Method for Manufacturing a Recloseable Version of a Ring Which May Be Irregular in Shape or Design

Abstract

Method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring including: providing a first computer file defining a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and overlaying the cutting block over the ring to remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention is generally directed to a method of manufacturing rings and, more specifically, provides a method of modifying rings to include a custom element such as making a ring recloseable.

Normally, a person's ring is made recloseable retroactively using two components: the original ring and a recloseable ring blank. Then, cuts are made on both sides of a portion of the original ring, such as on both sides of the setting. Similar cuts are then made on the recloseable ring blank. Then the portion of the person's ring is attached to the remaining portion of the recloseable ring blank and soldered in place.

Typical recloseable ring blank blanks are available in a variety of different widths, metals and finger sizes. In using the process described above, a jewelry professional would take an existing ring, and then match its dimensions and metal (approximate width and fingersize/ID) to the closest available recloseable ring blank. They would then “re-shank” the existing ring, thereby adding the recloseable function to the ring.

Generally, with the aid of an experienced bench jeweler, this process can be applied to most ring styles. However there are some real limitations. Most notably, the bottom portion of the finished ring has to match the basic dimensions of the recloseable installation blank. If the ring being retrofit isn't close to the dimensions of a standard recloseable installation blank the results can be somewhat unsightly at times, however, fully functional.

This standard installation process also requires that an original ring actually exist (in order to “retro fit”) and will inherently introduce a solder seam where the two rings are joined, and generate scrap precious metal from the unused sections of both the original ring and the recloseable installation blank.

It may be advantageous to provide a method for customizing a ring to include additional elements such as a recloseable latch without requiring that the first ring already be in existence and without requiring that a matching recloseable ring blank be available.

SUMMARY

Generally speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable ring. The method including the steps of: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a custom designed ring. The method including the steps of: providing a website configured to allow the upload of a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring. The method including the steps of: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file; using the modified first computer file to automatically generate a wax object of the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring; casting the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring; and assembling the recloseable version of the ring.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a modified ring with a customized element, such as a new setting structure or bores for attachment to other jewelry pieces or chains. The method including the steps of: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional module volume defining an adjustment block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the adjustment block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and to perform at least one of the following functions: (1) remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap; and (2) add portions to the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the adjustment block is positioned and not overlapped by the three dimensional ring volume, wherein the adjusted volume defined by the modified first computer file is used to create the modified ring.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring. The method including the steps of: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; modifying the three dimensional ring volume to generate files for any components needed for the recloseable version of the ring.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a customized ring. The method including the steps of: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; modifying the three dimensional ring volume to generate files for any components needed for the recloseable version of the ring.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a custom designed ring without requiring that the custom designed ring be manufactured first to allow the recloseable elements to be retro-fit into the custom designed ring. The method including the steps of: providing a website configured to allow the upload of a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a recloseable ring. The method including the steps of: providing a ring and scanning the ring to generate a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable; providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block; providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files; adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; and using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a perspective view of a exemplary cubic volume defined by a first computer file; FIGS. 1-5A use simple geometric shapes to illustrate a preferred method of modifying a first program file that defines the three dimensional volume of a ring that is not recloseable to form at least a portion (or component) of a recloseable version of the ring originally defined by the first computer file; The simple shapes are used to make the concept of volume/shape subtraction more accessible to the reader;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting block volume as defined by a second computer file; the cutting block has a star section and a tube section;

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front elevational view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a side elevational view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the cubic volume of FIG. 1 overlaid by the cutting block of FIG. 2A; in this illustrative example a processor will remove all of the portions of the cubic volume defined by the first computer file where the cutting block overlaps the cubic volume;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A overlaid onto the cubic volume of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A overlaid onto the cubic volume of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of the cutting block of FIG. 2A overlaid onto the cubic volume of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the modified cubic volume in which all portions that were overlapped by the cutting block have been removed; the hollow that was present in the tube section resulted in a pillar of volume remaining in the cubic volume;

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the modified cubic volume illustrating a plane along which a cross-sectional view will be taken in FIGS. 5A-5C;

FIG. 4C is a front elevational view of the modified cubic volume;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the modified cubic volume showing how the volume which corresponded to the cutting block star section was removed by a processor;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the section shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a front elevational view of the section shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a custom ring of irregular shape that will be manufactured as a recloseable ring using the method of the present invention; a first computer file preferably defines the three dimensional ring volume shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the three dimensional ring volume of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a front elevational view of the three dimensional ring volume of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a side elevational view of the three dimensional ring volume of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a sample three dimensional cutout volume defined by a second computer file which forms a cutting block; This cutting block is preferably used to make the a first shank (e.g., the top ring shank);

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the three dimensional cutout volume of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a front elevational view of the three dimensional cutout volume of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the three dimensional cutout volume of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cutting block overlaid over the ring by the processor after any necessary parameter changes to the cutting block are made by the processor;

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the three dimensional cutout volume defined by the second computer file overlaid on the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file;

FIG. 8C is a front elevational view of the three dimensional cutout volume defined by the second computer file overlaid on the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file;

FIG. 8D is a side elevational view of the three dimensional cutout volume defined by the second computer file overlaid on the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the components of a recloseable version of the ring of FIG. 6A illustrating a first, upper, shank, a second lower shank, and a latch;

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of the components of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a front elevational view of the components of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a side elevational view of the components of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled recloseable version of the custom ring of FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 11-14 are perspective views of non-standard rings for which recloseable versions can be made using the methods of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a is a perspective view of a preferred recloseable ring according to the present invention and illustrates first and second shank portions with their respective hinge ends pivotally connected in the bottom part of FIG. 1 and illustrates the latch ends of the first and second shank portions secured in a closed position via a latch;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the recloseable ring of FIG. 15 illustrating a tool depressing a free end of the latch to allow the latch ends of the first and second shank portions to be separated;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the recloseable ring of FIG. 15 and illustrates the latch ends of the first and second shank portions separated;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the latch end of the second shank portion of the ring of FIG. 15 illustrating first and second inner ramps;

FIG. 19 is a partial broken away perspective view of the latch end of the first shank portion of the ring of FIG. 15 illustrating the cavity for receiving the latch head and illustrating first and second outer ramps; FIG. 19 also illustrates a catch which combines with the latch head to prevent separation of the first and second shank portions when the ring is in the closed position with the latch engaged;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the ring of FIG. 15 illustrating a preferred profile of the latch of the ring of FIG. 15; the improved profile of the ring increases the cam action caused by depression of the free end of the latch which reduces the distance that the free end of the latch must be depressed to disengage the latch from the cavity;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a recloseable ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a custom designed ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the sizing ring and designated parts thereof. The term “processor”, as used in the claims and corresponding portions of the specification, means “any one of a processor, computer, plurality of circuitry, laptop, computational device, device for processing data, server, or the like”. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that while this specification discusses the use of the recloseable rings with fingers, that the present invention includes the use of the recloseable rings of the present invention as toe rings of for placement anywhere else. The language “at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having at least one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group having at least one ‘C’;—and does require that a group have at least one of each of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-23, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there are detailed illustrations that explain how the methods of the present invention are performed.

Multiple preferred methods of the present invention will be described below. The steps of the methods of the present invention can be performed in any order, omitted, or combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. As such, optional or required steps described in conjunction with one method can also be used with another method or omitted altogether. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, similar functions described in conjunction with one method preferably, but not necessarily, operate in a generally similar manner to that described elsewhere in this application.

A preferred method of manufacturing a recloseable ring is shown in FIG. 21. A preferred method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a custom ring is shown in FIG. 22. A preferred method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring is shown in FIG. 23.

Each method may include the step of providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume defining a ring that is not recloseable. Referring to FIG. 1, a simplified example of a three dimension volume that can be defined by a computer file is a cube 10. This cube 10 will be discussed herein to provide a readily understandable example of how a method according to the present invention may operate.

The first and second computer files (the second computer file will be further discussed herein) are preferably, but not necessarily, computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) files. those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable file type can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is preferred that the first and second computer files are compatible with parametric software which allows some parameters to be held constant while others are adjusted. One preferred software package for generating and/or manipulating such files is Creo Elements/Pro (a product formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER) which is a parametric, integrated three dimensional computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing/computer aided engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) solution created by Parametric Technology Corporation. Creo Elements/Pro (hereinafter referred to as “Creo”) is parametric, feature-based, associative solid modeling software. The application runs on provides solid modeling, assembly modeling and drafting, finite element analysis, and NC and tooling functionality for mechanical engineers. Creo is capable of using rule-based constraint (sometimes called “parametric” or “variational”) 3D CAD modeling system. The parametric modeling approach uses parameters, dimensions, features, and relationships to capture intended product behavior and create a recipe which enables design automation and the optimization of design and product development processes. Creo can embed engineering constraints and relationships to quickly optimize the design, or where the resulting geometry may be complex or based upon equations. Creo can provide a complete set of design, analysis and manufacturing capabilities on one, integral, scalable platform, such as Solid Modeling, Surfacing, Rendering, Data Interoperability, Routed Systems Design, Simulation, Tolerance Analysis, and NC and Tooling Design. Creo can be used to create a complete 3D digital model of a product. The models may consist of 2D and 3D solid model data which can also be used downstream in finite element analysis, rapid prototyping, tooling design, and CNC manufacturing. All data may be associative and interchangeable between the CAD, CAE and CAM modules without conversion. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable software or computer operable set of instructions may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The first computer file may be provided via electronic transmission from a person who wants their ring design made as a recloseable ring without significantly modifying the appearance of the design when the recloseable ring is secured in a closed position. The method may include providing a website configured to allow the upload of a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume defining a ring that is not recloseable. For example, a third party may log onto a website to use software to design a custom ring which is then transmitted over the Internet, or via a data storage medium, for manipulation by a processor to produce a recloseable version of the ring.

The method may include providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block 12. FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a simplified cutting block 12. As best shown in FIG. 2A, one side of the exemplary cutting block 12 defines a star shaped volume 14 with points 16 therearound. A tube 18 extends outwardly from the star 14 and defines a hollow therein 20. This simplified cutout block 12 is going to be used in conjunction with the cube 10 of FIG. 1 to provide a readily understandable example of how the methods of the present invention can be practiced.

The method of the present invention may include using the first computer file with different cutting blocks so that three modified computer files are generated which define volumes corresponding to first and second shanks 86A, 86B and a latch 62 which can be assembled to form the recloseable version of the ring (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 10 and 17).

The method may include providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files. Any suitable type of processor can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the method preferably includes adjusting parameters of the cutting block 12 defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block 12 to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block 12 over the ring (illustrated by the cube 10). The volume of the cutting block 12 preferably defines negative space/volume—that is space/volume that will can be removed from the volume 10 defined by a first computer file.

It is preferred that the method includes adjusting the parameters of the cutting block 12 to allow the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a varying shank thickness 40 (as shown in FIG. 6D). It is preferred that the method include the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block 12 to allow the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have varying widths (as shown in FIG. 14). It is preferred that the method include the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block to allow the components for a recloseable ring (e.g., first and second shanks 86A, 86B, a latch 62, etc.) to be generated for rings that are irregularly shaped (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D). It is preferred that the first computer file can be received via electronic transmission from a person who wants their ring design made as a recloseable ring without significantly modifying the appearance of the design when the recloseable ring is secured in a closed position. This is possible because the method of the present invention avoids needing to find a properly configured blank, cutting both the blank and the original ring, fitting the two pieces together, soldering the components, and polishing the joined piece. Adjusting the parameters of the cutting block preferably allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a nonstandard and/or varying shape.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3D, the method preferably includes using the processor to overlay the cutting block 12 over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume 10 defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume 10 and the three dimensional cutting block volume 12 overlap. FIGS. 4A-4C, illustrate the exemplary ring volume 10 after the volume defined by the cutting block 12 is removed. Referring specifically to FIG. 4A, a finished digital shape/volume 22 is shown. A void 24 was created in the modified volume 22 by the cutting block 12 tube 18. A pillar 26 of actual volume remains in the modified volume 22 which corresponds to the hollow 20 defined by the cutting block tube 18. A cross sectional view of the modified volume 22 as taken along line 28 in FIG. 4B is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C to provide an example of material that is removed from the modified volume 22 that is not normally viewable. Interior cut plane 32 borders a star shaped void 30 created by the removal of volume due to the overlap of the star section 14 of the cutting block 12 with the original volume 10.

It is preferred that under normal conditions the processor takes the first computer file and different cutting blocks to sequentially prepare modified volumes which each correspond to a different recloseable ring component. The above described simplified example is provided to make it clear to one of ordinary skill in the art how the method can use volume removal to generate computer files that can be used to manufacture various components of a recloseable ring. This method preferably has the advantage of eliminating the need to maintain a wide array of recloseable ring blanks available for retrofitting an existing rings. This further reduces the amount of precious metals that must be maintained in inventory.

Alternatively, the method of the present invention could include the step of using taking a three dimensional scan of an existing ring to generate a first computer file. This allows an existing physical ring to be used as a template to manufacture a generally identical recloseable version without having electronically ‘draw’ an approximate three dimensional image/volume of the ring. This can be useful if a person desires a recloseable version of a relative's or friend's ring, but does not want to modify the existing ring. The processor can be used to remove volume from a scan of an existing ring that corresponds to gemstones if desired. In a similar fashion, this invention can be used to make a duplicate copy of a ring that is merely sized differently to allow for rings to be prepared for multiple people that are more ornate that would practically allow for the rings to be kept in stock. A scanning device for generating the first computer file would preferably be a three dimensional image scanning device capable of precisely measuring the outer contours of the ring. One preferred scanner is the Minolta VIVID 910 non-contact 3-D Digitizer. Regardless of the type of scanner used it is preferred that the scanner be three dimensional; capable of taking a fast scan; and capable of forming a lattice of thousands of vertexes to allow a surface profile to be generated that can be used to develop the first computer file which represents the shape, outer surface, and/or volume of the scanned ring. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable scanner can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the method of the present invention could also be used to add ornamentation to an existing ring for manufacturing. As such, the present invention can be used to make rings without incorporating recloseable technology therein.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, an example of a preferred method of the present invention will be shown for a more complex ring as opposed to the above example using simple shapes. The first computer file may contain volume data for a custom ring 34 having complex ornamentation 42, a non-circular band 36, thickened squared edges 38 and varying shank thickness 40. Referring to FIG. 6C, the complex ornamentation can even connect to a shank down along a side of the shank 44 in a manner that would likely, on its own, prevent the use of a recloseable ring blank from being usable in lieu of the methods of the present invention. The first computer file can be assembled using cloud computing software operating on the processor and accessible via the Internet or using any suitable software application. Once the first computer file is completed it can be submitted via any physical storage medium, sent via E-mail, FTP, or submitted via a website which can be linked to the processor that modifies the first computer file each time a computer file for a recloseable ring component needs to be prepared.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a sample cutting block 46 that can be used with the rings of FIG. 6A to form one component of a recloseable version of the ring of 6A. The cutting block 46 is exemplary and not drawn precisely to scale. The cutting block 46 may include spacers 48 which are designed to create a void in the first computer file to leave space for proper assembly of the recloseable ring. The cutting block may define gaps 50 having a bottom edge 52 forming rounded distal ends 56 or bore 54 or any other structural details necessary to provide for the proper removal and non-removal of volume defined by the first computer file. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the cutting block 46 overlaid on the custom ring 34 by the processor after the parameters of the cutting block 46 have been adjusted, if necessary. The process of preferably using the first computer file (as originally provided) multiple times with various cutting blocks to form the necessary recloseable ring component files allows for the ring components to then be formed using a casting process or any other automated manufacturing process. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate ring components formed using various cutting blocks and the originally provided first computer file. Depending on the structure of the desired ring, the components can be generated by modifying an already modified version of the first computer file without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates a recloseable version 64 of the custom ring 34 which includes a first, custom, top shank 58 and a first custom bottom shank 60. A pin 66 can be used to pivotally secure the shanks 58, 60 together. The top shank may include a tongue 68 on an end thereof.

The method of the present invention preferably includes the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponding to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file. The method may, but does not necessarily, include the recloseable version 64 of the ring being manufactured using an automated process to generate the components defined by each of the modified computer files (the number of component is preferably three but can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention). For example, the method may include using a casting process which may include using an automated process to automatically generate wax objects corresponding to the modified computer files that can be used to cast the components needed to make the recloseable version of the custom ring. This would allow the processor and associated manufacturing equipment to automatically generate a wax object of the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring. The components can be grown using a three dimensional printing technology (such as Solidscape) which generates a castable material. The processor is preferably in communication with equipment that can perform three dimensional prints for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing and which are able to print solid models created in CAD. After casting in metal the components can be assembled and finished, delivered as a finished ring ready for wear. The final ring 64 will preferably retain the exact same look and dimensions as the design submitted for installation 34. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable automated manufacturing process, or manual process, can be used in conjunction with the modified computer files to prepare the components of the recloseable ring without departing from the scope of the present invention. The method of the present invention preferably, but not necessarily, includes casting the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring and assembling the recloseable version of the ring.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15, rings of varying designs can be readily processed by the method of the present invention to create versions that may: include recloseable technology, have additional ornamentation, may be automatically manufactured duplicates of complex custom jewelry, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,352 discloses one preferred type of recloseable ring which the method of present invention can utilize and is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 15-20, one preferred embodiment of a recloseable ring manufactured using the method of the present invention is as follows. The recloseable ring 74 may be generally formed by first and second shank portions 82A, 82B and a latch 62. The first and second shank portions 82A, 82B each have a latch end (shown near the top of FIG. 17) and a hinge end (shown near the bottom of FIG. 17). The hinge ends of the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B are preferably hingeably connected. The latch ends of the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B are preferably detachably securable in an interlocked position by ramps 82 (described below) and by the latch 62.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the latch ends of the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B each include ramps 82 that are sized to gently interlock the latch ends of the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B. Specifically, the first shank portion 82A includes first and second outer ramps 82 and the second shank portion 82B includes first and second inner ramps 78. While the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B are being closed, an alignment member (or tongue) 80 facilitates alignment of the latch ends 82. When the recloseable ring 74 is closed to bring the latch ends 82 of the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B together, the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second inner ramps 78 and the inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second inner ramps 82 abuttingly contact each other causing the ramps to slightly deform and then, interlock with each other.

To further secure the first and second shank portions 82A, 82B together, once the latch ends are engaged, the latch 62 is moved into a closed position (shown in FIGS. 15 and 20). Referring to FIG. 20, when the latch 62 is in the closed position, a latch head 70 prevents the first and second shank portions from being pulled apart. If the first and second shank portions are pulled apart while the latch 62 is in the closed position, the latch head 70 moves into contact with a catch to prevent separation. The catch 84 is located on the alignment member 80. The latch head 70 includes a hook portion (shown in FIG. 20).

Referring to FIG. 16, to remove the ring 74, a tool 88 is used to depress a free end 62 of the latch 58 to disengage the latch head 70 from the cavity 84 in the first shank portion 82A. A free end 62 of the latch includes a stop that is configured to abut a shoulder when the latch is rotated a predetermined distance to prevent the latch 56 from over opening during removal of the ring. Then, the first and second inner ramps 78 and the first and second outer ramps 82 are separated by pulling the latch ends 56 of the first and second shank portion 82A, 82B generally away from each other.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described methods, kits and/or sizing rings 10 without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the above specification, the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a recloseable ring, comprising: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable;providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block;providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files;adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; andusing the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the first computer file with different cutting blocks so that three modified computer files are generated which define volumes corresponding to first and second shanks and a latch which can be assembled to form the recloseable version of the ring.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second computer files are computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) files.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising manufacturing the recloseable version of the ring using an automated process to generate the components defined by each of the three modified computer files.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of manufacturing further comprises using a casting process.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a varying shank thickness.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a varying widths.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that are irregularly shaped.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the first computer file via electronic transmission from a person who wants their ring design made as a recloseable ring without significantly modifying the appearance of the design when the recloseable ring is secured in a closed position.

10. A method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a custom designed ring, comprising: providing a website configured to allow the upload of a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable;providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block;providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files;adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring; andusing the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising using the first computer file with different cutting blocks so that three modified computer files are generated which define volumes corresponding to first and second shanks and a latch which can be assembled to form the recloseable version of the ring.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second computer files are computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) files.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising manufacturing the recloseable version of the ring using an automated process to automatically generate wax objects corresponding to the modified computer files that can be used to cast the components needed to make the recloseable version of the custom ring.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a nonstandard and/or varying shape.

15. A method of manufacturing a recloseable version of a ring, comprising: providing a first computer file configured to define a three dimensional ring volume of a ring that is not recloseable;providing a second computer file representing a three dimensional cutout volume defining a cutting block;providing a processor adapted to receive and manipulate the first and second computer files;adjusting parameters of the cutting block defined by the second digital file as necessary to size and/or dimension the cutting block to facilitate the proper overlay of the cutting block over the ring;using the processor to overlay the cutting block over the ring and remove portions of the three dimensional ring volume defined by the first computer file wherever the three dimensional ring volume and the three dimensional cutting block volume overlap, wherein the remaining volume defined by the modified first computer file corresponds to at least one portion of a recloseable version of the ring defined by the first computer file;using the modified first computer file to automatically generate a wax object of the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring;casting the at least one portion of the recloseable version of the ring; andassembling the recloseable version of the ring.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising using the first computer file with different cutting blocks so that three modified computer files are generated which define volumes corresponding to first and second shanks and a latch which can be assembled to form the recloseable version of the ring.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a varying shank thickness.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that have a varying widths.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the parameters of the cutting block allows the components for a recloseable ring to be generated for rings that are irregularly shaped.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving the first computer file via electronic transmission from a person who wants their ring design made as a recloseable ring without significantly modifying the appearance of the design when the recloseable ring is secured in a closed position.