ADJUSTABLE SHANK FOR JEWELRY

Abstract

Embodiments relate to an adjustable shank adapted for resizing jewelry. A ring according to one embodiment includes a head adapted to receive a stone; a shank including a first shank arm and a second shank arm, and the first shank arm includes a first ratchet member and the second shank arm includes a second ratchet member; and a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head. In accordance with an embodiment, the first shank arm and the second shank arm remain coupled while being repositioned relative to each other to at least one of expand or contract a size of the shank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/510,688, titled “Adjustable Shank For Jewelry”, filed on May 24, 2017, which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to articles of jewelry, and particularly to an adjustable shank adapted for resizing jewelry.

BACKGROUND

Some articles of jewelry such as rings, bracelets, watches, and the like, can be re-sized to better fit the person wearing the article. In some cases, re-sizing involves a retailer or manufacturer physically altering the structure of the item, to expand or contract its size. For example, the size of a ring can be reduced by removing a portion of its shank, and rejoining the ends by welding them together. Alternatively, the size of a ring can be increased by adding material to its shank, and welding or soldering the shank of the ring together with the new material.

However, such approaches to re-sizing can present several issues, including the risk of compromising the structural integrity of the article, damaging gemstones or other delicate features, or altering the original appearance of the article, and the expenditure of additional labor, time, and money before the article is ready to be worn. Further, after changes have been made, it can be difficult to further resize the article in the future. In some cases, the above-described approaches are also not feasible due to the design of the particular article, such as a ring having channel-set stones that extend along the band.

Other approaches to resizing involve solutions such as a bar that attaches to the inside of the shank to reduce its size, leaf/horseshoe/butterfly springs that press the article against the wearer more firmly, “speed bumps” (e.g., small beads attached to the inside of the shank), hinged shanks that open and snap closed using a hinge-and-latch system, and various resizers made of plastic or other materials. However, some of these solutions can be problematic in that they can be ineffective, uncomfortable, unattractive, and/or difficult to install or remove (e.g., requiring additional tools).

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention relate to an adjustable shank adapted for resizing jewelry.

In accordance with an embodiment, a ring includes a head adapted to receive a stone; a shank including a first shank arm and a second shank arm, and the first shank arm includes a first ratchet member and the second shank arm includes a second ratchet member; and a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member can include a plurality of protrusions for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member can include a plurality of depressions for engaging with the first ratchet member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member can include a first plurality of teeth for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member can include a second plurality of teeth for engaging with the first ratchet member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member can include a first plurality of protrusions for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member can include at least a second protrusion for engaging with the first ratchet member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the ring can further include a spring for holding the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member in an engaged position relative to each other.

In accordance with an embodiment, the spring can have a curved shape and can exert pressure against the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member, to hold the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member in the engaged position relative to each other.

In accordance with an embodiment, the ring can further include a shank cover enclosing the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first joint and the second joint can respectively couple the first shank arm and the second shank arm in rotational engagement with the head.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first joint can include a first boss extending from one of the head and the first shank arm, and a first recess defined in the other of the head and the first shank arm; and the second joint can include a second boss extending from one of the head and the second shank arm, and a second recess defined in the other of the head and the second shank arm.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first joint can include a first bore defined by the head and a second bore defined by the first shank arm, and a first pin provided through the first and second bores; and the second joint can include a third bore defined by the head and a fourth bore defined by the second shank arm, and a second pin provided through the third and fourth bores.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member can enable the first shank arm and the second shank arm to remain coupled while being repositioned relative to each other to at least one of expand or contract a size of the shank.

In accordance with another embodiment, a jewelry article includes a head; a shank including a first shank arm and a second shank arm, movably coupled to the head, and the first shank arm includes a first sizing member and the second shank arm includes a second sizing member, the first sizing member and second sizing member for coupling the first shank arm and the second shank arm to each other in a plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the engagement positions can be incremental positions along a same axis.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first sizing member and the second sizing member can be shaped to interlock with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a shank cover enclosing the first sizing member and the second sizing member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a tension member located within a shank cover, for holding the first sizing member and the second sizing member in engagement with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a jewelry article includes: a shank including a first shank arm and a second shank arm, and the first shank arm includes a first sizing member and the second shank arm includes a second sizing member, the first sizing member and second sizing member for holding the first shank arm and the second shank arm in a plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first sizing member and the second sizing member can be shaped to interlock with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a shank cover enclosing the first sizing member and the second sizing member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a tension member located within a shank cover, for holding the first sizing member and the second sizing member in engagement with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article can further include a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.

Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, features of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded front view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a front view and a partially exploded front view, respectively, of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view in outline of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate front, top, perspective, and side views, respectively, of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to an adjustable shank adapted for resizing jewelry.

In the following detailed description, certain example embodiments are shown and described, by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the described example embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded front view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment, a jewelry article 100 such as a ring includes a head 101, a shank including a first shank arm 102 and a second shank arm 104, and a plurality of joints including a first joint 106 and a second joint 108 respectively coupling the first shank arm 102 and the second shank arm 104 in moveable engagement with the head 101.

In accordance with an embodiment, the head 101 can be adapted to receive a stone 110. The head 101 can further include a plurality of prongs 112 for holding the stone 110 in place. In accordance with an embodiment, the head can include four prongs, but embodiments are not limited thereto, and the head can include any suitable number of prongs for holding one or more stones in place. In some embodiments, the head 101 does not receive a stone.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment, the head 101 can include decorative elements such as a halo 114 of smaller diamonds surrounding the stone 110. The head 101 can also include a decorative border 116 along the side of the head 101. In accordance with an embodiment, any style of head or setting can be used, including cathedral, basket, bezel, halo, and the like.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a front view and a partially exploded front view, respectively, of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second shank arms 102, 104 each include respective sizing members (e.g., first and second sizing members) that are shaped to engage (e.g., interlock) with each other at each engagement position of a plurality of engagement positions. In accordance with an embodiment, the engagement positions can be incremental positions along a same axis.

For example, in accordance with an embodiment, a particular plurality of engagement positions can correspond to ring sizes of 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, and 6, where the range of sizes corresponds to one ring size (i.e., from 5 to 6) and the difference between adjacent engagement positions corresponds to a size adjustment of 0.25. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the plurality of engagement positions can correspond to any suitable size adjustment amount and range of sizes. Additionally, increments between engagement positions can correspond to the same size increment (e.g., each increment corresponds to a size adjustment of 0.25) or can correspond to different size increments (e.g., a first increment corresponds to a size adjustment of 0.25, a second increment corresponds to a size adjustment of 0.5, etc.).

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second sizing members can engage with each other using a ratchet mechanism. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment the first shank arm 102 can include a first ratchet member 122 as a first sizing member, and the second shank arm 104 can include a second ratchet member 124 as a second sizing member. A first end (e.g., a proximal end or upper end) of each shank arm is adapted to be coupled to the head 101, and a second end (e.g., a distal end or lower end) of each shank arm opposite the first end, is adapted to be coupled to the other shank arm. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member 122 is located at a distal end of the first shank arm 102, and is adapted to couple the first shank arm 102 to the second shank arm 104. The second ratchet member 124 is located at a distal end of the second shank arm 104, and is adapted to couple the second shank arm 104 to the first shank arm 102.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second ratchet members 122, 124 are shaped to engage with each other at each engagement position of a plurality of engagement positions. As one example, according to an embodiment, the first ratchet member 122 can include a plurality of protrusions 122a for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member 124 can include a plurality of depressions 124a for engaging with the first ratchet member 122. The plurality of protrusions 122a of the first ratchet member 122 engage with the plurality of depressions 124a of the second ratchet member 124. The plurality of protrusions 122a and the plurality of depressions 124a can be shaped to enable the first ratchet member 122 and the second ratchet member 124 to be slidably moved (or repositioned) relative to each other, to at least one of expand or contract a size of the shank. For example, one or more protrusions 122a of the plurality of protrusions can have a rounded (e.g., convex) shape and one or more depressions 124a of the plurality of depressions can have a rounded (e.g., concave) shape that corresponds to the rounded shape of the plurality of protrusions. In accordance with an embodiment, the first shank arm 102 and the second shank arm 104 can be moved relative to each other in an x-axis or horizontal direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second shank arms 102, 104 can be moved in opposite directions along an axis. For example, a user can pull the first shank arm 102 and the second shank arm 104 away from each other to increase the size of the shank, and can press the first shank arm 102 and the second shank arm 104 toward each other to reduce the size of the shank. FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment in which an adjustable shank is a contracted configuration, such that the size of the ring is reduced as compared to a maximum size. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment in which an adjustable shank is in an expanded configuration, such that the size of the ring is increased as compared to a minimum size.

Although in FIGS. 2A and 2B the first ratchet member 122 is illustrated as having a series of five protrusions 122a, and the second ratchet member 124 is illustrated as having a series of five depressions 124a, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first and second ratchet members (or first and second sizing members) can have any suitable number and arrangement of protrusions, depressions, teeth, divots, pins, or other position-defining elements. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the first ratchet member 122 can include a first plurality of protrusions for engaging with the second ratchet member 124, and the second ratchet member 124 can include at least a second protrusion for engaging with the first ratchet member 122.

Additionally, either one of the first sizing member or the second sizing member can include a plurality of position-defining elements (e.g., male or female position-defining elements), and the other one of the first sizing member or the second sizing member can include at least one corresponding position-defining element. Further, although in some embodiments the first sizing member can be above the second sizing member, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the second sizing member can be above the first sizing member, or the first and second sizing members can be arranged in any suitable configuration to engage with each other at a plurality of engagement positions. For example, the first and second sizing members can be arranged in a side-by-side configuration to engage with each other at a plurality of engagement positions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second sizing members and/or their position-defining members can have any shape suitable for enabling the first shank arm and the second shank arm to remain engaged with each other while being repositioned relative to each other, to at least one of expand or contract a size of the shank. For example, according to an embodiment, the first ratchet member can include a first plurality of teeth for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member can include a second plurality of teeth for engaging with the first ratchet member.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment, the first and second sizing members and/or their position-defining members can have any size that is suitable for enabling the first shank arm and the second shank arm to remain engaged while being repositioned relative to each other, to at least one or expand or contract a size of the shank. In accordance with an embodiment, the size of each position-defining element can correspond to an amount by which the size of the jewelry article is to be adjusted.

For example, in accordance with an embodiment, one or more protrusions 122a of a sizing member can correspond to a particular increment between ring sizes. For example, a ring can have a size of 4.5 in a contracted configuration, which corresponds to a total circumference of 48.0 mm, while a desired size of the ring is 5.0, which corresponds to a total circumference of 49.3 mm. In accordance with an embodiment, a protrusion of a sizing member of the ring (and its corresponding depression 124a) can be sized such that it increases the total circumference of the ring by 1.3 mm (which is the difference in circumference between the contracted configuration and the desired configuration), when the sizing member is repositioned. By repositioning the sizing members from a first (or current) engagement position to a second (or next) engagement position, the ring can be sized from a size of 4.5 to a size of 5.0.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and/or second shank arms can include decorative elements such as one or more accent stones 105 held in place on the side of the band using the prongs 107. The accent stones 105 can be of any size or shape and can be set in the band (e.g., in the first and/or second shank arm) using any suitable setting, such as a basket setting. The decorative elements can extend along at least a portion of the first or second shank arm.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article 100 further includes a plurality of joints, including a first joint 106 coupling the first shank arm 102 in movable engagement with the head 101, and a second joint 108 coupling the second shank arm 104 in movable engagement with the head 101. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the first joint 106 and the second joint 108 can respectively couple the first shank arm 102 and the second shank arm 104 in rotational engagement with the head 101.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first joint includes a first boss extending from the head or the first shank arm, and a first recess defined in the head or the first shank arm. In accordance with an embodiment, the second joint includes a second boss extending from the head or the second shank arm, and a second recess defined in the head or the second shank arm.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment, the first joint 106 and the second joint 108 can respectively include a first boss 118 and a second boss 120. The first boss 118 and the second boss 120 can each extend or protrude from the head 101 (e.g., a lower portion of the head 101), and can each be angled in a downward orientation or direction (e.g., pointing in a direction away from the head and toward the bottom of the article 100). In accordance with an embodiment, each boss is adapted to be located within a recess of the corresponding first or second shank arm, such as the first recess 127 of the first shank arm 102 illustrated in FIG. 4. The recess can be, for example, defined by at least two walls (e.g., opposite or facing walls) of the corresponding first or second shank arm.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first joint 106 can include a first bore 126 defined by the head 101 (e.g., defined by the first boss 118 protruding therefrom), a second bore 128 defined by the first shank arm 102, and a first pin 115 provided through the first and second bores 126, 128 to couple the first shank arm 102 in movable (e.g., rotational) engagement with the head 101. In accordance with an embodiment, the second joint 108 can include a third bore 130 defined by the head 101 (e.g., defined by the second boss 120 protruding therefrom), a fourth bore 132 defined by the second shank arm 104, and a second pin 117 provided through the third and fourth bores 130, 132 to couple the second shank arm 104 in movable (e.g., rotational) engagement with the head 101. In accordance with an embodiment, a bar, axel, or other component that permits rotation can be used instead of a pin.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first or second boss 118, 120 can extend from the corresponding first or second shank arm 102, 104, instead of from the head 101. The boss can be received in a recess that is defined in the head 101, instead of a recess in the corresponding shank arm. Further, the first and second shank arms can be coupled to the head using coupling members other than pins and bosses. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, a rivet can be used to couple the shank arms to the head. In accordance with an embodiment, the coupling members can be secured by a process such as welding.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

In accordance with an embodiment, the head 101 can include indentations or cavities for accommodating movement of the first and second shank arms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment, the head 101 can further include a plurality of cavities including a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 123 (illustrated in FIG. 4). The first cavity 121 can be located adjacent the corresponding first boss 118, and can be adapted to accommodate movement of the first shank arm 102. The second cavity 123 can be located adjacent the second boss 120, and can be adapted to accommodate movement of the second shank arm 104. In accordance with an embodiment, when the first and second shank arms are moved or otherwise repositioned relative to each other, the first and second cavities 121, 123 of the head can accommodate the movement of the first and second shank arms by receiving, within the cavities, at least a portion of the corresponding shank arm. In accordance with an aspect of some embodiments, such a configuration enables a wider range of rotation of each shank arm, while still permitting the shank arms to appear as though they are flush against the head (e.g., without a visible gap or space therebetween) from at least one of a front view or a top view.

For example, in accordance with an aspect of some embodiments, as a result of the first and second shank arms being moved away from each other to expand, or toward each other to contract, the size of the jewelry article, a portion of the first end (e.g., the proximal end or upper end) of each shank arm is moved (e.g., tilted or rotated) upward toward the head or away from the head. According to an embodiment, a gap would be formed between each shank arm and the head, to permit rotation of the shank arms upwards and downwards (e.g., toward and away from the head), to avoid the head blocking the movement. In accordance with an embodiment, however, a portion of the first end of each shank arm can instead be received within a corresponding cavity of the head. As a result, the portion of the first end of the shank arm can be hidden within the corresponding cavity, and there is no visible gap between each shank arm and the head in at least one of a front view or a top view.

In accordance with an embodiment, the sizing of the indentations or cavities within the head can correspond to an amount of spacing or give available to the sizing members for sizing the article. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the first cavity 121 can be formed to have a depth of 0.5 mm, which permits the first end of the first shank arm 102 to have a corresponding range of movement, producing a corresponding 2 mm of give at the first and second sizing members. Such a configuration can permit the ring size to be adjusted by 2 mm.

Alternatively, or additionally, in accordance with an embodiment, the first end of each shank arm can be shaped (e.g., angled) to minimize the appearance of any gap between the shank arm and the head when the ring is in an expanded and/or contracted configuration.

In accordance with an embodiment, one or more cavities of the plurality of cavities can be defined by, for example, at least two walls (e.g., opposite or facing walls) within the head. In accordance with an embodiment, one or more cavities of the plurality of cavities can be defined by a floor (e.g., a curved floor) within the head 101. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and cavities or indentations within the head 101 can be defined by any hollow or empty space within the head 101 suitable for accommodating a portion of a shank arm.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the jewelry article 100 further includes a shank cover 134 adapted to enclose the first and second sizing members (e.g., the first and second ratchet member 122, 124). As illustrated, the shank cover 134 includes a first opening at one end for receiving the first ratchet member 122, and a second opening at an opposite end for receiving the second ratchet member 124. In accordance with an embodiment, the shank cover 134 has a shape corresponding to an arc, and is adapted to be placed over a portion of the shank, to enclose the first and second ratchet members 122, 124. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a cross section of the shank cover 134 can have a shape of a rectangle (e.g., a square), but embodiments are not limited thereto, and a cross section of the shank cover can have any suitable cross-section or shape for enclosing the first and second ratchet members 122, 124. The shank cover can also include decorative elements (e.g., decorative elements similar to those on the rest of the band).

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view in outline of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in accordance with an embodiment, the shank cover 134 can include a plurality of apertures including a first aperture 136 and a second aperture 138 for receiving guides (e.g., pins) adapted to hold the first and second sizing members within the shank cover 134. The first aperture 136 can be located, for example, in an upper surface of the shank cover 134, and the second aperture 138 can be located in an opposite (e.g., lower) surface of the shank cover 134.

In accordance with an embodiment, after the first sizing member is engaged with the second sizing member and inserted into the shank cover 134, a third pin 140 can be inserted through the first aperture 136 and the channel 144 (illustrated in FIG. 4) in the first shank arm 102, to hold the first sizing member within the shank cover 134. A fourth pin 142 can be inserted through the second aperture 138 and a similar channel in the second shank arm 104, to hold the second sizing member within the shank cover 134. In accordance with an aspect of some embodiments, the third and fourth pins 140, 142 can be used to prevent the first and second sizing members from being pulled out of the shank cover.

According to an aspect of some embodiments, while the third and fourth pins 140, 142 are adapted hold the first and second ratchet members 122, 124 within the shank cover 134, the third and fourth pins 140, 142 are nevertheless adapted to permit the first and second ratchet members 122, 124 to be moved or repositioned relative to each other, for example to move between engagement positions of the plurality of engagement positions. For example, the third pin 140 can be adapted to slide along the channel 144 as the first sizing member is repositioned relative to the second sizing member, while keeping the first sizing member within the shank cover 134. The fourth pin 142 can be adapted to slide along a similar channel in the second sizing member, to permit repositioning of the second sizing member while keeping the second sizing member within the shank cover 134.

In accordance with an embodiment, after the pins are inserted into the plurality of apertures, they can be secured in place (e.g., by welding), and flattened (e.g., by sanding or grinding) so as to maintain the smooth look of the surface of the shank cover 134.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first and second sizing members can move relative to the shank cover 134 while being held within the shank cover 134 by the third and fourth pins 140, 142.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates the use of two pins, embodiments are not limited thereto, and more than two pins, or only one pin, may be used.

In accordance with an embodiment, the shank cover 134 can be attached or fixed in place (e.g., by welding) at a location along the shank. For example, the shank cover 134 can be attached (e.g., by welding) to the first or second shank arm, while the other shank arm is adapted to move relative to the shank cover (e.g., via a channel and a pin as described above).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the shank cover can be located at the bottom of the shank opposite the head 101. However, the location of the shank cover 134 and the first and second sizing members can be at any suitable position along the shank, and are not limited to placement at the bottom of the shank opposite the head.

In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article 100 can further include a tension member 146 adapted to hold the first sizing member (e.g., first ratchet member 122) and the second sizing member (e.g., second ratchet member 124) in engagement with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment, the tension member 146 can be attached to a lower or bottom surface of the shank cover 134, to exert pressure upwards against the engaged first and second sizing members. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the tension member 146 can be attached to any surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the shank cover that is suitable for enabling the tension member to exert pressure to hold the first and second sizing members in engagement.

In accordance with an embodiment, the tension member 146 can be a spring that is adapted to hold the first and second sizing members in an engaged position relative to each other. The spring can have a curved shape and can exert or apply pressure against the first and second sizing members, to hold them in the engaged position relative to each other. In some embodiments, the tension member can be a leaf spring, but any suitable tension member for applying pressure to the first and second sizing members can be used. In accordance with an embodiment, the tension member 146 can be made of any flexible material suitable for enabling the tension member to hold the first and second sizing members in engagement with each other while still permitting the first and second sizing members to be moved or repositioned between engagement positions.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate front, top, perspective, and side views, respectively, of an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a fully assembled jewelry article 100 having an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment. According to an aspect of some embodiments, the plurality of joints are concealed within the head and the recesses of the shank arms, and the first and second sizing members are concealed within the shank cover, to provide an adjustable shank that retains the elegance of the jewelry design and can be adapted to a wide array of different designs.

In accordance with an embodiment, one or more components of the jewelry article, including the head, shank arms, plurality of joints, and shank cover, can be produced using a metal-forming technique such as investment casting (or lost wax casting or lost wax investment casting) or a similar process. In accordance with an embodiment, in investment casting a wax pattern of the component is first created and then invested in a ceramic shell (e.g., by dipping the wax pattern in a semi-liquid ceramic mixture). The ceramic shell is dried and then baked to melt the wax away. Metal is then poured into the empty ceramic shell, where it solidifies as it cools. In accordance with an embodiment, the jewelry article 100 can be made of any suitable material such as 18k gold, 14k gold, 22k gold, platinum, and the like. After the metal has solidified, the shell is broken away to expose the fabricated component. The fabricated components can subsequently be coupled to each other using coupling members such as pins or the like, welded together. A tension member can be attached to the shank cover (e.g., by welding) and the shank cover can be fitted and secured to the shank to hold the first and second sizing members within the shank cover and engaged with each other in a plurality of engagement positions.

According to an aspect of some embodiments, an adjustable shank can be used to more easily resize an article of jewelry without compromising its structural integrity, damaging gemstones or other delicate features, or altering the original appearance of the article. Additionally, the adjustable shank enables resizing of the article without the expenditure of additional labor, time and money before the article is ready to be worn. That is, according to an aspect of some embodiments, the adjustable shank can enable a ring to be resized and worn at once, without the need to wait for a manufacturer or retailer to complete a complicated and risky resizing process.

Additionally, an adjustable shank according to some embodiments can be expanded and contracted between a plurality of different sizes, enabling further resizing of the article in the future. Also, in accordance with an aspect of some embodiments, because the adjustable shank forms part of the article itself, the presence of design features such as channel-set stones in the band does not prevent or otherwise hinder resizing. Instead, an adjustable shank according to some embodiments can be adapted for use with multiple different jewelry designs. Further, in accordance with an aspect of some embodiments, the adjustable shank enables more effective resizing, is more comfortable for the wearer, does not detract from the look of the article, and does not require additional tools for resizing. Moreover, each ring that uses an adjustable shank in accordance with an embodiment can potentially be worn by a wider array of customers, which could result in a reduction of unsold inventory, increasing its appeal to manufacturers, retailers, and customers alike.

Embodiments therefore provide an easier, more cost-effective, and simplified approach to resizing that can be used in a variety of scenarios, including, for example, fitting an article of jewelry to a wearer at the point of sale, adapting to changes in finger or wrist size over a wearer's lifetime, fitting a ring over large knuckles, and adjusting a single ring to be worn by different wearers.

The foregoing description has been presented with reference to various embodiments. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Further, while the various embodiments describe particular combinations of features of the invention it should be understood that different combinations of the features will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art as within the scope of the invention such that features of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. Moreover, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art to which this invention pertains various additions, subtractions, deletions, variations, and other modifications and changes in form, detail, implementation and application can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the broader spirit and scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ring, comprising:

a head adapted to receive a stone;

a shank comprising a first shank arm and a second shank arm, wherein the first shank arm comprises a first ratchet member and the second shank arm comprises a second ratchet member; and

a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.

2. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ratchet member comprises a plurality of protrusions for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member comprises a plurality of depressions for engaging with the first ratchet member.

3. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ratchet member comprises a first plurality of teeth for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member comprises a second plurality of teeth for engaging with the first ratchet member.

4. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ratchet member comprises a first plurality of protrusions for engaging with the second ratchet member, and the second ratchet member comprises at least a second protrusion for engaging with the first ratchet member.

5. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a spring for holding the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member in an engaged position relative to each other.

6. The ring of claim 5, wherein the spring has a curved shape and exerts pressure against the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member, to hold the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member in the engaged position relative to each other.

7. The ring of claim 1, further comprising a shank cover enclosing the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member.

8. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first joint and the second joint respectively couple the first shank arm and the second shank arm in rotational engagement with the head.

9. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first joint comprises a first boss extending from one of the head and the first shank arm, and a first recess defined in the other of the head and the first shank arm; and

wherein the second joint comprises a second boss extending from one of the head and the second shank arm, and a second recess defined in the other of the head and the second shank arm.

10. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first joint comprises a first bore defined by the head and a second bore defined by the first shank arm, and a first pin provided through the first and second bores; and

the second joint includes a third bore defined by the head and a fourth bore defined by the second shank arm, and a second pin provided through the third and fourth bores.

11. The ring of claim 1, wherein the first ratchet member and the second ratchet member enable the first shank arm and the second shank arm to remain coupled while being repositioned relative to each other to at least one of expand or contract a size of the shank.

12. A jewelry article, comprising:

a head;

a shank comprising a first shank arm and a second shank arm, movably coupled to the head, wherein the first shank arm comprises a first sizing member and the second shank arm comprises a second sizing member, the first sizing member and second sizing member for coupling the first shank arm and the second shank arm to each other in a plurality of engagement positions.

13. The jewelry article of claim 12, wherein the engagement positions are incremental positions along a same axis.

14. The jewelry article of claim 12, wherein the first sizing member and the second sizing member are shaped to interlock with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

15. The jewelry article of claim 12, further comprising a shank cover enclosing the first sizing member and the second sizing member.

16. The jewelry article of claim 12, further comprising a tension member located within a shank cover, for holding the first sizing member and the second sizing member in engagement with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

17. The jewelry article of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.

18. A jewelry article, comprising:

a shank comprising a first shank arm and a second shank arm, wherein the first shank arm comprises a first sizing member and the second shank arm comprises a second sizing member, the first sizing member and second sizing member for holding the first shank arm and the second shank arm in a plurality of engagement positions.

19. The jewelry article of claim 18, wherein the first sizing member and the second sizing member are shaped to interlock with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

20. The jewelry article of claim 18, further comprising a shank cover enclosing the first sizing member and the second sizing member.

21. The jewelry article of claim 18, further comprising a tension member located within a shank cover, for holding the first sizing member and the second sizing member in engagement with each other at each engagement position of the plurality of engagement positions.

22. The jewelry article of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of joints, including a first joint coupling the first shank arm in movable engagement with the head, and a second joint coupling the second shank arm in movable engagement with the head.