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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

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® Silastic® LC Series Liquid Silicone Rubber for High Volume Manufacturing, Product Selection Guide ©2006, Dow Corning Corporation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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® colors for protection and wearing enjoyment.

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® Matching Color System® color selection process provides security in selecting colors for the rings.

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.

Other advantages will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing descriptions.

SUMMARY

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

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.

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:

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.

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.

c) Cloth materials have pores that can harbor bacteria.

d) Cloth materials do not insulate.

e) Cloth materials are not resistant to age or moisture such as sweat.

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.

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.

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.

Prior art only partially house the gemstone attached to the ring. Dome of said ring cover completely houses the gemstone.

Prior art is only partially translucent wherein said ring cover manufactured with but not limited to Silastic® LC 2004 is highly transparent. When said ring cover is manufactured with Silicone it is translucent (not partially translucent).

DRAWINGS

Figures

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

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.

FIG. 2 Shows top view of main embodiment ring cover.

FIG. 3 Shows side view of main embodiment ring cover with gemstone ring inside.

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.

FIG. 5—Shows main embodiment cavity of Dome

FIG. 6—Shows main embodiment manufacture seams

FIG. 7—Shows second embodiment

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

As previously stated the highly transparent Silicone elastomer is my contemplation for 2 embodiments. Specifically but not limited to Silastic® LC 2004 Series product from Dow Corning®. Said Silastic material is highly transparent and has a high tear strength. One such variation among many is Xiameter® Brand liquid Silicone from Dow Corning®. 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.

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.

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).

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.

Dow Corning® has a manufacturing plant in China that can supply the solid Silastic® 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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The use of Silicone provides for transparency and also the manufacture of any color inventor wants to produce. The use of selecting a Pantone® 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The reader will undoubtedly see the many solutions that said ring cover provides a wearer.

Advantages

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.

Although the descriptions in various embodiments contain many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. For examples;

• • The thickness of the Silicone can be made thicker.
  • The oval dome could be made to be any shape such as square or heart shaped.
  • Other materials such as glitter or scents can be added to Silicone during manufacture making it more marketable.
  • More sizes can be made such as XXLarge for jeweler size 13-14.
  • The side extensions can be made longer or shorter by changing the cylindrical length.
  • An improved (future) elastomer can be used.
    • Furthermore, the elastomer ring cover has the additional advantages in that:
  • The Silicone can be printed on and embossed making it personalized.
  • Any color in the Pantone® Color Matching System® can be used.
  • Elastomer ring covers make it easy to put on rubber gloves while rings are on finger, with out causing the gloves to rip.
  • Silicone is resistant to high temperatures, thereby, can withstand the dish washer and clothes dryer.
  • Prevents scratching children with gemstone accidentally causing harm to skin.

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.