Magnetic repulsion components for jewelry articles

Abstract

Jewelry components that are magnetized with the same polarity and that are associated with a retaining element or elements so that they magnetically repulse each other and provide spatially arranged components that form new and unusual jewelry articles having heretofore unknown properties and advantages. The components are operatively associated so as to magnetically repulse each other so a plurality of such components can be joined or combined into rings, bracelets, chains, chokers, necklaces, watchbands or the like, with the magnetic force holding the components apart. When the components are moved or positionally changed in the piece due to movement of the wearer, gravitational changes or simple displacements, the magnetic forces cause the components to return to their original positions. These movements impart life and uniqueness to the jewelry articles that include the components and elements.

1 . A jewelry article comprising at least first and second magnetic jewelry-forming components, each configured and dimensioned in a predetermined shape and having a magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with the other component, wherein the magnetizable portions repulse each other with a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength such that the components can be placed in different positions relative to each other, and the first component further comprises a retaining structure that prevents the second component from being completely separated from the first component when the magnetized portions of the components repulse each other, such that the magnetic repulsion between the components enables them to attain a first configuration wherein the second component is positioned remotely from the first component and a second configuration wherein the person's hand strength applies a force to urge the components towards each other, wherein upon release of the force the components return to the first configuration.  
   
   
       2 . The jewelry article of  claim 1  wherein at least two jewelry forming components are provided with magnetized portions that facilitate retention of the components in spaced relation in a first position, so that at least one component can be moved with respect to the other by a user and, when the user releases the moved component, it automatically returns to the first position.  
   
   
       3 . The jewelry article of  claim 1  wherein the jewelry forming components are arranged on an axis so that one can me moved rotationally with respect to the other.  
   
   
       4 . The jewelry article of  claim 3  wherein the first and second body members are at least partially arcuate in shape.  
   
   
       5 . The jewelry article of  claim 1  wherein one or all of the components includes one or more adornments.  
   
   
       6 . A magnetic jewelry-forming component for preparing a jewelry article comprising a body member configured and dimensioned in an ornamental shape and having a first magnetizable portion for repulsive magnetic association with at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component and at least one further element that has a magnetized portion of the same polarity as the first magnetizable portion for magnetic association therewith, wherein the body member has a magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength such that the body member and at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component can be placed in different positions relative to each other, and wherein the further element comprises a retaining structure that prevents complete separation of the body member from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component when the first magnetized portion of the body member is magnetically repulsed from the at least one other magnetic jewelry-forming component, wherein the body member has outer and inner surfaces, the at least one other jewelry-forming component comprises at least one dimensioning member that is operatively associated with the body member with the first magnetizable portion of the body member and the dimensioning member magnetically repulsing each other with a maximum magnetic strength that can be overcome by a person's hand strength, such that the magnetic repulsion between the body and dimensioning members enables the component to attain a first configuration wherein the dimensioning member is positioned remotely from the body member and a second configuration wherein the person's hand strength urges the dimensioning members towards the body member.  
   
   
       7 . The jewelry-forming component of  claim 6 , wherein a plurality of magnetized locations are symmetrically distributed on the component member and each has about the same size and shape.  
   
   
       8 . The jewelry-forming component of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of magnetized locations are arranged so that the components are uniquely engageable to form the article.  
   
   
       9 . The jewelry-forming component of  claim 6 , which further includes an adornment of a precious stone, a material having a different color from that of the body member, indicia, or a part of a character, pattern or design.  
   
   
       10 . The jewelry-forming component of  claim 6 , wherein the magnetic field emitted or radiated by the plurality of magnetized locations is configured in an indicia or other ornamental pattern that is invisible until revealed by magnetic particles or films.