BACKGROUND Class rings and other commemorative rings have been used for well more than 150 years to commemorate shared experiences such as high school, college or university, sports team participation, sports championships, and military service. A conventional commemorative ring will have a static fixed setting, often a gemstone, seal or insignia, with text surrounding the setting, and may have additional design details engraved on the shank of the ring. The setting and design details conventionally co-commemorate related aspects of the experience commemorated by the ring. For a class ring, for example, such design details can include (without limitation) the date of graduation, the wearer's name, text or design icons signifying the wearer's school activities and affiliations, and/or the name of the school's sports team or mascot.
SUMMARY Disclosed is a finger ring comprising a shank with a commemorative outer surface design and a dihedral setting pivotably-mounted in an aperture in the shank and having a design element on at least one face of the setting. In an embodiment, the design element on at least one face of the setting is co-commemorative with the design on the shank. In an alternate embodiment a finger ring is disclosed with a uniformly tapered shank having an ornamented outer surface and a setting pivotably mounted in an aperture in the shank. The setting has first and second faces, and in an embodiment one of the faces comprises a design element that is co-commemorative with a design element on the shank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts a side view of components of an exemplary commemorative ring in a pre-assembled state.
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section view of an exemplary commemorative ring in an assembled state.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary unornamented commemorative ring showing an exemplary pivotable setting in mid-rotation.
FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an exemplary unornamented shank of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 5a depicts a top view of the outer surface of an exemplary upper base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 5b depicts a top view of the inner surface of an exemplary upper base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 5c depicts a side view of an exemplary upper base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 6a depicts a top view of the outer surface of an exemplary lower base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 6b depicts a top view of the inner surface of an exemplary lower base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 6c depicts a side view of an exemplary lower base of an exemplary setting of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary commemorative ring showing an exemplary pivotable setting in mid-rotation.
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary commemorative ring showing an exemplary face of an exemplary pivotable setting.
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary commemorative ring showing another exemplary face of an exemplary pivotable setting.
FIG. 10 depicts a side view of an exemplary commemorative ring.
FIG. 11 depicts another side view of an exemplary commemorative ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 depicts a side view of exemplary ring 5 with the main components in a pre-assembled state. Ring 5 has shank 10, finger hole 11, shoulder 16, and rail 18. Also shown in FIG. 1 are upper base 14 and lower base 12, components of the pivotable setting described in more detail below. Upper base 14 has pins 19 for aligning with lower base 12 during the assembly process. Upper base 14 and lower base 12 each have two axle slots 13, one each on opposing side of the base, which when aligned and adjoined can receive a pivot.
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section view of exemplary ring 5 with the three components of a single ring unit shank 10, upper base 14 and lower 12 in an assembled state. Upper base 14 is joined to lower base 12 to make setting 20. FIG. 2 shows setting 20 in the orientation it would have when worn on the finger. Although the components of setting 20 are identified as “upper” base 14 and “lower” base 12, the designation of “upper” and “lower” is arbitrary because setting 20 is pivotable. In other words, in ordinary usage setting 20 may be pivoted so that lower base 12 is situated above upper base 14 or so that upper base 14 is situated above lower base 12.
Also shown in FIG. 2 is upper base face design element 90 in upper base 14 and lower base face design element 82 in lower base 12. As described in more detail below, upper base face design element 90 and lower base face design element 82 may contain gemstones, text or design icons, or other design elements. FIG. 2 also shows two coaxially located pivots 52 received in pivot holes 26. When upper base 14 and lower base 12 are aligned and adjoined, the respective axle slots 13 on upper base 14 and lower base 12 align to create pivot holes 26 coaxially located on opposing sides of setting 20. Setting 20 can then pivot about the common axis defined by pivots 52 and pivot holes 26.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view depicting ring 5 with setting 20 disposed within aperture 40 in mid-rotation relative to shank 10 and rail 18. FIG. 3 shows shank 10 in its unornamented state, i.e., without design details. Shank 10 includes shank flanges 46 on both sides of shank 10, each shank flange 46 having an outer shank flange surface 47, an inner shank flange surface 49, and a shank flange edge 48. Shank 10 includes unornamented outer surface 43 to which will be added design elements such as text and/or design icons during manufacture of the ring. Shank flanges 46 form the overall shape of the ring, provide structural support for the ring, and provide a protective frame for the design elements to be added to unornamented outer surface 43. Also depicted in FIG. 3 is aperture 40 in shank 10. Rail 18, which comprises outer rail surface 42 and an inner rail surface 44, defines and surrounds aperture 40. FIG. 3 also depicts axis 45 running finger-like through the center of finger hole 11.
FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an exemplary unornamented shank 10 showing aperture 40 without setting 20, thereby revealing pivots 52 and shank bottom 54. In an embodiment pivots 52 are approximately 2 mm long for a boys ring, 1.5 mm in a girls ring and preferably extend into aperture 40 from points on opposing faces of inner rail surface 44. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 the axis defined by pivots 52 is parallel to axis 45 and bisects the aperture in the horizontal plane. In an alternative embodiment pivots 52 can be oriented along the axis orthogonal to axis 45. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other orientations or positionings of pivots or other mounting devices may be used to advantage. In preferred embodiments, the dimensions of aperture 40 are 17.5 mm (length, along axis 45)×14.6 mm (width, orthogonal to axis 45) for a boys ring, and 10 mm (length)×9 mm (width) for a girls ring. Pivots 52 are preferably positioned in the vertical plane equidistant from the top and bottom of inner rail surface 44. Preferably pivots 52 are cylindrical in shape and are cast as part of shank 10.
FIGS. 5a through 5c depict different views of upper base 14. FIG. 5a depicts a top view of the outer surface of upper base 14 and shows substantially-planar upper base face 60, call-out area 61, and incised text 62 in call-out area 61. Bezel 63 is angled downward at preferably a 5 degree angle from the horizontal plane to form stone seat 64. Stone seat 64 is adapted to receive a gemstone or other design element when the setting is fully assembled. Incised text 62 shows “CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other text or designs can be incised into call-out area 61. FIG. 5b depicts a top view of the inner surface of upper base 14, including inner relief cavity 66, inner rim 67, outer rim 68, and rim connectors 69. Mounted in each rim connector 69 is a pin 19. Also shown are openings in outer rim 68 defining axle slots 13. FIG. 5c shows a side view of upper base 14, including base side surface 65 and pins 19.
FIGS. 6a through 6c depict different views of lower base 12. FIG. 6a depicts a top view of the outer surface of lower base 12 and shows substantially-planar lower base face 70, call-out area 71, and incised text 72 in call-out area 71. Bezel 73 is angled downward at approximately a 5-degree angle from the horizontal plane to create stone seat 74. Stone seat 74 is adapted to receive a gemstone or other design element when the setting is fully assembled. Incised text 72 shows “CLASS OF 2015” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other text or designs can be incised into call-out area 71. FIG. 6b depicts a top view of the inner surface of lower base 12, including inner relief cavity 76, inner rim 77, outer rim 78, and rim connectors 79. Mounted in each rim connector 79 is a pinhole 75. Also shown are openings in outer rim 78 defining axle slots 13. FIG. 6c shows a side view of lower base 12, including base side surface 65 and pinholes 75.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of ring 5 with ornamented shank 10 and setting 20 in mid-rotation relative to shank 10, aperture 40 and rail 18. FIG. 7 shows lower base face 70, lower base incised text 72 and lower base face design element 82. FIG. 7 also shows base side surfaces 65 of bases 12 and 14 and welds 84 where upper base 14 and lower base 12 are joined. Also shown in FIG. 7 is ornamented outer surface 80 of shank 10 with design elements 86 and 88. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, shank design element 86 (“DAKOTA”) is the wearer's name, and shank design element 88 includes sports icon designs of a football and baseball glove, bats and balls. Shank design element 88 commemorates the wearer's sports activity at Central High School, the high school commemorated in incised text 62 in the exemplary ring 5; and lower base incised text 72 (“CLASS OF 2015”) commemorates the wearer's graduation date from Central High School. FIG. 7 also shows a part of pivot 52 received in pivot hole 26.
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of ring 5 with ornamented shank 10 and setting 20 pivoted so that upper base 14 is up, i.e., so that upper base face 60 is fully visible. Shown are upper base call-out area 61, upper base incised text 62, and upper base face design element 90. Also visible in FIG. 8 is shank design element 94 (“PANTHERS”) commemorating the panthers, the name of the sports team of Central High School, the wearer's high school commemorated in incised text 62 in the exemplary ring 5. FIG. 8 shows base side surface 65 of upper base 14 and upper surface 92 thereof, which is preferably visible whenever setting 20 is pivoted so that upper base face 60 is fully visible.
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of ring 5 with ornamented shank 10 and setting 20 pivoted so that lower base 12 is up, i.e., so that lower base face 70 is fully visible. Shown are lower base call-out area 71, lower base incised text 72, lower base face design element 82, and shank design elements 86 and 88. FIG. 9 shows base side surface 65 of lower base 12 and upper surface 102 thereof, which is preferably visible whenever setting 20 is pivoted so that lower base face 70 is fully visible.
FIG. 10 depicts a side view of exemplary ring 5 with ornamented shank 10 and setting 20 pivoted so that lower base face design element 82 of lower base face 70 of lower base 12 can be seen in profile. Shank 10 in FIG. 10 includes design elements 86, 88, and 112, a design icon of a baseball home plate with the wearer's team number (“11”). Also shown are outer rail surface 42 of rail 18 and upper surface 102 of base side surface 65 of lower base 12.
FIG. 11 depicts an alternative side view of exemplary ring 5 with ornamented shank 10. In addition to design element 120, shank 10 in FIG. 11 includes design elements 122, a design icon of a panther, and 124, a design icon of a panther paw, commemorating the sports team of Central High School, the wearer's high school commemorated in incised text 62 in the exemplary ring 5. Also shown are outer rail surface 42 of rail 18 and upper surface 92 of base side surface 65 of upper base 14.
The width of the ring at shank bottom 54 is 6.15 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 3.65 mm for an exemplary girls ring. The thickness of the ring at shank bottom 54 is 1.87 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 1.37 mm for an exemplary girls ring. The width of the ring at the top of shank 10 (i.e., at apices 114 of shank edge 48) is 20.06 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 13.58 mm for an exemplary girls ring. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the profile of shank 10 is tapered, preferably uniformly, in an embodiment, from the top of shank 10 at the apex 114 of each shank flange edge 48 to shank bottom 54. In an alternative embodiment the shank tapers from the top of the shank 10 at apex 114 of each shank flange edge 48 to a point between the apex 114 and shank bottom 54. The tapered shank provides additional surface area for commemorative design detail, and the severity of the taper may be varied for aesthetic effect.
Upper base face 60 and lower base face 70 in an exemplary embodiment preferably have a cushion (or barrel) shape which is generally rectangular with rounded corners and rounded sides. The shape of the upper and lower base face design elements 82 and 90 preferably correspond to the shape of the silhouette of base faces 60 and 70. Preferably the shape of rail 18 and aperture 40 generally correspond to the shape of the silhouette of base faces 60 and 70. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the base faces, face design elements, rail and aperture may have other shapes, either simple shapes (such as a circle, oval, square or rectangle), or a more complex shapes such as a letter or other design.
Exemplary face design elements are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Upper base face design element 90 (FIG. 8) is a cushion-shaped single gemstone 96 of a type selected by the wearer, including but not limited to a birthstone or a gemstone reflecting a school color, and mounted conventionally with two-part epoxy in stone seat 64. Lower base face design element 82 (FIG. 9) is a cushion-shaped panel 104 containing 20 small gemstones, diamonds or cubic zirconium, conventionally mounted with two-part epoxy in stone seat 74. The shape of the gemstone 96 in base face design element 90, and the shape of the panel 104 in base face design element 82, generally correspond to the shape of the silhouette of upper base face 60 and lower base face 70. The dimensions of an exemplary face design element is 12 mm×9 mm for a boys ring, and 6 mm×4.5 mm for a girls ring. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other gemstones or combinations of gemstones and/or text or design icons can be used as face design elements in the faces 60 and 70 of upper and lower bases 14 and 12 of setting 20.
Exemplary ring 5 is a high school class ring and the design elements commemorate the wearer's high school experience. In addition to the face design elements, the design elements depicted in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 include incised text 62, 72 identifying the wearer's school and year of graduation, text identifying the wearer's name 86, design icons identifying the wearer's school activities 88 and 112, and design icons 120, 122, and 124 signifying the school's team name and team mascot. The combination of commemorative design details co-commemorate the wearer's school experience, i.e., the design details commemorate different or related aspects of the school experience commemorated by the ring, so that the ring includes multiple design elements commemorating the same (or aspects of the same) experience or identity of the wearer. The pivotable setting enables the wearer to select and display more commemorative design elements than would be possible with a conventional static setting, thereby increasing the co-commemorative effect and symbolic value of the ring. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are many other types of text, icons, and face elements that can be used to commemorate a school experience, including but not limited to school motto, seal, or insignia, initials, insignia, and text and design icons relating to other activities such as band, drama, and other extracurricular activities, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, and clubs and civic organizations. Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that commemorative rings are not limited to school class rings, but can be used for any experience or identity worth of commemoration, including but not limited to sports teams, sports or academic championships, religious affiliation, military or government service, or organizational membership.
The three components of the ring (shank 10, upper base 14 and lower base 12) preferably are cast independently using a plaster-cast lost-wax investment method. The wearer selects text, gemstones or other face elements, and design icons to include in his or her ring. Through use of CAD/CAM and other computer-implemented hardware and software tools, such as preferably AliasStudio CAD/CAM software, the wearer's selections are transformed into a CNC (computerized numeric control) language via software and sent to a computerized milling machine, such as preferably a Servo 4-axis computerized milling machine, which creates precise models and die molds of the ring components. Using these models and die molds, wax impressions of the wearer's ring components are created and then adjusted to the wearer's ring size. Next, plaster is poured around the wax patterns and allowed to harden. Then the wax is melted out of the plaster, leaving an expression of the ring in the plaster mold. The metal chosen by the wearer (typically gold or white gold, stainless steel, sterling silver, platinum or other alloy) is melted and poured into the mold to form a casting and hardened. The plaster is discarded, the ring is cleaned, and stones are set in the ring.
When shank 10 and upper and lower bases 14 and 12 have been cast and hardened, the respective inner surfaces of upper and lower bases 12 and 14 are aligned with each other by matching up pins 19 and pinholes 75 and aligning axle slots 13 in the respective bases so that adjoined axle slots 13 form pivot holes 26 to fit around pivots 52 (FIGS. 5b, 5c, 6b, 6c). Once upper and lower bases 14 and 12 are aligned with each other and axle slots 13 are aligned to create pivot holes 26 to fit around pivots 52, upper and lower bases 14 and 12 are joined by utilizing a laser welding process. Soldering or other conventional methods are also possible methods to join together upper and lower bases 14 and 12. The length of setting 20 is 16.35 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 8.95 mm for an exemplary girls ring. The width of setting 20 is 13.46 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 7.42 mm for an exemplary girls ring. The height (or depth) of setting 20 when assembled is 5.13 mm for an exemplary boys ring and 3.95 mm for an exemplary girls ring. The clearance between the side surface side 65 of bases 12 and 14 and rail inner surface 44 is approximately 0.7 mm. Finishes (e.g, antiquing) are applied and the ring is polished.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that setting 20 may be mounted onto shank 10 in different ways in alternative embodiments. For example, pivot pins could be located on setting 20 and received by pivot holes cast into the sides of shank 10. Alternatively, pivot pins could be spring-mounted within setting 20 or shank 10 to enable removal of setting 20 to enable interchangeability of different settings.
Although many embodiments have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments taking a variety of specific forms and dimensions and reflecting changes, substitutions and alterations can be made. The described embodiments illustrate the scope of the claims but do not restrict the scope of the claims.
