Abstract:
The present invention is directed to kit or assembly of hand-held jewelry tools. The kit includes a least one pair of handles and one or more pairs of interchangeable jaws. Each set of jaws when attached to the pair of handles is adapted to perform a particular jewelry task. Because the kit includes a variety of interchangeable sets of jaws, it is possible to perform many different jewelry making tasks using the present kit.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/883,928 filed Jan. 8, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of hand tools, particularly special purpose pliers, designed for setting and forming procedures that are used to make jewelry. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Special purpose pliers have been used for setting and/or forming different types of materials, such as jewelry and wire products such as chain mail and jump rings. Such special purpose pliers often have had fixed jaws to accomplish a specific setting or forming process or task. Since these special purpose pliers are dedicated to a specific task, a number of different tools are needed to perform a variety of setting and forming tasks associated with making jewelry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to kit or assembly of hand-held jewelry tools. The kit includes a least one pair of handles and one or more pairs of interchangeable jaws. Each set of jaws when attached to the pair of handles is adapted to perform a particular jewelry task. Because the kit includes a variety of interchangeable sets of jaws, it is possible to perform many different jewelry making tasks using the present kit. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a set of interchangeable jaws includes one fixed jaw and one moveable jaw. The movable jaw contains an adjustment member that controls a gripping angle between the pair of jaws when they are closed to contact a work piece between the jaws. Since the gripping angle can be controlled by the adjustment member, it is possible for the user to adjust the clamping surfaces or faces of the jaws so that the clamping surfaces are substantially parallel when the jaws are closed to contact a work piece positioned between them. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, the pair of jaws can be shaped or configured to perform a variety of jewelry making tasks such as but no limited to setting stones retained in earrings and rings or setting rivets or other similar types of fasteners. In still other embodiments of the invention, the pair of jaws can be shaped or configured for forming a work piece, such as wire, into different shapes including but not limited to, forming wire earrings, wire spirals, or straight and tapered wire coils. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a digital image of flat nose pliers of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a digital image of a chain nose pliers of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a digital image of a round nose pliers of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are digital images of setting tools of the present invention with a flat or straight lower clamping face that may be slotted to receive an earring post. 
         FIG. 5  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention with a concave lower clamping face that is slotted to receive an earring post. 
         FIG. 6  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention with a movable disk-shaped anvil adapted to receive an earring post fitted to a lower jaw. 
         FIG. 7  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention with a generally spherical-shaped anvil fitted to a lower jaw. 
         FIG. 8  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention with a cup fitted to a lower jaw. 
         FIG. 9  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention with an adjustable setting pin fitted to an upper jaw. 
         FIG. 10  is a digital image of a setting tool of the present invention having rivet setting structures on both upper and lower jaws. 
         FIG. 11  is a digital image of a wire forming tool of the present invention configured to form straight wire coils. 
         FIG. 12  is digital image of a wire forming tool of the present invention configured to form wire spirals. 
         FIG. 13  is a digital image of a wire forming tool of the present invention configured to form a wire earring. 
         FIGS. 14   a - 14   d  are digital images illustrating using the wire forming tool of  FIG. 13  to form a wire earring. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the Figures, and most particularly to  FIGS. 1 to 13 , various setting and wire forming tools of the present hand-held jewelry tool kit are illustrated. 
     In particular,  FIG. 1  is a forming tool with flat nose upper and lower jaws. In this embodiment, the forming tool  100  has a pair of handles  102 ,  104  (in each of the illustrated embodiments described below, the pair of handles are identical) and interchangeable upper and lower jaws  106 ,  108 . A tab portion, not illustrated, in a proximal region of each jaw is adapted to slide into a respective slot in each distal end region of both handles. The tool  100  has a pivot mechanism  110  movably joining the pair of handles and may have handle covers  112 ,  113  and springs  114 ,  115  to urge the pair of jaws  106 ,  108  open, as a convenience to the user. Further, upper jaw  106  has a second pivot mechanism  120  in the distal region of the handle which allows the gripping angle between the upper and lower jaws to be adjusted within a range provided by adjustment mechanism  122 . In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is a threaded bolt or thumb screw that can be moved within a threaded bore located in a region of the jaw that is proximal of the second pivot mechanism  120 . Finally, lower jaw  108  is fixed to the handle with a pair of removable fasteners  130 ,  131 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of a forming tool of the present invention is illustrated. This forming tool  200  has chain nose upper and lower jaws  202 ,  204 . In this type of jaw configuration, the non-clamping faces of the jaws are rounded and have a generally semi-circular or D-shaped cross section. Upper jaw  202  also has a second pivot mechanism  220  which allows the gripping angle between the upper and lower jaws to be adjusted within the range provided by adjustment mechanism  222 . Lower jaw  204  is also fixed to the handle with a pair of removable fasteners  230 ,  231 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a forming tool of the present invention is illustrated. This forming tool  300  has round nose upper and lower jaws  302 ,  304 . In this type of jaw configuration, the cross section of both of the jaws is circular and the jaws are generally configured as tapered cylinders without any opposed flats on the jaws. The upper and lower jaws are attached to the handles in the same fashion as the upper and lower jaws of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Although  FIGS. 1 to 3  refer to only flat, chain round nosed shaped upper and lower jaws, various cross-sectional shapes for the upper and lower jaws may be used in alternative embodiments and it is to be understood that other curved and polygonal cross sectional shapes, as well as various different combinations of shapes or configurations, may be used in these alternative embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. These setting tools  400  and  401  each have generally U-shaped upper jaws  402  and  403  and flat or straight lower jaws  404  and  405 . Each of the upper jaws  402  and  403  also have a second pivot mechanism  420  and  421  which allow the clamping face or distal end of the jaw to be adjusted within the range provided by adjustment mechanisms  422  and  423 . The clamping surfaces in these illustrated embodiments are generally flat but both concave and convex clamping surfaces may be used in alternative embodiments of these upper jaws. Each of the lower jaws  404  and  405  may be solid or may be slotted in order to receive an earring post, for example, during the setting of a stone to be retained in the earring. 
     In an alternative embodiment of a U-shaped upper jaw (not shown), the distal region of the upper jaw is adjustably attached to the proximal region of the jaw. In one particular embodiment of this adjustable upper jaw, the distal region of the upper jaw has a convex clamping face attached to a rod. The rod is fitted into groove or slot, such as an aligned keyway, in a proximal region of the jaw that contains both the second pivot member and the adjustment member or mechanism. The width of the clamping face from the second pivot member to the clamping face may be adjusted by moving the rod within the aligned keyway. When the width is set to the correct length, a locking screw is used to fix the position of the rod in the keyway when the tool is used. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , still another setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. This setting tool  500  has a generally U-shaped upper jaw  502  with a generally flat clamping surface and a lower jaw  503  with a generally concave clamping surface. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  502  includes both a second pivot mechanism  520  and an adjustment mechanism  522 . The concave portion of the lower jaw  503  is slotted in order to receive an ear post during the setting of a stone to be retained in the earring. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , yet another embodiment of a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. This setting tool  600  has a generally U-shaped upper jaw  602  where the clamping surface in the distal region of the upper jaw is generally concave and a lower jaw  604  having a clamping surface that is made of a rotatable disk-shaped anvil  606 . A slightly flattened edge region of the anvil contains an aperture to receive an earring post. In use, the disk-shaped anvil  606  can be rotated in the order to vary or adjust the angle of the earring prongs in relation to the clamping surface of the upper jaw. A handle  608  fitted to the edge of anvil provides for facile control of the anvil&#39;s rotation. The capability of rotating the anvil to adjust the clamping angles allows the tool to used to set different shaped stones in a variety of earring settings. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  602  includes both a second pivot mechanism  620  and an adjustment mechanism  622 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , yet another embodiment of a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. The setting tool  700  has a generally U-shaped upper jaw  702  where the clamping surface in the distal region of the upper jaw is generally flat and a lower jaw  704  having a clamping surface that is made of a generally spherical anvil  706 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spherical anvil  706  also includes a clearance recess around the circumference of the anvil. In use, the spherical anvil  706  may be used to support the inner surface of a ring while the tool is used to set the prongs on the ring to retain a stone in the ring setting. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  702  includes both a second pivot mechanism  720  and an adjustment mechanism  722 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. The setting tool  800  has a generally U-shaped upper jaw  802  where the clamping surface in the distal region of the upper jaw is generally concave and a lower jaw  804  having a clamping surface that is made of a cup  806  adapted to hold a fixturing or setting compound such as JETT SETT fixturing compound. In use, the setting compound retained the cup  806  may be used to support the surfaces of an irregular-shaped work piece while the tool is used to set the prongs on the piece to retain a stone in the work piece&#39;s setting. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  802  includes both a second pivot mechanism  820  and an adjustment mechanism  822 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. This setting tool  900  has a generally L-shaped upper jaw  902  where the jaw is fitted with an adjustable setting pin  906  that can be brought into contact with a work piece as the jaws are closed together. The lower jaw  904  of this embodiment has a concave clamping surface. In use, the setting pin  906  can contact the work piece in order to bead set a stone that will be retained by the work piece or alternatively be used to set a rivet or other types of malleable fasteners. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  902  includes both a second pivot mechanism  920  and an adjustment mechanism  922 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a setting tool of the present invention is illustrated. This setting tool  1000  has a generally flat or straight upper jaw  1002  fitted with a rounded stud  1003  and a generally L-shaped lower jaw  1004  that is also fitted with a rounded stud  1005 . In use, this setting tool is used to flare the ends of a hollow rivet or similar type of malleable fastener used to hold two or more different materials together. Similar to the other embodiments, the upper jaw  1002  includes both a second pivot mechanism  1020  and an adjustment mechanism  1022 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of a wire coil forming tool of the present invention is illustrated. This wire forming tool  1100  has a generally flat or straight upper jaw  1102  that includes both a second pivot mechanism and an adjustment mechanism and lower jaw  1104  fitted with a mandrel having a central or principle axis extending substantially parallel to the principle axis of the handles of the tool. The principle axis of the tool lies in a plan generally defined by the distal tips of the upper and lower jaws and the pivot member joining each of the handles. In the particular embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the mandrel has a hexagonal cross section. In alternative embodiments, the cross section of the mandrel may be of any shape. In addition, the mandrel may also be tapered to any angle from the proximal base of the mandrel attached to the lower jaw to the distal end of the mandrel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , an embodiment of a wire spiral forming tool of the present invention is illustrated. This forming tool  1200  has an upper jaw  1202  fitted with a fixed first disk  1203  that has a face that is essentially perpendicular to the principal axis of the tool (the principle axis of the tool lies in a plan generally defined by the distal tips of the upper and lower jaws and the pivot member joining each of the handles). The upper jaw also includes both a second pivot mechanism  1220  and an adjustment mechanism  1222 . The tool also has a lower jaw  1204  fitted with a rotatable second disk  1205  that also has a face that is essentially perpendicular to the principal axis of the tool. The second disc is connected to a knob or handle  1206  to facilitate rotating the second disk. In use, the end of a length of wire or other material to be wound is held by a slotted pin attached to the center of the second disk. The faces of the first and second disk are moved together and the second disk is then rotated with the attached knob or handle to wind the wire into a spiral shape. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an embodiment of a wire earring forming tool of the present invention is illustrated. This forming tool  1300  has a generally elongate U-shaped upper jaw  1302  with a flat clamping face where the upper jaw also includes both a second pivot mechanism and an adjustment mechanism. The tool also has a generally elongate U-shaped lower jaw  1304  having a flat clamping face, a circular anvil  1305  on the distal end of the lower jaw, an adjustable stop  1306  proximal to a circular anvil and further fitted with a rotatable lever  1307  attached to the lower jaw with a third pivot member  1308 . The rotatable lever  1307  has a lip that can rotate over the outer surface of the circular anvil that is adapted to form a wire work piece around the circular anvil to provide a wire earring. 
       FIGS. 14   a  to  14   d  illustrate the process of forming a wire earring with the forming tool of  FIG. 13 . In a first step, the end a wire work piece is placed on the adjustable stop that has been set a predetermined distance from the clamping faces of the upper and lower jaws. The upper and lower jaws are then moved to a closed, clamped position to form a first bend near the end of the wire. While the wire is still being help by the upper and lower clamping faces of the tool, a second curved bend is formed in the wire by rotating the lever around the surface of the circular anvil at the distal end of the lower jaw. Once both bends have been formed on the wire, additional sizing and decorative steps can be done to complete the wire earring. 
     Materials for the jaws used in the present hand-held jewelry tool kit include, but are not limited to stainless steel, titanium and bronze, while materials for the handles include, but are not limited to steels such as AISI 52100, 5160, or C1070. 
     It is understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pliers assembly having a pair of handles, with each handle having a mediate region for mounting a pivot member, a grasping portion located on one side of the mediate region, and a jaw support mount located on the other side of the mediate region. The pliers assembly also has a pivot member for movably securing the mediate regions of the handles together and a pair of jaws each mounted to a respective jaw support mount with each jaw having tab portion adapted to be received by a corresponding slot portion in each handle. Generally, a lower jaw is fixed to one handle and an upper jaw is movable attached to the other handle. The movement of the upper jaw may be adjusted in a range provided by an adjustment mechanism. 
     This invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.