Application of precious and semi-precious gems onto fabric without metal or adhesives

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method of securing a stone to a wearable article. The method includes creating a 3D-printed mold comprising a plurality of tubes, each tube adapted to hold a respective stone. The method further includes securing the 3D-printed mold onto a fabric of the wearable article. The method further includes laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones. The method further includes passing a thread through the one or more holes of each of the stones. The method further includes securing each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold using the thread.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 754,130, titled “APPLICATION OF PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMS ONTO FABRIC WITHOUT METAL OR ADHESIVES,” filed Feb. 5, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for attaching decorative accessories to wearable items, and more particularly to methods of securing precious and semi-precious gems to articles of clothing and fabrics using 3D-printed molds and thread-based attachment without metal settings or adhesives.BACKGROUND

[0003] Diamonds and gemstones have been coveted for thousands of years as decorative adornments. Traditionally, the use of precious and semi-precious stones in connection with human wear has been limited to conventional jewelry items such as rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and similar accessories. The application of such stones to articles of clothing, including hats, shirts, shoes, and other fabric-based items, has presented various challenges that have hindered widespread adoption.

[0004] Existing approaches for attaching precious and semi-precious stones to articles of clothing include setting the stones onto a metal plate or wireframe and then attaching the plate or wireframe onto the article. However, metal components tend to add undesirable weight to the garment, may pose safety concerns to the wearer, and can render the article unsuitable for washing or standard cleaning processes.

[0005] Another approach involves using adhesives to apply stones directly onto the surface of fabric articles. Adhesive-based attachment methods often suffer from insufficient bonding strength, which can result in stones separating from the article over time and becoming lost. Additionally, adhesive applications may not provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and can similarly limit the washability of the garment.

[0006] Direct sewing of stones to fabric articles represents yet another approach. However, conventional sewing techniques for stone attachment often fail to provide adequate security for the stones and typically result in visible stitching that detracts from the visual appeal of the finished product.

[0007] Accordingly, there exists a general desire for improved methods and systems for attaching precious and semi-precious stones to fabric articles that address one or more of the limitations associated with existing approaches.SUMMARY

[0008] The following introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form in order to provide a foundational understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. The following is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following merely presents some of the concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed description provided thereafter.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of securing a stone (e.g., gemstone, diamond, etc.) to a wearable article is provided. The method includes mapping a pattern onto the wearable article. The method further includes creating a 3D-printed mold of the pattern, where the mold comprises a plurality of tubes adapted to hold a plurality of stones. The method further includes securing the 3D-printed mold onto the wearable article. The method further includes laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones. The method further includes securing each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold.

[0010] Further scope of applicability of the methods, systems, and apparatuses of the present disclosure will become apparent from the more detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the following detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the methods, systems, and apparatuses are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the concepts disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an example pattern, including an arrangement of stones, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts an example of attaching a 3D-printed mold to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts an example of attaching a 3D-printed mold to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a stone with laser-drilled holes, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a stone being secured to a tube of a 3D-printed mold attached to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a process of designing a pattern, including an arrangement of stones, to be mapped onto a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 depicts an example of laser-drilling holes into a stone, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 depicts an example of laser-drilling holes into a stone, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 depicts an example of laser-drilling holes into a stone, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 depicts an example of a 3D-printed mold for attaching to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a 3D-printed mold attached to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an example method of securing a stone to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an example pattern, including an arrangement of stones, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the pattern may comprise a plurality of stones of varying sizes. FIG. 6 also illustrates an example process of designing a pattern, including an arrangement of stones, to be mapped onto a wearable article, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an example of attaching a 3D-printed mold to a wearable article, according to aspects of the present disclosure. Prior to creating a 3D-printed mold, a pattern may be mapped onto the wearable article. The pattern may comprise at least one of a logo or a design. Mapping the pattern onto the wearable article allows for determination of the ideal placement and size of stones that will be attached to the wearable article. The mapped pattern defines the locations where individual stones will be positioned, as well as the dimensions of each stone to be used at each location within the pattern.

[0027] The wearable article may be a hat, a jacket, a shirt, a shoe, a bag, a belt, or any item where fabrics are used. In some cases, the wearable article comprises a fabric article onto which precious or semi-precious stones may be attached. A method of attaching precious or semi-precious stones to a fabric article may comprise mapping a pattern onto the fabric article. The pattern may represent a brand logo, an artistic design, a geometric shape, text, or any other visual element desired to be displayed on the wearable article. By mapping the pattern onto the fabric article prior to subsequent processing steps, the precise arrangement of stones can be planned and executed to achieve the desired aesthetic appearance on the finished wearable article.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, a 3D-printed mold is shown comprising a plurality of tubes. The 3D-printed mold may be created using a liquid wax material. In some cases, the 3D-printed mold comprises a wax material that is formed through a 3D printing process. The 3D-printed wax mold may be created based on the pattern that was previously mapped onto the wearable article, as described above. The plurality of tubes of the 3D-printed mold may be arranged in a pattern corresponding to the mapped pattern.

[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 2, each tube of the plurality of tubes is adapted to hold a respective stone. The tubes in the 3D-printed wax mold are designed to hold each stone together in close proximity to one another. In some cases, each tube of the plurality of tubes has a diameter slightly smaller than a base of the respective stone to be held therein. By sizing each tube to be slightly smaller than the base of the respective stone to be received therein, the stones may be securely retained within the tubes while allowing for subsequent attachment using thread. The 3D-printed wax mold comprising a plurality of tubes sized to receive respective stones allows for precise positioning of each stone according to the desired pattern, logo, or design. The arrangement of tubes in close proximity to one another enables stones to be positioned adjacent to each other with minimal spacing, thereby achieving a cohesive visual appearance when the stones are secured to the wearable article.

[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a stone with laser-drilled holes, and FIG. 5 depicts the stone being secured to a tube of a 3D-printed mold attached to a wearable article, according to an embodiment.

[0031] The 3D-printed mold is shown secured onto the wearable article. The wearable article comprises a fabric substrate onto which the 3D-printed mold is attached. As described above, the 3D-printed mold comprises a plurality of tubes arranged in a pattern corresponding to the mapped pattern. Securing the 3D-printed mold onto a fabric of the wearable article may comprise sewing the 3D-printed mold to the fabric substrate. In some cases, sewing the 3D-printed wax mold onto the fabric article comprises hiding thread used for sewing from an outer side of the fabric article. The method of sewing is designed to hide the thread on the outer side of the wearable article so that nothing is visible, thereby providing a clean aesthetic appearance on the finished wearable article.

[0032] The fabric may be prepared prior to securing the 3D-printed mold thereto. Preparing the fabric may include puncturing and sewing eyelets that fit the same outline through an embroidered press. Each eyelet may have a measurement slightly smaller than the diameter of the incoming stone. The eyelets may be arranged in a pattern corresponding to the mapped pattern and the arrangement of tubes in the 3D-printed mold. In some cases, a stitched eyelet is used as a securing mechanism for attaching stones to fabrics. The stitched eyelet allows for secured application of the stones without visual hindrance. By using the stitched eyelet as a securing mechanism, the stones may be attached to the fabric in a manner that does not detract from the visual appearance of the finished wearable article. The eyelet may also prevent the stone from puncturing through the remaining fabric and onto the wearer's skin or underlying clothing. The 3D-printed mold secured to the fabric substrate, in combination with the prepared eyelets, provides a foundation for subsequent attachment of stones to the wearable article.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, a stone with laser-drilled holes is shown. A plurality of stones may be prepared for attachment to the wearable article by laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones. The stones may comprise at least one of precious stones or semi-precious stones, such as diamonds or gemstones. Each stone having one or more laser-drilled holes allows for subsequent attachment to the 3D-printed mold using thread passed through the holes.

[0034] FIGS. 7-9 depict an example of laser-drilling holes into a stone, according to an embodiment. Laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones may comprise drilling holes having a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. The holes drilled in the stones are invisible to the naked eye due to the small diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. In some cases, laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones comprises drilling three holes through each of the stones. The number of points and specific placement of the laser drilled holes depends on the shape and size of the stone being drilled. For example, a stone having a particular shape or dimension may receive holes at locations that provide secure attachment while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the stone. Each of the one or more laser-drilled holes may have a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm, which allows for passage of a thin thread while remaining invisible to the naked eye. By drilling holes at specific points determined by the shape and size of each stone, the stones may be securely attached to the 3D-printed mold without compromising the visual appeal of the finished wearable article.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, a stone secured to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold is shown. As described above, each stone may have one or more laser-drilled holes through which a thread may be passed. The thread may comprise a polyester thread. In some cases, the polyester thread is invisible to a naked eye due to the thin diameter of the thread. Securing each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold using the thread may be accomplished by passing the polyester thread through the laser-drilled holes in each of the stones and tying the thread to the respective tube.

[0036] Each stone may be secured into a respective tube using a polyester thread passed through laser-drilled holes in each of the stones. The polyester thread passed through each laser-drilled hole in the stone is utilized to secure the stone to the 3D-printed mold. In some cases, the polyester thread for each stone is tied to the respective tube in three places, corresponding to the three laser-drilled holes in the stone. This stitching allows the stones to be entirely secured and also face upward within the respective tubes. By securing each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold by a thread passing through the one or more laser-drilled holes, the stones are retained in position according to the mapped pattern.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 11, the combination of the tube being slightly smaller than the base of the respective stone and the polyester thread passing through the laser-drilled holes provides a secure attachment mechanism. The stone may be positioned within the tube such that the base of the stone rests against or within the tube while the polyester thread maintains the stone in the secured position. The polyester thread being invisible to the naked eye, combined with the method of sewing the 3D-printed mold to hide thread on the outer side of the wearable article as described above, results in a completed pattern with stones that are applied with minimal visibility of the sewing or attachment mechanism.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, a thread-based attachment mechanism for securing a stone to the 3D-printed mold is shown. As described above, passing a thread through the one or more holes of each of the stones allows for attachment of the stones to the respective tubes of the 3D-printed mold. The thread may comprise a polyester thread. A thin polyester thread may be passed through each of the laser-drilled holes in the stones. The polyester thread is invisible to a naked eye due to the thin diameter of the thread, which allows for secure attachment of the stones without detracting from the visual appearance of the finished wearable article.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the polyester thread for each stone may be tied to a specific target eyelet in three places. By tying the polyester thread to the target eyelet in three places, the stones may be entirely secured and face upward within the respective tubes. The three attachment points correspond to the three laser-drilled holes in each stone as described above. This stitching arrangement allows the stones to be retained in a fixed orientation with the visible face of each stone directed outward from the wearable article. The polyester thread being invisible to the naked eye, combined with the three-point attachment to the target eyelet, provides a secure attachment mechanism that does not create visual hindrance on the finished wearable article.

[0040] As described above, each stone may be secured to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold using a polyester thread passed through laser-drilled holes in each of the stones. The plurality of stones may be arranged according to the mapped pattern, logo, or design that was determined prior to creating the 3D-printed mold. With the stones secured to the respective tubes of the 3D-printed mold, the wearable article displays the completed pattern formed by the arrangement of stones.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 11, the final result provides very little visibility of the sewing or attachment mechanism. The combination of the polyester thread being invisible to the naked eye, the laser-drilled holes having a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm, and the method of sewing the 3D-printed mold to hide thread on the outer side of the wearable article results in an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The stones appear to be positioned on the wearable article without visible means of attachment, as the attachment mechanisms are concealed from view. The 3D-printed mold secured beneath the stones, the thin polyester thread passing through the laser-drilled holes, and the hidden sewing of the mold to the fabric substrate collectively contribute to the minimal visibility of the attachment mechanism on the finished wearable article.

[0042] In an embodiment, the eyelet may be positioned beneath the tube of the 3D-printed mold. The eyelet prevents the stone from puncturing through the remaining fabric and onto the wearer's skin or clothing. By providing a barrier between the stone and the underlying fabric, the eyelet serves as a protective element that maintains separation between the secured stone and the body of the wearer. In some cases, the eyelet may distribute forces applied to the stone across a broader area of the fabric substrate, thereby reducing the likelihood of the stone penetrating through the fabric material.

[0043] The combination of the tube of the 3D-printed mold and the eyelet provides both security and comfort for the wearer. The tube retains the stone in position according to the mapped pattern while the eyelet prevents contact between the stone and the wearer's skin or underlying clothing. This arrangement allows the wearable article to be worn without discomfort that might otherwise result from stones pressing against or puncturing through the fabric. The eyelet, in conjunction with the tube and the polyester thread attachment mechanism, contributes to a secure and comfortable attachment of stones to the wearable article.

[0044] In an embodiment, a pattern may be mapped onto the wearable article prior to creating the 3D-printed mold. The 3D-printed mold corresponds to the mapped pattern, such that the arrangement of tubes in the 3D-printed mold reflects the positions determined during the mapping process. With the plurality of stones secured to the respective tubes of the 3D-printed mold, the wearable article displays the intended logo or design formed by the arrangement of precious or semi-precious stones.

[0045] The completed stone pattern on the wearable article demonstrates the result of the method of securing stones to the wearable article as described above. The mapped pattern, which may comprise at least one of a logo or a design, is reproduced on the wearable article through the arrangement of stones within the tubes of the 3D-printed mold. Because the 3D-printed mold corresponds to the mapped pattern, each stone is positioned at a location that was determined during the initial mapping process. The finished wearable article displays the pattern with stones arranged according to the predetermined design, with the attachment mechanisms concealed from view as described above.

[0046] As described above, the wearable article may be a hat, a jacket, a shirt, a shoe, a bag, a belt, or any item where fabrics are used. The completed stone pattern on the wearable article provides an aesthetic appearance in which the precious or semi-precious stones form the intended logo or design. The 3D-printed mold secured beneath the stones maintains the stones in positions corresponding to the mapped pattern, while the polyester thread passing through the laser-drilled holes in each stone secures the stones to the respective tubes. The combination of the 3D-printed mold corresponding to the mapped pattern and the secure attachment of stones to the tubes results in a finished product displaying the intended visual element on the wearable article.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 12, a flow diagram of a method of securing a stone to a wearable article is shown. As described above, the wearable article may comprise a fabric substrate onto which stones are attached using a 3D-printed mold and thread-based attachment mechanisms. The method illustrated in FIG. 12 provides an overview of the process steps for attaching precious or semi-precious stones to the wearable article.

[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the method may begin with mapping a pattern onto the wearable article. As described above, the pattern may comprise at least one of a logo or a design, and mapping the pattern allows for determination of the ideal placement and size of stones that will be attached to the wearable article. The mapped pattern defines the locations where individual stones will be positioned on the fabric substrate.

[0049] As further shown in FIG. 12, the method may proceed with creating a 3D-printed mold comprising a plurality of tubes. As described above, each tube may be adapted to hold a respective stone, and the 3D-printed mold may comprise a wax material. The 3D-printed mold may be created based on the pattern that was previously mapped onto the wearable article, such that the plurality of tubes are arranged in a pattern corresponding to the mapped pattern.

[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the method may proceed with securing the 3D-printed mold onto a fabric of the wearable article. As described above, securing the 3D-printed mold onto the fabric may comprise sewing the 3D-printed mold to the fabric substrate such that thread used for sewing is hidden from an outer side of the wearable article. The 3D-printed mold secured to the fabric substrate provides a foundation for subsequent attachment of stones to the wearable article.

[0051] As further shown in FIG. 12, the method may proceed with laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones. As described above, laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones may comprise drilling holes having a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm, and in some cases, drilling three holes through each of the stones. The number and placement of the laser-drilled holes may depend on the shape and size of the stone being drilled.

[0052] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the method may proceed with passing a thread through the one or more holes of each of the stones. As described above, the thread may comprise a polyester thread that is invisible to a naked eye. The thin polyester thread passed through each laser-drilled hole in the stone is utilized to secure the stone to the 3D-printed mold.

[0053] As further shown in FIG. 12, the method may conclude with securing each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold using the thread. As described above, the polyester thread for each stone may be tied to the respective tube, and in some cases, the polyester thread is tied in three places corresponding to three laser-drilled holes in the stone. The combination of the tube being slightly smaller than the base of the respective stone and the polyester thread passing through the laser-drilled holes provides a secure attachment mechanism that results in a completed pattern with stones applied with minimal visibility of the sewing or attachment mechanism.

[0054] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of securing a stone to a wearable article, the method comprising:creating a 3D-printed mold comprising a plurality of tubes, each tube adapted to hold a respective stone;securing the 3D-printed mold onto a fabric of the wearable article;laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones;passing a thread through the one or more holes of each of the stones; andsecuring each of the stones to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold using the thread.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the 3D-printed mold comprises a wax material.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes has a diameter slightly smaller than a base of the respective stone to be held therein.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising mapping a pattern onto the wearable article prior to creating the 3D-printed mold, wherein the 3D-printed mold corresponds to the mapped pattern.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pattern comprises at least one of a logo or a design.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the 3D-printed mold onto the fabric of the wearable article comprises sewing the 3D-printed mold to the fabric such that thread used for sewing is hidden from an outer side of the wearable article.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the thread comprises a polyester thread.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the polyester thread is invisible to a naked eye.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones comprises drilling holes having a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein laser drilling one or more holes through each of the stones comprises drilling three holes through each of the stones.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the stones comprise at least one of precious stones or semi-precious stones.

12. A wearable article comprising:a fabric substrate;a 3D-printed mold secured to the fabric substrate, the 3D-printed mold comprising a plurality of tubes arranged in a pattern; anda plurality of stones, each stone having one or more laser-drilled holes and being secured to a respective tube of the 3D-printed mold by a thread passing through the one or more laser-drilled holes.

13. The wearable article of claim 12, wherein the 3D-printed mold comprises a wax material.

14. The wearable article of claim 12, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes has a diameter slightly smaller than a base of the respective stone secured therein.

15. The wearable article of claim 12, wherein the thread comprises a polyester thread that is invisible to a naked eye.

16. The wearable article of claim 15, wherein each of the one or more laser-drilled holes has a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm.

17. A method of attaching precious or semi-precious stones to a fabric article, the method comprising:mapping a pattern onto the fabric article;creating a 3D-printed wax mold based on the pattern, the 3D-printed wax mold comprising a plurality of tubes sized to receive respective stones;sewing the 3D-printed wax mold onto the fabric article; andsecuring each of the stones into a respective tube using a polyester thread passed through laser-drilled holes in each of the stones.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein sewing the 3D-printed wax mold onto the fabric article comprises hiding thread used for sewing from an outer side of the fabric article.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the polyester thread is invisible to a naked eye.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein each tube of the plurality of tubes has a diameter slightly smaller than a base of the respective stone to be received therein.

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