FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a hand flaring tool and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a hand flaring tool for use in cases where precision operation is required, such as for example jewelry manufacture.

Flare fittings are a type of compression fitting used with metal tubing, usually soft steel and ductile (soft) copper, though other materials are also used. Tube flaring is considered to be a type of forging operation, and is usually a cold working procedure. During assembly, a flare nut is formed to secure the flared tubing's tapered end to the also tapered fitting, producing a pressure -resistant, leak-tight seal. Flared connections offer a high degree of long-term reliability and for this reason are often used in mission- critical and inaccessible locations.

The tool currently used to flare tubing consists of a die that grips the tube and a mandrel that is forced into the end of the tube to form the flare by cold working.

Flared fittings are appropriate alternatives to solder-type joints when the use of an open flame is either not desired or impractical.

In jewelry a number of manufacturing techniques are used to mount stones to a setting. The earliest known technique of attaching stones to jewelry was bezel setting. A bezel is a strip of metal bent into the shape and size of the stone and then soldered to the piece of jewelry. Then the stone is inserted into the bezel and the metal rubbed over the stone, holding it in place. This method works well for either cabochon or faceted stones. Other types include prong setting, channel setting, bead setting and burnish setting. The mountings include methods of invisible setting, in which the mounting itself is invisible from the outside.

Several methods are currently used to attach together parts of the jewelry mounting or setting, including soldering. Soldering is labor and skill intensive and soldered joints are messy and prone to failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A flaring tool for attaching together jewelry parts has a dual action of stabilizing and locking the jewelry part and then flaring from beneath. According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a tool for flaring walls of a hollow extension against a base, comprising:

a rod for extending into the hollow extension;

an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the rod into the hollow extension when the rod is firmly inserted into the hollow extension;

a ridge surrounding the rod and extending beyond a circumference of the hollow extension; and

a pulling mechanism for pulling the anchored rod against the ridge to flare the walls of the hollow extension.

The tool may comprise an extension mechanism for extending the rod within the hollow extension with a force to lock the hollow extension into a stable position against the base.

In an embodiment, the pulling mechanism is configured with the anchoring mechanism to carry out the pulling and the flaring in a continuous motion.

The tool may be hand-powered.

In an embodiment, the anchoring mechanism comprises a rod to fit tightly within the hollow extension.

In an embodiment, the anchoring mechanism is configured to lock the rod into the hollow extension.

The tool may comprise an expanding O ring around the rod.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of mounting a grooved gemstone to a setting comprising:

providing a setting having a mounting location,

providing a mounting, the mounting comprising arms and protrusions at a distal end of the arms to fit into grooves of the grooved gemstone and a hollow extension at a proximal end,

pressing the mounting into the mounting location,

grabbing the mounting at the proximal end thereof, the grabbing being in a manner that stabilizes the mounting to a stabilized position within the setting; and

flaring out walls of the hollow extension to lock the mounting into the stabilized position. In an embodiment, the grabbing causes contouring on the mounting location to press the arms inwardly to lock the protrusions into the grooves.

In an embodiment, the grabbing and the flaring are carried out in a continuous motion.

In an embodiment, the grabbing and the flaring are hand-powered.

In an embodiment, the grabbing comprises inserting a rod to fit tightly within the hollow extension and push the extension against the setting.

In an embodiment, the grabbing comprises locking the rod into the hollow extension.

In an embodiment, the flaring comprises pressing a ridge surrounding the locked rod against the hollow extension.

In an embodiment, the locking comprises using an expanding O ring.

A jewelry item may comprise parts held together by flaring according to the above-discussed method.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a jewelry item comprising a mounting and a setting, the mounting for holding a grooved gemstone invisibly to a setting, the mounting having a distal end with extensions to receive the gemstone and protrusions extending inwardly from the extensions to fit within respective mounting grooves of the grooved gemstone, the mounting further comprising a hollow extension at a proximal end for holding the mounting to the setting, the hollow extension being flared at the proximal end to grip the setting.

The hollow extension may be tubular.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a setting and a mounting to which the present invention may be applied;

Fig. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the mounting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating a hand-held flaring tool for carrying out flaring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is an exploded diagram showing the construction of the flaring tip of the tool of Fig. 3; and

Figs. 5 - 15 are simplified diagrams showing the tool of Fig. 3 in successive positions in a flaring operation according to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a hand flaring tool and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a hand flaring tool for use in cases where precision operations are required, such as with jewelry manufacture.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates an invisible setting as provided in the present applicant's International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2013/053442. The application relates to a two-part gemstone mounting and provides a solution for attaching the mounting to the setting in a way that tensions the mounting to hold the gemstone more tightly. Mounting 10 grips gemstone 12 between arms 14 and is mounted within space 32 of setting 30. The mounting is snapped into the space 32 so that holder 24 extends outwardly from opening 36. The walls of holder 24 are then deformed outwardly around the opening. The deformation has the effect of jamming the mounting into the space, but also presses the walls of the mounting against the convex contouring 42 of the outer walls of space so that the convex contouring levers the arms 14 to press into grooves 16 of the gemstone.

That is to say, the setting comprises spaces for holding mountings. Each space is shaped with a bulge or contoured, to hold the mounting and at the same time deform the mounting to close the arms into the gemstone groove. In other words, the space is contoured to lock the mounting into the setting and at the same time push the arms or upper parts of the mountings inwardly to lock onto the gemstone groove when the setting is pushed downwardly into the space, as discussed.

The mounting, and more specifically, the holder 24, is designed to be deformed when pulled into the setting. The holder 24 may for example be hollow, and may have an open slit down one side. Furthermore the cylindrical outer walls of the holder may be relatively thin along their lower length. The relatively thin walls combined with the open slit provide a relatively weakened portion of the mounting to provide for controlled deformation, allowing a specifically desired deformation to be preferentially caused by the mounting.

As shown in Fig. 1, the deformation may be carried out by a beveling tool 44 or the like. Beveling of the base 28 of the holder 24, as discussed, causes the arms 20 and 22 to close over the gemstone and hold the gemstone more strongly via the groove.

The use of a hand operated beveling tool however requires skill and suitable weakening of the part. The present embodiments may provide a solution for the same or similar two part gemstone mountings, to attach the mounting to the setting in a way that tensions the mounting to hold the gemstone more tightly.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the mounting is shown without the base. Mounting 10 holds a grooved gemstone 12 invisibly to a setting such as a ring or other item of jewelry. The mounting 10 has a distal end designed to hold the gemstone 12 at groove 16 using protrusions 18 of two oppositely facing arms 20 and 22. The protrusions 18 extend inwardly from the arms 20 and 22 to fit the groove. The mounting 10 further has a holder 24 for holding the mounting to the setting. As will be explained below, holder 24 is hollow.

Referring again to Fig. 1, a method of mounting a grooved gemstone to a setting comprises providing the setting 30 and fitting the mounting 10 inside. As explained, the mounting comprises arms 14 and protrusions 18 at a distal end of said arms to fit into grooves 16 of grooved gemstone 12. A hollow extension 24 is provided at the proximal end of the mounting 10.

The mounting 10 with the gemstone is pressed into a mounting location in the setting 30, typically by placing the mounting face down on a flat surface and pushing the setting downwardly against the mounting until the mounting is inserted into the setting and the hollow extension reaches the proximal side of the setting.

At this point, the method involves grabbing the mounting at the proximal end thereof, the grabbing being in a manner that stabilizes the mounting into a stabilized position within the setting. Then the method proceeds by pressing the remainder of the hollow extension against the base of the setting against the grabbing force, with the result that the walls of the hollow extension are flared outwardly to lock the mounting against the base, thus lockingly retaining the mounting in the stabilized position in the setting.

As shown in Fig. 1, the grabbing causes contouring on the mounting location to press arms 14 inwardly to lock the protrusions 16 into the grooves 18 of the stone 12.

In an embodiment, the grabbing and flaring are both carried out in a continuous motion, and the motion is hand-powered. As an alternative, the power may be hydraulic, may use an air piston and compressor or may use an electric actuator.

As will be explained below, grabbing comprises inserting a rod to fit tightly within the hollow extension and push the extension against the setting in order to achieve stability, deform the arms etc.

Grabbing may further include a stage of locking or anchoring the rod within the hollow extension so that the rod cannot be pulled outwards. In an embodiment the anchoring is provided by suction using a V-cup.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified diagram illustrating a tool

100 for flaring walls of a hollow extension against a base as explained above. The tool comprises a rod 102 which extends into the hollow extension 24. An anchoring mechanism anchors the rod into the hollow extension when said rod is firmly inserted into said hollow extension. A suction cup 104 provides the anchoring mechanism. The suction cup is typically sized for the hollow extension which is typically tube shaped.

A ridge 106 is formed from the upper end of a sleeve 108 which surrounds the rod 102 but which does not move with the rod. That is to say the rod slides up and down within sleeve 108. Ridge 106 extends beyond a circumference of the hollow extension.

A pulling mechanism 110 pulls the mounting 10, using anchored rod 102 against the ridge 106, thus pressing the ridge against the walls of hollow extension 24, and thus flaring the walls against the base of the setting 30.

The pulling mechanism comprises base lever part 112, lever handle part 114 and spring-loaded piston 116. The spring loaded piston is terminated by piston head 118. The piston head 118 operates two levers 120 and 122. Upper lever 120 has two positions, a first position disengaged with the piston head 118 and a second position engaged with the piston head 118. In the engaged position the lever 120 anchors the rod within the extension.

Lever 122 is connected to sleeve 108. As lever 122 is successively engaged by piston head 118 it is pressed against spring 124 and serves to push sleeve 108 upwardly along the axis of rod 102. As the rod is anchored within the hollow extension 24, the sleeve serves to press against the walls of the hollow extension causing the walls to deform and flare against the base of the setting.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which is an exploded diagram of the tip region of the tool of Fig. 3. Solid rod 201 is capped with a v-cup and solid metal O ring 202 is expandable, having an open cut, and fits into sleeve 203. The O ring anchors and locks inside sleeve 203 and expands by pulling rod 201 against sleeve 203.

Sleeve 203 fits into larger sleeve 204, the top of which forms the ridge 106. Sleeve 204 rests on and moves with cylindrical base 205 which slides over sleeve 203. Sleeve 203 rests on and moves with cylindrical base 206. Base 206 lies on base 207.

The cylindrical based 205 and 207 are attached to the two lever parts 120 and 122 respectively and securely located in housing 208.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5 - 15, which are simplified diagrams showing the flaring tool in successive positions during a flaring operation. The figures show the tool as a whole, an insert in the top right hand side showing the tool head engaging the hollow extension, and an insert in the bottom left showing the position of the levers.

Fig. 5 shows the tool prior to engagement with an unflared hollow extension 24.

Fig. 6 shows the tool with the rod inserted into the hollow extension to the full possible extent.

In Fig. 7 a small depression on handle 114 pulls the suction cup 104, 201, outwardly as the air is cut off to cause suction and anchor the rod in position.

In Fig. 8, further depression of the lever causes ridge 106 to be moved upwards in relation to the suction cup and begin the flaring process.

In Fig. 9, further depression of the lever causes further flaring.

In Fig. 10 the lever is depressed to its fullest extent, completing the flaring operation.

In Fig. 11 the sleeve 108 is partially withdrawn as the pressure on the lever is relaxed, but the suction cup remains in position.

Figs. 12 and 13 show further stages in the withdrawal of the sleeve.

In Fig. 14 the grip is released and in Fig. 15 the rod is withdrawn following completion of the flaring operation.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant jewelry settings and other precision fittings will be developed and the scope of the corresponding terms is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means "including and limited to".

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and the above description is to be construed as if this combination were explicitly written. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention, and the above description is to be construed as if these separate embodiments were explicitly written. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.