WO2005026849A2

WO2005026849A2 - Ring re-sizer and protector

Info

Publication number: WO2005026849A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/027157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian K. Horrigan
Original assignee: Horrigan Brian K
Priority date: 2003-09-04
Filing date: 2004-08-20
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: WO2005026849A3

Abstract

A jewelry ring re-sizer is disclosed. The re-sizer is roughly cylindrical in shape, and has an aperture extending longitudinally along the directrices of the cylinder for accommodating the ring. The re-sizer is thicker in the middle, and tapered to be thinner toward either end, thereby providing improved snugness.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to a device for re-sizing jewelry when a wearer's finger has experienced a reduction in size. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An example of a ring re-sizer of the prior art is shown in Fig. 1 , which shows an elongated object 14 having a flexible spine 48 from which extend four metal legs^'! 2. These metal legs 12 wrap around the surface of a ring, thereby securing the flexible spine 18 to the ring. However the spine 19 and legs 1 tend to scratch the finish of the ring to which it is attached, and the legs 12 have a problem with unwanted rotation and lateral movement, particularly during those times when a wearer engages and disengages the ring from the finger. The legs 12 are not machined with a sufficient tensile strength and gripping power to withstand the significant amount of torque generated therein when a wearer engages and disengages the ring from their finger. Consequently, the object 14 tends to move during installation and removal. [0003] Additionally, machining the legs 12 with sufficient tensile strength would make the entire object 14 difficult to install, and potentially requiring special tools or soldering. In such a case, the legs 12 would then need to be smoothed and deburred, and even after this may still occasionally catch or work up against folds of skin of the wearer. The legs 12 can also be folded a finite number of times before their metal structure becomes permanently damaged. [0004] Other ring re-sizers can be cut from a type of piping or flexible tubing that is sold in retail environments. This piping can be either 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick, and is cut to different sizes depending on the gap desired by the user. However, such a solution has significant disadvantages. The re-sizer.piping, most often machined with a round or at best slightly elliptical aperture, does not take into account the many differing cross-sectional shapes of ring jewelry. Thus it is unlikely the piping can achieve a snug, form-fitting grip on a ring, and will further be subject to unwanted rotation. Also, the piping may not be molded to have sufficient tensile strength and elasticity to properly grip the surface of the ring, or if it has sufficient tensile strength and elasticity, it may be difficult to install. Additionally, the piping is not molded to have a permanent curvature, and if not attached to a ring, remains straight and linear in shape. This increases the likelihood of the piping slipping out of place from the ring surface.

[0005] Many jewelers propose re-cutting rings and removing sections in order to reduce the size. However, this can damage the ring and reduce its value. For a family heirloom greater than 100 years old, or a $50,000 Tiffany's ring, such repair is risky, expensive, and may violate conditions of insurance policies. [0006] Another problem is that people's fingers and other extremities can be subject to size changes due to pregnancy, arthritis, and other medical conditions. However, these conditions may be temporary, so that effectuating a traumatic and very permanent mechanical repair to a piece of jewelry may later result in requiring additional repair to restore it to its original or some other condition. Consequently, a durable, non-intrusive, removable way of re-sizing rings without causing mechanical trauma to the ring is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The primary objective of the invention is a flexible ring re-sizer that can be easily yet securedly attached to a ring for ensuring a more accurate fit in those cases where a wearer's finger size has decreased. The re-sizer can be formed in a one- piece unibody construction that is sufficiently flexible to be temporarily deformed in order to fit around the ring surface, but to have sufficient shape-memory to return to its molded shape. The re-sizer must remain in position despite the torque exerted on its surface when a wearer engages and disengages tbe ring from the finger. The re- sizer is fabricated to have a hollow center aperture for accommodating the ring's surface, where that aperture is fabricated in a variety of forms to allow for a variety of cross-sectional ring shapes.

[0008] A further objective of the^' present invention is to be formed of a two-piece construction wherein the two pieces are snapped together about the ring's surface. One section has two or more male extensions while its symmetrical mate has two or more female apertures which combine to form a snap-fit immovable snug relationship with the ring surface.

[0009] Yet another objective is to provide. a wrapping compound with a preformed tongue for attaching adhesive thereto. Such a wrapping compound is useful for allowing a user to customize the specific amount of re-sizing desired. [00010] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW!NGS [00011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a Prior Art ring re-sizer; [000 2] Fig.2 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the re-sizer of the present invention installed about a ring;

[00013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the re-sizer of Fig. 2 except alone and uninstalled;

[00014] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the re-sizer of Figs. 2 and 3; [00015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a re-sizer and. ring having a rectangular cross-section;

[00016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a re-sizer and ring having a round cross- section;

[00017] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the middle section of the re-sizer taken along the A — A line of Fig. 4;

[00018] Figs. 8A-8D are perspective views of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[00019] Figs. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the first embodiment of the present invention modified to have an attached insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [00020] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, a re- sizer 104 is fixedly attached to a ring 100. The re-sizer 104 should cover at least one third of the circumference of the ring 100, and may cover substantially more. The inner surface 308 of the re-sizer 104 has substantially less curvature than the outer surface 312. This is because the width of the re-sizer 104 is tapered during formation to be larger in the middle and smaller toward either of the end walls 320, 324. This is to increase the substantive area of the ring that is resized, and also to ensure that the skin of the wearer not press up against or get. caught in the end walls 320, 324 of the re-sizer 104.

[00021] The body of the re-sizer 104 is preferably made from a resilient plastic or rubber which will not scratch the surface of the ring 100 nor erode any oxide coating varnish or lacquer applied thereto. The re-sizer 104 shown in Fig. 3 is formed in a one-piece unibody construction that is sufficiently flexible to be temporarily deformed in order to be installed around the ring surface, but with sufficient shape-memory to then return to its molded configuration after installation. The re-sizer 104 must also be rigid enough to snap back and remain in position fixedly installed about the ring's radial circumference. Thus, both cross-sectional and longitudinal flexibility is required of the material used in molding the re-sizer 104. The gripping strength and rigidity of the re-sizer 104 must also be sufficient to allow it to. consistently remain in position during those times when a wearer engages and disengages the ring 100 from their finger. At such times, an unusual amount of torque is exerted upon the re- sizer 104, as well as a small amount of static electricity. Accordingly, the re-sizer 104 is fabricated of an electrically neutral material that also repels water, sweat, and other bodily fluids, such as Styrene-EthyJene-Butane-Styrene (SEBS) or some other type of Thermo-Plastic Elastomer (TPE).

[00022] The re-sizer 104 can be installed without tools, pliers, specialized knives or blades because it is fabricated to be pre-slit as shown in Fig. 3. The slit 412 is fabricated to face outward and away from the center-of the ring. The re-sizer 104 is molded to have a foolproof shape-memory with sufficient spinal curvature such that even an uninitiated installer would soon realize that the device has to be and must be installed slit-outward. Although Figs. 2 and 3 show the two ends of the slit 412 not touching each other, the present invention should not be considered to be limited to such an embodiment. Thus, Figs. 2, 3, and the rest of the drawings are for illustrative purposes only. Specifically, the re-sizer can also be formed so that upon installation, the two sides of the slit 412 touch each other and thus leave no surface of the covered portion of the ring 100 visible. Additionally, the re-sizer can also be formed so that upon instalfation the two sides of the slit 412 overlap each other. Such a feature assists in preventing unwanted rotation of the re-sizer 104 about the ring 100. The overlap also increases the suitability of the re-sizer 104 to fit about various sizes of rings.

[00023] As shown in Fig. 3, the re-sizer 104 is fabricated to have a hollow center aperture 408 for accommodating the surface of the ring 100. In Fig. 3, the aperture 408 is shown is being circular. However, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the aperture 408 can be formed in rectangular, oval, and square shapes to achieve a uniform fit with rings having rectangular, oval, and square cross-sections, respectively. The aperture 408 can also be molded to have other shapes not shown in Figs. 2 through 7, so that the present invention should not be considered as. limited thereto. [00024] The re-sizer 104 can be formed of plastic, flexan, rubber, or other compounds, and can be formed to be either transparent or in a variety of colors so as to achieve appropriate color-matching with the surface of the ring 100, if desired. The surface of the re-sizer 104 may also be coated with or formed with an anti- corrosive sealant so as to preclude any potential osmotic damage to the surface of the ring 100. The surface of the re-sizer 104 may also be coated with or formed with an anti-inflammatory material so as to not cause discoloration, rash, or irritation to the skin of the wearer.

[00025] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional area of the re-sizer 104 taken along the 'A' arrows of Fig. 4. From Fig. 7 it is apparent that the thickness of the re-sizer 104 is substantially larger in the middle section than at end walls 320 and 324. This is to ensure that the curvature of the inner surface 308 is less than the curvature of the outer surface 312.

[00026] Because of its size, weight, and lack of complexity, the re-sizer 104 can be inexpensively manufactured. Consequently, groups of re-sizers 104 varying in aperture, thickness, and other characteristics can be packaged and sold together thereby increasing the likelihood of matching a wearer's individual re-sizing preferences.

[00027] The interior surface of the aperture 408 can be formed with plastic anchors or "dogs" for more securely gripping the ring surface while also reducing slippage, especially during installation/removal. These slightly deformable striations are formed so that they exert continual pressure on the surface of the ring 100. Because the re-sizer 104 is molded from a compound having sufficient shape-memory, the striations do not lose their tensile strength and flatten out, and thus continue to urge against the surface of the ring 100 even after prolonged use. • [00028] Figs. 8A-8D shows a second -embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 8A-8D, the re-sizer 1104 is originally molded in two parts 1108R and 1108L, which during installation are snapped together about the surface of the ring 100. Section 1108R has two or more male extensions 1112M while its symmetrical mate 1108L has two or more female apertures 1112F which combine to form a snap-fit immovable snug relationship both with the male extensions 1112M as well as with the surface of the ring 100.

[00029] Figs. 9A and 9B show a modification to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the re-sizer 104 is molded to accommodate a rubber insert 1204 fixedly attached thereto. The rubber insert 1204 provides increased strength and durability for the overall invention, and can be molded from a separate material more friendly to human skin than the re-sizer itself. As shown in Fig. 9A, the insert 1204 has a mushroom-shaped plunger 1208 which fits within an aperture 1212 pre-formed inside the re-sizer 104. The rubber insert 1204 is intended to be installed within the one-piece unibody embodi ent of the re-sizer 104.

[00030] It is anticipated that various changes may be made in the arrangement and operation of the system of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims,

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A ring re-sizer, comprising: a cylindrical spacer curved to conform with a portion of said ring and having an aperture extending longitudinally along said spacer, wherein said spacer is tapered to be thicker in the middle and thinner at either end.

2. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said aperture matches the cross- sectional shape of said ring, be it either circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or some other cross-section.

3. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer covers approximately one-third the circumference of said ring.

4. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of said re-sizer has less curvature than an outer surface of said re-sizer.

5 The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is formed to be sufficiently flexible to be temporarily deformed in order to be installed around the ring surface, but with sufficient shape-memory to then return to its molded configuration after installation.

6. The re-sizer of claim 1, wherein said re-sizer is formed to have a predetermined amount of both cross-sectional and longitudinal flexibility and rigidity.

7. The τe-sizer. of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is fabricated of an electrically neutral material that also repels water, sweat, and other bodily fluids, such as Styrene-Ethylene-Butane-Styrene (SEBS) or some other type of Thermoplastic Elastomer <TPE).

8. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is fabricated to be pre-slit, with said slit facing outward and away from the center of the ring with a foolproof shape-memory having sufficient spinal curvature such that even an uninitiated installer would realize that the device must be installecLslit-outward.

9. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein the two ends of said slit do not touch each other when installed about said ring.

10. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein the two ends of said slit touch each other but do not overlap when installed about said ring.

11. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein the two ends of said slit touch each other and overlap when installed about said ring.

12. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said aperture may be either circular, rectangular, oval, square, or any other shape matching a cross-section of a jewelry ring.

13. The re^sizer όf claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is formed to be either transparent or colored.

14. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein a surface of said re-sizer is coated with or formed with an anti-corrosive sealant or an anti-inflammatory material.

15. The re-sizer of claim 1 , whereiri a surface of said re-sizer is coated with or formed with an anti-corrosive sealant or an anti-inflammatory material.

16. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is formed in a one-piece unibody construction.

17. The re-sizer of claim 6, wherein said re-sizer is formed with apertures for allowing the attachment of a separately molded rubber insert.

18. The re-sizer of claim 1 , wherein said re-sizer is formed in a two-piece construction and then installed using a snap-fit.

19. A method of forming a ring re-sizer, comprising: fabricating a solid cylindrical spacer to, have an interior aperture accessible via a slit; fabricating said spacer to have a thicker middle; tapering said spacer to be thinner at either end; and

1 ] fabricating said interior aperture to conform to a jewelry ring having either a round, oval, square, or other uniform cross-section.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: fabricating said spacer to have two parts having separate male and female appendages which are snap-fit together upon installation.