Jewelry arrangements

Abstract

A piece of jewelry (10) is disclosed, comprising first and second substantially opposing end portions (14, 16), at least one said end potion being moveable from an open state A in which said end portions (14, 16) are spaced apart towards a closed state B in which said end portions (14, 16) are spaced apart by, a reduced gap or are substantially engaged. The piece of jewelry (10) comprises at least a section (12a) made from a shape memory material and said shape memory material is adapted, at or above a predetermined temperature Ta, to bring said end portions (14, 16) towards each other. This occurs preferably when said shape memory material is placed in the region of a body part of a wearer such that shape memory effect is used in co-operation with body temperature to fit said piece of jewelry to its wearer whist simultaneously causing, a change in externally visible shape or configuration or the jewelry.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to jewelry arrangements and in particular to jewelry which incorporates at least a section formed from a shape memory material, such as a shape memory alloy. The present invention also relates to methods of producing and arrangements for fitting such jewelry.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002] It is known to provide jewelry that is at least one of partially captive on, gripping, passing through or enclosing a body part of a wearer. A non-exhaustive list of such jewelry includes forms of finger ring, bracelet, earring necklace, watch-strap / bracelet and some body piercing ornamentation. Problems can arise in fitting some of these types of jewelry or in retaining it in place.[0003] In the case of jewelry rings, such as finger rings used for example to signify marriage, the ring may be placed by one partner onto the finger of the other partner during a ceremony. This act traditionally carries great significance, although in many cases the ring is a sim...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a piece of jewelry comprising first and second substantially opposing end portions, said piece of jewelry comprising at least a section made from a shape memory material adapted above a predetermined temperature to use shape memory effect so as to cause automatically relative movement between said end portions from an open state, in which said end portions are spaced apart by a gap adapted for fittment of said jewelry, towards a closed state in which said gap is reduced such that said jewelry is fitted.

[0032] d) adapting said shape memory material to move said end portions relative to each other, above a predetermined temperature, towards a closed state in which said gap is reduced or said end portions are substantially engaged, whereby shape memory effect is used for fitting said piece of jewelry to a wearer whilst simultaneously changing an externally visible shape or configuration of said piece of jewelry.

Problems solved by technology

Problems can arise in fitting some of these types of jewelry or in retaining it in place.

There are other problems relating to rings one of which concerns swelling of the finger, which may be caused by illness or accidents such as crushing, impact or burns.

It may then become difficult to remove a ring and possible further injury could occur, e.g. due to reduced blood circulation.

Under such circumstances, it is known for a ring to be cut or deformed so as to remove it and it may never regain its original shape or significance after repair or may even become totally unusable.

Furthermore, some potential wearers may have deformed or otherwise misshapen ring fingers and may experience difficulties in finding and fitting / removing suitable rings.

Similar problems can be envisaged in relation to some other pieces of jewelry such as ornamental bands, which includes bracelets.

If a potential wearer has a large hand but small wrist, putting on a rigid and closed bracelet may prove inconvenient.

In addition, some rigid bracelets and earrings are openable and include swinging hinge and latching arrangements adapted for manual operation, which may prove tricky to use and may be easily damaged.

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