WO2001043577A2

WO2001043577A2 - Crystal support systems

Info

Publication number: WO2001043577A2
Application number: PCT/GB2000/004817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip David Eddershaw; Peter Colin England; Graham Aitchison England; Jason Bruno Acker Holt; Wendy Smith
Original assignee: Krystalline Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-12-15
Filing date: 2000-12-14
Publication date: 2001-06-21
Also published as: AU2198401A; GB9929525D0; WO2001043577A3

Abstract

A crystal support system comprises attachment means permitting releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a device while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device. The related method of attaching a crystal to a device comprises attaching the crystal to the device in a releasable and repeatable manner while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device. Attachement of crystals to different devices or other objects can be effected by a set of mounts, enabling a method of attaching a crystal to a plurality of objects or devices which comprises applying a respective mount to each of said plurality of objects or devices, attaching the crystal to one or said mounts, removing the crystal from that mount and re-attaching the crystal to that mount or attaching the crystal to another of said mounts.

Description

CRYSTAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

This invention relates to support systems for supporting a crystal on an object, as may be desired to stylise, personalise or beautify that object and/or to improve the wellbeing of a person who uses or otherwise comes near to the object.

An example of improving a person^'s wellbeing involves the use of crystals to combat the harmful effects of radiation emitted from electronic or electrical devices such as computers and mobile telephones. Whether such benefits (or indeed the alleged harmful effects) exist in scientific reality or merely in a user^'s perception is arguable, but even a perception of benefit may be enough to confer wellbeing. More generally, threats to wellbeing manifest themselves in many ways, such as the so-called "sick building syndrome'. This syndrome remains a subject of controversy, yet to be accepted by the whole scientific community, but it is thought that its effects can only partially be attributed to electromagnetic radiation. Other factors such as air conditioning and lighting may play a part.

In this specification, the term 'crystal' is used to encompass gemstones, whether real, artificial, precious or semi-precious. More generally, the term encompasses hard lustrous objects such as cut glass beads and decorative resin items. Electronic or electrical devices will hereinafter be referred to simply as 'devices' but it is to be understood that references to the application of a crystal to a device can encompass application of a crystal near a device, for example a car dashboard, desk furniture or a telephone socket.

Technology is an extremely prominent part of our modern society, with most people using computers, mobile telephones and other devices for professional and personal reasons every day. Although such devices enable people to work more efficiently and to communicate with others throughout the world, there is increasing evidence that they are harmful to the health of the user.

For example, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that mobile telephones and video display units (NDUs) such as computers and televisions, emit harmful radiation that can give rise to physiological and neuropsychological problems with prolonged daily exposure. For example, these emissions are thought to be the cause of common ailments such as head-, neck- and back-ache, cramps, anxiety, insomnia, stress and even tumours in severe cases; the negative effects are usually proportional to the amount of time spent using such devices.

Nowadays, people are looking for unconventional and often inexplicable ways to improve life. This is largely due to the increased acceptance of arts and practices such as Feng Shui, but is also due to the fact that many have lost faith in conventional methods. Feng Shui. for example, has for many years been extremely popular in the Eastern world and the benefits of such concepts are now being recognised in the Western world. That is to say, it seems that this and related concepts will no longer be restricted to the so-called 'New Agers' but have the potential of becoming mainstream worldwide.

In particular, the use of crystals has become extremely popular as there is a widespread belief that crystals have the ability to maintain one's balance of health and energy and they have also been recognised for their ability to convert and redirect the harmful effects of radiation. There are those who remain sceptical of the benefits of using crystals, but. it cannot be disputed that the use of crystals is becoming more widespread. Whether they simply serve to put the enthusiastic user's mind at ease or whether the crystals are truly effective is irrelevant, as the user is benefiting either way.

Several hypotheses as to the beneficial effect of crystals await validation. One such hypothesis has it that crystalline matter has a unique arrangement of sub-atomic energy which serves to harmonise matter on sub-atomic levels and so is able to provide a force field of healing negative ions whilst clearing the surrounding area of positive ions. The radiation emitted from devices causes a build-up of excess positive ions and it is this which is thought to be the cause of the many ailments associated with the use of such devices. Crystalline matter serves to clear the air surrounding devices of these excess positive ions and thereby converts and redirects the harmful effects of the emitted radiation, enabling it to reach a state that is no longer harmful. There is also growing evidence from a colour therapy perspective to suggest that the colour of crystals themselves provide a source of wellbeing, as might other appearance factors.

Many techniques have been developed in an attempt to reduce or prevent radiation emission from devices or to protect the user from such radiation as has been emitted, without necessarily affecting the radiation itself; some that employ natural or artificial stones and some that do not.

For example, Microshield (trade mark) is a mobile phone carrying case that allegedly absorbs 80% of microwave radiation emitted by mobile telephones. This mobile telephone case comprises a laminated PNC screen containing an ultra-fine wire mesh that serves to absorb the radiation emitted from the phone when it is in use. Such a case is limited to use on mobile telephones, and is specifically designed to fit the purchaser's model of mobile telephone; so, if one was to purchase a new mobile telephone, one would have to purchase another Microshield. This is not cost-effective. Furthermore, Microshield stays on the telephone with which it is associated and so offers no protection from radiation when other devices are in use.

Hands-free mobile telephone kits have also been developed which do not reduce the amount of radiation emitted from the telephone but simply allow the user to make or receive calls without having to hold the telephone to the ear. The theory is that radiation emitted from the telephone will not then be absorbed by the user's head. A hands-free mobile telephone kit simply increases the distance between the radiation emitting source (the telephone) and the user's head. However, the telephone still has to be held close to the user's body and so any harmful radiation emitted from the telephone could be absorbed by other parts of the user's body. Furthermore, hands-free mobile telephone kits involve additional cost, are only suitable for use with mobile telephones, and do not offer any protection from radiation emitted from other devices.

Techno AO Protectors (trade mark) are chip-based electronic protective attachments that have been developed to neutralise the polluting effects of radiation emitted from NDUs such as computers and televisions. The product for use on computers and televisions takes the form of an unsightly antenna that must be fixed permanently to the computer or television monitor. Therefore, in order to obtain protection from radiation emitted from all NDUs that may be in use, a separate Techno AO Protector would need to be purchased for each NDU.

An alternative Techno AO Protector developed for use on mobile telephones is also a permanent fixture that is far from subtle in its size or location and. interferes with the styling of the mobile phone.

Protective attachments such as Techno AO Protectors are device-specific. For example, the antenna could not be used on a mobile telephone or a video console and the telephone assembly is not adapted for use on any larger electronic device such as a NDU. Furthermore, like the Microshield and the hands-free mobile telephone kit mentioned above, neither version of the Techno AO Protector enables a user to benefit when the user is remote from the device to which the Techno AO Protector is attached.

Another attachment that aims to reduce the harmful effects of radiation emitted from mobile telephones is 'The Monkey' (trade mark) which consists of a toy monkey attached to the aerial of the mobile phone. The body of the monkey conceals a piece of rose quartz which confers the desired benefits. Other conceptually-similar products conceal tourmaline crystals instead of rose quartz to confer the beneficial effect.

As the crystals used in products like 'The Monkey' are concealed, the user is deprived of the visual and tactile pleasures of the valuable and often beautiful crystals themselves. Furthermore, such products are limited to use on mobile telephone aerials; they cannot be used on other devices. This limits their use and increases costs if a user wants protection when using various devices and throughout day-to-day life.

It was against this background that the present invention was developed. Broadly, the invention resides in a crystal support system comprising attachment means permitting releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a device while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device. The invention thus also resides in a method of attaching a crystal to a device comprising attaching the crystal to the device in a releasable and repeatable manner while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device. It is preferred that a visible part of the crystal can be touched when the crystal is attached to the device.

The crystal is preferably releasably and repeatably attached to a mount that is permanently attachable to the device, for example to a generally flat surface of the device. For optimum flexibility of use. there is a set of mounts each being permanently attachable to a respective different object or device and each being adapted for releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal thereto. Thus, the invention extends to a method of attaching a crystal to a plurality of objects or devices, the method comprising applying a respective mount to each of said plurality of objects or devices, attaching the crystal to one of said mounts, removing the crystal from that mount and re-attaching the crystal to that mount or attaching the crystal to another of said mounts. The crystal can be released or removed by gripping an exposed part of the crystal, and can be carried about a user's person when the crystal is removed from a mount.

The or each mount can be adapted to hold the crystal with at least part of the crystal overhanging the mount. Nevertheless, the or each mount can also be adapted to embrace another part of the crystal. More specifically, the crystal and the or each mount are preferably shaped to interlock with each other and more preferably to snap- fit to each other when the mount is permanently attached to the device. For that purpose, the mount can be resiliently deformable to permit said snap-fit attachment of the crystal thereto.

It is also possible for the crystal to be attached to a setting that effects said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a mount, the setting and the mount having complementary formations. This saves having to shape the crystal itself with possibly complex complementary formations. Again, at least the complementary formations of the mount and/or the setting may be resiliently deformable. In some embodiments, the setting can be a clip to which the crystal is removably attachable. For example, the clip can hold the crystal behind a web having an aperture for viewing the crystal. In that case, means defining the aperture suitably co-operate with the crystal to help locate the crystal in the clip. It is also possible for the clip to be adapted for attachment to a belt.

Where there are complementary formations in the setting and the mount, those formations can require the setting to be moved substantially parallel to the surface of the device to which the mount is attached in use to effect said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to the mount. Thus, if the surface of the device to which the mount is to be attached in use is substantially vertical, the complementary formations are oriented to require the setting to be moved substantially vertically with respect to the mount to effect said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to the mount. It is then advantageous if the complementary formations are shaped to hold together the setting and the mount under the weight of the crystal and the setting supported by the mount. For example, the complementary formations can taper in a direction of attachment between the setting and the mount.

In general, the mount can function as a hook on which the setting can be hung, and it is possible for the mount to be hidden when a crystal and setting are attached thereto.

The system of the invention can further comprise a portable case adapted to receive the crystal, which case may be transparent or translucent to enable the crystal to be viewed when within the case. The case may, for example, contain a cradle adapted to hold the crystal in a fixed display orientation within the case, with at least one part of the crystal overhanging the cradle and at least one other part of the crystal embraced by the cradle.

In an elegant variant of the invention, the attachment means is an interchangeable part of the device. For example, if the device is a mobile telephone, the interchangeable part can be a snap-on fascia or other cover part for the mobile telephone. Consequently, the invention encompasses an interchangeable fascia or other cover part for a mobile communications device such as a mobile telephone, the fascia or cover part including a crystal or means for attaching a crystal thereto. The invention also encompasses a mobile communications device such as a mobile telephone, fitted or supplied with an interchangeable fascia or other cover part as defined. Similarly, the invention extends to a crystal, a mount, a setting or a case adapted for use in the system or in accordance with the method as herein defined.

The invention extends to a device fitted with a mount as recited herein, and to the combination of a device and a crystal attached to the device by a mount or setting that exposes at least part of the crystal to view.

Accordingly, the Applicants have invented an assembly which enables attractive crystals to be held, encased, supported and reversibly attached to a desired object such as a radiation-emitting device. This maximises the potential beneficial effect of the crystal as it holds the crystal in close proximity to a device, and it further allows the crystal to be detached from the device after use, and then to be safely moved and attached to another device which is subsequently in use or kept about the person when no such devices are in use. In this regard, the user need only buy one crystal for use on or adjacent to all devices and for the purposes of maintaining his or her energy balance when such devices are not in use. Nevertheless, whilst the invention involves suitability for use with devices as herein defined, it is emphasised that the invention can be used in other ways, for example by being carried about the person or being attached to any object that a user may desire, whether or not a device is nearby.

The invention gives rise to an attractive and useful product that many believe will reduce the harmful effects of radiation emitted from numerous devices and that is secure and convenient to use, allowing a user to keep the crystal with or near them at all times. In contrast, the prior art does not allow a crystal to be secured to an object such as a radiation-emitting device and yet to be detached and kept secure and protected about the user's person and reattached elsewhere to another device

More generally, the invention provides a way of stylising, personalising and beautifying a computer, a mobile telephone or any other device or object by harnessing the beauty of crystal. Preferred aspects of the invention extend beyond enabling such aesthetic improvement: the invention also provides a wellbeing product based on the widespread belief in the therapeutic properties of crystal. However, it is emphasised that the invention does not rely upon the existence or otherwise of protective properties. There is no unarguable scientific evidence that crystals have such properties, although there are many theories as to how crystals might work if they do have such properties. Hence, whilst this specification makes reference to protective devices, it is not limited to such devices.

Thus, the invention provides a purpose-made mount and crystal which are complementarily shaped so that the mount accommodates and firmly locates the crystal. Yet. in doing so, the mount holds the crystal in such a way as to expose the crystal and in many ways to enhance its beauty, while allowing for its easy attachment to a device or other object. Indeed, in an alternative expression, the invention need not rely upon releasable attachment of the crystal to a device or other object: the crystal support system of the invention may comprise a mount or setting permitting permanent attachment of the crystal to a device. In the context of the invention, 'permanent' means that the crystal should not be readily removable once attached to the device via the mount or setting. Such a mount or setting may have many of the advantageous features of the mount and setting recited above as part of the invention.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a sequence of views showing the operation of a crystal support system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a sequence of views corresponding to Figure 1 but showing the mount of the system attached to a computer monitor;

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are sectional and plan views respectively of a crystal being part of the system of Figures 1 and 2; Figures 4(a). 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) are side, plan and sectional views respectively of an alternative form of crystal for use in the system of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 5(a). 5(b) and 5(c) are sectional, side and plan views of a lid for a case being part of the system of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) are sectional, plan and side views of a base for the case, matching the lid of Figures 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c);

Figures 7(a). 7(b), 7(c) and 7(d) are side, plan, part- sectional and underneath views of a cradle to fit within the base of Figures 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c);

Figures 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d) are perspective views of a further embodiment of the invention in which a setting is permanently attached to the crystal and is adapted to connect to a wedge-shaped mount;

Figures 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 9(d) and 9(e) are sectional, underneath, plan and side views respectively of the setting visible in Figures 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d);

Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are side and plan views of the wedge mount visible in Figures 8(c) and 8(d);

Figures 1 1(a), 1 1(b), 11(c), 1 1(d) and 11(e) are front views showing the construction and operation of a further embodiment of the invention, in which a crystal is removably attached to a clip and the clip is removably attached to a mount on a computer monitor;

Figures 12(a). 12(b), 12(c) and 12(d) are front, sectional, side and rear views of the clip of Figures 1 1(a), 11(b), 11(d) and 11(e), and Figure 12(e) is a sectional view of a crystal shaped to fit the clip as shown in Figure 12(b); Figures 13(a), 13(b) and 13(c) are schematic views of ways of carrying a mounted crystal about the person; and

Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are front and rear views of a mobile telephone fitted with an interchangeable clip-on cover or fascia, which cover or fascia includes a crystal.

The crystal support system according to one embodiment of this invention, as illustrated generally in Figures 1 and 2 and more specifically in Figures 3 to 7, comprises a case 20. a crystal 60 that can be held in the case 20, and a mount 70 for attaching the crystal 60 to any desired object, such as an electrical device.

As best shown in Figures 3 and 4. the plan shape of the crystal 60 is akin to an equilateral triangle, having three equal straight sides 62 joined by apices 64. However, the apices 64 are smoothly rounded. In cross-section, the edges of the crystal 60 are rounded and the major faces 56 of the crystal 60 are convex-curved. The crystal 60 shown in section in Figure 3(a) is substantially elliptical in section and symmetrical about its major and minor axes, whereas the crystal 60 shown in section in Figure 4(c) is somewhat ovate, being non-symmetrical about its minor axis.

The case 20 protects the crystal 60 whilst it is in transit, being carried about the person in the hand, in a pocket or a handbag for example. The case 20 is moulded of translucent plastics and comprises a lid 22 and a base 28.

The lid 22 of the case 20 is shown in detail in Figure 5 and has a face 24 with a skirt 26 depending from the periphery thereof. Like the crystal 60, the face 24 is akin to an equilateral triangle, having three equal sides joined by smoothly rounded apices. However, in this instance, the sides of the triangle are convex-curved.

The base 28 of the case 20. shown in detail in Figure 6, comprises a triangular plate 30 whose outline matches the face 24 of the lid 22. having convex-curved sides joined by smoothly rounded apices. The edge region of the plate 30 is shaped to define tiers that follow the outline of the plate 30 and rise inwardly in two steps from the level of the outer edge of the plate 30 to above the level of the inner central surface 32 of the plate 30. The inner tier 34 and the inner central surface 32 of the plate 30 delimit a recess 40 within which a cradle 42 is situated to hold a crystal 60. The cradle 42 is permanently bonded to the inner central surface 32 of the plate 30.

The cradle 42, shown in detail in Figure 7. is generally bowl-shaped in cross-section, having a rim rising above a depressed central portion 44. However, the rim is interrupted by three cut-outs defining three extensions 46 equi-angularly spaced around, and integral with, the depressed central portion 44, such that the extensions 46 alternate with the cut-outs. Each extension 46 extends upwardly from the depressed central portion 44 and defines a shallowly-undercut but otherwise flat inner face 48 which is of oblong outline when viewed parallel to the depressed central portion 44. Viewed in plan, each extension 46 has a substantially semi-elliptical upper face 50 defined by a straight inner edge that corresponds to the inner face 48. and a convex- curved outer edge.

The cradle 42 is oriented within the recess 40 of the base 28 such that each of the three extensions 46 aligns with the bisector of each respective side of the triangular plate 30 of the base 28. Correct orientation during assembly is assured by alignment and co- operation of three pins 52 (visible in Figure 6(b)) with three blind holes 54 (visible in Figure 7(d)) disposed in respective corresponding circular equi-angularly spaced arrays, the pins 52 being moulded into the upper surface of the inner central surface 32 of the base 28 and the holes 54 being moulded into the undersurface of the cradle 42.

The shape and dimensions of the cradle 42 are such that the crystal 60 can be received between the extensions 46 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the apices 64 of the crystal 60 extending through the cut-outs to overhang the cradle 42 and hence being aligned with the apices of the plate 30. More specifically, a major face 56 of the crystal 60 lies against the depressed central portion 44 of the cradle 42 and each straight side 62 of the crystal 60 abuts the inner face 48 of a respective one of the extensions 46. In this way, the three extensions 46 of the cradle 42 maintain the crystal 60 centrally within the case 20. To assist this, the extensions 46 may be resiliently biased toward the crystal 60 when it is in position within the cradle 42. and the side edges 62 of the crystal 60 engage lightly within the undercuts of the extensions 46. It is also, or alternatively, possible to hold the crystal 60 in place within the cradle 42 by means of the lid 22 which, when the case 20 is closed, can press down on the upper major face 56 of the crystal 60 or at least prevent the crystal 60 slipping out of the cradle 42.

When the case 20 is closed, the free edge of the skirt 26 of the lid 22 co-operates with the outer tier 36 of the plate 30 to locate the lid 22 with respect to the base 28. The lid 22 is held closed by resilient lugs 38 that surmount the inner tier 34 of the plate 30 near the apices of the triangle. These lugs 38 engage within the skirt 26 of the lid 22 to keep the case 20 closed until it is desired to open the case 20 by pulling the lid 22 away from the base 28. Snap-fit formations (not shown) may be provided to enable positive location, and a confirmatory click sound, upon closing the case 20.

The final part of the system is the mount 70 shown in Figures 1 and 2, whose shape is broadly akin to that of the cradle 42 within the base 28 and which, in use, receives the crystal 60 in the same orientation. Thus, the mount 70 is generally bowl-shaped in cross-section, having a rim rising above a depressed central portion 72, and the rim is interrupted by three cut-outs defining three extensions 74 equi-angularly spaced around, and integral with, the depressed central portion 72. such that the extensions 74 alternate with the cut-outs. Again, each extension 74 extends upwardly from the depressed central portion 72 of the mount 70 but in this case the inner face 76 of the extension 74 is not entirely flat: the upper portion 78 of the inner face 76 lies inwardly of the portion below, so as to overlie the edge of the crystal 60 when received in the mount 70. The material of the mount 70 is resiliently flexible to allow the crystal 60 to snap-fit between the extensions 74.

Specific reference will now be made to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings to show a typical sequence of use of the invention. In use, the mount 70 is fixed permanently to an object to which the crystal 60 is to be releasably and repeatably mounted, such as an electrical or electronic device like the computer monitor illustrated. The mount 70 is fixed to the object by adhesive means such as double-sided adhesive tape or pads, in such a way that the adhesive means is concealed by the mount 70 when in position.

The crystal 60 can be carried about the person and protected within the case 20 while being viewable by virtue of the translucency of the case 20. In this way, the crystal 60 can be enjoyed as an object in its own right and can be exposed by opening the case 20 or removed from the case 20 to allow the user to touch the crystal 60. Whether touched in this way or merely kept in the user's vicinity as the user moves around in day-to-day life, the user continues to benefit from the crystal 60.

When the crystal 60 is to be placed on an object or device such as a computer monitor, the lid 22 of the case 20 is removed to expose the crystal 60 supported by the cradle 42 attached to the base 28. The crystal 60 is easily removed by inverting the base 28 to tip the crystal 60 out of the cradle 42 into the user's hand or, if the extensions 46 of the cradle 42 are resiliently biased to grip the sides 62 of the crystal 60, the user can easily lift the crystal 60 out of the cradle 42 by grasping exposed parts of the crystal 60, notably the apices 64 that overhang the cradle 42.

Once removed from the cradle 42, the crystal 60 can be attached to the mount 70 by pressing a major face 56 of the crystal 60 into the depressed central portion 72 of the mount 70 until the extensions 74 snap-fit around the sides 62 of the crystal 60.

It is envisaged that a user may have a set of mounts 70 each fixed to a variety of objects or devices by adhesive means. In this regard, by way of example, a mount 70 may be fixed to the edge of a television screen, another mount 70 may be attached to the door of a microwave oven, and yet another mount 70 may be attached to a computer monitor as aforesaid. Thus, in this example, the user en route to work may enjoy the benefit of the crystal 60 carried about the person, either kept in its case 20 or removed from its case 20 as the user may desire. On arrival at work, the user may attach the crystal 60 to the mount 70 on the computer monitor whilst the computer is in use. After work, the crystal 60 may be removed from this mount 70 and placed back into its protective case 20 or kept in the user's hand so that the user can continue to enjoy the benefit of the crystal 60 on the way home. At home, the user may then wish to watch television so the crystal 60 can be attached to the mount 70 fixed to the edge of the television screen when it is being watched, and if the user wishes to prepare some food in the microwave, the crystal 60 can similarly be attached to the mount 70 fixed to the door of the microwave. This ensures that the user continually enjoys the benefits of the crystal 60.

In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the case 80 and the crystal 60 are similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7, save that there is no cradle within the case 80. Instead, the crystal 60 is permanently attached to a circular setting 82 whose features are akin to the mount 70 but v/hose extensions 84 do not permit snap-fitting of the setting 82 to the crystal 60 or easy removal of the setting 82 from the crystal 60. Attachment of the setting 82 to the crystal 60 can be achieved solely by the extensions 84 or can rely to some extent upon adhesive between the crystal 60 and the setting 82.

In Figure 8, the crystal 60/setting 82 assembly fits into the base 86 of the case 80 but is not secured there, this being the job of the lid 88 when attached to the base 86 to close the case 80. So, when the case 80 is opened by removing the lid 88, the crystal 60/setting 82 assembly can be tipped out into the user's hand by inverting the base 86.

As can be seen in Figures 8(c) and 8(d) and in more detail in Figures 9(b) and 9(c). the exposed rear side 90 of the setting 82 is shaped to define a tapered indent 92 that leads inwardly from the edge of the setting 82 and narrows as it does so. The tapering edges of the indent 92 are undercut to receive a complementarily-shaped wedge 94 as shown in Figure 10 having bevelled edges to fit in the undercut. The wedge 94 is analogous to the mount 70 of the preceding embodiment in that a wedge 94 can be fixed to an object such as an electrical device, and engages within the indent 92 as the setting 82 is slid onto the wedge 94. In this way, the crystal 60/setting 82 assembly is removably and repeatably attachable to any object bearing a suitable wedge 94. Preferably, the wedge 94 is fixed to an object in an orientation such that the narrow end of the wedge 94 faces upwardly as shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(d): this ensures that gravity acting on the crystal 60/setting 82 assembly forces the setting 82 and the wedge 94 together. Further to strengthen the engagement between wedge 94 and indent 92, it is advantageous for one or other, or indeed both, of those parts to be made of resilient material. Moulded plastics and rubber materials are preferred, although metal such as anodised aluminium is also possible, especially for the wedge 94. It is perceived as beneficial for the feel of the setting 82 material to be notably different to the feel of the crystal 60. to add tactile contrast and intrigue to the crystal 60/setting 82 assembly.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, a third embodiment of the invention comprises a metal clip 100 to which a suitably-shaped crystal can be removably and repeatably attached and which can. in turn, be removably and repeatably attached to an electrical device or other object. As best shown in the sectional and side views of Figure 12(b) and 12(c), the clip 100 comprises a strip of metal folded into an S-section having three parallel conjoined webs spaced slightly from one another. The S-section comprises a first C-section portion 102 defined by the first 104 and second 106 webs and a second, opposed C-section portion 108 defined by the second 106 and third 110 webs.

The first web 104 is penetrated by a circular aperture 112 whose periphery 1 14 is raised away from the second web 106 to define a cavity 116 in the first C-section portion 102. In use, as shown in Figure 12(b), the first C-section portion 102 receives a circular crystal 118 having a flat rear face 120 and a convex-curved front face 122, as shown in Figure 12(e), that is located by the resilience of the first 104 and second 106 webs and by engagement behind the periphery 114 of the circular aperture 112 within the cavity 116. Once positioned in this way, the crystal 118 is supported by the clip 100 with the convex-curved front face 120 of the crystal 118 framed by the circular aperture 112 and exposed for viewing and/or touching.

The third web 110 that partially defines the second C-section portion 108 has a free end 124 angled away from the second web 106 so as to help accommodate a user's belt or other hanging structure. An alternative mounting is provided by a hole 126 that penetrates the third web 110 and is shaped to receive a complimentarily-shaped mount 128 (shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d)) that is permanently attached to an object such as a computer monitor. Again, a set of such mounts can be distributed around several such objects to receive a clip with its associated crystal in an interchangeable manner.

In the embodiment illustrated, the or each mount 128 matches the shape of the hole 126 in the third web 110 of the clip 100 and can be received within that hole 126 when the clip 100 is attached to the mount 128. A major portion of the mount 128 is flat and one side of that major portion has adhesive means for attachment to an object, but one end of the mount 128, oriented uppermost in use, is curved away from the side that has the adhesive means. Consequently, when the mount 128 is attached to an object in use. this upper end 130 of the mount 128 curves away from the surface of the object to define a hook 132 that engages with the third web 110 of the clip 100 around the upper periphery of the hole 126. In other words, the clip 100 is hung on the mount 128 using this hook 132.

Figures 13(a) to 13(c) show various ways in which a suitably-adapted mount can be used to support a crystal about the person of a user. For example, the mount can be worn, for instance as a pendant on a necklace (Figure 13(a) or can be carried by a bracelet (Figure 13(b). The mount can even be dangled from a string held in the hand (Figure 13(c)). In all cases, the mount can be worn or carried on its own or with a crystal attached thereto when the crystal is not attached to a device such as a computer via another mount fixed to that device.

Finally, Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show a mobile telephone 134 fitted with an interchangeable clip-on cover or fascia 136, as is becoming increasingly fashionable among users who wish to personalise their telephones. As is well known, the cover or fascia 136 comes in two parts that snap-fit onto the internal structure of the telephone. The Inventors have had the insight that this cover or fascia 136 provides a ready means of attaching a crystal 138 to the mobile telephone 134 in the removable and repeatable manner that underlies the invention. The illustrated embodiment shows the crystal 138 attached to or embedded in the front section of the fascia 136, as shown in Figure 14(a), in a visible and touchable position that is prominent and yet does not interfere with the normal operation of the telephone or greatly disrupt its styling. Many variations are possible within the inventive concept. For example, the case need not be of translucent plastics: it can be of any suitable material, such as metal. Also, the way in which the base and the lid fit together can be varied without departing from the inventive concept. In general, the invention can be embodied in numerous forms. Accordingly, reference should be made to the accompanying claims and other conceptual statements herein rather than the foregoing specific description in determining the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A crystal support system comprising attachment means permitting releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a device while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device.

2. The system of Claim 1. wherein the attachment means permit said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a mount adapted for permanent attachment to the device.

3. The system of Claim 2. comprising a set of mounts each permanently attachable to a respective different object or device and each being adapted for releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal thereto.

4. The system of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the or each mount is adapted to hold the crystal with at least part of the crystal overhanging the mount.

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein the or each mount is adapted to embrace another part of the crystal.

6. The system of any of Claims 2 to 5. wherein the crystal and the or each mount are shaped to interlock with each other.

7. The system of Claim 6. wherein the crystal and the or each mount are shaped to snap-fit to each other when the mount is permanently attached to the device and wherein the mount is resiliently deformable to permit said snap-fit attachment of the crystal thereto.

8. The system of any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the crystal is attached to a setting that effects said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to a mount, the setting and the mount having complementary formations.

9. The system of Claim 8, wherein at least the complementary formations of the mount and/or the setting are resiliently deformable.

10. The system of Claim 8 or Claim 9. wherein the setting is a clip to which the crystal can be removably attached.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the clip holds the crystal behind a web having an aperture for viewing the crystal.

12. The system of Claim 11 , wherein means defining the aperture co-operate with the crystal to help locate the crystal in the clip.

13. The system of any of Claims 10 to 12. wherein the clip is adapted for attachment to a belt.

14. The system of any of Claims 8 to 13, wherein the complementary formations require the setting to be moved substantially parallel to the surface of the device to which the mount is attached in use to effect said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to the mount.

15. The system of Claim 14, wherein the surface of the device to which the mount is attached in use is substantially vertical, the complementary formations are oriented to require the setting to be moved substantially vertically with respect to the mount to effect said releasable and repeatable attachment of the crystal to the mount, and the complementary formations are shaped to hold together the setting and the mount under the weight of the crystal and the setting supported by the mount.

16. The system of any of Claims 8 to 15, wherein the complementary formations taper in a direction of attachment between the setting and the mount.

17. The system of any of Claims 8 to 16, wherein the mount is a hook on which the setting can be hung.

18. The system of any of Claims 8 to 17, wherein the mount is hidden when a crystal and setting are attached thereto.

19. The system of any preceding Claim, further comprising a portable case adapted to receive the crystal.

20. The system of Claim 19, wherein the case contains a cradle adapted to hold the crystal in a fixed display orientation within the case, with at least one part of the crystal overhanging the cradle.

21. The system of Claim 20. wherein at least one other part of the crystal is embraced by the cradle.

22. The system of any of Claims 19 to 21, wherein the case is transparent or translucent to enable the crystal to be viewed when within the case.

23. The system of Claim 1, wherein the attachment means is an interchangeable part of the device.

24. The system of Claim 19, wherein the device is a mobile telephone and the interchangeable part is a snap-on fascia or other cover part for the mobile telephone.

25. The system of any preceding Claim, wherein a visible part of the crystal can be touched when the crystal is attached to the device.

26. An interchangeable fascia or other cover part for a mobile communications device such as a mobile telephone, the fascia or cover part including a crystal or means for attaching a crystal thereto.

27. A mobile communications device such as a mobile telephone, fitted or supplied with an interchangeable fascia or other cover part as defined in Claim 26.

28. A crystal, a mount, a setting or a case adapted for use in the system of any preceding Claim.

29. A method of attaching a crystal to a device comprising attaching the crystal to the device in a releasable and repeatable manner while exposing at least part of the crystal to view when the crystal is attached to the device.

30. The method of Claim 29, comprising attaching the crystal in said manner to a mount permanently attached to the device.

31. A method of attaching a crystal to a plurality of objects or devices, the method comprising applying a respective mount to each of said plurality of objects or devices, attaching the crystal to one of said mounts, removing the crystal from that mount and re-attaching the crystal to that mount or attaching the crystal to another of said mounts.

32. The method of Claim 31, comprising carrying the crystal about a user's person when the crystal is removed from a mount.

33. The method of any of Claims 29 to 32. comprising releasing or removing the crystal by gripping an exposed part of the crystal.

34. The method of any of Claims 30 to 33. comprising attaching the crystal to a setting or clip and then attaching the setting or clip to the object or device via a mount.

35. The method of Claim 29, comprising attaching the crystal in said manner by attaching to the device an interchangeable part of the device including the crystal or means for attaching the crystal.

36. A crystal support system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 1 or 2 of the accompanying drawings.

37. A crystal, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 of the accompanying drawings.

38. A mount, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 8 or 10 of the accompanying drawings.

39. A setting, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 8 or 9 of the accompanying drawings.

40. A clip, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 1 1 or 12 of the accompanying drawings.

41. A case, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 5, 6 or 7 of the accompanying drawings.

42. An interchangeable fascia for a mobile telephone, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings

43. A method of attaching a crystal, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in Figures 1 or 2 of the accompanying drawings.