A) TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dials and stone components into and over various locations on the time display devices. The present invention more particularly relates to an improved re-engineering method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and stone components over or into the time display device. In another embodiment, these stone dials and stone components can also be integrated in combination with other crafts such as filigree or Bidri craft work etc., and with other artistic components in whole as an artifact, over or into the time display devices.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A gemstone or a gem (also called a fine gem, jewel, or a precious or semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal, which, in cut and polished form and is used to make jewelry or other adornments. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. Apart from jewelry, from earliest antiquity engraved gems and hard stone carvings, were major luxury art forms

[0003] Precious stones such as diamonds, sapphire, emerald, ruby etc. and semi-precious stones such as Malachite, Tiger eye, Turquoise, Lapis lazuli, Amethyst, Jade etc. are used in jewelry, watches, clocks etc in various locations as an aesthetic element in tiny forms. Manufacturing of these stones used in the time display devices requires precision machining for the required shape and fitting. Generally these precious and semi-precious stones are available in the form of rock stones, cutting machining and finishing of these stone into small precision pieces and to suit into the time display devices such as watches and clocks are difficult.

[0004] Further, when these precious and semi-precious stones are made to thin flat larger dial and finished to certain minimal thickness (suitable to be integrated into the time display devices ); the chances of these precious and semi-precious stone dial pieces being broken or losing its shape due to its property or delicateness is high. Further the entire process of obtaining the required shape and size of the precious and semi-precious stone dials is a time consuming process involves complicated manufacturing process.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide an improved re-engineered method of manufacturing of precious and semi-precious stone dials or similar artifacts into suitable flatness, shape and size fit into the time display devices or into a similar artifact.

[0006] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading the following specification.

C) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved re-engineered method of manufacturing and integrating precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dials and components into and over the time display devices.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved re-engineered method of manufacturing and integrating semi¬precious stone artifacts in combination with other metallic and non-metallic artifacts into and over the time display devices.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved construction mechanism of a time display device such that precious or semi-precious stone artifacts in combination with other metallic or non-metallic artifacts is integrated as a single layer dials or multiple layer dials or in combination into the time display devices.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved construction mechanism of a time display device wherein any pressure, shock applied on any interior or exterior faces of the time display device will not be experienced or sensed on the stone dials of the time display device.

[0011] These objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The various embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and integrating these dials into the time display device. This method comprises the steps of blank development, finishing operations performed by special purpose machine and assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components.

[0013] In the preliminary blank development phase the required stones such as precious, semi-precious and assorted stones are selected and certain preliminary finishing such as shaping the stones, setting, marking, positioning, assorting the stones as per the required art work with drilling and grooving are performed. In the second phase, the finishing is performed by a special purpose machine also requires special tooling's and CAM to develop stone profile preciously and chamfers., Precise dimensions and tolerances are achieved using special purpose machine. Special purpose machines and specially developed abrasives are used to achieve the required thickness and flatness of the stone with fine surface finish. The final assembly stage comprises of fixtures development for assembly with preparing a joining media for assembling and integrating the stone dial with the primary dial.

[0014] According to the embodiment, the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone components manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of which wherein the manufactured stone components are placed over various locations of the time display devices and not limited to a dial, minute ring, base plate of the time display device, bracelet chain of the time display device and inner side surface of the time display device

[0015] According to the embodiment, the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of which wherein the manufactured stone dial is rested over the primary dial. The primary dial is further butting against dial seating area inside metallic case and rested over the movement holder and the movement holder is further rested over the back cover. A Relief being provided around secondary stone dial so that any inward shock over watch or pressure inside the metallic casing is not exerted over the stone dial thus making delicate stone dials to be placed into the time display dials securely.

[0016] According to the embodiment, the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of which wherein the diameter of the stone dial is less than the diameter of the primary dial such that there exists at least a very minimal required contactless gap between the metal case and the above said stone dial. This is to secure stone dial and avoid breakage of delicate stone dial
[0017] According to the embodiment, the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of which wherein the manufactured stone dial is bonded over the primary dial with at least but not limited to glue or glue tape and laid into the time display device.

[0018] These aspects of the embodiments herein will be better understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following descriptions and the accompanying drawings. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG.l is a cut through view of the time display device which depicts a precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dial which is manufactured using an improved re-engineered process and placed in combination with other metallic or non-metallic components and integrated into a time display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG.2 is a cut through view with enlarged view shows the improved method of construction wherein certain required gap or relief been ensured between stone dial and the case. As explained earlier this improved method of construction with required relief for the stone dial takes care of external or internal shock over time display mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 depicts the exploded and cross sectional view of the dials with the glue tape laid in between for integrating two or more dials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 depicts the various wearable accessories with precious, or semi-precious or assorted stone artifacts integrated into the wearable accessories such as bracelets, straps etc according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 depicts the wearable accessories with metallic, or non-metallic, precious or semi-precious artifacts integrated over various locations on the wearable accessories such as time display device, strap and bracelets according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts major steps of re-engineered method of manufacturing and integrating precious, or semi-precious or assorted stone dials in conjunction with other metallic or non-metallic dials over the time display devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts the re-engineered method involved in the preliminary stage or the first stage of blank development in manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts the re-engineered method involved in the second stage or finishing by special purpose machine and stages involved in manufacturing of precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts the re-engineered method involved in the third stage or the final assembly stage involved in manufacturing and integrating of precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRD7TION OF THE INVENTION [0030] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] The various embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and integrating these dials into the time display device. An improved method comprising steps of but not limited to blank development, finishing performed by special purpose machine and assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components. In the initial process or the initial phase, the required stone such as precious, semi-precious and assorted stones are selected according to requirements and certain preliminary finishing such as shaping the stones, setting, marking, positioning, assorting the stone as per the required art work. Drilling and grooving are also performed during the blank development phase.

[0032] The next phase wherein the finishing is performed by a special purpose machine and using special purpose toolings, CAM and abrasive media. Stone profile and chamfers cutting to the required shape, maintaining dimensions and tolerance using CAM ,fixtures with the special purpose machine and achieving the required thickness flatness, fine surface finish using a special purpose machine, fixtures and media as the finest special abrasive powder.

[0033] The last phase includes assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components phase comprising of fixtures development for the assembly with preparing a joining media for assembling and integrating the stone dial with other metallic dials.

[0034] FIG.l is a cut through side view of the time display device which depicts various watch components and a precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dial which is manufactured by using an improved re-engineered process and placed in combination with other metallic or non-metallic dial and integrated into a time display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dial 101 which is manufactured using an improved re-engineered process is placed over primary dial 102 and integrated into the time display device

[0035] The primary dial 102 is fitted into the movement 106 and placed into plastic movement holder 202. The time indicating needle 103 fitted on to movement 106.The time display device further comprises of a glass 104 fitted on to metallic case 105 and covering and seals the front face of the time display device. The movement along with needles, movement holder assembly placed inside of the metallic casing 105. The back cover 107 fitted from back of the metallic casing, the crown 108 fitted from case side.

[0036] FIG.2 is a cut through view with enlarged portion shows specific to the technology i.e. technique of protecting stone dial from any shock exerting over time display device. The primary dial diameter is made bigger than the diameter of secondary dial (stone dial) and integrated using special glue tape or special glue using fixtures. When dials assembled a specific step has been created on periphery between primary dial and secondary dial. Similar technique been used inside metallic casing, that is a dial seating steps has been created with differential diameter. When primary dial and secondary dial placed inside metallic casing, on assembly a specific gap been ensured between stone dial and metallic casing with above technique of differential dimensions in housing steps in metallic casing as well as dial components. Always the gap 201 ensured between stone dial to casing is more than the gap between primary dial to casing on assembly such that whenever shock developed over time display device the primary dial and movement holder takes the shock which will not pass shock to the stone dial according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 depicts the exploded and cross sectional view of the dials with the glue tape. According to an embodiment, a glue or the glue tape 301 is laid in between the primary dial 102 and the secondary dial (precious, semi-precious or assorted stone dial) 101 and thereby pressing the dials to each other to be fitted as single piece. The pressed single piece (sub assembly) of the dials is assembled inside the time display device casing with the other associated components of the time display device.

[0038] FIG. 4 and 5 depicts the various wearable accessories with precious, semi-precious and assorted stone artifacts integrated over the wearable accessories such as time display device bracelets, strap according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the Bracelet 401 but not limited to chain or leather straps on which the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone components can be integrated or implanted. Initially created with the relevant spacing 402 by re-engineered manufacturing process for the precious, semi-precious and assorted stone components 403 to be implanted or integrated using glue or glue tape as bonding media.

[0039] FIG. 6 depicts major steps involved in process of re-engineered method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials in conjunction with other metallic or non-metallic dials over the time display devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the present invention provides an improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and integrating these dials into the time display device. The method comprises major steps such as blank development 601, finishing performed by special purpose machine 602 and the assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components 603. The required stones such as precious, semi-precious and assorted stones are selected and certain preliminary finishing such as shaping the stones, setting, marking, positioning, assorting the stone as per the required art work with drilling and grooving are performed during the blank development phase 601.

[0040] The next phase wherein the finishing is performed by a special purpose machine 602 comprises of tooling and CAM development. Next operation includes stone profile and chamfers cutting to the required shape as per drawing, maintaining dimensions and tolerance using CAM and special fixtures in the special purpose machine. Next stage is to achieve the required thickness and flatness of the stone with fine surface finish using a special purpose machine, fixtures and using a special finest abrasive powder as a media. The next stage or the final stage is the assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components 603 phase which comprises the steps of fixtures development for the assembly with preparing a joining media for assembling and integrating the stone dial with other metallic dials.

[0041] FIG. 7 depicts process of re-engineered method involved in the preliminary stage or the first stage of blank development in manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the blank development phase 601 involved in the manufacturing of precious, semi¬precious and assorted stone dials comprises steps of but not limited to preparing layouts drawing and artwork 701; selection of precious, semi¬precious and stones considering the rarity, grains and color etc.702. Further, the raw material planning to the required quantity 703, tooling and fixture development for sizing and marking 704, shaping and sizing the stones to the nearest dimensions by the skilled person using special fixtures 705, setting, marking, positioning using special fixtures 706, assorting the stones to the required design as per the art work 707, drilling and grooving using special fixtures 708, preliminary finishing such as surface, grooves flatness and edges 709 and with end of phase quality check.

[0042] FIG. 8 depicts process of re-engineered method involved in the second stage, these stage involves in re-engineered method manufacturing of precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials using special purpose machines, fixtures, cams etc according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the finishing performed by special purpose machine 602 involved in manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials comprises the steps of but not limited to tooling and CAM development for the special purpose machine 801, stone profile and chamfers cutting to the required shape, dimension and tolerances using CAM in the special purpose machine 802, achieve the required thickness and flatness of the stone with fine surface finish using a special purpose machine, fixtures and using the finest abrasive powder 803 as media, quality checking and screening 804. The next, step involves decorating dial surface to enhance aesthetics by integrating crafts such as filigree, bidri etc. and various other methods like but not limited to screen printing, design art work, enameling, etching, vinyl stickers, precious and semi-precious stone fixing in combination with precious metallic and non-metallic materials which are further used as time indicators 805and with an end of phase quality check 806.

[0043] FIG. 9 depicts the re-engineered method involved in the third stage or the final assembly stage involved in manufacturing and integrating of precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment, the assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components 603 phase involved in the manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials into and over the time display device comprises steps of but not limited to fixtures development for assembly 901, preparation of joining media such as but not limited to glue tape or glue etc. 902 , assembly of glue tape with other metallic or non-metallic dials or related components 903, the assembly of finished stone dial with other primary dials (metal) or related components 904 and with an end of phase quality check 905.

[0044] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The various embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and integrating these dials into the time display device. [0046] The present invention provides an improved method of manufacturing delicate stone dials such as precious, semi-precious and assorted stone and these stone based decorative components to be used over the time display device.

[0047] The present invention provides a unique construction mechanism of the time display device in which the stone based dials are securely accommodated into a stone holder and the stone holder ensures that any pressure or shock applied over time display device is not felt over the delicate precious or semi-precious or assorted stone dials. [0048] The present invention provides an unique improved method of manufacturing stone dials such that the manufacturing and integrating stone dials process employed herein is capable of manufacturing multiple, assorted precious or semi-precious stone dial (dials made of more than one kind of stone) and in combination with other metallic and non-metallic dials.

CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. An improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials and integrating these dials into the time display device, the method
comprising the steps of:
a. blank development;
b. finishing performed by special purpose machine
c. Assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components, wherein, the required stone such as precious, semi-precious and assorted stones are selected and certain preliminary finishing such as shaping the stones, setting, marking, positioning, assorting the stone as per the required art work with drilling and grooving are performed during the blank development phase and the next phase wherein the finishing is performed by a special purpose machine comprises of tooling and CAM development, next is to stone profile and chamfers cutting to the required shape, achieving dimensions and tolerances using CAM and special purpose fixtures in the special purpose machine and achieve the required thickness and flatness of the stone with fine surface finish using a special purpose machine, fixtures and the special finest abrasive powder as a media, further the assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components phase comprising of fixtures development for assembly with preparing a joining media for assembling and integrating the stone dial with other metallic components.

2. The improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the blank development phase involved in manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials comprises
steps of but not limited to:
a. preparing layouts drawing and artwork;
b. selection of precious, semi-precious and stones considering the rarity, grains and color;
c. raw material planning to the required quantity;

d. Tooling and fixture development for sizing and marking;
e. shaping and sizing the stones to the nearest dimensions by the skilled person using special fixtures
f. setting, marking, positioning using special fixtures;
g. assorting the stones to the required design as per the art work;
h. drilling and grooving using special fixtures
i. preliminary finishing such as surface, grooves flatness and edges
j. End of phase quality check.
The improved method of manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the finishing performed by special purpose machine phase involved in manufacturing precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials comprises steps of but not limited to:
a. tooling and CAM development for the special purpose machine;
b. stone profile and chamfers cutting to the required shape, dimension and tolerances using CAM and fixtures in the special purpose machine;
c. achieve the required thickness and flatness of the stone with fine surface finish using a special purpose machine, fixtures and using media as the finest abrasive powder;
d. quality checking and screening;
e. decorating the dial surface to enhancing aesthetics by integrating crafts such as filigree, bidri etc. and various other methods like Screen printing the Art work(Design),enameling, etching, Vinyl stickers, precious and semi-precious stone fixing, combining precious metals and materials etc. above methods also used as time indicators;
f. End of phase quality check.
The improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the assembly and integrating with primary dial or related components phase involved in manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials over the time display device comprjses steps of but not limited to:
a. fixtures development for assembly;
b. preparation of joining media such as glue tape or glue;
c. assembly of glue tape with other metallic or non-metallic dials or related components;
d. assembly of the finished stone dial with other primary dials or related components; and
e. End of phase quality check.
5. The precious, semi-precious and assorted stone components manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi¬precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the manufactured stone components is placed on various locations of the time display device and not limited to a dial, minute ring, base plate of the time display device, bracelet, strap of the time display device.

6. The precious, semi-precious or assorted stone dials manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the manufactured stone dial is integrated inside time display device with improved construction method such that any shock or presser acts over time display unit will not pass it on to stone dial. Hence the delicate stone has been securely placed and taken care from any damage.

7. The precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials manufactured using the improved method of manufacturing and integrating precious, semi-precious and assorted stone dials of claim 1, wherein the diameter and width of the stone dial is less than the diameter of the dial holder portion such that there exists at least a very minimal contactless gap between the metal case and the stone dial.