Selectively self-adjustable jewelry item and method of making same

Abstract

An article of jewelry is disclosed wherein a stretchable filament is threaded through or otherwise attached to a desired number of ornaments and maintained in loop form by a knot tied in the filament. The filament is formed of a material that may be stretched between two extremes: a minimally stretched length and a fully stretched length. The filament further has a relaxed length that is less than the fully stretched length. The filament is selectively adjustable in that the relaxed length may be adjusted upward but not downward. Also disclosed is a method for tying a symmetric, sturdy knot in the stretchable filament that includes the step of simultaneously pulling with substantially equal force on each of the trailing ends exiting the knot in such a way that a portion of the filament including the knot is stretched to or almost to its fully stretched length.

Description

[0001] 1. Technical Field[0002] This invention generally relates to jewelry, and more specifically relates to an article of jewelry that selectively self-adjusts to fit the portion of the body where it is worn.[0003] 2. Background Art[0004] Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and similar articles of jewelry conventionally form loops that are worn around a portion of the body such as a neck, arm, ankle, toe, finger, or wrist. Some of these loops are made of stretchy, elastic material that may expand while being placed on the body, and that may contract after being so placed. Many bracelets and rings are made by threading beads or other ornaments onto a band of stretchy material prior to forming the band into a loop. In these cases, the loop must be permanently joined in some fashion so that the ornaments and the jewelry item remain in their proper place: the ornaments on the band and the jewelry on the body.[0005] Toe rings are one example of the jewelry items described above. However, toe ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is generally true since the flow of blood, and pressure due to a significant amount of walking, often result in the enlargement of one's feet and toes.

The crimping process compromises the strength and integrity of the band, and thus of the toe ring or other jewelry item itself, often leading to breakage.

Furthermore, certain crimping methods don't work on some popular band materials or sizes, causing some jewelry manufacturers to use alternative band material that is less comfortable, or otherwise less desirable.

A further drawback of existing toe rings is that many of them are constructed using band material that does not adapt well to changing size requirements.

Much existing band material is too thick, too inflexible, or otherwise unsuitable for needed size adaptation and comfort.

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