Open gem tips

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method by which kite shaped gems of different lengths can be set into metal without any pressure put on the two most sensitive edge points of the kite gem. Furthermore, one tip point of the kite gem is set in such a manner as to make the kite look significantly longer than it actually is. Also, one tip point is held in such a manner as to make the kite gem look much wider.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority status as per U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/291,619 with a filing date of May 18, 2001 and confirmation number of 3599.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gemstones in the shape of kites are new. They have only been around for about eight-ten years. When this gem is viewed from the top this gem has two short sides of equal length that come to a point, hereinafter called, the first tip point. This gem also has two long sides of equal length that come to a point, hereinafter called the second tip point.

[0003] Most often five of these gems are set together to make earrings and pendants in such cases five kite gems form a five pointed star. In all cases as per the prior art the second tip points are covered by metal holding the kite gem to the base of the metal. The first tip points are invisibly set with grooves carved in below the first tip points, the first tip point of one kite then abuts against another four first tip points.

[0004] Very often during assembly the second tip points break and chip when metal pressure is applied to them because they are so sharp. Furthermore they chip and break because the point at which the first tip point is to be set is a “fixed point” that puts a strict limit on the length of each kite gem. So when one kite gem of the five stones set to make a star is to long and forced into the setting it breaks. It is impossible to cut every kite gem the same length in diamond material. The interior angle of the gem where the two long sides meet is often about 36 degrees. And the interior angle where the two short sides meet is often about 72 degrees. Often the first tip points chip when grooving for “invisible” setting is being done.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a method of setting a single kite gem wherein stone tip breaking and chipping will be eliminated.

[0006] Furthermore, today many retailers in the U.S.A. demand “just on time” shipping which means vendors must warehouse stock to be shipped and assembled in 24 hours. When kites are set in 18 Karat gold or platinum it becomes important to the manufacturer to limit the amount of shelve stock. Considering the fact that kite gems come in a variety of lengths it becomes valuable when a single ring design can use a variety of stone lengths. This can be achieved in the present invention because the two kite receptacles integral to the ring are both completely open where the kite gems first tip point rests.

[0007] Another problem with polishing kites in the diamond material is that it is very difficult to find enough rough to polish to make the kites 5.5 mm and longer the size best for rings. Therefore the present invention provides a system for making 4-5 mm kites look 5.5 to 6.5 mm long.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of setting kite shaped gems in metal wherein no pressure or force is place on any of the kite gems tips.

[0009] There is therefore provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a ring with one round center gem flanked by two kite shaped four sided gems, wherein the kite gem tips near the center gem, the first tip points, are set into open gem receptacles such that no metal or pressure touches the first gem tip point, and no grooving is done below this first tip point. Further more, because the two rectangular metal bars are 0.50 thick and are designed to be hammered over each gems short sides such pr receptacles can hold kite gems with a range of kite stone lengths without the need for the manufacturer to make a special ring design for a countless quantity of different kite lengths.

[0010] Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention extra metal is placed along the perimeter of the kite gem, near the second tip point, so that this metal can be hammered over the long sides of the kite, eliminating pressure and force on the second tip point. Extra metal is also place beyond the second tip point to balance the look of the metal along the perimeter and more importantly to make the gem look longer, thus increasing the perceived value of the ring.

[0011] In the above preferred embodiments the kite is held by rectangular bars integral to the ring. These bars also provide a method of filling space between the short sides of the kite and the center gem, providing a fuller more expensive gem look. Furthermore, the bars can be placed under the perimeter of the center gem above them providing a continued gem look. In this case the four sided kites sometimes look like longish triangles.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the first tip point of the kite can be set away from the center gem highlighting the kite look of the side stones.

[0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention metal can be placed outside the perimeter of the kites long sides, enhancing the size of the kite gem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order that the invention be more fully comprehended, it will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view drawing of prior art where five kite shaped gems combine to form a star shaped pendant

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a ring containing one round center gem and two kite gems of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 3 without the center gem.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 3 without the center gem and the two kite gems.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of FIG. 3

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of FIG. 2

[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view elevation of FIG. 5

[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention with three gems and with extra metal shown along the kite gems long sides

[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of FIG. 9 without any gems

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the prior art. Pendant 14 comprises metal prongs 15A,15B, 15C,15D and 15E collectively 15 that completely cover the second tip points of each kite gem 16A,156B,16C,16D, and 16E collectively 16. The short side 77 of each kite gem 16 abut next to another short side 77 of a kite gem. The long sides 66 of each kite gem 16 do not touch anything. The first gem point 71 of each kite gem 16 meet in the center of the pendant 14.

[0026] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2,3 and 7 which illustrate a ring generally referenced as ring 10 constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Ring 10 comprises two kite shaped gems referenced individually as 22A, 22B and collectively as 22.

[0028] A center gem 20 is held in place by four prongs referenced as 42A, 42B,42C and 42D and 42 collectively. Kite shaped gem 22 is fixed to Ring 10 by “V” shaped prongs 36A, 36B, 36C and 36D and 36 collectively over the top perimeter of gem 22 along the long side 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D and 66 collectively of gem 22. The length of side 36 is at least 20% of the entire length of gem 22.

[0029] Metal bars 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D and 28 collectively hold the short sides of gem 22 to ring 10. The “V” shaped member 63A and 63B collectively 63 furthest point away from the center gem is 44A and 44B collectively 44. And the furthest point of gem 22 from the center gem 20 is the second tip points 91A and 91B collectively 91. Therefore, the length between 91 and 44 is generally at least 15% of the total length of gem 22. Also the inside portion of 36, this being, 33A 33B, 33C AND 33D, collectively 33 covers the perimeter of the long side 66 in such a manner that no pressure or force is placed on second gem points 91.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows Ring 10 with center stone 20. Metal bars 28 are at least 50% of the perimeter length of the sort side length of kite shaped gem 22. Gem tip points 71A and 71B have no metal touching them.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows ring 10 without center stone 20 and side kite gems 22. An opening 32A and 32B is carved into 63A and 63B so the second tips 91A and 91B can fit in without pressure or tension. Metal bars 28 do not touch the first tip points 71A and 71B. Ring members 18A, 18B, 18C and 18d are visible in FIG. 5.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows the hollow opening receptacle 67 before gem 22 is placed inside. A space 74 is shown between bars 28A and 28B.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention referred to as Ring 99. Here the kite gems 22 long sides 66 have metal 95A, 95B, 95C and 95D collectively 95 set besides the gem edge to make the gem look bigger. Furthermore bars 28 help to also make the gem look bigger when not covered by the center gem 20. FIG. 10 shows ring 99 in an unassembled state without the center gem 20 and the side kite gems 22.

[0034] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow:

Claims

1. A ring containing at least one center gem stone and two side gem stones. The two side gemstones are called kite shaped and are generally the same size. Each kite gem has four straight sides. Two of the sides are of equal length (yet shorter than the other two sides) and come to a point hereinafter referred to as the first tip point. The two longer sides are of equal length and come to a point hereinafter referred to as the second tip point. The first tip point is set closest to the center gem. The short sides of the kite shaped gem are held to the ring by two generally rectangular shaped bars of metal that are integral to the ring. These bars do not touch the first tip point, but are hammered over the top short edges of the kite gem to hold the gem securely to the ring. The second tip points of each side gem are held to the ring by an integral metal member of the ring.

2. The ring of claim 1, wherein said rectangular bars are generally flat on top.

3. The ring of claim 2, wherein the generally rectangular bars are less than 1 mm higher than the top of the kite gem.

4. The ring of claim 3, wherein each rectangular bar covers at least 65% of the top perimeter edge of the short side of the kite gem it is hammered over

5. The ring of claim 4, wherein the width of the rectangular bars are at least 0.5 mm.

6. The ring of claim 5, wherein a portion of all four metal bars is under the perimeter of the center gemstone above it.

7. The ring of claim 1, wherein a portion of each metal bar extends at least 0.50 mm beyond the inner point of the kite gem closest to it. The inner points being the points where the long and short sides of the kite gem meet.

8. A ring containing at least one center gem stone and two side gemstones. The two side gems are called kite shaped and are generally the same size. Each kite gem has four straight sides. Two of the sides are of equal length (yet shorter than the other two sides) and come to a