Devices and methods for pin fastening threadless body jewelry

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for improvements for pin fastening technology are disclosed. The improvements may include electrically straightened 24-gauge wire of the pin fastener, slightly flattened, using a rolling mill, the straightened wire of the pin fastener, and then twisting the flattened wire while being held straight to form the structure of the pin fastener. Flatting the wire and twisting the wire can provide the benefits including: 1) the wire is hardened providing superior hardness and spring back; and 2) with the twisted wire, ridges running at different angles on the pin can provide greater friction while in the hollow post.

Description

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PIN FASTENING THREADLESS BODYJEWELRYINVENTORSMnatSakan Gasparyan

[0001] This patent application is related to and claims priority benefit under 35 USC §[119 / 120] to co-pending and commonly-owned U.S. Pat. App. No. 63 / 546,829, filed on 11 / 01 / 2023, entitled ‘DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PIN FASTENING THREADLESS BODY JEWELRY,” and listing MnatSakan Gasparyan as inventor (Docket No. BVLA- 100 IP), which patent document is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposesTECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments relate generally to jewelry', and more particularly to a threadless body jewelry.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pin fastening threadless body jewelry' is a type of body jewelry' that uses a small pin to secure the end piece to a hollow post. This type of jewelry is becoming increasingly popular because it can be easy to put on and take off. Pin fastening threadless body jewelry works by using a small pin to secure the end piece to the hollow post. The pin is inserted through a small hole in the end piece and then threaded through a hole in the hollow post. Depending on the design and material, threadless pin fasteners may not be as secure as desired and may experience corrosion problems. Accordingly, what is needed are devices and methods that address these issues.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] A traditional fastener pin for a threadless attachment system may simply be a piece of 24-gauge wire. Such pins may work for smaller items, for example a 3 mm diamond bezel, but for larger items the friction may not be sufficient to hold the jewelry item in place.Additionally, if a significant kink is not placed in the pin, the jewelry item can work loose and may easily be lost.

[0005] Improvements as described herein, includes an attachment with a threadless pin fastener. The attachment system with threadless pin fasteners may include 1) a 24-gauge wire (or equivalent) that is electrically straightened; 2) the straighten wire is then slightly flattened using a rolling mill; and 3) the flatten wire is then twisted while being held straight.

[0006] Flatting the wire and twisting the wire can provide the benefits including: 1) the wire is hardened providing superior hardness and spring back; and 2) with the twisted wire, ridges running at different angles on the pin can provide greater friction while in the hollow post. Hence, embodiments as describe herein can provide the benefits of many less lost items and allow the use of threadless system for larger pieces of jewelry, for example nipple jewelry.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are illustrated by w ay of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in w hich:

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a sample of existing technology of a threadless pin fastener, according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts three wires for manufacturing a threadless pin fastener: a smooth ware, a flatten wire and a twisted wire, according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 A depict a threadless pin fastener, according to one embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3B depicts a threadless jewelry pin set comprising threadless pin fastener and a disc back, according to one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3C depicts the threadless pin fastener and the disc back of FIG. 3B inserted half way in, according to one embodiment; and

[0013] FIG. 3D depicts the threadless pin fastener and the disc back of FIG. 3C inserted fully in, according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a method for creating a tw isted wire from a smooth wire for a threadless pin fastener, according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a method for a user to use a threadless pin fastener for body jewelry, according to one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments disclosed herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

[0017] The jewelry industry is actively supported by threaded and threadless jewelry technology. In some embodiments, threaded jewelry uses a screw-on design to keep the jewelry in place. It may also consist of two pieces: a hollow post or barbell and a decorative end. The hollow post or barbell has threading on the end, and the decorative end has a matching thread. The two pieces are screwed together to keep the jewelry' in place. Threaded jewelry may be more affordable than threadless jewelry, and there can be a wider variety of styles and designs available. Threaded jewelry’ can be more difficult to put on and remove, and it may be more prone to irritation, especially for piercings that are still healing.

[0018] In another example, butterfly back earrings are a type of earring that has a back that slides onto the post and pinches the earlobe. Butterfly backs earrings are not as secure as screw backs and can become too tight, which can cause swelling and infection.

[0019] In some embodiments, threadless j ewelry uses a pressure fit design to keep the jewelry in place. It may consist of two pieces: a hollow post or barbell and a decorative end. The hollow post or barbell has a small hole in the end, and the decorative end has a small pin that fits into the hole. The pin can be then bent slightly to create tension, which holds the two pieces together. Limitation in the amount of tension can also limit the size of the jewelry supported by the threadless structure. Threadless jewelry can be easy to put on and remove, and it is less likely to fall out than threaded jewelry. It may be also more comfortable to wear, especially for piercings 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. Also, the push-fit design of threadless jewelry can be vulnerable to loss if not secured properly, and the decorative end may fall out if if s not pushed in securely.

[0020] Embodiments as described herein, provide improvements for jewelry’ pin fastening technology including methods to hold fast precious metal jewelry ends to a disc and post backing. In some embodiments, "threadless" is an attachment system for body jewelry. It may consist of a hollow post with a disc backing and a jewelry item that has an attached“pin’' that is traditionally is made from gold or steel, and kinked slightly to provide friction that will hold the pin in the hollow post.

[0021] A traditional fastener pin for a threadless attachment system may simply be a piece of 24-gauge wire. Such pins may work for smaller items, for example a 3 mm diamond bezel, but for larger items the friction may not be sufficient to hold the jewelry item in place. Additionally, if a significant kink is not place in the pin, the jewelry item can work loose and may easily be lost.

[0022] Improvements as described herein, includes an attachment with a threadless pin fastener. The threadless pin faster may also be referred to as a type of “unicorn pin”. The attachment system with unicorn pins may include 1) a 24-gauge wire (or equivalent) is electrically straightened; 2) the straighten wire is then slightly flattened using a rolling mill; and 3) the flatten wire is then twisted while being held straight.

[0023] Flatting the wire and twisting the wire can provide the benefits including: 1) the wire is hardened providing superior hardness and spring back; and 2) with the twisted wire, ridges running at different angles on the pin can provide greater friction while in the hollow post. Hence, embodiments as described herein can provide the benefits of many less lost items and allow the use of threadless system for larger pieces of jewelry, for example nipple jewelry.

[0024] Apparatus and methods described herein can provide a way to hold fast precious metal jewelry ends to a disc and post backing. As previously discussed, prior existing technology has traditionally made the pins from steel as it has more spring than gold. This method can have problems include bimetal corrosion and the fact the 14 karat (14K) piece is now less than 13K based on the content of steel. There can be also design limitations when using steel. Limitations include pieces having a higher than ideal profile to compensate for the steel pin base being press fit into the gold - body jewelry designs are more flattering low' profile and close to the body. The steel pin base can also often be seen though clearer gemstones which is undesirable

[0025] A physical structure, as described in embodiments herein, 1) may include pin fasteners that have threadless ends and are made from 18K white gold; 2) may be pulled to 25-gauge (0.455mm) round wire, and cut into 6” strips; 3) may be electrically straightened by passing current through under tension; and the wire rolled flat using rolling mill; 4) wire tensioned and twisted carefully to provide one revolution every 2.6 mm; and 5) 18K white wire flatten and tension twisted to precise revolutions, hardness and tension. Hardness is 3dies hard after processing - tension and spring back are equivalent to steel. In some embodiments, 14K white gold may be used in manufacturing.

[0026] For operation / function / use, the threadless pins are soldered to a jewelry design. In some embodiments, the threadless pins may be approximately 3.9 mm and may be crimped slightly. Finished pieces are slid into a disc back after placed into a piercing (hole). The disc back is a newer embodiment style of earrings back. Overall, this design provides a well tensioned and very grippy fastener for jewelry. Also, the design can be easy to remove and insert without use of cumbersome threading. Embodiments of the present invention may include flattened and twisted material to achieve tension fit jewelry'. Embodiments, as disclosed herein, provide advantages including the ability to make a jewelry' piece solely from precious metal, negating bimetal corrosion (black marks on users' skin), and provide superior grip and tension, which results in less lost jewelry pieces.

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a sample of existing technology7of a threadless pin fastener 100, which has a threadless end, according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the threadless pin fastener 100 comprises a post 102. wherein the post 102 is a cylindrical post with a smooth surface, which is drawn via round wire and unpolished. The post 102 is connected to a head 104. The head 104 is a decorative piece of jewelry. The threadless pin fastener 100 is inserted into a hole in a body jewelry7.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts three wires 200 for one or more threadless pin fastener embodiments. A smooth wire 202 depicts a sample structure of post 102 for the threadless pin fastener 100, according to one embodiment. A flatten wire 204 depicts a sample structure of a “flatten wire” created from the smooth wire 202, according to one embodiment. A twisted wire 206. depicts a wire structure of a wire created from the flatten wire 204, according to other embodiments of threadless pin fasteners.

[0029] Smooth wire 202 may comprise 14 Karat White gold, 25GA (0.5mm) diameter round wire. Six-inch lengths of this smooth wire 202 are electrically straightened by applying spring loaded tension and passing a 12-volt current through. The electrical current and resultant heat work to soften the material (annealed wire) which makes it more malleable for the next procedure.

[0030] Flatten wire 204 may' be manufactured by passing the annealed wire through a rolling mill to slightly compress two edges. This procedure can make the formally round wire asymmetric. It can help provide the desired shape and improved surface area for the next procedure. The wire is now 25-gauge wire and slightly flattened on 2 edges to measure 0.4mm x 0.55mm.

[0031] Twisted wire 206 may be manufactured from flatten wire 204. Flatten wire 204 is inserted into a rotary vice on one side and a static vice on the other. It is then slowly twisted to the desired tension which is 2 rotations of the material every 4.5mm. The twisted wire 206 may now exhibits multiple surfaces and different inner and outer surface gradients. With these design elements, it may not be necessary to make a kink in a post of the threadless pin fastener. Manipulation of the metal in this way work hardens the material, adding further strength making the wire approximately 3 dies hard. This means the wire has been run through a drawing die 3 times.

[0032] In summary, twisted wire 206 may be manufactured by 1) 14K White gold 25- gauge (0.5mm) diameter round wire being electrically straightened and annealed (smooth wire 202); 2) the wire from 1) is passed through the rolling mill and flattened to measure 0.4mm x 0.55mm (flatten wire 204); and 3) the wire from 2) tension twisted and hardened wire showing two helical rotations every 4.5mm of material length (twisted wire 206).

[0033] As will be subsequently discussed herein, FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 for manufacturing the twisted wire 206 from a smooth wire 202 for the threadless pin fastener 300, according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 3A depicts a threadless pin fastener 300 according to one embodiment. Threadless pin fastener 300, which has a threadless end, may be referred to as a type of unicorn pin. Threadless pin fastener 300 comprises a post 302 and a head 304. In some embodiments, the post 302 comprises the twisted wire 206. which is attached to head 304 to create the threadless pin fastener 300. Head 304 is a decorative piece of jewelry worn outward by the wearer. It is a design much like an ear stud. The decorative part, a star in this embodiment, can be cast, stamped or hand fabricated much the same as ear studs.

[0035] FIG. 3B depicts threadless jewelry pin set 320 comprising threadless pin fastener 300, which has a threadless end, and a disc back 310, according to one embodiment. As noted in FIG. 3A, the threadless pin fastener 300, i.e., unicorn pin, comprises a post 302 and a head 304. The disc back 310 comprises hollow7post 312 and disc back threadless post 314. Embodiments of disc back 310 can be different sizes based on different applications. Accordingly, embodiments of post 302 can be different sizes e.g., longer for new piercings, or shorter for healed to allow for swelling, or longer or shorter posts for applications in different parts of the body, e.g., Lobe, Flat, Tragus etc. As used herein, post 102 or post 302 may be referred to a “pin”.

[0036] FIG. 3C depicts the threadless jewelry pin set 340 comprising threadless pin fastener 300 and the disc back 310, where the threadless pin fastener 300 is inserted half way into disc back 310, according to one embodiment; and

[0037] FIG. 3D depicts the threadless jewelry pin set 350 comprising threadless pin fastener 300 and the disc back 310, where the threadless pin fastener 300 is inserted fully into disc back 310, according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 for creating / manufacturing the twisted wire 206 from the smooth wire 202 for the threadless pin fastener 300, according to one embodiment. As previously disclosed herein in simple terms, the procedure includes creating twisted wire 206 from smooth wire 202. The smooth wire 202 may be a) a 14K white gold 25 -gauge (0.5mm) diameter round wire and may be electrically straightened and annealed. Next, the wire from a) may be passed through the rolling mill and flattened. Then, the wire from b) may be c) tension twisted and hardened wire to showing two helical rotations every 4.5mm of material length. The resulting wire from c) is the twisted wire 206.

[0039] The aforementioned procedure for method 400 is described in further detail as noted below.

[0040] First, for step 402, the smooth wire 202 may comprise 14 Karat White gold, 25-gauge (0.5mm) diameter round w ire. Also 6-inch lengths of the smooth wire 202 may be electrically straightened by applying spring loaded tension and passing a 12-volt current through this smooth wire 202. The electrical current and resultant heat work to soften the material which makes it more malleable for the next procedure.

[0041] Second, for step 404, the annealed wire may be passed through a rolling mill to slightly compress tw o edges. This makes the formally round wire (smooth wire 202) asymmetric. This procedure can help provide the desired shape and improved surface area for the next step. Embodiment of the wire may now- be 25-gauge wire slightly flattened on 2 edges to measure 0.4mm x 0.55mm, as is illustrated in flatten wire 204.

[0042] Third, for step 406, the flatten wire 204 from Fig. 2 may be inserted into a rotary vice on one side and a static vice on the other. Flatten wire 204 is then slowly twisted to the desired tension which is 2 rotations of the material every 4.5mm. The wire now exhibits multiple surfaces and different inner and outer surface gradients. With these design elements, it may not be necessary to make a kink in a post of the threadless pin fastener. Manipulation of the metal in this way can work to harden the material, adding further strength that can make the wire approximately three dies hard.

[0043] FIG. 5 depicts a method 500 for a user to use a threadless pin fastener for body jewelry, according to one embodiment. The method comprises: step 502) grasping pin fastener 300; step 504) inserting pin fastener 300 into a hollow end of disc back 310, wherein disc back 310 is positioned in a piece of body jewelry; and step 506) when fully inserted, gently pulling on the pin fastener 300 to ensure pin fastener 300 is securely positioned in the disc back 310.

[0044] Improvements for pin fastening technology may comprise: 1) The 24-gauge wire of the pin fastener is electrically straightened, 2) the straightened wire of the pin fastener is then slightly flattened using a rolling mill, and then 3) the flattened wire is now twisted while being held straight to form the structure of the pin fastener.

[0045] As previously noted in the Brief Description of the Drawings, FIGS. 1, 2. 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4 and 5 illustrate disclosed embodiments.

[0046] It is contemplated that various combinations and / or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS1. A method for manufacturing a threadless pin fastener 300 for body jewelry, the method comprising: electrically straightening lengths of smooth wire 202 by passing an electrical current through the smooth wire 202; flattening the straighten wire to create a flatten wire 204; and twisting the flatten wire 204 to create a twisted wire 206.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical current is a 12-volt current.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical current and a resultant heat causes the smooth wire 202 to soften and create an annealed wire.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the flatten wire 204 is manufactured by passing the annealed wire through a rolling mill to compress two edges on the annealed wire, creating an asymmetric wire.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein for a 25-gauge wire, the two edges measure 0.4mm x 0.55mm.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the twisted wire 206 is created by inserting the flatten wire 204 into a rotary vice on one side and a static vice on another side, and twisting the flatten wire 204 to a desired tension.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the desired tension is 2 rotations of material every74.5mm.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein twisted wire 206 comprises ridges running at different angles on the threadless pin fastener, providing friction when inserted in a hollow post 312.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein manipulation of the flatten wire 204 causes a hardening of the flatten wire 204, which adds further strength and makes the flatten wire 204 three dies hard.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lengths of smooth wire 202 is 6-inches.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the smooth wire 202 comprises 14 Karat w hite gold.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the smooth wire 202 comprises a round wire between 24- gauge and 25-gauge.

13. A method for a user to use a threadless pin fastener for body jewelry, the method comprising: grasping threadless pin fastener 300; inserting threadless pin fastener 300 into a hollow' end of disc back 310, wherein disc back 310 is positioned in a piece of body jewelry; and when fully inserted, pull on the pin fastener 300 to ensure threadless pm fastener 300 is securely positioned in the disc back 310.

14. An apparatus for body jewelry, the apparatus comprising: a threadless pin fastener 300. further comprising a post 302 and a head 304. wherein post 302 comprises twisted wire 206, which is attached to head 304 to create the threadless pin fastener 300.

15. The apparatus of claim 14. wherein head 304 is an ear stud design.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a decorative part is either cast, stamped or hand fabricated.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a threadless jewelry pin set 320 comprises the threadless pin fastener 300 and disc back 310.

18. The apparatus of claim 17. wherein disc back 310 comprises hollow post 312 and disc back threadless post 314.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein head 304 is a decorative piece of jewelry' worn outward by a wearer.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the threadless pin fastener 300 has threadless ends and are made from 18K white gold, and are pulled to 25-gauge (0.455mm) round wire, and cut into 6” strips, and electrically straightened by passing current through under tension; and the round wire rolled flat using a rolling mill, and then flatten wire 204 is twisted to provideone revolution even' 2.6 mm, and causing twisted wire 206 to have a hardness of 3 dies hard.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the threadless pin fastener is approximately 3.9 mm.

22. The apparatus of claim 21. wherein an end of the post 302 is crimped.

23. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the twisted wire 206 comprises different inner and outer surface gradients.

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