WO1993021791A1

WO1993021791A1 - A method of providing an article of jewelry of selected size and resulting article of jewelry

Info

Publication number: WO1993021791A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/004218
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mitsugi Ishida
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-07
Filing date: 1993-05-04
Publication date: 1993-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 1994-11-07

Abstract

A ring (80) of selected size is provided which is fabricated by pivotally connecting together a number of arcuate members (82, 84, 86, 88) at least one of which is selected from a group of arcuate members of different size so that a selected size for the ring can be chosen. The arcuate members are pivotally connected together so as to more readily accommodate the insertion of an arcuate member of different circumferential extent. On one or more of the arcuate members provision may be made for decoratively mounting gemstones or the like.

Description

A METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ARTICLE OF JEWELRY OF SELECTED SIZE AND RESULTING ARTICLE OF JEWELRY FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to articles of jewelry and the like and more particularly to methods of providing articles of jewelry of selected size.

BACKGROUND In the fabrication of articles of jewelry such as rings and bracelets, it is necessary to make provision for accommodating different sizes of fingers, wrists and so forth. This accommodation frequently takes place in the form of casting multiple sizes of jewelry which are then offered to the consumer who makes a selection after trying on articles of different sizes. Sometimes it is possible to make adjustments in these sizes of the articles of jewelry by heating and/or stretching the article until the size is attained which is satisfactory to the ultimate consumer.

One provision for making an article of jewelry of expandible size is shown in U.S. Patent 4,592,211 (Bernard Ross; June 3, 1986) . In this patent is disclosed an expandible finger ring having a pair of arcuate expandible sec¬ tions each pivotally hinged at one end by a clevis-like arrangement to an arcuate mounting portion. One expander section is provided with a tongue portion which is formed with a longitudinally directed and open slot. The other expander section is formed in such a manner as to engage slidingly the first expander section by being formed with a central longitudinal recess to receive the tongue portion. A fixed stud of a diameter slightly larger than the narrowest portion of the slot is provided. This stud drives into the slot so that, when, the expanders are fully slidingly engaged with each other, the stud will tightly abut and frictionally engage the walls of the slot to lock the expander sections releaseably together.

In French Patent 725,996 of May 20, 1932, M. Graille illustrates a ring in which an arcuate section devoid of ornamentation is utilized to receive a supplemental section for decorative purposes. The basic segment of the ring that is formed is greater than half of the circumference of the overall ring and thus does not permit ready accommodation to the shape of the finger to which the ring is to be applied although changes in size may be possible. Moreover, the connections which are suggested are quite complex in nature and detract seriously from the artistic effect of the ring as a whole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method of assembling an article of jewelry as well as to provide the improved article of jewelry resulting from such method.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved method for providing rings of readily selected size.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for permitting an adjustment of size of an article of jewelry in a manner which is separate and apart from the actual manufacture of the article of jewelry or parts therefor.

In achieving the above and other objects of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a ring of selected size by connecting together at least three sections of fixed arcuate lengths selected to result in the selected size. The size which is in question is the circumferential size of the article of jewelry and all sections thereof are pivotally connected to permit a ready accommodation to the size which is selected as well as to the shape of the anatomical part on which the article of jewelry is to be mounted.

As will be seen hereinafter, the selected size is a fixed size and the sections are preferably connected by matching pins and holes with the pins being displaceably mounted in respective of the sections. It will be seen that one of these sections is selected from a group of parts of different fixed arcuate lengths and is connected with the other sections to result in the selected size. The other sections are all respectively of less than one- half complete circular extent but collectively are of greater than one-half complete circular extent. It will also be noted that the sections are preferably fabricated to be in the order of magnitude of about one-quarter complete circular extent such that four such sections are required. The sections may be connected according to one embodiment by matching threaded pins and threaded holes which are threadably engaged. According to another embodiment, the pins which are employed are spring-loaded and adapted to be retracted or otherwise displaced.

As to the articles of manufacture provided in accordance with the invention, which may be, for example, a ring or a bracelet, the article comprises a part-circular portion of less than complete circular extent including spaced end portions defining a gap. This particular portion includes sections of less than one-half complete circular extent pivotally connected to constitute greater than one-half complete circular extent. A plurality of bridging parts is provided, these being adapted for connection to said end portions. These bridging parts are of respectively different extents. Furthermore an arrangement is provided to connect one of the bridging parts to the end portions to bridge the aforementioned gap and to form a complete bridging structure of selected circumferential size which may be, for example, a ring or bracelet.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforesaid bridging portion includes sections in the order of magnitude of about one-quarter of a complete circular extent. These sections are pivotally connected together to permit the bridging portion to adapt to the length of said one bridging part when forming therewith a complete circular extent.

As will be seen hereinafter, the arrangement for connecting the parts includes pins and hole defining portions which cooperatively connect the said one bridging part to the ring portion. The structure is preferably of precious metal and will comprise gems mounted on this precious metal in a preferred version. As will be described hereinbelow the arrangement and end portions cooperatively may include interdigitated parts and at least one pin extending through these interdigitated parts pivotally coupling the same. The pin or pins may be of a spring-loaded type. The gems may be spaced from the one bridging part and may be mounted on the aforementioned bridging portion. It will also be noted that the ring defines an axis of substantial symmetry with the pins being aligned in parallel with this axis.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be found in the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wedding ring provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view in diagrammatic form further illustrating connections of sections in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a fragmentary view illustrating a connection provided between adjacent ring sections in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 is a variation of the connection shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective exploded and partially diagrammatic view of an article of jewelry provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6 A-C are respectively plan, edge and fragmentary views illustrating the pivotal connection between adjacent sections in Fig. 5; and

Figure 7 diagrammatically illustrates a group of bridging members from which selection may be made in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of fabricating a ring or bracelet or other article of jewelry of selected size. The method of the invention is intended to yield an article of jewelry of fixed size but of a size which is selected and which is arranged for in a manner separate and apart from the actual manufacture of the ring as a whole. It is intended to replace the sizing of rings and other such articles of manufacture by providing a multiple of sizes of the complete article or by heating and/or stretching the article of jewelry when being provided to and for the consumer of the same. The method of the invention, which will be explained relative to a ring, involves fabricating a ring of selected size by connecting together at least three sections of fixed arcuate lengths chosen to result in the desired size. Actually, four or more sections are preferred for utilization in the method of the invention so that, when the selection is made and the article fabricated, provision results for ready adaptation of the finished article of jewelry with respect to the selection of size and accommodating the anatomical part of the body of the wearer on which the article of jewelry is to be mounted. The selected size referred to above is a circumferential size and the sections are preferably pivoted together to permit the adaptation and accommodation referred to hereinabove. When the sections are connected, the selected size is to all intent and purposes fixed although it is possible to make a substitution for the selected section.

As will be shown in the description which follows hereinafter, the sections are connected by matching pins and holes with the pins being displaceably mounted relative to respective of the sections in the preferred embodiment. According to the invention, at least one of these sections is selected from a group of parts of different fixed arcuate lengths and is connected with the other sections to result in the selected size. The other sections are all preferably and respectively of less than one-half complete circular extent but collectively they are of greater than one-half complete circular extent thereby to define a gap in which the selected section is installed. The pins utilized in accordance with the invention are preferably spring-loaded to facilitate connection of the sections by permitting the pins to be readily displaced and thereby retracted, thus to permit a fitting together of the sections which are to be connected. Alternatively, the sections may be connected by utilizing threaded pins with threaded holes, with the threaded pins being threadably installed in the threaded holes. As will be shown, gem stones may be mounted on at least one of the sections and this may include the selected section which will also be generally in the order of magnitude of about one-quarter of a complete circular extent.

The article of jewelry shown in Fig. 1 in perspective view is a wedding band. The band is indicated at 10 and includes sections 12, 14, 16 and 18. On the outer surface of the ring is installed a plurality of gem stones such as indicated at 20, these gem stones being arranged in decorative manner. The sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are pivotally connected by pins installed in and through arms 22 and 24 as well as through tongue 26 provided in the respective ends of the sections 12, 14, 16 and 18. The fraction of a complete circular extent which is occupied by an arcuate section such as arcuate section 14 is indicated in Fig. 1 at 28. With reference to Figure 2 it will be seen that the arcuate extents of sections 16, 18 and 12 are indicated at 30, 32 and 34. As has already noted herein, these arcuate extents are preferably in the order of magnitude of a one- quarter of the complete arcuate extent of the article of jewelry, this complete arcuate extent being indicated at 36 in Fig. 2.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the pins which are used to pivotally connect the ends of the respective sections are indicated generally at 38, 40, 42 and 44. These pins may be spring- loaded pins as will be shown hereinbelow or may be threaded pins engaging in threaded holes provided for threaded engagement with the pins.

Referring, for example, to Fig. 1, section 14 is one of a group of such sections (not shown) being of respectively different arcuate extents. These different arcuate extents may vary, for example, by .1 to .2 inches. Substitution of one section for another will cause the circumference of the article of jewelry in Fig. 1 to be selected. Each of these sections may be provided with gem stones or ornamentation designed to fit in with the ornamentation provided on the other sections in the article of jewelry.

This difference in the selected size of section 14 may cause a slight departure from the preferably circular conformation. In order to accommodate this departure from circular conformation, the pivotal connections between the respective sections are provided.

One such pivotal connection is illustrated in Fig. 3 which illustrates, by way of example only, a connection which is possible, for example, between sections 14 and 16. In Fig. 3 are illustrated the arms 22 and 24 as well as the tongue 26. Also appearing is the pin 40 and the threaded hole 50 provided therefor.

The pin 40 is in this instance threaded and intended to provide a threaded engagement with the hole sections in arms 22 and 24. The central portion 52 may remain unthreaded to provide for pivotal movement between sections 14 and 16.

Fig. 4 illustrates a variation of the pivotal connection as provided between sections 14' and 16' . In this embodiment of the invention, there are provided interdigitated sections 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64. Whereas arms or interdigitated sections 56, 60 and 64 are connected to and integral with ring section 14', sections 58 and 62 are integral with section

16' . Matching pins and holes are indicated, by way of example, at 66 with hole section 68 and hole section 70 being threaded, the balance of the hole being smooth. The corresponding sections of the pin are threaded or not to provide for engagement of the pins and holes while affording free pivotal movement between sections 14' and 16'.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is illustrated an article of jewelry 80. It consists, for example, of sections 82, 84, 86 and 88 each being in the order of magnitude of a one- quarter complete circular extent as discussed hereinabove. The sections each have an outer surface as indicated generally at 90 and an inner surface as indicated generally at 92. Normally, the inner sections will remain unornamented although various inscriptions are possible therein. The outer surface 90 may be provided with gem stones and decorations of various types customarily employed in the jewelry field. Section 88 is shown as being provided with a hole 94 there being an aligned hole on the opposite edge of the section 88 which is not illustrated. Similarly pin 96 is provided on the illustrated edge of section 88, there being a corresponding pin on the concealed side of section 88. The hole 94 and the pin 96 (as well as the other holes and pins in the article of jewelry illustrated) are aligned in parallel with the axis of symmetry indicated at A in Figure 5.

At the exposed end of section 86 in Fig. 5 are illustrated pins 98 and 100. As already indicated, these are aligned in parallel with axis A and are additionally intended to engage in hole 94 as well as in the corresponding aligned and concealed hole in section 88. These pins are displaceably mounted in a barrel 102 in the interior of which is diagrammatically indicated a spring 104 which engages directly or indirectly with pins 98 and 100 to cause the same to be spring-loaded. Pins 98 and 100 are therefore yieldably displaceable into the barrel 102 to permit the barrel to be accommodated readily between the arms on the corresponding end of section 88. Illustrative arms 106 and 108 on section 82 are shown to facilitate an understanding of this fit.

Adjoining sections will have abutting surfaces such as for example illustrated at 110 and 112. These abutting surfaces will limit the amount of pivot permitted between adjacent sec- tions and will generally avoid the presentation of unsightly gaps between adjoining sections. The barrels (such as barrel 102) are each mounted on a foot 120, the breath of which is less than the breath of the individual sections to permit the accommodation of these feet between arms such as the arms 106 and 108. A receptacle is indicated in Fig. 6(c) at 122 for receiving the corresponding foot 120. The top 124 of foot 120 will be accommodated with some play against the top 126 of receptacle 122 permitting the ring to assume other than a perfect circular form thereby to accommodate the insertion of sections 88 of various sizes. It will be understood that each of the various sections can be provided with the type of arrangement which has been discussed above relative to Figs. 5 and 6. The result will be that rectilinear departure lines will appear on the outer surfaces 90 as indicated at 130 and 132 whereas on the inner surfaces 94, there will be provided more complex departure lines as indicated in square-wave forms 134 and 136. From what has been stated hereinabove it will now appear that a method has been provided along with a resulting article of jewelry wherein interference with the decorative theme of the article of jewelry is minimized while permitting the selection of a fixed size. The size is selectable by a selection process effective as between a plurality of sections which may be readily installed in a gap provided in a generally circular article of jewelry to determine the final circumference thereof.

Fig. 7 diagrammatically illustrates a group of arcuate bridging members 140, 142, 144 and 146 of different arcuate extents, one of which is selected to fill in the gap in the basic portion of the structure as described above (e.g., in the position of member 88 in Fig. 5) .

There will now be obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications and variations of the method and structure set forth hereinabove. These modifications and variations will not depart from the scope of the invention if defined by the following claims or functional equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A method comprising assembling a circular article of jewelry of selected size by connecting together at least three sections of fixed arcuate length selected to result in the selected size.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selected size is a circumferential size.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising pivotally connecting all of the sections.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising connecting the sections so that the selected size is fixed.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising connecting the sections by matching pins and holes and displaceably mounting the pins in respective of said sections.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising selecting at least one of said sections from a group of parts of different fixed arcuate lengths and wherein said one section is connected with the other sections to result in the selected size, the other sections all respectively being of less than one-half complete circular extent but collectively being of greater than one-half complete circular extent.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5, comprising spring loading the pins to facilitate connection of the sections.

8. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sections are connected by matching threaded pins and threaded holes which are threadably engaged.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising mounting at least one gem on at least one of said sections.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising forming said sections to be in the order of magnitude of about one-quarter of a complete circular extent.

11. An article of manufacture comprising a part-circular portion of less than complete circular extent including spaced end portions defining a gap, said ring portion including sections of less than one-half complete circular extent pivotally connected to constitute greater than one-half complete circular extent, a plurality of bridging parts each being adapted for connection to said end portions, said bridging parts being of respectively different lengths, and means to connect one of said bridging parts to said end portions to bridge said gap and form a complete circular structure of selected circumferential size.

12. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said part-circular portion includes sections in the order of magnitude of one-quarter complete circular extent pivotally connected together to permit said part-circular portion to adapt to the length of said one bridging part when forming therewith a complete circular extent.

13. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 12, wherein said means includes pins and hole defining portions which cooperatively connect said one bridging part to said part- circular portion.

14. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 12, wherein said article is substantially of precious metal, comprising gems mounted on said precious metal.

15. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said means and end portions cooperatively include interdigitated parts and at least one pin extending through said interdigitated parts for pivotally coupling the same.

16. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 11, wherein said pin is a spring-loaded pin.

17. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 14, wherein said gems are spaced from said one bridging part and are mounted on said part-circular portion.

18. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said end portions includes spaced arms provided with holes and a second of said end portions includes spring- loaded pins and wherein said one bridging part includes two ends respectively provided with spring-loaded pins and with spaced arms provided with holes, the pins of said one bridging part engaging detachably in the holes of said one end portion and the pins of said second end portion engaging in the holes of said one bridging part.

19. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 18, wherein said article defines an axis of substantial symmetry and said pins are aligned in parallel with said axis.

20. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 18, wherein said end portions and one bridging part include abutting portions which define rectilinear lines of demarcation between the end portions and one bridging part.

21. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 20, wherein said end portions and one bridging part cooperatively include at least one foot section and define an accommodating recess for said foot section.

22. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 21, wherein said foot section fits with play in said recess.

23. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 21, wherein said foot section defines a square-wave line of demarcation with said accommodating recess.