U.S. patent application number 13/297346 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-17 for cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome.
Invention is credited to SALLY ANN MALONEY, Andrew J. Weitzel, Joseph J. Weitzel.
Application Number | 20120118016 13/297346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46046570 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120118016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MALONEY; SALLY ANN ; et
al. |
May 17, 2012 |
CYLINDRICAL ONE-PIECE ELASTOMER RING COVER WITH DOME
Abstract
The main embodiment presents a cylindrical elastomer ring cover
protecting a ring while worn on a finger with a dome that houses
the protrusion of the gemstone. There is visibility of the rings in
cavity of the ring cover when manufactured with transparent
Silicone. When manufactured with food grade Silicone it is not
transparent but translucent and in many colors. The Silicone
provides the stretchability or softness (durometer) for ease of
placing on fingers and over rings and holding rings on finger
during active conduct.
Inventors: |
MALONEY; SALLY ANN;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Weitzel; Joseph J.; (New York,
NY) ; Weitzel; Andrew J.; (New York, NY) |
Family ID: |
46046570 |
Appl. No.: |
13/297346 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61414628 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/15.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 9/0092
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/15.8 |
International
Class: |
A44C 9/00 20060101
A44C009/00 |
Claims
1. In a ring covering device to protect and cover ring bands and
gemstone ring worn on a wearer's finger of hand during activity,
the improvement wherein said ring cover has a cylindrical one-piece
shape, is an elastomer, more specifically Silicone and an oval dome
to protect gemstones on ring.
2. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said body of material is
composed of Silicone elastomer for visibility of rings beneath.
3. The material of claim 2 is Silicone consisting of a transparent
appearance.
4. The Silicone material of claim 2 can also be of an opaque color
appearance.
5. The Silicone material of claim 2 is stretchy for ease of
stretching said ring cover in an upward motion to create a larger
cavity and then stretch over rings. When over rings it retains its
original shape.
6. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical shape is of 5
different sizes in order to cover various sizes of fingers and
rings and be comfortable for wearer.
7. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said one-piece shape is formed
by sealing with injection molding heat sealing the top half portion
that contains the dome with the bottom half portion that may or may
not contain printing into a cylindrical one-piece unit. The seals
are strong.
8. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said oval dome with various
heights covers the protrusion of various sizes and shapes of
gemstones connected to ring on finger of hand.
9. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical shape is a
set length to cover ring bands on both sides of gemstone ring.
10. The ring cover of claim 1 where activity is defined as everyday
wear, work activities and active conduct, such as sports, hobbies
such as gardening and arts, and beach activities.
11. In a ring covering device to protect and cover ring bands worn
on a wearer's finger of hand during activity, the improvement
wherein said ring cover has a cylindrical one-piece shape, is an
elastomer, more specifically Silicone and protects ring bands.
12. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said body of material is
composed of Silicone elastomer.
13. The material of claim 2 is Silicone consisting of a transparent
appearance for visibility of rings beneath.
14. The Silicone material of claim 2 can also be of an opaque color
appearance.
15. The Silicone material of claim 2 is stretchy for ease of
stretching said ring cover over rings for complete cylindrical
coverage and comfortable wear.
16. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical shape is of
5 different sizes in order to cover various sizes of fingers and
rings and be comfortable for wearer.
17. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said one-piece shape is
formed by sealing with injection molding heat the top half portion
with the bottom half portion, that may or may not contain printing,
into a cylindrical one-piece unit.
18. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical shape is a
set length to cover multiple or wide ring bands.
19. The ring cover of claim 1 where activity is defined as everyday
wear, work activities and active conduct, such as sports, hobbies
such as gardening and arts, and beach activities.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/414,628, filed 2010 Nov. 17 by the present
inventors which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
Prior Art
[0002] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that
presently appears relevant:
TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date
Patentee 6,481,244 B1 2002 Nov. 19 Wright 7,654,111 B2 2010 Feb. 2
Alley et al. 6,023,786 2000 Feb. 15 Burnett 4,377,079 1983 Mar. 22
Krueger
Patent Literature Publication
Dow Corning.RTM. Silastic.RTM. LC Series Liquid Silicone Rubber for
High Volume Manufacturing, Product Selection Guide .COPYRGT.2006,
Dow Corning Corporation
[0003] Typically an individual's most valuable piece of jewelry,
both in terms of monetary and sentimental value is a ring, more
specifically but not limited to engagement gemstone rings and
wedding bands. Rings are kept throughout a lifetime and handed down
to next generations. Everyday wear, work activities and active
conduct (such as sports, hobbies such as gardening and beach
activities) damage rings. Some such damage is caused by abrasives
(such as dirt and sand), chemicals (such as chlorine, bleach and
cleaning products) and oils (such as suntan and body lotions). My
cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome covers and
protects rings while on a wearer's finger from such damage.
[0004] These rings include gemstones that protrude away from the
body of the ring. It is the most valuable part of the ring. These
gemstones are of different sizes (carats) and shapes (cuts) and
varying heights of protrusion. If a wearer with a gemstone engages
in active conduct it is at risk of coming dislodged. With this
protrusion exists a need for a concave covering. Said ring cover
has an oval dome that provides a concave covering for gemstones and
their protrusion.
[0005] The ring bands (also known as guards) are of various widths.
These bands often contain gemstones. In today's jewelry market
there exist bands with gemstones on the underside and sides of
bands in addition to top of bands requiring more protection to such
delicate and valuable jewelry. Said ring cover's width will cover,
but not limited to, 2 bands plus a gemstone ring.
[0006] Ring sizes are specified by jeweler ring sizing. The ISO
(International Organization for Standardization) standard for ring
sizes is ISO 8653:1986, which defines standard ring sizes in terms
of the inner circumference of the ring measured in millimeters. In
the United States, ring sizes are specified using a numerical
scale, with quarter and half sizes. These jeweler sizes correspond
directly to cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome
sizes: jeweler sizes 3-4 are Xtra Small, jeweler sizes 5-6 are
Small, jeweler sizes 7-8 are Medium, jeweler sizes 9-10 are Large,
jeweler sizes 11-12 are Xtra Large.
[0007] With the sentimental value of the rings exists the need for
transparency of the elastomer material it is manufactured from. The
wearer (especially new) needs to see their rings beneath the cover
to be assured of their safety, to proudly display rings beauty and
to be inconspicuous in the workplace. Highly transparent Silicone
is my contemplation for this embodiment. In cases where the wearer
does not need to see the rings beneath the cover, food grade
Silicone provides the same high performance but manufactured in
over 1300 beautiful Pantone.RTM. colors for protection and wearing
enjoyment.
[0008] With today's technological advances in the manufacture of
elastomers, it makes Silicone the perfect solution for my 2
embodiments. Silicone is a stretchy, soft elastomer material that
enables ease of placement on finger and over rings. This is
especially important in today's fast paced lifestyles. The silicone
strength eliminates tear when stretched over protruding gemstone
and ring bands and then rebounds back to cover's original shape.
Cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome far surpasses
prior art in regards to structure and material.
a) Silicone is hypo-allergenic, no pores to harbor bacteria b)
Silicone protects and insulates c) Silicone has excellent sealing
performance d) Silicone withstands temperature extremes, chemicals
and solvents e) Silicone is resistant to age, sunlight and moisture
f) Silicone is flexible g) Silicone has stability at high
temperatures h) Silicone is comfortable i) Silicone is durable j)
Silicone rebounds quickly k) Silicone is tear resistant l) Silicone
(Medical Grade) is transparent m) Silicone adjusts to various ring
widths n) Silicone is inexpensive to manufacture o) The selection
of Pantone.RTM. Matching Color System.RTM. color selection process
provides security in selecting colors for the rings.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, said ring cover is the solution to
ring protection, usage, comfort and structure. It accommodates the
various sizes and shapes, protrusions and widths of rings. In view
of the strong sentimental value its high transparency permits
wearer to view their beautiful samples of love beneath said ring
cover.
[0010] Other advantages will be apparent from a consideration of
the drawings and ensuing descriptions.
SUMMARY
[0011] In accordance with 2 embodiments an elastomer ring cover
comprises a cylindrical one-piece construction, with centered
(lengthwise) concave oval dome. Manufactured by injection molding
process using Silicone material with transparent and color
capabilities. It easily passes over wearer's finger and rings to
comfortably encircle the rings to completely cover and protect and
aid in holding the rings upon the finger.
Description of Prior Art
[0012] Previously, ring covers or protectors prevented a person's
rings while on their finger from slippage or coming off the finger
completely. While this prevented possible loss it did not
thoroughly protect the ring from damage, chemicals and abrasives.
During activities, rings are subjected to possible damage, sweat,
water, lotions, chemicals and abrasives such as dirt and sand.
[0013] Several types of rings covers/protectors have been
proposed--for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,111 B2 (2010), U.S.
Pat. No. 6,481,244 B1 (2002), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,786 (2000).
These are all made of various cloth and elastic materials. Cloth
and elastic material is not a good material to use because of its
many disadvantages:
[0014] a) Cloth materials can rip easily during activities. The
layers of materials can become caught on objects destroying the
ring covers/protectors and harm can come to the rings including the
gemstones.
[0015] b) Cloth materials when in contact with liquids such as
water, salt water, chlorinated water and drinks can cause the
material to stretch making it less effective in retaining its shape
or seal.
[0016] c) Cloth materials have pores that can harbor bacteria.
[0017] d) Cloth materials do not insulate.
[0018] e) Cloth materials are not resistant to age or moisture such
as sweat.
[0019] f) Cloth materials in previous patents named are not
transparent therefore the rings beneath cannot be seen. In some
work environments ring covers/protectors are best not seen by
clients or customers of wearer.
[0020] Prior art is comprised only partially of elastomer materials
which limits stretch wherein cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring
cover with dome is comprised wholly of elastomer material providing
complete stretch of ring cover.
[0021] Some prior art have separated ends making it possible for
dirt and chemicals to get inside and damage rings. Wherein
cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome is
one-piece.
[0022] Prior art only partially house the gemstone attached to the
ring. Dome of said ring cover completely houses the gemstone.
[0023] Prior art is only partially translucent wherein said ring
cover manufactured with but not limited to Silastic.RTM. LC 2004 is
highly transparent. When said ring cover is manufactured with
Silicone it is translucent (not partially translucent).
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0024] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0025] FIG. 1-1A Shows perspective view of main embodiment ring
cover on finger of hand. 1A shows transparent said ring cover on
finger of hand.
[0026] FIG. 2 Shows top view of main embodiment ring cover.
[0027] FIG. 3 Shows side view of main embodiment ring cover with
gemstone ring inside.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-4B Show cross-section of main embodiment ring
cover. FIG. 4B shows 5 sizes of the ring covers, the corresponding
diameters and cavity heights accordingly.
[0029] FIG. 5--Shows main embodiment cavity of Dome
[0030] FIG. 6--Shows main embodiment manufacture seams
[0031] FIG. 7--Shows second embodiment
TABLE-US-00002 [0032] Drawing - Reference Numerals 4 Seams 6
Thickness 8 Cavity 10 Oval dome 12 Hand 14 Ring finger of left hand
16 Gemstone ring 18 Wedding band (guard) 20A South extension 20B
North extension
[0033] As previously stated the highly transparent Silicone
elastomer is my contemplation for 2 embodiments. Specifically but
not limited to Silastic.RTM. LC 2004 Series product from Dow
Corning.RTM.. Said Silastic material is highly transparent and has
a high tear strength. One such variation among many is
Xiameter.RTM. Brand liquid Silicone from Dow Corning.RTM.. It is a
liquid Silicone and would require an additional step in the
injection molding process. This is not cost effective. However the
solid form is available from Dow Corning.
[0034] Silicone elastomer or rubbers are inorganic synthetic
elastomers made from a crosslinked Silicone-based polymer
reinforced with filler. They offer unique chemical and mechanical
properties that organic elastomers can't match.
[0035] An elastomer is a polymer with the property of
viscoelasticity (colloquially "elasticity") generally having
notably low Youngs modulus (measure of stiffness of an elastic
material) and high yield strain (stress of material).
[0036] The hardness of elastomer material, or Shore A durometer, of
these 2 embodiments is 40 durometer in both transparent and
translucent (food grade) Silicone. I chose 40 because it stretches
with just the right amount of stretch to bring ring cover over
rings with ease. This 40 durometer is preferred but not limited to
40 durometer. Durometer can vary from 20-70 and up.
[0037] Dow Corning.RTM. has a manufacturing plant in China that can
supply the solid Silastic.RTM. Silicone for the injection molding
process. It has to be supplied from them as most China
manufacturers don't carry high transparent Silicone only
translucent.
[0038] Specifically, but not limited to food grade Silicone is my
contemplation for the color said ring covers. Food grade Silicone
is approved by the FDA for contact with food. Ring wearers come in
contact with food which makes this a huge benefit for wearers.
[0039] Other elastomers include: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
aka. Thermoplastic rubbers, consisting of materials with both
thermoplastic and elastomeric properties; Nitrile rubber; Neoprene
or polychloroprene synthetic rubber: other brand name Silicone
materials.
[0040] Injection molding is the process used to manufacture
cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome. Injection
molding process is described: The injection molding process
involves melting the plastic or Silicone for purpose herein, in an
extrude and using the extrude screw to inject the material into a
mold where it is cooled. Said ring covers are manufactured in 2
pieces, top with the dome and bottom. The bottom portion is where
the printing can be put. After the 2 pieces are ready they are then
melted together to form one-piece. There are 2 seals shown in FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1-1A--First Embodiment
[0041] The main embodiment of elastomer ring cover with oval done
is illustrated in FIG. 1 (finger on hand view). This elastomer ring
cover is worn on a finger 14. It is stretched upward and over
gemstone rings 16 and wedding bands (also know as guards) 18. The
side extension from dome 10 southward covering ring bands beneath
is 20A. The side extension from dome 10 northward covering ring
bands beneath is 20B. Oval done 10 shape extends east to west. The
oval dome 10 covers gemstones that protrude upward from ring band.
This oval dome 10 accommodates various sizes of protrusions and
various sizes of gemstone cuts (such as marquis, oval, round,
square).
[0042] FIG. 1 shows the manner of wearing and using the elastomer
ring cover. FIG. 1A shows a wearer using a transparent cylindrical
one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome. When slid on the finger,
the tubular area that meets the ring first is the south tubular
area 20A. Once said ring cover is in position next to the rings it
is ready to be stretched over the gemstone. The person squeezes the
oval dome between thumb and first finger and stretches upward and
over rings. Then adjust the underside of elastomer ring cover till
comfortably positioned over all rings FIG. 1. It does not matter
which end you start to put ring on with as the dome is centered
within the cylindrical tube and both sides (north and south of
dome) are of equal width.
FIG. 2 First Embodiment
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a top view of elastomer ring cover not on a
finger. The east to west oval shaped dome can be noticed 10. The
north 20B and south 20A, equal size tubular side extensions top
view can be noticed. If elastomer ring cover is transparent then
top of gemstone and bands will be visible.
FIG. 3--First Embodiment
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a side view of said ring cover over rings and
not on a finger. The side view of the gemstone 16 shows how the
gemstone is positioned inside oval dome 10 inside ring cavity 8
allowing for various sizes and cuts of gemstones. It shows how the
gemstone part of the ring is housed 8 in the dome for maximum
protection and minimal friction of the ring cover.
FIG. 4A-4B First Embodiment
[0045] FIG. 4B is a chart that displays the 5 sizes of elastomer
ring covers. They are based on jeweler ring sizes which are based
on the International Organization of Standardization. The ISO
standard for ring sizes is ISO 8653:1986, which defines standard
ring sizes in terms of the inner circumference of the ring measured
in millimeters. In the United States, ring sizes are specified
using a numerical scale, with quarter and half sizes.
[0046] Cross-section of elastomer ring cover in FIG. 4A is a size
5-6 Small. The dimensions in FIG. 4A are related directly to FIG.
4B chart. The ISO ring sizes are in the first column. Next column
shows the corresponding cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover
with dome sizes of the 2 embodiments. The next column is finger
diameter. This is the size of diameter around the finger that is
holding the rings. The next column is the cavity dimensions. The
cavity dimensions in FIG. 4B is the convex area where rings are
housed, from the bottom of the inside of the ring cover to the top
of the inside of the dome. In FIG. 4A shows inside of elastomer
ring cover size 5-6 and the concave inside of the oval dome 10.
[0047] The thickness 6 of the silicone material of the cylindrical
one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome is 0.04 inches. In 2
embodiments the thickness is 0.04 inches typical in the complete
said ring cover. By that is meant that in manufacture of the ring
cover every part of the ring is of the same 0.04 in. thick. This
thickness is my contemplation for 2 embodiments. It is thick enough
for protection but at the same time it is thin enough for
comfortable wear. It is not bulky like prior art.
[0048] The 2 side extensions (north--toward finger nail and
south-toward hand) provide for multiple ring bands on either or
both sides of gemstone ring. Various width sizes of ring bands are
provided for in the preset length of the said ring cover. Length of
said ring cover is 0.75 inches for all sizes. This length is my
contemplation for 2 embodiments but it is not limited to this
length. This length is from knuckle to where finger meets hand.
[0049] The use of Silicone provides for transparency and also the
manufacture of any color inventor wants to produce. The use of
selecting a Pantone.RTM. color is beneficial to the manufacturer
and inventor as there is no guesswork involved. The color is simply
picked from a color system book.
FIG. 5 First Embodiment
[0050] FIG. 5 shows the cavity of said ring cover and how well it
houses the rings. The radius 0.19 is roughly half the thickness of
the dome, and since there are two halves melted together it gives
the dome a rounded shape. Inside this dome and the cylindrical
shape is the cavity 8.
FIG. 6 First Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 6 shows where the seams are in the product after
manufacture. These seams are melted together in the injection
molding process. These seams are very strong.
FIG. 7 Second Embodiment
[0052] FIG. 7 shows second embodiment of cylindrical one-piece
elastomer ring cover. This embodiment is without the oval dome. All
specifications apply of the first embodiment without the dome and
in such the side extensions. The cylindrical one-piece elastomer
ring cover is the same length 0.75 in as first embodiment. Without
the dome there are no extensions. The sizes and durometer
dimensions are same as main embodiment diameter dimensions. This
second embodiment is for ring bands or flat rings without high
protrusion gemstones.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
[0053] Accordingly, the reader will see that the cylindrical
one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome and the various
embodiments can be used to cover and protect a wearers rings which
include but not limited to, gemstone ring and ring bands (guards).
If no gemstone ring is worn then additional embodiment of elastomer
ring cover is appropriately chosen.
[0054] The reader will see that the Silicone is the superior
solution of today's technology for coverage due to its many and
vast advantages. The use of highly transparent Silicone enables
coverage of rings without impairing the ability to see the
sentimental and monetary valuable rings beneath.
[0055] The reader will see that the artistically perfected shape of
said ring cover providing flexibility of various sizes and shapes
of rings. An oval dome provides perfect housing for protrusions of
gemstones. The wide length is for covering multiple ring bands.
[0056] The reader will see the wearable comfort of said ring cover
due to its thin structure and lightweight material, that is still
strong and durable.
[0057] The reader will undoubtedly see the many solutions that said
ring cover provides a wearer.
Advantages
[0058] Accordingly several advantages of 2 embodiments are as
follows: conforms to the various sizes of rings per jewelry store
sizes as well as the various sizes of gemstones and their
protrusions; with many outside factors that change our fingers
daily, the expanding and contracting of fingers, sweating and
weight loss or gain, the superior moisture resistant silicone
material is the solution; there is less friction of the ring cover
substrate to the gemstone and its prongs, because of the oval dome;
the 5 sizes gives the wearer comfort and the option of wearing a
tighter size to create waterproof sealing capabilities: rubber
gloves won't rip when put on a wearers hand over rings. Gloves slip
over said ring cover easily.
[0059] Although the descriptions in various embodiments contain
many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the
scope of the embodiments. For examples; [0060] The thickness of the
Silicone can be made thicker. [0061] The oval dome could be made to
be any shape such as square or heart shaped. [0062] Other materials
such as glitter or scents can be added to Silicone during
manufacture making it more marketable. [0063] More sizes can be
made such as XXLarge for jeweler size 13-14. [0064] The side
extensions can be made longer or shorter by changing the
cylindrical length. [0065] An improved (future) elastomer can be
used. [0066] Furthermore, the elastomer ring cover has the
additional advantages in that: [0067] The Silicone can be printed
on and embossed making it personalized. [0068] Any color in the
Pantone.RTM. Color Matching System.RTM. can be used. [0069]
Elastomer ring covers make it easy to put on rubber gloves while
rings are on finger, with out causing the gloves to rip. [0070]
Silicone is resistant to high temperatures, thereby, can withstand
the dish washer and clothes dryer. [0071] Prevents scratching
children with gemstone accidentally causing harm to skin.
* * * * *