EP2200472A1

EP2200472A1 - Adjustable sized jewelry

Info

Publication number: EP2200472A1
Application number: EP07841459A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edward Czajka; Puzant Khatchadourian
Original assignee: Hearts On Fire Company LLC; HEARTS ON FIRE Co LLC
Current assignee: Hearts On Fire Company LLC; HEARTS ON FIRE Co LLC
Priority date: 2007-08-28
Filing date: 2007-08-28
Publication date: 2010-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-28
Also published as: CN101795595A; WO2009029093A1; EP2200472A4; EP2200472B1; HK1145614A1; CN101795595B

Abstract

A size adjustable item of jewelry has a plurality of movable inserts placed within a channel or a groove formed into the inner circumferential surface of body frame of generally a ring shape. The movable inserts are biased towards the radial center of the body frame by an elastic member, and thus can move in a radial direction with respect to the body frame such that inner surfaces facing the radial center of the movable inserts together define another generally ring shape of varying radius, and thereby allows the size of the ring shaped jewelry to be adjusted within a range of sizes.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SIZED JEWELRY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improvement in jewelry and a method for making the same, and more specifically relates to an item of jewelry, such as a ring or a bracelet suitable for wearing over a person's finger or wrist, having a spring actuated size adjustment mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Determining a person's ring size is often a difficult proposition because ring sizes (or a wrist size in the case of a bracelet) vary over time. For example, while an individual might be measured for a given ring size when purchasing a ring on a particular da}', various factors ultimately affect a person's actual ring size on a given day. For example, various physiological conditions are known to affect ring size. A person's fingers might swell as a result of hormonal changes or water retention. Water retention might be exacerbated by other factors such as the amount of salt intake as part of a person's diet. Weight gain and weight loss over a period of time also affect a person's ring size. Even weather conditions on a given day may affect ring size. Additionally, often a person's knuckles are greater in size than the person's ring size. As a result, it is often difficult to get a properly sized ring placed over a person's knuckle.

As a result of some or all these factors, a person's ring size (or bracelet size) may vary greatly from one day to the next, from one season to the next, and from one year to the next. Since people often purchase jewelry to be worn frequently, or even daily, over a large period of time, these changes in ring size have proven to be annoying, costly and extremely problematic. For example, if a person's ring is too tight on a given day, the person might not be able to place the ring on his or her finger that day and might be forced to leave it at home. This is very annoying to a person who purchased the ring to wear every day, or who merely wanted to wear the ring on that particular day. Similar problems may arise if the ring is too loose on a given day and a person is forced to leave the ring at home or alternatively risk losing the ring if it falls off the person's finger unexpectedly.

Various methods have been developed to address this problem in the past, One common method, mentioned above, is to not wear a piece of jewelry that is too tight or too loose on a particular day. This is not practical or ideal for a person who purchased the jewelry to wear on a daily basis or who merely wanted or needed to wear the item of jewelry on that day. Another common method is to purchase jewelry (either the same item or different items) having different sizes. In that way, if a person's fingers were to sweil or contract on a given day, the person could merely substitute a different sized ring on that day. However, this solution is extremely impractical and costly for most individuals to utilize.

Another common solution is to go to a jeweler and have the ring re-sized. While this option is frequently used, it too presents a number of problems. Enlargement of a ring can be accomplished in various ways. One way is through mechanical stretching, such as by placing the ring on a mandrel and striking it with a mallet to enlarge the opening. This can only be done if the amount of stretching required is small. Another, more intrusive way is to insert an extra piece of metal into the band. The insertion of additional material is more costly, may introduce imperfections into the metal, and often results in seams or areas of the ring that don't match. No matter how sophisticated the jeweler or the tools used, any stretching stresses the metal and there is always a risk of the ring snapping. Moreover, there is a limit to how far a ring can be stretched. Further, where stones are included in the ring, the stones must often be removed before the stretching can take place. Any time the stones are removed there is a risk of damage and/or loss. Sizing down a ring can also be accomplished in a variety of ways. Where the change is small, the size can be made smaller by mechanically compressing the ring. If the ring is made of several metals (such as white and yellow gold), compression is typically not used as it might result in breaking the two metals apart. Where the change of size is greater, or where stones are included in the ring, sizing down the ring requires removing any stones, cutting out a portion of the ring, and then re-soldering the remaining portions together. This method is more costly and provides a greater risk of damaging the ring.

There are a number of problems with using a jeweler to re-size a ring. While this method is often useful for infrequent and small size adjustments, it is stili costly and time consuming. Most importantly, it is completely impractical for addressing the day to day variations in ring size that most people typically encounter. For example, it would be almost useless to size a ring up a quarter size one day because a person's fingers are swollen, only to size it back down a few days later when the person's fingers return to a less swollen state.

Various adjustable size rings are also described in the prior art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,412,956 to Levy, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a variable sized hinged ring that may be worn in a closed position or in a number of open positions. The ring includes a center shank member and first and second side shank members, each of which is hinged to the center shank member and an elongated sizing section that has a plurality of stops for determining the circumferential ring size. Thus, the ring can be opened and closed by the wearer to provide several different ring sizes. One problem with this system is that it can only accommodate the ring sizes corresponding to the stops provided. Another problem is that is must be manually opened and closed by the user. Further, once the ring size is expanded, the interior surface of the ring no longer presents a smooth, uninterrupted surface to the wearer and is thus very uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, once the ring size is expanded, the finger opening no longer has a generally constant shape and therefore the appearance to the user and others is much less attractive than a standard shaped ring.

Another ring adjustment mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,943,882 to Erb, which is incorporated herein by reference. Erb discloses a self sizing adjustable ring including a U-shaped shank member and a bridge member permanently connected to the shank member but movable up and down the shank member to adjust for the size of a user's fingers. The bridge member is manually adjustable by the user over a variety of different positions and is held in place using a frictional force created between the bridge and the shank member. One problem with this system is that it can only be used with U-shaped ring bodies. Another problem is that the bridge member is kept in place using frictional forces. It would be quite easy for the bridge member to disengage and move unintentionally. Additionally, the disclosed ring design requires a securement member attached to the bridge member to frictϊonally engage the exterior surface of the shank member. This results in an unattractive appearance to the user and others because the disclosed ring does not provide the appearance of an ordinary ring.

Yet another ring adjustment mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,003,334 to Miller, which is incorporated herein by reference. Miller discloses a finger ring size adjusting device and method including a ring shank and a cradle which is biased radially inward from the shank and is moveable between a retracted position and an adjusted position for reducing ring size. The cradle may be biased inwardly toward the adjusted position by a leaf spring in one embodiment, and by a lever arm in an alternate embodiment. One problem with this system is that the disclosed system includes only one cradle at the bottom of the ring shank. Only two possible ring sizes are provided - a smaller ring size and a larger ring size. There is no accommodation of a variety of ring sizes. Additionally, when the cradle is in its inward position, the ring does not provide a unitary, smooth, generally round inner surface. The inner surface would include gaps in which a user's skin could become pinched. Moreover, the appearance of the ring is less attractive as the lever or spring is visible through the opening in the ring.

Despite the various ring adjustment systems and methods known in the art, there still remains a need for a ring having a size that can be adjusted simply and easily by the wearer to account for day to day fluctuations in a person's ring size and to account for variations in finger size such as those caused by a larger knuckle region. There also remains a need for an adjustable ring that can accommodate a variety of different ring sizes within a specified range. Additionally, there is a need for an adjustable ring such that a jeweler can stock rings in fewer sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to adjustable jewelry comprising a ring portion having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an opening for receiving an appendage of a wearer therethrough; a channel is formed into the ring portion, a plurality of size adjustment segments are disposed in the channel, and an elastic member is disposed in the channel to bias the segments radially inwardly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAMNGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention as well as alternate embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numbers correspond to like elements, and in which:

FIG. IA is a perspective view of an adjustable ring according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a plurality of movable segments movable between a first position and a second position;

FIG. IB is a front elevational view of the ring shown in FlG. IA; FIG. 1C is a side elevationa! view of the ring shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. ID is an exploded perspective view of the ring shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. IE is a cross-sectional side view of the movable segment shown in FIG. ID;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an adjustable ring according to another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a plurality of movable segments movable between a first position and a second position;

FIG. 2B is an elevational front view of the ring shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an elevational side view of the ring shown in FIG. 2 A;

FIG. 2D is a top view of the ring shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG, 2E is an exploded perspective view of the ring shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a side view of the movable segment shown in FIG. 2E;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an adjustable ring according to yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a plurality of movable segments movable between a first position and a second position;

FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the ring shown in FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the ring shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is an exploded perspective view of the ring shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the movable segments shown in FIG. 3D;

FIG. 3F is a cross sectional side view of a movable segment taken through lines 3F-3F of FIG. 3E;

FIG. 3G is a cross sectional view taken through lines 3G-3G of FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an adjustable ring according to yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a plurality of movable segments movable between a first position and a second position;

FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the ring shown in FIG. 4A; FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of the ring shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is an exploded perspective view of the ring shown in FIG. 4A;

FlG. 4E is a perspective view of the movable segments shown in FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4F is a cross sectional side view of a movable segment shown in FIG. 4D;

FΪG. 4G is a cross sectional view taken through lines 2-2 of FIG. 4a;

FIG. 5 A is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable ring according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the ring shown in FIG. 5 A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of an inside surface of the ring taken from points 5c- 5c of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view taken through lines 5d-5d of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5E is a side cross-sectional view of the ring shown in FIG. 5A illustrating a plurality of movable segments in a first position; and

FIG. 5F is a side cross-sectional view of the ring shown in FIG. 5A illustrating a plurality of movable segments in a second position.

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable jewelry according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is another exploded perspective view of an adjustable jewelry shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of an inside surface of the jewelry taken from points 6c-6c of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D is a cross sectional view taken through lines 6d-6d of FIG. 6B;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention and sets forth the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out their invention. Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Thus, these embodiments are provided by way of example only.

Referring now initially to FIGS, 1A-1E, one embodiment of an adjustable ring according to the present invention is shown. The ring includes a ring body 100 having an opening 160 for receiving a finger therethrough. The size of the opening 160 corresponds to the ring size. The ring body 100 includes an outer surface 114 and an inner surface 112. Preferably, the inner and outer surfaces 1 12, 114 have a generally circular or arcuate shape and form a generally cylindrical body. The outer surface 114 may include any manner of design or decoration and may include one or more jeweled stones, such as diamonds, mounted thereon. The outer and inner surfaces define a thickness (t) of the ring body 100, which can he selected as desired as is known in the art. The ring body 100 may be formed of any of a variety of materials, such as gold or silver, or any combination of materials, such as white and yellow gold. The ring body 100 may be formed in any of a variety of sizes by varying the diameter (d, d+t) of the inner and outer surfaces 112, 114, respectively, the thickness (t) and the width (w) of the ring body 100.

The adjustable ring according to this first embodiment also includes an insert portion HO. The insert portion 110 may be formed of a variety of materials but is preferably formed of the same material as the ring body 100. The insert portion 110 preferably has the same width (w) as the ring body 100, but a slightly smaller diameter so that it may be placed inside of the inner surface 112 of the ring body 100. Alternatively, a smaller width (w) may be selected. According to one aspect of the invention, the insert portion 110 is press fit into the ring body 100 so that it remains firmly in place. According to another aspect of the invention, the insert 1 10 may be integrally formed with the ring body 100. Additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, the inner surface 112 of the ring body may include a grooved region or channel (not shown) into which the insert 110 may be placed. The insert portion 110 includes an outer surface 116 which cooperates with the inner surface 1 12 of the ring body, and an inner surface 118. The insert portion 110 includes at least one opening 120 through which a movable segment 130 can move, although a plurality of openings 120 can be incorporated. According to one aspect of the invention, the insert portion 110 includes four openings 120 such that one of four movable segments can move through each of the openings 120.

The adjustable ring according to this first embodiment also includes one or more movable segments 130. As discussed above, according to one aspect of the invention, the adjustable ring includes four movable segments 130, each of which is movable through a respective opening 120 in the insert portion, such that the segments 130 can move between a first position and a second position. The movable segments 130 include an outer surface 132 and an inner surface 134, the inner surface 134 contacting the finger of the wearer. The outer surface 132 of the movable segment is coupled to one or more spring elements 140 to allow movement of the movable segment 130. Preferably, the outer surface 132 of the movable segments include one or more nesting regions 135 in which the spring elements 140 may be placed. The nests 135 preferably extend partially, but not fully, through the body of the movable segment 130, so that the spring element 140 can be seated within the movable segment 130. Preferably, the spring elements 140 are compression springs, although any type of appropriate spring may be used. The spring elements 140 should provide enough tension so that the ring is firmly secured to the user's finger using the movable segments 130 irregardless of the position at which the movable segments 130 are located. According to one aspect of the invention, as shown in FIGS. ID and IE, each movable segment 130 includes three nests 135, each of which houses an individual spring element 140.

According to a preferred aspect of the first embodiment, the outer surface 132 of the movable segment is larger than the inner surface 134 so that the outer surface 132 does not pass through the opening 120 of the insert portion 110 under tension from the spring elements 140 and during movement of the movable segment 130. In this way, the movable segments 130 are secured in place. However, any other suitable method of securing the movable segments 134 within the adjustable ring may instead be used.

In use. and before the user places the adjustable ring on the user's finger, the spring elements 140 are preferably uncompressed and in their natural state such that the inner surfaces 134 of the movable segments protrude through the openings 120 in the insert portion 110 to a first position 150. Λt this first position 150, the movable segments 130 create a reduced opening for the user's finger. As the user places the adjustable ring on his or her finger, the finger compresses the spring elements 140 and the movable segments 130 move outwardly to a second position, thus creating a expanded opening to fit over the user's finger. In this way, the compression and expansion of the spring elements 140 provide for an adjustable sized opening for the user's finger. Preferably, the movable segments 130 can move among a plurality of positions, thus accommodating a range of openings (i.e., ring sizes), limited principally by the height (h) of the movable segments 130 and the diameter of the ring portion 100. Preferably, movable segments 130 having a height of approximately Vi mm are used, thus providing a range of one ring size (e.g., between size 8 and 9. or between size 5 ¹A and 6 ¹A).

Referring now to FIGS. 2Λ-2F, a second embodiment of an adjustable ring according to the present invention is shown. The ring includes a ring body 200 having an opening 270 for receiving a finger therethrough. The ring body 200 includes a mounting region 220 to which a movable segment 230 may be hingably connected. The ring body 200 includes an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 204. Preferably, the outer and inner surfaces 202, 204 have a generally circular or arcuate shape and form a generally cylindrical body. According to one aspect of the invention, the inner surface 204 may include a channel or grooved region (not shown) into which the movable segment 230 may be recessed.

The outer surface 202 may include any manner of design or decoration and may include one or more jeweled stones, such as diamonds, mounted thereon. The outer surface 202 may include an insert region 210 having a mounting section 212 onto which a jeweled stone may be mounted. The outer and inner surfaces 202, 204 define a thickness (t) of the ring body 200, which can be selected as desired as is known in the art. Similar to the first embodiment, the ring body 200 may be formed of any of a variety of materials and may be formed in any of a variety of sizes.

The adjustable ring according to this second embodiment further includes one or more movable segments 230. Preferably, two movable segments are included, one on each side of the ring body 200. The movable segments 230 include an outer surface 234 and an inner surface 236, both of which are preferably arcuate shaped. The movable segments 230 further include a hinge area 232 through which the movable segments 230 are hingably connected to the ring body 200. Preferably, the movable segments 230 are hingably connected to the ring body 200 at the mounting region 220 using pins 225. However, any other known method of hingably connecting these components may instead be used.

The adjustable ring according to this second embodiment further includes one or more spring elements 260. Preferably, two spring elements are used, one coupled to each of the two movable segments 230. According to one aspect of the invention, the outer surface 234 of the movable segments includes a slot, channel or groove 250 into which the spring clement 260 can be placed. While any of a variety of types of springs may be used for the spring element 260, flat or wire springs are preferable.

In use, and before the user places the adjustable ring on the user's finger, the spring elements 260 are preferably uncompressed and in their natural state such that the movable segments 230 protrude into the ring opening 270 to a first position 240 a, b to create a reduced open area for the user's finger. Alternatively, the spring elements 260 may always be in some state of compression. The amount of protrusion of the movable segments 230 into the ring opening is selected to create the desired amount of variation in the size of the ring opening. As the user places the adjustable ring on his or her finger, the finger compresses the spring elements 260 and the movable segments 230 move outwardly to a second position 230 a, b, thus creating a expanded opening to fit over the user's finger. In this way, the compression and expansion of the spring elements 260 provide for an adjustable size opening for the user's finger. Preferably, the movable segments 230 can move among a plurality of positions, thus accommodating a range of openings (i.e.. ring sizes).

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3G, a third embodiment of an adjustable ring according to the present invention is shown. The ring includes a ring body 300 having an opening 370 for receiving a finger therethrough. The ring body 300 includes an outer surface 302 and an inner surface 304. Preferably, the inner and outer surfaces 302, 304 have a generally circular or arcuate shape and form a generally cylindrical body. According to one aspect of the invention, the inner surface 304 may include a channel or grooved region 308 into which the movable segment 330 may be placed. As described above, the outer surface 302 may include any manner of design or decoration. Additionally, as described above, the ring body 300 may be formed of any of a variety of materials and may be formed in any of a variety of sizes.

According to one aspect of the third embodiment of the invention, the adjustable ring further includes a locking ring 310 that is coupled to the ring portion 300. Preferably, two locking rings 310 are used, one placed on each side of the ring. The locking ring 310 includes an outer surface 305 and an inner surface 306. The outer surface 305 of the locking ring 310 cooperates with the inner surface 304 of the ring body 300. Preferably, the locking ring 310 is press fit into the ring body 300. While the locking rings 310 have been described as separate components, they may alternatively be pre-formed into the ring body 300 itself. The use of a locking ring 310 in conjunction with the ring body 300 helps provide a retaining mechanism for the movable segment(s) 330 as is described further below.

The adjustable ring according to this third embodiment further includes one or more movable segments 330. Preferably, three movable segments are used. The movable segments 330 include an outer surface 334 and an inner surface 332, both of which are preferably arcuate shaped. The movable segments 330 preferably include an overlap region 336 such that the placement of one movable segment 330 next to another results in a smooth seam 342 being formed at the inner surfaces 332 of the movable segments 330. In this way, a smooth, comfortable, generally continuous inner ring surface is provided to the user. According to one aspect of the invention, the outer surface 334 of the movable segments 330 include a channel or grooved region 338 for receiving and housing a spring element 350.

The adjustable ring according to this third embodiment further includes one or more spring elements 350. Preferably, three spring elements are used, one coupled to each of the three movable segments 330. While any of a variety of types of springs (e.g., compression springs as shown in FIGS 3D and 3G) may be used for the spring element 350, flat or wire springs are preferable.

The operation of the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to that described in connection with the earlier two embodiments. In use, and before the user places the adjustable ring on the user's finger, the spring elements 350 are preferably uncompressed and in their natural state such that the movable segments 330 protrude into the ring opening 370 to a first position 340 a, b, c to create a reduced open area for the user's finger. As the user places the adjustable ring on his or her finger, the finger compresses the spring elements 350 and the movable segments 330 move outwardly to a second position thus creating a expanded opening to fit over the user^'s finger. In this way, the compression and expansion of the spring elements 350 provide for an adjustable size opening for the user's finger. Preferably, the movable segments 330 can move among a plurality of positions, thus accommodating a range of openings (i.e., ring sizes).

A fourth embodiment of an adjustable ring according to the present invention is illustrated in FiGS. 4A-4G. This embodiment is similar in most respect to the third embodiment described above. The main difference is with regard to the movable segments 430. The fourth embodiment is preferably used in conjunction with a ring body 400 having a larger width (w), while the third embodiment is more preferably used in conjunction with a ring body 300 having a smaller width (w). The operation of this fourth embodiment is generally the same as that of the third embodiment. Thus, the adjustable ring according to the fourth embodiment preferably includes a ring portion 400 having an outer surface 402 and an inner surface 404, and preferably a groove or channel 408 in the inner surface 404. The adjustable ring also preferably includes two locking rings 410, one on each side of the ring body 400, which are preferably press fit into the ring body 400 to help retain the movable segments 430 in the ring. The adjustable ring further includes one or more spring elements 450, which, as contrasted with the third embodiment, are preferably coil or compression springs. According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of spring elements 450 are used in connection with each of a plurality of movable segments 430.

The fourth embodiment includes a movable segment 430 having an outer surface 434, an inner surface 432, and preferably an overlap region 436. In this way, it is similar to the movable segment 330 described above in connection with the third embodiment of the invention. Preferably, four movable segments 430 are used, although any number can be chosen as desired. In contrast to the third embodiment movable segments 330, the movable segments 430 of the fourth embodiment of the invention preferably include one or more nesting regions 438 in the outer surfaces 434 of the movable segments 430. Preferably, each movable segment 430 includes three nesting regions 438. The nests 438 preferably extend partially, but not fully, through the body of the movable segment 430, so that the spring elements 450 can be seated within the movable segment 430. Preferably, each nest 438 houses a single corresponding spring element 450.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5F, a fifth embodiment of an adjustable ring according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 5 A is an exploded perspective view of the ring. The ring includes a ring body 500 having an opening 570 for receiving a finger therethrough. The ring body 500 includes an outer surface 502 and an inner surface 504. The outer surface 502 may include any manner of design or decoration. Additionally, the ring body 500 may be formed of any of a variety of materials and may be formed in any of a variety of sizes. According to one aspect of the invention, the ring body 500 may include a channel or grooved region 508 into which movable segments 530 may be placed. The channel 508 is located between the inner surface 504 and the outer surface 502 of the ring body 500.

The adjustable ring according to this fifth embodiment further includes one or more movable segments 530. Preferably, three movable segments are used. Each movable segment 530 includes an outer surface 534 and an inner surface 536, both of which are preferably arcuate shaped. The width of the inner surface 536 is less than the width of the outer surface 534. Each movable segment 530 further includes tabs 532 at both ends. The tabs 532 are located on the movable segments 530 adjacent to the outer surface 534. The width of the tabs 532 is greater than the width of the main body of the movable segments 530. The adjustable ring according to this fifth embodiment further includes one or more spring elements 560. Preferably, three spring elements are used, one located between each of the three movable segments 530 and the ring body 500. According to one aspect of the invention, the outer surface 534 of each movable segment includes a slot, channel or groove 550 into which a spring element 560 can be placed. While any of a variety of types of springs may be used for the spring element 560, flat or wire springs are preferable.

FlG. 5B is a side elevational view of the fifth embodiment of the adjustable ring shown in FIG. 5A. The ring body 500 and the opening for receiving a finger 570 are illustrated,

FIG. 5C is a view of the ring body 500 taken along the line 5c-5c of FlG. 5B. The inner surface 504 includes a channel opening 512 which provides access into the channel 508 from the inner surface 504. The width of the channel opening 512 is generally smaller than the width of the channel 508. Preferably, the width of the inner surface 536 of the movable segments 530 is smaller than the width of the channel opening 512, and the width of the tabs 532 is larger than the width of the channel opening 512 and smaller than the width of the channel 508. This allows for the inner surface 536 of the movable segments 530 to protrude from the channel opening 512, while the tabs 532 and the outer surface 534 of the movable segments 530 remain confined within the channel 508 behind the channel opening 512, when the movable segments 530 are placed within the channel 508. At one or more regions of the inner surface 504 of the ring, there is a channel access region 514, having an enlarged width relative to the rest of the channel opening 512, this enlarged width being comparable to the width of the channel 508. Since the width of the tabs 532 is greater than the width of the channel opening 512 but less than the width of the channel 508, and therefore less than the width of the channel access region 514, the tabs 532 can be inserted into the channel 508 via the channel access region 514. Once the tabs 532 have been inserted into the channel 508, the rest of the movable segment 530 can be inserted into the channel 508 by manually sliding the movable segment 530 into the channel 508 through the channel access region 514.

FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of the ring taken through lines 5d-5d of FlG. 5B. The inner surface 504 of the ring and the movable segment 530 are shown, with the movable segment 530 being located within the channel 508. The inner surface 536 of the movable segment 530 is shown protruding through the channel opening 512, while the tabs 532 are confined within the channel 508 behind the channel opening 512.

FIG. 5E is a side cross-sectional view of the ring, fully assembled, with the movable segments 530 located within the channel 508. The spring elements 560 are located between the movable segments and the ring body 500. In use, and before the user places the adjustable ring on the user's finger, the spring elements 560 are preferably uncompressed and in their natural state such that the movable segments 530 protrude into the channel opening 512 to a first position 540 a, b, c to create a reduced open area for the user's finger. Alternatively, the spring elements 560 may always be in some state of compression. The amount of protrusion of the movable segments 530 into the ring opening is selected to create the desired amount of variation in the size of the ring opening.

FIG. 5F is a side cross-sectional view of the ring, fully assembled, with the spring elements 560 compressed. In this compressed state, the spring elements 560 are located within the groove 550 on the outer surface 534 of the movable segments 530, and, therefore, cannot be seen in this cross-sectional view. As the user places the adjustable ring on his or her finger, the finger compresses the spring elements 560 and the movable segments 530 move outwardly in a radial direction to a second position 550 a, b, c, thus creating an expanded opening to fit over the user's finger. In this way, the compression and expansion of the spring elements 560 provide for an adjustable size opening for the user's finger. Preferably, the movable segments 530 can move among a plurality of positions, thus accommodating a range of openings (i.e., ring sizes).

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, a sixth embodiment of an adjustable jewelry will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the jewelry according to this embodiment includes a ring shaped frame 600 having an opening 670 for receiving a finger or other appendage of the wearer therethrough. The ring shaped frame 600 includes an outer surface 602 and an inner surface 604, and defines a generally a ring shape. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the outer surface 602 may include a number of jewel or stone mountings 640 or any manner of design or decoration. The present embodiment is not limited in that aspect. Additionally, the ring shaped frame 600 may be formed of any of a variety of materials and may be formed in any of a variety of sizes. According to one aspect of the embodiment, the ring shaped frame 600 may include a channel or grooved region 608 into which movable segments 630 may be placed. The channel 608 is located between the inner surface 604 and the outer surface 602 of the ring shaped frame 600. In one embodiment, the channel 608 extends all the way around the inner surface 604, and has a depth extending from the inner surface 604 towards the outer surface 602 and a width defined by the two opposing side walls of the channel extending along the circumference of the ring shaped frame between the inner surface 604 and the outer surface 602.

The adjustable jewelry includes one or more movable segments 630. While the present example is shown with three movable segments, any number of movable segments may be used. Each movable segment 630 comprises an elongated member bent into a curved or arcuate shape having a curvature that generally conforms to the curvature of the inner surface of the ring shaped frame 600 so that when the movable segments are arranged together in an end-to-end formation, the movable segments together define a generally a ring shape conforming substantially to the ring defined by the ring shaped frame 600, and in one aspect of the embodiment may even be substantially concentric with the ring defined by the ring shaped frame 600. Each movable segment includes an outer surface 634 and an inner surface 636. In one aspect of the embodiment, the width of the inner surface 636 is less than the width of the outer surface 634. In another aspect of the embodiment, each movable segment 630 may include flange sections 632 towards the outer surface 634 and, preferably, at both distal ends. The widths of the flanges 632 are greater than the width of the main body 635 of the movable segments 630.

The adjustable jewelry further includes one or more spring elements 660. While any of a variety of types of springs may be used, preferably, as shown in FIG. 6A, one "C" spring, which can be either a flat or wire spring, may be used. Referring to FIG. 6B, according to an aspect of the embodiment, the outer surface 634 of each movable segment includes a slot, channel or groove 644 and 645 into which the spring element 660 can be placed. The channel 645 is an open channel into which an uninterrupted section of the spring element 660 may be received. The channels 644 are provided in at least two of the moving segments, and are each closed at one end at least partially by the spring stop 646. Each of the spring stops 646 receives and holds an end of the spring element 660 and prevents the spring element 660 from being disengaged from the movable segments 630.

Referring to FIG. 6D, the inner surface 604 includes a channel opening 612 which provides access into the channel 608 from the inner surface 604. The width of the channel opening 612 is generally smaller than the width of the channel 608. Preferably, the width of the inner surface 636 of the movable segments 630 is smaller than the width of the channel opening 612, and the width of the flanges 632 is larger than the width of the channel opening 612 and smaller than or substantially same as the width of the channel 608. This allows for the inner surface 636 of the movable segments 630 to protrude from the channel opening 612, while the flanges 632 and/or the outer surface 634 of the movable segments 630 remain confined within the channel 608 behind the channel opening 612, when the movable segments 630 are placed within the channel 608.

At one or more regions of the inner surface 604 of the ring, there is a channel access region 614, having an enlarged opening width relative to the rest of the channel opening 612, such that the flanges 632 can be inserted into the channel 608 via the channel access region 614. During the assembly of the jewelry according to the embodiment, one end of the spring member 660 is placed into a spring stop 646 provided on one end of a moving segment 630, the flange located at the same end of the moving segment 630 is then inserted into the channel 608 through the channel access region 614. Once the flange 632 and one end of the spring member 660 have been inserted into the channel 608, the rest of the movable segment 630 can be inserted into the channel 608 by manually sliding the movable segment 630 into the channel 608 through the channel access region 614.

The movable segment(s) with an open channel 645 can then be placed into the channel 608 in a similar manner while the remaining portions of the spring member 660 is placed within the open channel 645. The last movable segment with a spring stop 646 can then be inserted into the channel 608 by inserting the flange 632 on the opposite end to the end with the spring stop 646 with the remaining end of the spring member 660 engaged in the spring stop 646. Once the last movable segment and the spring member are manually slide into place such that the flanges 632 of the movable segments 630 are under the narrower channel openings 512, the movable segments are held in place while the inner surfaces 636 of the movable segments protrude through the channel openings 512 into the opening 670.

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view of the ring taken through lines 6c-6c of FIG. 6B. The inner surface 604 of the ring shaped frame and the movable segment(s) 630 are shown, with the movable segment 630 being located within the channel 608. The inner surface 636 of the movable segment 630 is shown protruding through the channel opening 612, while the flanges 632 are confined within the channel 608 behind the channel opening 612.

Once assembled as described above, in use, and before the jewelry is worn by a user, the spring element 660 is preferably in its natural "C" shape such that the movable segments 630 protrude into the channel opening 612 to a fully extended position to define a reduced size for the jewelry. Alternatively, the spring element 660 may always be in some state of compression. The amount of protrusion of the movable segment 660 into the opening 670 is selected to create the desired amount of variation in the size of the ring opening.

As the user places his or her finger, wrist or the like into the opening 670, the movable segments 630 retract into the channel opening 612, expanding the spring element 660 out of its natural shape to have a wider opening of the "C", and defining a larger opening 670 to accommodate a larger appendage of the user. In this way. the expansion and retraction of the spring element 660 provide for an adjustable size opening 670 for the user's appendage. Preferably, the movable segments 630 can move among a plurality of positions, thus accommodating a range of openings (i.e.. a range of ring or bracelet sizes).

According to an aspect of the embodiment, the flange portions 632 have a sufficiently small width in comparison to the width of the channel 608 so as to not interfere with the movement of the movable segments 630 within the channel 608. In another aspect, the flange portions 632 can be made to have substantially the same width as the width of the channel 608 so that the flanges are in sliding contact with the side walls of the channel 608. The amount of resulting frictional force between a flange and the side wall can be adjusted empirically taking into account, for example, the material(s) of the ring shaped frame 600 and the movable segments 630, the spring constant of the spring element 660, the contact surface area between the flange and the channel wall, and the like. In one aspect, the amount of frictional force is selected to allow the movable segments 630 to move yet the frictional force sufficiently oppose the biasing force of the spring element 660 so as to alleviate some of, or to reduce, the constant pressure being applied to the skin of the wearer so that it does not become overly excessive.

In another aspect, the amount of the frictional force may be selected to sufficiently oppose the bias force of the spring element 660 such that once a movable segment becomes stationary at a position between a fully extended position (i.e., defining the smallest size of the opening 670) and a fully retracted position (i.e., defining the largest opening 670), the bias force from the spring element 660 is sufficiently overcome so that the movable segment can remain in that position indefinitely until an external force disrupts the balance between the two opposing forces to dislodge the flange from the side wall of the channel, and to cause the bias force of the spring element 660 to move the movable segment. In this manner, the jewelry according to this aspect of the embodiment can be made to "remember" the size adjusted to closely match the size of the wearer.

As with any of the various embodiments described above, the outside surface of the ring body or the ring shaped frame may be plain or it may be decorated in any desired way. For example, as particularly shown in FIGS 6A through 6C, the outer perimeter of the ring shaped frame can be adorned with one or more mounting sections 640 for mounting one or more jeweled stones, such as a diamond, as is known in the art. Additionally, while the outer surface of the ring portion have been described herein to be generally arc shaped, any shaped surfaces may be utilized within the present invention. For example, a flat shaped outer surface is often preferable in rings for men and where stones are to be mounted on top of the ring.

The adjustable jewelry of the present invention may be created in any of a variety of sizes and may be caused to adjust within various size ranges. For example, while it is preferred to provide an adjustable size finger receiving opening that accommodates sizes within a range of 3 mm or approximately one ring size (most individuals would typically not have a need for larger size adjustments), the adjustment mechanism of the present invention may be modified to accommodate smaller (i.e., half size) or larger (i.e., two sizes) adjustment ranges.

Additionally, while the present invention has been generally described herein with respect to rings worn over a wearer's finger, the present invention applies equally to other types of jewelry, such as bracelets, where similar adjustments would be applicable and beneficial to a wearer. In this way, the disclosed adjustment mechanisms could be utilized in conjunction with a bracelet to provide a way for adjusting the diameter of the interior wrist- receiving opening of the bracelet. In this way, a wearer can place the bracelet over the hand and onto the wrist without having to open the bracelet, stretch the bracelet, or utilize a bracelet which is ultimately too large for the wearer's wrist. Similarly, the outside portion of the bracelet could then be decorated or designed in any desired way, all within the scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been described above with respect to certain embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An item of jewelry, comprising: a ring shaped frame having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, said ring shaped frame including a channel of a predetermined depth with its opposing side walls extending from said inner circumferential surface towards said outer circumferential surface, said inner circumferential surface defining a first ring shape of a first size; a plurality of size adjustment segments, at least a portion of each of said plurality of size adjustment segments being movably disposed in said channel, each of said plurality of size adjustment segments being capable of moving in a radial direction with respect to said ring frame to define at least a second ring shape of a second size, and an elastic member disposed within said channel providing a bias to each of said plurality of size adjustment segments towards a radial center of said ring shaped frame.

2. The item of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has an arcuate shape generally conforming to a curvature of said inner circumferential surface of said ring shaped frame such that when said plurality of size adjustment segments are in an end-to-end arrangement, said plurality of size adjustment segments together form a general ring shape substantially concentric to said first ring shape.

3. The item of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: said channel has a channel width defined between said two opposing side walls, said channel further having a narrower channel opening having a first width narrower than said channel width and a wider channel opening having a second width wider than said first width, and wherein each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has an inner surface portion with a third width narrower than said first width and a wider flange portion having a fourth width that is narrower than said second width and wider than said first width such that said flange portion is capable of entering said channel through said wider channel opening, and that when said flange portion is positioned within said channel at said narrower opening, said flange portion is prevented from leaving said channel through said narrower opening while said inner surface portion is allowed to protrude through said narrower opening.

4. The item of jewelry according to claim 2, wherein: each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has a groove formed on outer perimeter surface thereof for receiving at least a portion of said elastic member.

5. The item of jewelry according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of size adjustment segments comprises: at least one intermediate segment having a continuous groove to receive an uninterrupted portion of said elastic member; and at least two end segments each having a spring stop formed on an end of said groove to receive an end of said elastic member.

6. The item of jewelry according to claim 4, wherein: said elastic member comprises a C spring.

7. The item of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of said plurality of size adjustment segment has a contact portion that is in a sliding contact with at least one of said two opposing walls of said channel with sufficient friction therebetween to oppose at least some of said bias provided by said elastic member.

8. The item of jewelry according to claim 7. wherein each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is capable of moving within a range between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, said second size being the smallest when each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is in said fully extended position, and being the largest when each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is in said fully retracted position, and wherein: said sliding contact resulting in such amount of friction such that said at least one of said plurality of size adjustment segments remain indefinitely at a position between said folly extended position and said fully retracted position, said position not being either of said fully extended position and said fully retracted position.

9. The item of jewelry according to claim L wherein: said ring shaped frame having a fixed size and shape.

30. An item of jewelry, comprising: a ring shaped frame defining a first ring shape of a first size; a plurality of size adjustment segments movably mounted to said ring frame, each of said plurality of size adjustment segments being capable of moving in a radial direction with respect to said ring frame such that said plurality of size adjustment segments together define a second ring shape of a second size, said second ring shape being substantially concentric to said first ring shape.

11. The item of jewelry according to claim 10, wherein said ring shaped frame comprises an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, said ring shaped frame including a channel of a predetermined depth with its opposing side walls extending from said inner circumferential surface towards said outer circumferential surface, said inner circumferential surface defining said first ring shape, and wherein at least a portion of each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is movably disposed in said channel, said item of jewelry further comprising: an elastic member disposed within said channel providing a bias to each of said plurality of size adjustment segments towards a radial center of said ring shaped frame.

12. The item of jewelry according to claim 11, wherein: each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has an arcuate shape generally conforming to a curvature of said inner circumferential surface of said ring shaped frame such that when said plurality of size adjustment segments are in an end-to-end arrangement, said plurality of size adjustment segments together form a general ring shape substantially conforming to said first ring shape.

13. The item of jewelry according to claim 12, wherein: said channel has a channel width defined between said two opposing side walls, said channel further having a narrower channel opening having a first width narrower than said channel width and a wider channel opening having a second width wider than said first width, and wherein each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has an inner surface portion with a third width narrower than said first width and a wider flange portion having a fourth width that is narrower than said second width and wider than said first width such that said flange portion is capable of entering said channel through said wider channel opening, and that when said flange portion is positioned within said channel at said narrower opening, said flange portion is prevented from leaving said channel through said narrower opening while said inner surface portion is allowed to protrude through said narrower opening.

14. The item of jewelry according to claim 13, wherein: each of said plurality of size adjustment segments has a groove formed on outer perimeter surface thereof for receiving at least a portion of said elastic member.

15. The item of jewelry according to claim 14, wherein said plurality of size adjustment segments comprises: at least one intermediate segment having a continuous groove to receive an uninterrupted portion of said elastic member; and at least two end segments each having a spring stop formed on an end of said groove to receive a distal end of said elastic member.

16. The item of jewelry according to claim 15, wherein: said elastic member comprises a C spring.

17. The item of jewelry according to claim 11, wherein: at least one of said plurality of size adjustment segment has a contact portion that is in a sliding contact with at ieast one of said two opposing walls of said channel with sufficient friction therebetween to oppose at least some of said bias provided by said elastic member.

18. The item of jewelry according to claim 17. wherein each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is capable of moving within a range between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, said second size being the smallest when each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is in said fully extended position, and being the largest when each of said plurality of size adjustment segments is in said fully retracted position, and wherein: said sliding contact resulting in such amount of friction such that said at least one of said plurality of size adjustment segments remain indefinitely at a position between said fully extended position and said fully retracted position, said position not being either of said fully extended position and said fully retracted position.

19. The item of jewelry according to claim 10, wherein: said ring shaped frame having a fixed size and shape.