EP4230080A1 - Finger ring - Google Patents

Abstract

A finger ring has a ring band (1) with a receiving opening for receiving a finger and an insert part (2) for changing the size of the receiving opening. The ring band (1) has a groove (12) in its inner surface (11) for receiving the insert part (2), the groove (12) extending over at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band (1). The insert part (2) has an outer circumference which corresponds to at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band (1). The insert part (2) is elastic and can be accommodated in the groove (12) with its entire outer circumference. By reducing its diameter, the insert part (2) can be inserted into the groove (12) and can be fixed in the groove (12) by subsequently increasing its diameter by means of elastic resilience. The insert part (2) fixed in the groove (12) can be removed from the groove (12) by reducing the diameter. The finger ring allows easy and reversible adjustment to different finger sizes.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a finger ring, a set with a finger ring, an insert part of a finger ring, and a tool for use with a finger ring.

STATE OF THE ART

DE 295 04 659 U1 discloses a finger ring adaptable to fingers of different sizes with an elastic C-shaped insert which is held in a groove of the ring band. To fix the insert, the ring band must be compressed in the area of the groove and the inside diameter of the groove reduced. However, this also changes the ring band. This requires professional knowledge so that the finger ring is not damaged. In addition, such a compression of the groove is hardly possible with solid, heavy rings. The insert part can also no longer be removed without working on the ring band again. The insert is designed to be resilient, with its basic position corresponding to the smallest finger diameter. Larger fingers widen the insert part when worn. The larger the finger, the more pressure is exerted on the finger by the elastic insert. The finger ring also fits the finger relatively snugly in all finger sizes. This reduces wearing comfort. Furthermore, there is a distance between the insert part and the ring band, particularly in the case of small fingers, which impairs the optical appearance of the finger ring.

U.S. 2018/0000207 A1 and US 2010/0083701 A1 use a horseshoe shaped insert to adjust finger ring size. The insert is also clamped in a groove or fixed by means of glue or soldering. A specialist is also required for this. In addition, the insert can hardly be removed. A buyer of the ring can therefore not try out how the size-adjusted finger ring feels on the finger before buying it.

U.S. 4,261,185 B1 and DE 2 208 769 A1 show inserts with hooks or lugs that are hooked into the ring band to reduce its inner diameter. This is relatively expensive to manufacture. In addition, the inner surface of the non-reduced ring band as well as the inserts that only extend over part of the circumference are less comfortable to wear compared to a uniformly shaped inner area of a ring band.

U.S. 6,672,105 B1 discloses a cylindrical airbag which is fixed in the ring band and which can be inflated to the desired size via an opening in the ring band. This solution affects the design of the ring, since it must have a through hole that is accessible and closable from the outside. Furthermore, the use of an inflatable air bag affects the noble design of the finger ring.

EP 1 410 728 A2 discloses a finger ring having a first ring portion which is rotatable relative to a second ring portion by means of a roller bearing. Such rotating rings fascinate with their play of light and optical effects. Due to the roller bearing, they have a complex structure, are in the upper price range and cannot simply be changed in size, for example expanded. In particular for the above-mentioned and also for other types of rotary rings, there is a need to create a system that allows adjustment to different finger sizes.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to create a finger ring which can be adapted to a finger size in a simple and reversible manner.

This problem is solved by a finger ring with the features of claim 1.

The finger ring according to the invention has a ring band with a receiving opening for receiving a finger and an insert for changing the size of the receiving opening. On its inside, the ring band has a groove for receiving the insert part, with the groove extending over at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band. The insert has an outer circumference that corresponds to at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band. The insert is elastic and its entire outer circumference can be accommodated in the groove, whereby it can be inserted into the groove by reducing its diameter and can be fixed in the groove by subsequently increasing its diameter by means of elastic resilience. The insert part fixed in the groove can also be removed from the groove by reducing the diameter.

As a result, the insert part can be inserted and removed again without great specialist knowledge and without the need to change the ring band, i.e. the base ring. Customers can try on the same ring with and without the insert, or with inserts of different thicknesses, and choose the best fit for them. The insert thus forms an easy-to-use insert. Several inserts can be used with the same finger ring, whereby they can differ in their material thickness and thus in their diameter in order to adapt the finger ring to different finger sizes.

Depending on the embodiment, the size of these inserts can even be changed by the customer himself at home, so that the same ring can be worn by different people without it having to be laboriously adapted in each case by a specialist.

Since the insert part is located in the groove over its entire outer circumference, there is no optically disturbing gap between the ring band and the insert part. The appearance of the finger ring is therefore not changed. In preferred embodiments, no parts of the insert protrude inwards into the receiving opening, so that it is comfortable to wear.

The insert part preferably extends over almost the entire inner circumference of the ring band. The area of the inner circumference that is not covered by the insert part is preferably only due to the space requirement that is necessary for the reduction in diameter. This increases wearing comfort because the inner shape of the finger ring does not change. The forces acting on the finger during carrying are still balanced.

The insert part preferably has two opposite free ends which are arranged at a distance from one another, contacting means being present in the region of these ends of a tool for the purpose of reducing the original diameter, the contacting means preferably being recesses. This facilitates the insertion and removal of the insert.

in preferred embodiments, the distance between the two ends is many times smaller than the outer circumference. Preferably, the spacing is such that the two ends can approximate but not overlap to reduce the diameter of the insert for insertion or removal.

In preferred embodiments, the insert member has an inner perimeter with an inner surface, the inner surface being flush with an inner surface of the annular band or raised to the inner surface of the annular band for the entire length of the outer perimeter. It is preferably always increased. If the inner surface is increased, the diameter of the receiving opening is reduced as a result. Depending on the extent of the increase, the diameter decreases. Insert parts with different thicknesses can be provided, so that the same finger ring can be adapted to different finger sizes. If the surfaces are flush with one another, the size of the receiving opening is not changed. In this case, the insert only serves to cover the groove so that the wearing comfort is optimized.

The inner surface of the insert can be planar or curved toward a center of the receiving opening. This changes the wearing comfort. The customer can in turn try out which form is most convenient.

The insert part is preferably part-circular. Preferably, however, it has the same shape as the inner surface of the ring band. It can therefore also be designed in an oval, elliptical or other shape.

In preferred embodiments, the insert is in the form of a curved flat ribbon. Its surface preferably has no recesses/depressions or elevations except for the contacting means. However, further recesses/depressions and/or elevations are present in further embodiments.

The insert part preferably has a constant cross-section over the entire length of its development. As a result, the insert part forms a unit with the ring band and hardly changes the shape of the receiving opening. The wearing comfort remains the same.

In preferred embodiments, the groove has an essentially rectangular cross section and the insert part has a planar outer surface extending over the entire outer circumference for abutment in a groove base of the groove. These shapes are easy to make. The groove is preferably produced by turning a groove into the ring band.

The annular band can be designed in different ways. For example, it can be a simple self-contained ring or an open ring. In other embodiments, it may include a setting for gemstones or other appliqués. It is designed in one piece or in several pieces. In principle, the insert part according to the invention can be introduced into any type of finger ring that allows the formation of a groove on its inside.

In a preferred embodiment, the finger ring is a rotary ring, as in the above-mentioned EP 1410 728 A2 and has been sold under the brand name GIRELLO ^® for years.

As already mentioned, different insert parts that differ, for example, in their thickness and/or in their cross-sectional shapes, can be used as a set. Preferably, a first insert of such a set has an inner surface flush with the inner surface of the ring band and at least a second insert of that set projects from the inner surface of the ring band. This means that the finger ring can be worn just as comfortably in its original size as in the reduced form

The insert can also be sold later and independently of the finger ring. For example, an heirloom can be worn again without costly changes to the ring.

The use of the various insert parts can be facilitated with a suitable tool, the tool preferably being circlip pliers with insertion tips, which are designed to engage in recesses of the insert and are adapted to the size of the recesses.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1

einen erfindungsgemässen Fingerring mit einem Ringband und einem Einsatzteil vor dem Zusammenfügen;

Figur 2

den Fingerring gemäss Figur 1 nach dem Zusammenfügen;

Figur 3

eine Ansicht des Einsatzteils gemäss Figur 1 von oben;

Figur 4

eine Seitenansicht des Einsatzteils gemäss Figur 3;

Figur 5

einen Querschnitt durch das Einsatzteil gemäss Figur 3;

Figur 6

eine Ansicht eines Einsatzteils in einer zweiten Ausführungsform von oben;

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht des Einsatzteils gemäss Figur 6;

Figur 8

einen Querschnitt durch das Einsatzteil gemäss Figur 6;

Figur 9

einen Querschnitt durch das Ringband gemäss Figur 1;

Figur 10

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 9 mit einer ersten Variante eines Einsatzteils;

Figur 11

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 9 mit einer zweiten Variante eines Einsatzteils;

Figur 12

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 9 mit einer dritten Variante eines Einsatzteils;

Figur 13

einen Querschnitt durch ein Ringband in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 14

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 13 mit einer ersten Variante eines Einsatzteils;

Figur 15

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 13 mit einer zweiten Variante eines Einsatzteils und

Figur 16

einen Teil des Ringbandes gemäss Figur 13 mit einer dritten Variante eines Einsatzteils;

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for explanation only and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. In the drawings show:

figure 1

a finger ring according to the invention with a ring band and an insert before assembly;

figure 2

according to the finger ring figure 1 after joining;

figure 3

a view of the insert according to figure 1 from above;

figure 4

according to a side view of the insert figure 3 ;

figure 5

according to a cross section through the insert figure 3 ;

figure 6

a view of an insert part in a second embodiment from above;

figure 7

according to a side view of the insert figure 6 ;

figure 8

according to a cross section through the insert figure 6 ;

figure 9

according to a cross-section through the ring band figure 1 ;

figure 10

a part of the ring band according to figure 9 with a first variant of an insert part;

figure 11

a part of the ring band according to figure 9 with a second variant of an insert part;

figure 12

a part of the ring band according to figure 9 with a third variant of an insert part;

figure 13

a cross section through a ring band in a further embodiment;

figure 14

a part of the ring band according to figure 13 with a first variant of an insert part;

figure 15

a part of the ring band according to figure 13 with a second variant of an insert and

figure 16

a part of the ring band according to figure 13 with a third variant of an insert part;

Identical parts are given the same reference numbers.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the Figures 1 to 5 and FIGS. 9 and 10 show a first embodiment of a finger ring according to the invention. It has a ring band 1 and an insert part 2 . The ring band 1 is shown in these figures as a simple, one-piece, self-contained ring with a planar outer surface 10 . However, as already mentioned in the sections above, the ring band 1 can be designed as desired.

The ring band 1 has an inner surface 11 which is preferably circular. It is curved toward the center of the receiving opening of the finger ring, as shown in FIGS Figure 9 and 10 is clearly recognizable. The inner surface 11 is provided with a groove 12 . The groove 12 preferably extends over the entire inner circumference of the ring band 1 and is therefore closed in itself. It preferably runs at a constant distance from the side edges of the inner surface 11. The groove 12 preferably has a cross section which is constant in terms of its shape and/or its dimensions. Preferably, the groove 11 is rectangular in cross-section, as shown in figure 9 is clearly recognizable.

The shape of the insert part 2 corresponds to the inner surface 11 of the ring band 1 or its groove 12. The insert part 2 is preferably band-shaped and bent into an open ring, so that two opposite free ends 22 are formed. In the area of each of the two free ends 22 there is a recess 23, preferably a through hole. The distance between the two free ends 22 is many times smaller compared to the outer circumference. He is in figure 1 marked with the reference X. This is the first distance X between the ends in the basic state of the insert part 2.

The outer surface 20 of the insert part 2 is flat or it forms the counterpart to the groove bottom of the groove 12. The inner surface 21 of the insert part 2 is curved towards the center of the receiving opening of the finger ring. this is in figure 5 good to see.

The insert part 2 is designed to be flexible or resilient. It is preferably made of a metal, in particular a precious metal. A typical dimension for the puncture in the ring band 1, i.e. the depth of the groove 12, is approximately 0.5 mm. The thickness of the insert part 2 is preferably about 0.5 mm, more preferably about 0.66 mm, and more. There is preferably a set of insert parts 2, each of which differs in thickness by approximately 0.16 mm, i.e. the thickness is approximately 0.66 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.98 mm, etc.

Securing pliers, such as those used for expanding or snap rings, can be inserted into the two recesses 23 of the insert part 2 with their insertion tips. The insert part 2 can thereby be taken and the two ends 22 can be guided towards one another. The diameter of the insert part 2 is thus reduced and the insert part 2 can be introduced into the groove 12 in a simple manner. If it is released again by the safety tongs, the insert part 2 springs back into a more open position thanks to the restoring forces. The two free ends 22 distance themselves from each other again, as is shown in figure 2 is recognizable. The insert part 2 is thus held fixed in the ring band 1 without any further fastening means, such as adhesive or solder for example. It may rotate relative to ring band 1, but will not fall out. A click is preferably heard when the insert part 2 is inserted, so that feedback about the correct insertion is obtained.

The second distance Y between the two free ends 22 in the inserted state of the insert part 2 should preferably be the same as the first distance X in FIG home position

To remove the insert part 2 from the ring band 1, the securing tongs are again inserted into the recesses 23 and the two ends 22 are guided towards one another. The diameter of the insert part 2 decreases again and it can be removed from the groove 12 and the ring band 1 .

In the Figures 6 to 8 and 11 an alternative embodiment of an insert part 2 is shown. It differs from the first embodiment in that the inner surface 21 is also flat.

In the embodiment according to figure 12 the inner surface is more curved than in the first embodiment according to figure 10 . As can be seen by comparing these two figures, however, the insert part 2 forms the smoothest possible transition to the inner surface 11 of the ring band 1 in order to avoid edges that are in the way when the finger ring is worn.

In the Figures 13 to 16 the inner surface 11 of the ring band 1 is formed alternatively. in this case it is flat. This form can also be combined with the insert parts 2 already described. So shows figure 14 a plan insert part 2 and the Figures 15 and 16 show differently inwardly curved inserts 2.

The finger ring according to the invention enables simple and reversible adaptation to different finger sizes. REFERENCE LIST 1 ring band 21 inner surface 10 outer surface 22 free end 11 inner surface 23 recess 12 groove X first distance 2 insert part Y second distance 20 outer surface

Claims (15)

Finger ring with a ring band (1) with a receiving opening for receiving a finger and with an insert (2) for changing the size of the receiving opening, wherein the annular band (1) has a groove (12) in its inner surface (11) for receiving the insert part (2), the groove (12) extending over at least half of the inner circumference of the annular band (1), wherein the insert part (2) has an outer circumference which corresponds to at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band (1), and the insert part (2) being elastic,
characterized, that the insert part (2) can be received in the groove (12) with its entire outer circumference, that the insert part (2) can be inserted into the groove (12) by reducing its diameter and can be fixed in the groove (12) by subsequently increasing its diameter by means of elastic resilience and that the insert part (2) fixed in the groove (12) can be removed from the groove (12) by reducing the diameter. Finger ring according to Claim 1, in which the insert part (2) has two opposite free ends (22) which are arranged at a distance from one another, contacting means being present in the region of these ends which, in the assembled state of the insert part (2), can be made smaller by means of a tool of the diameter can be contacted, the contacting means preferably being recesses (23). Finger ring according to claim 2, wherein the distance (X) between the two ends (22) is a multiple smaller than the outer circumference of the insert part (2). Finger ring according to one of claims 1 or 3, wherein the insert part (2) has an inner circumference with an inner surface (21), the inner surface (21) being the entire length of the outer circumference with an inner surface (11) of the ring band ( 1) is flush or raised to the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1). Finger ring according to Claim 4, in which the inner surface (21) of the insert part (2) is designed to be flat or curved towards a center of the receiving opening. Finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the insert part (2) is part-circular. Finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the insert part (2) is in the form of a curved flat band. Finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the insert part (2) has a constant cross-section over the entire length of its development. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the groove (12) has a substantially rectangular cross section and the insert part (2) has a planar outer surface (20) extending over the entire outer circumference for abutment in a groove base of the groove (12 ) having. Finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the ring band (1) is a rotary ring. Finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the ring band (1) is closed or open in design. Set with a finger ring according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which there are several insert parts (2) which have different thicknesses and/or different cross-sectional shapes. A set according to claim 12, wherein a first insert (2) has an inner surface (21) flush with the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1) and there is at least one second insert (2) corresponding to the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1) protrudes. Insert part of a finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the insert part (2) is elastic and its diameter can be reduced and can be enlarged again by elastic resilience. A tool for use with a finger ring according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the tool being circlip pliers having insertion tips adapted to engage in recesses (23) of the insert (2) and adapted to the size of the recesses (23).

Images