Abstract:
A device for shielding a ring has a tube of flexible material, the tube has two opposite ends, each end has a round opening that communicates through the interior of the tube, each end has a sleeve, and at least one elastic strip within each sleeve. The tube has a size compatible with the range of diameters of an adult female finger. The tube has a length proportional to the diameter of the openings. The elastic strips urge the round openings to remain small. Meanwhile the sleeve disperses the compressive load of the elastic strips more evenly upon a user&#39;s finger, improving comfort. The device can be symmetric.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This continuation in part application claims priority to the pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/931,289 filed on Jan. 28, 2011 which claims priority to the now expired provisional application Ser. No. 61/337,015 filed on Jan. 30, 2010 and all applications are owned by the same inventor. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The device for shielding a ring generally relates to jewelry and more iii specifically to flexible, removable covers that conceal and cover a ring worn on a person&#39;s finger. The device provides enclosures with openings on each end through which insert a finger from a human hand. 
         [0003]    Over the centuries, various forms of jewelry have adorned people. The jewelry may appear in many places upon a person. However, rings upon fingers is have a special place for people. In early days, the round unbroken shape of a ring represented a lasting bond, such as a marriage. Rings also represent authority and power such as rings of popes and potentates through the centuries. People place an emphasis on rings and because of that, seek to protect them. 
         [0004]    The protection begins with placement upon fingers. Many rings are placed upon the left hand, the less dominant hand. On that hand, a ring sees less movement than upon a right hand used regularly. Many rings are placed upon the fourth finger which is flanked by two other fingers and avoids the activity of the index finger. Hand and finger selection for placement of rings goes far to protect them. 
         [0005]    However, certain situations or environments call for additional protection of a ring worn upon any finger. When hunting or fishing, a person may seek to protect the ring from sunlight and water and to prevent reflection from the ring disturbing the game or the fish. When at a bar or other establishment, a person may protect or even conceal a ring for social reasons. Law enforcement personnel and others who deal with criminals may also seek to conceal a ring. Doing so would protect the person&#39;s actual identity and perhaps an undercover identity. Game wardens and wildlife officers may seek to conceal a ring, avoiding disturbance of game, fish, and violators. Though rings remain jewelry suitable for display, from time to time, a ring may need to be concealed. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0006]    Over the years, various devices have sought to cover and protect rings worn on people&#39;s fingers and other jewelry worn elsewhere on a person&#39;s body. The U.S. patent to Takacs, U.S. Pat. No. 3,251,066 has a jewelry cover shown applied over a bracelet upon a person&#39;s wrist, FIG. 1, col. 2 lines 15-20. This cover has is rectangular fabric sewn into a cylinder with a seam upon the short sides of the rectangle. 
         [0007]    The U.S. patent to Melling, U.S. Pat. No. 1,533,441, has a finger ring guard of an annular shape with two thickened ends. The patent also describes the thickened ends as rings, lines 84-86. The guard is preferably made of rubber, line 39, and snugly embraces a user&#39;s finger, line 47. 
         [0008]    The U.S. patent to Brunswick and Engel, U.S. Pat. No. 252,998, shows jewelry that combines a ring into a bracelet. The jewelry has a plurality of rings hingedly connected which then collapse and nest concentrically into a large ring. A spring catch then grasps the nested rings, keeping them in the large ring formation. However, upon releasing the catch, the rings extend into a chain like formation. 
         [0009]    The chain of rings can then be rolled into a bracelet. And, the U.S. patent to Kinsel, U.S. Pat. No. 76,470, shows a bracelet that collapses into a ring. This bracelet has a plurality of rings hingedly connected upon the same diameter of each ring so that the rings fold in an alternating manner into one large ring. A fastening D then keeps the stacked rings together. However, upon releasing the fastening, the rings open also into a chain like formation. The chain of rings can then secured at its outermost ends with the fastening as a bracelet. 
         [0010]    The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and provides a device for shielding a ring that an excessively baggy cover, constriction upon a finger, and abrasion of a finger. The present invention also provides a decorative touch or concealment of a ring so that the wearer can project or not project a desired image of a ring. The present invention also installs readily upon a person&#39;s finger by slipping it over the tip and knuckles then expanding it briefly over a ring, and then letting the invention settle upon the ring and ringer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Generally, the device for shielding a ring has a tube of flexible material, the tube has two opposite ends, each end has a round opening that communicates through the interior of the tube, each end has a sleeve, and at least one elastic strip within each sleeve. The tube has a size compatible with the range of diameters of an adult female finger. The tube has a length proportional to the diameter of the openings. The elastic strips urge the round openings to remain small. Meanwhile the sleeve disperses the compressive load of the elastic strips more evenly upon a user&#39;s finger, improving comfort. 
         [0012]    The invention comprises a formed material enclosure, or the tube, which a user pulls onto her finger and up and over a ring upon the finger. The invention then surrounds the ring and the finger within the ring. The invention has its openings upon both ends that utilize elastic strips, or other constricting material, on both of the ends so that the invention fits comfortably upon the finger and that provides the user the ability to adjust the position of the invention. Though this specification mentions a user as being female, such as by use of her, hers, woman, and woman&#39;s this specification may also apply to male use of the invention upon rings as well. 
         [0013]    The invention has a flexible, soft, and pliable material utilized as a cover for a ring by pulling it up and over the ring finger of a user and the ring itself. Both ends of the invention are open as previously described. The flexible ring material is sewn around stretchable elastic, or constricting material, on both ends of the cover, forming sleeves. The invention embodiment provides a retractable nature that provides a snug fit around the ring on both ends of the cover. This provides easy on, easy off quality to the ring shield and complete concealment of the ring when situational or environmental factors dictate a less is conspicuous appearance of a ring as described in the background. 
         [0014]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. The present invention also includes sleeves formed by circumferential stitching, the tube formed of a rectangular material sewn upon its long edges, and corners being folded mutually inward for a smooth outward appearance of the cover but comfortable feel for the user. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
         [0015]    Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0016]    One object of the present invention is to provide a device for shielding a ring that slips upon a ring and a person&#39;s finger readily. 
         [0017]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that covers a ring and resists scratching of the ring within it. 
         [0018]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that conceals a ring when situational and environmental factors call for a less is conspicuous display of a ring. 
         [0019]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that protects the ring and its constituent jewels and stones from being detached or lost by tree branches, shrubbery, and the like. And in an urban setting, the invention meets the object of protecting the ring and its constituent jewels and stones from detachment or loss by a user brushing their finger or hand against a building, fence, pavement, and the like. 
         [0020]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that fits upon rings and fingers of various sizes. 
         [0021]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that installs and removes readily making it suitable for continually use by a user. 
         [0022]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that lessens anxiety in the user because of less sparkle and bling from the covered ring attracting untoward attention. 
         [0023]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that has a minimum of components for manufacturing and later usage by unskilled labor. 
         [0024]    Another object is to provide such a device for shielding a ring that has a low cost of manufacturing so the purchasing persons, jewelers, distributors, and retailers can readily buy the device through stores and supply sources. 
         [0025]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    In referring to the drawings, 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a top view of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  describes a perspective view of the invention placed upon a user&#39;s finger; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  provides an opposite perspective view of the invention upon a user&#39;s inwardly bent finger; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  provides a top view of the invention upon a user&#39;s ring finger; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an end view of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  provides an exploded view of the invention; and, 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  shows a sectional view of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    The present art overcomes the prior art limitations by providing a device for shielding a ring, as in  FIG. 1 , that overcomes the limitations of prior devices and methods for concealing rings and bracelets. The present invention shown in  FIG. 1  begins with a flexible, soft, and pliable material for the invention in the form of a tube, as at  10 . The invention provides cover, protection, and security for a ring worn upon a user&#39;s finger. The Applicant also foresees additional embodiments where the tube of pliable material undergoes substitution as hardened enclosures with the same purpose of cover, protection, and security. The invention is utilized as a cover for a ring by a user pulling it up and over the user&#39;s finger, typically a ring finger, and over the ring itself to provide cover as seen in  FIG. 1 . The present invention can be used by both male persons and female persons and may be used on either hand and upon any finger. The user is may select the ring location at her discretion. The present invention will be available in various sizes to accommodate different sizes of fingers and rings. 
         [0036]    The invention will be cut to size and utilizes either stretchable elastic or non-stretchable material in both ends, as at  12 , of the invention. Another embodiment may utilize a drawstring upon both ends of the invention to accomplish the desired goal of the invention.  FIG. 1  shows stretchable elastic material in both ends  12 . The flexible ring material is sewn around the stretchable elastic  23  in sleeves  11  on both ends  12  of the invention. The stretchable elastic, upon both ends of the invention and sewn into both ends, provides the retractable nature to provide a snug fit around the ring on both ends of the invention. The stretchable elastic can have the form of individual threads, strips, strips encased in fabric, and the like. In usage, a user utilizes the invention in a normal manner by pulling it onto the ring finger and then over a ring. The user then adjusts the invention for the best, and most comfortable, fit. This usage provides one embodiment for accomplishing the purposes of the invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows a top view of the invention and because the invention has a generally cylindrical shape, this view also applies to the bottom view and side view of the invention. The invention has its form of a tube, as at  10 , with an opening  14  upon each end  12 . The opening admits a finger and a ring as later shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 . Inwardly from the opening, each end has a sleeve  11  of the material of the tube  10 . Each sleeve has a generally hollow construction that admits elastic  23  as later shown in  FIG. 7 . The sleeves have their form by folding over the material of the tube and stitching the folded material to the remainder of the tube as along the line  13  which forms the inner boundary of a sleeve. Each end  12  has its own sleeve  11 . The sleeves appear on the surface of the tube  10  as shown but also wrap inwardly from the ends as later shown in  FIG. 6 . The material formed into a sleeve then provides a cushion between the elastic  23  and the finger of the user. As shown in this figure and later in  FIG. 6 , the tube  10  has an overall length of approximately twice that of the width of the end. This proportion of tube to end provides for a comfortable fit of the tube to the finger of the user while covering a ring with a minimal amount of material. Because of the finger location of the invention during its use, the tube has a minimal amount of material so as to avoid entangling or rubbing against the adjacent fingers of a user. 
         [0038]    The invention shown in  FIG. 2  illustrates one of the many embodiments foreseen by the Applicant for how the invention would appear on a finger while covering a ring upon that finger. FIG.  2 &#39;s perspective view shows the invention installed with the tube  10  upon a ring finger F of a user&#39;s left hand H with the user&#39;s pinky outwardly. The user has already inserted her finger into the two openings  14  so that the finger and ring upon the finger pass into the ends  12  so that the user may position the tube in a desired location upon her finger. 
         [0039]    Turning to the invention shown in  FIG. 3 , it has elastic  23  in both ends  12  for providing a snug fit upon the user&#39;s finger. The tube  10  of the invention extends around the entire circumference of a user&#39;s finger F as shown here in a bottom perspective view with the palm of the user&#39;s hand H shown in the foreground. The tube, while encircling a user&#39;s finger, minimizes axial movement of the tube along the user&#39;s finger while covering a ring. As mentioned above, the tube has its length proportional to its width, the tube also has its length less than the distance from the hand to the first knuckle of a person&#39;s ring finger. This length provides cover for a ring while avoiding buckling and loosening of the tube  10  which would occur if the tube was longer and extended over the first knuckle. Related to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4  provides a top view of a user&#39;s hand H with the tube  10  of the invention installed upon a user&#39;s finger F. The tube fits precisely upon the portion of the finger from the hand to the first knuckle. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  then shows the invention in an end view. As the invention is generally symmetric, this view portrays both ends  12  of the invention. The tube  10  has two ends  12  with one end showing in  FIG. 5 . A user would see this view prior to installing the tube upon a finger. The end has its sleeve  11  formed into the generally shape of a circle. Each sleeve has elastic  23  placed within it and the elastic causes each end to bunch together at an irregular interval. However, the end  12  still has the opening  14  for insertion of a user&#39;s finger at time of usage. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  provides an exploded view of the components of the invention. The tubular form  10  of flexible material is reduced to its rectangular flat shape, or sheet, as at  10   a . The flat shape has two mutually parallel and spaced apart longitudinal edges,  20   a ,  20   b , and two mutually parallel and spaced apart lateral edges  21  where the lateral edges are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edges. The longitudinal edges are approximately twice as long as the lateral edges, as shown. Each of the lateral edges  21  has two corners at the merges with the longitudinal edges. The corners  22   a ,  22   b  are paired with one lateral edge and the corners  22   c ,  22   d  are paired with the other lateral edge here shown to the left of the figure. Inwardly from the corners,  22   a ,  22   b  &amp;  22   c ,  22   d , the flat shape  10   a  of the tube  10  has two mutually parallel and spaced apart fold lines  24 . The fold lines are generally parallel to the lateral edges  21  and spaced inwardly approximately one half the final width of the sleeves. 
         [0042]    Outwardly from the flat shape  10   a  in  FIG. 6 , each lateral edge has an adjacent strip of elastic  23 . The elastic strips, as at  23 , are generally slender and elongated and have a similar length to that of a lateral edge. Each elastic strip has two ends,  23   a ,  23   b  that upon later assembly of the invention join to the corners,  22   a ,  22   b  &amp;  22   c ,  22   d , respectively. The elastic strips are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edges which are also approximately twice their length. 
         [0043]    And,  FIG. 7  shows a sectional view through the length of the tube  10  when assembled. The tube  10  has its two ends  12 , each with their opening  14 . Because the tube is symmetric, only the left portion of the figure will be described. The opening  14  is generally round but here shown as an edge view of a semi circle in this sectional view. The sleeve  11  forms the boundary of the tube here shown as two somewhat round cross sections at the top and bottom of the left of the figure. At the opening, the elastic strip  23  remains within the sleeve  11  as the view shows the strip as two spaced apart sections. Because the sleeve enwraps the elastic strip, the user feels the sleeve against her skin. The wider surface area of the sleeve and its material of construction make the constriction of the elastic strip barely perceptible. The sleeve enwraps the strip and then is secured to the remainder of the tube utilizing stitching as along line  13 . The stitching is generally opposite the fold line  24  here shown as the outermost portion of the sleeve  11  and hence the end  12 . In use, the elastic strip and sleeve cooperate to bunch together and comfortably secure the end to a user&#39;s finger. 
         [0044]    From the aforementioned description, a device for shielding a ring has been described. The device for shielding a ring is uniquely capable of slipping upon a ring worn upon a finger of a person and protecting the ring from catching and enduring damage. The device for shielding a ring and its various components may be manufactured from many materials, including but not limited to, textiles, polymers, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, flexible metallic alloys, and composite fibers. 
         [0045]    Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments have been described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments. 
         [0046]    Various operations have been described as multiple discrete operations, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention, however, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. 
         [0047]    Moreover, in the specification and the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third” and the like are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
         [0048]    The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0049]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. Therefore, the claims include such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.