Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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P14498-5
IINTERCFIA1~TGEABLiJ SEMI-MpUNT RING S~'STEM AND
METHOD FO'!It SELL)<NG RINGS
RELA');'Eb APPLI A~NS
[0001] This application is based on and claims pziority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/693,154, fled on tune 23, 2005, by Eli Sa~ansky, entitled,
''INTERCI-IANGEABLE SEMI-MOUNT RING," the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'>('IfON
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates tv semi-mount rings, and in particular,
to a
ring system that includes semi-mpunt shanks that can be interchangeably
connected with
semi-mount heads having stones or the like secured therein and to methods for
selling
nngs.
Description of the Art
[0003] A ring, such as an engagezr,~ent ring, may izaclude a shank, a head
secured
to the shank, and a focal stone, such as a diamond, securedlmounted within the
head. In
general, the shank is the portion of the zing that fits around one's finger.
The head
includes a mechanism, such as a plurality prongs, that holds the focal stone
and thereby
secures or mounts the stone to the shank.
[0004 Jewelers often sell rings, such as custom engagement rings, by
displaying
to prospective customers numerous semi-mount shanks of different styles and by
separately displaying a variety of individual loose focal stones of different
styles (i.c.,
stones that are not secured to a head or a shank). More specifically, a semi-
mount shank
is a shank that does not include a focal stone set therein. For example, a
semi-mount
shank may include an intEgral head secured thereto, the head simply being a
set of
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prongs, for example, inxo which a focal stone may thereaFter be placed and
secured.
Alternatively, a semi-mount shank raay be a shank with a gap or opening
therein, into
W111Ch gap or opening a head and a focal stone may thereafter be secured. Zn
general,
each of the semi-meant shanks displayed by the jeweler may be of a different
style with
each shank including, for example, a different decorative pattern etched
thereon, and/or
one or mare secondary stones secured thereto in various fashions. each of the
focal
stones displayed by the jeweler may be of a different type, shape, andlor
size, far
example
[0005] By displaying to pmspeetive customers different styles of semi-mount
shanks and different varieties of loose focal stones, jewelers allow customers
to select a
desired shank and a desired stone to form a custom ring. More specifcally,
when selling
rings in this fashion, a prospective customer traditionally views the
different shanks and
loose scones and selects a possible desired eombinatian. In order to
demonstrate to the
customer how the final ring may appear once the stave is mounted within the
head and to
the shank, the jeweler often thereafter grabs the selected stone with a pair
of tweezers and
holds the stone over the shank and/or head. A.Iternatively, the jeweler may
simply
placelrvst the stone atop the head. If the custozzl er is unhappy with the
selected
combination, the customer may thereafter select a different shank arldlar
stone, with the
jeweler then repeating the above process. Once the customer is satisfied with
the selected
combination, the jeweler thereafter mounts the stone within a head and secures
die head
to the shank.
(0006] In general, displaying and selling rings in the above fashion is
advantageous in that a customer is able to select a custom ring and a jewelEr
is able tv
maintain a lizzzited sized inventory (i.e., the jeweler only needs to maintain
a single
versian of each shank and a single variation of each stone, for example).
Nonetheless,
selling rings in this fashion has several drawbacks. For example, because the
selected
focal stone is not actually mounted within a head and secured to the selected
semi-mount
shank, the customer often gets only a crude view of how the final ring may
appear once
the stone is actually permanently mounted within the head and shank.
Similarly, the
customer often has difficulty viewing the ring because tile jeweler often has
difficulty
holding the focal stone steady in the shank or head. In addition, because the
focal stone
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is not secured to the shank, the customer is not able to easily handle the
ring or place the
ring on a finger and thereafter move the ring to get different perspectives of
the rind.
[0007] As an alternative to selling rings by displaying to prospective
customers
different semi-mount shanks and different individual loose focal stones as
described
above, a jeweler may maintain and display several "ring series". In genez~al,
a ring series
is a set of finishedlcompleted rings each having the same style shank and with
each shank
having a different type, shape, andlor size focal stone mounted therein.
Accordingly, a
jeweler may maintain several zing series, each series having a different style
shank and
with each, ring within a series having a different style stone, for ex mple.
The jeweler
may display to prospective customers each of the rings withizx each of the
series, thereby
allowing a customer to select a custom ring. Advantageously, as compared to
above,
using ring series to sell rings allows the custorr~er to easily see and handle
the rings in a
completed form.
[0008] Nonetheless, selling custom rings by using ring series has several
drawbacks. Specifically, rather than simply maintaining a single semi-mount
shank of a
given style and several stones o~F different types, shapes, and/or sizes, the
jeweler must
now maintain a large inventory of finished rings. Tlus inventory may require a
substantial investns.ent cost for the jeweler, may be difficult to physically
display given
limited space, and xnay also create additional work in having to manage the
inventory.
SUMMARY
[0409] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a ring that overcomes the above
and
other disadvantages of the prior art. According to an embodiment of the
invention, a
semi-mount ring system includes a semi-mount shank and a separate semi-mount
head.
The semi-mount shank includes a body and a head mounting mechanism integral
with the
body. The semi-mount head includes a stone mounting mechanism (e.g., prongs),
a focal
stone or the tike secured/znounted within the stone mounting mechanism, and a
shank
mounting mechanism secured to the stone mounting mechanism.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting
mechanism of the semi-mount shank and the shank mounting mechanism of the semi-
rrrount hcad are configured such that the head mounring mechanism may receive
the
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shank mounting azechanism izt order to attach the head to the shank to form a
ring. The
head mounting mechanism aztd shank mounting mechanism are also configured such
that
the head may thereafter be removed from the shank, thereby again forming two
separate
units. According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting
mechanism and
shazxk mounting mechanism are configuz~ed such that when the lead is
detachably secured
to the shank, the head and shanlt are interconnected in a stable fashion so
that the
resulting ring may be moved without concern of the head disconnecting from the
shank.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting mechanism and
shank
mounting xxrechanism are also configured such that when the head is detachably
secured
to the shank, the ring has a clean and finished appearance as if the ring
where in a final
form, even though it is not. Accoz~ding to an embodiment of the invention, the
semi-
mount shank and semi-mount head may also be configured such that when
detachabjy
secured to form the ring, the shank and head have the appearance of being one
continuous
piece of metal for example, thereby resulting in a ring that has the stylistic
appearance of
being a "custom one piece casting". Again, the head mounting mechanism and
shank
mounting mechanism are also configured such that the bead may thereafter be
detached
from the shank.
[p011] According to an embodiment of the invention, a retailer may provide or
display to prospective customers far example, a plurality of semi-mount shanks
of
different styles and a plurality of semi-mount heads each with a different
focal stone or
the like pre-mounted therein andlor of a different style. According to an
embodiment of
the invention, each of the plurality of semi-momt shanks provided or displayed
by the
retailer has a substantially idex<tical head mounting mechanism, irrespective
of how the
remainder of the shank is shaped or designed. Similarly, each of the plurality
of semi-
mount heads provided ar displayed by the retailer has a substantially
identical shank
mounting mechanism, irrespective of the type, style, and/or size of the stone
pre-mourned
therein. In addition, the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism
of
each of the provided or dispIaycd shanks and heads are preferably of a mating-
form. In
this way and according to art embodiment of the invention, a retailer may
provide or
display to prospective customers different semi-mount shanks and different
semi-mount
heads with different stones mounted therein and allow the customers to
interchangeably
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mix and match any of the heads with any of the shanks in order to form any
number of
different custom rings, each ring having the head detachably secured to the
shank and
each ring having a clean and finighed appearance.
(00X2] As such and according to an embodiment of the invention, a prospective
customer znay view a plurality of displayed semui-mount shanks and semi-tnount
heads
and select any one of the semi-mount shanks and any one of the semi-mount
heads.
Throubh the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism of the
selected
shank and head, the head may thereafter be secured to the shank to form a
complete ring.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the customer may thereafter hold
and view
the ring, and move the ring without concern that the head or stone will
disconnect from
the shank. In addition, according to an embodiment oFthc invention, the ring
may have a
clean and iinishcd appearance as if the ring where in a final form, even
though the ring is
technically not finished, allowing the customer to ea.Sily see how the
completed ring will
appear once completed.
[0013] Assuming the selected Shank andlor head do not meet the customer's
preference, the head and shank nnay be detached and a different head and/or
shank
detachably connected. Such a process may continue until the customer finds a
desired
combination of a head and a shank. Thereafter and according to an embodiment
of the
invention, a finished rzng may be formed by soldering, for example, the
selected head to
the shank.
[0014] Accordingly, the semi-zx~ount ring system of the present invention has
the
advantage of allowing a retailer, for example, to easily and conveniently show
a
prospective customer numerous different custom rings. The semi-mount ring
system also
has the advantage of allowing the customer to easily see how each custom ring
will
appear once completed. in addition, the present invention also allows a
customer to
handle and try each ring on a hand to further visualize how the ring will
appear, without
the jeweler having to hold the stone. In addition, the present invention
allows a retailer to
sell numerous styles of custom rings while maintaining, if desired, a iixnited
sized
inventory.
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[0015] Other features and advantages of the presezit invention will become
apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESC~TION OF THE D WINGS
[OOlb] Figure lA shows a front view of a semi-mount rind system that includes
a
semi-mount shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted therein according
to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 1B shows a front view of the semi-mount shank and semi-mount
head of rigure 1A in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of
the
invention.
[0018] Figures 2A-2Q show top arid front views of different semi-mount shanks
according to an embodiment invention.
[0019] Figures 3A-3L show top, front, and side views of different semi-mount
heads that can be mounted to the semi-mount shanks of Figures 2A-2Q according
to an
embodiment of the invention.
[002x] Figures ~A, 4B, and 4C show a front view, a top view, and a cross
seetioziai Bide view of a semi-mount shank according to azz embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] Fibure 5 shows a front view of a semi-mount shank according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figures 6A, 6N, and 6C show a front view, a side view, and a bottom
view
of a semi-mount head according to an etnbodiment of the invention.
[0023] Figure 'lA shows a front view of a semi-mousit shank and semi-mount
head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 7B shows a front view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mourn
head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment ofthe invention.
[0025] Figure 8 shows a front view of a semi-mount shank arid semi-mount head
in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.
[002G] Figure 9 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount shank and
semi-mount head in an assemble configuration accordinb to an embodiment of the
lnventiQn.
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[0027] Figure 10 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount shank and
semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] Figuro 11 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount ring
systexla
that includes a semi-mount shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted
therein
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0029] figure 12A shaves a front view ofa semi-mount ring system that includes
a semi-mount Shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted therein
according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Figure 12B shows a top view of the semi-mount shame of Figure 12A
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Figure I2C shows a front view of the semi-mount shank and semi-mount
head of Figure 12A in an assemble configuration accarding to an embodiment
ofthe
invention.
[0032] Figure 13 shows a plurality of different semi-mount shanks and semi-
mount Heads according to an embodiment invention.
DESCR><1PTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to Figure lA, there is illustrated a semi-mount ring system
100
according to an embodiment of the invention. Semi-mount ring system 1 pp
includes a
semi-mount shark 110 and a separate semi-mount head 130. Semi-rnaunt shank 110
includes a body 112 and a head mounting mechanism 114 ilategral with body 112.
Semi-
rnount head 130 includes a stone mounting mechanism 132, such as a plurality
of prongs
{i.e., two or more prongs), one or more focal stones or the like 134
securedlmounted
within stone mounting mechanism 132, and a shank mounting mechanism 136
secured at
the base of stone mounting mechanism 132.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, head mounting mechanism
114 of semi-mount shank 110 and shank mounting mechanism 136 of semi-mount
head
130 are configured sucli that the head mounting mechanism may receive the
shank
mounting mechanism in order to attach head 130 to shank 110 to form a ring
102, as
shown inn Figure 1B. lead naolmting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism
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136 are also configured such that head 130 may thereafter be removed from
shank 110,
thereby again forming two separate units, as shown in Figure IA.
[0035] More specifically, head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting
mechanism 136 are preferably configured such that when head 130 is attached to
shank
110, the head and shank are interconnected in a secure arid stable fashiant so
that ring 102
may be moved without concern of hood 130 disconnecting from shank 110. For
example,
the shank I 10 and head 130 naay be secured such that a customer may place
ring 102 on a
finger and move the ring to view the ring from different perspectives, far
example.
Significantly, because stone 134 is securedlmounted within stone mounting
mechanism
132 of head 130 as indicated above, such movement may be conducted without a
jeweler,
for example, having to hold the stone within the head and without concern that
the stone
may fall from ring I02.
(003G] In addition, head mounting zz~eehanism 114 and shank mounting
mechanism 136 are also preferably configured such th~t'when head 130 is
attached to
shank 110, ring 102 has a clean and finished appearance as if the ring where
in a final
~orm ready for delivery to a customer, even though the ring is technically not
finished
(i.e., even though head 130 is not permanently secured to shank 110).
According to an
embodiment of the invention, shank 110 and head 130 may also be configured
such that
when interconnected to form ring 102, the shank and head have the appearance
of being
one continuous piece of metal for example, thereby resulting in a ring 102
that has the
stylistic appearance of being a "custom one piece casting," as is known in the
art. Again,
head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism I36 are also
preferably
conf gored such that head I30 may thereafter be detached from shank 110.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, a jewelry store,
department
store, vendor at a trade show, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as a
retailer), may
provide or display to prospective customers for example, a plurality of semi-
mount
shanks 110 of different styles. For example, F b~.ures 2A-2Q each show a top
view and a
front view of a different style semi-mount shank 110 according to an
embodiment of the
invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that semi-mount shanks 110 of
Figures
?A-2Q are merely examples and other style shanks are possible. ,A.s Shown in
these
Figures, each of the shanks 110 provided by a retailer may have a different
overall shape,
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may have a different decorative pattern formed on body 112, altd may have one
or more
secondary stones 115a1115b, for example, of one or more types, sizes, andlor
styles
secured to body 112. In addition to semi-mount shanks 110, a retailer may also
provide
or display to prospective customers a plurality of heads 130 each with a
different focal
stones) 134 or the like pre-mounted therein. )~or example, Figures 3A-3L each
show a
tap view, a fzant view, and a side view of different heads 130 according to an
embodiment of the invezltian. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize
that the semi-
mount heads 130 of Figures 3A-3L are merely examples and other variations are
possible. As shown in these Figures, each of the focal stones 134 secured
within each of
the heads 130 provided by a retailer may be of a different type, shape (e.g.,
round,
marquise, princess shape, or tear drop) andlor size (e.g., _5 carat, .75
carat, or 1.00 carat).
Semi-mount heads 130 may also include one or more secondary stones.
[0038 According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of
semi-mount shanks 110 provided or displayed by the retailer has a
substantially identical
head mounting mechanism 114, irrespective of haw the remainder of the shank is
shaped
or desib ed. Similarly, each of the plurality of semi-mount heads 130 provided
or
displayed by the retailer has a substantially identical shank mounting
mechanism 136,
irrespective of the type, style, andlpr size of stone x 34 pre-.mounted
therein. In addition,
head mounting zzleehanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 of each of the
provided or displayed shanks and heads are preferably of a mating-form, as
described
above_ In this way and accordinb to an embodiment of the invention, a retailer
may
provide or display to prospective customers different semi-mount shanks and
different
semi-mount heads with differEnt stones mounted therein and allow the customers
to
interchangeably mix and match any of the heads with any of the shanks in order
to form
any number of different custom rings, each ring having the head detachably
secured to
the shank and Each ring having a clean and finished appearance.
[0039] More specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, a
prospective customer may view a plurality of displayed semi-mount shanks 110
and
semi-mount heads 130, each having a focal stone mounted therein, and select
any one of
the semi-mount shanks and any one of the semi-mount heads. Through head
mounting
mechanism 114 and shank mounting lxxechanism 136 of the selected shank and
head, a
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jeweler, salesperson, or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as a
jeweler) for
example, may thereafter secure the head to the shank to form a complete ring
102, as
Shown in figure LB. As described above, the head mounting mechanism 1 I4 and
shaxlk
mounting mechanism 136 preferably have a form such that the customer may
thereafter
take ring 102 from the jeweler and hold and view the ring, or place the ring
on a finger
for example, and move the ring without concern that the head or stone will
disconnect
from the shank. In addition, the head mounting mechanism and the shank
mounting
mechanism preferably have a form such that ring 102 has a clean and finished
appearance
as if the ring where in a final forms, even though the ring is technically not
finished,
allowing the customer to easily see how the completed ring will appear once
completed.
Again, according to an embodiment of the invention, ring 102 tray have the
stylistic
appearance of a custom one piece casting.
[0040] Assuming the selected headlstone 134 for example, does not meet the
customer's preference and the customer prefers and selects a different
headstone, the
jeweleF may thereafte;< remove head 130 from shank 110 and replace the removed
head
with the newly selected head, thereby again fortxaing a ring 102_ Such a
process may
continue until the customer finds a desired combination of a head 130 and a
shank I 10.
Thereafter and according to an embodiment of the invention, the retailer may
thereafter
form a finished ring by soldering, for example, the head to the shank.
10041] Accordingly, semi-mount ring system 100 of the present invention has
the
advantage of allowing a retailer to easily and conveniently show a prospective
customer
numerous different custom rings. Semi-mount ring system 100 also has the
advantage of
allowing the customer to easily See how each custom ring will appear once
completed. In
addition, the present invention also allows a customer to handle and try each
ring on a
hand to Further visualize how the ring will appear, without the jeweler having
to hold the
stone_
[0042] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a semi-mouztt shank 110
and a semi-mount head 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. Again,
it is an
object of the present invention to provide numerous shanks I 10 with
substantially
similar head mounting mechanisms 114, to provide numerous heads 130 with
substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms 136, and to be able to
interchangeably
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mix and match any vne of the heads with any orAe of the shanks to form
numerous
different custpm rings.
(0043] Referring now to Figures 4A, 413, and 4C, there is shown a front view,
a
top view, and a cross sectional side view of a shank 110 according to an
embodiment of
the invention. As indicated, shank 110 includes a body I 12 and a head
mounting
mechanism 114. In general and as shown izt Figure 2A-2Q, the overall style of
any given
shank 1 LU may vary without deviating from the present invention and again, an
object of
the present invention is to provide numerous shanks of different styles. As an
example,
the inner surface I 12b of body 112 may be circular or rounded in shape to
provide a
comfortable fit on one's finder, although any desired shape may be used_
Similarly, the
size of body 112 may vary accordi~og to the wearer's Linger size. The outer
surface 112a
of body 112 may also be substantially circular or rounded in shape although
again, any
desired shape may be used. The cross dimensional width and height of body 112
may
also have any desired dimensions and the width and height need not be uniform
across all
cross sections of any given body 1 I2_
(0044] The outer surface 1 I2a of body 112 znay have one or more decorative
patterns or the like formed thereon, although decorative patterns are not
required.
Similarly, one or more secondary stones may be zzlounted at one or more
locations around
the outer surface 112a of body 112 far example, although such stones are not
required.
Any mechanism k~nawn in the art may be used to mount secondary stones to body
112_
When secondary stones are included, they may be of any shape, size, and/or
typo (e.g.,
precious stones, semiprecious stones, pearls, and/or synthetic stones, etc.).
In addition to
the above examples, once skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of
decoration
may also be added to body 112. In general, body 112 may be formed from any
Suitable
material kxlown in the art including, for example, one or more metals suek~ as
gold, silver,
platinum, etc.
[0045] Turning to head mounting mechanism 1 I4~ aeeordirlg to an embodiment
of the invention, this mechanism includes a bxadge 116. As shown in Figures 4A
and 4B,
bridge 116 may be secured to body 112 between walls L 18a and 118b and may
extend
within the radial circumference of body 112. As shown in Figures 4A-4C, bridge
1 I 6
may be substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in cross section,
although other
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shapes such as an oval, circular, ar triangular shapes may be used, for
example.
Assuming bridge 116 has a rectangular shape for description purposes, the
bridge may
include an outer or top surface 116a, an inner or bottom surface 116b, and two
side
surfaces 116c and 116d, with these four surfaces collectively forming the
length 117a,
width 117b, and height 117c of the bridge. Preferably, the length, width, and
height of
bridge 116 are substantially uniform across di$'erent semi-mount shanks 110
provided by
a retailer. In particular and as described below, shank mounting mechanism 136
of head
130 seats over bridge 116 when forming a ring 102. Accordingly, the uniformity
of the
length, width, azld height of bridge 116 across different semi~mount shanks
110 provides
the interchangeability between different heads 130 and shanks x'10.
[0046] As shown in Figures 4A and 4C, bridge 116 may be positioned such that
inner surface 11 Gb lies flush with the inner surface 112b of body 112.
Nonetheless, this
configuration is not required and the brid ;e may be positioned such that
inner surface
116b resides above or extends below surface 112b. In addition, inner surface
116b may
be curved along the length thereof to correspond to the curvature of inner
surface 112b or
may be substantially flat along the lrngth thereof, for example. In general,
note that the
shape of inner surface 11~6b and the positioxr of inner surface 116b relative
to the inner
surface i 12b of body 112 may vary between different semi-mount shanks 110
provided
by a retailer without affecting the interchangeabiliry between different heads
and shanks_
[0047] As for outer surface 116a of bridge 116, this suzface may be curved
along
the length thereof to correspond to the curvature of inner surface 116b for
example, or
may be substantially flat for Example. Note That outer surface 1 i 6a and
inner surface
116b do not need to have the same shape along the lengths thereof (e.g., one
surface may
curved while the ether surface may be flat). Again, note that the shape of
outer surface
116a may vary between different semi-mount shanks 110 provided by a retailer
without
affecting the interchangeability between different heads and shanks.
[004$] Referring to Figures 4B and 4C, the width 117b of bridge 116 may havt a
dimension that is smaller than the width 118c of walls 11$a/l 18b, although
this relative
size dimension is not required. In addition, as shown in Figure 4C, bridge 11
b may be
positioned so as to be substantially centered left to right within walls 118a
and 118b,
although again, other relative positioning znay be used.
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[0049] Referring again to I=igure 4B, according to another embodiment of the
invention, head mounting mechanism l 14 may also include ar least one
opening/hole 120
formed within bridge 116 (while hole 120 is shown as being circular in shape,
any shape
may be used). Hole 120 may be positioned at the center of outer surface 1 J 6a
of bridge
116 for example, although other positions may be used. Assuming this position,
hole 120
may extend radially inward from outer surface 1 i 6a of bridge 116 towards
iruler surface
116b of the bridge and may extend either partially into the bridge or
completely through
the bridge to inner surface I 16b. Again, other configurations may be used. As
described
below, shank mountir~ mechanism 136 of a head 130 may include a pin that is
intended
to seat within hole 120 when the shank mounting mechanism is seated over
bridge l; b of
a shank 110. The pin and hole assist in seeurinb the head to the shank.
Accordingly, the
size and shape of bole 120 and the position of hole 120 within bridge 116 are
preferably
substantially uniform across different se~oni-mount shanks 110 provided by a
retailer in
order to maintain interchangeabiliry between different heads 130 and shanks
110. As
indicated, head mounting mechanism 114 tnay include more than one hole 120, in
which
case sham' mounting mechanism 136 may include more than one pin to seat within
respective ones ofthe holes I20.
[Ofl50] ~efen7rig again to bridge 116, one spilled in the art will recognize
that
while this bridge is described above as being a single unit with a rectangular
Shape,
bridge 116 may be formed in various other ways and with different shapes
without
deviating from the present invention. In addition, different shanks 110
provided by a
retailer may use different variations and shapes of bridge 116 as long as the
differem
bridges used by the dififerent shanks have substantially unifoznn dimensions
{i.e.,
substantially the sumo maximum length I 19a, width 117b, and height 117c for
example)
in order to maintain interchangeability between the different shanks and
heads.
[0051] One skilled in tile art will reco~ize that bridge 116 may be seettred
directly to body ~1 I2 as shown in Figure 4A for example, and may be
integrally molded
with body 112 or attachEd to body 112 as a secondary unit, for example.
Nonetheless,
one skilled in the art will recognize that bridge 116 array be secured to body
112 in other
fashions without deviating from the present invention and different shanks i
10 provided
by a retailer may use diFferent variations. For example, referring to Figure
2G, there is a
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shown a semi-mount shank 110 with two secondary stones 115a and l lSb, each
mounted
within a respective head 123a and 123b. As shown, heads 123a and 123b arc
secured to
opposing ends of body 112 and bridge 116 is secured between heads 123a and
I23b_
Again, bridbe 116 may be a secondary unit secured to the heads or may be
integrally
formed with the heads, or some variation thereof, for example.
[00521 In general, bridge 116 may be formed from any suitable zttaterial known
in
the art including, for example, one or more metals, such as gold, silver,
platinum, ete. In
addition, bridge 116 may be formed from the same material as body 112 and/or
heads
123a and 123b, or zx~,ay be formed from a different material.
[0053] Refen~ing now to walls 118a and 118b, accordinb to an embodiment of the
invention and as indicated above, bridge 116 is secured to body 1 I2 between
these walls.
rn general, walls 11$a and 11$b may be formed by body 112, as shown Izl
Figures 4A-4C
for exarriplc, or may be formed by heads 123a and 123b that secure secondary
stones
llSa and 115b to body 112, as shown in Figure 2G for example. Nonetheless, one
skilled
in the art will recognize that walls 118a and 11$b m ay be formed in othez
ways without
deviating from the present invention.
[OOS4] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tops of walls 11$a and
118b may extend substantially above outer surface 116a of bridge 116, thereby
forming a
void 124 as shown in Figure 4A, for example. More specifically, walls 118a and
L 18b
may extend to a height such that once shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head
130 is
seated over bridge 116 of a shank x 1 Q to form a ring 102, walls 11$a and 11
Sb extend
along the sides of stone mounting mechanusm 132 of head 130, for example. In
this way
and as desczibed below, shank 110 and head 130 may give the appearance 2is
being one
continuous piece of metal, thereby resulting in a ring 102 that has the
stylistic appearance
of a custom one piece casting.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, walls 118a and 11$b have
substantially similar shapes and configurations between the different shanks
provided by
a retailer. In this way, the resulting voids 124 of the different shanks aze
substantially
uniform in size and shape across the different shanks. Again, this uniformity
maintains
interchangeability between different heads and shanks. As an example and as
shown in
Zw figure 4A, walls 118a and I 18b may have a substantially planar shape and
may extend at
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an angle 11$d upward from bridge 116. Preferably, the planar shape and the
angle 118d
at which the walls extend upward from bridge 116 may be substantially uniform
across
the different shanks 110 provided by a retailer so as to provide substantially
uniformly
shaped voids 124 across the different shanks.
(0056] One skilled in the art will recognize that walls 11 Sa and 118b do not
need
to extend above bridge 116 as described above. In particular, according to
another
embodiment of the invention, the tops of walls 118a and 118b may lie only
partially
above outer surface 116a of bridge 116 for example, or may lie flush with the
outer
surface 116a of the bridge, as shov~m in Figure 5 for example (i.e., shank 110
may not
include wails 118a and 118b and as such, may not include void 124). In
addition, one
skilled in the art will also recognize that of the different shanks 110
provided by a
retailer, some shanks may include walls 11$a and 118b that Form a void 124
while other
shanks may not include walls 118a and 11$b that form a void 124. However, as
indicated
above, when different shanks 110 include walls 118a and 118b, the voids 124
formed
therein are preferably substantially uniform in size and shape across the
different shanks
so as to z~laintain interchan~geability between different heads and shanks.
j0057] Referring now to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C there is shown a front view, a
side view, and a bottom view respectively of a head 130 according to an
embodiment of
the invention. As iztdicated above, head 130 includes a stone mountinn
mechanism 132,
a focal stone 134 or the like securedlmountcd within stone mounting mechanism
i32, and
a shank mounting mechanism 136 secured at the base of stone mounti~ mechanism
132
for example. In general and as shown in Figures 3A-31. for example, focal
stone 134
secured within stone rn~aunting mechanism 132 may be of any type, shape,
andlor size_
For example, stone 134 may be a precious stone (e.g., a diamond or sapphire),
a
semiprecious stone (e.g, cubic zirconia), a pearl, or a synthetic stone, etc.
The stone may
have a round shape, marquise shape, princess shape, ar tear-drop shape for
example, and
may be any size, such as .S carat, .75 carat, or 1.00 carat for example.
Again, it is an
object of the present invention to provide numerous heads each with a
different focal
stone 134 mounted therein. According to an embodiment of the invention, a head
may
also include multiple focal stones and possibly one or more secondary stones.
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(005$ Stone mounting mechanism 13z may be any mechanism known in the art
for securing a stone within a head andlor to a shank. In addition, aceprding
to the present
invention, the mechatlism used across diif'erent heads 130 provided by a
retailer lrlay
vary. As an example, stone mounting meclaax~i<sm 132 may be a bezel setting, a
channel
setting, a tension setting, or a prong setting. Figures 6A-6C show an example
prong
setting, the prangs having a top end 132a and a bottom end 132b. Stone 134 is
mounted
within; the top end 132a of prongs 132 in a conventional manner. In general,
stone
mounting mechanism 132 may be formed from any suitable material knpwn in the
art
including, for example, one or more metals such a5 gold, silver, platinum,
ete.
[0059] As indicated above, one or more shanks i 10 provided by a retailer may
include a void 124 formed by walls 118a and 118b, which void preferably has a
substantially tlnifarm size and shape across the different shanks. According
to an
embodiment of the invention, when shanks 110 include void 124, any given head
130
provided by a retailer may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 that is
arranged and
configured to substantially cozlfarm to sidewalk 1 I8a and 118b and to lie
substantially
close to and possibly abut sidewalls 118a and I 18b, irrespective of the
particular stone
134 mounted therein, thereby consuming void 1,24. In. other words, according
to an
embodiment of the invention,, the size and shape of stone mounting zzlechanism
132 for
any given stone 134 for any given head 130 may be arranged and conf gored to
substantially match the size and shape of void 124. As a result of configuring
a head 130
and shank 110 in this fashion, when the head and shank are interconnected to
form a ring
102, the head and shank tray give the appearance of being one continuous piece
of metal,
thereby resultinb in a ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom
one piece
casting.
(o0so~ For example, refernng to higure 7A them is shown an example head 130
secured to an example shank 110 according to an embodiment of the invention.
As shown
in this Figure, stone mounting mechanism 132 of head 130 is configured such
that the
sides of the stone mounting mechanism that lie adjacent to sidewalls 118a and
11$b have
a size and shape so as to iie substantially close to and possibly abut
sidewalls 118a and
118b. In this exatnpl~, stone mounting mechanism 132 is a plurality of prangs
and walls
11$a and 11$b of void 124 are substantially planar in shape. Accordingly, the
pronbs
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may be configured to be substantially linear in shape so as to conform to and
fill void 124
as farmed by wails 118a and 118b. Note that for smaller stones, such as .5 and
.75 carat,
it may not be possible to configure stone mounting mechanism 132 to
suffzciently lie
close to and possibly abut sidewalls 118a and 118b in order to fill void 124.
As such,
according to an embodiment of the invention, one or more spacers 133a and 133b
may be
secured to opposing sides of the stone mounting mechanism 132, as shown in
Figure 3H
far example, which spacers act as gap fibers to fill void 124, as shown by the
assemble
ring of Figure 7B, for example. 1'hese spacers may vary in width between
different heads
130 depending on the particular stone mounting mechanism 132 being used andlor
the
particular stone 134 mounted therein. For laxger stones, such a 1.00 carat,
such spacers
may not be required. One skilled in the art will recognize that other
mechanisms may be
used to conform stone mounting meehanusm 132 to the size and shape of void
124.
(0061] dne skilled in the art will recognize that when one or more shanks 110
provided by a retailer include void 124, stone mounting mechanism 132 of the
heads 130
provided by the retailer do not need to be configured to form the appearance
of a custom
one piece casting, as described above. For example, according to amother
embodiment of
the invention, any given head 130 provided by a retailer may have a stone
mounting
mechanism I32 configured so that when the head is placed on a shank 110, the
stone
mounting mechanism 132 and stone 134 mounted therein simply ft within the void
1?4.
For example, referring to Figure 8, there is shown a front view of an
assembled ring
according to embodiment of the invention. Here, shank 110 includes a uniformly
shaped
void 124 and head 130 includes a stone 134 mounted in a plurality of prongs,
for
example. As shown, the prongs are shaped to fit within void 124 but do not
match the
size and shape of void l 24.
[0062] dne skilled in the art will also recognize that of the different heads
provided by a retailer, some heads may have a stone mounting mechanism 132
configured to f h void 124, thereby providing the appearance of a one piece
casting, and
other heads may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 configured to simply fit
within
void 124.
[0063] Referring now to shank mounting mechanism 136, according to an
embodiment ol; the invention, this mechanism includes an inverted channel 140.
A.s
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shown in Figures 6A-6C, channel 140 may be substantially rectangular in shape
when
viewed in cross section, although other shapes such as oval, circular, or
triangular shapes
may be used, for example. Assuming channel 140 has a rectangular shape for
description
purposes, the channel may be formed, for example, from a top plate 137 and two
side
plates 13$ and 139 secured to and extending downward from plate 137. Flates
137, 138,
and 139 may be cast as a single integral unit, may be secured together as
three separate
units, may be formed from a single unit with channel 140 etched therefirom,
ete. As
shown in Figures 6A and 6B, channel 140 may have a length 140x, width 140b,
az~d
height 140c. Preferably, length 140a, width 140b, and height 140c of channel
140 are
substantially uniform across the different semi-mount heads 130 provided by a
retailer.
As described below, the uniformity of the length, width, and height of channel
140 across
the diFferent heads 130 maintains the interchangeability between different
heads and
shanks 110.
[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom end 132b of
stone mounting mechanism 132 may be secured to any of plates 137, 138, and
139, or
some combination thereof, such that channel 140 extends in an opposing
direction from
the stone mounting mechanism.
[aa6s] In general and according to an embodiment ofthe invention, any given
head 130 may be secuzed to any given shank 110 to form a ring 102 by Seating
channel
140 of the head over bridge I 16 of the shank. Accordingly, the size azld
shape of channel
140 are preferably configured to readily receive bridge 116. In particular,
according to an
embodiment of the invention, channel 140 and bridge 116 may have substantially
similar
sizes and shapes, such as rectangular shapes, although again, other shapes
such as oval,
circular, or triangular shapes may be used. Assuming fvr description purposes
that
channel 140 and bridge 116 have rectangular shapes of substantially similar
sizes,
channel 140 may be seated over bridge 1 I6 such that bottom side 137a of plate
137
substantially Lies adjacent to outer surFace 1 I6a of the bridge and such that
the inner
surfaces 138a and 139a of side plates 138 and 139 substantially lie adjacent
to respective
ones of side surfaces 116c and 116d of the bridge, for example. In this way,
head 130
detachably secures to shank 110.
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[0066] Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the
size and
shape of channel 140 da not need to specifically conform to the size and shape
of bridge
I I6 in order fox a head 130 to detachably secure to a shank I 10 as described
above. For
example, channel 140 may have a rectangular shape and bridge 116 may have a
cylindrical or rod-type shape. As one skilled in the art will readily
recognize, if the
diameter of a rod-shaped bridge conforms with the width 140b and height 140c
of the
channel for example, the channel will readily receive the bridge and obtain
the above
described configuration.
[0067] One skilled iz~ the art will also recognize that different heads 130
provided
by a retailer may nse different variationslshapes of charunel 140 as long as
the different
channels used by the different heads have substantially uniform dimensions
(i.e.,
substantially the same rrxaximum length 140a, width 140b, and height I40c fox
example)
in order to maintain interchangeahility between shanks and heads.
[006$] Referring now to Figures 6B and fiC, according to an embodiment of the
invention, shank mounting mechanism 136 may also include at Ieast one pin 142
formed
within channel 140, which pin is intended to mate with hole 120 farmed in a
bridge 116
of a shank 1 l0, as described above. Specifically, according to this
embodiment of the
invention, when shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 is configured to
include a
pin 142 and head mounting mechanism 114 of a shank 110 is oon~gured to include
a hole
l 20, as channel 140 of the head 130 is inserted over bridge 116 of the shank
110, pin 142
within the channel is intended to engage hole 120 within the bridge. In this
way, pin 142
and hole 120 act to further secure the head to the shank. Accordingly, pin 142
is
preferably positioned and configured within channel 140 so as to correspond
with
opening 120 within bridge 116 and this positioning and configuration of pin
142 and hole
120 arc preferably substantially uniform across the different heads 130 and
shanks 110
provided by a retailer so as to maintain interchangeability between the
different heads
and shanks. For example, assuming opening 120 is positioned at the center of
outer
surface 116a of bridge 115, pin 142 may be positioned at the bottom side 137a
of plate
137 at a center position thereof and may extend perpendicularly downward from
the
plate. In addition, pin 142 may be approximately the same sizelshape as hole
120 so as to
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obtain a snug and friction-type fit and may have a lent h so as to
substantially engage
hole 120.
[0069] As indicated above, shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 may
include more than ozte pin 142 and head mounting mechanism 1 I4 of a shank 110
zz~ay
include more than one hole 120. Mere, each of the pins may engage each o;f the
holes to
further secure the head to the shank.
[0070j rtt gexieral, shank mounting mechanism 136 may be formed from any
suitable material known in the art including, fox example, one or more metals
such as
gold, silver, platinum, etc. In addition, shank mounting mechanism 136 may
formed
froth the same material or a different material as stone mounting mechanism
132.
[007! j Referring now to Figtue 9, there is shown a cross sectional side view
of a
head 130 secured to a shank 110 thereby forming an assembled ring 102
according to an
embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 may be a side view of an assemble ring
as shown
in any of Figures 7A, 7B, and 8, for example. As described above, according to
an
embodiment of the invention, a retailer may provide a plurality of semi-mount
shanks
110 with substantially similar head mounting mechanisms 114 and may provide a
plurality of semi-mount heads 130 with substantially similar shank mounting
mechanisms
136, and the head mounting rtaechanisvns 114 and shank mounting mechanisms 136
may
be of a mating configuration. In this way, ring 102 of Figure 9 for example,
may be the
result of selecting any arse of the plurality of shanks 1 LO and any one of
the plurality of
heads 1.30 and thereafrer intercotuiecting the selected head and shank.
[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the selected head I30 and shank 110 may be
interconnected to form ring 102 by seating channel 140 of the selected head
over bridge
116 of the selected shank. Assuzzting for description purposes that channel
140 and
bridge 116 each have a rectangular shape as shown in Figure 9, when seating
the channel
over the bridge the bottom side 137a of plate 137 of the channel may lie
adjacent to and
possibly abut outer surface l l6a of the bridge and the inner surfaces 13$a
and 139a of
side plates 13$ and 139 of the channel may lie adjacent to and possibly abut
side surfaces
116c and I 16d of the bridge.
[0073) More specifically, according to an embodiment of the inventiozt, the
width
140b of channel 140 may be configured to substantially.match the width 117b of
bridge
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116. In this way, the inxler surfaces 138a and 139a o~ sidewalls 138 and 139
of the
channel form a snug and friction-type fic against side surfaces 116c and 116d
of bridge
116, thereby connecting the selected head I30 and shank 110 in a secure and
stable
fashion and preventing the head from easily detaching from the shank. In other
words, the
bridge and channel may be configured to form a friction-type fit such that
ring I02 may
be moved without concern of head 130 disconnecting from shank i 10.
Nonetheless,
bridge 116 and ehanne! 140 also may be configured such that head 130 may be
thereafter
readily detached from shank 110 when tlxe head and shank are purposely pulled
apart.
[Q074] Similarly, according to an embodiment of the invention, length 140a of
channel 140 may be configured to substantially match length 117a of bridge
116. 1n this
way, plate 137 of the channel may substantially conceal outer surface 116a of
the bridge
providing the assembled ring 102 with a clean and finished appearance. In
addition,
height l4pc of ehanne! 140 may be configured to at least match the height 117c
of bridge
116 so that sidewalis 138 and 139 of the channel may cover and conceal side
surfaces
116c and 116d of the bridge, again, providinb the assembled ring 102 with a
clean and
finished appearance.
[0f75] As described above, when shank 110 includes walls 118a and 118b, the
width 117b of bridge 116 may have a dimension that is smaller than the width
118c of the
walls. As is now more readily understood and as shown in figure 9, such a
co~guration
allows side plates 13$ and 139 of channol 140 to lie substantially within the
width 118c
of walls 11$alI 18b. Again, such a configuration provides the assembled ring
102 with a
clean and finished appearance. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will
recognize that
other con~~gtwations are possible, including side plates 138 and 139 of
channel 140 lying
beyond the width 118c of walls 118a1118b.
[0076] Again, as described above, shank 110 of ring 102 may include a void 124
of a u~uform shape and head 130 may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 of a
uniform shape that substantially conforms tv the size and shape of void 124,
thereby
filling the void, a shown by the assembled ring of Figure 7A, for example. As
described
above, according to an embodiment of the invention, when a shank and head are
configured in this fashion and are interconnected to form a ring 102, the head
and shank
may have the appearance of being one continuous piece of metal, thereby
resulting in a
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ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting.
Nonetheless, as
also described above, ofthe various shanks 110 and heads 134 provided by a
retailer, the
heads and shanks do not need to form the appearance of Figure 7A when
interconnected.
For example, a retailer may also provide one or more shanks 110 that do not
include a
void 124, as shown in p'igure 5. Similarly, a retailer rr~ay provide one or
more heads that
have a stone mounting mechanism that simply fits within a void 124, as shown
in Figure
8 for example.
[Q077] According to an embodiment of the invention, once a desired combination
of a head 130 and a shank 110 have been selected, the head ~onay be
permanently secured
to the shanlc by securing channel 140 to bridge 116 using an epoxy, solder, a
precious
metal (e.g., gold, silver, or platinum), or the like_ Similarly, if the
resulting ring is to
have the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece eastiztg, a precious metal
such as
gold, silver, platinum, or the like may be placed along the seam of void 124
and stone
mounting mechanism 132.
[0078] Refernng z~aw to f b~,ure 10, there is shown a cross sectional side
view of
an assembled ring 102 according to another embodiment of the invention, this
embodiment now including the optional pin 142 of shank mounting mechanism 136
and
the optional hole 124 of head mounting mechanism 114. Again, Figure 10 may be
a side
view of an assemble ring as shown in any of Figures 7A, 713, and $, four
example.
According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the shanks and heads
provided by
a retailer may be configured such that channel 144 and bridge 116 form a
:friction-type fit,
as described above in reference to Figure 9. In addition, each of the heads
130 may have
a shank mounting mechanism 136 that includes at least one pin 142 and each of
the
shanks 110 may include a head mounting mechanism 114 that includes at least
one hole
I Z0. According to this embodiment, when a given head and shank are configured
in this
fashion and are interconnected to form rinb 142, pin I42 seats within hole
120, forming a
snug or friction-type fit for example, although such a fit is not required. In
this way, pin
142 and hole 120 may act to further secure a head to a shank.
[OQ?9] As an altez~ative to the configuration shown in Figure 10, according to
another embodiment of the invention pin 142 and hole 120 may act as the
primary
mechanism that secures a head 130 to a shank 110, For example, each of the
shanks and
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heads provided by a retailer may be configured such that channel 140 and
bridge 116
form a loose fit (rather than a friction-type fit). In addition, oath shank
may have a head
mounting mechanism 114 that includes at least one hole I20 and each head may
have a
shank mounting mechanism 136 that includes at least one pin I42, with pin 142
and hole
I20 farming a friction-type fit as described abave_ With this co~nfgurarion,
pin 142 and
hole 120 may act as the primary mechanism that secures a head to a shank. ~rle
skilled
in the art will recognize that other configuration variations are possible.
[Oa84] Ozre skilled in the art will also recognize that other variations of
head
mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 for detachably
securing
any one of a plurality of heads 130 to any one of a plurality of shanks I 10
az~e possible
without deviating from the present invention. For example, according to
another
embodiment of the invention, rather than head mounting mechanism 1 I4 having
one or
more holes 120 within bridge 116 and shank mounting mechanism 136 having one
or
more pins 142, the pins and holes may be reversed such that the head mounting
mechanism includes one or mare pins (extending upward from bridge 116, for
example}
and the shank mounting mechanism includes one or more holes farmed within
chaxulel
140 (in bottom side 137a of plate 137, for example). According to 'this
embodiment of the
invention, when channel 140 is seated over bridge 116, the pins) seats within
the
opening(s), farming a friction-type fit for example. As similarly described
above, bridge
116 and channel 140 xnay be configured such that channel 140 forms a friction-
type fit
with bridge 116. Alternatively, bridge 116 and channel 140 may be configured
such that
the channel forms a loose fit with the bridge. Again, one skilled in the art
will recognize
that other variations of pins and holes are possible.
[00$1] Referring now to Figure 11 in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements, there is shown a cross sectional side view o~ a shank 210
and a head
230 of a semi-mount ring system 200 according to another embodiment of the
invention.
As compared to semi-mount ring system 100, semi-mount ring system 200 has tile
channel and bridge reversed between shank 210 and head 230. Specifically,
accordinb to
this embodiment of the invention, each of the shatdcs 210 provided by a
retailer may have
a head mounting mechanism 214 that includes an upstanding channel 240 integral
with
body I 12. Channel 240 may be substantially similar to channel 140, for
example.
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Similarly, each of the heads 230 provided by a retailer may have a shank
mounting
mechanism 2.36 that includes a bridge 216 secured to stone mounting mechanism
132, for
example. Bridge 216 may be substantially similar to bridge 116, far example.
According
to this embodiment of the izwention, bridge 216 and channel 240 are configured
such that
bridge 216 seats within channel 240 thereby forming an assembled ring.
According to an
embodiment of the invention, bridge 216 may seat within channel 240 with a
fdctian-
type fit, for example.
[00$2] According to a further embodiment of the invention and as shown in
Figure 11, head mounting mechanism 214 may also include one or more pins 242
formed
within channel 240 in an upright orientation for example, and shank mounting
mecha;liism 236 may also include one or more holes 2z0 within bridge 216, for
example.
Similar to above, pin 242 is intended to seat within hole 220 and may seat
with a friction-
type fit, for example. Again, the pin and hole may be reversed between bridge
216 and
channel 240. As similarly described above, according to an embodiment ofthe
invention,
bridge 216 and channel 240 may interconnect with a friction-type lzt, in which
case pin
242 and hole 220 na~ay act to further secure the head to the shank. According
to another
embodiment of the invention, bridge 2.16 and channel 240 may interconnect with
a loose-
type fit, in vrhich case pin 242 and hole 220 may act as the primary meehauism
that
secures the head to the shank.
[U083] Referring now to figure 12A in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements, there is shown a front view of a shank 310 and head 330 of
semi-mount
ring systenn 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, shank
310 a>zd
head 330 detachably interconnect only through tl~e use of one or mare pins and
holes.
Specifically, according to this embodiment of the invention, shank 310 has a
head
mou>7ting mechanism 314 that includes a bridge 315 secured between walls 11$a
and
118b. Bridge 316 may be substantially si><nilar to bridge 116, for example,
but may have
a width that substantially matches the width of walls 118a1118b, for example,
although
this relative size dimension is not required. Head mounting mechanism 314 also
includes
one or more holes, such as hole 320, formed in the top surface 316a of bridge
316, for
example, as further shown in b'igure 12B, which is a top view of shank 3 x 0.
Hole 320
may be substantially similar to hole 120 for example. As for head 330, it
includes a
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stone{s) 134 mounted within a stone mounting mechanism 132, which is secured
to a
shank mounting mechanism 336 that includes one or more pins, such as piz~ 342
far
e~camplc:. Pin 342 extends downward from the bottom end of stone mounting
mechanism
132, for example. Pin 342 may be substantially similar to pin 142, for
example.
[OU84J As shown, in Figure 12C, according to this embodiment of the invention,
pin 342 and hole 320 are configured such chat pin 342 seats within hole 320 to
detaehably
secure head 330 to shank 310 and to thereby form an assembled ring 302.
Preferably, pin
342 seats within hole 320 with a friction-type fit, thereby canztecting head
330 to shank
310 in a secure and stable fashion and preventing the head from easily
detaching from the
shank when ring 302 is handled by a customer, for example. As similarly
described
above, pin 342 and hole 320 are preferably uniform in shape and position
across the
different shanks and heads provided by a retailer so that the shanks and heads
mdy be
interchangeably mixed and matched. One skilled in the art will recognize that
hale 320
and pin 342 may be reversed such that the hole is formed within head 330 and
the pin is
integral with bridge 316, fnr example.
[0085] Referring again to Figuze 12A, according to an embodiment of the
invention, one or more shanks 310 provided by a retailer ~nnay include a void
124 of a
uniform shape, as shown in this Figure. Nonetheless, the retailer may also
provide one or
more shanks 310 that do not include void 124 or alternatively, may provide a
combination of bath types of shanks. As similarly described above, when one or
more
shanks 310 include void 124, the retailer may also provide one or more heads
330 that
have a stone mounting m~chaniszn 132 of a uniform shape that substantially
conforms to
the size and shape of void 124 in order to produce ring 302 that has the
stylistic
appearance of a custom one piece casting. Alternatively or in addition, the
retailer may
also provide one or more heads that have a scone mounting mechanism that
simply fits
within void 124, as shown in Figure 12C, for example.
[0086] For each of the above described embodiments of the invention, it was
noted that the shanks provided by a retailer may include a void 124. For these
various
embodiments, void 124 is shown in the Figures as having the same general
shape. For
example, referring to Figure 4A, void I24 is shown as having a substantially
linear
profile as formed by bridge 116 and planar walls118a and I 1$b. Similarly, as
described
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above, the heads provided by a retailer may be configured to a have a shape
that
conforms to the shape of void 124. For example, referring to Figure 6A, head
130 is
shown as also having a substantially linear profile as formed by shank
rirounting
mechanism 132 and stone mounting mechanism 136. Nonetheless, one skilled in
the art
will recognize that void 124 and the heads that are eoxrfigured to i=lt
therein may have any
general shape without deviating from the present invention. For example, void
i24 and
the head mounting mechanisms configured to fit therein may have a
substantially curved
configuration throughout, as shown by the example shanks and heads of fiigure
13.
Again, when a head and shank are interconnected to form a ring, the stone
mounting
mechanism may consume the void so that the ring has the stylistic appearance
of a
custom one piece casting. Alternatively, the stone mountimg mechanism may
simply fit
within the void. Again, one skilled in the art will recogni2e that other
shapes are
possible.
[Op87] Reference will zs,ow be made to a process for selling rings according
to an
embodiment of the invention. A retailer (which, again, znay be a jewelry
store,
deparanent stoxe, ar the like) may have on display to prospective customers a
plurality of
semi-mount shanks afdifferent styles and a plurality of semi-mount heads each
having a
stone of a different type, shape, andlor size mounted therein, for example.
Aceordinb #o
an embodiment of the invention, each of the displayed semi-mount shanks has a
substantially identical head mounting mechanism, each of the plurality of semi-
mount
heads has a substantially identical shank tnouztting mechanism, and the head
and shank
mounting mechanisms of the displayed semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads
are of
a u~ating form such that any of the plurality of heads may be interchangeably
connected
to any ofthe plurality of shanks. As such, according to an embodiment of the
invention
each tlxe displayed shanks and heads is of the same semi-mount ring system.
For
description purposes, it will be assumed that each of the shanks and heads are
of semi-
mount ring system 100, although any of the above described ring systems rlnay
be used.
[008$] Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that multiple andlor
different semi-mount ring systems may be displayed. For example, of the semi-
mount
shanks and semi-mount heads displayed, one set of semi-mount shanks and semi-
mount
heads may use one variation of mating head and shank mounting mechanisms
(e.g.,
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bridge 116 and channel 140 of ring system 100) and another set of semi-mount
shanks
and semi~mount heads may use a different variation oftnating head and shank
mounting
mechanisms (e.g., pin 342 and hole 320 of ring system 300), etc. Similarly,
ofthe semi-
mount shanks and semi-mount heads displayed, one set of shanks and heads may
have
voids and heads of one shape and another set of shanks and heads may have
voids and
heads of another shape.
[0089] One skilled in the art will also recognize that of the displayed shanks
within a given set, one ox mare of the shanks may include walls I 1$a and 118b
to form a
void 124 while ant or more other shanks zxtay not include walls 118a and 318b,
for
example. Similarly, of the displayed heads within a given set, one or more of
the heads
may be configured such that when attached to one or more of the shanks, the
z~esulting
ring has the stylistic appearance of a customer one piece casting. Similarly,
one or more
of the heads may be configured such that when attached to one or more of the
shanks, the
heads simply fzt within void 124 but do not form the stylistic appearance of a
customer
one piece casting.
[0090] One skilled in the art will also recognize that a retailer racy display
the
plurality of shanks and heads in various ways. For example, the retailer may
have the
shanks and heads displayed in a fixture that is affixed within a showcase-
Here, the
shanks and heads must be individually removed from the showcase when shown up-
close to a prospective customer. Alternatively, the retailer may have the
shanks and
heads displayed in a portable fixture that resides within a showcase, for
example. Here,
the retailer may remove fixture from the showcase and place if on a counter
for a
customer's up-close inspection, for example. Again, one skilled in the art
will recognize
that other variations are possible. Por description purposes, it will be
assumed that the
retailer has a fixture that may be placed on a counter top for a customer's
inspectioz~_
[DO~Ij Referring now more specifically to a process for selling rings
aceordine to
an embodiment of the invention, a prospective customer may initially visually
inspect the
various shanks 110 and heads 130 (again, this is assuming semi-mount ring
system 100 is
being displayed). Based an the customer's selections or based on suggestions
by a
jeweler (which, again, may be a jeweler, salesperson, etc_), the jeweler may
remove one
or more shanks 110 and/or one or more hEads 130 from the fixture and hand the
shanks
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and/or heads to the customer to allow the customer to visually inspect the
shanks andlor
heads up close. Alternatively, the jeweler may allow the customer to
personally remove
one or more shanks andlor heads from the fixture.
[4092] Thereafter, the customer may select ar the jeweler relay suggest, for
example, any one of the shanks 110 and a~.ny one of the heads 130 as a
possible
combination for forming a >«ng 102. Thereafter, the jeweler may secuxe the
selected head
130 to the selected shank I x 0 through head mounting mechanism 114 arid shank
mounting mechanism 13b and hand the resulting ring to the customer.
Alternatively, the
jeweler may allow the customer to personally secure the selected head to the
selected
shank to form ring 102 .
[U093] Next, the customer may handle ring 102 as if the ring were in a
finished
form, moving ring I02 so as to view the ring from diFFerEnt perspectives. fhe
customer
may also place ring 102 on a finger to obtain additional perspectives of the
ring. Again,
as a result of the head rnountinb mechanism and shank mounting mechanism of
the
present invention, the customer may handle the ring without concern that the
head or
stone will disconnect from the shank. In addition, laecause ring 102 has a
clean and
finished appearance, the customer can easily visualize how the ritlg will
appear when in
its completed and finished form.
[0094] Thereafter, the customer may make a determination as to whether ring
102
meets the customer's desires and preferences, whether the customer does not
wish to
purchase a ring at this time, or whether the customer would like to see other
ring styles.
Assuming the customer wants to see other rings, the customer may place ring
102 aside,
for example, so that the ring may be compared tsa other rings. Alternatively,
the customer
may hand ring 102 back to the jeweler where the jeweler grasps the head 130
and shank
110, for example, and detaches the head from the shank. Alternatively, the
customer may
detach ehe head from the shank. The jeweler or customer may thereafter place
one or
both of head 130 and shank x 10 back in the fixhire.
[009] Thereafter, the customer may again select, or the jeweler may suggest,
any
one of the shanks 110 and any one of the heads 130 as a possible eonrtbination
for
Forming a new and different ring 102. Note that assuming the head and shatlk
of the
previously selected ring are detached, the new ring may be the result of
pairing the
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previously selected head or shank with a different head or shank.
Alternatively, the new
ring 102 may be the result of attaching two newly selected head and shank.
(0096] Thereafter, the gxocess may proceed as above where the selected head
130
and shank 110 are secured to form a ring 102, allowing the customer to then
inspect the
rixig. Note that here, assuming di~'erent heads and shanks are being attached
and set
aside, a customer may easily handle and inspect several rings at one time to
perfonn a
comparison, for example.
[Od97] The above process may continue until the customer either decides not to
purchase a ring, or the customer selects a desired combination of head 130 and
shank 110
that meets the customer's desires and preferences.
[p098] Assuming the customer Selects a desired combination of head 130 and
shank 110, the selected head and shank are next permanently secured to form a
final ring.
Again, according to an embodiment of the invention, the head may be
permanently
secured to the shank by securing channel 140 to bridge 116, for example, using
an epoxy,
solder, a precious metal, such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like.
Similarly, if the
resulting ring has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting, a
precious txtetal
such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like may be placed along the seam of
void 124 and
stone mounting mechanism 132. According to an embodiment of the invention, the
final
and finished ring substantially resembles the ring prior to the head 130 and
shank 110
being permanently secured. The final ring is thereafter delivered to the
customer.
[0099] Note that how the selected combination of head 130 and shank 110 are
formed into a ring xnay be performed in several different ways according to
different
embodiments of the invention. for example, once the customer selects a desired
shank
110 and head 130, the retailer may thereafter use the actual selected pieces
to form the
ring. Alternatively, the jeweler or customer may place the selected head 130
and shank
110 back in the fixture and the retailer may thereafter form the final ring
from replicas of
the selected head and shank. The replicas of the selected head and shank may
be stoclfed
pieces maizttained by the retailer. Alternatively, the retailer may fabricate
replicas of the
head and shank to meet the customer order. Note that the replicates may
include a shank
mounting mechanism 132 and head mounting mechanism 114, which mechanisms are
secured to form the final ring. Alternatively, the replicas of the selected
head and shank
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may not include a shank mounting mechanism 132 and head mounting tx~.echanism
114.
In other words, according to this embodiment of the invention, a retailer may
use ring
system 100, for example, to display and sell rings and may thereafter use
traditional ring
fabrication techniques to actually fabricate the ring.
[Q01Q0] According to another embodiment of the invention, the displayed
shanks 110 and heads 130 may include only synthetic stones, such as cubic
~irconias.
Here, the process proceeds as described above. Once a shank 110 and head 130
are
selected by the customer, the head and shank are returned to the fixture. The
retailer may
thereafter fabricate the final ring that is delivered to the customer by
either using stocked
pieces, for example, or fabricating new pieces. The stocked or fabricated head
and shank
may he replicas ofthe selected head 130 and shank I 10, but may include real
stones
therein.
[401Ux] According to another embodiment of the invention, the retailer may
work with a supplier. Specifically, according to this embodiment of the
invention, a
supplier may fabricate shanks 110 and heads I30 and provide these pieces to a
retailer.
Here, the retailer may select fzom a supplier's catalog, for example, a set of
shanks and
heads the retailer wishes to display. Alternatively, the supplier may provide
the retailer
with a standard set of shanks and heads. Thereaf3er, the process proceeds as
above with a
customer ultimately selecting a desired shank and head, for example. To
fabricate the
selected riltg, the jeweler may fabricate the ring from the actual head and
shank selected
by the customer, may fabricate the ring from socked pieces supplied by the
supplier, or
may use traditional ring fabrication techniques to actually fabricate the
ring.
Alternatively, the retailer may contact the suppler and the supplier may
provide the
assembled ring.
[Op102] Advantageously, the present invention allows a customer to select a
custom ring and as itnpoxcant, easily view the ring as the ring will appear in
its anal form.
~z~ addition, the present invention allows a jewelerlretailer to sell numerous
styles of
custom rings while maintaining, if desired, a limited sized inventory.
[00x03] Although the present invention has been described in relation to
particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and znodifteations and
other uses
will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore,
that the present
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invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the
appended
claiuas_
[00731736,1 E 31
