Customizable ring

Abstract

A ring is configured to allow the wearer or other individual to quickly and easily customize its appearance. A ring can include a securing mechanism to allow one of possibly many attachments to be selectively coupled to the ring. Each attachment can include a design or ornamentation. Accordingly, by selecting a particular attachment, the individual can customize the appearance of the ring.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A customizable ring comprising:
 an annular portion having a protruding region, the protruding region forming an opening;   one or more attachments, each attachment having a top surface and a coupling structure positioned under the top surface, the coupling structure being configured to insert into the opening formed in the protruding region; and   a securing mechanism that is configured to retain the coupling structure within the opening.   
     
     
         2 . The customizable ring of  claim 1 , wherein each attachment also includes a sidewall that extends downwardly from and around the top surface, the coupling structure being contained within the sidewall. 
     
     
         3 . The customizable ring of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a channel formed within the annular portion and the protruding region, the opening being connected to the channel such that the coupling structure inserts into the channel; and   wherein the securing mechanism comprises an insert that is configured to slide within the channel while the coupling structure is positioned in the channel, the insert sliding between a locked position in which the insert secures the attachment to the annular portion and an unlocked position in which the insert enables the attachment to be removed from the opening.   
     
     
         4 . The customizable ring of  claim 3 , wherein the coupling structure includes a horizontal member and the insert includes a channel within which the horizontal member is contained. 
     
     
         5 . The customizable ring of  claim 4 , wherein the insert includes a tab that extends into the channel of the insert thereby forming a pocket under the tab, and wherein, in the locked position, the horizontal member is positioned within the pocket and below the tab. 
     
     
         6 . The customizable ring of  claim 3 , wherein the protruding region includes a pin that extends downwardly into the channel, and the insert includes a pin slot into which the pin inserts to define how far the insert can slide within the channel. 
     
     
         7 . The customizable ring of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism comprises a plurality of retaining structures that protrude inwardly into the opening, and the coupling structure comprises a corresponding plurality of hooking features. 
     
     
         8 . The customizable ring of  claim 7 , wherein each retaining structure includes a downward facing surface, an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface while each hooking feature includes an upward facing surface, a hooking surface and a stopping surface. 
     
     
         9 . The customizable ring of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a spring positioned within the opening, the spring applying an upward force on the attachment to retain engagement between the coupling structures and the retaining structures.   
     
     
         10 . The customizable ring of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a retaining plate that is secured within the opening over the spring.   
     
     
         11 . The customizable ring of  claim 9 , wherein the hooking features interlock with the retaining structures as the attachment is rotated relative to the annular portion. 
     
     
         12 . The customizable ring of  claim 11 , wherein the spring applies an upward force that interlocks the hooking features with the retaining structures. 
     
     
         13 . The customizable ring of  claim 1 , wherein the opening extends completely through the annular portion, the securing mechanism comprising a locking mechanism that is contained within the opening. 
     
     
         14 . The customizable ring of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a retaining plate that is positioned over the opening above the locking mechanism, the retaining plate securing the locking mechanism within the opening but allowing the locking mechanism to be rotated within the opening.   
     
     
         15 . The customizable ring of  claim 14 , wherein the retaining plate includes opposing channels, the coupling structure comprising opposing prongs that insert through the opposing channels. 
     
     
         16 . The customizable ring of  claim 15 , wherein each prong includes an inwardly projecting ledge, the locking mechanism including opposing protrusions that are rotated overtop the inwardly projecting ledges when the locking mechanism is rotated from an unlocked to a locked position. 
     
     
         17 . The customizable ring of  claim 16 , wherein each protrusion includes a ramped surface that applies an increasing force against the corresponding ledge as the locking mechanism is rotated. 
     
     
         18 . The customizable ring of  claim 16 , wherein the annular portion forms a channel around a portion of the opening, the locking mechanism including a tab that inserts into the channel to thereby limit the rotation of the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . A customizable ring comprising:
 an annular portion having a protruding region, the protruding region forming an opening;   one or more attachments, each attachment having a top surface and a coupling structure that is configured to insert into the opening formed in the protruding region; and   a securing mechanism that is configured to retain the coupling structure within the opening, the securing mechanism comprising one of:
 an insert that slides within a channel formed in the annular portion and protruding region; 
 retaining structures that protrude inwardly into the opening; or 
 a locking mechanism that inserts into the opening opposite the coupling structure. 
   
     
     
         20 . A customizable ring comprising:
 an annular portion having a protruding region, the protruding region forming an opening;   one or more attachments, each attachment having a top surface and a coupling structure that is configured to insert into the opening formed in the protruding region; and   a securing mechanism that, in conjunction with the coupling structure, provides a locked position in which the attachment is secured to the annular portion and an unlocked position in which the attachment can be removed from the annular portion.