Finger ring
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023703063
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-22
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing finger rings fail to adapt to different finger sizes simply and reversibly, often requiring professional knowledge, altering the ring's design, and compromising wearing comfort and visual appeal.
A finger ring with an elastic insert part that fits into a groove covering at least half of the ring band's inner circumference, allowing easy insertion and removal without altering the ring band, enabling adjustable size adaptation using interchangeable inserts of varying thickness.
Enables customers to try and choose the best fit without specialist knowledge, maintaining ring appearance and comfort, with interchangeable inserts allowing size adjustments by the user, enhancing versatility and convenience.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE
[0002] FINGER RING
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates to a finger ring, a set comprising a finger ring, an insert part of a finger ring and a tool for use with a finger ring.
[0005] STATE OF THE ART
[0006] DE 295 04659 U1 discloses a finger ring that can be adjusted to fit fingers of different sizes, comprising an elastic C-shaped insert held in a groove in the ring band. To secure the insert, the ring band must be compressed in the area of the groove, and the inner diameter of the groove reduced. However, this also changes the ring band. This requires expert knowledge to avoid damaging the finger ring. Furthermore, compressing the groove in this way is almost impossible with solid, heavy rings. The insert cannot be removed without reworking the ring band. The insert is spring-loaded, with its basic position corresponding to the smallest finger diameter. Larger fingers expand the insert when worn. The larger the finger, the more pressure the elastic insert exerts on the finger. Furthermore, the finger ring sits relatively snugly on the finger, regardless of finger size.This reduces comfort. Furthermore, especially on small fingers, there is a gap between the insert and the band, which impairs the visual appearance of the ring.
[0007] US 2018 / 0000207 A1 and US 2010 / 0083701 A1 use a horseshoe-shaped insert to adjust the size of the ring. The insert is also clamped into a groove or fixed with glue or solder. This also requires a specialist. Furthermore, the insert is almost impossible to remove. Therefore, a buyer of the ring cannot test how the adjusted ring feels on their finger before purchasing it.
[0008] US 4261 185 B1 and DE 2 208 769 A1 show inserts with hooks or lugs that are inserted into the ring band to reduce its inner diameter. This is relatively complex to manufacture. Furthermore, the inner surface of the ring band without reducing its size, as well as inserts that extend only over part of the circumference, is less comfortable to wear compared to a uniformly shaped inner area of a ring band.
[0009] US 6672 105 B1 discloses a cylindrical airbag attached to the ring band and inflated to the desired size via an opening in the band. This solution compromises the design of the ring, as it must have a through-hole accessible and closable from the outside. Furthermore, the use of an inflatable airbag detracts from the elegant design of the finger ring.
[0010] EP 1 410 728 A2 discloses a finger ring with a first ring part that is rotatable relative to a second ring part by means of a rolling bearing. Such rotating rings are fascinating due to their light effects and optical effects. Due to the rolling bearing, they have a complex structure, are priced at a premium, and cannot be easily resized, for example, by being expanded. Especially for the above-mentioned and other types of rotating rings, there is a need to create a system that allows adaptation to different finger sizes.
[0011] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to create a finger ring that can be adjusted to a finger size in a simple and reversible manner.
[0013] This problem is solved by a finger ring having the features of claim 1.
[0014] The finger ring according to the invention comprises a ring band with a receiving opening for receiving a finger and an insert part for changing the size of the receiving opening. The ring band has a groove on its inner side for receiving the insert part, wherein the groove extends over at least half the inner circumference of the ring band. The insert part has an outer circumference that corresponds to at least half the inner circumference of the ring band. The insert part is elastic and can be received in the groove with its entire outer circumference. It can be inserted into the groove by reducing its diameter and fixed in the groove by subsequently enlarging its diameter by elastic springback. The insert part fixed in the groove can also be removed from the groove by reducing its diameter.
[0015] This allows the insert to be inserted and removed without extensive expertise and without the need to alter 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 optimal fit. The insert thus forms an easy-to-use inlay. Multiple inserts can be used with the same ring, although they can differ in material thickness and thus in diameter to adapt the ring to different finger sizes.
[0016] Depending on the design, these inserts can even be resized by the customer themselves at home, so that the same ring can be worn by different people without having to be laboriously adjusted by a specialist each time.
[0017] Because the insert sits within the groove over its entire outer circumference, there's no visually disturbing gap between the band and the insert. The appearance of the ring remains unaltered. In preferred embodiments, no parts of the insert protrude inward into the receiving opening, ensuring comfortable wear.
[0018] Preferably, the insert extends over almost the entire inner circumference of the ring band. The area of the inner circumference not covered by the insert is preferably only due to the space required to reduce the diameter. This increases wearing comfort, as the inner shape of the ring remains unchanged. The forces acting on the finger during wear remain balanced.
[0019] The insert preferably has two opposing free ends that are arranged at a distance from one another. Contacting means are provided in the region of these ends, which, when the insert is in its assembled state, can be contacted by means of a tool to reduce the original diameter. The contacting means are preferably 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. The distance is preferably dimensioned such that the two ends can approximately touch but do not have to overlap in order to reduce the diameter of the insert for insertion or removal.
[0020] In preferred embodiments, the insert part has an inner circumference with an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is flush with an inner surface of the ring band over the entire length of the outer circumference or is raised above the inner surface of the ring band. It is preferably always raised. If the inner surface is raised, the diameter of the receiving opening is reduced as a result. The diameter decreases depending on the extent of the elevation. 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 remains unchanged. In this case, the insert part merely serves to cover the groove to optimize wearing comfort.
[0021] The inner surface of the insert can be flat or curved toward the center of the receiving opening. This changes the wearing comfort. The customer can experiment to find which shape is most comfortable.
[0022] The insert is preferably partially circular. However, it preferably has the same shape as the inner surface of the ring band. It can therefore also be oval, elliptical, or in another shape.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, the insert is designed in the form of a curved, flat strip. Its surface preferably has no recesses / depressions or elevations except for the contacting means. However, in other embodiments, additional recesses / depressions and / or elevations are present.
[0024] Preferably, the insert has a consistent cross-section along its entire length. This creates a single unit with the ring band and barely changes the shape of the receiving opening. Wearing comfort remains the same.
[0025] In preferred embodiments, the groove has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the insert has a flat outer surface for engagement with a groove base. The flat surface extends over the entire outer circumference, which is preferably open rather than closed. These shapes can be manufactured in a simple manner. The groove is preferably created by turning a recess into the annular band.
[0026] The ring 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 can include a setting for gemstones or other applications. It can be constructed in one piece or in multiple pieces. The insert according to the invention can, in principle, be inserted into any type of finger ring that allows for the formation of a groove on its inside.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the finger ring is a rotating ring, as described in the aforementioned EP 1410 728 A2 and marketed for years under the brand name GIRELLO®. The rotating ring preferably rotates around the central axis of the finger ring.
[0028] As already mentioned, different inserts, which differ, for example, in their thickness and / or cross-sectional shapes, can be used as a set. Preferably, a first insert of such a set has an inner surface that is flush with the inner surface of the ring band, and at least a second insert of this set protrudes from the inner surface of the ring band. This allows the finger ring to be worn just as comfortably in its original size as in its reduced size.
[0029] The insert can also be removed later and independently of the ring. This allows an heirloom, for example, to be worn again without the need for extensive alterations to the ring.
[0030] The use of the various insert parts can be facilitated with a suitable tool, whereby the tool is preferably a circlip pliers with insertion tips that are designed to engage in recesses of the insert part and are adapted to the size of the recesses.
[0031] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings:
[0034] Figure 1 shows a finger ring according to the invention with a ring band and an insert part before assembly;
[0035] Figure 2 shows the finger ring according to Figure 1 after assembly;
[0036] Figure 3 is a top view of the insert part according to Figure 1;
[0037] Figure 4 is a side view of the insert part according to Figure 3;
[0038] Figure 5 shows a cross section through the insert part according to Figure 3;
[0039] Figure 6 is a top view of an insert part in a second embodiment;
[0040] Figure 7 is a side view of the insert part according to Figure 6;
[0041] Figure 8 shows a cross section through the insert part according to Figure 6;
[0042] Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the annular ligament according to Figure 1;
[0043] Figure 10 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 9 with a first variant of an insert part;
[0044] Figure 11 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 9 with a second variant of an insert part;
[0045] Figure 12 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 9 with a third variant of an insert part;
[0046] Figure 13 shows a cross section through a ring band in a further embodiment;
[0047] Figure 14 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 13 with a first variant of an insert part;
[0048] Figure 15 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 13 with a second variant of an insert part and
[0049] Figure 16 shows a part of the ring band according to Figure 13 with a third variant of an insert part;
[0050] Identical parts are identified by the same reference numerals.
[0051] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Figures 1 to 5, as well as 9 and 10, show a first embodiment of a finger ring according to the invention. It comprises a ring band 1 and an insert 2. The ring band 1 is shown in these figures as a simple, one-piece, self-contained ring with a flat outer surface 10. However, as already mentioned in the above sections, the ring band 1 can be designed in any desired manner.
[0053] The ring band 1 has an inner surface 11, which is preferably circular. It is curved towards the center of the receiving opening of the finger ring, as can be clearly seen in Figures 9 and 10. 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 thus self-contained. It preferably runs at a constant distance from the side edges of the inner surface 11. The groove 12 preferably has a cross-section that is constant in its shape and / or dimensions. The groove 11 is preferably rectangular in cross-section, as can be clearly seen in Figure 9. The insert part 2 corresponds in shape 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.A recess 23, preferably a through hole, is provided in the area of each of the two free ends 22. The distance between the two free ends 22 is many times smaller compared to the outer circumference. It is designated by the reference symbol X in Figure 1. This is the first distance X between the ends in the initial state of the insert part 2.
[0054] The outer surface 20 of the insert part 2 is flat, or rather, it forms the counterpart to the groove bottom of the groove 12. The inner surface 21 of the insert part 2 is curved toward the center of the receiving opening of the finger ring. This is clearly visible in Figure 5.
[0055] The insert part 2 is flexible or resilient. It is preferably made of a metal, in particular a precious metal. A typical dimension for the recess 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 approximately 0.5 mm, more preferably approximately 0.66 mm, or more. Preferably, there is a set of insert parts 2, each differing in thickness by approximately 0.16 mm, i.e., their thickness is approximately 0.66 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.98 mm, etc.
[0056] A locking pliers, such as those used for expanding or snap rings, can be inserted with its insertion tips into the two recesses 23 of the insert part 2. The insert part 2 can then be grasped and the two ends 22 can be guided towards each other. The diameter of the insert part 2 is thus reduced and the insert part 2 can be easily inserted into the groove 12. When it is released again by the locking pliers, the insert part 2 springs back into a more open position thanks to the restoring forces. The two free ends 22 move apart from each other again, as can be seen in Figure 2. The insert part 2 is thus held fixed in the ring band 1 without any further fastening means, such as adhesive or solder. It can possibly be rotated relative to the ring band 1, but it will not fall out. A click should preferably be heard when the insert part 2 is inserted, so that feedback is received that it has been inserted correctly.
[0057] The second distance Y between the two free ends 22 in the inserted state of the insert part 2 is preferably the same size as the first distance X in the basic position
[0058] To remove the insert 2 from the ring band 1, the locking pliers are again inserted into the recesses 23 and the two ends 22 are brought together. The diameter of the insert 2 decreases again, and it can be removed from the groove 12 and the ring band 1.
[0059] Figures 6 to 8 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of an insert part 2. It differs from the first embodiment in that the inner surface 21 is also flat.
[0060] In the embodiment according to Figure 12, the inner surface is more curved than in the first embodiment according to Figure 10. However, as can be seen in the comparison of these two figures, the insert part 2 forms the smoothest possible transition to the inner surface 11 of the ring band 1 in order to avoid disturbing edges when wearing the finger ring.
[0061] In Figures 13 to 16, the inner surface 11 of the annular band 1 has an alternative design; in this case, it is flat. This shape can also be combined with the previously described insert parts 2. Figure 14 shows a flat insert part 2, and Figures 15 and 16 show insert parts 2 with different inward curvatures.
[0062] The finger ring according to the invention allows for simple and reversible adjustment to different finger sizes.
[0063] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0064] 1 annular band 21 inner surface
[0065] 10 outer surface 22 free end
[0066] 11 inner surface 23 recess
[0067] 12 grooves
[0068] X first distance
[0069] 2 Insert part Y second distance
[0070] 20 outer surface
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Finger ring with a ring band (1) having a receiving opening for receiving a finger and with an insert (2) for changing the size of the receiving opening, wherein the ring band (1) has a groove (12) in its inner surface (11) for receiving the insert (2), wherein the groove (12) extends over at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band (1), wherein the insert (2) has an outer circumference that corresponds to at least half of the inner circumference of the ring band (1), and wherein the insert (2) is elastically designed, characterized in that the insert (2) can be received in the groove (12) with its entire outer circumference, that the insert (2) can be inserted into the groove (12) by reducing its diameter and by subsequent,that the enlargement of its diameter produced by means of elastic springback can be fixed in the groove (12) and that the insert part (2) fixed in the groove (12) can be removed from the groove (12) by reducing its diameter.
2. Finger ring according to claim 1, wherein the insert part (2) has two opposing free ends (22) which are spaced apart from each other, wherein contacting means are provided in the area of these ends which can be contacted by means of a tool in the mounted state of the insert part (2) in order to reduce the diameter of the insert part (2) received in the groove (12) when contacted together, in order to remove the insert part (2) from the groove (12).
3. Finger ring according to claim 2, wherein the contacting means can be contacted by means of the tool in the unmounted state of the insert part (2) in order to reduce the diameter when contacting together in order to insert the insert part (2) into the groove (12).
4. Finger ring according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the contacting means are recesses (23).
5. Finger ring according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the distance (X) between the two ends (22) is a multiple smaller than the outer circumference of the insert part (2).
6. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insert part (2) has an inner circumference with an inner surface (21), wherein the inner surface (21) is aligned with or raised to the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1) along the entire length of the outer circumference.
7. Finger ring according to claim 6, wherein the inner surface (21) of the insert part (2) is flat or curved towards a center of the receiving opening.
8. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insert part (2) is semicircular.
9. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insert part (2) is formed in the form of a curved flat band.
10. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert part (2) has a constant cross-section over the entire length of its development.
11. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the groove (12) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and the insert part (2) has a flat outer surface (20) for resting in a groove bottom of the groove (12).
12. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the ring band (1) is a rotating ring.
13. Finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ring band (1) is either closed or open.
14. Set comprising a finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein several insert parts (2) are provided which have different thicknesses and / or different cross-sectional shapes.
15. Set according to claim 14, wherein a first insert part (2) has an inner surface (21) which is aligned with the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1) and wherein at least a second insert part (2) is provided which projects from the inner surface (11) of the ring band (1).
16. Insert part of a finger ring according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the insert part (2) is elastically designed and wherein its diameter can be reduced and increased again by elastic recoil.
17. Tool for use with a finger ring according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tool is a retaining ring pliers with insertion tips designed to engage in recesses (23) of the insert part (2) and adapted to the size of the recesses (23).