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Title:
PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PEARLS BASED ON SEA WATER AND EPOXY RESIN, KIT OF MOLDS AND PRODUCT THUS OBTAINED
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/175415
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Process for the production of pearls based on sea water and epoxy resin and the product thus obtained according to the steps of: (a) collecting sea water; (b) filtering: (c) boiling;(d) mixing sea water, component A epoxy resin and corn starch, alcohol dye for epoxy resins and resting the mixture formin; (e) adding component B epoxy resin; (f) heating the compound, mixing and resting in immersion (bain-marie) for 6 minutes in hot water at about 40 °C;(g) casting into a first mold comprising a plurality of impressions, preferably spherical, of increasing size; (h) crystallizing the compound for about 36/48 hours until solidification; (i) cleaning, smoothing and matting; (j) "covering" in a second mold comprising second impressions of approximately 1 20 mm larger than said first mold with the addition of two-component epoxy resin; (k) polishing and completion.

Inventors:
BOCCIA ELISA (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2023/051595
Publication Date:
September 21, 2023
Filing Date:
February 22, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PERLE DELL’ELBA S R L S (IT)
International Classes:
A44C27/00; A01K61/56; A44C17/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2020079940A12020-04-23
Foreign References:
EP3804554A12021-04-14
JP2007195808A2007-08-09
JPH06245667A1994-09-06
US20090090133A12009-04-09
EP3750399A12020-12-16
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FIAMMENGHI, Eva et al. (IT)
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Claims:
LEIBO./95e2022^ Claims 1. A process for the production of pearls (100) obtained from an epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), which resist to external agents and are durable, wherein these pearls (100)^ are adapted for the manufacture of any kind of jewel to be exhibited and/or wearable, are realizable in one piece, as part of a collection, and are distinguishable through the same graphic reproduction on customer request, the process being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (a) collecting sea water (110) with at least a receptacle made of non-toxic food-^ grade polyethylene (140) which for illustrative and non-limiting purposes has a capacity of 3 liters, or by any other means suitable for collecting water, said step (a) being apt to provide raw material for the manufacture of said pearls (100); (b) filtering said sea water (110), using a funnel (120) with a first and a second end, the second end comprising at least a filter (130) made of metal having meshes^ of variable size; (c) boiling the filtered sea water (110.1), using at least a first preferably steel-made container (150), adapted for bringing to boil said filtered sea water (110.1) when put in contact with a heat source in order to eliminate any impurity; wherein this processing step (c) uses at least a second container (160), or any other container^ preferably made of glass and with a capacity of at least 0.75 liters; wherein said second container (160) is adapted for containing said boiled sea water (110.2) following said filtering and boiling steps; (d) mixing said boiled sea water (110.2) using at least a third glass made or plastic made container (170), and/or a container made of any other material while^ adding the following: x an epoxy resin (111) divided into component A (111.A) and component B (111.B) acting as an epoxy resin catalyzer; x corn starch (112); x alcohol based stain for epoxy resins (113); LEIBO./95e2022^ specifically, adding initially said boiled sea water (110.2) into said third container (170), a predefined quantity of said epoxy resin component A (111.A) capable of condensing said sea water (110) in combination with said corn starch (112), and a predefined quantity of said alcohol based stain for epoxy resins^ (113) suited to homogenize the natural whitish color due to a crystallization of the sea salt present in said sea water (110.2) processed up to now; wherein said mixing of substances added to said third container (170) is performed by means of at least a spatula or of any other tool, preferably made of wood or steel, adapted for mixing the composite material (110.3) obtained in this manner;^ wherein, the above is followed by a predefined waiting time, preferably of 15 minutes, for eliminating the possible presence of air created as a consequence of said mixing; (e) adding said epoxy resin catalyzing component B (111.B) in a predefined amount to said composite material (110.3) in said third container (170); ^ (f) submerging said third container (170) containing said composite material (110.4) as obtained till now, in preheated water, preferably at about 40°C, mixing for about 2 minutes by means of said spatula, until a homogeneous consistency is obtained for the catalyzed composite material (110.4), and leaving the same immersed in this warm water for about 6 minutes; wherein, as an alternative to^ step (f) a degassing machine is used, which is adapted for removing the air bubbles caused by the mixing; (g) casting of said composite material (110.4) in at least a first mold (200), wherein said first mold (200) includes a plurality of impressions (201) of increasing diameters, from the smallest to the greatest one; ^ (h) waiting for the completion of the crystallization of said composite material (110.4), preferably for about 36/48 hours, until a complete solidification is achieved and raw pearls (100) are obtained; removal/extraction of said pearls (100), in a raw condition, from said impressions (201); (i) a cleaning step, for cleaning the pearls (100), by removing possible excess parts LEIBO./95e2022^ with abrasive files and introduction of the pearls in a vibrating tumbler for a period of preferably 45 minutes; wherein said tumbler internally includes abrasive cones apt to polish, to dull and to prepare said pearls (100) for a subsequent covering step with a “shell”; ^ (j) said pearls (100) are introduced in a second mold (210) comprising second impressions (202) whose diameter exceeds by about 1 mm the diameter of the respective first impressions (201) employed in said crystallization step; wherein, said impressions (202) are filled halfway or so, with a transparent two- component epoxy resin (111.A, 111.B) mixed in predetermined ratios, according^ to the ratio indicated by the manufacturer of the resin used during this covering step; wherein, upon polishing and dulling, said pearls (100) are introduced in said second impressions (202) containing the epoxy resin; wherein during a further standing time of 36/48 hours, a layer of 0.5 mm thick protective film is allowed to form on the entire outer surface of said pearls (100); wherein, said^ layer of protective film eliminates possible imperfections, ensures an improved glossiness for the end product, and a greater resistance to external agents; (k) extraction/removal of said pearls (100) from said second mold, polishing, by means of a goldsmith’s polishing wheel comprising appropriate cotton brushes and appropriate polishing waxes for the finishing of said pearls (100). ^ 2. A process for the production of pearls (100) obtained from an epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that in the above step (d), 10 g of said epoxy resin component A (111) are poured in said third container (170), 0,25 g of corn starch are added to 1.5 g of said boiled sea water (110.2) together^ with a drop of alcohol based white stain for epoxy resins (113), adapted for homogenizing the natural whitish color due to said crystallization of the sea salt naturally contained in the sea water. 3. A process for the production of pearls (100) obtained from an epoxy resin (111) and sea LEIBO./95e2022^ water (110), according to the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that in the above mixing step (d), the alcohol based stain for epoxy resins (113) is alternatively added in a shade of blue and/or in other shades of different color, and following identical processing steps and the same crystallization process of said sea water, by employing a^ resins’ stain of various shades, according to the needs, which is added only for illustrative and non-limiting purposes in an amount of 1-2 drops directly into said first mold (200) following said first casting. ^ 4. A process for the production of pearls (100) obtained from an epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the above step (e), said epoxy resin catalyzing component B (111.B) is added according to a ratio of 100:66, with respect to the amount of said epoxy resin component A (111.A). ^ 5. A kit of molds for the manufacturing of pearls (100) obtained from epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), characterized in that it comprises at least a steel-made first mold (200) and at least a second mold (210) made of silicone; wherein, said first mold (200) comprises a plurality of impressions or recesses (201) of increasing size from the smallest to the greatest one, adapted for use in a manufacturing process of pearls (100)^ according to the preceding claim 1, step (g); wherein, said second mold (210) comprises second impressions or recesses (202) having a size exceeding by about 1 mm said first impressions (201); wherein, said second mold (210) is adapted for being used in a manufacturing process of pearls (100), according to the preceding claim 1, step (j). ^ 6. A kit of molds for the manufacturing of pearls (100) obtained from epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to the preceding claim 5, characterized in that said steel made first mold (200) comprises a matrix (206) equipped with: ^ impressions (201) inscribable in a diameter varying from 7 to 17 mm, ^ a centering pin (203), LEIBO./95e2022^ ^ feeding tubes (204) having a diameter between 3 mm and 5 mm, ^ at least a venting tube for the air (205). 7. Pearls (100) constituted by epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), obtained according^ to the process of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that they have a perfectly spherical shape of variable diameter, with an outer surface which is perfectly smoothed and polished, wherein the presence of sea water is certified. 8. Pearls (100) constituted by epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to the^ preceding claim 7, characterized in that they are realized in a jewelry design/model that includes a pearl cover made of silver/gold or other metals, with the shape of the Elba Island, for obtaining a pendant for necklace and/or a bracelet and/or earrings and/or key holders, and/or brooches and/or other models/designs of the jewelry sector. ^ 9. Pearls (100) constituted by epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to anyone of the preceding claims from 7 onwards, characterized in that they are produced in a white edition model, apt to realize a ring made of silver and/or gold and/or other metals, with a white pearl. ^ 10. Pearls (100) constituted by epoxy resin (111) and sea water (110), according to anyone of the preceding claims from 7 onwards, characterized in that they are produced in a blue edition model, apt to realize a ring made of silver and/or gold and/or other metals, with a blue pearl.
Description:
LEIBO./95e2022^ “Process for the production of pearls based on sea water and epoxy resin, kit of molds and product thus obtained” Description ^ Field of the invention The present invention relates to the field of jewelry and fashion. More specifically, within this field of the industry, the invention described and claimed below specifically relates to an innovative method, characterized by the use of sea water as a complementary component^ to the two-component epoxy resin, managing to keep the catalysis process and thus the solidification process intact, transforming the sea water itself from a liquid state to a solid state and creating wearable pearls. Prior art ^ Two-component resins are thermosetting polymers with cold reaction. The formulation is normally made up of a base resin (component A) and a hardener (component B), which, mixed carefully in the ratio indicated by the manufacturer, solidify, giving rise to a glossy vitrified layer. Resins, mainly epoxy resins, are used in various fields, from construction to the electronics^ industry, as well as in the automotive, nautical and aeronautical fields, but also for the creation of various kinds of products in the fashion sector. One of the features of the resins is the absolute “incompatibility” towards humidity and obviously even more than water, which makes them unusable, as it does not allow their catalysis and therefore the impossibility of the solidification process. ^ In fact, until now, resins are used to coat or incorporate only solid or dried objects or materials. In the fashion sector, there are many lines of jewels made with resins, but they exclusively involve the use of resin alone with plays of color (through the use of specific dyes mainly in powder form) or with more or less precious stones incorporated therein. LEIBO./95e2022^ There are a variety of websites offering resin purchasing choices specifically targeted at the production of “jewelry” and costume jewelry products such as www.kustomservice.com which offers a “clear fast drying cast epoxy for creating jewels, bracelets and bijoux”. Among other things, there do not seem to be any patents in this regard yet. Up to now, a^ resin capable of solidifying by interacting with a substantial aqueous component that would allow the production of jewels has never been used on the market. In the present case, the object of the present patent application for an industrial invention is to create a method of producing long-lasting pearls, the result of a compound which represents a complete innovation in the sector, which can be made in a plurality of colors, creating a product^ resulting from an experiment drawn from the experience in the field of jewelry, craftsmanship and ingenuity. Description of the invention According to the present invention, a method is described for producing pearls, consisting^ of epoxy resin and sea water, resistant to external agents and able to last over time which effectively solves the above drawbacks. The idea on which the project is based was to “materially” bring a natural element, precious for the human species, into a wearable jewel, replacing the traditional sea pearl with a product obtained from sea water itself. ^ The most advantageous feature consists in the design of a process which, by combining salt water as a complementary component to the two-component epoxy resin, manages to keep the catalysis process, therefore of solidification, intact. The pearls in question are thus mainly made up of sea water mixed with epoxy resin in component A and component B, catalyst of the first component A and corn starch, alcohol^ dye for epoxy resins. This composition makes them resistant over time to both external agents and stress. For the creation of pearls, the production method takes place in several steps as listed below and then described in detail: (a) collecting sea water; LEIBO./95e2022^ (b) filtering: (c) boiling; (d) mixing sea water, component A epoxy resin, corn starch, dye for epoxy resins and resting the mixture; ^ (e) adding component B epoxy resin; (f) heating the compound, mixing and resting in immersion (bain-marie) for 6 minutes in hot water at about 40 °C; (g) casting in a first mold; (h) crystallizing the compound for about 36/48 hours until solidification; ^ (i) cleaning, smoothing and matting; (j) “covering” in a second mold and addition of two-component epoxy resin; (k) polishing and completion. The initial step is that of collecting the sea water, which is carried out using a common non- toxic food-grade polyethylene receptacle with a capacity of 3 liters. Subsequently the water^ is filtered with a simple funnel with a mesh filter of variable size, brought to the boil for about 15 seconds in a first steel container and then, once cooled, decanted into a second glass container of 0, 75 liters. At the end of step (b) and of step (c) the sea water is ready to be processed and crystallized. The next step is the one in which the crystallization process takes place and in which the^ aforementioned additional ingredients will be needed, in addition to the previously prepared sea water: in fact, in a third container, the processed sea water, a predefined quantity of epoxy resin in component A is added which condensate, the sea water, thanks also to corn starch. At the same time, a predefined quantity of alcohol dye for epoxy resins is mixed with the aforementioned elements to uniform the natural whitish color due to the crystallization^ of the sea salt present in the sea water. The aforementioned mixing of said substances added in said third container takes place by means of at least a small spatula or any other instrument, preferably made of wood or steel, to amalgamate the compound thus obtained. A 15-minute wait is necessary to allow for the elimination of any presence of air created following mixing. Subsequently, the aforementioned component B is added to the compound obtained so far LEIBO./95e2022^ in the aforementioned third container to catalyze the previously added epoxy resin. At this stage the mixture is immersed (bain-marie), inside said third container, in water heated to 40°C and mixed again for 2 minutes. Once a homogeneous consistency is reached, the mixture is left to rest in immersion (bain-marie) in the same hot water, for about 6 minutes.^ Optionally, this last step can be replaced by the use of a degasser machine which speeds up the elimination of the air bubbles generated by the mixing. This is followed by the step dedicated to modeling the compound, which is first poured into a first mold: here the compound is distributed in spherical or other shaped impressions, included in the matrix of a special mold, with a diameter between 7 mm and 17mm.^ Furthermore, the mold comprises at least a centering pin, two feed tubes with a diameter between 3 mm and 5 mm and at least an air vent tube to allow the crystallization of the compound. The completion of the crystallization takes place in a time of about 36/48 hours when, once completely solidified, a first stage of raw pearls is obtained which are thus extracted from the impressions. In the following steps, it is necessary to remove the excess^ parts on the external surface: this step takes place inside a vibrating tumbler which, using abrasive cones, smooths and dulls the pearls in 45 minutes. Subsequently, inside a plurality of second impressions of dimensions greater by about 1 mm than those previously used, and included in a second mold, two-component, transparent epoxy resin is poured again, filling each impression approximately halfway. This is the^ “covering” step during which the polished pearls are inserted into the aforementioned second impressions containing the epoxy resin and left to rest for a further 36/48 hours. Thus, advantageously, a layer of protective film of 0.5 mm is created on the entire external surface of each bead, eliminating any imperfections, irregularities and guaranteeing a greater brightness of the final product which is finally extracted from the second mold and polished,^ thanks to a goldsmith's polishing wheel which, with special cotton brushes and polishing waxes, also completes the outermost layer of the seawater pearls. In a further advantageous version, in the aforementioned mixing step (d), 10 g of said component A epoxy resin are poured into the aforementioned third container, 0.25 g of corn starch are added, in 1.5 g of boiled sea water and a white alcohol drop for epoxy resins, LEIBO./95e2022^ which uniforms the natural whitish color due to the crystallization of the sea salt contained in sea water. Always in a further and advantageous version in the above-mentioned mixing step (d) the alcohol-based colorant for epoxy resins is added alternatively in a blue tone and/or in other^ versions of a different color, following the same processing steps and the same crystallization procedure of the sea water salt using ½ drops of dye directly inside said first mold. Advantageously in step (e) the epoxy resin catalyst component B is added following a ratio of 100:66 with respect to the amount of epoxy resin component A. ^ Possibly and advantageously, said first mold is made of steel while the second mold is made of silicone so as to allow the beads to be extracted once they have been covered without risking damaging their surface, even if only slightly. In addition to the white edition, there are blue colors and/or a plurality of variants. Furthermore, in a plurality of variants, each collection is provided with different models that^ include author's ornaments, creation of unique pieces of collections or customizations requested by clients. The result is advantageously a jewel that has, therefore, a great resistance over time, thanks to the raw material, and as already mentioned to the alcohol color, which penetrates the resin and blends together homogeneously. ^ In further versions the models include: - bead covers in silver/gold or other metals for making pendants for necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, key rings and other models relating to the jewelry sector, - bead cover in silver/gold or other metals, in the shape of the island of Elba for making a pendant for a necklace, ^ - bead cover in silver/gold or other metals in the shape of the island of Elba to make a bracelet, - bead cover in silver/gold or other metals in the shape of the island of Elba to make earrings, - bead cover in silver/gold or other metals in the shape of the island of Elba to make key LEIBO./95e2022^ chains, - bead cover in silver/gold or other metals in the shape of the island of Elba to make brooches, - ring in silver/gold or other metals with white, blue pearl and/or in a plurality of other^ colors of your choice. The advantages offered by the present invention are clear in the light of the above description and will be even clearer from the accompanying figures and the related detailed description. Description of the figures ^ The invention will hereinafter be described in at least a preferred embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying figures, in which: - FIGURE 1 illustrates the flow chart of the steps comprised in the process of the present invention from (a) to (k). Note that the sea water 110 of step (a) gradually changes to become a compound 110.4 with the addition of component A and component B epoxy^ resin 111.A, 111.B, corn starch 112 and alcohol dye 113. - FIGURE 2 shows a view of the first mold 200 used in step h for shaping the beads 100 in question. Note the matrix 206 which mainly comprises a plurality of spherical impressions 201, of increasing diameter, at least a centering pin 203, feeding tubes 204 and air venting tubes 205. ^ Detailed description of the invention The present invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of the figures, which illustrate some embodiments relative to the present inventive concept. ^ With reference to FIG. 1 shows the steps of the process aimed at the production of pearls 100, constituted by epoxy resin 111 and sea water 110 resistant to external agents and stresses so as to last over time which constitutes the present invention. The steps that make up this method are described below: LEIBO./95e2022^ An initial step (a): during this step sea water 110 is collected, necessary in all the subsequent steps of the process through the use of a non-toxic polyethylene container 140 for food or through any other means for collecting liquids; the capacity of the container 140 is preferably of a flow rate of 3 liters. ^ Subsequently, once the necessary sea water 110 has been collected, still to be purified, the preparation steps of the same start, divided into: b. a filtration step which occurs through a funnel 120 comprising a metal filter 130 with meshes of variable size; c. a boiling step of the freshly filtered sea water 110.1 through the use of a first^ container 150, which is preferably made of steel, to be positioned in contact with a heat source for the elimination of any impurities naturally present in the collected liquid. Subsequently, the boiled sea water 110.2 is transferred into a second container 160 having a capacity of at least 0.75 liters and preferably made of glass to be kept before the subsequent^ steps. This is followed by a step (d) during which boiled sea water 110.2 is added to a third container 170 made of glass, plastic and/or any other material (the following proportions refer to a quantity of water of 1.5 g): 10 g of epoxy resin component A 111.A, 0.25 g of corn starch, 1-2 drops of white alcohol dye for epoxy resins 113 which makes the natural whitish^ color uniform due to the crystallization of the sea salt present in the water of sea. The aforementioned alcohol dye 113 is alternatively added in blue tones and/or in other color versions, following the same processing steps and the same crystallization procedure. The step of mixing of said substances added in said third container 170 takes place by means of at least a small spatula or any other instrument, preferably made of wood or steel, to obtain^ a compound 110.3. Once mixing has taken place, there is a predefined time delay, preferably 15 minutes, to eliminate any presence of air created as a result of said mixing. Subsequently, in step (e), a component B 111.B, the catalyst of the aforementioned epoxy resin, is combined with the compound 110.3 obtained so far in a predetermined quantity, preferably in a 100:66 ratio with respect to the quantity of the aforementioned component A LEIBO./95e2022^ epoxy resin 111.A or on the basis of the quantitative ratios indicated in each resin used. Step (f): the aforementioned third container 170 is immersed in water (bain-marie) previously heated to a temperature of approximately 40°C, to heat the aforementioned compound 110.4, once the catalyst has been added, which is mixed again for at least 2^ minutes. Once a homogeneous consistency has been reached, the compound 110.4 is left to rest, for approximately 6 minutes, in immersion (bain-marie) in the same water at 40°C. As an alternative to the practice of immersion, the process object of the present invention can provide for the use of a degasser machine capable of eliminating the air bubbles created by mixing. ^ Once the mixing steps have been completed, step (g) starts in which the compound 110.4 is poured into at least a first mold 200, preferably made of steel, which provides a matrix 206 comprising spherical impressions 201 of increasing diameter (variable) from the most small to the largest, from 7 mm to 17 mm, at least a centering pin 203, at least two feeding tubes 204 with a diameter between 3 mm and 5 mm, at least an air venting tube 205. ^ In the following 36/48 hours, there is a step (h) of waiting for the crystallization of the compound containing sea water 110.4 until complete solidification and the obtainment of raw pearls 100. At the end of this step each of the beads 100 is extracted from the aforementioned first mold 200 to then be finished in step (i). At first, in fact, each of the pearls 100 is cleaned on the external surface, with the use of abrasive files any protrusions^ and excess parts are removed. Immediately afterwards they are inserted into a vibrating tumbler, having abrasive cones inside, preferably for 45 minutes. Here the pearls 100 are smoothed and opacified. The next step (j), of “covering”, takes place in a second mold 210 having second spherical impressions 202 with a diameter greater than the previous ones by approximately 1 mm:^ - approximately half of each spherical impression 202 is filled with transparent two- component epoxy resin 111.A, 111.B, to be mixed in predetermined proportions based on the ratio indicated by the manufacturer of the resin used; - insertion of the aforementioned polished and opaque beads 100 into the second spherical impressions 202 containing epoxy resin 111; LEIBO./95e2022^ - rest for an interval of time between 36/48 hours aimed at allowing the creation of a layer of protective film of 0.5 mm on the external surface of each pearl 100. This layer of protective film, in addition to eliminating any imperfections, guarantees greater brightness to the final product and greater resistance to external agents. ^ In the final step (k) the pearls 100 are extracted from the aforementioned second mold, polished, by means of a goldsmith's polishing wheel having cotton brushes and suitable polishing waxes, until completion of the production process. The pearls 100 thus produced can be made as a single piece, as part of a collection, distinguished by the same graphic reproduction, in a plurality of different models, shapes^ and colors, with silver/gold or other metal bead caps and for making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, key rings, brooches, cufflinks, or other models related to the jewelry sector, wearable or for display. Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants may be made to the invention described thus far which are apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the^ scope of protection that is provided by the appended claims.