CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial No.

62/357,939, filed July 1, 2016 and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/484,855, filed April 11, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference as if expressly set forth in their respective entirety herein. FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a finger ring and more specifically to a ring that can accommodate fingers of varying sizes. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A jewelry ring, meant for a wearer' s finger, may be formed of a precious metal, such as, gold, silver, or platinum, or of other materials. The ring may comprise a generally annular ring shaft bounding an annular hole which allows a wearer to fit the ring onto a finger. Because the ring shaft bounding the annular opening is of undeformable material, the diameter of the hole is fixed and therefore the ring can only be fitted to a particular finger size. For this reason, there are various "measurements" for a particular type of ring so that they can be used on fingers of different sizes.

[0004] Accordingly, it is necessary for the ring manufacturer to provide for the production of different sizes for each type of ring to accommodate a wide range of consumers.

[0005] The jewelry ring may also comprise a precious or semi-precious stone or other material, set in the ring shaft, or placed in a setting attached to the ring shaft. Manufacturing rings of precious metal having various measurements requires a considerable allocation of capital and materials with the risk that some products will remain unsold. When the ring may bear one or more precious stones, the manufacturer's economic commitment is even higher.

[0006] However, even manufacturing rings of different sizes does not solve the problem of providing a properly sized ring. First, a ring may be a highly valued possession which one may keep and wish to wear for years or even decades. The size of one's finger is apt to change over such a time period given weight fluctuations, pregnancies, or the aging process. Having a ring "re-sized" may be inconvenient, may require a skilled technician to accomplish, and moreover, may decrease the integrity of the metal of the ring shaft or weaken the strength of the setting increasing the chance that a precious stone could come lose or be lost.

[0007] There are daily fluctuations in one' s finger size as well, due to metabolic changes over the course of day, which may lead to improper ring sizing as well.

[0008] Also, ring sizing may be imprecise simply because a ring size is based on a circular measurement of a ring shaft and human fingers, quite simply, are not perfectly circular.

[0009] Finger rings are ordinarily formed with a circular finger opening. Rings thus formed have a tendency to slip around the finger for several reasons. In the first place, the ordinary finger is not circular in cross section but generally rectangular, and when a ring is positioned on the finger, the ring does not usually embrace the entire circumference of the finger. It contacts the finger at some points and is spaced therefrom at other points around its periphery. This can be readily seen by comparing the cross section of an ordinary ring with the cross section of the finger when the ring is positioned thereon.

[00010] Finally, a "properly sized" ring may fit loosely on the finger because the knuckle joint between the second and third phalanges on the human finger is larger in cross section than the cross section of the finger above this joint. The size of this second knuckle joint therefore, in most cases, determines the size of the ring.

[00011] The variation in the shape of the finger as compared with the circular opening in a finger ring and the greater dimension of the second knuckle joint as compared with the portion of the finger above this joint may cause a further issue where a precious stone is set in or on the ring shaft. The precious stone, or stones, are meant to be a focal point of the jewelry piece and the ring should be positioned on the finger to display the precious stone(s) in the center of the finger. Due to finger shapes and also the weight of the setting and precious stones, such a ring may have a greater tendency to rotate off center.

[00012] Attempts to provide finger rings which are constructed to compensate for this difference in shape and size have included add-on and clip-on pieces or guards to a ring that may be uncomfortable in other regards and may also be aesthetically unpleasing. Other attempts have been to form the ring in a less circular shape such that the ring shape may more generally conform with the cross sectional shape of the finger. In addition, attempts at production of a ring sizer has also resulted in less than optimal solutions in that the ring sizers can be uncomfortable to wear and can even pinch the finger.

[00013] There exists an unfulfilled need for an improved ring that may comfortably fit a wearer's finger throughout the day and over the course of years that may overcome these and other concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[00014] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a ring having integral with the ring shaft one or more flexible members within the finger encircling portion of the ring to variably diminish the size of the circular opening of the ring.

[00015] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an adjustable sized finger ring is provided and comprising a ring shank and a ring setting coupled to the ring shank. A space is defined below the ring setting and located internal to the ring shank. A spring member is disposed within the space and is coupled to the ring shank at a base of the ring shank. The spring member has first and second upturned ends that extend in direction toward the ring setting. When the spring member is in an untensioned position, the ring has a smaller effective ring size than that provided by the ring shank; and when the spring member is in a tensioned position, the ring size of the ring is adaptably increased.

[00016] The present disclosure relates to an improved ring construction wherein yieldable means may be provided for adapting a ring to the size and shape of the finger on which it is to be worn. It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a finger ring which may comprise a spring means for accommodating fingers of various sizes and shapes which may prevent the ring from rotating on the finger when in place.

[00017] A further object of the disclosure is to provide a spring adapter for rings which may be designed to comprise a permanently mounted mechanism to allow a finger ring to adapt a ring of a given size to various shapes and sizes of fingers.

[00018] A further object of the disclosure is to provide a non-turning finger ring which can be fitted to the wearer's finger without detracting from the ornamental appearance of the ring.

[00019] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a ring having a rigid body, for example of precious metal, which may automatically adjust to a plurality of sizes and which may be fitted to a plurality of wearer finger sizes. [00020] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for adapting ring size, while also serving the function of a J-back on the ring for a wearer.

[00021] Another object is that of providing a ring of the abovementioned type which is simple and safe to use.

[00022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the disclosed subject matter in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosed subject matter that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[00023] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00024] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[00025] These together with the other objects of the disclosed subject matter, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosed subject matter, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the disclosed subject matter, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:

[00027] Fig. 1 is a front view of the ring of this invention with a spring means (ring resizer) according to a first embodiment and being shown in a biased (rest) position;

[00028] Fig. 2 is a front view of the ring of this invention with the spring means in a tensioned position;

[00029] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 ;

[00030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a spring means (ring resizer) for use in the ring of Figs. 1 and 2 and accordance with a first embodiment;

[00031] Fig. 5 is a front elevation view thereof;

[00032] Fig. 6 is a side view of the spring means thereof;

[00033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a spring means (ring resizer) in accordance with a second embodiment;

[00034] Fig. 8 is a front elevation view thereof;

[00035] Fig. 9 is a side view of the spring means thereof;

[00036] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a spring means (ring resizer) in accordance with a third embodiment;

[00037] Fig. 11 is a front elevation view thereof;

[00038] Fig. 12 is a side view of the spring means thereof;

[00039] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a spring means (ring resizer) in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

[00040] Fig. 14 is a front elevation view thereof;

[00041] Fig. 15 is a side view of the spring means thereof;

[00042] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a spring means (ring resizer) in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

[00043] Fig. 17 is a front elevation view thereof;

[00044] Fig. 18 is a side view of the spring means thereof; and

[00045] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a spring means (ring resizer) according to one embodiment.

[00046] The present disclosure will also be described by way of additional exemplary embodiments, illustrated in the additional accompanying images as well. [00047] The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00048] The disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well- known components, processing, and techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure.

[00049] Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[00050] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean "including, but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[00051] The terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in this disclosure, means "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[00052] Although process steps, method steps, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[00053] When a single layer or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one layer or article may be used in place of a single layer or article. The functionality or the features of a layer or article may be alternatively embodied by one or more other layers or articles which are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. [00054] In Figs. 1-3, a ring 10 having a generally circular body portion or shank 12 which may encircle a finger is illustrated. The ring 10 may also have a setting 14 to hold a precious stone 16 or the like at the top side thereof. As will be appreciated, the ring shank 12 can come in many different styles and different sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the ring shank 12 is a solid structure that can have a generally circular shaped cross-section. In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the ring shank 12 can include a portion that has an inner groove or channel 30 formed therein. For example, at least a base portion of the ring shank 12 can include the channel 30 formed therein. The channel 30 is centrally located within the rink shank 12. In addition, the side portions of the ring shank 12 can also have the channel 30 formed therein. The channel 30 can thus be a continuous recess that is formed along the opposing side portions and the base portion of the ring shank 12. In one embodiment, at least the bottom base portion of the ring shank 12 includes the channel 30. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface of the ring shank 12 can have a flat construction as opposed to the outer surface of the ring shank 12 which typically has a rounded (curved) construction. As shown in Fig. 3, the floor of the channel 30 can be flat.

[00055] As discussed herein, the ring 10 includes a ring resizer 20 that is also referred to herein as being a spring member or a spring means. In the embodiment shown, the spring member 20 is illustrated as a single member having a generally horseshoe shape as described below. The exact shape of the spring member 20 is not meant to be a limitation. As described herein, the spring member 20 can be shaped so as to be fitted within the ring shank 12. Further, the spring member 20 can also comprise more than one piece if desired. The spring member 20 can be fashioned as a segment of a circle 24 and may extend

circumferentially less than 360 degrees as shown in the figures. It will also be understood that the spring member 20 is not a continuous closed ended structure in that the spring member 20 has a break formed therein and therefore, the spring member 20 extends circumferentially less than 360 degrees. The spring member 20 can thus be defined by a first free end 21 and a second free end 23 spaced from the first free end 21. This break in the spring member 20 between the ends 21, 23 allows for the spring member 20 to flex in an outward direction to increase the circumference of the spring member 20 (increase in the size of the spring member/ring resizer 20) and also allows the spring member 20 to return to its initial, rest position by flexing back in an inward direction to reduce the circumference of the spring member 20 (reduction in the size of spring member 20). [00056] As described in detail herein, the ring sizer 10 is constructed such that at least one portion thereof is coupled to the ring shank 12 for securely attaching the two together in a manner that still permits movement (flexing action) of at least the side portions, including the free ends 21, 23, of the ring shank 12. As mentioned herein, in one embodiment, the spring member 20 is coupled to the ring shank 12 along the base 18 of the ring shank 12. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, when the ring shank 12 is of a type that includes the channel 30, the spring member 20 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 30. For example, the base portion of the ring shank 12 can include the channel 30 and the bottom portion of the spring member 20 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 30 so as to at least partially countersink the spring member 20. The channel 30 can be formed so that the spring member 20 is recessed a sufficient distance so that a top edge of the spring member 20 is at least substantially flush with or is disposed below the inner edge of the surrounding ring shank 12. Alternatively, it is possible for the inner surface (top surface) of the spring member 20 to be slightly raised relative to the surrounding portion of the ring shank 12.

[00057] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, both the side portions and the base portion of the ring shank 12 include channel 30 and therefore, both a base portion and side portions of the spring member 20 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 30 in the fully expanded (tensioned) position.

[00058] In yet another embodiment, the ring shank 12 does not have a channel but instead has a smooth surface, the spring member 20 can be directly coupled to the inner surface of the ring shank 12 and therefore, the spring member 20 is the innermost member.

[00059] It will be appreciated that any number of techniques can be used to securely couple the spring member 20 to the ring shank 12. For example, a mechanical connection, an adhesive connection, or a bond or weld (solder or the like) can be used to couple the spring member 20 to the ring shank 12. When channel 30 is present in the ring shank 12, the weld is located within the channel 30 and thus, is generally not visible in normal use since it is recessed relative to the inner circumferential surface of the ring shank 12.

[00060] As shown in Figs. 4-5, at the free ends 21, 23 of the spring member 20, the spring member 20 can turn up and out of the circumferentially shaped portion 24, such that the ends 21, 23 can extend into an area under the setting 14 (Fig. 1). In other words, each free end 21, 23 curves upward (and can turn slightly outward) to a terminating end. As shown in the figures, the free ends 21, 23 can be bent so that they curl up and then backward toward the respective sides of the spring member 20 as opposed to being perpendicular to the spring member and parallel to one another. When the free ends 21, 23 curl outward, they extend in a direction that is away from the other respective free end 21, 23. Due to the break in the ring shank 12 and the upward turned nature of the ends 21, 23, the spring member 20 can be thought of as including a first leg 26a (first expansion leaf) and an opposing second leg 26b (second expansion leaf) (the legs 26 a, 26b representing flexible portions of the ring spring member 20).

[00061] As shown in Fig. 1, in certain embodiments, the free ends 21, 23 can extend upward so as to be at least partially within the gemstone setting 14.

[00062] It will appreciated that the bending of the free ends 21, 23 to form the upwardly bent tips eliminates sharp end surfaces that can impinge upon the finger of the wearer. More specifically, the ring sizers of the prior art suffer from the disadvantage that they include sharp cut ends that can contact the wearer's finger, thereby causing discomfort and/or injury, such as pinched tissue, a cut, etc.

[00063] In an embodiment, the spring member 20 may not be visible when a ring a worn and not obvious when a ring is not worn. For example, at least a substantial circumferential length of the spring member 20 can be disposed within a channel such as the one described above.

[00064] In at least one embodiment, the spring member 20 can be permanently secured by soldering or other methods known in the art to an inner surface of the ring shank 12 at a central bottom portion thereof as indicated at 18. The weight of spring member 20 can be any weight reasonable for the weight and cost of the associated ring. In an embodiment, the spring member 20 that is formed of gold can weigh up to 0.4 grams depending upon the design of a gold ring shank. In such a case, the net addition total weight of the ring due to the spring member 20 can be up to 0.3 grams as some gold can be removed from the base of the ring shank 12 before the spring member can be attached. As described herein, any number of different materials can be used to make the spring member 20 and the above values are merely exemplary and not limiting.

[00065] Figs. 4-6 show additional details of the spring member 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The spring member 20 can have a flat inner surface and a flat outer surface and therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, will have a generally rectangular shaped cross-section. As shown in Fig. 19, the spring member 20 can have a hemi-spherical shape defined by a flat bottom surface 25 that is configured for seating against and/or being coupled to a complementary surface of the ring shank 12. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in which the ring shank 12 includes the channel 30, the bottom of the channel 30 has a surface that is complementary to receiving and being coupled to the bottom surface 25. Thus, the bottom of the channel 30 can be a flat surface. It will also be understood that the bottom surface of the channel 30 can vary along its length in that in one or more portions, such as the bottom portion thereof, can have a flat surface, while one or more other portions (e.g., side portions) can have a different surface contour, such as being curved. As shown in Fig. 19, a rounded part (top surface) of the spring member 20 is designed to contact the wearer's finger and thus, is in the form of a smooth surface.

[00066] Referring now to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 wherein the spring member 20 is shown in the untensioned condition, it will be observed that the spring member 20 is secured to the ring (ring shank 12) in a position disposed generally symmetrically with respect to the vertical central axis of the ring with the open side of the spring member 20, that is, the side defined between the ends of the spring legs 26a and 26b disposed toward the upper end of the ring and may extend under the setting 14.

[00067] In the untensioned condition illustrated in Fig. 1, the spring member 20 has a diameter substantially less than the inner diameter of the ring shank 12 of the ring. Thus, with a spring member 20 secured to the ring shank 12 by soldering or the like, the ring 10 may have an effective size up to several sizes (e.g., 1-3 sizes) smaller than the ring size of the ring shankl2. This is shown in Fig. 1 in which the spring member 20 protrudes inwardly into the open center space defined by the ring shank 12.

[00068] In an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the spring member 20 is shown in the tensioned condition. When tensioned, the spring member may have a diameter greater than when untensioned due to outward movement (flexing) of the spring member 20 as a result of insertion of the wearer's finger. Its diameter may extend under tension to that effectively of the ring shank 12 itself. Thus, the spring member may provide a ring of any size, adaptability in size in a range from the size of the ring with an untensioned spring member, up to the size allowed by the actual ring shank. In an embodiment, that size range may be 1 size, 2 sizes, or 3 sizes including values therebetween.

[00069] In the embodiment in which the ring shank 12 includes a channel, the insertion of the wearer's finger can result in the spring member 20 outwardly flexing such that at least a portion of the spring member 20 is received, at least partially or fully, within the channel 30. In the event that the ring shank 12 does not include channel 30, then the degree of travel of the spring member 20 is limited by the ring shank 12. [00070] The elasticity and tension in the spring member will allow a ring to be comfortably worn by a wearer who experiences changes in finger size, a wearer with a diameter difference between a knuckle and a finger, and a wearer who would like a ring to gently remain in place without rotating on one's finger.

[00071] When tensioned, the ends of the spring member 26a and 26b may be generally further apart from each other but may also remain in the area below the setting 14. While a ring may be designed such that spring member end 26a and 26b may engage the ring shank or portions of the ring under the setting 14 when the spring member is fully flexed, in an embodiment illustrated, the spring member's elasticity is chosen so that at full tension the ends 21, 23 to do not engage the ring at all. Designing a ring with a spring member 20 with precise tensile characteristics may provide that the mechanism may last through many cycles providing many years of use. The use of specialized spring alloys as well as the metallurgy process in forming the spring member may contribute to this longevity. Additionally, the tensile characteristics may be chosen by means known in the art or through advancements in the art.

[00072] By securing the spring member 20 at a base 18 of the ring 10, and by allowing the spring member 20 to tension, flex or bias apart from its fixed point, the ring 10, even when in different effective sizes may provide a wearer breathing space on the bottom of the ring shank 12 in which air may flows allowing a more comfortable wearing experience.

[00073] As discussed above, the ends 21, 23 of the spring member 20 can be located in the space below the ring setting 14. It is common for such a space to be found on rings. This space may be a result of a hollow in the shank or as part of the metalworking in forming the ring setting 14. This hollow space may also sometime extend around a portion of the inner surface of the ring shank. This may serve to reduce weight and costs for the ring.

[00074] As a consequence of these hollows or openings, discomfort is sometimes felt by wearers of such rings. As a result, wearers will often add what is known as a J-back to a ring, to cover those hollows, overlaying any rough inner surfaces, and proving a more pleasant wearing experience.

[00075] In an embodiment, the spring member 20 illustrated has ends 21, 23 to fill in and cover those hollows and openings that are often troublesome. The spring member of the present disclosure may also provide the function and benefit of a J back while also providing adaptability in size. [00076] Thus, it will be seen that by the provision of a generally circular spring member, such as shown at 20, and by arranging the spring member 20 within the ring 10 as illustrated and securing them to the ring by such simple means as silver soldering, a finger ring of a particular size can be adapted to fingers which differ substantially in size and shape. Furthermore, Applicant has discovered that by providing a spring member that is a substantially circular, relatively light spring member as illustrated and by permanently attaching the spring member to the inner face of the finger encircling portion of the ring at the bottom side thereof and in a position disposed generally symmetrically with the vertical central axis of the ring, the ring is held firmly in non-rotating condition on the finger and, at the same time, no discomfort is experienced by the wearer.

[00077] Figs. 7-9 illustrate a ring resizer 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention, that is similar to the ring resizer 20 and therefore, is also discussed herein as being a spring member or a spring means. In contrast to the spring member 20 which has an at least substantially uniform width, the spring member 100 has a non-uniform width. As with the spring member 20, the spring member 100 has first and second free ends 102, 104, which are upwardly turned. The spring member 100 can thus be thought of as including a base portion 101 and first and second legs 103, 105 that extend therefrom. As shown in the figures, the spring member 100 has a width that progressively increases in the direction of each of its first and second free ends 102, 104. In other words, the first and second free ends 102, 104 represent the widest portions of the spring member 100. From the bottom base portion 101 of the spring member 100, the width of each of the first and second legs 103, 105 progressively increases toward and to the terminating ends 102, 104. In other words, the first and second legs 103, 105 taper outwardly to the terminating ends 102, 104.

[00078] As with the previous embodiment, the ends 102, 104 are curved ends (tips) in that the ends 102, 104 curve upward and then outward (so as to generally resemble a horseshoe).

[00079] Figs. 10-12 illustrate a ring resizer 200, according to another embodiment of the present invention, that is similar to the ring resizers 20, 100 and therefore, is also discussed herein as being a spring member or a spring means. In contrast to the spring member 20 which has an at least substantially uniform width, the spring member 200 has a non-uniform width. As with the spring member 20, the spring member 200 has first and second free ends 202, 204, which are upwardly turned. The spring member 200 can thus be thought of as including a base portion 201 and first and second legs 203, 205 that extend therefrom. As shown in the figures, the spring member 200 has a variable width and in particular, each of the first and second legs 203, 205 increases in width from the base portion 201 toward the respective end 202, 204 until a point at which the width of the leg 203, 205 tapers back inwardly to the respective end 202, 204. As shown, each of the legs 203, 205 has an opening (cutout) 207 formed therein. The opening 207 is located in the widest portion of the leg 203, 205 and can take any number of different forms. For example, the opening 207 can be the shape of an eye as shown; however, it can have any number of other shapes.

[00080] As with the previous embodiment, the ends 202, 204 are curved ends (tips) in that the ends 202, 204 curve upward and then outward (so as to generally resemble a horseshoe).

[00081] Figs. 13-15 illustrate a ring resizer 300, according to another embodiment of the present invention, that is similar to the ring resizer 100 and therefore, is also discussed herein as being a spring member or a spring means. The spring member 300 has a nonuniform width. The spring member 300 has first and second free ends 302, 304, which are upwardly turned. The spring member 300 can thus be thought of as including a base portion 301 and first and second legs 303, 305 that extend therefrom. As shown in the figures, the spring member 300 has a width that progressively increases in the direction of each of its first and second free ends 302, 304. In other words, the first and second free ends 302, 304 represent the widest portions of the spring member 100. From the bottom base portion 301 of the spring member 300, the width of each of the first and second legs 303, 305 progressively increases toward and to the terminating ends 302, 304. In other words, the first and second legs 303, 305 taper outwardly to the terminating ends 302, 304. Unlike the spring member 100, the spring member 300 includes a series of cutouts 310 formed in each of the legs 303, 305. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 310 are formed so to define a series of X- shaped structures 311 (of varying size) along each of the legs 303, 305.

[00082] As with the previous embodiment, the ends 302, 304 are curved ends (tips) in that the ends 302, 304 curve upward and then outward (so as to generally resemble a horseshoe).

[00083] Figs. 16-18 illustrate a ring resizer 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As with the other embodiments, the ring resizer 400 is also discussed herein as being a spring member or a spring means. The spring member 400 has first and second free ends 402, 404, which are upwardly turned. The spring member 400 can thus be thought of as including a base portion 401 and first and second legs 403, 405 that extend therefrom. As shown in the figures, the spring member 400 has a width that progressively increases in the direction of each of its first and second free ends 402, 404. In other words, the first and second free ends 402, 404 represent the widest portions of the spring member 400.

[00084] The spring member 400 is constructed such that each of the legs 403, 405 has a branched construction in that each leg 403, 405 has a split construction in that each of the leg 403, 405 branches into a first branched portion 407 and a second branched portion 409. As shown, the branching forms a generally V-shaped structure. Each of the first and second branched portions 407, 409 of the leg 403 terminates in one free end 402 that is spaced from the other free end 402. Similarly, each of the first and second branched portions 407, 409 of the leg 405 terminates in one free end 404 that is spaced from the other free end 404. Each of these free ends 402, 404 has an upturned tip (i.e., an upwardly and outwardly turned tip). The first and second branched portions 407, 409 of the two legs 403, 405 are opposite one another to define a generally symmetric structure.

[00085] It will be understood that the spring member and ring shank can be formed of any number of different materials suitable for their intended use. For example, any number of different metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, tungsten carbide, palladium, titanium, etc. can be used to form these components. It will be appreciated that the spring member can be formed of one material (e.g., one metal) and the ring shank can be formed of another material (e.g., another metal).

[00086] The rings and ring resizers of the present invention were subjected to a number of tests for studying the durability, stability, feasibility and functionality of the present invention. Tests were performed using tension and durability protocols in which the ring was left fully expanded (i.e., the spring member 20 was fully expanded) on a ring stick for a continuous extended period of time (e.g., a minimum of 30 days). It was also confirmed that trained jewelers can size the ring 10 without dissembling the expansion device (spring member 20). For example, in one of the experiments, the ring measured approximately size 6 ¼ before the spring member 20 expands and open. When the spring member 20 fully opened, the ring expanded to size 7 ¾. The same ring was then subjected to traditional ring resizing techniques (e.g., traditional cutting and torch soldering) to reduce the ring size to 5 ¼ before expansion of the spring member 20. Fully expanded, the ring now allows for a finger size up to 6 ¾. The process maintained the 1½ size expansion differential. Similarly, a study was done in which a ring was sized larger to a 6 ¾ ring expandable to a size 9. The larger ring size provided for a wider expansion from 1½ to 2 ¼ size ranges. The results of the tests were that the ring sizes did not change, indicating no degradation of the tension needed to remain at a select size (e.g., 6 ¾ in above example) in the non-expanded position (untensioned position).

[00087] While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the disclosure.