Method and apparatus for embedding ornamental objects into sheet material
OwnerEdward D. Labowinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for mounting deep-profile gemstones and crystals to a sheet of material. The method and apparatus may set a single stone or multiple stones simultaneously, either manually or in an automated process. A slit is formed in the material to receive the stone. A setting is positioned on the back side of the material with prongs extending through holes in the material, with the prongs being bent into engagement with the stone to retain the stone in the material, without the use of adhesives or thread.
Claims17
A method of mounting a stone onto a sheet of flexible material having opposite front and back sides, comprising:
- forming a slit in the material;
- position a setting on the back side of the material, the setting having prongs extending through the material, and the material adjacent the slit folding backwardly into the setting;
- inserting a stone through the slit in the material and into the setting, with a rear portion of the stone within the setting being substantially uncovered from the folded material within the setting;
- and
- bending the prongs over the stone to retain the stone in the setting and on the material.
An assembly for mounting a stone in a flexible sheet of material having opposite front and back sides, comprising:
- a first tool adapted to form a slit in the material;
- a second tool adapted to position a setting behind the material with prongs of the setting extending forwardly through the material;
- the second tool adapted to position the stone partially through the slit in the material and into the setting, whereby a front surface of the stone resides in front of the material and a rear surface of the stone resides behind the material;
- and
- the second tool adapted to bend the setting prongs over the stone to secure the stone to the material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.