Abstract:
An adjustable finger ring apparatus and associated method are described for forming at least a portion of a finger ring. A shank includes a thickness that extends between an opposing pair of side surfaces such that the thickness defines a cavity including a through opening for receiving the support member for movement in opposing directions to increase and decrease the size of a finger aperture. At least one of the side surfaces defines an access opening to adjoin the through opening for access to the support member for at least one of moving the support member and maintaining a selected position of the support member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/280,485 filed May 16, 2014, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/825,071 filed on May 19, 2013, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application is generally related to finger rings and, more particularly, to advanced adjustable finger ring apparatus and methods. 
     The prior art includes a number of examples of finger ring adjustment devices. Such devices are generally needed when a wearer has an enlarged knuckle such that the ring can pass over the enlarged knuckle to be received on a digital portion of the finger. Prior art attempts to provide finger ring adjustment devices can be seen, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,636,531 and 6,003,334 by Miller (hereinafter, the Miller patents). Applicants recognize, however, that the approaches taken in the Miller patents and the prior art, in general, can involve relatively complex and fragile mechanisms that can be difficult to actuate, particularly by a wearer experiencing conditions such as, for example, arthritis. The present application provides heretofore unseen approaches that are submitted to resolve the limitations of prior art approaches. 
     The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, embodiments of an adjustable finger ring apparatus and associated methods are described for forming at least a portion of a finger ring. A finger pad is configured for engaging the finger of a wearer. A support member includes an elongated length extending from the finger pad. A shank includes an inner periphery for at least partially defining a finger aperture of the finger ring. The shank includes a thickness that extends between an opposing pair of side surfaces that are at least generally transverse to the inner periphery, and the thickness defines a cavity including (i) a through opening for receiving the support member such that movement of the support member in a first direction moves the finger pad to decrease the size of the finger aperture and movement of the support member in a second, opposite direction moves the finger pad to increase the size of the finger aperture and (ii) at least one of the side surfaces defines an access opening extending from the side surface to adjoin the through opening for access to the support member for at least one of moving the support member and maintaining a selected position of the support member. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, another embodiment of an adjustable finger ring apparatus and associated method are described for forming at least a portion of a finger ring. A finger pad is configured engaging the finger of a wearer with the finger pad including a pair of opposing outer ends. A support member having an elongated length extends from the finger pad between the outer ends. A shank includes an inner periphery for at least partially defining a finger aperture of the finger ring. The shank includes a thickness defining a through opening for receiving the support member such that movement of the support member in a first direction moves the finger pad to decrease the size of the finger aperture and movement of the support member in a second, opposite direction moves the finger pad to increase the size of the finger aperture and the shank further defines a recess for receiving the finger pad in a retracted position with the shank and the recess being cooperatively configured such that at least one of the opposing ends of the finger pad remains at least partially received within the recess for any position of the finger pad relative to the shank. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be illustrative rather than limiting. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view, in elevation, of an embodiment of an adjustable finger ring device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic side view, in elevation, of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic top view of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic, cutaway view taken along a line  4 - 4 , shown in  FIG. 1 , for purposes of illustrating the internal structure of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a key that can be used with an embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of an adjustable finger ring device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic, cutaway view taken along line  7 - 7 , shown in  FIG. 6 , for purposes of illustrating the internal structure of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic top view of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a resilient tongue bar and associated components that are used in conjunction with the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic fragmentary, partially cutaway view taken along a line  10 - 10 , shown in  FIG. 7 , illustrating an embodiment of the appearance of an interior side wall of a through passage that can be used in the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , shown here to illustrate further details of its structure. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic, partially cutaway view illustrating the appearance of an embodiment of another resilient tongue bar that can be used in the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic view of still another embodiment of an adjustable finger ring device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic view, in elevation, of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic top view of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic, cutaway view taken along a line  15 - 15 , shown in  FIG. 12 , illustrating further details of the structure of the embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  are diagrammatic views, in elevation, of another embodiment of an adjustable finger ring device in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic view, in perspective, of the bottom shank that forms part of the adjustable finger ring device of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , shown here to illustrate further details of its structure. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic view, in perspective, illustrating an embodiment of a guard or plug for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles taught herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein including modifications and equivalents. It is noted that the drawings are not to scale and are diagrammatic in nature in a way that is thought to best illustrate features of interest. Descriptive terminology such as, for example, up, down, upper, lower, left, right, bottom, top, vertical, horizontal and the like may be used with respect to these descriptions, however, this terminology has been adopted with the intent of facilitating the reader&#39;s understanding and is not intended as being limiting. 
     Turning now to the figures wherein like components may be indicated by like reference numbers throughout the various views, attention is immediately directed to  FIG. 1  which is an elevational view that diagrammatically illustrates an embodiment of an adjustable finger ring device that is generally indicated by the reference number  10 . Device  10  can include bottom shank  14  at least as a component for use in forming an overall ring wherein the bottom shank serves as a shank insert to form a ring in cooperation with an upper shank  16  that is illustrated in phantom using dashed lines. It should be appreciated that the upper shank can support any suitable crown or crown assembly. In an embodiment, the bottom shank can be formed integrally as part of an overall ring. In either embodiment, a finger aperture  20  is defined by inner periphery of the ring that can be of any suitable shape. For example, the figure aperture can be wider vertically than horizontally, as in the view of  FIG. 1 . The outer periphery of the overall ring can, likewise, be of any suitable shape including but not limited to circular, oblong, elliptical, closed polygonal and suitable combinations thereof. While the bottom shank can be provided in many suitable shapes and geometries,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment in which the inner periphery of the ring cooperates with the outer periphery of the ring such that the width or thickness of the bottom shank progressively increases approaching a centerline  4 - 4 . It should be appreciated that there is no requirement imposed, however, in maintaining symmetry with respect to centerline  4 - 4 . In any case, the thickness at the centerline can be configured for purposes of accommodating the various heretofore unseen embodiments of mechanisms that have been brought to light herein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , upper ends  28  of bottom shank  14  define straight attachment angles. In other embodiments, upper ends  28  can be angled outward or inward, as desired. The shank can be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, other suitable metals, alloys and non-metallic materials. 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1-4 , adjustable finger ring device  10  includes a post  32  that is threaded and received within an aperture  36  that is defined by bottom shank  14 , as in the elevational, partially cutaway view of  FIG. 4  that is taken along centerline  4 - 4 . Such a progressive thickness increase is not required and any desired outer periphery shape can be employed. Further, it is noted that  FIG. 2  provides a side elevational view of the adjustable finger ring device while  FIG. 3  provides a top view. An upper end of post  32  pivotally receives a finger pad  40 . The latter can be pivotally received in any suitable manner such as, for example, by riveting. In this way, the finger pad can remain stationary against the finger of a wearer as post  32  is rotated relative to the finger pad for purposes of adjusting the height of the finger pad. An upper surface  42  of the finger pad can include any suitable texture for purposes of engaging the finger of a wearer including, but not limited to a smooth finish, ribbed, a crisscross pattern, raised nubs formed at opposing ends of the finger pad, knurling, and the like. It should be appreciated that the finger pad can be jointed, hinged and/or spring loading for purposes of better conforming to the finger of the wearer as well as better conforming to the confines of a recess, yet to be described, which receives the finger pad in a lowered position. While the finger pad is illustrated as having a uniform thickness and width, no requirements are imposed with respect to these dimensions. 
     In another embodiment, shank  14  further defines a thumbscrew cavity  54  for receiving a thumbscrew  58  in threaded engagement with post  32 . Accordingly, rotation of thumbscrew  58  provides for movement of finger pad  40  in a way that can reduce or enlarge the extents of finger aperture  20 , for example, to allow the overall ring to be passed over an enlarged knuckle of the wearer and then tightened onto the digital portion of the finger. It is noted that the thumbscrew may be referred to interchangeably as a thumbnut. In embodiments that utilize a thumbscrew, post  32  can be fixedly attached to finger pad  40 . In an embodiment, bottom shank  14  can define a recess  60  for at least partially receiving finger pad  40  in a lowered position. Components including finger pad  40 , post  32  and thumbscrew  58  can each be formed of any suitable material such as, for example, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, other suitable metals, alloys and non-metallic materials. A spring  62  such as, for example, a helical coil spring can be received by post  32 . First and second end extensions  63   a  and  63   b  of the spring can be received in openings that are defined by the fingerpad and bottom shank, respectively, such that the spring serves to limit rotation of the fingerpad relative to the bottom shank. The spring is arranged such that in a home or neutral position, the finger pad is oriented as illustrated. Responsive to rotation of the finger pad in either direction relative to the shank, however, a resilient return force is applied to the finger pad to urge the finger pad back to the home position. Spring  62  can be formed from any suitable material such as, for example, steel, stainless steel, nickel and alloys thereof. In one feature, which is not required, a lowermost, outward or free end  64  of post  32  can receive a cap  66  for co-rotation with post  32 . The cap can be received on the post in any suitable manner such as, for example, by threaded engagement or a pressed fit. Since cap  66  is of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the through opening which receives post  32 , the cap can limit upward travel of the finger pad (i.e., travel that reduces the size of the finger cavity) and can prevent disengagement and/or loss of finger pad  40  and post  32  responsive to over-adjustment of thumbnut  58 . 
     In an embodiment which does not require a thumbscrew, a key  68 , shown in  FIG. 5 , can be used to engage lowermost end  64  ( FIG. 2 ) of post  32 , wherein a distal end  70  of the key and lowermost end  64  of the post include complimentary configurations such that engaged rotation of the key causes corresponding rotation of post  32 , thereby changing the extents of the finger cavity. Any suitable engagement configuration can be used including, without limitation, slotted, crossed, star and the like. Of course, the key can be provided having any suitable overall shape. In an embodiment, it should be appreciated that cavity  54  and thumbscrew  58  are not required. In this embodiment, post  32  can threadingly engage bottom shank  14  with finger pad  40  rotatably attached to the post. In the latter embodiment, spring  62  can resiliently serve to maintain the rotational orientation of the finger pad in a desired position at least generally transverse to the finger aperture. In another embodiment, key  68  can be configured to engage a complimentary configuration that is provided by cap  66 . For example, cap  66  can include a hexagonal periphery. 
     Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 6-10  which illustrate another embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of the present disclosure, generally indicated by the reference number  10 ′. The present descriptions will be limited primarily to aspects in which the present embodiment differs from embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1-5 . In this embodiment, bottom shank  14 ′ defines a through passage  100  that extends to recess  60 . A plurality of spaced apart grooves  104  (several of which are indicated) are defined in an interior sidewall of the through passage, as best seen in  FIG. 10  which is taken along a line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 7 . Grooves  104  can be formed having any suitable shape and are not limited to the rectangular form that is shown. Further, a notch  108  can be defined in a face of the bottom shank such that the notch leads into through passage  100 . As best seen in the view of  FIG. 10 , grooves  104  can extend on either side of notch  108 . A resilient tongue bar  110  can be fixedly attached to finger pad  40  extending downwardly therefrom in the views of the figures. In some embodiments, the tongue bar can be integrally formed with the finger pad. The tongue bar can be formed from any suitable material that exhibits sufficient resilience based on selected dimensions including, but not limited to gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, other suitable metals, alloys and non-metallic materials. The tongue bar of the present embodiment defines a U-bend  114 . From the U-bend, the tongue bar extends to a second bend  120  that can orient a distal end of the tongue bar such that a finger  124  ( FIG. 9 ) extends through notch  108 . Finger  124  includes a reduced width that terminates in a pair of opposing end faces  130  that are configured for resilient engagement with grooves  104  in a complementary manner. A free end of finger  124  supports a thumb pad  136  that can be fixedly attached thereto. 
     Having described the structure of embodiment  10 ′ in detail, attention is now directed to its operation. For purposes of changing the position of finger pad  40 , a user depresses thumb pad  136  sufficiently to disengage end faces  130  from grooves  104  and then slides tongue bar  110  such that the finger pad is moved to a desired position. Upon releasing thumb pad  136 , end faces  130  can engage one of notches  104  to hold the finger pad in the desired position. Of course, a slight movement of the tongue bar along passage  100  can be needed when the thumb pad is released having the end faces misaligned with respect to grooves  104  to cause the end faces to resiliently click into an appropriate one of the grooves. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of the tongue bar designated by the reference number  110 ′. In this embodiment, U-bend  114  is replaced by a hinge  140  that can be spring loaded to provide for resilient biasing, as described above. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12-15  another embodiment of the adjustable finger ring device of the present disclosure is illustrated, generally indicated by the reference number  10 ″. The present descriptions will be limited primarily to aspects in which the present embodiment differs from embodiments 10 and 10′, described above. In this embodiment, a stepladder bar  200  extends from finger pad  40 . The stepladder bar can be integrally formed with the finger pad or separately formed and fixedly attached to finger pad in any suitable manner. Suitable materials for the stepladder pad include, but are not limited to gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, other suitable metals, alloys and non-metallic materials. Stepladder bar  200  defines a plurality of spaced apart passages  204  along its length as best seen in the view of  FIG. 15  which is a partially cutaway view of bottom shank  14 ″ that is taken along a line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 12 . It is noted that notches  204  are illustrated having a rectangular shape, however, any suitable shape can be utilized. A front face of the bottom shank can define a pocket  220  that can lead into passage  100 . A catch  224  is pivotally mounted at a pivot position  228 , for example, using a pivot pin that can extend across pocket  220 . The pivot pin can be received in any suitable manner such as, for example, using spring loading to engage opposing apertures at either side of the pocket. A catch bar  230  leads to a hook  234  at a distal end of the catch. During use, stepladder bar  200  is moved to a desired position at which time catch  224  is pivotally rotated such that catch bar  230  passes through one of notches  204  to snap into position whereby hook  234  engages an opposite surface of the stepladder bar. A tab  236  can be provided for purposes of convenient disengagement of the mechanism. It is noted that, in one feature, previously described recess  60  can be used by embodiment  10 ″. Catch  224  can be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, other suitable metals, alloys and non-metallic materials and configured such that the catch bar exhibits sufficient resiliency for purposes of engaging the stepladder bar. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 12-15 , in another embodiment, catch  224  and related features can be lowered within bottom shank  14 ″ and/or the periphery of finger aperture  20  can be changed such that recess  60  can fully receive finger pad  40  in its lowermost position. In still another embodiment, catch  224  can be modified in any suitable manner for purposes of engaging stepladder bar  200 . It is noted that catch  224  is shown in phantom in  FIG. 15  in the engaged position using dashed lines. In this instance, the bottom surface of finger pad  40  can engage the inner periphery of bottom shank  14 ″ when the finger pad is fully lowered. In yet another embodiment, catch bar  230  can be extended so as to extend through bottom shank  14 ″ such that hook  234  can engage the opposing face of the bottom shank. In one feature, the opposing face can define a cooperating recess for engaging hook  234  such that the catch bar does not extend beyond the plane of the opposing face when in the latched position. In still another embodiment, pivot position  228  can be provided, for example, between an opposing pair of flanges that are fixedly supported by the front face of bottom shank  14 ″. In this embodiment, catch  224  is externally hinged such that pocket  220  is not required. That is, the bottom shank need only be configured to allow passage for catch bar  230  to appropriately engage stepladder bar  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , another embodiment of the bottom shank is illustrated and referred to by the reference number  14 ′″.  FIG. 16  is an elevational view that illustrates a finger pad  40 ′ in a retracted position received essentially completely within a recess  60 ′ while  FIG. 17  is another elevational view that illustrates finger pad  40 ′ in a raised position for purposes of engaging the finger of a wearer.  FIG. 18  is a perspective view that illustrates shank  14 ′″ for purposes of further showing details of its features. Recess  60 ′ is configured to cooperate with finger pad  40 ′ such that at least one of opposing ends  300  of the finger pad remains received at least partially within recess  60 ′ for any position of the finger pad relative to the shank. In this way, rotation of the finger pad relative to bottom shank  14 ′″ is limited so as to maintain appropriate alignment between the finger pad and bottom shank irrespective of the amount by which support member is extended from the bottom shank. In this regard and as clearly seen in  FIG. 18 , recess  60 ′ extends upward along the inner periphery of the bottom shank for purposes of receiving one or both ends  300  of the finger pad. It should be appreciated that the features described with regard to  FIGS. 16-18  can be used in any embodiment wherein the finger pad is supported for rotation on the support member such as, for example, in an embodiment that uses a key (see  FIG. 5  and related descriptions) to rotate the support member to change the position of the finger pad. It is noted that a flare  302  is provided on the free end of post  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  such that the flare biases against the shank responsive to movement of the post to the raised position to limit further travel of the finger pad. 
     The embodiments of the adjustable finger ring devices that have been brought to light herein have not been seen heretofore by Applicant. These devices provide for convenient and incremental adjustment while, at the same time, providing for secure retention on the finger of a wearer. 
     The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or forms disclosed. For example, as seen in  FIG. 19 , a guard or plug  400  can be provided for insertion between the bottom of finger pad  40  and the shank to serve to further support the finger pad and protect the mechanism as well as to limit the possibility of the finger pad catching on other objects. The guard can be provided, for example, with a central aperture  402  for receiving the finger pad support member and a peripheral configuration that is complementary to surrounding features such as, for example, recess  60 . Central aperture  402  can readily receive components that are associated with the support member such as, for example, spring  62  of  FIG. 1 . The central aperture can be configured to conform to the shape of the support member, although this is not required. The outer periphery of the guard can be provided in any suitable shape depending upon an intended application. A side cut  404  to one side of the central aperture can be provided for installation purposes. In an embodiment, a pull tab  406  can be provided. The guard can be formed from any suitable material including but not limited to silicone, rubber, rubber-like and resilient moldable materials. Accordingly, other embodiments, modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings wherein those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof.