U.S. patent application number 13/422879 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for modular apparatus and system for creating a custom military service ring.
Invention is credited to Michael Matysik.
Application Number | 20120234044 13/422879 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46827355 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matysik; Michael |
September 20, 2012 |
Modular Apparatus and System for Creating a Custom Military Service
Ring
Abstract
A modular apparatus and system for creating a custom military
service ring. The modular ring apparatus and system is comprised of
a ring having a circular recessed area on the top portion of the
ring and a beveled recessed area on each side of the ring and a
plurality of insignia pieces illustrating a piece of information
relevant to military service. Each of the recessed areas is adapted
to receive one insignia chosen by an individual, resulting in a
customized ring.
Inventors: |
Matysik; Michael; (Pewaukee,
WI) |
Family ID: |
46827355 |
Appl. No.: |
13/422879 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61453403 |
Mar 16, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 9/0061
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/15 |
International
Class: |
A44C 9/00 20060101
A44C009/00 |
Claims
1. A customizable ring apparatus comprised of: a modular ring body
having: a circular inner wall; a circular outer wall; a front side
surface; and a back side surface; wherein said circular outer wall
includes a first trough and a second trough which have a plurality
of walls defining an indentation within said circular outer wall; a
circular mounting component operatively connected to said modular
ring body and further comprised of an outer circular mounting ring,
a middle circular ring, and a center circular mounting portion; and
at least one word insignia; and at least one interchangeable
circular insignia.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first trough and said
second trough further include a mounting hole.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said center circular mounting
portion further includes a mounting hole.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one word
insignia is comprised of a two concentric rings and a plurality of
words and numbers between said two concentric rings.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said back side surface and
said front side surface of said ring body are parallel.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said back side surface and
said front side surface of said ring body are not parallel.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said circular mounting
component is operatively connected to said wider end of said ring
body.
8. A system for creating a customizable ring comprised of: having a
modular ring body comprising: a circular inner wall; a circular
outer wall; a front side surface; and a back side surface; wherein
said circular outer wall includes a first trough and a second
trough which have a plurality of walls defining an indentation
within said circular outer wall; having a circular mounting
component operatively connected to said modular ring body and
further comprised of an outer circular mounting ring, a middle
circular ring, and a center circular mounting portion; and having
at least one word insignia; and having at least one interchangeable
circular insignia.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first trough and said second
trough further include a mounting hole.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein said center circular mounting
portion further includes a mounting hole.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least one word
insignia is comprised of a two concentric rings and a plurality of
words and numbers between said two concentric rings.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein said ring body has a consistent
width throughout.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein said ring body has a wider end
and a narrower end.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said circular mounting
component is operatively connected to said wider end of said ring
body.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/453,403 filed on Mar. 16, 2011 and by reference
is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of jewelry and
more particularly to a modular system for creating a custom
military service ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an unadorned ring of a modular system for creating a
custom military service ring.
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of
an unadorned ring of a modular system for creating a custom
military service ring.
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary
embodiment of an unadorned ring of a modular system for creating a
custom military service ring; right side being a mirror
thereof.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an unadorned ring of a modular system for creating a
custom military service ring with optional military insignia.
BACKGROUND
[0007] Personalized military rings are known in the art and
typically have one or more customizable aspects with the level of
customization varying for different manufacturers and for varying
styles of rings. For example, some jewelers offer school-style U.S.
Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Coast Guard
rings. After the individual selects the Military branch, he or she
then selects a ring style (e.g., rectangle or oval). The individual
then selects a side panel for each side of the ring. For example,
if the individual selects the U.S. Army, side panel options include
1st Infantry, 82nd Airborne, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 18th MP Brigade.
Other customizable aspects include stone color (e.g., birthstone),
metal quality, wording around the stone, and inside engraving
(e.g., name or initials). The school-style type military rings
offered by these jewelers and many other manufactures are not
desirable because they generally look gaudy and cheap.
[0008] Further, other ring designers offer U.S. Army, U.S. Navy,
U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S.
Merchant Marine Classic Military Rings. The Classic Military Rings
are solid metal and are designed to look cleaner and higher-end
than the school-style military ring. The customization of these
rings, however, is limited and the individual can select only a
single insignia to be displayed. For example, for U.S. Army, the
individual may select an insignia from the following types:
traditional insignia (e.g., Army, Army National Guard, Army
Vietnam, Army Reserve), historic insignia (e.g., Army Air Force,
Women's Army Corps, Army Security Agency), special forces insignia
(e.g., Army Ranger, Special Forces), badges/medals insignia (e.g.,
Drill Sergeant, Combat Medic, Parachutist), branch and command
insignia (e.g., Cavalry, Army JAG Corps, Army Engineer, Military
Police Corps), rank insignia (e.g., Army Staff Sergeant, Army
Colonel), division./brigade/regiment combat team insignia (e.g.,
1st Cavalry Division, 25th Infantry Division), or POW/MIA insignia.
The only other customizable aspects of the ring are the metal
choice and a diamond option. These rings are not desirable because
they are capable of displaying only a single insignia.
[0009] Therefore, it is desirable to have military service ring
having a plurality of customizable aspects and interchangeable
insignia.
[0010] Further, it is desirable to have a military service ring
that is commemorative.
[0011] Moreover, it is desirable to have a high-end customizable
military service ring capable of displaying more than one insignia
and/or pieces of information.
TERMS OF ART
[0012] As used herein, the term "interchangeable circular insignia"
means any symbol, picture, stamp, design, pin, or memorabilia which
may be attached to a ring.
[0013] As used herein, the term "mounting hole" means any aperture,
groove, slot or hole which a peg or knob may be inserted.
[0014] As used herein, the term "trough" means an indentation or
recessed area below the surface.
[0015] As used herein, the term "word insignia" means any
combination of letters and numbers which may be mounted on a
ring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is a modular ring apparatus and system
for creating a custom military service ring. The modular apparatus
and system is comprised of a ring having an inner wall and outer
wall, wherein the outer wall has two troughs indented where
military insignia may be mounted and interchanged. Further, the top
of the modular ring has a circular mounting component comprised of
three concentric circular mounting portions. An outside mounting
porting may be used to mount word indicia indicating rank and
theater, and the inner portion may be used to mount more military
insignia. Both troughs and the center circular mounting portion
have mounting holes, which allow military insignia to be connected
and disconnected. Military insignia may be removed and interchanged
to create a customizable military ring displaying an individual's
service.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0017] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present
invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments
of a modular system for creating a custom military service ring,
only some of which are described herein. It should be understood
that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by
describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in
the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally
equivalent designs and placement may be used. The inclusion of
additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to
one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis
for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of
ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
[0018] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the
embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various
drawings refer to identical or near identical structural
elements.
[0019] Moreover, the terms "substantially" or "approximately" as
used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could perm permissibly vary without resulting
in a change in the basic function to which it is related.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of unadorned modular ring 100 and system for creating a
custom military service ring. Modular ring 100 is comprised of ring
body 10 which is a solid closed loop ring having inner wall 11
outer wall 12, front side surface 13 and back side surface 14. In
an exemplary embodiment, modular ring 100 is made of gold,
platinum, titanium, silver, white gold, brass, tungsten carbide,
stainless steel or any other metal known to those skilled in the
art.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, modular ring 100 has left trough
20, right trough 30 and an indicia receiving mounting portion
comprised of outer circular mounting portion 40, middle circular
portion 50 and center circular mounting portion 60. Mounting
portions 40, 50 and 60 are raised concentric rings which form a
mounting portion for receiving military insignia. In an exemplary
embodiment, the three concentric rings may be different colors and
have different insignia mounted to them. In other embodiments, the
three concentric rings may also be different heights.
[0022] In the embodiment shown, left trough 20 and right trough 30
are indentations in outer wall 12 which allow military insignia to
be placed into the indention. Troughs 20 and 30 are flush with
outer wall 12 at the bottom most end and indent into ring body 10
closer to outer circular mounting portion 40. This allows for
military insignia to be recessed into the sides of the ring. In the
embodiment shown, troughs 20 and 30 are semi-square shaped.
[0023] Further, in the embodiment shown, modular ring 100 has left
mounting hole 70, right mounting hole 80, and center mounting hole
90. Mounting holes are small apertures where military insignia ay
be attached. For example, a small military insignia will have a
knob or peg on the back which inserts into the mounting holes.
Military insignia may be removed and interchanged to make a modular
customized ring.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an
unadorned modular ring 100 and system for creating a custom
military service ring. Ring body 10 has inner wall 11 (not shown),
outer wall 12, front side surface 13 and back side surface 14. In
the embodiment shown, outer wall 12 includes left trough 20 and
right trough 30 are capable of receiving military insignia. Troughs
20 and 30 are flush with outer wall 12 at the bottom most end and
indent into ring body 10 closer to outer circular mounting portion
40. This allows for military insignia to be recessed into the sides
of the ring and for the military insignia to be seen from an
overhead view. In the embodiment shown, troughs 20 and 30 are
semi-square shaped. In other embodiments, troughs 20 and 30 may be
elliptical, circular or other shapes known in the art.
[0025] In the embodiment shown, the main mounting portion of
unadorned modular ring 100 is comprised of outer circular mounting
portion 40, middle circular portion 50 and center circular mounting
portion 60. In the embodiment shown, outer circular mounting
portion 40 and center circular mounting portion 60 may be the same
color, and middle circular portion 50 may be of a different color
to accent the outside and center sections. The entire main mounting
portion is circular, but in other embodiments may be square,
rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape used in the
art.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of
unadorned modular ring 100 and system for creating a custom r
Military service ring. In the embodiment shown, ring body 10 has
outer wall 12, front side surface 13 and back side surface 14. Left
trough 20 is an indentation near circular mounting portion. In the
embodiment shown, left trough 20 is a semi-square indentation with
three walls which allow an insignia to be sunken into the side of
outer wall 12. In other embodiments, left trough 20 and right
trough 30 (shown in FIG. 1) may be comprised of four sided indented
section.
[0027] In the embodiment shown, left trough 20 has left mounting
hole 70 which is an aperture in ring body 10 that allows military
insignia to be mounted and displayed. Outer circular mounting
portion 40 is raised about ring body 10. In the embodiment shown,
ring body 10 is narrower at the bottom and wider at the top where
the mounting portion is located. In other embodiment, ring body 10
may be one consistent width. In the embodiment shown, the walls of
trough 20 are parallel to front side surface 13 and back side
surface 14. In other embodiments, trough 20 may be entirely square
or oval shaped.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an unadorned modular ring 100 and interchangeable
military insignia for creating a custom military service ring with
military insignia. Ring body 10 has left trough 20 with left
mounting hole 70 and right trough 30 with right mounting hole 80.
Further, in the embodiment shown, unadorned modular ring 100 has
circular mounting portion comprised of outer circular mounting
portion 40, middle circular portion 50, and center circular
mounting portion 60. Center circular mounting portion 60 also
includes center mounting hole 90. Mounting holes 70, 80 and 90 are
circular holes or apertures which allow military insignia to be
mounted and removed and interchanged.
[0029] In the exemplary embodiment shown, word insignia 120 is
comprised of two concentric metal rings with words between them.
Word insignia ring 120 may be mounted to outer circular mounting
portion 40. Word insignia 120 may contain any identifying words,
for example, the theater of operation (e.g., Vietnam, Iraq,
Afghanistan) and the dates of service appear in lettering on the
top half of word insignia 120. The unit name may appears in
lettering on the bottom half of word insignia 120. For example, the
top half of word insignia 120 may read, from left to right; "2/67
VIETNAM 5/69" while the bottom half of word insignia 120 may read,
from right to left, "716th COMBAT MP BN". Word insignia 120 may be
integrally mounted to outer circular mounting portion 40 by any
means including but not limited to adhesives, soldering, welding
and any other means known to those skilled in the art.
[0030] In the embodiment shown, unadorned modular ring 100 also
includes interchangeable military insignia 130a, 130b, and 130c
which may be any insignia with a small peg or knob that can mount
to mounting holes 70, 80 or 90. Interchangeable circular insignia
130a-c may have pegs or knobs which may be soldered, glued, or
connected using any other means known to one skilled in the art. In
the embodiment shown, interchangeable circular insignia 130a-c are
removably connected but may be connected permanently.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the modular system,
interchangeable circular insignia 130a-c depicting an image that
represents a military specialty, unit, rank or rate, combat,
service campaign, medal or award, or another image of significance
would be available. Additionally, interchangeable circular insignia
130a-c may be any plurality of military insignia, for example,
traditional U.S. Army insignia, modern U.S. Army insignia, U.S.
Navy insignia, U.S. Marine Corps insignia, traditional U.S. Air
Force insignia, modern U.S. Air Force insignia, and U.S. Coast
Guard insignia.
[0032] In the embodiment shown, unadorned modular ring 100,
interchangeable circular insignia 130a-b, and word insignia 120 may
be comprised of gold, platinum, titanium, silver, brass, white
gold, tungsten carbide, stainless steel or any other metal known to
those skilled in the art. Interchangeable circular insignia 130a-b,
and word insignia 120 may be minted, molded, or created using
another process known in the art. Interchangeable circular insignia
130a-b, and word insignia 120 may be secured permanently to the top
and sides of the ring or may be removable, allowing the insignia to
be interchanged as desired.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, enter circular mounting portion 60
may be recessed and adapted to receive interchangeable circular
insignia 130a. The dimensions of the circular insignia would
correspond to the dimensions of center circular mounting portion 60
and when interchangeable circular insignia 130a is positioned in
the recessed area, the top of interchangeable circular insignia
130a would be flush with the surface of middle circular portion 50
surrounding the recessed center circular mounting portion 60. In an
alternate embodiment, the top of the interchangeable circular
insignia 130a may be slightly raised over the middle circular
portion 50 surrounding the recessed area. In other embodiments,
both outer circular mounting portion 40 and center circular
mounting portion 60 may be lower than middle circular portion 50,
so that when word insignia 120 and interchangeable circular
insignia 130a may be level across. In the embodiments shown, the
upper portion of each of the side insignias is visible from the top
of the ring when positioned.
* * * * *