Finger ring

Abstract

Arcuate pivotally movable members and an arcuate slidable member are assembled so that guide pins provided in the arcuate pivotally movable members are inserted into the guide groove formed in the arcuate slidable member. The arcuate pivotally movable members and the arcuate bearing member are assembled by pivotal pins so that the arcuate pivotally movable members can pivotally move around the pivotal pins in directions to enlarge an inner size of the finger ring. The arcuate bearing member has a leaf spring provided therein so that the leaf spring has one end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from a first end of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the one arcuate pivotally movable member, and the leaf spring has the other end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from a first end of the other arcuate pivotally movable member and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the other arcuate pivotally movable member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims a priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-166507, filed on Jun. 1, 2001 and entitled “FINGER RING”. The contents of the application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a finger ring having a function to be able to elastically expand the inner size thereof.

[0004] 2. DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND

[0005] As a finger ring configured to be able to expand the inner size thereof, there has been proposed a finger ring having a disconnected portion formed therein, as in the finger ring disclosed in JP-A-8-182519.

[0006] There has been also proposed a finger ring configured to form an annular member with an expansion coil provided between both edges of a chain, as in the finger ring disclosed in JP-A-9-238720.

[0007] Although the former type can provide a one-size-fits-all finger ring, the provision of the disconnected portion prevents a finger ring from being continuous.

[0008] In the latter type, the expansion and contraction amount of the expansion spring is directly reflected in the variation amount of the inner size of the finger ring. When an attempt is made to increase the elastic return force of the expansion spring in order to fit the finger ring to a finger, there is a tendency to put the finger ring to the finger too tightly. When an attempt is made to prevent the finger ring from being fastened to the finger too tightly, there is a tendency to make a feeling of wearing lesser comfortable.

[0009] It is a main object of the present invention to provide a finger ring capable of being properly fitted to a finger in one-size-fits-all fashion while having an annular shape kept.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In order to attain the object, the finger ring according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises the following elements (1)-(6):

[0011] (1) a couple of arcuate pivotally movable members, each having a first end and a second end;

[0012] (2) an arcuate bearing member provided to extend between the first ends of the arcuate pivotally movable members;

[0013] (3) an arcuate slidable member provided to extend between the second ends of the arcuate pivotally movable members, the arcuate pivotally movable members, the arcuate bearing member and the arcuate slidable member forming an annular shape;

[0014] (4) one of the couple and the arcuate slidable member having guide grooves formed therein to extend in a circumferential direction of the finger ring, the other having guide pins provided thereon, the couple and the arcuate slidable member being assembled so that the guide pins are inserted into the guide grooves;

[0015] (5) the couple and the arcuate bearing member being assembled by pivotal pins so that the couple can pivotally move around the pivotal pins in directions to enlarge an inner size of the finger ring; and

[0016] (6) the arcuate bearing member having a leaf spring provided therein so that the leaf spring has one end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from the first end of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the one arcuate pivotally movable member, and the leaf spring has the other end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from the first end of the other arcuate pivotally movable member and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the other arcuate pivotally movable member.

[0017] By this arrangement of the first aspect, the respective arcuate pivotally movable members can be pivotally moved around the pivotal pins in directions to expand the distance between the second ends in a range of the length of the guide grooves, enlarging the inner size of the finger ring.

[0018] The pivotal movement in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring can be elastically carried out.

[0019] When a force is applied to pivotally move the arcuate pivotally movable members in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, the projections apply forces to both ends of the leaf spring in directions to move both ends toward the inside of the finger ring. When the arcuate pivotally movable members are pivotally moved in the directions, the leaf spring is elastically deformed. The arcuate pivotally movable members are pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, having urging forces applied thereto in directions to decrease the inner size of the finger ring by the elastic deformation of the leaf spring.

[0020] In that manner, the finger ring according to the first aspect can perform a function required to provide a one-size-fits-all finger ring since the finger ring can enlarge the inner size thereof in the certain range without losing an annular shape as a finger ring.

[0021] As stated earlier, the finger ring can carries out the enlargement of the inner size in elastic fashion. The finger ring has an advantage in that after having passed over a knuckle of a finger by the elastic enlargement, the inner size can be reduced to a size to fit the base of the finger by elastic return so as to properly put the finger ring on a wearing portion of the finger.

[0022] In the finger ring, the function to elastically enlarge the inner size of the finger ring is ensured by the leaf spring, which has both ends pressed against the first ends of the arcuate pivotally movable members. Even when the elastic force of the leaf spring is not set at a great value, the arcuate pivotally movable members that have been pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring can ensure a great extent of movement in directions toward the inside of the finger ring by the elastic force on the side of the second ends. As a result, the finger ring can prevent the wearing portion from being tightened more greatly than needed, while performing the function to elastically enlarge the inner size of the finger ring. Thus, the finger ring can constantly keep a feeling of wearing comfortable.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, it is characterized in that the projections of the arcuate pivotally movable members of the finger ring recited in the first aspect have outer surfaces in surface contact with an inner surface of the arcuate bearing member when the arcuate pivotally movable members are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.

[0024] By this arrangement, when the finger ring is in a basic state wherein the arcuate pivotally movable members are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, the arcuate pivotally movable members can be prevented from being pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, while keeping an annular shape as a finger ring in stable fashion in the basic state.

[0025] In accordance with the finger ring of the present invention, the finger ring can be properly fitted to a finger, keeping an annular shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the finger ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the finger ring;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the finger ring in the state shown in FIG. 2;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the finger ring; and

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the finger ring in the state shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0032] Now, a typical embodiment of the present invention will be described in reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows the finger ring according to the embodiment in a state wherein respective parts forming the finger ring are disassembled. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a basic state wherein the finger ring has not had an inner size enlarged. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state wherein the finger ring has had the inner size enlarged to the fullest extent.

[0034] The finger ring according to the embodiment has a function to elastically enlarge the inner size thereof.

[0035] The finger ring comprises:

[0036] (1) a couple of arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1

[0037] (2) an arcuate bearing member 2: and

[0038] (3) an arcuate slidable member 3.

[0039] The finger ring is formed by assembling these elements as stated later. The assembled elements provide the finger ring with an annular shape.

[0040] Specifically speaking, each of these elements 1, 1, 2, 3 is formed as a curved part. These elements are assembled as stated later to provide the finger ring with the annular shape.

[0041] The arcuate bearing member 2 is provided so as to extend between first ends 10 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1. Specifically speaking, the arcuate bearing member 2 has one end coupled with the first end 10 of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, and the arcuate bearing member 2 has the other end coupled with the first end 10 of the other arcuate pivotally movable member 1. Thus, the arcuate bearing member 2 is provided so as to extend between the first ends 10 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1.

[0042] The arcuate slidable member 3 is provided so as to extend between second ends 11 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1. Specifically speaking, the arcuate slidable member 3 has one end coupled with the second end 10 of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, and the arcuate slidable member 3 has the other end coupled with the second end 11 of the other arcuate pivotally movable member 1. Thus, the arcuate slidable member 3 is provided so as to extend between the second ends 10 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1.

[0043] One of the couple 1 and the arcuate slidable member 3 has guide grooves 30 formed therein to extend in a circumferential direction of the finger ring. The other has guide pins 12 provided therein. The couple 1 and the arcuate slidable member 3 are assembled so that the guide pins are inserted into the guide grooves.

[0044] On the other hand, the couple 1 and the arcuate bearing member 2 are assembled by pivotal pins 20 so that the couple 1 can pivotally move around the pivotal pins 20 in directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.

[0045] In the finger ring according to the embodiment, the respective arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 can be pivotally moved around the pivotal pins 20 in directions to expand the distance between the second ends 11 in a range of the length of the guide grooves 30, enlarging the inner size of the finger ring.

[0046] The arcuate bearing member 2 has a leaf spring 4 provided therein so that the leaf spring has one end pressed against an inner side 13a of a projection 13 projecting from the first end 10 of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 and located ahead of the pivotal pin 20 in the one arcuate pivotally movable member, and the leaf spring 4 has the other end pressed against an inner side 13a of a projection 13 projecting from the first end 10 of the other arcuate pivotally movable member 1 and located ahead in the pivotal pin 20 of the other arcuate pivotally movable member.

[0047] As a result, the finger ring according to the embodiment allows each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 to carry out the pivotal movement in the direction to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring in elastic fashion.

[0048] Specifically speaking, when a force is applied to pivotally move each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 in the direction to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, the projections 13 apply forces to both ends of the leaf spring 4 in directions to move both ends toward the inside of the finger ring. When each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 is pivotally moved in that direction, the leaf spring 4 is elastically deformed. Each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 are pivotally moved in the direction to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, having an urging force applied thereto in a direction to decrease the inner size of the finger ring by the elastic deformation of the leaf spring.

[0049] In that manner, the finger ring according to the embodiment can perform a function required to provide a one-size-fits-all finger ring since the finger ring can enlarge the inner size thereof in the certain range without losing an annular shape as a finger ring.

[0050] As stated earlier, the finger ring can carries out the enlargement of the inner size in elastic fashion. The finger ring has an advantage in that after having passed over a knuckle of a finger by the elastic enlargement, the inner size is reduced to a size to fit the base of the finger by elastic return to properly put the finger ring on a wearing portion of the finger.

[0051] The function to elastically enlarge the inner size of the finger ring is ensured by the leaf spring 4, which has both ends pressed against the first ends 10 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1. Even when the elastic force of the leaf spring 4 is not set at a great value, the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 that have been moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring can ensure a great extent of movement in directions toward the inside of the finger ring by the elastic force of the leaf spring 4 on the side of the second ends 11. As a result, the finger ring can prevent the wearing portion from being tightened more greatly than needed, while performing the function to elastically enlarge the inner size of the finger ring. Thus, the finger ring can constantly keep a feeling of wearing comfortable. Additionally, the elastic force of the leaf spring can be kept to the minimum necessary. Accordingly, there are provided advantages in that repeated pivotal movement of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 outwardly against the leaf spring 4, and repeated pivotal movement of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 inwardly under the action of the elastic force of the leaf spring 4 can hardly deteriorate the respective parts of the finger ring, and that the finger ring can perform the required function by using a minimum number of parts.

[0052] More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the respective arcuate members 1, 1, 2, 3 thus assembled are configured so that the respective arcuate members 1, 1, 2, 3 have outer peripheries x and inner peripheries y substantially located along imaginary circular arcs and each of opposing side surfaces z (surfaces between the outer peripheral surfaces x and the inner peripheral surfaces y) substantially located on a single plane.

[0053] The arcuate members 1, 1 are configured to have substantially the same size and the same shape.

[0054] Each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 has a slot 14 formed in the second end 11 along the circumferential direction of the finger ring to branch the second end into two parts.

[0055] Each of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 is configured to have the first end 10 formed with a smaller width part 15, and the smaller width part 15 has the projection 13 projecting from a leading edge thereof.

[0056] The arcuate bearing member 2 has both ends formed with branched portions 21, which have gaps formed therein so as to receive the smaller width portions 15 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1.

[0057] The arcuate bearing member 2 includes a groove 22, which has both edges opened into shapes between the branched portions 21 at the roots of the branched portions.

[0058] The arcuate bearing member 2 has a substantially central portion in a length direction of the groove 23 formed with a bridge 23, which extends between opposing inner walls of the groove 22. The leaf spring 4, which has a width acceptable in the width size of the groove 22, is inserted between an inner side of the bridge 23 and a bottom wall 22a of the groove 22. The bridge 23 holds a central portion of the leaf spring 4 thus inserted.

[0059] The arcuate slidable member 3 is configured to have both ends formed in such a width so as to be received into the slots 14 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1. The arcuate slidable member 3 has a substantially central portion in a length direction thereof formed with projected portions 31, which outwardly project from opposing sides of the arcuate slidable member in a width direction of the arcuate slidable member.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the arcuate bearing member 2 has each pair of branched portions 21 formed with holes 24. The smaller width portions 15 of the arcuate pivotal movable members 1, 1 are inserted into between the branched portions 21 of each pair. The smaller width portions 15 have holes 16 formed therein so as to be in communication with the corresponding holes 24 of the branched portions 21 when the projections 13 are inserted into the groove 22.

[0061] The respective pivotal pins 20 are inserted into the respective holes 16, 24 to assemble the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 and the arcuate bearing member 2 so that the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1 can carry out the pivotal movement around the pivotal pins 20 in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.

[0062] In the embodiment, the leaf spring 4 is curved so as to have an inwardly curved surface facing the inside of the finger ring. The leaf spring 4, which is thus configured and is inserted into the groove 22 so as to have the central portion held between the bridge 23 and the bottom wall 22a of the groove 22, has both ends pressed against the inner sides 13a of the projections 13 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, 1, which are assembled with the arcuate bearing member 2 by the pivotal pins 20.

[0063] In the embodiment, portions of the arcuate slidable member 3 to be inserted into the slots 14 have the guide grooves 30 formed therein so as to be outwardly opened at the opposing side surfaces z of the arcuate slidable member 3 (the surfaces between the outer surface and the inner surface of the arcuate slidable member 3). The respective second ends 11, which are divided by the slots 14 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1, have pin through holes 17 formed therein so as to be in communication with the guide grooves 30 when both ends of the arcuate slidable member 3 are inserted into the slots 14.

[0064] By inserting the guide pins 12 into the guide grooves 30 and the through holes 17 thus communicated to couple the guide pins 12 with the through holes 17, the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 and the arcuate slidable member 3 are assembled so that the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 can be pivotally moved around the pivotal pins 20 in the directions to expand the distance between the second ends 11 in the range of the length of the guide grooves 30.

[0065] In the embodiment, when the arcuate pivotally movable members are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, the leading edges of the second ends 11 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 can be pressed against the projections 31 of the arcuate slidable member 3 to keep an annular shape as a finger ring in stable fashion in that state (See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3).

[0066] In the embodiment, outer surfaces 13b of the projections 13 of the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 (surfaces of the projections facing outwardly of the finger ring in the groove 22) are configured to be in surface contact with the bottom wall 22a of the arcuate bearing member when the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.

[0067] More specifically, in the embodiment, the bottom wall 22a of the groove 22 of the arcuate bearing member 2 is formed as an arcuate surface in conformity with an arc of the finger ring, and the outer surfaces 13b of the projections 13 are also formed as an arcuate surface in conformity with an arc of the finger ring. Each of the outer surfaces 13b and the bottom wall 22a are in surface contact with each other when the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.

[0068] In the embodiment, when the finger ring is in a basic state wherein the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, the arcuate pivotally movable members 1 can be prevented from being pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring, while keeping an annular shape as a finger ring in stable fashion in that state.

[0069] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A finger ring comprising:

a couple of arcuate pivotally movable members, each having a first end and a second end;

an arcuate bearing member provided to extend between the first ends of the arcuate pivotally movable members; and

an arcuate slidable member provided to extend between the second ends of the arcuate pivotally movable members;

wherein one of the couple and the arcuate slidable member has guide grooves formed therein to extend in a circumferential direction of the finger ring, the other has guide pins provided thereon, and the couple and the arcuate slidable member are assembled so that the guide pins are inserted into the guide grooves;

wherein the couple and the arcuate bearing member are assembled by pivotal pins so that the arcuate pivotally movable members can pivotally move around the pivotal pins in directions to enlarge an inner size of the finger ring;

wherein the arcuate bearing member has a leaf spring provided therein so that the leaf spring has one end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from the first end of one of the arcuate pivotally movable members and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the one arcuate pivotally movable member; and

wherein the leaf spring has the other end pressed against an inner side of a projection projecting from the first end of the other arcuate pivotally movable member and located ahead of the pivotal pin in the other arcuate pivotally movable member.

2. The finger ring according to claim 2, wherein the projections of the arcuate pivotally movable members have outer surfaces in surface contact with an inner surface of the arcuate bearing member when the arcuate pivotally movable members are not pivotally moved in the directions to enlarge the inner size of the finger ring.