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Patent Abstract
A jewelry piece having a replaceable/exchangeable jewelry setting,
the piece being adapted to allow an option for it to be assembled
with either one jewelry setting or a combination of jewelry settings.
In one embodiment the jewelry piece comprises an attachment mechanism
which uses a pin, latch, magnet or combination thereof for quick
and easy manual replacement/exchange of the setting.
Patent Claims
1. A jewelry piece having a replaceable/exchangeable jewelry setting,
said piece being adapted to allow an option for it to be assembled
with either one said jewelry setting or a combination of said jewelry
settings.
2. The jewelry piece according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable/exchangeable
option uses an attachment mechanism for attaching the setting(s)
designed to attach the setting(s) to said jewelry piece.
3. The jewelry piece according to claim 2, wherein the attachment
mechanism comprises one of a pin, a latch and a magnet or combination
thereof.
4. The jewelry piece according to claim 3, wherein the attachment
mechanism further comprises a hole or notch in said piece.
5. The jewelry piece according to claim 2, wherein the attachment
mechanism comprises a pin adapted to be insertable into and removable
from a hole in the piece for locking and unlocking the setting(s)
from said piece.
6. The jewelry piece according to claim 5, wherein the pin comprises
a two-tiered head.
7. The jewelry piece according to claim 5, wherein the pin has
a stem having at least one notch, each notch corresponding to a
spring disposed within said jewelry-piece hole.
8. The jewelry piece according to claim 7, wherein the attachment
mechanism further comprises a stopper adjacent the spring.
9. The jewelry piece according to claim 4, wherein the hole comprises
one or more two annular channels for each spring to sit therein.
10. The jewelry piece according to claim 1, wherein at least one
setting is dimensioned for assembly with said piece such that it
fits snugly over surfaces of said piece.
11. The jewelry piece according to claim 1, further comprising
a projection at a peripheral location of said piece and wherein
at least one of the settings comprises an opening or recess corresponding
to said projection for facilitating positioning of the setting(s)
on said piece.
12. The jewelry piece according to claim 1, wherein it is constituted
by one of a ring, an earring, a bracelet, a necklace, a belt buckles,
a head-dress piece, adapted to have a jewelry setting attached thereto.
13. The jewelry piece according to claim 2, wherein said piece
comprises more than one attachment mechanism.
14. A jewelry setting apparatus comprising one or more settings
and an attachment mechanism, said apparatus adapted for use with
a jewelry piece as defined in claim 1.
15. The jewelry setting apparatus according to claim 14, comprising
at least one setting wherein one or more of the settings comprises
one or more through-holes adapted to align with a hole in the jewelry
piece to facilitate attachment of said setting(s) to said piece.
16. An attachment mechanism adapted for use with a jewelry piece
as defined in claim 1, said mechanism comprising one of a pin, a
latch and a magnet or combination thereof.
Patent Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed
in Israel application number 171089 of Sep. 26, 2005, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to jewelry, particularly jewelry
comprising settings for precious stones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Jewelry pieces such as rings which are designed to allow
their gem-stone settings to be removed and replaced with another
setting have been described in the art.
[0004] Such capability has been found desirable so as to allow
a different look for the jewelry, for example, to better suit a
particular occasion, or simply to change the look of the jewelry
piece.
[0005] Examples of such jewelry is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,470
to Isaacson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,989 to Dillabough.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,470 describes a ring having a means
for inserting a replaceable insert unit containing a gem stone or
any other type of setting such that the insert unit is securely
held in place in a mounting but can be readily replaced by a similar
unit containing another setting. The mounting is adapted to hold
a sleeve with a hinged door that fits across the inside opening.
The setting is positioned in a crown and both are soldered within
a casing having projecting edges that fit snugly within and project
through a sleeve that is soldered inside the mounting. The gem stone,
casing and crown constitute the replaceable unit.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,989 discloses an interchanging setting
for jewelry with male and female findings, for joining the setting
to the jewelry. The female finding contains tapered lips which form
a slotted key way, and an internal spring to provide bias against
a key when inserted into the key way; The male finding has a key
made up of a bar pin with tabs extending perpendicular from the
bar pin. The key fits into the key way with the tabs extending out
into the slotted key way. As the key is inserted the spring provides
a bias. The key is turned 90 degrees and the tabs rotate under the
tapered lips until the tabs rest in notches on the lips. The spring
holds the key firmly in place. Conventional fingers attached to
the male finding provide a mount for a stone or other desired setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to jewelry pieces, including
ornamental pieces, which are designed to have settings, such as
gemstone settings, attached thereto. The present invention further
relates to an attachment mechanism for use with such jewelry pieces
and settings or setting apparatus for use therewith.
[0009] The jewelry piece according to the present invention has
a replaceable/exchangeable jewelry setting and is adapted to allow
an option for said piece to be assembled with either one jewelry
setting or a combination of jewelry settings. The one jewelry setting
can be, for example, a central (solitaire) gem-stone setting or
a wing gem-stone setting. The combination of settings, for example,
can be the central setting combined with the wing setting (or other
type settings) or combined with more than one other such setting.
[0010] The attachment mechanism and setting apparatus of the present
invention are a mechanism and apparatus adapted for providing the
afore-mentioned flexibility of gem-stone setting arrangement. The
mechanism may comprise a pin, clasp, magnets, and so on, for such
purpose. The setting apparatus comprises one or more settings that
correspond to such an attachment mechanism and the jewelry piece
and as such may comprise one or more holes, notches, housings, etc.
[0011] For convenience, the term ring will be used hereinafter
to denote a broad variety of jewelry or ornamental pieces, including
but not limited to: rings, earrings, bracelets (wrist/ankle, etc.),
necklaces, belt buckles, head-dress pieces, and so on, adapted to
have a jewelry setting assembled or attached thereto.
[0012] The term jewelry piece is meant to denote such a ring (jewelry
or ornamental pieces) further comprising a jewelry setting, typically
with a gem-stone held therein.
[0013] It is a particular feature of the ring of the present invention
that the settings thereof can be removed and selectively replaced.
For instance, a central or solitaire setting and a "wing"
setting (i.e. a setting intended to hold gems on either side of
the solitaire setting) may both be part of the ring; or just the
solitaire setting or just the wing setting may be set thereon. Additional
or alternative settings may also be present.
[0014] The above feature can be realized by using a number of different
attachment mechanisms, those which are novel and constitute another
particular feature of the invention and otherwise, several of which
a number of examples will be illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention may be more clearly understood upon reading
of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary
embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings, in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment
of a ring according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded sectional side view of the ring of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and side views, respectively, of
the ring of the present invention showing settings assembled thereon;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a view of portion III of FIG. 2 showing an attachment
mechanism of the present invention in the assembled position;
[0020] FIG. 6 is view similar to that of FIG. 5, showing a couple
of exemplary modifications to the attachment mechanism of the ring
of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a sectional side view illustrating an embodiment
of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 5; and
[0022] FIGS. 8-15 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of
attachment mechanisms according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the figures, there is shown a jewelry piece
represented by a ring 10 having an inner surface 12, an outer surface
14, a front surface 16, and a rear surface 18. An opening or hole
20 leads from the front to the rear surface and there is an annular
separation element 21 typically disposed essentially midway in the
hole. It is important to note that the hole 20 need not be completely
through the ring, in other words it need not be a through-hole (for
example, as seen in FIG. 8), however a through-hole is likely to
achieve a somewhat stronger attachment, and the hole 20 is in most
cases the hole is shown as a through-hole in the figures.
[0024] The ring 10 further comprises a solitaire setting 22 and
a wing setting 24; the solitaire setting having two lower projections
26 each having a hole 28 corresponding with the hole 20.
[0025] The solitaire setting 22 has branches 30 (four branches
in the embodiments illustrated in the figures), which are designed
to hold a gem (not shown) and these branches have outer surfaces
32. The wing setting 24 has two pairs of outer branches 34 and two
pairs of inner branches 36 having inner surfaces 38. The outer surfaces
32 of the branches 30 of the solitaire setting 22 and the inner
surfaces of the inner branches 36 of the wing setting 24 are typically
designed to correspond with each other in a smooth and elegant manner
(best seen in FIG. 4A).
[0026] The projections 26 of the solitaire setting 22 are separated
from each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of
the ring 10. This distance should be such that the setting 22 can
be easily slid over the front and rear surfaces 14 and 16, however,
typically there is some friction between the setting and the surfaces
which helps to hold it in place during assembly. The branches 34
of the wing setting 24 are similarly separated by a distance corresponding
to the thickness of the ring 10, typically with the same fit on
the surfaces 14 and 16 as just described. The ring 10 may comprise
a ring projection 39 for helping to align the settings 22 and 24
with the ring's hole 20 upon assembly of the ring. In such case,
the solitaire setting 22 typically comprises an opening or recess
41 corresponding to the ring projection.
[0027] The ring 10 further comprises an attachment mechanism 40
for attaching the solitaire setting 22, and if desired, also the
wing setting 24, as will be explained herein below. The attachment
mechanism 40 includes a pin 42 with a two-tiered head 44, two resilient
members constituted by annular-shaped springs 46 and two stopper
elements constituted by thick washers 48, which typically have a
cut 50 to provide the washers with a degree of resiliency and provide
for a tight fit in the hole 20. The two-tiered aspect of the pin's
head 44 provides a gap 51 (FIGS. 5 and 6) whereby the pin's head
44 can be conveniently gripped using one's finger-nail(s).
[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 also well illustrate the positioning of the
springs 46 and washers 48, the springs being sandwiched in the middle
and the washers on the outside, typically flush with the front and
rear surfaces 16 and 18 of the ring 10.
[0029] Also noticeable is that there is typically a small space
53 between the periphery of the springs 46 and the wall of the hole
20. This space 53 provides a volume into which the springs 46 can
expand, which occurs temporarily when the pin 42 is inserted. After
the pin 42 is fully inserted, the springs relax into the pin's notches
54 and the periphery of the springs 46 contract leaving the space
53.
[0030] As should be obvious from the figures (particularly FIGS.
3 and 5), the springs 46 and washers 48 are design to snugly fit
within the hole 20 and the springs are separated by the annular
separation element 21.
[0031] The pin 42 has a stem 52 with a pair of annular notches
54 which correspond in size and location to the springs 46. The
diameter of the stem 52 is typically such that it can slide through
the annular separation element 21 and washers 48, but without space
for shimmy or "play", and typically with some snugness
of fit. However, the springs 46 are so designed so that there is
required a resilient displacement thereof when the stem 52 is inserted,
this resiliency being relieved only when the springs are aligned
with the notches 54 to thus hold the pin 42 in place in the assembled
position (FIGS. 3 and 5).
[0032] Assembly and disassembly:
[0033] When the ring 10 is assembled upon manufacture, the springs
46 and washers 48 are inserted into the hole 20, disposed in the
manner described above with reference to the figures. The wing setting
24 is then slid on the ring above (i.e. adjacent to) the hole; the
solitaire setting 22 is then slid on the ring above/adjacent to
the hole, i.e. within the inner branches 36 of the wing setting
and straddling the projection 39--if the ring includes same; and
finally the pin 42 is inserted in the hole. The pin 42 is held firmly
in the hole 20 by the notches 54 in the stem 52, though the resiliency
of the springs 46 allows for the pin to be removed without undue
force.
[0034] However, when assembled and disassembled by a user, only
the pin 42 is removed and re-inserted and the springs 46 and washers
48 continue to remain snugly fixed in the hole 20. For ease of disassembly,
the pin 42 is pulled out of the hole 20, typically gripped by the
finger-nails.
[0035] With the above-apparent ease, assembly and disassembly of
the ring 10 allows either the solitaire setting 22 alone to be the
ring setting or else both the solitaire setting 22 and the wing
setting 24 may be set thereon to provide a gem-stone ring with a
flexible look in a matter of seconds. The assembly arrangement is
understood from FIGS. 1 and 2; and the arrangement of the settings
22 and 24 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, being examples wherein both
settings are used.
[0036] Clearly, additional embodiments having other setting arrangements
(e.g. additional settings in one location, additional settings in
further locations using auxiliary holes, etc) can be devised within
the scope of the present invention, mutatis mutandis.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a couple of the many possible modifications
of a ring of the present invention. For instance, it may have a
modified attachment mechanism 40a wherein a modified hole 20a includes
annular channels 56 adjacent the annular separation element 21.
Though possibly requiring more machining in manufacture, these channels
56 may ease initial assembly of the ring 10.
[0038] Another exemplary modification is evident by a notch 58
at the distal end of a modified pin 42a which may be used for setting
of a gem (not shown) therein.
[0039] Many embodiments of the ring and attachment mechanism of
the present invention can be devised, and the following brief descriptions
will illustrate a few of them.
[0040] In FIG. 7 there is shown an embodiment of an attachment
mechanism 70 which is similar to those previously described, however
with only one spring 46 and one washer 48 and a slightly modified
hole 20a, being narrower in the rear portion thereof in light of
there not being a second spring and washer. As noticed, a modified
pin 42a with only one annular notch 54 is required.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows what is possibly the simplest attachment mechanism
involving a pin. Here, an attachment mechanism 80 comprises a relatively
simple pin 42b with no notches and a simple hole 20b. Here, the
attachment aspect is constituted by a pressure fit.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a similar looking attachment mechanism 90 to
that of FIG. 8, wherein the pin is in the form of a screw 42c and
therefore this embodiment comprises a hole 20c which is threaded.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment that uses an attaching mechanism
100 comprising a pin 42d with a stem 52d having a hemispherical
ball 102 (which could be a spherical ball, a pair of balls, etc.)
biased outward from the pin, by a spring 104. A hole 20d has a corresponding
recess 106 to hold the pin 42d therein although is should be obvious
that like in all of the embodiments, the pin can be readily removed
by pulling thereon, unscrewing it, or as the case may be.
[0044] FIG. 11 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an attachment
mechanism 110 usable in a ring of the present invention wherein
there is a pin 42e whose stem 52e has a small and smooth projection
112 which is designed to be held behind a projection 114 of a hole
20e. To aid in the force holding the pin 42e in the hole 20e, the
stem may undergo a minor bending upon insertion; and removal upon
disassembly/removal.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates an attachment mechanism 120 wherein
the ring has a pin 42f with a magnet 122 adjacent its distal end.
Housed in the ring is another magnet 124, typically at a location
adjacent that of the pin's magnet 122. The pin 42f is thus held
in the ring when in the assembled situation, yet the pin can be
readily removed for allowing a different setting arrangement to
be used.
[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates an attachment mechanism 130 wherein
the ring has a vertical hole 20g with a pin 42g typically inserted
in a direction entering via the inner surface 12 of the ring. The
pin 42g may have a head 44g designed to correspond to a depression
132 in the hole 20g so that the inner surface 12 is smooth and comfortable
for a wearer's finger. Furthermore, the pin's head 44g is typically
flat or slightly contoured for the same reason. The pin 42g has
been shown in the form of a screw and thus there is shown a solitaire
setting 22g with a threaded bore 134.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates another attachment mechanism 140 of
a somewhat different type than those previously described. Here,
the mechanism 140 comprises a clasp 142 which can be attached, typically,
to the solitaire setting 22. To close the clasp 142 (assemble the
setting(s) on the ring) the clasp has an arm 144 which is moved
under the inner surface 12 and clasped on the other side of the
solitaire setting 22. There is typically a notch 146 in the inner
surface 12 and a notch 148 in the wing setting 24 to accommodate
the arm 144 of the clasp 142 which also has the effect of holding
the settings 24 and/or 22 at a particular position and provides
for a comfortable inner surface. However, a variety of attachment
mechanisms, including those described herein and not described herein,
may be used, mutatis mutandis.
[0048] FIG. 15 illustrates yet another attachment mechanism 150,
which is fairly similar to that of FIG. 1. One of the main differences
is that instead of the washer 48 that is adjacent the head 44 of
the pin 42, there is a ring portion or stopping member 152 that
blocks the spring 46, adjacent thereto. Thus there is a need for
only one washer, for example, a washer 48a, which is similar to
washer 48 except that it is typically of a completely annular configuration,
i.e. with no cut 50.
[0049] It should be clearly understood by now that many attachment
mechanisms could be employed (including those not described or illustrated
herein, which may use snap fitting arrangements, L-shaped slots
for locking via entry and rotation, or a variety of other methods
and configurations) to achieve the particular feature of a ring
of the present invention in which the settings thereof can be removed
and selectively replaced.
[0050] It should be noted, with consideration of its geometry,
an existing ring may potentially be adapted (e.g. machined) to have
an appropriate hole, notch, (for example as described above), or
the like, whereby an attachment mechanism of the present invention
could be retro-fitted for use in an existing ring after the ring
is appropriately adapted--typically by machining. As such, various
settings, for example those mentioned herein, could be connected
to such an adapted ring.
[0051] While a number of embodiments of the jewelry and attachment
mechanism of the present invention have been described, it should
obvious to one skilled in the art that there are various rings and
attachment mechanisms that can be devised according to the present
invention with numerous modifications possible and that the above
description is merely explanatory.
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