Apparatus and method for pin-fastened threadless body accessories

Abstract

Improved systems, devices, and methods for pin fastening techniques are disclosed. The improvements may include electrically straightening the No. 24 specification line of the pin fastener, slightly leveling the straightened line of the pin fastener with a rolling mill, and then twisting the leveled line while the leveled line is kept straight to form the structure of the pin fastener. Leveling and twisting the wire can provide benefits including 1) the wire is hardened, providing excellent hardness and resilience, and 2) with the twisted wire, ridges extending at different angles on the pins can provide greater friction when located in the hollow post.

Description

[0001] Inventor MnatSakan Gasparyan This patent application relates to and claims priority to, under 35 USC § [119 / 120], to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 546,829 (Case No. BVLA-1001P), filed November 1, 2023, entitled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PIN FASTENING THREADLESS BODY JEWELRY”, which lists MnatSakan Gasparyan as an inventor, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments generally relate to jewelry, and more specifically to a threadless body jewelry. Background Technology

[0003] Pin-fastened unthreaded body ornaments are a type of body ornament that uses small pins to secure the end pieces to a hollow post. This type of ornament is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of putting on and taking off. Pin-fastened unthreaded body ornaments work by using small pins to secure the end pieces to a hollow post. The pins are inserted through a small hole in the end piece and then pass through a hole in the hollow post. Depending on the design and materials, unthreaded pin fasteners may not be as strong as expected and may experience corrosion problems. Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods to address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Traditional fastener pins used in threadless attachment systems can simply be a length of 24 gauge wire. Such pins are suitable for smaller items, such as 3 mm diamond settings, but for larger items, the friction may not be sufficient to hold the jewelry in place. Furthermore, without a significant kink on the pin, the jewelry can loosen and easily fall out.

[0005] The improvements described herein include an attachment with a threadless pin fastener. An attachment system with a threadless pin fastener may include: 1) an electrically straightened 24 gauge wire (or equivalent); 2) a straightened wire that is then slightly flattened using a rolling mill; and 3) a flattened wire that is then twisted while being kept straight.

[0006] Flattening and twisting the thread provides benefits including: 1) the thread is hardened, providing superior rigidity and resilience; and 2) the twisted thread, with ridges extending at different angles on the pin, provides greater friction when inside the hollow post. Therefore, embodiments as described herein offer the benefit of fewer lost items and allow for the use of threadless systems for larger jewelry pieces, such as nipple ornaments. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the invention. Similar reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, in which: Figure 1 An example of a prior art threadless pin fastener according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 2 Three types of lines for manufacturing threadless pin fasteners are illustrated according to one embodiment: smooth line, leveling line, and twist line.

[0009] Figure 3A A threadless pin fastener according to one embodiment is illustrated; Figure 3B The illustration depicts a threadless decorative pin assembly comprising a threadless pin fastener and a disc-shaped back, according to one embodiment. Figure 3C The illustration depicts an embodiment. Figure 3B The unthreaded pin fastener inserted into the half-section and the disc-shaped back; and Figure 3D The illustration depicts an embodiment. Figure 3C The fully inserted threadless pin fastener and disc-shaped back.

[0010] Figure 4 A method for creating a torsion line from a smooth line for a threadless pin fastener, according to one embodiment, is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 5 A method for a user to use a threadless pin fastener for body ornaments, according to one embodiment, is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following description is intended to illustrate the general principles of the embodiments disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Furthermore, specific features described herein may be combined with other described features in each of a variety of possible combinations and substitutions. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms should be given their broadest possible interpretation, including the meaning implied by the description and the meaning understood by those skilled in the art and / or the meaning defined in dictionaries, papers, etc.

[0013] The jewelry industry is actively supported by both threaded and non-threaded jewelry technologies. In some embodiments, threaded jewelry uses a screw-in design to hold the jewelry in place. It may also comprise two parts: a hollow post or barbell bar and a decorative end. The hollow post or barbell bar has a threaded portion at the end, and the decorative end has a matching thread. The two parts are screwed together to hold the jewelry in place. Threaded jewelry can be more affordable than non-threaded jewelry and can be available in a wider variety of styles and designs. Threaded jewelry may be more difficult to put on and remove, and it may be more prone to irritation, especially for punctures that are still healing.

[0014] In another example, butterfly back earrings are a type of earring with a back that slides onto a post and clips onto the earlobe. Butterfly back earrings are not as secure as screw back earrings and can become too tight, which can lead to swelling and infection.

[0015] In some embodiments, threadless jewelry uses a pressure-fit design to hold the jewelry in place. It may include two parts: a hollow post or barbell bar and a decorative end. The hollow post or barbell bar has a small hole in the end, and the decorative end has a small pin that fits into that hole. The pin can then be slightly bent to create tension, which holds the two parts together. Limitations on the amount of tension can also limit the size of jewelry supported by a threadless structure. Threadless jewelry is easier to put on and take off and is less likely to fall off compared to threaded jewelry. It may also be more comfortable to wear, especially for punctures that are still healing. Threadless jewelry can be more expensive than threaded jewelry, and it may be more difficult to find a wide variety of styles and designs. Furthermore, the push-fit design of threadless jewelry can easily lose its grip if not properly secured, and the decorative end may also fall off if not firmly pushed in.

[0016] The embodiments described herein provide improvements to jewelry pin fastening techniques, including methods for quickly holding the ends of precious metal jewelry to a disc and post backing. In some embodiments, "threadless" is an attachment system for body jewelry. It may include a hollow post with a disc-shaped backing and a jewelry object with attached "pins," which are traditionally made of gold or steel and slightly twisted to provide friction that will hold the pins in the hollow post.

[0017] Traditional fastening pins used in threadless attachment systems may simply be a length of 24 gauge wire. Such pins are suitable for smaller items, such as 3mm diamond settings, but for larger items, the friction may not be sufficient to hold the jewelry in place. Furthermore, without a significant kink on the pin, the jewelry may loosen and easily fall out.

[0018] The improvements described herein include an attachment with a threadless pin fastener. This threadless pin fastener may also be referred to as a "unicorn pin." An attachment system with a unicorn pin may include: 1) electrically straightening a 24-gauge wire (or equivalent); 2) slightly flattening the straightened wire using a rolling mill; and 3) twisting the flattened wire while keeping it straight.

[0019] Flattening and twisting the thread provides the following benefits: 1) the thread is hardened, providing superior rigidity and resilience; and 2) the twisted thread, with ridges extending at different angles on the pin, provides greater friction when in a hollow post. Therefore, the embodiments described herein offer the benefit of fewer lost items and allow for the use of threadless systems for larger jewelry pieces, such as nipple ornaments.

[0020] The apparatus and method described herein provide a way to quickly hold the ends of precious metal jewelry against the backing of plates and posts. As previously discussed, existing techniques traditionally use steel pins because they are more flexible than gold. This method can have problems, including bimetallic corrosion and the fact that, based on the steel content, 14K pieces are now practically less than 13K. There can also be design limitations when using steel. Limitations include the piece having a profile higher than ideal to compensate for the press-fit of the steel pin base into the gold—body jewelry designs are more aesthetically pleasing with a lower profile and closer to the body. The steel pin base can also often be seen through more transparent gemstones, which is undesirable.

[0021] One physical structure described in the embodiments herein includes: 1) a pin fastener having an unthreaded end and made of 18K white gold; 2) a wire drawn to 25 gauge (0.455 mm) round wire and cut into 6-inch strips; 3) an electrical straightening process by passing an electric current under tension; and the wire being flattened using a rolling mill; 4) the wire being tensioned and carefully twisted to provide one revolution per 2.6 mm; and 5) the 18K white wire being flattened and tensioned to a precise number of revolutions, hardness, and tension. The finished hardness is 3-die hardness—tensile strength and resilience comparable to steel. In some embodiments, 14K white gold may be used in the manufacturing process.

[0022] For operation / function / use, unthreaded pins are welded to the jewelry design. In some embodiments, the unthreaded pins may be approximately 3.9 mm and may be slightly curled. The finished piece slides into a disc-shaped back after being placed in a piercing (hole). The disc-shaped back is a relatively new style of earring back embodiment. Overall, the design provides the jewelry with good tension and a very easy-to-grip fastener. Moreover, the design allows for easy removal and insertion without the use of cumbersome screws. Embodiments of the invention may include materials for flattening and twisting to achieve a tension-fitting jewelry piece. Embodiments as disclosed herein offer advantages including the ability to manufacture jewelry pieces from only precious metals, elimination of bimetallic corrosion (the black mark on the user's skin), and superior grip and tension, resulting in fewer lost jewelry pieces.

[0023] Figure 1 An example of a prior art threadless pin fastener 100 according to one embodiment is illustrated, the threadless pin fastener having a threadless end. As shown, the threadless pin fastener 100 includes a post 102, wherein the post 102 is a cylindrical post with a smooth surface, which is drawn from a round wire and is unpolished. The post 102 is connected to a head 104. The head 104 is a decorative ornament. The threadless pin fastener 100 is inserted into a hole in a body ornament.

[0024] Figure 2 Three types of lines 200 are illustrated for one or more embodiments of the threadless pin fastener. A smooth line 202 illustrates an example structure of the post 102 of a threadless pin fastener 100 according to one embodiment. A leveling line 204 illustrates an example structure of a "leveling line" formed by the smooth line 202 according to one embodiment. A twist line 206 illustrates the line structure of a line formed by the leveling line 204 according to other embodiments of the threadless pin fastener.

[0025] The smooth wire 202 may comprise a round wire of 14K platinum, 25GA (0.5mm) diameter. This smooth wire 202, in a six-inch length, is electrically straightened by applying spring-loaded tension and passing a 12-volt current. The current and the resulting heat soften the material (annealing the wire), making it more ductile for the next process.

[0026] The leveling line 204 is manufactured by slightly compressing the two edges of the annealed line through a rolling mill. This process makes the line, which is normally circular, asymmetrical. It helps to provide the desired shape and improved surface area for the next process. The line is now a 25 gauge line and is slightly leveled at both edges to a measured 0.4mm x 0.55mm.

[0027] The twisted wire 206 can be manufactured from the leveling wire 204. The leveling wire 204 is inserted into a rotating clamp on one side and a stationary clamp on the other. It is then slowly twisted to the desired tension, i.e., two rotations per 4.5 mm of material. The twisted wire 206 will now exhibit multiple surfaces and different inner and outer surface gradients. Utilizing these design elements, it may be unnecessary to create kinks in the posts of unthreaded pin fasteners. Manipulating the metal in this way acts as a hardening agent, adding additional strength and allowing the wire to reach approximately three die hardenings. This means the wire has passed through the drawing die three times.

[0028] In summary, the twisted wire 206 can be manufactured by: 1) 14K white gold 25 gauge (0.5mm) diameter round wire being electrically straightened and annealed (smoothing wire 202); 2) the wire from 1) being passed through a rolling mill and leveled to a measurement of 0.4mm x 0.55mm (leveling wire 204); and 3) the wire from 2) being tensioned, twisted, and hardened, showing two helical rotations per 4.5mm of material length (twisted wire 206).

[0029] As will be discussed later in this article, Figure 4 A method 400 for manufacturing a twisted wire 206 from a smooth wire 202 for a threadless pin fastener 300 according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 3A A threadless pin fastener 300 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The threadless pin fastener 300 (having a threadless end) may be referred to as a unicorn pin. The threadless pin fastener 300 includes a post 302 and a head 304. In some embodiments, the post 302 includes a twist line 206 attached to the head 304 to form the threadless pin fastener 300. The head 304 is a decorative accessory worn externally by the wearer. It is very similar in design to an earring. The decorative portion, in this embodiment, is star-shaped and can be cast, stamped, or handcrafted in a substantially similar manner to an earring.

[0031] Figure 3B A diagram illustrates a threadless ornamental pin assembly 320 according to one embodiment, comprising a threadless pin fastener 300 (having a threadless end) and a disc-shaped back 310. (See also...) Figure 3AAs noted herein, the unthreaded pin fastener 300, namely the unicorn pin, includes a post 302 and a head 304. The disc-shaped back 310 includes a hollow post 312 and a disc-shaped unthreaded post 314. Embodiments of the disc-shaped back 310 may be of different sizes based on different applications. Accordingly, embodiments of the post 302 may be of different sizes, for example, longer for new punctures, shorter for healed punctures to allow for swelling, or longer or shorter posts for applications in different parts of the body (e.g., earlobe, flat part of the auricle, tragus, etc.). As used herein, post 102 or post 302 may be referred to as a "pin".

[0032] Figure 3C A threadless ornament pin assembly 340 according to one embodiment is illustrated, comprising a threadless pin fastener 300 and a disc-shaped back 310, wherein the threadless pin fastener 300 is partially inserted into the disc-shaped back 310; and Figure 3D A threadless ornament pin assembly 350 according to one embodiment is illustrated, comprising a threadless pin fastener 300 and a disc-shaped back 310, wherein the threadless pin fastener 300 is fully inserted into the disc-shaped back 310.

[0033] Figure 4 A method 400 for producing / manufacturing a twisted wire 206 from a smooth wire 202 for a threadless pin fastener 300 according to one embodiment is illustrated. As briefly disclosed herein, the process includes producing the twisted wire 206 from the smooth wire 202. The smooth wire 202 may be: a) a 14K white gold 25 gauge (0.5mm) diameter round wire that can be electrically straightened and annealed. The wire from a) is then passed through a rolling mill and leveled. The wire from b) can then be c) a wire that is tensioned, twisted, and hardened to show two helical rotations per 4.5mm of material length. The resulting wire from c) is the twisted wire 206.

[0034] The aforementioned process for method 400 is described in further detail as noted below.

[0035] First, for step 402, the smoothing wire 202 may comprise 14-open platinum, 25 gauge (0.5mm) diameter round wire. Furthermore, a 6-inch length segment of the smoothing wire 202 can be electrically straightened by applying spring-loaded tension and passing a 12-volt current through it. The current and the resulting heat soften the material, making the wire more ductile for the next process.

[0036] Second, for step 404, the annealing line can be passed through a rolling mill to slightly compress the two edges. This makes the line, which is normally circular (smooth line 202), asymmetrical. This process helps to provide the desired shape and improved surface area for the next step. An embodiment of the line would now be a 25 gauge line slightly flattened at both edges to a measurement of 0.4 mm x 0.55 mm, as shown with flattened line 204.

[0037] Third, regarding step 406, from Figure 2 The leveling line 204 can be inserted into a rotating clamp on one side and a stationary clamp on the other. The leveling line 204 is then slowly twisted to the desired tension, i.e., two rotations for every 4.5 mm of material. The line now exhibits multiple surfaces and different gradients between the inner and outer surfaces. Utilizing these design elements, it may be unnecessary to create kinks in the posts of threadless pin fasteners. Manipulating the metal in this way can harden the material, adding additional strength, which allows the line to reach approximately three die hardenings.

[0038] Figure 5 A method 500 for a user to use a threadless pin fastener for body ornaments, according to one embodiment, is illustrated. The method includes: step 502) grasping the pin fastener 300; step 504) inserting the pin fastener 300 into the hollow end of a disc-shaped back 310, wherein the disc-shaped back 310 is positioned in the body ornament piece; and step 506) when fully inserted, gently pulling on the pin fastener 300 to ensure that the pin fastener 300 is securely positioned in the disc-shaped back 310.

[0039] Improvements to pin fastening technology may include: 1) the 24 gauge line of the pin fastener is electrically straightened, 2) the straightened line of the pin fastener is then slightly leveled using a rolling mill, and then 3) the leveled line is now twisted while being kept straight to form the structure of the pin fastener.

[0040] As previously mentioned in the accompanying description, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The disclosed embodiments are illustrated.

[0041] It is contemplated that various combinations and / or sub-combinations can be made with the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments, and these combinations and / or sub-combinations still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined or substituted with each other to form different modes of the disclosed invention. Furthermore, it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein by way of example should not be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a threadless pin fastener 300 for body ornaments, the method comprising: The length segment of the smooth line 202 is straightened by passing an electric current through the smooth line 202. The leveling and straightening lines are used to form leveling line 204; as well as The leveling line 204 is twisted to form the twist line 206.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The current is 12 volts.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The current and the heat generated therefrom cause the smooth line 202 to soften and form an annealed line.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The leveling line 204 is manufactured by passing the annealing line through a rolling mill to compress the two edges of the annealing line, forming an asymmetrical line.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, For gauge 25 wire, the two edges are measured as 0.4mm x 0.55mm.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The twist line 206 is formed by inserting one side of the leveling line 204 into a rotating clamp and the other side into a fixed clamp, and twisting the leveling line 204 to the desired tension.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The desired tension is 2 rotations per 4.5 mm of material.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The twist line 206 includes ridges that extend at different angles on the unthreaded pin fastener and provide friction when inserted into the hollow post 312.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Manipulation of the leveling line 204 causes the leveling line 204 to harden, which increases its additional strength and makes the leveling line 204 reach triple die hardness.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the smooth line 202 is 6 inches.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The smooth line 202 includes 14-open platinum.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The smooth line 202 includes a circular line between size 24 and size 25.

13. A method for providing a user with a threadless pin fastener for use in body jewelry, the method comprising: 300-type threadless pin fastener; The unthreaded pin fastener 300 is inserted into the hollow end of the disc-shaped back 310, wherein the disc-shaped back 310 is positioned in the body ornament piece; as well as When fully inserted, pull on the pin fastener 300 to ensure that the unthreaded pin fastener 300 is securely positioned in the disc-shaped back 310.

14. An apparatus for body ornaments, the apparatus comprising: The threadless pin fastener 300 further includes a post 302 and a head 304. The post 302 includes a twist line 206, which is attached to the head 304 to produce the threadless pin fastener 300.

15. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The head is made of 304 stainless steel and is designed as an earring.

16. The appliance according to claim 15, wherein, The decorative parts are cast, stamped, or handmade.

17. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The threadless jewelry pin assembly 320 includes the threadless pin fastener 300 and the disc-shaped back 310.

18. The appliance according to claim 17, wherein, The disc-shaped back 310 includes a hollow column 312 and a disc-shaped back unthreaded column 314.

19. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The 304 headpiece is a decorative accessory worn externally by the wearer.

20. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The unthreaded pin fastener 300 has an unthreaded end and is made of 18K white gold. It is drawn to a 25 gauge (0.455mm) round wire and cut into 6-inch strips. It is then electrically straightened by passing an electric current under tension. The round wire is flattened using a rolling mill, and the flattened wire 204 is then twisted to provide one turn every 2.6mm, and to cause the twisted wire 206 to have a 3-stage die hardness.

21. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The unthreaded pin fastener is approximately 3.9 mm thick.

22. The appliance according to claim 21, wherein, The end of the column 302 is curled.

23. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The twist line 206 includes different inner and outer surface gradients.

Images