US20080135422A1

US20080135422A1 - Jewelry Holder

Info

Publication number: US20080135422A1
Application number: US11/753,947
Authority: US
Inventors: Florencia Martinez; Sarah Rosenbach; Brad Cracchiola
Original assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Current assignee: Rubbermaid Inc
Priority date: 2006-05-25
Filing date: 2007-05-25
Publication date: 2008-06-12

Abstract

A jewelry holder has an elongate body with a top end, an upper region adjacent the top end, and a bottom end. The top end and the upper region have a cylinder dimension sized to receive ring shaped jewelry onto the body. An enlarged portion of the holder near the bottom end of the body has a cylinder dimension sized larger than the top end and the upper region to prevent the ring shaped jewelry from removal from the body at the bottom end. A cap is removable from and attachable to the top end of the body, the cap having a cylinder dimension sized greater than that of the top end and the upper region such that jewelry placed on the body is retained on the body by the cap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of prior filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/808,419, which was filed on May 25, 2006, which was entitled “Ring Holder,” and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally directed to jewelry storage devices, and more particularly to a device for temporarily holding finger rings and other jewelry items.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional jewelry storage devices include jewelry boxes having a container with one or more compartments and a lid, or having an open tray with dividers and/or compartments. Ring storage devices are known in the art that are made of many different materials, including glass, crystal, plastic, metal, ceramic, resin, and fabric, among other materials. Typically these jewelry holders have a dish-shaped receptacle that can be round, oval, square, or otherwise uniquely shaped, such as heart shaped. The receptacle often has a raised edge or lip and a center post to hold rings or other jewelry. Rings can be placed over the center post and other small items or additional rings can be loosely held in the dish-shaped base.
Many people temporarily remove their rings and other jewelry when washing dishes, washing their hands, or bathing, and place their rings on a counter or a surface of a sink, basin, or tub. If not removed, rings can acquire a buildup of soap, hand lotion, and/or other residue while a wearer's hands are washed, dried, and moisturized. Rings can also inadvertently slip from a wearer's finger that is wet and soaped and, thus, become slippery during washing. Rings and other jewelry can be lost easily when left on shelves, countertops, windowsills, or other surfaces in the area of a sink, basin, or tub. Rings can be bumped or knocked from the surface onto the floor or lost down the drain of the nearby sink, tub, or basin.
Conventional jewelry storage containers are not well suited for the temporary storage of rings and other jewelry while one washes or bathes. These conventional containers generally are not meant for use in wet environments and are not configured to be conveniently placed near a sink or tub. While a crystal or glass ring holder would not be damaged by moisture, such a device could be easily tipped or accidentally knocked off a shelf, tub, or sink. Thus, the glass or crystal device can be broken on the hard surfaces typically present in a sink and bathing area and could even cause injury to someone nearby. Other known storage devices are often too large or cumbersome to be useful in the bath or kitchen environment.
One example of a prior art temporary ring holder is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,351, which discloses a ring holder that operates in a plunger-type manner. In the 4,632,351 patent, rings are held on a shaft and captured by two flexible “reeds” that extend perpendicularly from the shaft of the ring holder. Pressure from a finger tip depresses the end of the ring holder and causes the extended “reeds” to mechanically retract to release a ring from or accept a ring onto the shaft. Release of pressure on the end of the ring holder extends the reeds to their radially outward projecting position to hold a ring on the shaft. The finger of one hand must depress the plunger to retract the “reeds” and then the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand must slide the ring to install or remove the ring from the shaft of the holder. The ring could possibly be dropped during the transfer if the user has difficulty maintaining adequate pressure on the plunger. Manipulation of the device can be difficult and cumbersome for a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a jewelry holder constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the ring holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the ring holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the ring holder taken along line B-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a similar cross-section of another example of a ring holder with a different foot construction.

FIG. 6 shows a similar cross-section of another example of a ring holder with yet another different foot construction.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a top portion of another example of a ring holder with a different connecting element between the cap and the body for the holder.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a top portion of another example of a ring holder with yet a different connecting element between the cap and the body for the holder.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the ring holder of FIG. 1 and with rings stored on the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is a ring or jewelry holder for temporarily holding rings or other types of jewelry such as earrings and the like. Various examples of jewelry storage devices or ring holders are disclosed herein. The disclosed devices solve or improve upon one or more of the above noted and other problems and disadvantages with prior art storage devices, containers, and methods of temporarily storing jewelry items. The disclosed jewelry holders are well suited for use during wet activities, such as dishwashing, hand and face washing, or bathing, and for use on or near hard surfaces where breakage of glass or crystal materials is a risk. Furthermore, the disclosed jewelry holders are simple to use and manipulate, particularly with one hand.
The disclosed devices can be configured to offer a temporary safe and secure device and method to store rings and other similar ring-shaped jewelry items during various washing and bathing activities or for other temporary storage purposes. Rings or ring-like jewelry can be placed on or removed from the disclosed holders with only one hand. Additionally, the disclosed devices can easily mount securely to a surface, whether a vertical or horizontal surface, so that the device stays in place during use.
The terms upper, lower, top, bottom, and the like as used herein refer to the disclosed holders being used in a vertical or upright orientation. These terms are used herein merely for reference and ease of description. The disclosed holders can be used horizontally or even partially or completely inverted and yet function as intended. Thus, the terms referencing the top or bottom of a component are not intended to limit the nature of the invention to a particular orientation, but only to reference parts and components relative to one another.
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a jewelry or ring holder 10 that has a body 20 with a top end 26 and a bottom end 28. A cap 30 is removable from and attachable to the top end 26 of the body 20. A foot 40 in this example is attached to the bottom end 28. The foot 40 in this example is wider than the rest of the body 20. The body 20 in this example is tapered and has a partial hourglass-like shape. The widened foot 40 is provided in this example for stability and the widened bottom end 28 is provided to keep jewelry items from dropping hard onto the foot when placed on the holder body 20.
The relative sizes of the holder components are referenced herein with respect to cylinder size. This is more accurately the overall area of the components at a given location along an axis A of the holder. The reference to a cylinder size is not intended to impart any particular shape to the cylinder, as it is known that a cylinder can be round or non-round. It is the size of the holder and its components that can vary at any given point along the length of the disclosed holders.
With that in mind, the portion of the body 20 above the bottom end 28 in this example narrows to a relatively small cylinder size or diameter upper region U, which terminates at the top end 26. The cap 30 is a relatively large diameter disc that covers and attaches to the top end 26. When the cap is removed, the exposed top end 26 is of a relatively small diameter sized to accept ring-shaped jewelry such as a finger ring or earrings onto the upper region of the body. Jewelry items can be placed over the top end 26 when exposed by removing the cap 30 as shown in FIG. 2. The cap 30 has a cylinder dimension and contour that are sized and shaped in this example to be large enough to retain jewelry items on the body when the cap is attached. The widened bottom end 28 and/or the foot 40 can form an enlarged portion of the holder near the bottom end 28. The enlarged portion, such as both the foot and the bottom end in this example, can have having a cylinder dimension and contour that are sized and shaped to keep jewelry items from slipping off the bottom end of the body. Thus, with the cap attached, jewelry is retained on the holder.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a vertical cross-section of the ring holder 10 is shown. In the present example, the body 20 is a hollow cylinder with a wall 200 having sufficient thickness and stiffness to maintain its shape. The structure of the wall 200 creates a hollow space 220 inside the body 20 with an inside surface 222. In this example, the profile of the wall 200 is generally a conical shape, but with a shallow ogee curve mimicking part of an hourglass.
Nonetheless, in an alternate embodiment, the profile of the wall 200 could be a true conical shape tapering consistently from the bottom end 28 to the top end 26 of the body 20. Alternatively, the body 20 could have any variation of a curved or other profile shape. In other examples, the shape of the body could be stepped having varying sizes along its length and remain within the teachings of the present disclosure. In yet another example, the body can be the same size from top to bottom with only the foot and cap having a larger size to retain jewelry on the holder during use. In another instance, the interior of the body need not be hollow, but instead can be a generally solid body. The foot 40, if provided, can be integrally formed as part of the body as well.
In the present example, the axis A of the body 20 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and the body terminates at the top end 26. The wall 200 of the body 20 further has a top rim 203 at the top end 26 and a bottom rim 204 at the bottom end 28. The top end 26 has a stop surface 212 recessed into and closing off the top end 26 of the body 20 below the rim 203, thereby forming a cylindrical socket 206 above the stop surface within the rim 203. In this example, a first cylindrical or disc-shaped magnet 210 is held in the socket 206. As seen in FIG. 2, the thickness or height of the magnet 210 is less than the depth of the socket 206. A shallow recess 214 is formed above the magnet 210 surrounded by the top rim 203. This recess 214 forms a female half of a magnetic connection or attachment between the body 20 and the cap 30. The surface 212 can alternatively be an annular inward projecting lip or rib that positions the magnet instead of a surface closing off the entire top end 26.
Also shown in FIG. 4, the cap 30 of the ring holder 10 has a relatively short length connector 300 depending downward and concentric with the axis A. The post or connector 300 is coupled to a larger diameter disc 312 that creates the bulk of the cap 30. The disc 312 has a perimeter edge that forms a grip surface 304. The underside of the disc 312 transitions smoothly and gradually in this example between the surface of the connector 300 and the perimeter grip surface 304 of the disc. The exposed, downward facing end of the connector 300 has an upward recess or receptacle 306. A central protrusion 308 projects downward within the recess to fix the depth of the receptacle 306 in this example.
A second cylindrical or disc shaped magnet 310 is fitted within the receptacle 306. In this example, the thickness or height of the second magnet 310 is greater than the depth of the receptacle 306. Thus, part of the magnet 310 protrudes slightly below a bottom edge 313 of the connector 300 by a distance equal to the depth of the shallow recess 214 in the top end 26 of the body 20. The protruding magnet 310 forms a male half of the magnetic connection or attachment between the body 20 and the cap 30. In an alternate example, the locations of the shallow recess 214 and the protruding magnet 310 can be reversed on the components. Alternatively, the magnets can be level with the respective parts of the sockets and still remain within the teachings of the present disclosure. In yet another alternative example, either the body magnet 210 or the cap magnet 310 could be replaced by a metallic slug or surface that attracts the magnet on the other component.
In the present example, the polarity of the magnets 210, 310 is such that the cap 30 is forcibly retained attached to the body 20 by magnetic attraction. The magnetic force that attracts the cap to the body should be such that the cap is held secure on the body and yet is separable from the body as desired. The magnets 210 and 310 can be retained in their respective socket 206 and receptacle 306 by any suitable means so that the magnets remain in place during removal and replacement of the cap 30. Such retention means can alternatively include friction, adhesive, snap fit connections, or other suitable means.
With the cap 30 installed, the rim 203 on the top end 26 of the body 20 meets and engages with the bottom edge 313 of the connector 300 on the cap 30. In this example, the size and shape of the bottom edge 313 on the connector 300 matches the size and shape of the rim 203 on the top end 26 of the body 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the profile of the underside of the disc 312 and connector 300 creates a smooth continuous, gradual profile with the surface of the body when the cap 30 is in place on the body 20. The protruding magnet 310 seats in the shallow recess 214 to assist in aligning the cap 30 to the body 20, as well as to assist in retaining the cap on the body.
Referring again to FIG. 4, the foot 40 of the holder 10 in this example has a suction cup 402. The suction cup 402 is formed of a flexible resilient material and has bottom surface 410 of a round and slightly upwardly concave shape. An annular connecting ring 404 projects upwardly from and extends around a top surface 408 of the suction cup 402. The annular connecting ring 404 contacts the inside surface of the bottom rim 204 of the body wall 200. The body 20 can be hollow, as in this example, or can alternatively be solid as previously stated. In such an example, the bottom of the solid boy can have a receptacle to attach the foot 40. In another example, the foot can be adhered or otherwise attached to a flat or curved, but smooth, bottom surface of a solid body.
In the disclosed example, an annular ridge 406 surrounds and is spaced from the connecting element 404 on the top surface 408 of the suction cup 402. A groove or valley 412 is thus formed between the ridge 406 and the connecting element 404. A bottom edge 420 of the bottom rim 204 has a similar contour with a ridge 422 and a depression 424 that mate with or engage, respectively, the corresponding valley 412 and ridge 406 on the suction cup. These surface contours can assist in retaining the foot 40 attached to the bottom end 28 of the body. These ridge, valley and/or groove surfaces can include an adhesive to help retain the foot on the body. Adhesive, complimentary mechanical engagement parts, or the like can also be employed on the outer side of the connection ring 404 and inner surface of the rim 204 to help retain the foot on the body. Alternatively or in addition, any suitable configuration or alternate attachment scheme that firmly holds the foot 40 on the bottom end 28 of the body 20 is within the teachings of the present disclosure.
The foot 40 in this example employs a suction cup 402 for removably attaching the holder 10 to a horizontal or vertical surface. However, the mechanism or means by which the foot, or alternatively the holder body where no foot is utilized, attaches the holder to a surface can vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. An alternate example of a ring holder 12 is shown in FIG. 5 and has a foot 114 secured to the holder. The foot 114 in this example has a flat bottom surface 116 and an adhesive layer 118 on the bottom surface 116. The foot 114 can be a patch of adhesive directly placed on the bottom of the body, or can be a dual-sided adhesive pad adhered to the bottom of the body. The adhesive layer 118 on the bottom surface 116 can be a peel and stick layer with a removable paper membrane, if desired. The holder 12 can be securely affixed via the adhesive layer 118 to any smooth horizontal or vertical surface.
Another alternative ring holder 14 is shown in FIG. 6. The holder 14 has a foot 120 secured to the holder and has an exposed substantial magnet 122. The magnet 122 in this example can permit the holder 14 to be stably placed on a horizontal surface that is not metallic. The magnet 122 best serves to magnetically attach the holder 14 to a metallic surface that is horizontal, vertical, or inclined. Alternatively, the substantial weight of the magnet 122 can also act as a stable base for the holder. In this regard, the magnet can be replaced by a weighted slug that merely acts as a stabilizing element for the holder when placed on a horizontal surface.
The connection of the cap to the body of the disclosed holders can also vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate connection scheme between a cap 32 and a body 34 of a holder 35 wherein the connection mechanism is a threaded connection. The cap 32 has a male connector 36 with male threads that engage female threads on a female connector part 38 in the top end of the body 34.
FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate connection scheme between a cap 42 and a body 44 of a holder 45 wherein the connection mechanism is a snap-in connection. In this alternative example, the male portion of a connector 46 on the cap 42 has a circumferential ridge 48. The female portion in a connector 50 on the top end of the body 44 has a groove 52 positioned to receive the ridge 48. The cap 42 is attached to the body 44 by placing the male connector part 46 into the female connector part 50. The ridge 48 snaps into the groove 52 forming a secure but separable connection. Reversal of the location of the male and female portions of the alternate connectors in FIGS. 7 and 8 remain within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
Additionally, the shape of the body on the holder, as mentioned above, can be linear, curved, have a consistent cross section, vary in cross section, have a consistent taper, or be stepped as noted above. Also, the cross section of the body can be circular or round as shown, or can be oval, square, rectangular, octagonal, or otherwise non-round in shape and remain within the spirit of the present invention.
The holder and the several variations disclosed and described herein allow a user to easily remove and replace rings and ring-like jewelry on the holder. The disclosed holder examples are also very well suited for use in a wet, busy, cramped environment such as near a kitchen sink, a bathroom sink, a laundry tub, a shower, or a bath tub. A user merely attaches the holder by its foot to a surface. The user then removes the cap 30 by the grip 304. The user can place the cap 30 to the side and maneuver the ring onto the body 20. The user can then replace and reattach the cap 30. A user can perform these steps easily with one hand, if desired. FIG. 9 shows an example of the ring holder 10 with rings 60, 62 placed thereon and seated on the upper region of the body below the cap 30.
Although certain jewelry storage devices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A jewelry holder comprising:

an elongate body with a top end, an upper region adjacent the top end, and a bottom end, the top end and the upper region having a cylinder dimension sized to receive ring shaped jewelry onto the body;

an enlarged portion of the holder near the bottom end of the body having a cylinder dimension sized larger than the top end and the upper region to prevent the ring shaped jewelry from removal from the body at the bottom end; and

a cap removable from and attachable to the top end of the body, the cap having a cylinder dimension sized greater than that of the top end and the upper region such that jewelry placed on the body is retained on the body by the cap.

2. A jewelry holder according to claim 1, further comprising a foot at the bottom end of the body, wherein the foot defines at least part of the enlarged portion of the body.

3. A jewelry holder according to claim 1, wherein the foot is attached to the bottom end of the body and is configured to removably attach the jewelry holder to a surface.

4. A jewelry holder according to claim 3, wherein the foot has a suction cup.

5. A jewelry holder according to claim 3, wherein a bottom surface of the foot is flat and has an adhesive layer.

6. A jewelry holder according to claim 3, wherein the foot is a magnet.

7. A jewelry holder according to claim 3, wherein the foot is a weighted element to enable the holder to stably rest on a surface.

8. A jewelry holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is tapered along a longitudinal axis and has a smaller cylinder size at the top end and in the upper region than near the bottom end.

9. A jewelry holder according to claim 8, wherein the tapered body gradually cures along the longitudinal axis from the top end cylinder size to the bottom end cylinder size.

10. A jewelry holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is a circular cylinder in cross section.

11. A jewelry holder according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting mechanism configured to removably but forcibly retain the cap on the top end of the body.

12. A jewelry holder according to claim 11, wherein the connecting mechanism employs at least one magnet.

13. A jewelry holder according to claim 11, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises:

a first magnet on the top end of the body; and

a second magnet located on a bottom of the cap.

14. A jewelry holder according to claim 13, wherein one of the first or second magnets protrudes outward from the respective top end or cap, and wherein the other of the first or second magnets is recessed into the respective top end or cap and the protruding first or second magnet seats in a recess adjacent the recessed first or second magnet to create a further mechanical interlock at the connecting mechanism.

15. A jewelry holder according to claim 11, wherein the connecting mechanism includes mating mechanical threads on the cap and the top end of the body.

16. A jewelry holder according to claim 11, wherein the connecting mechanism between the cap and the body is a snap-in connection.