Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Anatomical
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-11
2001-07-03
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Anatomical
C033S555400, C033S549000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253459
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to measuring devices with flexible measuring bands, and more particularly to a measuring device having a flexible band for determining the ring size of a person and the size and quality of a gemstone.
2. Description of the Related Art
During a visit to a jewelry establishment, it is common to determine a person's ring size for purchasing a ring or for adjusting a previously purchased ring. It is also common to choose a gemstone for mounting on a ring and for verifying or determining the quality of the gemstone. Unfortunately, the measurement of ring sizes and gemstones, as well as the holding and examination of gemstones, has heretofore been accomplished with different tools. When determining ring size, a flexible measuring tape is typically wrapped around the perimeter of a finger at a location where a ring is to be worn. The measuring tape may include distance measuring indicia, such as inches or centimeters, which thereafter requires referral to a chart or table to determine the appropriate ring size. Ring size indicia may alternatively be conveniently imprinted directly onto a surface of a flexible tape for directly determining ring size.
In addition, the holding of gemstones during examination or measurement can be awkward. The gemstone must either be mounted or held carefully with a holding device in one hand while a measuring device or jewler's lens is appropriately positioned with the other hand. Any minor misalignment between the holding device and intricate surfaces of the gemstone may result in dropping the gemstone, leading to fracture or other consequences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a measuring device for determining both the ring size of a person and for measuring a geometrical parameter of an object, such as a gemstone.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a device for simultaneously holding, measuring and examining an object, such as a gemstone.
It is an even further object of the invention to provide a measuring device that is relatively easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a device for measuring at least one geometrical parameter of an object comprises an elongate housing having a hollow interior with a first measurement scale located on a length of the housing and an indicator slidably mounted on the housing for movement along the measurement scale. At least a portion of the indicator extends into the hollow interior of the housing. A flexible measuring band has a first end connected to an end portion of the housing and a second end connected to the indicator portion located within the housing. The flexible measuring band is oriented so as to form a measuring loop outside of the housing. Movement of the indicator along the housing causes expansion and contraction of the measuring loop to thereby adjust for the size of an object to be measured. With this arrangement, the relative position of the indicator with respect to the first measurement scale is indicative of the at least one geometrical parameter when at least a portion of the object is located within the measuring loop. A second measurement scale may be located on a length of the flexible measuring band. Preferably, the first measurement scale denotes a first geometrical parameter and the second measurement scale denotes a second geometrical parameter that is different from the first geometrical parameter.
In one preferred embodiment, the measuring band may be removably connected to the housing for measuring distance independent of the housing.
In yet a further embodiment, the measuring loop has an inner surface with a groove formed therein for holding an object during examination and/or measurement. Alternatively, the inner surface may include a stepped portion for holding the object during examination and/or measurement.
In still another embodiment, a magnifying lens may be connected to the housing for positioning in proximity to the measuring loop in order to permit examination of an object held within the measuring loop. The magnifying lens is preferably pivotal and slidable with respect to the housing.
According to an even further embodiment of the invention, a measuring device for indicating the ring size of a user and the size of a gemstone, comprises an elongate housing having a hollow interior and a first measurement scale located on a length of the housing. The first measurement scale includes indicia representative of different ring sizes. An indicator is slidably mounted on the housing for movement along the measurement scale, with at least a portion of the indicator extending into the hollow interior of the housing. A flexible measuring band has a first end connected to an end portion of the housing and a second end connected to the indicator portion within the housing. The flexible measuring band forms a measuring loop outside of the housing such that movement of the indicator along the housing causes expansion and contraction of the measuring loop to thereby adjust for the size of an object to be measured. A second measurement scale is located on a length of the flexible measuring band. The second measurement scale includes indicia representative of distance. With this arrangement, the relative position of the indicator with respect to the first measurement scale is indicative of ring size when at least a portion of the object is located within the measuring loop, and the relative position of the second measurement scale with respect to the housing is indicative of gemstone size.
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1999 Hand Therapy Catalog, North Coast Medical Inc. Morgan Hill, CA, pp. 123 (No Month).
Fulton Christopher W.
Schmeiser Olsen & Watts
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