Segmented Jewelry Utilizing High Strength Magnetic Forces

Abstract

An item of jewelry includes a plurality of segments, each segment including an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second opposing end surfaces. The first end surface of each segment includes a positively-aligned magnet, and the second end surface of each segment includes a negatively-aligned magnet. The plurality of segments form a continuous shape having a smooth appearance during use.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An item of jewelry comprising:
 a plurality of segments, each segment including an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second opposing end surfaces;   wherein the first end surface of each segment includes a positively-aligned magnet;   wherein the second end surface of each segment includes a negatively-aligned magnet; and   wherein the plurality of segments form a continuous shape having a smooth appearance during use.   
     
     
         2 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein adjacent segments are secured to one another through magnetic forces between the positively and negatively-aligned magnets alone. 
     
     
         3 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein each magnet comprises a high strength magnet having a minimum pull strength of 0.4 lb. 
     
     
         4 . The item of jewelry of  claim 3 , wherein each magnet comprises one of a neodymium-based magnetic compound and/or an iron nitride magnetic compound. 
     
     
         5 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein each magnet is positioned on the respective end surface adjacent to the inner surface of the segment. 
     
     
         6 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein each magnet is positioned centrally within the respective end surface. 
     
     
         7 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous shape comprises a loop. 
     
     
         8 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous shape comprises a portion of a bracelet. 
     
     
         9 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein the segments of the plurality of segments vary in shape. 
     
     
         10 . The item of jewelry of  claim 9 , wherein the continuous shape is one of elliptical and oval. 
     
     
         11 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein the item is a ring. 
     
     
         12 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , wherein the item is one of a bracelet, a necklace, a watch band, a chain link, a sleeve, and a head band. 
     
     
         13 . The item of jewelry of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner base having a recess, wherein the plurality of segments is positioned within the recess. 
     
     
         14 . The item of jewelry of  claim 13 , wherein the inner base is comprised of silicone.