Finger ring size-adjusting device and method for adjusting finger ring sizes

Abstract

The present invention concerns generally with devices and methods for adjusting a finger ring size, and, more particularly, with a finger ring size-adjusting device that comprises no moving parts, and a method for adjusting the size of said finger ring using said device without a need for cutting or otherwise altering said ring. The device and the method of its use allow performing size adjustments without compromising the integrity of the ring. The device can be quickly added, adjusted or removed by any jeweler and without cutting, drilling or modifying the original design of the ring.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/013,484 filed Jun. 17, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns generally with devices and methods for adjusting a finger ring size, and, more particularly, with a finger ring size-adjusting device that comprises no moving parts and a method for adjusting the size of said finger ring using said device without a need for cutting or otherwise altering said ring.

Sizing of finger rings is a task necessary to compensate for the wearer's change in his or her body structure, weight, or knuckle joints enlargements, among others reasons. Oftentimes, it requires cutting or otherwise altering the ring shank, the operation that can only be performed by a highly qualified jeweler, which, in turn, adds to the cost of the ring and may lead to a significant damage or even total destruction of the ring. In some cases, when the outer surface of the ring is incrusted with jewels, for example, changing the size of the ring by cutting or otherwise altering it is outright impossible.

The only possible approach to changing the inner size of the ring's opening without cutting or otherwise altering the ring itself is to change the internal circumference of the ring. In recent years, multiple solutions directed at reducing the internal circumference of the ring have been developed. These solutions generally fall into one of two categories: (a) internal inserts; and (b) spring-loaded mechanism that provide for size adjustments by releasing the spring inward or charging it outward. Although popular, the majority of these solutions have been designed without addressing issues related to the cost of the ring and wearers' comfort.

Internal ring inserts are extensively described in both patent and non-patent literature and widely used in the art. Although inexpensive and simple, these solutions are aesthetically challenged and extremely inconvenient, as the inserts tend to slide out of the ring, damage the skin of the wearer and affect the aesthetic value of the ring.

Spring-based solutions are generally overcomplicated, and expensive; they require assembly by a skilled master jeweler, and most regional or small jewelers do not possess the necessary skills. In addition, these spring-based solutions require permanent alterations to the ring, such as drilling and filing, and include moving parts that are prone to breaking

An example of such spring-based solution is the invention described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,590,598 (the '598 patent), which details a finger ring with pivotally mounted size adjusting member. Similarly to the present invention, the '598 patent provides for ring size adjustments without the necessity of cutting the ring. Unlike the present invention, however, the '598 patent is based on a moving dimension reducing element, which is unavoidably susceptible to wearing off and breaking In addition, the solution of the '598 patent negatively affects the wearer's comfort due to the steady mechanic pressure the '598 solution applies to the finger of the wearer.

The concept of a spring-based solution has been further developed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,334 (the '334 patent), which describes a finger ring size-adjusting device and method. Similarly to the present invention, the '334 patent allows finger ring size adjustment without the necessity of cutting the ring. However, in addition to the spring portion, the device of the '334 patent has a complicated cradle assembly that inevitably increases the complexity and cost of the device. It also inherits all the disadvantages of prior spring-based devices, such as wearer's discomfort due to the pressure applied to the finger, and permanent alterations to the ring itself necessary to accommodate the device, such as drilling, cutting and filing.

One of the most resent ring sizing devices is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,004 (the '004 patent), which is directed at a finger ring provided with an adapter device for automatically adjusting the ring's size. The device described in the '004 patent is mechanically complex, and, therefore, expensive and prone to breaking In addition, this device is highly conspicuous in appearance, and requires a special ring assembly, which significantly affects the ring's aesthetic value.

As we have demonstrated, sizing a finger ring without cutting or otherwise altering the ring is a serious issue for both jewelers and ring wearer's. The current invention provides a much-needed simple, cost-effective and aesthetically valuable solution at a fraction of the cost of the above-referenced devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to provide for a finger ring size adjustment without a need for cutting or otherwise altering the ring; thus, without compromising the integrity of the ring. The device can be quickly added, adjusted or removed by any jeweler without modifying the ring's original design and in front of the wearer. To the date, it is the only finger ring size-adjusting device that is virtually invisible once the ring is placed on the wearer's finger. The device is easily attachable to the ring by mechanical means without regard to the ring's size, style, shape or width. The above-referenced mechanical means comprise any method of fastening, welding, soldering, adhesion or bonding precious or semi-precious metals used in the art, including, but not limited to, placing solder on the bottom portion of the size-adjusting device, centering the device in the middle of the inner portion of the ring shank, applying heat to both the device and the ring shank; thus, bonding them together.

Once the device is bonded with the inner portion of the ring shank, springless wing-like side portions of the device can be easily adjusted up or down using ordinary jewelry tools to ensure optimal size and comfort of the wearer.

Thus, the device includes no moving parts whatsoever and provides for ring sizing without neither harming the ring not reducing its aesthetic value, as it requires no drilling, cutting, inserting, or filing the ring.

The device's smooth half-rounded surface offers comfort for the wearer, and is virtually invisible when the ring is on the wearer's finger, it adjustable and re-adjustable as needed from ½-1½ size, it prevents ring from spinning, sliding up or down the finger and allows for easy sliding or removal over an enlarged knuckle or joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the device;

FIG. 2 is a front elevating view of the device;

FIG. 3 is a top elevating view of the device;

FIG. 4 is a bottom elevating view of the device;

FIG. 5 is a side elevating view of the device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device mounted on a finger ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a detailed description of the invention provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing in the field of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention is directed generally at a device and method for adjusting finger ring sizes, and, more particularly, with a finger ring size-adjusting device that includes no moving parts and adjusts the size of the ring without cutting or otherwise altering said ring, and a method of using said device for sizing the ring without cutting or otherwise altering said ring.

An isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of the device is shown in FIG. 1. The device comprises a bottom portion 110, an upper portion 120, and equally spaced apart symmetric wing-like springless side portions 150 comprising, in turn, inward curved wing portions 140 and outward curved end portions 130. Said bottom portion 110 is attached to the inner portion of the ring shank (not shown) by mechanical means, such as adhesion, welding, soldering or fastening, among others, and said wing and end portions can be adjusted, i.e. bended inward or straightened outward; thus, changing the size of the ring by changing the inner circumference of the ring shank.

A front view of one exemplary embodiment of the device is shown in FIG. 2. The device comprises a bottom portion 210, an upper portion 220, and equally spaced symmetric wing-like springless side portions 250 comprising, in turn, inward curved wing portions 240 and outward curved end portions 230. Said bottom portion 210 is attached to the inner portion of the ring shank (not shown) by mechanical means, such as welding or soldering, among others, and said wing and end portions are bendable inward and/or outward. By bending or straightening said wing and end portions of the device one causes a change to the ring size by changing the circumference of the inner portion of the ring shank.

A top elevating view of one exemplary embodiment of the device is shown in FIG. 3. The upper portion 310 has rounded edges that provide comfort and prevent the wearer from accidentally scratching his or hers finger. The bottom portion 410 of the device as shown in FIG. 4 depicting a bottom elevating view of one exemplary embodiment of the device is used for mechanically bonding the device with the inner portion of the ring shank (not shown).

A side elevating view of one exemplary embodiment of the device is shown in FIG. 5. Wing-like springless side portions 510 are capable of being adjusted inward or outward; thus, affecting the size of the inner portion of the ring shank. Said adjustment can be undertaken by a jeweler or a even lay person as it requires no special skills and only ordinary instruments, such as common tweezers.

And finally, a prospective view of the device as it is attached to the inner portion of the ring shank is shown in FIG. 6. Here, the inner circumference 630 of the ring shank 620 houses the bottom portion 650 of the device 610. By adjusting the wing-like springless side portions 640 inward or outward, the size of the inner portion of the ring shank can in turn be reduced or enlarged respectively. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the width of the device remains within the width of the inner shank of the ring to preserve the ring's aesthetic value.

The forgoing description of the present embodiment has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Herein above, or in the following claims, the term “comprises” is synonymous with “includes.” The use of terminology such as “X comprises A, B and C” is not intended to imply that A, B and C are necessarily the only components or most important components of X.

Unless clearly and explicitly stated, the claims that follow are not intended to imply any particular sequence of actions. The inclusion of labels, such as a), b), c) or 1), 2), 3) etc., for portions of the claims does not, by itself, imply any particular sequence, but rather is merely to facilitate reference to the portions.

To reiterate, the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. Various other embodiments having various modifications may be suited to a particular use contemplated, but may be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A finger ring size-adjusting device comprising an elongated insert attached to a bottom portion of an inner portion of a ring shank, the device further comprising a bottom portion, an upper portion and two wing-like springless side portions, whereas said wing-like portions further comprising curved inward and outward end portions to create necessary clearance, thus providing for said inner portion of said ring shank size-adjusting flexibility.

2. The ring size-adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion and said two wing-like springless side portions of said insert having rounded edges.

3. The ring size-adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein said two wing-like springless side portions of said insert are symmetrically spaced apart.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bottom portion of said insert is attached to said bottom portion of said inner portion of said ring shank by welding.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bottom portion of said insert is attached to said bottom portion of said inner portion of said ring shank by soldering.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bottom portion of said insert is fastened to said bottom portion of said inner portion of said ring shank by adhesive.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of said insert not exceeding width of said ring shank.

8. A method of adjusting a size of a finger ring comprising:

attaching a finger ring size-adjusting device to an inner portion of a ring shank; and

mechanically bending wing-like side portions of said finger size-adjusting device inward to decrease circumference of said inner portion of said ring shank, or outward to increase circumference of said inner portion of said ring shank.