Multi-faced open frame ring

Abstract

The invention is an article of jewelry selectively used as a finger ring or an apparel slide for a length of fabric such as a scarf, sash or kerchief. Further selective options in which design face to display are available when worn as either a ring or a slide. Certain applications of the invention offer a more secure fit. The invention is comprised of three rings shaped and joined to form a single piece resulting in five design faces, three oval and two triangular.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research Or Development

Not Applicable

Reference to Sequence Listing, A Table, Or A Computer Program Listing Compact Disk Appendix

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an article of jewelry used as a ring or slide. Jewelry wearers have a problem of selectivity in coordinating jewelry with other items worn. A piece that goes with something may not go with another thing. The jewelry designer's problem is not only to satisfy the wearer's need for selectivity, but to do so in such a way that is functional as well as fashionable. Conventional rings, even if sized precisely, may tend to slip and twist on slender fingers. Conventional slides may tend to slip and slide off the fabric. The invention addresses the problems of selectivity and security.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an article of jewelry selectively used as a ring or a slide. Further selective display options are available when worn as either a ring or a slide. Certain applications of the invention offer a more secure fit.

The problem of selectivity is addressed along the same principle as a reversible belt. As a ring it can be worn six ways (3 significant), unlike other rings which can be worn only two ways (1 significant). The wearer can select one of three design faces to display. As a slide it can be worn eighteen ways (5 significant), unlike other reversible slides which can be worn only four ways (2 significant). Although rings may be used as slides, reversible slides cannot be used as rings, because any significant design on the reverse face (palm side as a ring) would hinder finger movement. The invention can be used as either a reversible slide or ring, because reversible faces are on the sides of the ring, not on top and bottom.

The problem of security is addressed by the shape and size of the invention being more ergonomically correct and logistically secure. As a ring the open top face (FIG. 2) permits additional clearance for the knuckle as the ring passes over it. This allows for sizing at the base of a slender finger up to half a ring size smaller than sizing at the knuckle. The length of the shoulder and curve of the shank also fit snugly into the fleshy grooves between the fingers to reduce spin. Together these provide a tighter fit than conventional rings reducing both slippage and spin. As a slide on a loop of knotted fabric the central joint prohibits slipping over the knot as a slide with no central joint might do.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Descriptions are given as used as a ring on a finger of the extended left hand with open palm facing down and the tip of the finger being the front side and the base of the finger being the back side. Rotational symmetry of the invention creates duplicate views from different angles. Only the distinct views from top, bottom, front and right side are shown with alternate views from back and left side listed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the top.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the bottom.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the front. Alternate view angle is from the back.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the right side. Alternate view angle is from the left side.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the relationship between the size and shape of the original flat component and resulting curved component.

Details of FIG. 6 include: A) top view of the original component, B) side view of the component at A, C) side view of the curved component shaped from the original flat component at A and B, and D) dashed line pie pattern showing the relationship between the size and shape of the original and resulting components. The block arrow represents the process of shaping the component at B into the component at C.

FIG. 7 is an example of an ornamental engraved disk inserted into either side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The most exacting specifications of the invention are in its use as a ring. Any ring can be used as slide, but not any slide can be used as ring. Therefore, the invention is described as a ring, unless otherwise specified.

Used as a ring, the finger passes through any two of the components with the third component selectively displayed on top of the finger as a design face. The ring can be sized for slender fingers up to half a ring size smaller than the knuckle. Slender fingers with knuckles larger than their base can be bent slightly, or the ring may be twisted slightly as it passes over the knuckle taking advantage of the additional clearance in the open face. This is a natural flowing movement when trying on the ring, and need not be specified unless describing the security feature of a tight fit.

Used as a slide, if the fabric passes through only two of the components, one of three remaining oval design faces is selectively displayed. When fabric passes through all three components, two ends in through one component and one end out through each of the other components, the invention rests in a fixed position selectively displaying one of two triangular design faces. Additional selective display options are not significant, as they display the same faces in different orientations.

The preferred embodiment to maximize utility is one where the three components have variation in their appearance and no ornamentation obstructs passage of the finger in any direction through the interior (i.e. the top must remain open). Variation can be introduced by, but not limited to, the use of materials with different color, texture, pattern, settings and the like. Further variation of the two side views might include engraved panels (FIG. 7), stone settings or other embellishments. A person skilled in the art of jewelry design and creation can devise any number of various ornamentations.

Other embodiments that reduce utility are possible. These might be preferred by someone who likes a minimalist style. The preferred embodiment if designed to be used exclusively as a ring does not require ornamentation on the sides. The preferred embodiment if designed to be used exclusively as a reversible slide does not require differentiation of the components when ornamentation is present on at least one side.

A person skilled in the art can follow the basic process for making the invention described here, and improvise using techniques specific to their trade (e.g. modeling, molding, smithing, and carving). Start with three circular ring shaped components (FIG. 6, A) 2.5 ring sizes larger than the intended ring size. These components should rest flat when viewed on edge (FIG. 6, B). Bend each component across its diameter (FIG. 6, arrow) until it produces a curve that fits 60 degrees of arc (FIG. 6, C) over a circular pattern (FIG. 6, D) whose radius equals the diameter of the original circular ring component. The resulting component will be curved when viewed on edge (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, C) and oval or elliptical when viewed in plane (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). An ellipse forms a slightly tighter fit than an oval, but still within a half ring size increment. Figures show an oval shape. Join the three curved components at their maximum diameters so that the curves bend inward when viewed from left or right (FIG. 5). Use whatever form of solder or glue appropriate for joining the component material (e.g. solder for metal, glue for wood, cement for plastic).

A cross section (wire gage) of the component can be any shape, circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, etc. as long as the inner perimeter (the inner 180 degrees of the cross section) of the component is rounded or flush against the finger to provide a comfortable fit. Round wire is optimal. Figures use a round gage wire. The gage of the cross section should be thick enough to be rigid, but thin enough to fit between the fingers. The preferred embodiment for each component is between 2 mm and 4 mm gage.

Definition List 1
Term       Definition
component  any one of three loops of material shaped and
           joined to form the invention
reversible having two opposing faces of significant size to
           support an ornamental design
slide      an article of jewelry used to bind the ends of a
           loop of fabric such as a scarf, sash or kerchief

Claims

1. An article of jewelry sized as a ring, comprising: three circular ring components of material in a size 2.5 ring sizes larger than the intended ring size, each shaped into a warped ring the plane view of which is an oval or ellipse whose minor axis is the diameter of the intended ring size and the edge view of which forms a curve covering 60 degrees arc of a circle whose radius is equal to the diameter of the original circular ring; and with all components permanently joined along their major axes so that the curve across the minor axes bend toward each other to form a single piece having three round and two triangular design faces that can be selectively displayed.

2. The article of claim 1 has variation in the visual appearance through material composition of each component and/or ornamentation of any of the five design faces to maximize the selective display options.

3. The article of claim 2 is a finger ring that can be selectively worn six different ways of which three display significantly unique design faces.

4. The finger ring of claim 3 has a long shoulder and curved shank that fits snugly into the fleshy grooves between the fingers to reduce spin.

5. The finger ring of claim 3 has an open face permitting additional clearance for the knuckle as the ring is placed on the finger allowing the ring to be sized according to the base of the finger where it rests rather than the knuckle over which it must pass.

6. The article of claim 2 can be selectively used as a finger ring or a reversible apparel slide.

7. The article of claim 6 as an apparel slide can be selectively worn eighteen different ways of which five display significantly unique design faces.

8. Variation in the shape and size of the components, variations in the dimension of the sides resulting from shaping and joining of the components, and variation in the overall shape and dimensions of the article in claim 1 and claim 2 are considered ornamental design and within the scope of the invention's utility.