U.S. patent application number 09/733791 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-13 for system for sizing and re-sizing articles of jewelry.
Invention is credited to Rosenberg, Edward.
Application Number | 20020069670 09/733791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24949127 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020069670 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenberg, Edward |
June 13, 2002 |
System for sizing and re-sizing articles of jewelry
Abstract
A system for sizing and re-sizing an article of jewelry includes
a partially circumferential band typically of a precious metal, and
at least a first polar segment both having a like inner radius to
that of the article, in which the band and polar segment exhibit
opposing complemental radial end surfaces at their polar
interfaces. The system also includes elements for selectably
axially and pivotally securing the band and segment along linear
axes passing through the complemental radial surfaces and polar
interfaces. The system further includes at least a second polar
segment having a polar parameter slightly more or less than that of
the first segment, the band and second segment having opposing
complemental radial surfaces at their polar interfaces. An article
of jewelry may be readily sized or re-sized by either replacement
of the first polar segment by the second polar segment or through a
mechanical increase or reduction in polar dimension of the first
segment to create a second and re-sized segment.
Inventors: |
Rosenberg, Edward; (Ocean
Ridge, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MELVIN K. SILVERMAN
SUITE 440
4901 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33308
US
|
Family ID: |
24949127 |
Appl. No.: |
09/733791 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/15.7 ;
63/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 9/02 20130101; A44C
5/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/15.7 ;
63/15 |
International
Class: |
A44C 009/00; A44C
019/00 |
Claims
I claims:
1. A system for sizing or re-sizing circumferential articles of
jewelry, the system comprising: (a) symmetrical left and right
partial circumferential segments of an article of jewelry, each of
said segments having upper and lower radial end surfaces, each
having first geometries thereof, said circumferential segment
having a radius corresponding to the radius of said article of
jewelry; (b) a top partial circumferential segment having a like
inner radius to that of said articles, said top segment having
radial end surfaces having a geometry complemental to said first
said geometries of said upper radial end surfaces of said left and
right partial circumferential segments, said geometry of said end
surfaces of said top partial segment including therein axial
securing means complemental to said first geometries of said left
and right partial segments; (c) means for selectably axially and
pivotally securing said first geometries of said upper end surfaces
of said left and right partial segments to said complemental
geometries of opposing radial end surfaces of said top partial
segment; (d) a bottom circumferential segment having like radius to
that of said article of jewelry to be re-sized, said bottom segment
having outer radial end surfaces having a geometry complemental to
said lower radial surfaces of each of said left and right partial
segments; (e) means for selectably axially securing said radial end
surfaces of said bottom partial segments to opposing complemental
geometries of said lower radial end surfaces of said left and right
partial segments; and (f) a second bottom partial segment, having a
substantially like radius to that of said first bottom segment,
having a polar parameter slightly more or less than said first
bottom partial segment, said second bottom partial segment
complemental at end surfaces thereof to opposing surfaces of said
left and right partial segments.
2. The system as recited in claim 1 in which said axial securing
means comprises an axial pin or screw securable within an axial
channel passing through said complemental interfaces of said
opposing radial surfaces of each of said circumferential
segments.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said system further
comprises: (g) an ornamental element having prong means projecting
therefrom; and (h) an outer surface of said top partial
circumfential segment further including channel means for
complemental engagement of said prongs of said ornamental
element.
4. The system as recited in claim 2 in which radial front and back
surfaces of said article comprise parallel surfaces.
5. The system as recited in claim 2 in which front and back radial
surfaces of said articles comprise non-parallel surfaces.
6. A system for sizing or re-sizing circumferential articles of
jewelry, the system comprising: (a) symmetrical left and right
partial circumferential segments of an article of jewelry, each of
said segments having upper and lower radial end surfaces, each
having first geometries thereof, said circumferential segment
having a radius corresponding to the radius of said article of
jewelry; (b) a top partial circumferntial segment having a like
inner radius to that of said article, said top segment having
radial end surfaces having a geometry complemental to said first
said geometries of said upper radial end surfaces of said left and
right partial circumferential segments, said geometry of said end
surfaces of said top partial segment including therein axial
securing means complemental to said first geometries of said left
and right partial segments; (c) means for selectably axially and
pivotally securing said first geometries of said end surfaces of
said left and right partial segments to said complemental
geometries of opposing upper radial end surfaces of said top
partial segments; (d) a bottom circumferential segment having like
radius to that of said article of jewelry to be re-sized, said
bottom segment having outer radial end surfaces having a geometry
complemental to said lower radial end surfaces of each of said left
and right partial segment; and (e) means for selectably securing
said radial end surfaces of said bottom partial segments to
opposing complemental geometries of said lower radial end surfaces
of said left and right partial segments.
7. The system as recited in claim 6 in which said axial securing
means comprises an axial pin or screw securable within an axial
channel passing through said complemental interfaces of said
opposing radial surfaces of each of said circumferential
segments.
8. The system as recited in claim 6 in which said system further
comprises: (f) an ornamental element having male means projecting
therefrom; and (g) an outer surface of said top partial
circumferential segment further including female means for
complemental engagement of said prongs of said ornamental
element.
9. The system as recited in claim 6 in which radial front and back
surfaces of said article comprise parallel surfaces.
10. The system as recited in claim 6 in which front and back radial
surfaces of said articles comprise non-parallel surfaces.
11. A system for sizing or re-sizing an article of jewelry, the
system comprising: (a) a partially circumferential metallic band
having a like radius to that of said article of jewelry; (b) at
least a first polar segment of like radius to said article of
jewelry, said band and segment having opposing respective
complemental radial end surfaces at polar interfaces therebetween;
(c) means for selectably axially and pivotally securing said band
and segment thereof along linear axes passing through said
complemental polar interfaces thereof; and (d) at least a second
polar segment having a polar parameter slightly more or less than
that of said partially circumferential band, said second polar
segment having complemental radial surfaces at polar interfaces
therebetween, whereby said article of jewelry may be re-sized by
replacement of said first polar segment by said second polar
segment.
12. The system as recited in claim 11 in which said axial securing
means comprises: an axial pin or screw securable within an axial
channel passing through said complemental polar interfaces.
13. The system as recited in claim 11 in which an outer surface of
said band further comprises: means for complemental engagement of
an ornamental element.
14. The system as recited in claim 11 in which front and back
radial surfaces of said article comprise parallel surfaces.
15. The system as recited in claim 11 in which front and back
radial surfaces of said article comprise non-parallel surfaces.
16. A system for sizing or re-sizing an article of jewelry, the
system comprising: (a) a partially circumferential metallic band
having a like radius to that of said article of jewelry; (b) at
least a first polar segment of like radius to said article of
jewelry, said band and segment having respective complemental
radial end surfaces at polar interfaces therebetween; and (c) means
for selectably axially and pivotally securing said band and segment
thereof along linear axes passing through said complemental polar
interfaces thereof.
17. The system as recited in claim 16 in which said axial securing
means comprises: an axial pin or screw securable within an axial
channel passing through said complemental polar interfaces.
18. The system as recited in claim 16 in which an outer surface of
said band further comprises: means for complemental engagement of
an ornamental element.
19. The system as recited in claim 16 in which front and back
radial surfaces of said article comprise parallel surfaces.
20. The system as recited in claim 16 in which front and back
radial surfaces of said article comprise non-parallel surfaces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for the re-sizing
of articles of jewelry including rings and bracelets. A common
problem in the jewelry business is that of proper sizing and
re-sizing articles of jewelry intended to engage appendages, More
particularly, as a result of the wide range of sizes of fingers and
wrists of the human body, it is often necessary for the retail
jeweler to maintain in inventory a substantial range of size of a
particular product or of products of different types. In the case
of jewelry involving precious or semi-precious gems, it is often
impractical to maintain an inventory of such costly articles
sufficient to accommodate the likely range of needs of potential
customers. While methods of sizing of rings and bracelets have long
existed these, typically, require a period of time after the
potential customer has originally viewed the article, thereby
increasing the potential that the customer will change his mind
entirely with respect to a particular purchase.
[0002] Further, from a manufacturing perspective, the production of
a large range of sizes of rings and bracelets presents considerable
difficulty, both in term of market analysis for different sizes
within different markets and with respect to increased cost and
volume of production, including the risks commonly associated
therewith. Accordingly, over time, various concepts have emerged
for rings, bracelets and the like having therein some type of
self-sizing capability to reduce the necessity of manufacture of
such jewelry over a wide range of sizes and to minimize the
requirement for physical re-sizing of articles by a jeweler
utilizing traditional means such as cutting and welding. Examples
of solutions to the above problem which have appeared in the prior
art appear in U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,185 (1981) to Martinez, entitled
Ring with Internal Means for Varying Size; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,943,883 to Erb, et al, entitled Self-sizing Ring. Approaches of
this type entail the use of a mechanical means within the internal
diameter of the article, typically in nature of a resilient means,
e.g., a U-shaped or spring-type element. Such solutions have been
found awkward and, as well, often uncomfortable for use by the
customer and generally impractical for use by the customer. These
approaches have been viewed in the industry as glorified latching
solutions which, in addition to difficulty of customer acceptance,
often do not convey the high value added or luxury image necessary
for many types of jewelry. The present invention is therefore
particularly directed to a system of sizing and re-sizing articles
of jewelry having particular application within such high value
added product areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The instant invention relates to a system for sizing and
re-sizing an article of jewelry. The system comprises a partially
circumferential band typically of a precious metal or alloy
thereof, and at least a first polar segment both having a like
inner radius to that of said metallic article, in which said band
and polar segment exhibit opposing complemental radial end surfaces
at polar interfaces therebetween. The system also includes means
for selectably axially and pivotally securing said band and segment
thereof along linear axes passing through said complemental radial
surfaces and polar interfaces therebetween. The system further
includes at least a second polar segment having a polar parameter
slightly more or less than that of said first segment, said band
and second segment having opposing complemental radial surfaces at
polar interfaces therebetweeem. Given the ductility of the precious
metals, said partially circumfential metallic band may be slightly
bent, in terms of its radius, to accommodate a said second polar
segment of a polar parameter slightly more or less than that of
said first segment. Thereby, an article of jewelry may be readily
sized or re-sized by either replacement of said first polar segment
by said second polar segment or through a mechanical increase or
reduction in polar dimension of said first segment to thereby
create a second and re-sized segment.
[0004] There is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a
convenient, economic and aesthetic system of sizing and re-sizing
articles of jewelry such as rings and bracelets.
[0005] It is another object to provide a system of the above type
particularly adaptable for use with high value added or luxury
articles of jewelry to increase the range of designs available to a
consumer while decreasing inventory requirements of the jewelry
retailer.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a system of
the above type having particular application to various precious
metals including all alloys of gold, platinum and silver, as well
as non-precious metals including titanium, steel, alloys of steel,
and other metal base materials.
[0007] It is a yet further object to provide a system of the above
type which may be used with in precious and semi-precious stones as
well as ceramic materials.
[0008] It is a still further object to provide a system of the
above type which is of significant value to manufacturers and
retail jewelers even in articles of jewelry that do not require
re-sizing.
[0009] It is a still further object to provide a system of the
above type that will minimize the possibility of loosening or
fracturing of stones mounted into top or side sections of such
articles which, as well, will allow the employment by manufacturers
and retail jewelers of materials and designs otherwise of
prohibitive cost, this including but not limited to, harder metal
or minerals, mixed materials, and patterned designs, to thereby
produce a variety of product design.
[0010] The above and yet other objects and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter set
forth Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of
the Invention and Claims appended herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ring assembled in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a top section thereof.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side left section thereof
of which a side right section of the basic assembled ring is a
mirror image thereof.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom section of the
assembled ring shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a view of various fastening means usable as
securing means with reference to the linear axial holes in the ring
section shown in FIGS. 2-4 above.
[0016] FIGS. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
ring manufactured and assembled in accordance with the principles
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a top section of the ring of
FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a left side section thereof
of which a right side section is a mirror image.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a bottom section of the ring of the embodiment of
FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of a further embodiment of the
invention in which the outside radial perimeter thereof is
asymmetric.
[0021] FIGS. 11A and 11B are side views of an embodiment of the
ring of FIG. 10 in which the radial surfaces thereof are
parallel.
[0022] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of an embodiment of the
ring of FIG. 10 in which the radial surfaces thereof are tapered
relative to each other.
[0023] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of embodiments of the
inventive system that do not require the use of a top section
therein.
[0024] FIGS. 15 thru 17 are perspective views of a variation of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 in which selectable interchangeable ornamental
elements may be employed within the top section thereof, prior to
securement between side sections of the ring.
[0025] FIGS. 18 thru 20 relate to a variation of the embodiment of
FIG. 6 in which selectable interchangeable ornamental elements may
be secured to the top section thereof prior to securement of the
top section between respective left and right side sections of the
assembled ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 1 there is
shown an article of jewelry in the nature of ring 100 which, as may
be noted, includes a top section 110, a left side section 112, a
right side section 114, and a bottom section 116. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4
show, in perspective view, said top, side, and bottom sections
respectively.
[0027] Left and right sections comprise left and right partial
circumferential segments of the entire article of jewelry, are
symmetric to each other, and exhibit a like radius to that of the
ultimate article 100. As may be further noted, left and right
sections 112 and 114 respectively possess upper and lower radial
end surfaces 118 and 120 respectively, each of which are
characterized by a first geometry which, in the embodiment of FIG.
1, is a female or key-like geometry. Side sections 112 and 114 are
also provided with small linear axial channels 122 and 124 that may
be internally threaded, partially threaded, not threaded at all,
fully drilled, or partially drilled relative to the entire axial
dimension thereof, this as is more fully explained below.
[0028] Top Segment 110 comprises a partial circumferential segment
of the entire article 100 to be produced and, therefore, exhibits a
like inner radius to that of said left and right segments 112 and
114 described above. Said top segment 110 includes radial outer end
surfaces 126 and 128 having a geometry which is complemental to
said first or female geometry of said upper radial end surfaces 118
of side sections 112 and 114. In addition, top section 110 is
provided with axial holes or channels 130. As such, radial end
surfaces 126 and 128 of top section 110 may readily fit within the
geometry of upper radial end surfaces 118 of the side sections 112
and 114 thereby creating a complemental polar interface
therebetween. Said interface is rendered secure through the
insertion of any of the circumferential pin or screw means shown in
FIG. 5, that is, a cylindrical pin 32, a cylindrical threaded screw
34 having a slotted head, or a Carter pin 36. Such pins or screws
may be inserted fully or partially through channels 122/130 after
alignment of the complemental end surfaces above discussed, this
using working tools as are commonly available to retail jewelers.
Given proper tolerance of such pin or screws within axial channels
122 and 130, a substantially permanent securement may be effected
between the top and side sections of the ring 100. However, the
jeweler, through the use of a screwdriver or pin of appropriate
dimension may disengage the head of screw 34 or 36 or radial end
surface of pin 32 to remove the same from channel 122 and 130.
[0029] With reference to bottom section 116, the same comprises a
partial circumferential segment of the ring 100 to be formed,
thereby possessing a like radius to that of the above segments 110,
112 and 114. Like said top segments 110, said bottom section 116 is
provided with outer radial end surfaces 138 and 140 which are
provided with axial channels 142 of like diameter to that of said
channels 124 of side sections 112. Accordingly, in substantially
the same fashion as above described with reference to the top
section of FIG. 2, bottom section 116 may, at its complemental
polar interfaces with the bottom end surfaces 120 of the side
sections, be fitted using the securing means shown in FIG. 5 and
substantially secured to form the assembled ring shown in FIG.
1.
[0030] In the event that re-sizing of the assembled product becomes
necessary, bottom section 116 may be simply replaced be a second or
different bottom section having a substantially like radius but in
which the polar parameter thereof, i.e., the arc thereof, is
slightly greater or slightly less than that of the original bottom
segment 116. Alternatively, a jeweler using classical means of
cutting and welding may reduce or enlarge the polar parameter of
bottom segment 116 such that, when re-integrated into the ring 100,
there will result the desired re-sized article of jewelry.
[0031] The above described flexibility afforded by the
interchangeability of bottom segments is largely facilitated by
pivot axes 144 and 146 (see FIG. 1) which are defined by the pin or
threaded screw placed within channel 122/130 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of
the resultant article. In addition, the ductility of the precious
or semi-precious of which such ring or articles are typically
formed is such that the minor degree of bending entailed by the
insertion of a bottom section of slightly greater or lesser polar
parameter can be accommodated without any noticeable crimp or
distortion within either the internal or external radial surface of
article.
[0032] It is, in addition, to be appreciated that said top or side
section 110/112 may be replaced where a customer or retailer wishes
to provide top or side segments having a different external or
ornamental appearance. It is as such to be appreciated that an
article made in accordance with the present invention may be
altered as to either size or as to the ornamental effect of either
the top or side sections thereof.
[0033] With reference to the view of FIG. 6 there is shown a second
embodiment of the invention, differing from that of FIGS. 1 to 4
only in that polar interfaces 205 and 215 between the top and side
210/212 and the bottom and side segments 216/212 respectively are
female-male interfaces, as opposed to male-female interfaces. In
all other respects, the assembly and functionality of the
embodiment of article 200 follows that of article 100 as described
above, this inclusive of the use of pins and threaded screws of the
type discussed with reference to FIG. 5 within the channels 222,
230 and 242 of article 200 of FIG. 6.
[0034] In FIG. 10 is shown an article 300 formed in accordance with
the present invention in which said complemental polar geometry
between opposing radial end surfaces of the constituent elements
310, 312, 314, and 316 may occur internally and, as such, are less
visible to the untrained eye. This geometry includes the use of
pivot points 334 and 346 to effect the substitution of bottom
segment 316 having a slightly greater or lesser polar parameter, as
discussed above.
[0035] The embodiment of FIG. 300 also illustrates front and back
surfaces radial thereof may be either parallel, as is shown in FIG.
11A and 11B or may be tapered as is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
Said FIGS. 11B and 12B also show that the circumferential surfaces
of ring 300 may be cylindrical, curved within a plane of a
diametric cross-section of the article, or asymmetric variants
thereof.
[0036] In FIG. 13 is shown a further embodiment, namely, articles
400. In accordance with the principles of the present invention
there are provided only two components of the resultant structure,
namely, a partially circumferntial metallic band 410 and a bottom
segment 416. In this structure, no use is made of a pivot point
such as pivot points 144, 244 and 344 above-described with
reference to articles 100, 200 and 300. Rather, because no use is
made of side segments, the practice of this embodiment of the
invention is reliant solely upon the ductility of the metal of
metallic band 410. Accordingly, lower segment 416 may be increased
or decreased as to polar parameter without requirement to re-size
in a classical sense. The same is the case with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 14, namely, article 500, consisting of partial
circumferential band 510 and re-sizable bottom segment 516, wherein
article 500 differs from that of article 400 only in the use of a
female geometry for the radial end surfaces of the bottom segment
as opposed to the male geometry of bottom segment 416 of article
400.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 15 thru 17 there is shown the
versatility of the invention with respect to the above-referenced
interchangeability of the top section thereof. More particularly,
in the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 17 there is shown an articles
having a top section 610 which has been provided with mounting
channel 611, the purpose of which is to accommodate a selectable
precious ornament 613 having mounting pegs 615. The result of the
insertion of pegs 615 into channel 611 is shown in FIG. 16, i.e.,
an integrated top section in which the ornamental appearance
thereof has been entirely changed from its pre-existing appearance.
As in the case of article 100, a male to female relationship exists
between opposing radial end segments of top segment 610 and side
segment 612 and 614 respectively. Similarly, holes or channels 622
and 630 are employed for purposes of pins or screws to hold the
structure together and, as well, to provide the above-referenced
pivot points in the nature of said pivot points 144 and 146 between
the upper section and the respective left and side sections when
and if it becomes necessary to replace bottom section 616 with one
of a greater or lesser polar parameter.
[0038] Shown in FIGS. 18 thru 20 is shown a further embodiment of
the invention, namely, that of ring 700, the construction of which
is substantially identical to that of ring 600 above described, the
essential difference being that the relationship between top
segment 710 and respective left and right segment 712 and 714 is
that of a female to male relation ship as opposed to a male to
female relationship. In all other respects, the construction and
integration of ornamental elements 713 into top section 710 using
pegs 715 and mounting channels 711 follows that above described
with reference to article 600, as does the use of channels 722 and
730 to provide pivot capability in the event of replacement of
bottom section 716 with a section of greater or lesser polar
parameter.
[0039] Thru the embodiments of articles 600 and 700, valuable gems
may be affixed to the article of jewelry by the retail jeweler
after selection of the gem-holding element by a customer, thereby
enlarging the customer options.
[0040] While there has been shown and described the preferred
embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that
the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically
shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain
changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts
without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this
invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.
* * * * *