Patent Publication Number: US-9414695-B2

Title: Ring holder, system comprising a ring holder and a ring display and method for connecting a ring to a ring holder

Description:
The invention relates to a ring holder, a system comprising a ring display with such a ring holder, as well as a method for connecting a ring to a ring holder. 
     DE 44 11 056 C2, DE 93 12 889 U1, DE 296 19 248 U1, DE 197 06 294 B4 and DE 198 39 055 C2 disclose different ring displays all of which share the feature that the ring is connected to a weight that is disposed below a presentation plate and that causes the ring to be pulled into a funnel-like receptacle trough. The ring can be pulled out of this funnel-like receptacle trough for the purpose of viewing it and trying it on. In this case, the counterweight moves upward, together with the ring. Rings that are accommodated in these displays are fastened to a simple string that is guided around the ring, knotted to the ring, and fastened, by the other end, to the counterweight. The afore-described easy attachment modality for the ring by the use of a string has the disadvantage that the ring is able to move relative to the thread; particularly, it can rotate out of place. This means that the sales personnel must intermittently realign rings with affixed applications inside the ring display to ensure that rings with applications are properly positioned inside the ring display. Further, the sales personnel must tie each ring individually to the string, which is a very time-consuming undertaking. 
     DE 20 10 130 C3 discloses a ring holder for presenting finger rings, where the rings are immobilized by a so-called “clamping beak.” This ring holder provides only a force closure for holding the ring in place. It is disadvantageous therein that the ring must be removed from the ring holder, when it is to be tried on. 
     DE 88 00 666 U1 describes a so-called display panel that can be used as a ring holder. The display panel has a “3-tongue stamping” modality by which rings, bracelets and other jewelry pieces are safely fastened to a display panel, while still intentionally preserving the possibility that the customer can try on individual pieces. However, particularly for valuable rings, such display panels are not used; the disclosed display panel is a typical disposable item that creates the subjective impression of cheapness and low value of the associated rings and items that are displayed on it. 
     It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for presenting rings that does not suffer from the disadvantages as described above and to thereby provide an option for a permanently appealing ring presentation. 
     The task is achieved by a ring holder that has the characteristics as specified in claim  1 , a system comprising a ring display and ring holder having the characteristics of claim  13  and/or a method for connecting a ring to a ring holder as specified in claim  14 . 
     A ring holder according to the invention comprises a flat gripping section, at least one contact surface that is arranged transverse relative to the gripping section and adjoining the gripping section for disposing the outer side of a ring as an extension of the gripping section, as well as at least one fixation element that is disposed at a distance from the contact surface and transverse relative to the gripping section and that allows for immobilizing a ring relative to the contact surface by using a strip-like holding means. A contact surface is understood as any surface that forms at least one flat support area for a ring, for example a flat contact section, upon which the ring rests, by a strip-like area, against the outer circumference on the contact surface. A gripping section is understood, in particular, as an area on the ring holder that can be enclosed by at least two fingers. The ring holder according to the invention has the advantage that a ring is immobilized by the use of a holding means relative to the contact surface such that the relative orientation with regard to the ring holder is preserved, also against the impact of outside forces (for example, due to multiple customers trying on the ring). Moreover, a ring that is immobilized on a ring holder according to the invention is optically almost completely visible, despite it being fastened to the ring holder, because, only in the area of the contact surface, there is a small area on the outer side of the ring that is covered up by the ring holder. A further advantage of the ring holder according to the invention is the fact that customers can try on the ring, which is immobilized on the ring holder. 
     Suitable fixation elements are, in particular, through-holes and/or side arms that are disposed transverse relative to the direction of extension of the gripping section. They allow specifically for an easy and, in particular, fixed connection of a ring with the contact surface in that a holding means (for example, a string, band, wire or other kind of holding means) is guided around the ring as tightly as possible, then guided through the through-hole(s) and/or around the ring and/or around the side arm, and then immobilized in the position thereof. The fixation of the position of the holding means can be achieved, in particular, by connecting the two ends or by immobilizing the respective ends relative to the ring holder. 
     The through-holes in the areas where holding means are present are preferably designed as curved, preferably circularly arched or circularly rounded. It is further preferred for them to include radii in all areas where holding means extend to avoid damage to holding elements due to sharp edges. The same applies correspondingly for the side arms. 
     The connection between ring and ring holder can be further improved by providing a depression on at least one side arm that is disposed as transverse relative to the direction of extension of the gripping section and intended for accommodating a holding means. By providing a depression, it is possible to define not only the position of the holding means; moreover, it is possible to reduce the risk of holding means that become overstretched over time from coming loose, or stretched-out retaining loops from coming loose from the ring holder. 
     The contact surface is preferably configured as curved. This increases the area along which the ring is enclosed by the contact surface. This in turn allows for the possibility of selecting a wider spacing between individual holding areas, thereby improving the connection. 
     For the same reason, according to a further practical embodiment, it is preferred to dispose three fixation elements at a distance relative to each other in the transverse direction. Preferably, the fixation elements are positioned such that the holding means can be guided around a ring, which is disposed on the contact surface, such that the holding areas that result from the enclosure of the ring by the holding means are disposed at a maximally large distance relative to each other with regard to the contact surface. 
     In a further practical embodiment, a central through-hole is provided as a first fixation element. Moreover, second, third, fourth and fifth fixation elements are configured to the right and to the left next to the through-hole and on both sides of the gripping element of the side arm. 
     Particularly robust side arms are obtained in this case, when the side arms that are disposed adjacently to the right and to the left of the through-hole have a width of 10% to 50%, preferably 30% to 45% of the width of the gripping element. 
     The gripping section preferably has a plunging area of an even thickness on the side that is opposite the contact surface and borders on an at least partially flat stop element. The ensuing advantage is that the ring holder according to the invention can be plugged into a ring display with an opening that is configured as a slot and a preferably also flat, adjacent surface. In fact, in this case, the ring holder will always align itself relative to the ring display such that the two flat surfaces come to rest against each other. 
     The stop element is preferably constituted by one, preferably all, side arms, particularly such that, this way, it is possible to save material that would otherwise be needed for creating a separate stop element. For the same reason, it is preferred for the contact surface to be constituted, at least in part, of one or a plurality of lateral surfaces of one or a plurality of side arms. 
     A particularly simple and cost-effective production of the ring holder according to the invention is achieved, when the ring holder is configured in one piece. In this case, the ring holder can be manufactured, for example, by way of a plastic injection molding process, such as, for example, made of polypropylene (PP). 
     It is also advantageous to provide a constriction in the area above the through-hole. This way, it is possible to ensure that a holding means, which is guided from the through-hole upward and around the rings that are to be immobilized, particularly narrow rings, laterally grips the respective ring already with the upward motion, not, for example, the side wall of a contact surface that would be gripped, if the ring holder were wider at this point than the ring itself. 
     Further technical characteristics of the ring holder according to the invention will be described below, which can be combined with all combinations of characterizing features as specified in the claims:
         The gripping section and at least two side arms have a T-shaped cross-section at least in a longitudinal sectional plane of the ring holder.   The ring holder is preferably designed as mirror-symmetrical.   Depressions can be configured on the gripping section for accommodating labels or other elements.   The gripping section can have printed thereon or affixed thereto such information as a barcode, a price and details regarding the manufacturer, etc.       

     Most commercially available rings have a diameter of between 10 mm and 25 mm. The width of the ring holder according to the invention is preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, particularly preferred between 15 mm and 30 mm. 
     A ring holder according to the invention can be particularly preferably used with a ring display that is especially matched for use together with the same. Therefore, protection is independently claimed also for a system that is comprised of a ring holder and ring display having the characteristics as specified below:
         The ring display includes a plate with at least one opening that is configured as a slot, and the slot width is matched to the thickness of the gripping section of the ring holder such that the gripping section can be inserted in the slot for the purpose of presenting a ring that is immobilized on the ring holder; and   A stop element is disposed on the ring display and/or the ring holder that limits the insertion depth of the ring holder inside the slot.       

     Correspondingly, a distinction is possible; in particular, it is possible to distinguish between a first variant, where the insertion depth is limited by a stop element that is disposed on the ring holder, and a second variant, where the insertion depth is limited by a stop element that is provided on the ring display. The latter is preferably achieved in that the depth of the slot is selected as shorter than the length of the ring holder. The insertion depth is then limited by the ring holder making contact with the floor of the ring display. 
     The system according to the invention comprising a ring display and ring holder has the advantage that, for an attractive presentation of rings, for example on the sales floor, it is only necessary to insert the ring holder into the openings, which are configured as slots, of a ring display provided for this purpose. The applies, in particular, when the slots are disposed and dimensioned such that the ring holders can only be inserted in the direction of the gravitational force, or at least at an angle between 0° and 45° relative to the normal of the slots. Gravitation then causes the unit comprising ring holder and ring to move by itself to the maximum insertion depth, once the ring holder has been inserted into the opening that is configured as a slot, provided sufficient play exists between the ring holder and the walls that delimit the slot. 
     When, according to a first variant, a separate opening, which is configured as a slot, is designed for each ring holder in a ring display (preferably with a complementary contact area), the insertion angle of a ring holder that is completely inserted into the opening, which is configured as a slot, and of a ring that is connected thereto can be preset. According to a first variant, this is achieved in that the side of the gripping section that is disposed opposite the contact surface is configured with a certain contour (for example, as semi-rounded), and the floor of the ring display in the floor area of a slot is configured as complimentary. 
     According to a second variant, a stop element that is disposed on the ring holder and laterally extending can have a flat contact surface that comes to rest against another, also flat contact area that adjoins the opening, which is configured as a slot. 
     The last described second variant has the advantage that ring displays with long, continuous openings, which are configured as slots, can be used, always allowing for an attractive arrangement within the ring display, independently of the number of units of rings and ring holders disposed therein. In fact, in this case, it is possible to push the ring holders together without much effort, such that no “product gaps” between items are visible within the ring display; this is a problem that cannot be avoided on ring holders with individual slots. This applies independently of how wide the ring holders are together with the rings. 
     A further advantage of the system according to the invention is that the rings, together with the ring holders, can already be pre-finished at the point of manufacturing and optimally prepared for the use at the point of sale. The complexity that is involved in an attractive presentation on the sales floor can therefore be limited to simply incorporating the pre-finished units of rings and ring holders into the already existing ring displays. In particular, it is not necessary to label individual items by hand, or even connect them to elements of ring displays at the point of sale. 
     The invention also relates to a method for connecting a ring to a ring holder, particularly to a ring holder according to the invention, including the following method steps:
         a) Positioning the ring on a curved contact surface;   b) Fixing the relative position of the ring on the contact surface of the ring holder with at least one strip-like fixation element relative to two areas of the contact surface that are spaced at a distance relative to each other, preferably in the outer areas of the curved contact surface;   c) Optionally additional fixation of the ring with a fixation element relative to a third area that is spaced at a distance relative to the previously mentioned areas.       

     The method according to the invention has the advantage that a ring can be connected simply and cost-effectively to a ring holder. This applies, in particular, when the ring holder is designed such that the ring can be immobilized on the contact surface with the aid of a holding means that is configured as a closed ring (for example, a band made of rubber, silicon, and the like) relative to the ring holder. This connecting modality will be addressed in further detail in the description of the figures below. 
     The above-referenced areas are preferably selected such that they are spaced at distances as far apart from each other as possible. 
     In a further practical embodiment, the ring is immobilized by at least one elastic holding element relative to two areas that are spaced at a distance relative to each other of the contact surface such that the holding element causes a reset force to be generated in the presence of relative movement relative to the fixation position. 
    
    
     
       Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention will be described below based on the drawings. These show the following: 
         FIGS. 1 a -1 f    are representations of a first embodiment of a ring holder according to the invention, seen in different perspective views; 
         FIGS. 2 a - d    are representations of the ring holder as shown in  FIG. 1 , together with a ring and holding means, seen in different arrangements and varying perspective views; 
         FIG. 3  is a representation of a system according to the invention comprising a ring display and a ring holder according to a second embodiment, seen in a perspective view. 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1  shows a ring holder  10  according to the invention in a side view ( FIG. 1 a   ), a sectional view according to arrows I in  FIG. 1 a   , a bottom view ( FIG. 1 e   ), a top view ( FIG. 1 c   ), a front view ( FIG. 1 d   ), and a section view according to arrows II in  FIG. 1   d.    
     The ring holder  10  comprises a flat gripping section  12 , a contact surface  14  that is arranged transverse relative to the gripping section  12  adjoining the gripping section  12  for disposing the outer side of a ring thereon as an extension of the gripping section  12 , as well as five fixation elements that are arranged at a distance from the contact surface  14  and transverse to the gripping section  12  allowing for immobilizing a ring relative to the contact surface  14  with the use of strip-like holding means. It can be discerned that the contact surface  14  is configured as circularly arched to provide a maximum contact area for the ring that must be immobilized. The radius of this contact surface is preferably matched to the outer radius of a commonly commercially available finger ring that must be immobilized with this device. 
     The gripping section  12  is constituted of a plate-like element of even thickness of ca. 3 mm. In the top area of the gripping section  12 , the fixation elements are configured as four side arms  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d  that laterally protrude relative to the gripping section  12 . Flat stop elements  20   a - d  are formed on the underside of the side arms  18   a - d . These comprise areas that are aligned transversely relative to a center axis  22 . The design, as previously described, allows for inserting the ring holder  10  into a slot-like opening of a slot width of at least 3 mm, and/or for letting the same slide into the slot, when the slot width is greater. The stop elements  20   a - d  that are formed on the side arms  18   a - d  then jointly constitute a stop that prevents a ring holder  10 , which has been pushed into the slot over the total plunging area  23 , from plunging still further into the slot. 
     As can be seen particularly in  FIGS. 1 a , 1 c  and 1 f   , the top side surfaces of the side arms  18   a - d  form, jointly with the top lateral area of the gripping section  12 , the contact surface  14 . 
     The gripping section  12  further accommodates a through-hole  24  on the center axis  22  as a further fixation element. 
     As can be discerned, in particular, in  FIGS. 1 a , 1 c , 1 e  and 1 f   , partial circumferential depressions  26  (laterally and below) are configured on the side arms  18   a - d  adjacently to the gripping section. These depressions serve as guide means for a silicone string, a rubber band or other holding means, as well as for protecting the same against mechanical impact. 
     In the area above the through-hole  24 , the ring holder  10  includes on both sides constrictions  28 . The thickness of the ring holder  10  in the area of the constrictions is 3.5 mm to 4 mm in the shown embodiment. It is understood that the thickness can be reduced, when rings of a width of less than 3.5 mm are to be connected to the ring holder. 
     Aside from the ring holder  10  according to the invention, as shown in the first embodiment,  FIGS. 2 a - d    present two silicone strings serving as holding means  32   a ,  32   b  and a finger ring  30 . 
       FIG. 2 a    shows the previously mentioned elements individually by way of an exploded view.  FIG. 2 b    differs from  FIG. 2 a    only in that the form of the holding means  32  is depicted in such a manner so as to demonstrate the position of the silicone string, when it encloses the ring  30  for the purpose of immobilizing the ring  30  relative to the ring holder  10 . 
     The  FIGS. 2 a - d    show how a finger ring  30  with an application  40  (here: a stone) can be easily connected to a ring holder  10 . 
     To this end, the outer side of the ring  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , is brought into contact with the contact surface  14 . In a further step, the holding means  32   a , preferably a string made of silicone or rubber, is inserted in the bottom and lateral depressions  26  of the side arms on one side, for example side arms  18   a ,  18   b , and thereby anchored on one side. The holding means  32   a  is then guided upward and guided through over the inner side of the ring  30 , which rests against the contact surface  14  of the ring holder  10 . By bracing and inserting and/or anchoring the holding means  32   a  in the lateral and bottom depressions of the side arm  18   c ,  18   d  on the other side of the ring holder  10 , the ring  30  is finally immobilized on the contact surface  14  in both holding areas  34   a ,  34   b.    
     The use of elastic holding means  32   a ,  32   b , particularly the use of holding means that have together with the ring  30  a coefficient of friction above 0.5 has the advantage that there exists a cohesive friction between the holding means and the ring  30  that is quite high, whereby outer forces are countered by a reset force until the cohesive friction is overcome, due to the resilient effect of the holding means  32   a ,  32   b , returning the ring  30  in the original position if it was shifted or rotated out of position. 
     The connection between the ring holder  10  and the ring  30  can be further improved when, as shown in the  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , a further holding means is disposed around the ring, passing though the through hole  24  in the area of the center axis  22  and braced thereto, for example, by a simple knot. 
       FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of a ring holder according to the invention. The same reference signs have been used below for those elements of the ring holder  10  according to this embodiment that are identical with elements from the first embodiment or that correspond to these from a functional aspect, as set forth in the description of the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  depicts, aside from the second embodiment, a system according to the invention comprising a ring display  36  and two ring holders  10  according to the second embodiment. 
     The ring holders  10  according to the second embodiment each comprise a flat gripping section  12 , a contact surface  14  that is arranged transverse relative to the respective gripping section  12  and adjoining the gripping section for arranging the outer side of a ring  30  as an extension of the gripping section  12 . Moreover, two fixation elements are provided transverse to the gripping section  12  that allow for immobilizing the ring by the use of a strip-like holding means relative to the respective contact surface  14 . It can be discerned that the contact surface  14  is configured as circularly arched to provide a maximum contact area for the ring  30  that must be immobilized. The radius of the contact surface is preferably matched to the exterior radius of a commonly, commercially available finger ring that is to be immobilized. 
     The gripping section  12  is formed by a plate-like element of an even thickness d G  of ca. 5 mm. In the upper area of the gripping section  12 , two side arm  18   a ,  18   b  are configured as fixation elements and protrude laterally relative to the gripping section  12 . The respectively bottommost points of the side arms  18   a ,  18   b  are stop elements  20   a ,  20   b  at the same time. The previously described design allows for letting the ring holder  10  slide into the openings, which are configured as slots  38  with a slot width of less than 5 mm, by utilizing gravitational force (the direction of the gravitational acceleration is indicated by the arrow g). In the shown embodiment, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the ring holder  10  and the normal is ca. 20°. 
     The stop elements  20   a ,  20   b  that are configured on the side arms  18   a ,  18   b  then jointly constitute a stop that prevents a ring holder  10 , which was pushed over the length of the total plunging area, to plunge any further into the slot  38  of the ring display  36 . 
     It is understood that ring holders according to the first embodiment can also be used in conjunction with the ring display as depicted in  FIG. 3 . If so, the slot width should be matched to the thickness d G  of the gripping section. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           10  Ring holder 
           12  Gripping section 
           14  Contact surface 
           18  Side arm 
           20  Stop element 
           22  Center axis 
           23  Plunge area 
           24  Through-hole 
           26  Depression 
           28  Construction 
           30  Ring 
           32  Holding means/holding element 
           34  Holding area 
           36  Ring display 
           38  Slot 
           40  Application