Abstract:
A rotatable bivalve housing comprising a first annular structure and a second annular structure that may be fixedly engaged with one another to provide a circular volume within which a rotatable ring, or a rotatable ring structure, may be securely rotated. Additionally, the first annular structure may be fixedly engaged with the second annular structure, each annular structure having one or more arcuate bow structures extending outwardly from the portion of the annular structure supportive of the rotatable ring.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US12/38692 filed May 18, 2012, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/488,658 filed May 20, 2011, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments pertain to jewelry ring assemblies and particularly to annular structures having one or more arcuate bow structures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,428 to Pasquetti discloses an annular piece of jewelry, particularly a ring or a bracelet having an outer rotary crown. 
     SUMMARY 
     The rotatable bivalve housing comprises a first annular structure and a second annular structure that may be fixedly engaged with one another to provide a circular volume within which a rotatable ring, or a rotatable ring structure, may be securely rotated. To fixedly engage the first annular structure with the second annular structure, each annular structure may have one or more arcuate bow structures extending outwardly from the portion of the annular structure supportive of the rotatable ring. 
     Accordingly, the embodiments may include an article of jewelry comprising a first annular element comprising at least two protruding tongues; a second annular element comprising at least two openings for receiving the at least two protruding tongues of the first annular element; and a space for a removable third annular element between the first annular element and the second annular element. Additional embodiments may further comprise a first annular element locking element comprising one or more clasp tongues; and a second annular element locking element comprising one or more branches for engaging the one or more clasp tongues of the first annular element. Other exemplary embodiments may further comprise a first rim connected to the first annular element; and a second rim connected to the second annular element, where the first rim and the second rim interlock in parallel along a plane defined by a cross section of an inner aperture of the first annular element and the second annular element. In other exemplary embodiments, at least one of the following surfaces may be composed of set stones: the first annular element, the second annular element, and a third annular element between the first annular element and the second annular element. In additional exemplary embodiments, a clasp tongue may be shaped to avoid contact with a culet of the at least one surface composed of set stones. 
     Embodiments may also include a ring comprising a first annulus having an inner flange perimeter; a second annulus having an outer flange perimeter, where the outer flange perimeter engages the inner flange perimeter; a ring interposed between the first annulus and the second annulus; a set of three or more arcuate support structures extending outwardly from the first annulus; and a set of three or more arcuate support structures extending outwardly from the second annulus. In additional exemplary embodiments, the set of three or more arcuate support structures extending outwardly from the first annulus may engage the set of three or more arcuate support structures extending outwardly from the second annulus. 
     Embodiments may also include an ornamental ring comprising a first valve having a first rim and a second valve having a second rim, the first valve having at least one arcuate arm extending from the first rim, where at least one of: a post, a receiver, and a resilient clasp may be disposed at a distal end of the at least one arcuate arm of the first rim, and the second valve having at least one arcuate arm extending from the second rim, wherein at least one of: a post, a receiver, and a resilient clasp may be disposed at a distal end of the at least one arcuate arm of the second rim. In additional exemplary embodiments, at least one of: the post, the receiver, and the resilient clasp of the at least one arcuate arm of the first rim may be configured to receive at least one of: a post, a receiver, and a resilient clasp of the at least one arcuate arm of the second rim. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary first annular structure embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary second annular structure embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an exemplary first annular structure with one clasp and three extended pin elements; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary second annular structure with one pin element and three cavities; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an exemplary first annular structure with two clasps and two extended pin elements; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an exemplary second annular structure with two pin elements and two cavities; 
         FIG. 7  is a side exploded view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element showing an exemplary clasp engaging an exemplary pin element and an exemplary extended pin element engaging an exemplary cavity; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element showing an exemplary clasp engaging an exemplary pin element and an exemplary extended pin element engaging an exemplary cavity; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure and a second annular structure; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section side view of a rim of an exemplary first annular structure and a lip of an exemplary second annular structure; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-section side view of a rim of an exemplary first annular structure engaged with a lip of an exemplary second annular structure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of multiple clasp blanks of an exemplary assembly embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of multiple clasp blanks of another exemplary assembly embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary first annular structure embodiment  100 . The first annular structure comprises a first cylindrical band  101  having a first rim  102  and a second rim  103 . A plurality of arcuate bow structures  114 - 117  each extend from the second rim  103  of the first cylindrical band  101  coextensive with a portion of the circumference of the second rim  103 . A plurality of arcuate ring support structures  110 - 113  extend from the outer surface of the first cylindrical band  101 , each proximal to an associated arcuate bow structure  114 - 117 . A plurality of chord structures  120 - 123  extend tangentially from the outer surface of the first cylindrical band  101  and each engage a portion of at least one of the plurality of arcuate ring support structures  110 - 113  that is distal from the associated one of a plurality of arcuate bow structures  114 - 117 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary second annular structure embodiment  200 . The second annular structure comprises a second cylindrical band  241  having a first rim  242  and a second rim  243 . A plurality of arcuate bow structures  254 - 257  each extend from the second rim  243  of the second cylindrical band  241  coextensive with a portion of the circumference of the second rim  243 . A plurality of arcuate ring support structures  250 - 253  extend from the outer surface of the second cylindrical band  241 , each proximal to an associated arcuate bow structure  254 - 257 . A plurality of chord structures  261 , 262  extend tangentially from the outer surface of the second cylindrical band  241  and each engage a portion of at least one of the plurality of arcuate ring support structures  250 - 253  that is distal from the associated one of a plurality of arcuate bow structures  254 - 257 . The second annular structure may comprise a lip  246 , or ledge, where the first rim  102  of the first cylindrical band  101  of the first annular structure ( FIG. 1 ) may be proximate to, or in contact with, the lip  246  of the second annular structure when the first cylindrical structure is engaged with the second annular structure. 
       FIG. 3  may be referenced as a bottom view of an exemplary first annular structure  300  with one clasp  382  and three extended pin elements  380 , 381 , 383 . An exemplary first annular structure  300  embodiment may comprise end portions of at least one of the pluarity of arcuate ring support structures  310 - 313  that is distal from the associated arcuate bow structures  314 - 317  comprising a clasp  382  and three extended pin elements  380 , 381 , 383 . The clasp  382  may be a split-tongue clasp. A portion  330 - 333  of the at least one arcuate bow structures  314 - 317  may be covered by one or mounted objects, e.g., jewels. The clasp  382  may have an engagement portion recessed about the one or more mounted objects. The first annular structure  300  may comprise at least one chord structure  320 - 323 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary second annular structure  400  with one pin element  492  and three cavities  490 , 491 , 493 . An exemplary second annular structure  400  embodiment may comprise end portions of at least one of the pluarity of arcuate ring support structures  450 - 453  that is distal from the associated arcuate bow structures  454 - 457  comprising a pin element  492  and three cavities  490 , 491 , 493 . The pin element  492  may be a transverse-pin element. A portion  470 - 473  of the at least one arcuate bow structures  454 - 457  may be covered by one or mounted objects, e.g., jewels. The second annular structure  400  may comprise at least one chord structure  460 - 463 . The second cylindrical band  441  may have an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical band  301  ( FIG. 3 ), such that the first annular structure  300  and the second annular structure  400  may be engaged. When the first cylindrical structure  300  is engaged with the second annular structure  400 , the first cylindrical band  301  of the first annular structure  300  may be proximate to, or in contact with, the lip  446  of the second annular structure  400 , where the inner diameter of the second cylindrical band  441  may be greater than the inner diameter of the lip  446 . The pin element  492  may receive the clasp  382  ( FIG. 3 ), and the three cavities  490 , 491 , 493  may each receive an associated one of the three extended pin elements  380 , 381 , 383  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an exemplary first annular structure  500  with two clasps  581 , 583  and two extended pin elements  580 , 582 .  FIG. 6  is a top view of an exemplary second annular structure  600  with two pin elements  691 , 693  and two cavities  690 , 692 . Exemplary embodiments of the first annular structure  500  may comprise a combination of extended pin elements  580 , 582  and clasps  581 , 583 . Exemplary embodiments of the second annular structure  600  may comprise varying combinations of corresponding pin elements  691 , 693  configured to each receive one or more clasps  581 , 583  and corresponding cavities  690 , 692  configured to each receive one or more extended pin elements  580 , 582 . 
       FIG. 7  is a side exploded view of an exemplary embodiment  700  with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element  706 . The first cylindrical band  701  may have an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical band  741 . The ring element  706  may have an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical band  741 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment  800  with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element  806 . The pin element  892  of the second annular structure may be configured to receive the clasp  882  of the first annular structure. The cavity  791  of the second annular structure may be configured to receive the extended pin element  781  of the first annular structure. A portion  831 - 833 , 871 - 873  of the at least one arcuate bow structure may be covered by one or mounted objects, e.g., jewels. The clasp  882  may have extended sides so as to allow for one or more mounted objects positioned on, and extending through  858 , 859 , a portion of the arcuate bow structure between the sides of the clasp, such that the operation of the clasp may not be impeded by the one or more mounted objects. The ring element  806  may also be covered by one or mounted objects, e.g., jewels. Accordingly, at least one of the each arcuate bow structures of the first annular structure and the second annular structure may appear to be one continuous arcuate bow structure when the first annular structure is enagaged to the second annular structure. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment  900  with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element  906  showing an exemplary clasp  982  engaging an exemplary pin element  992  and an exemplary extended pin element  981  engaging an exemplary cavity  991 . The clasp  982  may have an engagement portion recessed about the one or more mounted objects. The clasp  982  may have closer sides, compared to the clasp  882  ( FIG. 8 ), if there are no mounted objects, e.g., jewels, disposed directly above the clasp  982  on a portion of the arcuate bow structure  932 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment  1000  with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element  1006 . The ring element  1006  may be limited in lateral travel by at least one chord structure  1020 - 1023  extending away, e.g., extending tangentially, from the outer surface of the cylindrical band. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment  1100  with a first annular structure and a second annular structure. The first cylindrical band  1101  may be disposed within the second cylindrical band  1141 , where the inner diameter of the second cylindrical band  1141  is greater than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical band  1101 . A portion  1130 - 1133 , 1170 - 1173  of the at least one arcuate bow structures  1114 - 1117 , 1154 - 1157  may be covered by one or mounted objects, e.g., jewels. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment  1200  with a first annular structure, second annular structure, and a ring element  1206 . The ring element  1206  may be limited in lateral travel by at least one chord structure of the first annular structure  1220 - 1223  and at least one chord structure of the second annular structure  1160 , 1163  ( FIG. 11 ). The ring element  1206  may rotate about the annular structure, where the inner diameter of the ring element  1206  is greater than the outer diameter of the second annular structure. The ring element may be covered by one or more mounted objects, e.g., jewels, where the height of the one or more mounted objects may be lower, extending tangentially outward from the cylindrical band, than the height of the one or more arcuate bow structures  1214 - 1217  outward, about the cylindrical band. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of a rim of an exemplary first annular structure and a lip of an exemplary second annular structure  1300 .  FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of a rim of an exemplary first annular structure engaged with a lip of an exemplary second annular structure  1400 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of multiple clasp blanks of an exemplary assembly embodiment  1500 . An exemplary blank  1594  comprises at least one exemplary pinch clasp  1595 .  FIG. 16  is a perspective view of multiple clasp blanks of another exemplary assembly embodiment  1600 . An exemplary blank  1696  comprises at least one exemplary pinch clasp  1697 . The exemplary pinch clasps  1594 , 1696  may have varying dimensions for the sides to accommodate embodiments with mounted objects that may protrude into an area between the sides of the pinch clasps. 
     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.