| WO2017221131A1 | 2017-12-28 | |||
| WO2015097680A1 | 2015-07-02 |
| US10238190B2 | 2019-03-26 | |||
| JP3103654U | 2004-08-19 | |||
| KR20080083998A | 2008-09-19 |
| THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A method for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the method including: locating a rotating pin within a protrusion of a holder, the protrusion being exposed at a honeycomb layer of the plane surface; rotating the rotating pin; pushing a flaring cylinder onto the protrusion; and fracturing the protrusion at at least two points of weakness of the protrusion, wherein anchoring of the holder from the rotation of the rotating pin enables flaring of the protrusion subsequent to the fracturing of the protrusion. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plane surface is made from a material selected from a group consisting: a metal, a composite, and a polymer. 3. The method of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder includes a stem, the stem being configured to act as a stopper for the rotating pin. 4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pushing of the flaring cylinder is at a rate that can fracture the protrusion. 5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least two points of weakness of the protrusion are located at an edge of the protrusion. 6. The method of claims 1 to 5, wherein each point of weakness is a notch. 7. The method of claims 1 to 5, wherein each point of weakness is a seam. 8. A system for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the system being configured to carry out steps including: locating a rotating pin within a protrusion of a holder, the protrusion being exposes at a honeycomb layer of the plane surface; rotating the rotating pin; pushing a flaring cylinder onto the protrusion; and fracturing the protrusion at at least two points of weakness of the protrusion, wherein anchoring of the holder from the rotation of the rotating pin enables flaring of the protrusion subsequent to the fracturing of the protrusion. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plane surface is made from a material selected from a group consisting: a metal, a composite, and a polymer. 10. The system of either claim 8 or 9, wherein the holder includes stem, the stem being configured to act as a stopper for the rotating pin. 11. The system of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the pushing of the flaring cylinder is at a rate that can fracture the protrusion. 12. The system of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least two points of weakness of the protrusion are located at an edge of the protrusion. 13. The system of claims 8 to 12, wherein each point of weakness is a notch. 14. The system of claims 8 to 12, wherein each point of weakness is a seam. 15. An apparatus for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the apparatus including: a rotating pin including a securing structure at a first end; and a flaring cylinder threaded on the rotating pin; wherein, upon application of an actuation force, sequentially, the rotating pin is configured to rotate, and the flaring cylinder is configured to be pushed towards the securing structure at the first end of the rotating pin. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further including a handle portion. - 15 - 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the actuation force is applied at the handle portion. 18. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the securing structure is configured for anchoring an object.. 19. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the flaring cylinder is pushed to the first end of the rotating pin. 20. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19 being handheld. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. Typically, the gemstone is mounted for ornamental purposes.
Background
There are several different ways of mounting gemstones to a plane surface. Typically, the mounting of gemstones has been a skill substantially employed in the jewelry industry, both for high-end fine jewelry, and mass market costume jewelry.
The mounting of gemstones in the jewelry industry has typically been carried out by experienced artisans who are only able to build up their expertise over an extended period of time by honing their expertise through repetition of the process. It should be noted that the use of experienced artisans typically increases the cost of production, and a yield of production is constrained by physical limitations of the experienced artisans.
There have been high volume manufacturing processes for the mounting of gemstones, such as, for example, wax setting. However, while the gemstones can be mounted at a higher rate compared to processes carried out by the jewelry artisans, the issue of using the wax setting process to secure gemstones is the ease of dislodgement of the gemstones whenever the object/plane that the gemstones are mounted to is subject to an impact.
In view of the preceding circumstances, it is evident that there are issues pertaining to current methods for mounting gemstones to objects.
Summary In a first aspect, there is provided a method for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the method including: locating a rotating pin within a protrusion of a holder, the protrusion being exposed at a honeycomb layer of the plane surface; rotating the rotating pin; pushing a flaring cylinder onto the protrusion; and fracturing the protrusion at at least two points of weakness of the protrusion.
It is preferable that anchoring of the holder from the rotation of the rotating pin enables flaring of the protrusion subsequent to the fracturing of the protrusion.
In a second aspect, there is provided a system for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the system being configured to carry out steps including: locating a rotating pin within a protrusion of a holder, the protrusion being exposes at a honeycomb layer of the plane surface; rotating the rotating pin; pushing a flaring cylinder onto the protrusion; and fracturing the protrusion at at least two points of weakness of the protrusion.
Preferably, anchoring of the holder from the rotation of the rotating pin enables flaring of the protrusion subsequent to the fracturing of the protrusion.
In a final aspect, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, the apparatus including: a rotating pin including a securing structure at a first end; and a flaring cylinder threaded on the rotating pin.
It is preferable that upon application of an actuation force, sequentially, the rotating pin is configured to rotate, and the flaring cylinder is configured to be pushed towards the securing structure at the first end of the rotating pin. It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A non-limiting example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface;
FIG 2 is a sectional view of a frontal portion of the apparatus of FIG 1;
FIGs 3 A and 3B show example views of a middle portion of the apparatus of FIG 1;
FIG 4 is a sectional view of a handle portion of the apparatus of FIG 1;
FIGs 5 A and 5B show sectional views of a honeycomb layer that serves as a backing structure for mounting gemstones using the apparatus of FIG 1;
FIGs 6A to 6F show a sequential view of the rotating pin and flaring cylinder of the apparatus of FIG 1 during use;
FIG 7 is a process flow for a method for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface;
FIGs 8 A to 8D show various views of a gemstone holder used with the apparatus of FIG 1; and FIGs 9 A to 9B show various views of the casing that includes a honeycomb layer of FIG 5.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the present invention provide users with an apparatus for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. Users of the apparatus need not be highly trained/skilled, and the ease of using the apparatus ensures that a high number of gemstones can be mounted to ensure a high yield. The apparatus can be used in a manufacturing process, or in a recycling/repair process. There is also provided a system and method for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. The system can utilise the aforementioned apparatus, or any other apparatus. The method can be carried out using the aforementioned apparatus, or by any other apparatus. The apparatus, system and method respectively ensure that the cost of mounting gemstones to a plane surface is low, and that the gemstones are mounted to a plane surface in a manner which prevents the gemstones from detaching from the plane surface when the plane surface experiences an impact(s). It should be appreciated that the gemstones that can be mounted can be of any size, shape or cut. It should also be appreciated that the gemstones that are mounted can be of a variety of hardness, ranging from softer gemstones like crystals, and emeralds all the way to diamonds.
A perspective view of an example of an apparatus 100 for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface will now be described with reference to FIG 1. The apparatus 100 is portable, and can be held in one hand. The apparatus 100 is a tool used for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. The use of the apparatus 100 ensures that the gemstone can be mounted on a plane surface, regardless of whether the surface is flat or curved. In addition, the gemstone is mounted in a manner which is difficult to detach from the plane surface, even when the plane surface experiences an impact(s). The apparatus 100 will now be described in greater detail by their respective portions, namely, a frontal portion 110, a middle portion 120, and a handle portion 130. All components of the apparatus 100 are encased within a main body 90. It should be noted that all components assembled within the main body 90 are maintained in a biased state, such that disassembly of the apparatus 100 will lead to dislodgement of all components from their intended position and/or configuration.
Referring to FIG 2, there is shown a sectional view of the frontal portion 110 of the apparatus 100. The frontal portion 110 is a part of the apparatus 100 that visually carries out a task for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface, although it will be evident from subsequent paragraphs that the task is carried out with the interfacing of the components within the apparatus 110.
The frontal portion 110 includes first rocker piece 235. The first rocker piece 235 is biased, and is configured to re-position itself in an initial state after removal of an actuating force. The first rocker piece 235 is coupled to a guide pin 230 that engages with a grooved cylinder 210. The grooved cylinder 210 is coupled to a rotating pin 215. The frontal portion 110 also includes a second rocker piece 225. The second rocker piece 225 is also biased, and is configured to re- position itself in an initial state after removal of an actuating force. The second rocker piece 225 is coupled to a pusher 240. The pusher 240 is secured to a flaring cylinder 205, the flaring cylinder 205 being threaded on the rotating pin 215. The flaring cylinder 205 is guided by a guide ring 220. The rotating pin 215 includes a securing structure 217 at a first end 218, the securing structure 217 and the first end 218 being shown in FIG 6. One example of the securing structure 217 is a structure configured for hooking.
An operation of the frontal portion 110 will now be described with reference to the aforementioned components. When an actuating force is applied from the middle portion 120, the first rocker piece 235 is actuated about its pivot, and the guide pin 230 engages with the grooved cylinder 210 to cause the rotating pin 215 to rotate by 90°. It is inconsequential if the rotation of the rotating pin 215 is in a clock- wise or anti clock- wise direction. A rotation direction of the rotating pin 215 is dependent on a manner of grooving on the grooved cylinder 210. After the rotating pin 215 is rotated by 90°, the actuating force then actuates the second rocker piece 225 about its pivot. The second rocker piece 225 then drives the pusher 240 in a direction along the rotating pin 215, consequently pushing the flaring cylinder 205 to an open end 250 of the rotating pin 215.
Biasing within the frontal portion 110 then causes the second rocker piece 225 to return to its original position, as does the pusher 240 and flaring cylinder 205. Subsequently, the first rocker piece 235 also returns to its original position, causing the rotating pin 215 to rotate 90° in a direction opposite to its original direction to its original position, as does the grooved cylinder 210 and the guide pin 230.
Referring to FIG 3A, there is shown an exploded view of components used in the middle portion 120 of the apparatus 100. Referring to FIG 3B, there is shown a sectional view of the middle portion 120, with the respective components assembled together in a desired configuration. The middle portion 120 of the apparatus 100 is a part of the apparatus 100 which converts a gripping force applied at the handle portion 130 to the actuating force towards the frontal portion 110. A central rod 320 is threaded through a guide casing 330. An actuating pin 310 is mounted to a frontal end 325 of the central rod 320. A returning spring 340 is threaded onto a handle end 335 of the central rod 320. A cap 350 is located on the returning spring 340.
An operation of the middle portion 120 will now be described with reference to the aforementioned components. The middle portion 120 is configured to provide the actuating force to the frontal portion 110. It should be noted that the actuating force to the frontal portion 110, specifically the first rocker piece 235 and the second rocker piece 225 is applied by contact with the actuating pin 310 when the central rod 320 is moved in towards the frontal portion 110. The central rod 320 is moved when the actuating force is applied to the cap 350 in a direction towards the frontal portion 110.
Biasing then causes the actuating pin 310, central rod 320 and cap 350 to return to their original positions.
Referring to FIG 4, there is shown a sectional view of a handle portion 130 of the apparatus 100. The handle portion 130 is a part of the apparatus 100 that is held within a hand of a user, and allows the user to apply the gripping force on the apparatus 100. A lever 410 is mounted to the main body 90 at a securing mount 440 using a holder 430. The holder 430 is hinged 460 along the lever 410. An inner end 420 of the lever 410 is secured to the cap 350 of the middle portion 120.
An operation of the handle portion 130 will now be described with reference to the aforementioned components. When the handle portion 130 is held within a hand of a user, the hand applies a gripping force onto the lever 410. The lever 410 moves about the holder 430, specifically about the hinge 460, and this causes the cap 350 to provide the actuating force in a direction towards the frontal portion 110.
When the gripping force is released, the lever 410 returns to its original position as the cap 350 moves to its original position as described with reference to the middle portion 120. During use of the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 is held within a hand of a user. When the user applies a gripping force to the lever 410, given that the main body 90 is typically made from an opaque material, the user can observe the apparatus 100 carrying out the following sequence: i. rotation of the rotating pin 215 by 90°; ii. movement of the flaring cylinder 205 to the open end 250 of the rotating pin 215; iii. retraction of the rotating pin 215; iv. retraction of the flaring cylinder 205; v. movement of the lever 410 to the original position.
Referring to FIG 8, there is shown an example of a holder 800 for gemstones, which is typically used with the apparatus 100. FIG 8 shows various views of the holder 800 holding a gemstone of a sample cut. The gemstone is not integral with the holder 800. The cut of the gemstone shown in FIG 8 is not limiting and merely illustrative. FIG 8 A shows a top view, FIG 8B shows a perspective view, FIG 8C shows a first side view and FIG 8D shows a second side view. The holder 800 comprises three portions, a claw 810, a stem 820, and a protrusion 830. It is noted that a cross sectional area of the stem 820 is smaller than a cross sectional area of the protrusion 830 so as to, as detailed in a subsequent section, facilitate use of the apparatus 100 without damaging the gemstone. An edge 840 of the protrusion 830 includes at least two points of weakness 850. The point of weakness 850 is shown to be a notch, but can also be, for example, a seam, or the like. A purpose for the point of weakness 850 will be evident in a subsequent portion of the description. The holder 800 can be made from a metal which is able to undergo a degree of deformation before fracturing. It should be noted that the claw 810 has deliberately been blurred out in order to depict the variable nature of the claw 810. Basically, the claw 810 can be provided in any configuration for gripping a gemstone of any shape or cut. Thus, the claw 810 as depicted is not limiting in any way.
Referring to FIGs 9A and 9B, there is shown an example of a casing 900 that includes a base comprising a plane surface with a honeycomb layer. FIG 9A shows a top perspective view while FIG 9B shows a bottom perspective view. The casing 900 is shown to contain six holders 800. Six protrusions 830 are visible from the bottom perspective view at FIG 9B. It is noted that the honeycomb layer ensures that the holders 800 are positioned in a desired manner that is defined by a position of holes in the honeycomb layer. FIG 9 shows the casing 900 before each holder 800 undergoes the method which will be described in the following paragraphs. It should be noted that the casing 900 can be in any shape even if FIG 9 shows a rectangular casing 900. For example, the casing 900 can be shaped like a polygon, an animal, or any two dimensional object.
It should be noted that the apparatus 100 is used on a plane surface integrated with a honeycomb layer that serves as a back structure when mounting a gemstone to the plane surface. The plane surface can have ridges as shown in FIG 9. The plane surface can be made from, for example, a metal, a composite, or a polymer, the material typically being able to undergo a degree of deformation. The honeycomb layer can also be known as a coronet or a prong. It should be appreciated that the honeycomb layer is integrated with the plane surface that the gemstone is mounted to. FIGs 5A and 5B show a honeycomb layer 520 of a plane surface 510, before use of the apparatus 100 and after use of the apparatus 100 respectively. The honeycomb layer 520 enables the protrusions 830 of each holder 800 to be exposed when each holder 800 is located at the honeycomb layer 520. A cross-section of a protrusion 830 is shown in both FIG 5A and 5B. It should be noted that each protrusion 830 is aligned with an internal face of a respective gemstone 540. The protrusion 830 is shown to be substantially cylindrical and can include at least two points of weakness to facilitate flaring of the protrusion 830, the end result being shown in FIG 5B. It should be noted that the end result shown in FIG 5B is illustrative, and an actual end result is more aesthetically pleasing compared to the graphical representation shown in FIG 5B.
FIGs 6 A to 6F show a sequential view of the apparatus 100 during use, specifically the rotating pin 215 and the flaring cylinder 205 engaging with the honeycomb layer 520 that serves as a back structure for mounting gemstones in the holders 800 to the plane surface 510.
FIG 6 A shows the apparatus 100 being moved close to the honeycomb layer 520 to mount the gemstone 540 in the holder 800 to the plane surface 510. FIG 6B shows insertion of the rotating pin 215 into the protrusion 830. It should be appreciated that there are different versions of the apparatus 100 with different sized components that can be used for protrusions 830 of different sizes. Typically, larger protrusions 830 (in relation to diameter) are used for larger gemstones 540. It should be appreciated that the stem 820 of the holder 800 couples with the rotating pin 215 in a manner that ensures that the rotating pin 215 does not contact any part of the gemstone 540, thus avoiding impact damage to the gemstone 540. The stem 820 effectively acts as a stopper for the rotating pin 215.
FIG 6C shows coupling of the rotating pin 215 with the protrusion 830, and rotation of the rotation pin 215 by 90°. When the rotation pin 215 is rotated by 90°, the holder 800 gets anchored to the honeycomb layer 520. The anchoring of the holder 800 to the honeycomb layer 520 is to facilitate deformation of the protrusion 830, which will be apparent in the following FIGs.
FIG 6D shows movement of the flaring cylinder 205 towards the protrusion 830, which leads to an outwardly flaring/splaying of the protrusion 830. Referring to FIG 6C, the anchoring of the holder 800 enables the outwardly flaring/splaying of the protrusion 830. In addition, at least two seams or at least two notches located at an edge 840 of the protrusion 830 also provides points of weakness to aid in the outwardly flaring/splaying of the protrusion 830 when the flaring cylinder 205 is moved towards the protrusion 830.
FIG 6E shows the removal of the flaring cylinder 205, while FIG 6F shows the removal of the rotating pin 215. It should be noted that the removal of the flaring cylinder 205 and the rotating pin 215 from the plan surface 510 does not entail any pulling of the apparatus 100, and is a process carried out during operation of the apparatus 100.
FIGs 6A to 6F show the operation of the apparatus 100, and a resultant outcome is a secure mounting of a gemstone 540 (in the holder 800) without the gemstone 540 experiencing any impact or damage during the process. The manner which the gemstone 540 is mounted is due to deformation (flaring) of the protrusion 830 of the holder 800. It should be noted that the process shown in FIGs 6A to 6F is not restricted to the field of jewellery. For example, the process can be applied in consumer electronics, decorative items with “bling”, and the like. In addition, the process minimises voids around the internal face of the gemstone 540, corresponding minimising areas that entrap particles that damage the gemstone 540 which may progressively loosen the gemstone 540 from the plane surface 510. Moreover, it should be noted that the use of the apparatus 100 can be carried out by users with minimal training, since the holder 800 is configured to prevent the rotating pin 215 from contacting and damaging the gemstone 540. By employing users with minimal training, a cost of production using the apparatus 100 is also lower compared to using skilled artisans in in the related industry. It is also be appreciated that the process shown in FIGs 6A to 6F can be used in a recycling/repair process. For example, when gemstones need to be re-mounted to a plane surface when prior mounted gemstones have been dislodged either deliberately or unintentionally, the process shown in FIGs 6A to 6F can be used. There is also no necessity to conceal an appearance of the flared protrusion 830 due to pleasant aesthetics. The gemstones mounted in such a manner are also able to withstand drops of 1.5m in height.
Referring to FIG 7, there is provided a process flow for a method 700 for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. The method 700 can be implemented in a system for mounting a gemstone to a plane surface. Reference numerals from FIGs 6A to 6F are also used in FIG 7. FIG 7 can be one way to represent the process carried out in FIGs 6A to 6F. While FIG 7 shows the method 700 being carried out using the apparatus 100, it should be noted that the method 700 can be carried out any other appropriate device or machine, for example, in a robotic high production volume process.
At step 710, a gemstone 540 in a holder 800 is placed within a plane surface 510 integral with a honeycomb layer 520, exposing a protrusion 830 of the holder 800. The gemstone 540 can be of any size, shape or cut. The gemstone 540 can also be of a variety of hardness, ranging from softer gemstones like crystals, and emeralds all the way to diamonds. The plane surface 510 can be made from, for example, a metal, a composite, or a polymer, the material typically being able to undergo a degree of deformation. The honeycomb layer 520 can also be known as a coronet or a prong. It should be appreciated that the honeycomb layer 520 is integrated with the plane surface 510.
At step 720, a rotating pin 215 of an apparatus 100 is located with the protrusion 830 exposed at the honeycomb layer 520. Typically, larger protrusions 830 (in relation to diameter) are used for larger gemstones 540. It should be appreciated that a stem 820 of the holder 800 couples with the rotating pin 215 in a manner that ensures that the rotating pin 215 does not contact any part of the gemstone 540, thus avoiding impact damage to the gemstone 540. The stem 820 effectively acts as a stopper for the rotating pin 215.
At step 730, the rotating pin 215 is rotated by 90°. When the rotation pin 215 is rotated by 90°, the holder 800 gets anchored to the honeycomb layer 520. The anchoring of the holder 800 to the honeycomb layer 520 is to facilitate deformation of the protrusion 830.
At step 740, a flaring cylinder 205 of the apparatus 100 is pushed onto the protrusion 830, the flaring cylinder 205 being pushed at a rate sufficient to fracture the protrusion 830.
At step 750, the protrusion 830 is fractured at at least two seams/notches located at an edge 840 of the protrusion 830, subsequently causing flaring of the protrusion 830. The anchoring of the holder 800 at step 730 also enables the outwardly flaring/ splaying of the protrusion 830.
At step 760, the rotating pin 215 and the flaring cylinder 205 are removed from the honeycomb layer 520.
FIG 7 shows the method 700, and a resultant outcome is a secure mounting of a gemstone 540 without the gemstone 540 experiencing any impact or damage when carrying out the method 700. The manner which the gemstone 540 is mounted is due to deformation (flaring) of the protrusion 830 of the holder 800. It should be noted that the method 700 shown in FIG 7 is not restricted to the field of jewellery. For example, the method 700 can be applied in consumer electronics, decorative items with “bling”, and the like. In addition, the constraining of the honeycomb layer 520 around the gemstone 540 minimises voids around the internal face of the gemstone 540, corresponding minimising areas that trap particles that damage the gemstone 540 which may progressively loosen the gemstone 540 from the plane surface 510. Moreover, it should be noted that the method 700 can be carried out by users with minimal training, since the holder 800 is configured to prevent the rotating pin 215 from contacting and damaging the gemstone 540 when the method 700 is carried out. By employing users with minimal training, a cost of production using the method 700 is also lower compared to using skilled artisans in the related industry. In addition, given the ease in seeking out users with minimal training, this also enables quick scaling up of production volume if necessary. Furthermore, the method 700 is able to produce a consistent outcome, because of the use of the apparatus 100 which performs a repetitive task, and the honeycomb layer 520 which has safeguards against inappropriate use of the apparatus 100.
It is also be appreciated that the method 700 shown in FIG 7 can also be used in a recycling/repair process in either a manufacturing facility or a retail outlet. For example, when gemstones need to be re-mounted to a plane surface when prior mounted gemstones have been dislodged either deliberately or unintentionally, the process shown in FIG 7 can be used. Furthermore, the method 700 can also be used in a customisation process at a retail outlet. For example, gemstones can be mounted to a plane surface like a mobile phone casing to spell out, an alphabet, a numeral, a name, and so forth. There is also no necessity to conceal an appearance of the flared protrusion 830 due to pleasant aesthetics. The gemstones mounted in such a manner are also able to withstand drops of 1.5m in height.
Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.