CONCENTRIC ROTATABLE RINGS HAVING ORNAMENT SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention pertains to jewelry ring assemblies and particularly to mounting ornaments via a ring assembly element retaining a rotatable ring.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] US Patent No. 6,497,117 to Ofiesh, II, discloses a base ring having an annular channel retaining a rotatable ring. US Patent No. 5,161,392 to Wiriath et al. discloses circular pieces of jewelry having a rotating outer band. US Patent No. 6,101,843 to Nagano discloses an outer ring having ornaments and magnets rotatably engaging an inner ring having magnets. US Patent No. 5,678,428 to Pasquetti discloses an annular piece of jewelry particularly a ring or a bracelet having an outer rotary crown. US 5228316 discloses a ring made of three parts and ornaments on the outer rings.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention include a first element having an annular inner surface with an inner diameter, an axial width, and a first peripheral edge, i.e., a first rim, and a second peripheral edge, i.e., a second rim, together with a base portion of the first element, defining a peripheral annular groove, or peripheral annular channel, having an outer diameter defined by the base portion of the channel. The exemplary embodiments further include a second, substantially annular element, having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the peripheral annular groove of the first element and an axial width smaller than the axial width of the first annular element. The second annular element may be laterally retained by the peripheral channel and disposed coaxially about, and substantially coplanar with, the first element. The second annular element may be disjoined, disposed about the first element, and then joined to itself via, for example, soldering the end portions together. The first element may comprise two portions, each portion comprising a portion of the peripheral channel, and the second annular element may be disposed between the two portions.

[0004] The exemplary embodiments further include an ornament support structure comprising: (a) a first ornament support structural element attached to a portion of the first peripheral edge of the first annular element and may extend in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element and (b) a second ornament support structural element attached to a portion of the second peripheral edge of the first annular element proximate to the attached second ornamental support structural element, and may extend in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element. An ornament and/or an ornament collar that may engage the first ornament support structural element and the second ornament support structure to establish structural continuity of the first and second ornament support structural elements and the first annular element about the second annular element rotatably positioned about the first annular element particularly when assembled.

[0005] Additional articles of jewelry embodiments of the invention comprise:

(a) a first element having an inner diameter defining an aperture, the first element comprising an annular peripheral channel comprising a base having an outer diameter, the base, having a width, interposed between a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion; and (b) a second annular element, having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and an axial width smaller than the width of the annular peripheral channel base, the second annular element laterally retained by the peripheral channel and disposed coaxially about, and substantially coplanar with, the first element; wherein the first element further comprises an ornament support structure comprising a first ornament support structural element attached to at least one of: (1) a portion of a first peripheral rim and (2) a portion of the first peripheral portion of the first element, and where the ornament support structure extends in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element. The ornament support structure may further comprise a second ornament support structural element attached to at least one of: a portion of a second peripheral rim and a portion of the second peripheral portion of the first element proximate to the attached second ornamental support structural element, and extending in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element, wherein the second annular element is interposed between the first ornament support structural element and the second ornament support structural element. A distal portion of the first ornament structure may be adapted to receive a first portion of the traversing structural element and a distal portion of the second ornament structure may be adapted to receive a second portion of the traversing structural element and a rotatable member may be disposed about the traversing structural member.

[0006] Additional embodiments not covered by the claims include (a) a first annular element having a base and first wall of a peripheral annular groove and an annular lip; (b) a second annular element, having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the peripheral annular groove of the first element; (c) a third annular element comprising a second wall of the peripheral annular grove and an inner annular surface having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the annular lip, and a width substantially the same, or less, than the width of the annular lip. Accordingly, the first annular lip may be soldered, glued, or otherwise fixedly attached to the inner annular surface of the third annular element. Alternative or additional attachment may be effected for embodiments having bezels where the bezel of the first annular element may be fixedly attached to the extending support structure of the third annular element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of an exemplary collar or girdle of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of an exemplary collar or girdle of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a plan view of an exemplary collar or girdle of the present invention;

FIG. 6D is side view of an exemplary collar or girdle of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.11 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a peripheral channel;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross sectional side view of another exemplary collar or girdle showing a plan form of a gem stone of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of this invention having an internal circular aperture;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 18-22 are top-side-perspective, partial cross-sectional views of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having peripheral ornamentation;

FIG. 24 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a peripheral channel;

FIG. 25 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 32 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 33 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, second annular channel, and ornamental support structures;

FIG. 34 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 37 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 38 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, second annular channel, and ornamental support structures;

FIG. 39 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 40 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, and second annular channel;

FIG. 41 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a first element, peripheral channel, second annular channel, and ornamental support structures;

FIG. 42 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a peripheral channel;

FIG. 43 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a partial top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a partial top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a top, side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 57 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 60 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having peripheral ornamentation;

FIG. 63 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a partial cross sectional top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 68 is an exploded top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 69 is an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 70 is an exploded top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 71 is an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates in a side view an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a jewelry ring assembly 100, where a first element 110, having an annular channel, rotatably retains a second, substantially annular, element 120, where the first element 110 and the second annular element 120 may rotate relative to one another. Also shown in FIG. 1A is a first ornament support structure 130 extending from a first peripheral rim or first peripheral edge 111 of the first element 110 and a second ornament support structure 140 extending from a second peripheral edge 112 of the first element 110. The first ornament support structure 130 is shown in this embodiment as having a notch 131 and the second support 140 is shown in this embodiment as having a notch 141. The annular channel may be arcuate to accommodate the toroidal aspects of a ring such as a wedding ring. The second element may have a raised outside diameter projecting the raised portion of the second element beyond the outer extent of the first element. The first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may be part of a mold including the first element 110 or may be soldered or otherwise fixedly attached to the first element 110. The first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may each extend from a portion of a respective rim of the first element 110 or an edge of the respective peripheral edge 111 of the first element 110 or a combination of both. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment where the first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 extend from a portion of a respective rim 113, 114 of the first element 110. In some embodiments, in addition to notches 131, 141 or in place of notches, the first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may have curvilinear opposing inner faces to receive and retain an ornament. In some embodiments, in addition to notches 131, 141 or in place of notches, the first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may have slots or other apertures or surfaces adapted to receive portions of the collar affixed to the ornament. Fixedly attaching the ornament having collar affixed to the first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may be accomplished via soldering.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates in a front view an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where the second annular element 120 is retained within, and, in this view of this embodiment, occluded by the axial width of the first element 110. Also shown is the first ornament support structure 130 extending from the first peripheral edge 111.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 showing in cross-section the first element 110 having the first ornament support structure 130 and the second ornament support structure 140 and a circular aperture 102 (as seen in FIG. 2). The edges of the circular aperture 102 may be machined or otherwise shaped or molded, to be rounded edges to enhance finger comfort. The notch 131 of the first ornament support structure 130 is shown in this embodiment having more depth in cross-section than in the whole (solid) side view of FIG. 2. Likewise, the notch 141 of the second support 140 is shown in this embodiment having more depth in cross-section that in the side view of the whole exemplary article of FIG. 2. The increased depth of a notch in cross-section illustrates the result of an exemplary arcuate transverse cut of an ornament support structure 130, 140 to produce a notch of varying depth. The second annular element 120 appears in two pieces in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 retained within a peripheral channel 115 formed by the peripheral portions, i.e., the rims, of the first element 110.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A showing in cross-section the second annular element 120 rotatably disposed about the first element 110. FIG. 4 also shows the second ornament support structure 140 including a view of its notch 141.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A where the second annular element 120 is shown retained by portions of the first element 110, and where the dashed lines of the first ornament support structure 130 and the second ornament support structure 140 indicate exemplary arcuate transverse cuts producing the inward extent of each of the two notches 131, 141 into their respective support structure 130, 140. The exemplary embodiment includes a traversing structural element, i.e., an element that engages the first ornament support structure 130 and the second ornament support structure 140 while allowing the rotation of the second annular element 120, while retained by portions of the first element 110. Examples of the traversing structural element include an ornamental structural object, such as a stone and may include an ornament collar. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present invention, an ornament may be secured via an ornament collar and the collar may be detachably or fixedly attached to the first ornament support structure 130 and the second ornament support structure 140.

[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates in plan view an ornament girdle or collar 610 that is oval-shaped, i.e., having a long planar axis and a short planar axis. For example, the short planar axis may be selected to traverse the distance between the two ornament support structures 130, 140 and engage the notches 131, 141 (see FIG. 1A). FIG. 6B illustrates in a side view the ornament collar 610 along a planar axis 611. In this example, the ornament collar 610 is shown as two frustro-conical portions having a common base portion. The extent of the common base portion may engage the notches 131, 141 of the ornament support structures. FIG. 6C illustrates in a plan view another exemplary ornament collar 620 having similar short and long axes as in FIG. 6A reversed by providing the long axis with sufficient extent to traverse the distance between the ornament support structures 130, 140 and engage their respective notches. FIG. 6C also illustrates the ornament collar affixed to an ornament 621, e.g., a stone. FIG. 6D illustrates in side view an ornament collar 640 affixed to an ornament 650.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary ornament collar 610 engaging the notches 131, 141 of the ornament support structures 130, 140 of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary ornament collar 640 affixed to an ornament 650, e.g., a stone, and illustrates the ornament collar 640 engaging the notches 131, 141 of the ornament support structures 130, 140 of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates by the double-headed arrow 810 that the second annular element 120 while retained by portions 811, 812 of the first element 110, may rotate about the first element 110 proximate to a mounted stone 650 fixed relative to the first element 110 by way of an ornament collar 640 engaging notches 131, 141 of ornament support structures 130, 140. FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an ornament collar 620 having a long axis traversing the ornament support structures 130, 140 and affixed to an ornament 621, e.g., a mounted stone. FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an ornament collar 610 having a long axis traversing the ornament support structures 130, 140 and affixed to an ornament 640, e.g., a mounted stone.

[0015] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the first element 110 having the peripheral channel 170 in which the first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 may be of a cast metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the peripheral channel 170 may be machined into the first element 110. Less durable embodiments of first and second annular elements 120, 110 may be plastics via injection molding. The second annular element 120 may be cast as a ring having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the peripheral channel 170, and subsequently cut, as seen in FIG. 13, positioned about the first element 110, and the previously cut ends rejoined to reform the ring by soldering, for example.

[0016] FIG. 14 illustrates in side view an ornament collar, bezel, or girdle 440 affixed to an ornament 410, i.e., a gemstone. FIG. 15 illustrates the cross sectional view of an example of a second annular element 120 without an internal circular aperture. FIG. 16 illustrates the cross sectional view of an example of a second annular element 120 with an internal circular aperture 430.

[0017] FIG. 17 illustrates in side view another exemplary embodiment of this invention in which the first element 110 having first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 where the bezel and/or girdle 440 may engage the ornament support structures 130, 140 from the rims of the grooved or channeled ring - a distance that is sufficient to allow for unobstructed rotation of the retained ring 450 about the channeled ring 110. That is, the point of the cut gemstone of this exemplary embodiment may be mounted above, but its point 450 not touching the rotatable retained ring 450.

[0018] In the previously described exemplary embodiments, the first element may be of various shapes so long as it has a circular aperture and an annular peripheral channel and still be within the scope of the invention. Also, the first ornament support structure 130 and the second ornament support structure 140 may be posts arched bridges or other structural elements, for example, as illustrated in top-side-perspective, partial cross-sectional views of FIGS. 18-22.

[0019] FIG. 23 shows in a side view, an example of an ornamental second annular element 480. FIG. 24 illustrates the first element 110 having the peripheral channel 460 with first and second ornament support structures 130, 140 where the bezel and/or girdle 470 may engage the ornament support structures at a distance distal from the rims of the grooved or channeled ring, in this example. FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of an ornamental second annular element 480 in the peripheral channel or groove of the first element 110, for this example. FIG.26 shows another exemplary embodiment of the invention having a three-dimensional bezel 500 as a support structure for the gemstone in this example. FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of another exemplary embodiment having a three-dimensional bezel 510 as a support structure for the gemstone for this example.

[0020] FIG. 28 shows another exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the first element 110 has first and second ornament support structures 520, 530 attached which each support the gemstone via a notch 521, 531 without a bezel and/or girdle, for this example. FIG. 29 shows the cross sectional side view of the first element 110 having a peripheral channel 560 for an exemplary embodiment of this invention. FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of an ornament collar 540 having a long axis traversing the ornament support structures 520,530 and affixed to an ornament 550, e.g., a mounted stone.

[0021] FIG. 31 shows the aligning of the first element 700 having a peripheral channel 720 with a second annular element of 710 via directional arrows 730, for this example. The second annular element 701 may be severed (disjoined) and rejoined once about the first element 700. Alternatively, the first element may comprise two portions where the first portion 701 caps and is fixed to second portion 702 after the second annular element 710 is disposed about the peripheral channel 720 of the second portion 702. FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this invention showing the completed assembly of the ornamental second annular element 710 placed in the first element 740 having a peripheral channel 720, for this example. Thereafter, ornament support structures may be attached. FIG. 33 shows another exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 750, 760 are attached to the first element 740 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place, for this example. FIG. 34 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment showing the completed assembly of the ornamental second annular element 710 placed in the first element 740 having a peripheral channel 720, for this example. Thereafter, ornament support structure may be attached. FIG. 35 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 770, 780 are attached to the first element 740 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place without a collar, girdle, or bezel, for this example.

[0022] FIG. 36 shows the aligning, similar to FIG. 31, of the first element 800 having a peripheral channel 820 with a second annular element 810 via directional lines 830, for this example. FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this invention showing the completed assembly of the second annular element placed in the first element 840 having a peripheral channel 820, for this example. Thereafter, the ornament support structure may be attached. FIG. 38 shows another exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 850, 860 are attached to the first element 840 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place, for this example.

[0023] FIG. 39 shows the aligning of the first element 900 having a peripheral channel 920 with a second annular element of 910 via directional lines 930, for this example. FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this invention showing the completed assembly of the second annular element 910 placed in the first element 900 having a peripheral channel, for this example. Thereafter, the ornament support structures may be attached. FIG. 41 shows another exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 950, 960 are attached to the first element 900 via a collar, and/or girdle, and/or bezel 970 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place, for this example.

[0024] FIG. 42 illustrates, in a top-side-perspective partial cross-sectional view, an exemplary embodiment of this invention having a first element 200 with a peripheral channel 210, for this example. FIG. 43 shows in a top-side-perspective partial cross-sectional view, an exemplary embodiment of an ornamental second annular element 220 in the peripheral channel 210 or groove of the first element 200, for this example

[0025] FIG. 44 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 310, 320 are attached to the first element 300 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone in place without a collar, girdle, or bezel, for this example. FIG. 45 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornamental ornament support structures 330, 340 are attached to the first element 300 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone in place without a collar, girdle, or bezel, for this example. FIG. 46 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 350, 360 are attached to the first element 300 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone in place without a collar, girdle, or bezel, for this example. FIG. 47 shows a top-side-perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 370, 380 are attached to the first element 300 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone in place with a collar, and/or girdle, and/or bezel 390, for this example. FIG. 48 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 380 are attached to the first element 300 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place with a collar, and/or girdle, and/or bezel 390, for this example.

[0026] FIG. 49 shows the aligning, similar to FIG. 31, of the first element 1000 having a peripheral channel 1020 with a second annular element of 1010 via directional lines 1030, for this example. FIG. 50 shows another exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 1050, 1060, 1070 are attached to the first element 1040 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place, via a collar, and/or girdle, and/or bezel 1080, for this example. FIG. 51 shows a top-side-perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 1050, 1060, 1070, 1075 are attached to the first element 1040 to hold a mounted stone or gemstone in place without a collar, girdle, or bezel, for this example. FIG. 52 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment in which ornament support structures 1050, 1060, and 1070 are attached to the first element 1040 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone in place, with a collar, girdle, or bezel, 1080 for this example.

[0027] FIG. 53 illustrates in cross section the side view of an exemplary embodiment of this invention showing a three-dimensional bezel 1110 as a support structure attached to the first element 1100 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone 1115 in place, for this example. FIG. 54 shows an example of an ornamental second annular element 1120 for an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 55 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment showing the completed assembly comprising an ornamental second annular element 1120, and a three-dimensional bezel 1110 as a support structure attached to the first element 1100 to hold or otherwise retain a mounted stone or gemstone 1115 in place, for this example. FIG.56 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention having a three-dimensional (e.g., a square-shaped and legged) bezel 1110 as a support structure for the gemstone 1115 in this example. FIGS. 57- 60 show various embodiments of ornamental second annular elements 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 for this invention. First and second annular element embodiments may be made of metals, metal alloys, plastics or other materials that allow for molding and shaping. First and second annular element embodiments may be ornamented with stones, or gemstones, smooth, patterned, or textured and still fall within the scope of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 61 illustrates in side view another exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the first element 600 having first and second ornament support structures 610, 620 which encompass an axle such as a metal, metal alloy or plastic rod, positioned according to the alignment reference 630 and which may be inserted or otherwise through the center of a pierced solid or hollow sphere 650 as an example of a rotatable element positioned about a traversing element, e.g., the rod 631 as shown in FIG. 66. The rotatable element, e.g., the sphere 650, may be disposed in a position sufficient to allow for unobstructed rotation of both the retained ring 640 about the channeled ring 600 and the sphere 650. The sphere 650 may be smooth, ornamented, or bejeweled in these exemplary embodiments, and is shown in FIG. 61 mounted above, but not contacting, the rotatable retained ring 640 for this invention

[0029] FIGS. 62-64 depict various embodiments of ornamental second annular elements 700, 710, 720 that may be usedin place of the retained ring 640 of FIG. 61.

[0030] FIG. 65 shows an exemplary embodiment, in a perspective cross-sectional view, having an ornamental second annular element 640 in the peripheral channel or groove of the first element 600, for this example.

[0031] FIG. 66 illustrates in a side view and partial cross-section, an exemplary embodiment of this invention in which the first element 600 having first and second ornament support structures 610, 620 which encompass an axel, such as a metal, metal alloy or plastic rod 631, colinear with the alignment reference 630, where the rod 631 is shown disposed through the center of an exemplary bejeweled hollow sphere 651.

[0032] FIG. 67 shows in a side view and partial cross-section, an exemplary embodiment of an ornamental second annular element 640 in the peripheral channel or groove of the first element 600 in which the hollow sphere 651 is shown in a partial cross-section with the rod 631 through the center to allow for an axis of rotation for the rotatable element, i.e., the sphere 651 of this example.

[0033] FIGS. 68 and 69 show, in exploded perspective and side views respectively, the aligning, or assembly 1250, of the first annular element 1200, having a three-dimensional (e.g., a square-shaped and legged) bezel 1260 and peripheral channel 1210, with a second annular element 1220 via directional lines 1230 and a third annular element 1240, which may be soldered, glued or otherwise fixedly attached to the first annular element 1200 and the three-dimensional bezel 1260 to allow for rotation of the second annular element 1220 about the peripheral channel 1210 of the joined first annular element 1200 once joined to the third annular element 1240 of this example. In addition, the inner surface 1265 of the third annular element 1240 may be fixedly attached to the lip 1215 of the first annular element 1200.

[0034] FIGS. 70 and 71 show, in exploded perspective and side views respectively, the aligning, or assembly, 1390 of the first annular element 1300, having a first ornament support structure 1370 and peripheral channel 1310, with a second annular element 1320 via directional lines 1330 and the third annular element 1340, having a second ornament support structure 1380. The inner surface 1360 of the third annular element 1340 may be fixedly attached to the lip 1350 of the first annular element 1300, e.g., via glue or solder. First or second annular element embodiments and ornament support structures may be made of metal, metal alloys, plastics, and or ceramics.

Claims

1. An article of jewelry (100) comprising:

a first element (110) having an inner diameter defining an aperture, the first element comprising an annular peripheral channel (115) comprising a base having an outer diameter, the base, having a width, interposed between a first peripheral portion (111) and a second peripheral portion (112); and

a second annular element (120); having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and an axial width smaller than the width of the annular peripheral channel base, the second annular element laterally retained by the peripheral channel and disposed coaxially about, and substantially coplanar with, the first element; characterized in that

the first element further comprises an ornament support structure (130, 140) comprising:

a first ornament support structural element attached to at least one of a portion of a first peripheral rim (113, 114) and a portion of the first peripheral portion of the first element, and extending in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element.

2. The article of jewelry of claim 1 wherein the first peripheral portion of the first element is a first peripheral edge and the second peripheral portion of the first peripheral element is a second peripheral edge.

3. The article of jewelry of claim 1 wherein the ornament support structure further comprises a second ornament support structural element attached to at least one of: a portion of a second peripheral rim and a portion of the second peripheral portion of the first element proximate to the attached second ornamental support structural element, and extending in a substantially radial direction beyond the outer diameter of the second annular element, wherein the second annular element is interposed between the first ornament support structural element and the second ornament support structural element.

4. The article of jewelry of claim 3 further comprising a traversing structural element engaging a portion of the first ornament support structural element distal from the first peripheral portion and engaging a portion of the second ornament support structural element distal from the second peripheral portion.

5. The article of jewelry of claim 3 wherein the first peripheral portion of the first element is a first peripheral edge and the second peripheral portion of the second peripheral element is a second peripheral edge.

6. The article of jewelry of claim 5 further comprising a traversing structural element engaging a portion of the first ornament support structural element, distal from the first peripheral edge, and engaging a portion of the second ornament support structural element distal from the second peripheral edge.

7. The article of jewelry of claim 3 wherein a distal portion of the first ornament structure is adapted to receive a first portion of the traversing structural element and a distal portion of the second ornament structure is adapted to receive a second portion of the traversing structural element.

8. The article of jewelry of claim 3 wherein a distal portion of the first ornament structure is adapted to receive a first portion of the traversing structural element and a distal portion of the second ornament structure is adapted to receive a second portion of the traversing structural element and a rotatable member is disposed about the traversing structural member.

Ansprüche

1. Schmuckartikel (100), aufweisend:

ein erstes Element (110) mit einem Innendurchmesser, der eine Öffnung definiert, wobei das erste Element einen ringförmigen peripheren Kanal (115) aufweist, der eine Basis mit einem Außendurchmesser aufweist, wobei die Basis, mit einer Breite, zwischen einem ersten peripheren Teil (111) und einem zweiten peripheren Teil (112) positioniert ist; und

ein zweites ringförmiges Element (120) mit einem Innendurchmesser, einem Außendurchmesser und einer axialen Breite, die kleiner als die Breite der Basis des ringförmigen peripheren Kanals ist, wobei das zweite ringförmige Element seitlich vom peripheren Kanal zurückgehalten wird und koaxial um das, und im Wesentlichen koplanar mit dem, erste(n) Element angeordnet ist;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das erste Element des Weiteren eine Verzierungsstützstruktur (130, 140) aufweist, aufweisend:

ein erstes Verzierungsstützstrukturelement, das an zumindest einem von einem Teil eines ersten peripheren Randes (113, 114) und einem Teil des ersten peripheren Teils des ersten Elements befestigt ist und sich in einer im Wesentlichen radialen Richtung über den Außendurchmesser des zweiten ringförmigen Elements hinaus erstreckt.

2. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste periphere Teil des ersten Elements eine erste periphere Kante ist und der zweite periphere Teil des ersten peripheren Elements eine zweite periphere Kante ist.

3. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verzierungsstützstruktur des Weiteren ein zweites Verzierungsstützstrukturelement aufweist, das an zumindest einem befestigt ist von: einem Teil eines zweiten peripheren Randes und einem Teil des zweiten peripheren Teils des ersten Elements in der Nähe des befestigten zweiten Verzierungsstützstrukturelements, und sich in eine im Wesentlichen radiale Richtung über den Außendurchmesser des zweiten ringförmigen Elements hinaus erstreckt, wobei das zweite ringförmige Element zwischen dem ersten Verzierungsstützstrukturelement und dem zweiten Verzierungsstützstrukturelement positioniert ist.

4. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 3, des Weiteren aufweisend ein querendes Strukturelement, das mit einem Teil des ersten Verzierungsstützstrukturelements distal vom ersten peripheren Teil in Eingriff geht und mit einem Teil des zweiten Verzierungsstützstrukturelements distal vom zweiten peripheren Teil in Eingriff geht.

5. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 3, wobei der erste periphere Teil des ersten Elements eine erste periphere Kante ist und der zweite periphere Teil des zweiten peripheren Elements eine zweite periphere Kante ist.

6. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 5, des Weiteren aufweisend ein querendes Strukturelement, das mit einem Teil des ersten Verzierungsstützstrukturelements distal von der ersten peripheren Kante in Eingriff geht und mit einem Teil des zweiten Verzierungsstützstrukturelements distal von der zweiten peripheren Kante in Eingriff geht.

7. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 3, wobei ein distaler Teil der ersten Verzierungsstruktur dafür ausgelegt ist, einen ersten Teil des querenden Strukturelements aufzunehmen, und ein distaler Teil der zweiten Verzierungsstruktur dafür ausgelegt ist, einen zweiten Teil des querenden Strukturelements aufzunehmen.

8. Schmuckartikel nach Anspruch 3, wobei ein distaler Teil der ersten Verzierungsstruktur dafür ausgelegt ist, einen ersten Teil des querenden Strukturelements aufzunehmen, und ein distaler Teil der zweiten Verzierungsstruktur dafür ausgelegt ist, einen zweiten Teil des querenden Strukturelements aufzunehmen, und ein drehbares Element um das querende Strukturelement angeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Article de joaillerie (100) comprenant :

un premier élément (110) ayant un diamètre intérieur définissant une ouverture, le premier élément comprenant un canal périphérique annulaire (115) comprenant une base ayant un diamètre extérieur, la base, ayant une certaine largeur, est interposée entre une première partie périphérique (111) et une seconde partie périphérique (112) ; et

un second élément annulaire (120), ayant un diamètre intérieur, un diamètre extérieur, et une largeur axiale plus petite que la largeur de la base de canal périphérique annulaire, le second élément annulaire étant latéralement retenu par le canal périphérique et disposé de façon coaxiale autour du, et sensiblement coplanaire avec le, premier élément ; caractérisé en ce que

le premier élément comprend en outre une structure de support d'ornement (130, 140) comprenant :

un premier élément structurel de support d'ornement attaché à au moins une d'une partie d'un premier rebord périphérique (113, 114) et d'une partie de la première partie périphérique du premier élément, et s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement radiale au-delà du diamètre extérieur du second élément annulaire.

2. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première partie périphérique du premier élément est un premier bord périphérique et la seconde partie périphérique du premier élément périphérique est un second bord périphérique.

3. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la structure de support d'ornement comprend en outre un second élément structurel de support d'ornement attaché à au moins une : d'une partie d'un second rebord périphérique et d'une partie de la seconde partie périphérique du premier élément proche du second élément structurel de support ornemental attaché, et s'étendant dans une direction sensiblement radiale au-delà du diamètre extérieur du second élément annulaire, dans lequel le second élément annulaire est interposé entre le premier élément structurel de support d'ornement et le second élément structurel de support d'ornement.

4. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 3, comprenant en outre un élément structurel traversant mettant en prise une partie du premier élément structurel de support d'ornement distale par rapport à la première partie périphérique et mettant en prise une partie du second élément structurel de support d'ornement distale par rapport à la seconde partie périphérique.

5. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 3, dans lequel la première partie périphérique du premier élément est un premier bord périphérique et la seconde partie périphérique du second élément périphérique est un second bord périphérique.

6. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 5, comprenant en outre un élément structurel traversant mettant en prise une partie du premier élément structurel de support d'ornement, distale par rapport au premier bord périphérique, et mettant en prise une partie du second élément structurel de support d'ornement distale par rapport au second bord périphérique.

7. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 3, dans lequel une partie distale de la première structure d'ornement est conçue pour recevoir une première partie de l'élément structurel traversant et une partie distale de la seconde structure d'ornement est conçue pour recevoir une seconde partie de l'élément structurel traversant.

8. Article de joaillerie selon la revendication 3, dans lequel une partie distale de la première structure d'ornement est conçue pour recevoir une première partie de l'élément structurel traversant et une partie distale de la seconde structure d'ornement est conçue pour recevoir une seconde partie de l'élément structurel traversant et un élément rotatif est disposé autour de l'élément structurel traversant.

Drawing