KNITTED TOE RING

Abstract

An article of jewelry, such as a children's toe ring, adapted for use upon a phalange of a wearer, includes a soft, compressible, and flexible band configured to at least partially encircle the phalange, and a decorative head including a soft, compressible, and flexible member for engaging the phalange, wherein the band and member are coupled in such a manner that solely presents soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surfaces, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer, and the member provides an overlay, where expansive.

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to toe rings and other articles of jewelry, and more particularly, to children's toe rings that present only soft engaging surfaces, so as to prevent or mitigate injury and discomfort.

BACKGROUND

Toe rings are a popular type of jewelry that have long been used to beautify the foot of the wearer. Children, in particular, often don toe rings upon the index, middle, or fourth toe; however, adults may wear them as well. Conventional toe rings, like other jewelry, typically feature a rigid, often metal (e.g., gold, silver, etc.) band or shank that engages a receiving section of the middle or proximal phalanx bone of the toe. The shank may be open or continuous, so as to at least partially encircle the bone. Typically, the toe ring also includes a setting or head that sits upon the band/shank. The setting or head also presents a rigid, hard, and inflexible (e.g., metallic, plastic, etc.) structure that is bonded (e.g., soldered, etc.) to the shank, wherein the bonding material also becomes hard; and finally, at least one gem stone may be inserted within the setting/head. The size of the band or shank is such that the ring will fit snuggly around the receiving section of the toe (e.g., generally between 0.5 and 1.5 cm in diameter). Due to the cost and hardness of the material, the head is not typically expansive and typically does not present a planar configuration overlying one or more toes.

Asides from beautification, toe rings have other associated benefits. For example, toe rings have been indicated to be worn to regulate the menstrual cycle, and thus increase the chances of conception, as it is believed in some cultures that a slight pressure on the second toe ensures a healthy uterus. Some cultures also say that the pressure felt on the second toe helps ease pain associated with child birth.

In addition to the beautification and therapeutic compression that these stylish accoutrements bring, they present various concerns that are not well known. Every year, for example, hundreds of people suffer serious injury to, and even detachment of a toe, due in part to snagging their metallic toe ring. Further, the metal band may spur or flatten, due to prolonged use, and the weight of the wearer, which may cause the band to form a sharp edge that may prick or cut the sensitive toe skin of the wearer. When the band diameter is too small, the inflexible band may be painful to place or remove passed the distal ends of the phalanx bones or knuckles, which typically present a larger diameter than the receiving section 110 of the bone. Where the band diameter is too large, a gap may result once the ring is positioned, which may snag or pinch the wearer's skin. Children, especially, may not possess the dexterity necessary to avoid such injuries.

There accordingly remains a need in the art for a new and improved article of jewelry, such as, a beautifying and stylish toe ring that prevents or mitigates injury and/or discomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention discloses an article of jewelry, such as a ring, or toe ring, that addresses the above-mentioned concerns. More particularly, the inventive article comprises a soft, compressible, and flexible band, and a soft, compressible, and flexible head that is coupled to the band. In a preferred embodiment, at least one bead may be further coupled to a planner head opposite the band, so as to be spaced from the wearer. As a result, the inventive article of jewelry presents only soft engaging surfaces with the phalange, when donned by a wearer. Thus, the invention is useful for reducing the potential for injury and discomfort caused by conventional toe rings. That is to say, the invention provides a flexible toe ring, that gives when snagged, that will not develop sharp spurs, and that facilitates placement and removal. In elastic configurations, the invention is further useful for applying a slight pressure to the toe, which may produce physiological benefits to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, it is appreciated that an expansive planner configuration of the head and the soft engaging surfaces of the ring enable the inventive toe ring to be placed at or near anomalous growths (e.g. corns, scars, calluses, etc.) of the toe, so as to overlay and hide said growths, without discomfort.

The above described and other features, including the use of crochet and knitting to construct the toe ring, are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments and wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a planar view of a first embodiment of a children's toe ring, having an ornamental butterfly configuration and band shown in hidden line type within the inset, said ring being donned by a human foot;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a children's toe ring having a knitted band, flower petals threadedly coupled to the band, and a bead bonded centrally to the petals opposite the band;

FIG. 2a is a planar view of the second embodiment of the toe ring;

FIG. 2b is a front elevation of the second embodiment of the toe ring, showing threaded attachment between the petals and band;

FIG. 2c is a side elevation of the second embodiment of the toe ring;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a toe, wherein an elastic band diameter in stretched, and unstretched (shown in hidden-line type) conditions is superimposed for comparison;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the toe ring, wherein the bonded bead has been replaced by a threaded bead defining a through-hole;

FIG. 5 is a planar view of a fourth embodiment of the toe ring as shown in FIGS. 2-2c, the only difference being the addition of a flower petal and absence of a bead, it being understood that all other surfaces are the same as those of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the toe ring, wherein the petals are formed by cloth, and a plurality of beads are bonded to the petals opposite the band;

FIG. 7 is a planar view of a first embodiment of a children's toe ring, having a multi-petal flower configuration, said ring being donned by a human foot;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a children's toe ring having a knitted band, and flower petals threadedly coupled to the band;

FIG. 8a is a planar view of the second embodiment of the toe ring;

FIG. 8b is a front elevation of the second embodiment of the toe ring, showing threaded attachment between the petals and band; and

FIG. 8c is a side elevation of the second embodiment of the toe ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein and shown in FIGS. 1-8 are several embodiments of an article of Jewelry, and more particularly, a toe ring 10, which, in contrast to the prior art, presents only soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surfaces with the toe 100. Although reference will be made herein to toe ring applications, it is contemplated that the inventive ring configuration can be employed as a finger ring with slight modification. The illustrated toe rings 10 are exemplary only and are not intended to be limited to any particular shape, size, configuration, or the like. The toe ring assemblies disclosed herein may be constructed in numerous ways, a few of which are described herein below, provided that only soft engaging surfaces make contact with the toes 100 and foot of the wearer. Other designs, configurations, material choices, and methods of construction will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and the like do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another; and the terms “the”, “a”, and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Directional descriptors used herein are with reference to the toe ring. Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints and independently combinable.

As shown in FIG. 1, the article of jewelry 10 is adapted for use upon a phalange (e.g, finger or toe) 100 of a preferably human wearer. The phalange 100 presents a receiving section (e.g, the middle 50% of the most proximal phalange bone attached to the foot) 110 that defines a diameter (e.g., for toes, less than 0.4-1.2 cm in children, and between 1.0-2.0 cm in adults). The article of jewelry 10 comprises a soft, compressible, and flexible band 12 configured to at least partially encircle the receiving section of the toe 100, for holding the ring 10 in place, and a decorative head 14 including a soft, compressible, and flexible member 16 for overlaying and beautifying the toe 100. More preferably, the member 16 is planar, so as to overlay the receiving section 110 or other section of the toe(s) that may not be desired to show. The band 12 and member 16 are preferably threadably engaged, i.e., held together by a thread, yarn, filament, etc., such that the ring 10 is configured to solely present soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surfaces with the toe 100, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer. The band 12 and member 16 may be fixedly coupled by other means, so long as only a soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surface is presented.

The article of jewelry 10 may be constructed by knitting, and more preferably crochet. For example, a 2.5 or 2.75 mm crochet hook, 8M Embroidery thread floss (2 skies of different colors (A and B)), or Cascade Yarns fixation (98.3% Cotton/1.7% Spandex) may be employed. More preferably, the an elastic band 12 is further incorporated into the band so as to provide additional stretch-ability, and compressive therapeutic effect. The ring band 12 may be formed by crocheting a chain in color A, wherein row 1 is a half, double crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across, for 10 half, double crochet. Using color B, the flower member 16 may be constructed using a chain 4 slip stitch to first chain to form a ring, for chain 3. For round 1, three double crochet inside band chain 3 and slip stitch to band, chain 3. Then 3 double crochet inside band, chain 3 and slip stitch to band, and repeat two more times. Fasten off leaving long enough tail to sew flower to band. The flower member 16 may be attached to the band at the seam (the seam made when sewing the band together). Finally, all ends are weaved in, and the excess is cut off. The preferred crocheting process is summarized as follows:

• • Step 1: make a chain ten
  • Step 2: double crocheting into each chain ten to make it a wider band;
  • Step 3: leave a long tail to sew the band together;
  • Step 4: crochet chains of four;
  • Step 5: join chains of four together (slip stitch) to make a ring, and then double crochet inside the ring to start the flower (one petal consists of 2 double crochets and a chain three);
  • Step 6: repeat until 4 petals are knitted; leave excess tail to attach flower to the band; and
  • Step 7: sew ends of band together, and then attach the flower; cut off excess material.

Alternatively, a bead 18 may be added by sewing or gluing the bead to the member 16, preferably in the middle of the flower, opposite the band 12 (FIGS. 2, 2a-2c). It is appreciated that other auxiliary elements may be incorporated for decorative purposes, such that the engaging surface of the ring 10 remains soft and flexible. More preferably, the construction material may present desirable treatments and resistance, such anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and color fade resistance. For example, the thread material may be intertwined with silver fiber, so as to present an anti-microbial band.

As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the toe ring 10 may include planar member 16 in an ornamental butterfly configuration, wherein the band 12, shown in hidden line type within the inset, is longitudinally and laterally centered with the member 16. Again, it is appreciated that other shapes and designs for the planar member 16 may be implemented, including without limitation, geometric shapes, zodiac signs, etc. The manner of construction further enables the formation of custom designs that may be created and attached to a band at a retail location. FIGS. 2-2c 7, 8-8c for example, show a second embodiment of the toe ring 10 having a knitted band, a four-flower petal member 16, threadedly coupled to the band via a thread 20 (FIG. 2b), and a bead 18 bonded centrally to the petals opposite the band. FIG. 2b shows a band 12 having an elastic member 22 sewn therein. The band 12 is configured such that it is operable to achieve first (unstretched) and second (stretched) diameters that preferably book-end the diameter of the receiving section of the toe (FIG. 3). This provides a slight holding or medicinal pressure to be applied to the toe. FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the toe ring, wherein the bonded bead has been replaced by a threaded bead defining a through-hole. Here, the thread 20 may further coupled the bead 18, member 16, and band 12. FIG. 5 is a planar view of a toe ring member 16 presenting a five-petal flower configuration, and in another embodiment, FIG. 6 shows a toe ring 10, wherein the petals are formed by cloth, and a plurality of beads are bonded to the petals opposite the band.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. For example, it is appreciated that other forms of knitting, stitching, or otherwise constructing the flexible band and planar member may be utilized. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of jewelry adapted for use upon a phalange of a wearer, wherein the phalange presents a receiving section defining a first diameter, said article of jewelry comprising:

a soft, compressible, and flexible band configured to at least partially encircle the receiving section of the toe; and

a decorative head including a soft, compressible, and flexible member for engaging the toe,

wherein the band and member are threadably coupled, so as to solely present soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surfaces, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer.

2. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1,

said band being formed from a cloth, fabric, yarn, or thread.

3. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 2,

said band comprising an elastic filament interwoven with said cloth, fabric, yarn, or thread, defining an unstretched inside diameter less than the engaged diameter, so as to apply a holding force to the toe, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer, and operable to achieve a stretched diameter greater than the engaged diameter, so as to facilitate placement and removal.

4. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1,

said band being continuous, so as to fully encircle the toe.

5. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1,

said member being formed from a cloth, fabric, yarn, or thread.

6. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1, wherein the member presents a planar configuration, and overlays the engaging section, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer.

7. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 6,

said planar configuration defining a shape selected from the group consisting essentially of a four-petal bloomed flower, a five-petal bloomed flower, and a butterfly.

8. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1,

said head further comprising at least one bead centrally coupled to the member opposite the band.

9. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one bead defines at least one through-hole, and the bead, head, and band are threadably coupled.

10. The article of jewelry as claimed in claim 1, wherein the band is formed of thread crocheted to form a chain; and the member is formed of thread crocheted to form a planar configuration operable to overlay the receiving section.

11. An article of jewelry adapted for use upon a phalange of a wearer, wherein the phalange presents a receiving section defining a first diameter, said article of jewelry comprising:

a soft, compressible, and flexible band configured to at least partially encircle the receiving section of the toe; and

a decorative head including a soft, compressible, and flexible member for engaging the toe,

wherein the band and member are threadably coupled, so as to solely present soft, compressible, and flexible engaging surfaces, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer,

said band being formed from a cloth, fabric, yarn, or thread,

said member being formed from a cloth, fabric, yarn, or thread,

wherein the member presents a planar configuration, and overlays the engaging section, when the article of jewelry is donned by the wearer,

wherein the band is formed of thread crocheted to form a chain; and the member is formed of thread crocheted to form a planar configuration operable to overlay the receiving section.