Patent Publication Number: US-2017354210-A1

Title: Rings and methods of fabricating the same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The field of this disclosure relates generally to customizable articles and, more particularly, to customizable jewelry such as rings. 
     At least some known merchants offer customizable jewelry including engraved symbols (e.g., alphanumeric characters) selected by the consumer. However, over time, known engraved symbols on jewelry may become less pronounced due at least in part to the surface grinding and/or build-up of dirt associated with normal wear. Moreover, engraving generally needs to be performed on flat, continuous surfaces of the jewelry (e.g., the inner surfaces of the ring shank), which tend to be the smaller and less noticeable surfaces of the jewelry. It would be useful, therefore, to provide jewelry (e.g., a ring) with symbols that are more pronounced and durable. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, a ring is provided. The ring includes a shank and a head extending from the shank. The head defines a gemstone pocket and includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework. 
     In another aspect, a ring is provided. The ring includes a gemstone, a shank, and a head extending from the shank and defining a pocket in which the gemstone is set. The head includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of fabricating a ring is provided. The method includes forming a shank and one of coupling and forming a head on the shank. The head defines a gemstone pocket and includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary ring; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the ring shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the ring shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a head of the ring shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description illustrates rings by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description should enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make the rings, and the description describes several embodiments of rings, including what is presently believed to be the best modes of making the rings. Exemplary methods are described herein as being useful for making rings. However, it is contemplated that the methods have general application to a broad range of articles in a variety of fields other than jewelry. 
       FIGS. 1-3  are various views of an exemplary ring  100 . Specifically,  FIG. 1  is a front view of ring  100 ,  FIG. 2  is a side view of ring  100 , and  FIG. 3  is a top view of ring  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, ring  100  includes a shank  102 , at least one head  104 , at least one first (or feature) gemstone  106  mounted to head  104 , and a plurality of second (or accent) gemstones  108  mounted to shank  102  and/or head  104 . Although shank  102  and head  104  are integrally formed together as a single, unitary structure in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments head  104  may be coupled to shank  102  using any suitable process (e.g., a brazing process). Moreover, although ring  100  has only one head  104  (and associated gemstone  106 ) that is centrally located atop of shank  102  in the exemplary embodiment, ring  100  may have any suitable number of heads  104  (and associated gemstones  106 ) arranged atop of shank  102  in any suitable manner in other embodiments (e.g., ring  100  may have a center head and pair of side heads positioned adjacent to the center head). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, shank  102  has a bottom (or sizing) segment  110 , a pair of opposing side segments  112  that extend upward from bottom segment  110 , a bridge  114  that extends between side segments  112  opposite bottom segment  110  such that head  104  is mounted on bridge  114 , and a pair of shoulder segments  116  that each extend upward from side segments  112  to head  104 . More specifically, shank  102  has a first side segment  118 , a second side segment  120 , a first shoulder segment  122  extending from first side segment  118  to head  104 , and a second shoulder segment  124  that extends from second side segment  120  to head  104 . As such, first shoulder segment  122 , bridge  114 , and head  104  collectively define a first gap  126  (or airline) therebetween, and second shoulder segment  124 , bridge  114 , and head  104  collectively define a second gap  128  (or airline) therebetween. First gap  126  and second gap  128  provide a line-of-sight through ring  100 . Alternatively, side segments  112 , bridge  114 , and/or shoulder segments  116  may be arranged in any suitable manner that facilitates enabling ring  100  to be fabricated as set forth herein (e.g., ring  100  may not have gaps  126  and/or  128 ). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each shoulder segment  116  includes a pair of shoulder members  130  that diverge from their respective side segment  112  towards head  104 , thereby defining a seam  132  therebetween. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, ring  100  is designed as a split-shoulder ring, such that a bottom  150  of gemstone  106  is viewable through seams  132 . Moreover, each shoulder segment  116  (i.e., each shoulder member  130 ) includes a plurality of gemstones  108  mounted thereto. Although gemstones  108  are mounted along each shoulder member  130  in a shared-prong arrangement (i.e., via a plurality of second prongs  134  that each secure more than one gemstone  108 ), gemstones  108  may be mounted to shoulder members  130  in any suitable manner in other embodiments (i.e., shoulder members  130  may not have second prongs  134 , but rather, gemstones  108  may be channel set or pave set). Alternatively, each shoulder segment  116  may not include diverging shoulder members  130  in other embodiments (e.g., ring  100  may not be a split-shoulder ring in some embodiments). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, head  104  includes a prong-type setting of gemstone  106 . More specifically, head  104  includes a rail  136 , a plurality of first prongs  138  that extend upwardly from rail  136 , and a gallery  140  beneath rail  136  and above bridge  114 , such that rail  136  supports gemstone  106  from underneath. Although prongs  138  are illustrated in a linear shape, prongs  138  will ultimately be bent into shape such that prongs  138  overlap gemstone  106  from above to secure gemstone  106  to rail  136 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , although rail  136  is annular, circumscribes gemstone  106 , and includes a plurality of gemstones  108  mounted thereto in the exemplary embodiment (i.e., rail  136  has a halo-type design), rail  136  may have any other suitable shape (e.g., rail  136  may not be annular), and/or may not have gemstones  108  mounted thereto in other embodiments. Moreover, although head  104  is designed for a prong-type setting of gemstone  106  in the exemplary embodiment, head  104  may be designed for setting gemstone  106  in any other suitable manner in other embodiments (e.g., rail  136  may circumferentially overlap at least part of gemstone  106  for securing gemstone  106  without the use of prongs  138 , such that head  104  is designed for a bezel-type setting of gemstone  106 ). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, gallery  140  includes a first framework  142  and a second framework  144  that are separated from one another by segments  122  and  124 . Each framework  142  and  144  includes a lattice-like arrangement of frame members  146  that extends vertically between bridge  114  and rail  136 , and horizontally between shoulder segments  116 , to define a plurality of irregularly spaced and/or irregularly shaped openings  148  through which bottom  150  of gemstone  106  is viewable. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each framework  142  and  144  is convex (or dome-shaped) in its vertical extension between bridge  114  and rail  136 , and, as shown in  FIG. 1 , is convex (or dome-shaped) in its horizontal extension between shoulder segments  116 . As such, first framework  142  and second framework  144  collectively define a generally hemispherical pocket  151  in which gemstone bottom  150  is positioned. 
     In some embodiments, first framework  142  and/or second framework  144  may not be convex (or dome-shaped) in their respective vertical extensions, and/or may not be convex (or dome-shaped) in their respective horizontal extensions, such that pocket  151  may not be generally hemispherical in shape. Moreover, if shank  102  does not include shoulder segments  116  in other embodiments, first framework  142  may not be separated from second framework  144  by shoulder segments  116  but, rather, first framework  142  and second framework  144  may instead be seamlessly interconnected to define a single, unitary framework that extends completely around (or circumscribes) pocket  151 . Although first framework  142  and second framework  144  are designed to structurally support rail  136  and, hence, gemstone  106  in the exemplary embodiment, first framework  142  and second framework  144  may not be designed to structurally support rail  136  and/or gemstone  106  in other embodiments but, rather, may be designed to serve only an aesthetic or decorative function. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of head  104 . Although only first framework  142  is shown in  FIG. 4  and described below, it should be noted that second framework  144  is constructed in the same manner as first framework  142 . In the exemplary embodiment, frame members  146  of first framework  142  include an arrangement of first frame members  152 , an arrangement of second frame members  154 , and at least one third frame member  155  positioned between first frame members  152  and second frame members  154 . In other embodiments, first framework  142  may have any suitable number of frame member arrangements that facilitates enabling ring  100  to be made in the manner described herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each frame member  146  has an interior face  156 , an exterior face  158 , and an intermediate surface  160  extending between faces  156  and  158 . Interior faces  156  are inwardly directed and define a periphery of pocket  151  in which gemstone bottom  150  is positioned, and exterior faces  158  are outwardly directed and are exposed to the outside environment surrounding ring  100 , such that each frame member  146  serves as a partition between pocket  151  and the outside environment. Thus, each intermediate surface  160  defines at least part of an opening  148  in first framework  142 , such that opening(s)  148  provides a viewpoint from the outside environment into pocket  151  through first framework  142 . In other embodiments, interior faces  156  of frame members  146  may not define a periphery of pocket  151 , and/or intermediate surfaces  160  may not define openings  148  in first framework  142 . Alternatively, each frame member  146  may have any suitable number of faces (and/or intermediate surfaces) arranged in any suitable manner that facilitates enabling ring  100  to be made in the manner described herein. 
     First frame members  152 , second frame members  154 , and/or third frame members  155  are shaped and oriented to define at least one symbol (e.g., an alphanumeric character). In the exemplary embodiment, first frame members  152  are shaped and oriented to define a first alphanumeric character (a first alphabetic character), second frame members  154  are shaped and oriented to define a second alphanumeric character (e.g., a second alphabetic character) that is different than the first alphanumeric character, and third frame member  155  is shaped and oriented to define a partition between the alphanumeric characters of first frame members  152  and second frame members  154 . More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, third frame member  155  is shaped and oriented to define a column of substantially diamond-shaped structures  166  stacked point-to-point. Although frame members  146  (e.g., first frame members  152  and second frame members  154 ) are shaped and oriented to define symbols in the form of alphanumeric characters in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments frame members  146  may be shaped and oriented to define any suitable types of symbols such as, for example, but not limited to logos, inanimate objects, and/or animals. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of gemstones  108  are mounted to third frame member  155  (i.e., to each diamond-shaped structure  166 ). However, in the exemplary embodiment, no gemstones  108  are mounted to first frame members  152  or second frame members  154 . In other embodiments, gemstones  108  may be mounted to first frame members  152 , second frame members  154 , and/or third frame member(s)  155  in any other suitable manner (e.g., none of first frame members  152 , second frame members  154 , and third frame member(s)  155  have gemstones  108  mounted thereto in some embodiments). Alternatively, frame members  146  may be shaped and oriented to define any suitable number of symbols positioned in any suitable manner relative to one another. In one example, a symbol defined by first frame members  152  may be the same as (or different than) a symbol defined by second frame members  154  and/or third frame member(s)  155 . In another example, frame members  146  may not be shaped and/or oriented to define any readily identifiable symbols. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, at least one frame member  146  (e.g., at least one first frame member  152 ) of first framework  142  is adjacent to first shoulder segment  122 , and at least one frame member  146  (e.g., at least one second frame member  154 ) is adjacent to second shoulder segment  124 , with other frame members  146  collectively extending the entire horizontal distance between first shoulder segment  122  and second shoulder segment  124 . As such, at least one first frame member  152  defines part of first gap  126  beneath first shoulder segment  122 , and at least one second frame member  154  defines part of second gap  128  beneath second shoulder segment  124 . In some embodiments, if shank  102  does not include shoulder segments  122  and/or  124  (and, hence, does not have respective gaps  126  and/or  128 ), at least one first frame member  152  of first framework  142  may be positioned adjacent to at least one second frame member  154  of second framework  144 , such that frame members  146  of first frame work  142  and second framework  144  collectively extend around (or circumscribe) the entire pocket  151 . 
     Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, at least one first frame member  152  and/or at least one second frame member  154  extends the entire vertical distance between bridge  114  and rail  136 , such that the associated symbol (e.g., at least one leg of the associated alphanumeric character) defined by first frame members  152  and/or second frame members  154  extends the entire distance between bridge  114  and rail  136 . In other embodiments, frame members  146  may collectively extend only partially across the entire horizontal distance between shoulder segments  122  and  124 , and/or at least one frame member  146  may extend only partially across the entire vertical distance between bridge  114  and rail  136 . Although all frame members  146  of first framework  142  are integrally formed together as a single-piece, unitary structure in the exemplary embodiment, at least one frame member  146  may be coupled (e.g., brazed) to at least one other frame member  146  in any suitable manner in other embodiments. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each frame member  146  (and, hence, first framework  142 ) has a thickness  162  defined from its interior face  156  to its exterior face  158 . As such, the shape of each respective symbol of first framework  142  is defined throughout (or extends through) the entire thickness  162  of each associated frame member  146  (and, hence, the entire thickness  162  of first framework  142 ). For example, all frame members  146  may have substantially the same thickness  162 , and/or rail  136  may have a thickness  164  that is substantially the same as thickness  162  of at least one frame member  146 . In some embodiments, the thickness  162  of at least one frame member  146  may be different than the thickness  162  of at least one other frame member  146  (e.g., third frame member(s)  155  may have a thickness  162  that is wider than that of first frame members  152  and/or second frame members  154 ). In other embodiments, thickness  162  of frame member(s)  146  may be less than thickness  164  of rail  136 . Alternatively, frame members  146  and rail  136  may each have any suitable thickness that facilitates enabling ring  100  to be made in the manner described herein. 
     In one embodiment of a system for use in fabricating and selling a customizable article (e.g., a customizable piece of jewelry such as, for example, ring  100 ), a consumer is permitted to access an Internet webpage on which the consumer is provided with an interface for selecting, personalizing, viewing, and purchasing articles. The interface provides the consumer with a plurality of predesigned articles for purchase, each of which has at least one feature that can be personalized. For example, the consumer may be provided with a plurality of different predesigned ring styles for personalization, one such ring style being that of ring  100 . 
     If the consumer selects ring  100  for personalization, the consumer is then prompted to select a size and a material (e.g., a desired metal) for shank  102  and head  104 , and optionally a size, type, and/or cut of gemstone  106  and/or  108 . The consumer may then populate at least one data field with at least one symbol(s) (e.g., alphanumeric character(s)) to be included at at least one predefined location(s) on shank  102  and/or head  104  (e.g., in gallery  140 ). In one embodiment, the consumer may populate a first data field with a first alphanumeric character to be defined by first frame members  152 , and a second data field with a second alphanumeric character to be defined by second frame members  154 . For example, ring  100  may be an engagement ring, and the consumer may personalize ring  100  such that the first alphanumeric character input is indicative of a first person&#39;s first initial, and the second alphanumeric character input is indicative of a second person&#39;s first initial. 
     As the consumer enters the desired symbol(s) in the associated data field(s) of the interface, the interface generates, in real time, a viewable rendering of shank  102  and head  104  with gemstone(s)  106  and/or  108  set thereon. The updated rendering of shank  102  and head  104  includes the symbol(s) input by the consumer, and the consumer is permitted to rotate the updated rendering in three-dimensional space (i.e., in 360 degrees) via the interface. As such, the consumer can view the updated shank  102  and head  104  from any desired angle. Optionally, in some embodiments, the consumer may not be permitted to rotate the updated rendering in 360 degrees, and/or the consumer may not be able to select or customize other features (e.g., the material) of shank  102 . Notably, each time the consumer populates one of the associated data fields with a different symbol, the rendering of shank  102  and head  104  is updated. 
     When the consumer is satisfied with the appearance of shank  102  and head  104  in the viewable rendering, the consumer is prompted to select an icon indicating a desire to purchase ring  100 . The consumer is then directed to another webpage on which the consumer is provided with a plurality of data fields for entering required personal and/or payment information to complete the purchase of ring  100 . After the personal information is input into the associated data fields and payment is made, the specifications for ring  100  (e.g., the style number, size, material type, personalized symbol(s), etc.) are automatically transmitted to a manufacturer. Utilizing suitable computer-aided design (CAD) software, the manufacturer inputs the specifications (e.g., the personalized symbol(s)) into a predesigned CAD model for shank  102  and head  104  of ring  100 . A finalized CAD model for shank  102  and head  104  is then sent to a 3D printer at which a wax model is fabricated. Shank  102  and head  104  are ultimately cast (e.g., in the metal type and size selected by the consumer), and are subsequently cleaned and polished, and associated gemstones  106  and  108  are then set therein as needed. Optionally, ring  100  may instead be printed on a 3D printer with no casting needed. Ring  100  is then shipped to the consumer. 
     Some system embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include a controller or processing device such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, and/or any other circuit or processing device capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by the controller or processing device, cause the controller or processing device to perform at least some of the method steps described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the terms controller and processing device. 
     The above-described embodiments include at least the following technical effects: (1) providing a customized article such as, for example, a customized piece of jewelry; (2) providing a ring with at least one customizable symbol; (3) providing a ring with structural member(s) shaped to define at least one customizable symbol; (4) providing a ring with a gallery having frame members shaped to define at least one customizable symbol; and (5) providing a ring with a gallery having at least one customizable symbol the shape of which extends through the entire structural thickness of the gallery. 
     The methods and systems described herein facilitate providing a customizable article. More specifically, the methods and systems facilitate providing a customizable piece of jewelry such as, for example, a ring. In that regard, the methods and systems facilitate enabling a consumer to select at least one symbol for inclusion on the ring. The methods and systems further facilitate shaping structural member(s) of the ring to define the symbol(s). As such, the symbol(s) are not engraved in the structural members but, rather, the structural member(s) are shaped throughout their entire thicknesses to define the symbol(s). The symbol(s) thus extends through an entire structural segment of the ring such as, for example, the entire structural framework in the gallery of the ring. The methods and systems thereby enable a consumer to locate symbol(s) in a wider range of locations on the ring. Moreover, the methods and systems enable providing a ring with symbol(s) that are more pronounced and durable over time. 
     Exemplary embodiments of rings and methods of fabricating the same are described above in detail. The systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other system components, or other method steps, described herein. For example, the systems and methods described herein may have other applications not limited to practice with customizable jewelry, as described herein. Rather, the systems and methods described herein can be implemented and utilized in connection with various other industries. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.