Jewelry – Body member encircling ornament – Ring
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-16
2003-03-04
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3677)
Jewelry
Body member encircling ornament
Ring
C063S001110, C063S001160, C063S015200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06526779
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of jewelry, and more particularly to using a style of jewelry as a means of signifying the person is a widow or widower. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to combining the wedding ring of the surviving spouse and the wedding ring of the deceased to form a single double band ring, wherein the ring signifies that the person is a widow or widower.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Based on statistics from the U.S. Bureau of the Census for 1998, almost half of all women 65 years of age or older were widows. There were approximately 8.4 million widows and 2.0 million widowers.
And, the population of those over age 65 is growing significantly. Estimates indicate that by 2030 there will be about 70 million persons over the age of 65—more than double the number of 1998! According to current estimates, there are about 880,000 widows and widowers per year. With such a drastic increase in older persons, the number of widows and widowers will increase dramatically.
As a result of medical technology and improved diagnostic and treatment procedures, the average life expectancy also continues to increase. The genome research is reportedly going to impact the next generation and extend life expectancy and the quality of life. Some scientists expect the life expectancy to advance rapidly and even be in the 100's within the next few decades.
Such extended life expectancy alters the lifestyles and planning for everyone. Besides the obvious financial impact of living longer, there is also a tremendous social impact. A person that remains healthy can have a dynamic work and social life for a much longer period.
Despite the increase in the average life expectancy, science has not figured out how to prevent aging and dying. New diseases continue to befuddle the medical community and new strains of existing diseases will likely continue to keep the medical profession scrambling.
In addition, science can do little to prevent accidents. People will continue to die from the various accidents and catastrophes that are commonplace in our society. Car accidents alone take a significant toll in human life without even considering the effects from floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
This means that some married persons will not get to experience old age together as husband and wife. The number of widows and widowers is significant and will increase rapidly. These living spouses that have lost their mate will be living longer and healthier.
Some of these widows and widowers may not wish to spend the latter part of their life alone. They may be in good physical and mental condition and have a long period of time before they pass on. Many will want a social life and mingle with others rather than be alone.
Besides the bereavement groups, there are a number of groups that promote socialization for widowed persons. There are even a growing number of Internet sites promoting social events for widows and widowers. This expanding widowed population does not want to sit at home, they want to meet people that may share similar interests and hobbies.
In addition to the social aspects, many of these widows and widowers also may enjoy a satisfying sex life. Many persons remain active for many years, and the introduction of Viagra and similar treatments can aid in promoting an active sex life.
Despite the growing demand for social activities for widows and widowers, it is not an easy transition. There are very few events or social places that widows and widowers tend to gather. Based on the age, it may be assumed that the person is married, as there is no manner to signify that the person is widowed. A single person will not have a wedding ring and many people tend to note such items. A married person generally will have a wedding ring. But, a widowed person may or may not wear the ring, making identification difficult. Thus, identifying widowed persons may be very difficult in a social setting.
In addition, the widows and widowers still cherish the departed. There have many happy memories and find it painful to part with the past. For example, widows and widowers do not know what to do with the wedding ring worn by the spouse. According to statistics, a majority of deceased persons are buried with their wedding rings. Those that keep the ring of the deceased seldom figure out where to place it or what to do with the ring.
Besides the ring of the deceased, the widowed person also experiences some uneasiness as to their own wedding ring. Some widowed persons continue to wear the ring, and have to run the risk of uncomfortable situations by being asked the status of their spouse. Those that decide to remove the ring feel great pangs of guilt and sorrow. The ring is more than a piece of metal—it is a symbol of the relationship and the bonding between the persons. It may be worn for many years and cause much discomfort in having to now remove the ring.
Therefore, there are many reasons for a new ring design to help the widowed person by aiding in the bereavement process. The grieving widowed person wants to memorialize the deceased and needs some assistance in figuring out what to do with the ring of the deceased as well as what to do with their own ring.
In addition, the widowed persons desire some way to locate those that may be in a similar situation. Rings have always been used as an identifier, such as those worn by fraternal organizations and societies. Persons have become accustomed to noting certain rings as an identifier. A new ring design can help distinguish widowed persons and establish a system of identifying widows and widowers.
The prior art discusses a number of different ring designs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,094 shows a finger ring comprising a series of circular sections slightly resembling wedding bands—which are interconnected by threading each assembly to extend the surface of the ring allowing quick change in ring size and design modifications.
There were several rotatable rings that allow a portion of the ring to freely rotate. The ring disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,161,392 is such a ring, and an outer band spins freely about an inner ring.
Locking rings were also disclosed, particularly mating engagement rings with wedding rings, such as those issued to inventor Bonchek. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,344, one of the rings employs a track or channel and the other ring mates with the channel to join the rings.
Another rotatable ring was shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,485 in which a segment of the inner ring can be covered. In this invention the expensive stone on the inner surface can be covered with an outer design.
Wrap rings were illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,596,887 and 5,419,158, wherein one or more rings are interconnected on the same plane. The rings each have some mating characteristics and use some type of fastening mechanism, such as a locking pin or retention snap fit.
None of the prior art ring designs have addressed the aforementioned problems. What is needed is a means of identifying a widowed person. Such a means may encourage and promote social activity and enable the widowed person to enjoy some companionship and friendship. Such a system should also pay respect to the deceased and allow the living spouse to commemorate their dearly departed yet lower their guilt and unease. The ring system should be cost effective and easily identifiable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a means of identifying widowed persons. In one embodiment a widow wears the ring on the third finger of the right hand, while a widower wears the ring on the little finger of the left hand.
One embodiment of the invention is a connecting of the wedding bands by vertically orienting the rings and affixing the rings together. The rings can be tack brazed/welded or affixed by an adhesive. It is important to ensure the rings are properly aligned, so tweezers or conical fixtures can be used.
Another object is a means of providing some guidance to widowed persons on the proper dispositi
Chop Andrea
Maine & Asmus
Swann J. J.
LandOfFree
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