0.001 N, or less. In some cases, the second pre-determined amount of force may be at least about 0.001 N, 0.01 N, 0.1 N, 1 N, 2 N, 3 N, 4 N, 5 N, 6 N, 7 N, 8 N, 9 N, 10 N, or more.
[0084] The second pre-determined amount of force may or may not be the same as the first pre-determined amount of force. The second pre-determined amount of force may be greater than or equal to the first pre-determined amount of force. The second pre-determined amount of force may be less than or equal to the first pre-determined amount of force. An amount of force to disengage the locking mechanism from a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism may or may not be the same as an amount of force to engage the locking mechanism with a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. The amount of force to disengage a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism from the locking mechanism may be greater than a force generated by a mass of the jewelry apparatus when the jewelry apparatus is suspended from an arm, wrist, or neck of the user. In some cases, the amount of force to disengage a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism from the locking mechanism may be greater than a force generated by a mass of the jewelry apparatus when the jewelry apparatus is positioned around an arm, wrist, or neck of the user in a suspended configuration.
[0085] In some cases, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage and/or disengage a first end or a second end of the movable closure mechanism, based on an insertion depth. For example, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage with a surface feature disposed on a portion of the first or second end of movable closure mechanism when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is inserted into the first or second insertion point at a first insertion depth. The spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to disengage a surface feature disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism, when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is pushed from the first insertion depth to a second insertion depth. The second insertion depth may be greater than the first insertion depth. When the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is pushed from the first insertion depth to a second insertion depth, a spring mechanism of the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to push the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism to an unlocked position. The unlocked position may correspond to a third insertion depth. The third insertion depth may be less than or equal to the first insertion depth. The third insertion depth may be greater than the first insertion depth and less than the second insertion depth. In some cases, the unlocked position may correspond to a location outside of the lock body.
[0086] In some cases, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage and/or disengage a surface feature disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism, depending on a degree of rotation associated with a twisting motion or a rotation performed by the user. For example, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage with the surface feature when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is rotated by a first rotational degree relative to the lock body. Further, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to disengage the surface feature when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is rotated by a second rotational degree relative to the lock body.
[0087] In some cases, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage and/or disengage a surface feature disposed on a portion of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism, depending on a magnitude of displacement associated with a push, pull, or translation motion performed by the user. For example, the spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to engage with the surface feature when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, or translated by a first displacement distance relative to the lock body. The spring-operated locking mechanism may be configured to disengage the surface feature when the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism is pushed, pulled, or translated by a second displacement distance relative to the lock body.
[0088] In some cases, the locking mechanism may comprise a padlock. The padlock may be oriented in an upright configuration when suspended. In some cases, the padlock may be oriented in an upside down configuration when suspended. An upside down configuration may correspond to a configuration in which a U-shaped member of the padlock is position below a lock body of the padlock.
[0089] The padlock may be a combination padlock, a key-based padlock, a directional motion-based padlock (i.e., a padlock configured to unlock based on a series of directional inputs provided by the user), or a spring-operated lock mechanism that may be locked with a first action (e.g., push, pull, twist, translation, or rotation) performed by the user and unlocked by a subsequent action (push, pull, twist, translation, or rotation) performed by the user.
[0090] In some cases, the locking mechanism may comprise a biometric lock. The biometric lock may be configured to engage and/or disengage a portion of the movable closure mechanism when the user provides user-specific biometric data. The user-specific biometric data may comprise a fingerprint of the user.
[0091] As described above, the first end and/or the second end of the movable closure mechanism may be configured to move into and out of the lock body through the first insertion point and/or the second insertion point. When at least one of the first end and/or the second end is moved out of the lock body through the first insertion point and/or the second insertion point, the movable closure mechanism may be configured to receive one or more decorative pieces. The one or more decorative pieces may be one or more charms. The one or more charms may be configured to hang from a portion of the movable closure mechanism when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration.
[0092] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a jewelry apparatus comprising a lock body 110, a receiving unit 120, and a movable closure mechanism 130. The receiving unit 120 may be configured to receive an elongated material 150. A first end of the elongated material 150 may be secured to a second end of the elongated material 150 to create a loop of the elongated material 150. A user may wear the jewelry apparatus by positioning and/or securing the loop of the elongated material 150 around a portion of the user's body. The jewelry apparatus may be configured to hold one or more charms 140 in a suspended configuration when the user wears the jewelry apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, the one or more charms 140 may comprise an attachment unit 145 through which the movable closure mechanism 130 may be inserted and/or threaded. The attachment unit 145 may comprise a loop or a ring. The attachment unit 145 may be configured to attach, link, and/or mechanically couple the one or more charms 140 to a portion of the movable closure mechanism 130 when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The attachment unit 145 may be configured to suspend the one or more charms 140 from a portion of the movable closure mechanism 130 when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The one or more charms 140 may be suspended from the movable closure mechanism 130 when a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism 130 is engaged with the locking mechanism. The one or more charms 140 may be suspended from the movable closure mechanism 130 when a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism 130 is disengaged from the locking mechanism. When a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism 130 is disengaged from the locking mechanism, additional charms 140 may be added to the jewelry apparatus and suspended from a portion of the movable closure mechanism 130 alongside one or more other charms 140 already suspended from the movable closure mechanism 130.
[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a secondary attachment configured for use with the apparatus. In some cases, the secondary attachment may be a charm configured to hang from a portion of the movable closure mechanism when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The secondary attachment may be a key. In some cases, the key may be configured to open and/or close the locking mechanism. The key may be configured to open the locking mechanism by repositioning a portion of the locking mechanism to disengage one or more surface features of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. The key may be configured to close the locking mechanism by repositioning a portion of the locking mechanism to engage with one or more surface features of the first or second end of the movable closure mechanism. The key may be attached and/or secured to a portion of the elongated material. In some cases, the key may be a charm configured to hang from a portion of the movable closure mechanism when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration.
[0094] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a secondary attachment 160. As described above, the secondary attachment 160 may be a key. The secondary attachment may have a decorative piece 163 disposed on a surface of the secondary attachment 160. The decorative piece 163 may comprise cubic zirconia. The secondary attachment 160 may comprise a secondary through hole 165 through which a portion of the elongated material may be inserted or threaded. The secondary through hole 165 of the secondary attachment 160 may be configured to secure the secondary attachment 160 to a loop of the elongated material when the user wears the jewelry apparatus in a suspended configuration. The secondary through hole 165 may have an inner diameter that is greater in size than a diameter or a width of the elongated material.
[0095] In some cases, the secondary attachment 160 may comprise a surface feature 167. The surface feature 167 may be a protrusion configured to open and/or close the locking mechanism. Alternatively, the surface feature 167 may be a protrusion configured to manipulate and/or reposition a portion of the locking mechanism to engage and/or disengage a first or second end of the movable closure mechanism.
[0096] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
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