Methods of forming an article, such as an item of jewelry

Abstract

An improved method of forming an article of jewelry includes the steps of: providing an elongated arbor ( 20 ) having an oval-shaped transverse cross-section for a portion of its longitudinal extent; providing a length of tubular stock ( 21 ); winding the stock about the arbor; cutting the wound stock at such locations and at such angles as to form two substantially-identical members ( 23, 23 ), each member having a first end ( 24 ) and a second end ( 25 ); removing the members from the arbor; arranging the members such that the first end of one of the members is arranged proximate the first end of the other of the members, and such that the second end of one of the members is arranged proximate the second end of the other of the members; inserting connecting pins ( 26,30 ) into the marginal end portions of the members adjacent the first and second ends; and soldering the connecting pins and members together to form the article.

1 . The method of forming an article, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an elongated arbor having an ellipse-like transverse cross-section for a portion of its longitudinal extent;    providing a length of stock;    winding said stock about said arbor;    cutting said wound stock at such locations and at such angles as to form two substantially-identical members, each member having a first end and having a second end;    removing said members from said arbor;    arranging said members such that the first end of one of said members is arranged proximate the first end of another of said members, and such that the second end of one of said members is arranged proximate the second end of another of said members; and    joining such adjacent ends of said members together;    thereby to form an article.    
   
   
       2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said arbor transverse cross-section is configured as an ellipse.  
   
   
       3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said arbor transverse cross-section is oval-shaped.  
   
   
       4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said article is heart-shaped.  
   
   
       5 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said article is star-shaped.  
   
   
       6 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said stock is formed of a metal, and said adjacent ends are joined by soldering.  
   
   
       7 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said stock has a cylindrical outer surface.  
   
   
       8 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said stock is tubular.  
   
   
       9 . The method as set forth in  claim 8 , and further comprising the additional steps of: 
 providing a first connecting pin having a first portion and a second portion;    inserting the first portion of said first connecting pin into a marginal end portion of one of said members adjacent said first end; and    inserting the second portion of said first connecting pin into a marginal end portion of the proximate member adjacent its first end.    
   
   
       10 . The method as set forth in  claim 8 , and further comprising the additional steps of: 
 providing a second connecting pin having a first portion and a second portion;    inserting the first portion of said second connecting pin into a marginal end portion of one of said members adjacent its second end; and    inserting the second portion of said second connecting pin into a marginal end portion of the proximate member adjacent its second end.    
   
   
       11 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said wound stock is heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause said stock to substantially retain the shape of said arbor when said arbor is removed.  
   
   
       12 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein a plurality of convolutions of said stock is wound about said arbor, and wherein said convolutions are cut to form a plurality of said members.  
   
   
       13 . In a method of forming an article of jewelry, the improvement that comprises the steps of: 
 providing a first and second tubular members;    providing a connecting pin having a first portion and a second portion;    inserting said connecting pin first portion into a marginal end portion of one of said members; and    inserting said connecting pin second portion into a marginal end portion of the other member.    
   
   
       14 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said members are formed of a precious metal alloy.  
   
   
       15 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said connecting pin is formed of a precious metal alloy.  
   
   
       16 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 1  and further comprising the additional step of: 
 soldering said connecting pin to said first and second members.    
   
   
       17 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 16  wherein said solder contains a precious metal alloy.  
   
   
       18 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said first portion has a axis, wherein said second portion has an axis, and wherein said axes are coplanar and arranged at an angle with respect to one another.  
   
   
       19 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 18  wherein said connecting pin is substantially V-shaped.  
   
   
       20 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 18  wherein said connecting pin is substantially L-shaped.  
   
   
       21 . The improvement as set forth in  claim 18  wherein said connecting pin is substantially U-shaped.