FABRICATING THE SAME

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of this disclosure relates generally to customizable articles and, more particularly, to customizable jewelry such as rings.

[0002] At least some known merchants offer customizable jewelry including engraved symbols (e.g., alphanumeric characters) selected by the consumer. However, over time, known engraved symbols on jewelry may become less pronounced due at least in part to the surface grinding and/or build-up of dirt associated with normal wear. Moreover, engraving generally needs to be performed on flat, continuous surfaces of the jewelry (e.g., the inner surfaces of the ring shank), which tend to be the smaller and less noticeable surfaces of the jewelry. It would be useful, therefore, to provide jewelry (e.g., a ring) with symbols that are more pronounced and durable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] In one aspect, a ring is provided. The ring includes a shank and a head extending from the shank. The head defines a gemstone pocket and includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework.

[0004] In another aspect, a ring is provided. The ring includes a gemstone, a shank, and a head extending from the shank and defining a pocket in which the gemstone is set. The head includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework. [0005] In yet another aspect, a method of fabricating a ring is provided. The method includes forming a shank and one of coupling and forming a head on the shank. The head defines a gemstone pocket and includes a gallery having at least one framework shaped to define a symbol. The framework has an interior face, an exterior face, and a thickness between the interior face and the exterior face such that the interior face defines a periphery of the pocket and such that the symbol extends through the entire thickness of the framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary ring;

[0007] Figure 2 is a side view of the ring shown in Figure 1 ;

[0008] Figure 3 is a top view of the ring shown in Figure 1 ; and

[0009] Figure 4 is a side view of a head of the ring shown in Figure

1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The following detailed description illustrates rings by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description should enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make the rings, and the description describes several embodiments of rings, including what is presently believed to be the best modes of making the rings. Exemplary methods are described herein as being useful for making rings. However, it is contemplated that the methods have general application to a broad range of articles in a variety of fields other than jewelry.

[0011] Figures 1-3 are various views of an exemplary ring 100. Specifically, Figure 1 is a front view of ring 100, Figure 2 is a side view of ring 100, and Figure 3 is a top view of ring 100. In the exemplary embodiment, ring 100 includes a shank 102, at least one head 104, at least one first (or feature) gemstone 106 mounted to head 104, and a plurality of second (or accent) gemstones 108 mounted to shank 102 and/or head 104. Although shank 102 and head 104 are integrally formed together as a single, unitary structure in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments head 104 may be coupled to shank 102 using any suitable process (e.g., a brazing process). Moreover, although ring 100 has only one head 104 (and associated gemstone 106) that is centrally located atop of shank 102 in the exemplary embodiment, ring 100 may have any suitable number of heads 104 (and associated gemstones 106) arranged atop of shank 102 in any suitable manner in other embodiments (e.g., ring 100 may have a center head and pair of side heads positioned adjacent to the center head).

[0012] In the exemplary embodiment, shank 102 has a bottom (or sizing) segment 110, a pair of opposing side segments 112 that extend upward from bottom segment 110, a bridge 114 that extends between side segments 112 opposite bottom segment 110 such that head 104 is mounted on bridge 114, and a pair of shoulder segments 116 that each extend upward from side segments 112 to head 104. More specifically, shank 102 has a first side segment 118, a second side segment 120, a first shoulder segment 122 extending from first side segment 118 to head 104, and a second shoulder segment 124 that extends from second side segment 120 to head 104. As such, first shoulder segment 122, bridge 114, and head 104 collectively define a first gap 126 (or airline) therebetween, and second shoulder segment 124, bridge 114, and head 104 collectively define a second gap 128 (or airline) therebetween. First gap 126 and second gap 128 provide a line-of-sight through ring 100. Alternatively, side segments 112, bridge 114, and/or shoulder segments 116 may be arranged in any suitable manner that facilitates enabling ring 100 to be fabricated as set forth herein (e.g., ring 100 may not have gaps 126 and/or 128).

[0013] In the exemplary embodiment, each shoulder segment 116 includes a pair of shoulder members 130 that diverge from their respective side segment 112 towards head 104, thereby defining a seam 132 therebetween. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, ring 100 is designed as a split-shoulder ring, such that a bottom 150 of gemstone 106 is viewable through seams 132. Moreover, each shoulder segment 116 (i.e., each shoulder member 130) includes a plurality of gemstones 108 mounted thereto. Although gemstones 108 are mounted along each shoulder member 130 in a shared-prong arrangement (i.e., via a plurality of second prongs 134 that each secure more than one gemstone 108), gemstones 108 may be mounted to shoulder members 130 in any suitable manner in other embodiments (i.e., shoulder members 130 may not have second prongs 134, but rather, gemstones 108 may be channel set or pave set). Alternatively, each shoulder segment 116 may not include diverging shoulder members 130 in other embodiments (e.g., ring 100 may not be a split-shoulder ring in some embodiments).

[0014] In the exemplary embodiment, head 104 includes a prong- type setting of gemstone 106. More specifically, head 104 includes a rail 136, a plurality of first prongs 138 that extend upwardly from rail 136, and a gallery 140 beneath rail 136 and above bridge 114, such that rail 136 supports gemstone 106 from underneath. Although prongs 138 are illustrated in a linear shape, prongs 138 will ultimately be bent into shape such that prongs 138 overlap gemstone 106 from above to secure gemstone 106 to rail 136. As shown in Figure 3, although rail 136 is annular, circumscribes gemstone 106, and includes a plurality of gemstones 108 mounted thereto in the exemplary embodiment (i.e., rail 136 has a halo-type design), rail 136 may have any other suitable shape (e.g., rail 136 may not be annular), and/or may not have gemstones 108 mounted thereto in other embodiments. Moreover, although head 104 is designed for a prong-type setting of gemstone 106 in the exemplary embodiment, head 104 may be designed for setting gemstone 106 in any other suitable manner in other embodiments (e.g., rail 136 may circumferentially overlap at least part of gemstone 106 for securing gemstone 106 without the use of prongs 138, such that head 104 is designed for a bezel-type setting of gemstone 106).

[0015] In the exemplary embodiment, gallery 140 includes a first framework 142 and a second framework 144 that are separated from one another by segments 122 and 124. Each framework 142 and 144 includes a lattice-like arrangement of frame members 146 that extends vertically between bridge 114 and rail 136, and horizontally between shoulder segments 116, to define a plurality of irregularly spaced and/or irregularly shaped openings 148 through which bottom 150 of gemstone 106 is viewable. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, each framework 142 and 144 is convex (or dome-shaped) in its vertical extension between bridge 114 and rail 136, and, as shown in Figure 1, is convex (or dome-shaped) in its horizontal extension between shoulder segments 116. As such, first framework 142 and second framework 144 collectively define a generally hemispherical pocket 151 in which gemstone bottom 150 is positioned.

[0016] In some embodiments, first framework 142 and/or second framework 144 may not be convex (or dome-shaped) in their respective vertical extensions, and/or may not be convex (or dome-shaped) in their respective horizontal extensions, such that pocket 151 may not be generally hemispherical in shape. Moreover, if shank 102 does not include shoulder segments 116 in other embodiments, first framework 142 may not be separated from second framework 144 by shoulder segments 116 but, rather, first framework 142 and second framework 144 may instead be seamlessly interconnected to define a single, unitary framework that extends completely around (or circumscribes) pocket 151. Although first framework 142 and second framework 144 are designed to structurally support rail 136 and, hence, gemstone 106 in the exemplary embodiment, first framework 142 and second framework 144 may not be designed to structurally support rail 136 and/or gemstone 106 in other embodiments but, rather, may be designed to serve only an aesthetic or decorative function.

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view of head 104. Although only first framework 142 is shown in Figure 4 and described below, it should be noted that second framework 144 is constructed in the same manner as first framework 142. In the exemplary embodiment, frame members 146 of first framework 142 include an arrangement of first frame members 152, an arrangement of second frame members 154, and at least one third frame member 155 positioned between first frame members 152 and second frame members 154. In other embodiments, first framework 142 may have any suitable number of frame member arrangements that facilitates enabling ring 100 to be made in the manner described herein.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, each frame member 146 has an interior face 156, an exterior face 158, and an intermediate surface 160 extending between faces 156 and 158. Interior faces 156 are inwardly directed and define a periphery of pocket 151 in which gemstone bottom 150 is positioned, and exterior faces 158 are outwardly directed and are exposed to the outside environment surrounding ring 100, such that each frame member 146 serves as a partition between pocket 151 and the outside environment. Thus, each intermediate surface 160 defines at least part of an opening 148 in first framework 142, such that opening(s) 148 provides a viewpoint from the outside environment into pocket 151 through first framework 142. In other embodiments, interior faces 156 of frame members 146 may not define a periphery of pocket 151, and/or intermediate surfaces 160 may not define openings 148 in first framework 142. Alternatively, each frame member 146 may have any suitable number of faces (and/or intermediate surfaces) arranged in any suitable manner that facilitates enabling ring 100 to be made in the manner described herein.

[0019] First frame members 152, second frame members 154, and/or third frame members 155 are shaped and oriented to define at least one symbol (e.g., an alphanumeric character). In the exemplary embodiment, first frame members 152 are shaped and oriented to define a first alphanumeric character (a first alphabetic character), second frame members 154 are shaped and oriented to define a second alphanumeric character (e.g., a second alphabetic character) that is different than the first alphanumeric character, and third frame member 155 is shaped and oriented to define a partition between the alphanumeric characters of first frame members 152 and second frame members 154. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, third frame member 155 is shaped and oriented to define a column of substantially diamond-shaped structures 166 stacked point-to-point. Although frame members 146 (e.g., first frame members 152 and second frame members 154) are shaped and oriented to define symbols in the form of alphanumeric characters in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments frame members 146 may be shaped and oriented to define any suitable types of symbols such as, for example, but not limited to logos, inanimate objects, and/or animals.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of gemstones 108 are mounted to third frame member 155 (i.e., to each diamond-shaped structure 166). However, in the exemplary embodiment, no gemstones 108 are mounted to first frame members 152 or second frame members 154. In other embodiments, gemstones 108 may be mounted to first frame members 152, second frame members 154, and/or third frame member(s) 155 in any other suitable manner (e.g., none of first frame members 152, second frame members 154, and third frame member(s) 155 have gemstones 108 mounted thereto in some embodiments). Alternatively, frame members 146 may be shaped and oriented to define any suitable number of symbols positioned in any suitable manner relative to one another. In one example, a symbol defined by first frame members 152 may be the same as (or different than) a symbol defined by second frame members 154 and/or third frame member(s) 155. In another example, frame members 146 may not be shaped and/or oriented to define any readily identifiable symbols.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, at least one frame member 146 (e.g., at least one first frame member 152) of first framework 142 is adjacent to first shoulder segment 122, and at least one frame member 146 (e.g., at least one second frame member 154) is adjacent to second shoulder segment 124, with other frame members 146 collectively extending the entire horizontal distance between first shoulder segment 122 and second shoulder segment 124. As such, at least one first frame member 152 defines part of first gap 126 beneath first shoulder segment 122, and at least one second frame member 154 defines part of second gap 128 beneath second shoulder segment 124. In some embodiments, if shank 102 does not include shoulder segments 122 and/or 124 (and, hence, does not have respective gaps 126 and/or 128), at least one first frame member 152 of first framework 142 may be positioned adjacent to at least one second frame member 154 of second framework 144, such that frame members 146 of first frame work 142 and second framework 144 collectively extend around (or circumscribe) the entire pocket 151.

[0022] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, at least one first frame member 152 and/or at least one second frame member 154 extends the entire vertical distance between bridge 114 and rail 136, such that the associated symbol (e.g., at least one leg of the associated alphanumeric character) defined by first frame members 152 and/or second frame members 154 extends the entire distance between bridge 114 and rail 136. In other embodiments, frame members 146 may collectively extend only partially across the entire horizontal distance between shoulder segments 122 and 124, and/or at least one frame member 146 may extend only partially across the entire vertical distance between bridge 114 and rail 136. Although all frame members 146 of first framework 142 are integrally formed together as a single-piece, unitary structure in the exemplary embodiment, at least one frame member 146 may be coupled (e.g., brazed) to at least one other frame member 146 in any suitable manner in other embodiments.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, each frame member 146 (and, hence, first framework 142) has a thickness 162 defined from its interior face 156 to its exterior face 158. As such, the shape of each respective symbol of first framework 142 is defined throughout (or extends through) the entire thickness 162 of each associated frame member 146 (and, hence, the entire thickness 162 of first framework 142). For example, all frame members 146 may have substantially the same thickness 162, and/or rail 136 may have a thickness 164 that is substantially the same as thickness 162 of at least one frame member 146. In some embodiments, the thickness 162 of at least one frame member 146 may be different than the thickness 162 of at least one other frame member 146 (e.g., third frame member(s) 155 may have a thickness 162 that is wider than that of first frame members 152 and/or second frame members 154). In other embodiments, thickness 162 of frame member(s) 146 may be less than thickness 164 of rail 136. Alternatively, frame members 146 and rail 136 may each have any suitable thickness that facilitates enabling ring 100 to be made in the manner described herein.

[0024] In one embodiment of a system for use in fabricating and selling a customizable article (e.g., a customizable piece of jewelry such as, for example, ring 100), a consumer is permitted to access an Internet webpage on which the consumer is provided with an interface for selecting, personalizing, viewing, and purchasing articles. The interface provides the consumer with a plurality of predesigned articles for purchase, each of which has at least one feature that can be personalized. For example, the consumer may be provided with a plurality of different predesigned ring styles for personalization, one such ring style being that of ring 100. [0025] If the consumer selects ring 100 for personalization, the consumer is then prompted to select a size and a material (e.g., a desired metal) for shank 102 and head 104, and optionally a size, type, and/or cut of gemstone 106 and/or 108. The consumer may then populate at least one data field with at least one symbol(s) (e.g., alphanumeric characters )) to be included at at least one predefined location(s) on shank 102 and/or head 104 (e.g., in gallery 140). In one embodiment, the consumer may populate a first data field with a first alphanumeric character to be defined by first frame members 152, and a second data field with a second alphanumeric character to be defined by second frame members 154. For example, ring 100 may be an engagement ring, and the consumer may personalize ring 100 such that the first alphanumeric character input is indicative of a first person's first initial, and the second alphanumeric character input is indicative of a second person's first initial.

[0026] As the consumer enters the desired symbol(s) in the associated data field(s) of the interface, the interface generates, in real time, a viewable rendering of shank 102 and head 104 with gemstone(s) 106 and/or 108 set thereon. The updated rendering of shank 102 and head 104 includes the symbol(s) input by the consumer, and the consumer is permitted to rotate the updated rendering in three-dimensional space (i.e., in 360 degrees) via the interface. As such, the consumer can view the updated shank 102 and head 104 from any desired angle. Optionally, in some embodiments, the consumer may not be permitted to rotate the updated rendering in 360 degrees, and/or the consumer may not be able to select or customize other features (e.g., the material) of shank 102. Notably, each time the consumer populates one of the associated data fields with a different symbol, the rendering of shank 102 and head 104 is updated.

[0027] When the consumer is satisfied with the appearance of shank 102 and head 104 in the viewable rendering, the consumer is prompted to select an icon indicating a desire to purchase ring 100. The consumer is then directed to another webpage on which the consumer is provided with a plurality of data fields for entering required personal and/or payment information to complete the purchase of ring 100. After the personal information is input into the associated data fields and payment is made, the specifications for ring 100 (e.g., the style number, size, material type, personalized symbol(s), etc.) are automatically transmitted to a manufacturer. Utilizing suitable computer-aided design (CAD) software, the manufacturer inputs the specifications (e.g., the personalized symbol(s)) into a predesigned CAD model for shank 102 and head 104 of ring 100. A finalized CAD model for shank 102 and head 104 is then sent to a 3D printer at which a wax model is fabricated. Shank 102 and head 104 are ultimately cast (e.g., in the metal type and size selected by the consumer), and are subsequently cleaned and polished, and associated gemstones 106 and 108 are then set therein as needed. Optionally, ring 100 may instead be printed on a 3D printer with no casting needed. Ring 100 is then shipped to the consumer.

[0028] Some system embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include a controller or processing device such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, and/or any other circuit or processing device capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by the controller or processing device, cause the controller or processing device to perform at least some of the method steps described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the terms controller and processing device.

[0029] The above-described embodiments include at least the following technical effects: (1) providing a customized article such as, for example, a customized piece of jewelry; (2) providing a ring with at least one customizable symbol; (3) providing a ring with structural member(s) shaped to define at least one customizable symbol; (4) providing a ring with a gallery having frame members shaped to define at least one customizable symbol; and (5) providing a ring with a gallery having at least one customizable symbol the shape of which extends through the entire structural thickness of the gallery.

[0030] The methods and systems described herein facilitate providing a customizable article. More specifically, the methods and systems facilitate providing a customizable piece of jewelry such as, for example, a ring. In that regard, the methods and systems facilitate enabling a consumer to select at least one symbol for inclusion on the ring. The methods and systems further facilitate shaping structural member(s) of the ring to define the symbol(s). As such, the symbol(s) are not engraved in the structural members but, rather, the structural member(s) are shaped throughout their entire thicknesses to define the symbol(s). The symbol(s) thus extends through an entire structural segment of the ring such as, for example, the entire structural framework in the gallery of the ring. The methods and systems thereby enable a consumer to locate symbol(s) in a wider range of locations on the ring. Moreover, the methods and systems enable providing a ring with symbol(s) that are more pronounced and durable over time.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of rings and methods of fabricating the same are described above in detail. The systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other system components, or other method steps, described herein. For example, the systems and methods described herein may have other applications not limited to practice with customizable jewelry, as described herein. Rather, the systems and methods described herein can be implemented and utilized in connection with various other industries.

[0032] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.