US20030177787A1

US20030177787A1 - Adjustable circumference finger ring

Info

Publication number: US20030177787A1
Application number: US10/104,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Li-Sheng Kuo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-25
Filing date: 2002-03-25
Publication date: 2003-09-25
Also published as: CA2393992A1; DE20207791U1

Abstract

An adjustable circumference finger ring, the finger ring of which is comprised of two semicircular members and a flexile linkage structure that couples one extremity of the two semicircular members such that the two semicircular members can be spread apart and the finger ring worn and removed without passing over the finger joint of the user. The two semicircular members have a circumference adjustment structure disposed at their opposite extremities that enables the two semicircular members to be structured into a into a rigid circular arrangement and, furthermore, allows for the circumferential adjustment of the finger ring as required to accommodate the finger diameter of the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The invention herein relates to finger rings, specifically an adjustable circumference finger ring capable of being pivoted apart and, furthermore, varied in circumference.

2) Description of the Related Art

Finger rings are currently the most commonly observed type of ornamental jewelry and in order to further attract consumers with a newer varieties, many manufacturers are focusing on breakthroughs in exterior appearance and minimizing ring wearing problems. The most typical problem is that finger diameter and the fixed circumference of annular band do not match, resulting in easy loosening or wearing difficulty. The approach usually used by manufacturers to solve this problem is to produce a same model finger ring in a range of different circumferences for wearer selection. As a result, finger ring production cost is higher and does not meet the requirements of economic advantage. Another approach is to design the annular band of the finger ring in a expandable arrangement and thereby utilize the material of the annular band to fabricate a finger ring that accommodates fingers of differing diameters. However, since such annular bands tend to contort, an appealing circular shape cannot be maintained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the invention herein is to provide an adjustable circumference finger ring in which the user can wear and remove the finger ring without sliding it past the finger joint and wherein the circumference of the finger ring is adjustable to accommodate finger diameter to thereby increase wearing comfort and prevent the dislodging of the finger ring.

Therefore, the technological means to achieve the said objectives of the invention herein includes: the finger ring is comprised of two semicircular members and a flexile linkage structure that couples one extremity of the two semicircular members such that the two semicircular members can be spread apart, with the two semicircular members and having a circumference adjustment structure disposed at their opposite extremities that enables the circumferential variation of the finger ring as required to accommodate the finger diameter of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment finger ring of the invention herein. [0007]
FIG. 2 is an isometric drawing of the first embodiment flexile linkage structure of the invention herein. [0008]
FIG. 3A is an exploded drawing of the second embodiment flexile linkage structure of the invention herein. [0009]
FIG. 3B is an isometric drawing of the second embodiment flexile linkage structure of the invention herein. [0010]
FIG. 4A is an isometric drawing of the third embodiment flexile linkage structure of the invention herein. [0011]
FIG. 4B is an orthographic drawing of the third embodiment flexile linkage structure of the invention herein. [0012]
FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the fourth embodiment of the invention herein. [0013]
FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the fourth embodiment circumference alteration of the invention herein. [0014]
FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the fifth embodiment of the invention herein. [0015]
FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the fifth embodiment ring style change of the invention herein. [0016]
FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the sixth embodiment of the invention herein. [0017]
FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional drawing of the sixth embodiment ring circumference adjustment structure of the invention herein. [0018]
FIG. 8A is an isometric drawing of the seventh embodiment of the invention herein. [0019]
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional drawing of the seventh embodiment ring circumference adjustment structure of the invention herein. [0020]
FIG. 9A is an isometric drawing of the eighth embodiment of the invention herein. [0021]
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional drawing of the eighth embodiment of the invention herein.[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the [0023] annular band 10 of the said finger ring is comprised of two semicircular members 20 and 30; a flexile linkage structure 40 at one extremity of the two semicircular members 20 and 30 that conjoins them together and enables the two semicircular members 20 and 30 to pivot apart; and a circumference adjustment structure 50 at the opposite extremity of the said two semicircular members 20 and 30 that couples them together and enables the two semicircular members 20 and 30 to become structured into a rigid circular arrangement and, furthermore, allows for the circumferential variation of the annular band 10 as required to accommodate the finger diameter of the wearer.
The said [0024] flexile linkage structure 40 and circumference adjustment structure 50 can be configured into in a plurality of embodiments. The several example embodiments below are presented for purposes of explanation, but shall not be construed as a limitation on the patent rights of the invention herein and, furthermore, all modifications and adaptations based on the said principles shall remain within the proposed scope and claims of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the drawings of the first embodiment of the invention herein, the [0025] flexile linkage structure 40 of the said embodiment consists of a tongue 211 protruding from one extremity of the first semicircular member 20 and a clevis 313 extending from one extremity of the second semicircular member 30 that is fitted onto the two sides of the said tongue 211, with a pivot pin 311 next inserted through both the tongue 211 and the clevis 313 to conjoin the said extremities of the two semicircular members 20 and 30, which are then capable of spreading apart.
The [0026] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of a segmental element 212 extending from the opposite extremity of the first semicircular member 20, with a notch 213 formed at the upper extent of the said segmental element 212; the open end of the said segmental element 212 faces the notch 213 due to a tensile section 215 formed by an acute angular bend; the said tensile section 215 has a tail block 216 and, furthermore, a plurality of undulating grooves 217 are disposed on the upper surface of the said tensile section 215; the opposite extremity of the second semicircular member 30 is hollow, with a ridge 312 is formed at the upper extent of the inner wall; the said segmental element 212 and tensile section 215 are inserted, by reducing their included angle, into the hollow extremity of the second semicircular member 30 and the ridge 312 engages the undulating grooves 217, with the elastic force of the said tensile section 215 keeping the ridge 312 in position against the undulating grooves 217; conversely, if the tail block 216 is squeezed to reduce the included angle between the said segmental element 212 and tensile section 215, the said section releases the said second semicircular member 30 or adjusts it to another position along the undulating grooves 217, where the ridge 312 becomes re-engaged, thereby achieving a variable circumference that accommodates the finger diameter of the wearer.
As indicated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the drawings of the second embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0027] flexile linkage structure 40 consists of a clevis 23 extending from one extremity of the first semicircular member 20, an open ended snap-fit hole 231 formed in each of the two parallel lateral arms of the said clevis 23, a crosswise head section 33 extending from one extremity of the second semicircular member 30, and a cylindrical tip 34 disposed at each lateral end of the head section 33, wherein the cylindrical tips 34 are slipped into the snap-fit holes 231 of the said clevis 23 and, furthermore, the cylindrical tips 34 are capable pivoting in the snap-fit holes 231 and enables the spreading apart of the semicircular members 20 and 30.
As indicated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the drawings of the third embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0028] flexile linkage structure 40 consists of a sigmoidal clasp 22 rolled at one extremity of the first semicircular member 20 and a cylindrical head 32 extending from one extremity of the second semicircular member 30, wherein the said cylindrical head 32 is slid into an opening disposed laterally along the length of the said clasp 22 such that the clasp 22 is postured around the said cylindrical head 32 and, furthermore, the said cylindrical head 32 is capable of pivoting therein, enabling the pivoting apart of the two semicircular members 20 and 30.
As indicated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the drawings of the fourth embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0029] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of a stationary pawl 36 disposed vertically at one extremity of the second semicircular member 30, an anchoring segment 24 extending from one extremity of the first semicircular member 20, and a plurality of constraining holes 241 formed along the length of the anchoring segment 24, wherein the stationary pawl 36 is lodged into a constraining hole 241 to enable the conjoinment of the two semicircular members 20 and 30 or the selection of a different constraining hole 241 to alter the circumference of the finger ring.
As indicated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the drawings of the fifth embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0030] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of two toothed segments 11 and 12 respectively extending in an overlapping lower and upper arrangement from the two semicircular members 20 and 30 of the annular band 10 such that the facing interdental surfaces provides for conjoinment into a circular body and, furthermore, different interlocking positions to permit varying the circumference of the finger ring.
As indicated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the drawings of the sixth embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0031] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of two converging segments 13 and 14 respectively extending in an overlapping upper and lower arrangement from the two semicircular members 20 and 30 of the annular band 10, a plurality of notches 141 formed along the upper extent of the converging element 14 underneath, a threaded hole 131 disposed through the converging segment 13 above, and an Allen-head hex screw 15 that is fastened into the threaded hole 131 and selectively bottomed into different notches 141 to change the circumference of the finger ring.
As indicated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the drawings of the seventh embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0032] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of a short post 17 projecting from one extremity of the second semicircular member 30 of the annular band 10 and a nut 18 situated on the said post 17 such that the said nut 18 revolves on the said post 17 but cannot travel forward or backward, and a threaded section 16 formed on the first semicircular member 20 of the annular band 10, wherein the said threaded section 16 is fastened into the said nut 18 and rotating the said nut 18 controls the said threaded section 16 forward or backward, thereby varying the circumference of the said annular band 10.
As indicated in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the eight embodiment of the invention herein, the said [0033] circumference adjustment structure 50 of the said embodiment consists of a pin 51 and 52 projecting from the two sides at one extremity of the first semicircular member 20, a holding channel 53 that provides for alignment with the opposing extremity of the annular band 10, a plurality of pin slots 54 formed in the two sides of the said holding channel 53, with the bottom end of each pin slot 54 horizontally deviated, wherein the said pin slots 54 provide for the insertion of the pins 51 and 52 and their sliding into the horizontally deviated bottom portion of the said slots, thereby retaining the said pins 51 and 52 and conjoining the annular band 10 and providing a selection of differently positioned 9 pin slots 54 to enable the altering of the finger ring circumference.
The said embodiments of the [0034] flexile linkage structure 40 and the circumference adjustment structure 50 consists of interchangeable arrangements. The flexile linkage structure 40 enables the enlargement and reduction of the annular band 10 such that the user spreads apart the annular band 10 to place it on the finger and, while the annular band 10 is brought together to fit the finger, the circumference adjustment structure 50 is utilized to incrementally determine the particular circumference that best accommodates the wearer of the finger ring. Conversely, by releasing the said circumference adjustment structure 50, the said annular band 10 is spread apart to remove the finger ring. Since the finger ring does not have to slide over the finger joint during removal, the procedure entails no inconvenience problems and, furthermore, the capability of the circumference adjustment structure 50 to variably become a finger ring of a certain circumference increases wearing comfort and prevents the accidental dislodging of the finger ring, with the structure of the invention herein suitable for finger rings constructed of metal or plastic materials.

Claims

1. An adjustable circumference finger ring comprised of:

Two semicircular members that are conjoined to form the annular band of the said finger ring:

A flexile linkage structure at one extremity of the said two semicircular members that enables the said two semicircular members to pivot apart.

A circumference adjustment structure at the opposite extremity of the said two semicircular members that couples them together into a rigid said annular band and, furthermore, allows for the circumferential variation of the said annular band as required.

2. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said flexile linkage structure consists of a tongue protruding from one extremity of the first said semicircular member and a clevis extending from one extremity of the second said semicircular member that is fitted onto the two sides of the said tongue, with a pivot pin next inserted through both the said tongue and the said clevis to conjoin the said extremities of the said two semicircular members.

3. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said flexile linkage structure consists of a sigmoidal clasp rolled at one extremity of the first said semicircular member and a cylindrical head extending from one extremity of the second said semicircular member, wherein the said clasp is postured around the said cylindrical head such that the said cylindrical head pivots inside the said clasp as the said semicircular members are spread apart.

4. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said flexile linkage structure consists of a clevis extending from one extremity of the first said semicircular member, an open ended snap-fit hole formed in each of the two parallel lateral arms of the said clevis, a crosswise head section extending from one extremity of the second said semicircular member, and a cylindrical tip disposed at each lateral end of the said head section, wherein the said cylindrical tips are slipped into the said snap-fit holes of the said clevis and, furthermore, the said cylindrical tips are capable pivoting in the said snap-fit holes as the said semicircular members are spread apart.

5. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of a segmental element extending from the one extremity of the first said semicircular member, a tensile section formed by an acute angular bend at the open end of the said segmental element, and a plurality of undulating grooves disposed on the upper surface of the said tensile section; one extremity of the second said semicircular member is hollow, with a ridge is formed on the inner wall, wherein the said segmental element and the said tensile section are inserted into the hollow extremity of the second said semicircular member and the said ridge engages the said undulating grooves.

6. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of a stationary pawl disposed vertically at one extremity of the second said semicircular member, an anchoring segment extending from one extremity of the first said semicircular member, and a plurality of constraining holes formed along the length of the said anchoring segment, wherein the said stationary pawl is lodged into a said constraining hole.

7. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of two toothed segments respectively extending in an overlapping lower and upper arrangement from the said two semicircular members such that the facing interdental surfaces conjoin the said two semicircular members.

8. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of two converging segments respectively extending in an overlapping upper and lower arrangement from the said two semicircular members, a plurality of notches formed along the upper extent of the second said converging element underneath, a threaded hole disposed through the first said converging segment above, and an Allen-head hex screw that is fastened into the said threaded hole and bottomed into a said notch.

9. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of a short post projecting from one extremity of the second said semicircular member, a nut situated on the said post, and a threaded section formed on the first said semicircular member, wherein the said threaded section is fastened into the said nut.

10. As mentioned in claim 1 of the adjustable circumference finger ring of the invention herein, the said circumference adjustment structure consists of a pin projecting from the two sides at one extremity of the first said semicircular member, a holding channel in juxtaposition with the second said semicircular member that provides for the aligned insertion of the second said semicircular member, and a plurality of pin slots formed in the two sides of the said holding channel that provides for the insertion and positioning of the said pins.