Means for retaining jewelery for interlocking with precise preforms

Claim 2

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, whereby the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the cast frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said notch such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said notch.

Claim 3

The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of solid cylindrical configuration.

Claim 4

The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of jagged configuration and is customized and shaped to serve as a shim.

Claim 5

The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of tapered configuration and is customized and shaped to serve as a shim.

Claim 6

The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said anti-rotation pin is part of an anti-rotation pin assembly which contains a multiplicity of anti-rotation pins aligned in a single row and separated by depressions which enable the forwardmost anti-rotation pin to be inserted in said notch and broken off from the remainder of the anti-rotation pin assembly at the point of a depression such that the anti-rotation pin assembly provides a means for multiple insertions of an anti-rotation pin.

Claim 7

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the cast frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a half round slot in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said half round slot such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said half round slot.

Claim 8

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the cast frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a half round slot in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said half round slot such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said half round slot.

Claim 9

The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of solid cylindrical configuration.

Claim 10

The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of jagged configuration and acts as a shim.

Claim 11

The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of tapered configuration and acts like a shim.

Claim 12

The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein said anti-rotation pin is part of an anti-rotation pin assembly which contains a multiplicity of anti-rotation pins aligned in a single row and separated by depressions which enable the forwardmost anti-rotation pin to be inserted in said half round slot and broken off from the remainder of the anti-rotation pin assembly at the point of a depression such that the anti-rotation pin assembly provides a means for multiple insertions of an anti-rotation pin.

Claim 13

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is a retaining means for use in the cast frame for retaining an object of circular configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending through said annular groove and into said critical dimension inner wall; b. a fill in said annular groove; c. said fill lying adjacent said notch and extending within said annular groove for a distance less than fifteen (15) degrees; d. a circular spring retaining ring conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; and e. said circular spring retaining ring placed into said annular groove such that the ends of the spring retaining ring abut the edge of said fill; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the cast frame by the circular spring retaining ring and the circular spring retaining ring can be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object into said notch.

Claim 14

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is a retaining means for use in the cast frame for retaining an object of circular configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending through said annular groove and into said critical dimension inner wall; b. a fill in said annular groove; c. said fill lying adjacent said notch and extending within said annular groove for a distance less than fifteen (15) degrees; d. a circular spring retaining ring conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; and e. said circular spring retaining ring placed into said annular groove such that the ends of the spring retaining ring abut the edge of said fill; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the cast frame by the circular spring retaining ring and the circular spring retaining ring can be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object into said notch.

Claim 15

The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said fill lies within said annular groove such that at least one end of the fill lies within approximately fifteen (15) degrees of said notch while the other end of the fill may be at a further distance.

Claim 16

The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said notch is a half round slot.

Claim 17

The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the ends of the spring retaining ring are separated from the edges of the fill by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the material of the spring retaining ring.

Claim 18

An improved cast frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise wall; c. a first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; d. a second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and e. said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their respective corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and their respective ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; f. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of each retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a longitudinal side.

Claim 19

An improved cast frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise wall; c. a first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; d. a second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and e. said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their respective corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and their respective ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; f. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of each retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a longitudinal side.

Claim 20

The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end and said second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end, whereby the first and the second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 21

The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein the ends of the first and the second rectangular shaped retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wires.

Claim 22

An improved cast frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of a lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise section; c. a rectangular shaped retaining wire whose sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and d. said rectangular shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; e. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of said rectangular shaped retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a side.

Claim 23

An improved cast frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of a lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise section; c. a rectangular shaped retaining wire whose sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and d. said rectangular shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; e. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of said rectangular shaped retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a side.

Claim 24

The invention as defined in claim 18 wherein said rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end, whereby the rectangular shaped retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in the retaining wire.

Claim 25

The invention as defined in claim 18 wherein the ends of the rectangular shaped retaining wire are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.

Claim 26

An improved cast frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. a first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; e. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; f. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and g. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; h. wherein said first and said second semi-oval shaped retaining wires lie flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 27

An improved cast frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. a first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; e. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; f. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and g. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; h. wherein said first and said second semi-oval shaped retaining wires lie flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 28

The invention as defined in claim 21 wherein the ends of the first and the second semi-oval retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wires.

Claim 29

An improved cast frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. an oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; d. said oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and e. said oval shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one lengthwise wall of said annular groove; f. wherein said oval shaped retaining wire lies flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 30

An improved cast frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. an oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; d. said oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and e. said oval shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one lengthwise wall of said annular groove; f. wherein said oval shaped retaining wire lies flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 31

The invention as defined in claim 23 wherein the ends of the oval shaped retaining wire are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.

Claim 32

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central oval shaped opening for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central oval shaped opening, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, where the improvement is a retaining means for use in the cast frame for retaining an object of oval configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; b. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; c. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; and e. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires placed into said annular groove such that each end of said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire nearly abuts a corresponding end of said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the cast frame by said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires but can easily be removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 33

A cast frame characterized by an upper face having a large central oval shaped opening for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central oval shaped opening, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, where the improvement is a retaining means for use in the cast frame for retaining an object of oval configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; b. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; c. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; and e. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires placed into said annular groove such that each end of said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire nearly abuts a corresponding end of said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the cast frame by said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires but can easily be removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 34

The invention as defined in claim 25 wherein the ends of the first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.

Claim 35

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said notch such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said notch.

Claim 36

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said notch such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said notch.

Claim 37

The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of solid cylindrical configuration.

Claim 38

The invention as defined in claim 27 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of jagged configuration and is customized and shaped to serve as a shim.

Claim 39

The invention as defined in claim 27, wherein said anti-rotation pin is part of an anti-rotation pin assembly which contains a multiplicity of anti-rotation pins aligned in a single row and separated by depressions which enable the forwardmost anti-rotation pin to be inserted in said notch and broken off from the remainder of the anti-rotation pin assembly at the point of a depression such that the anti-rotation pin assembly provides a means for multiple insertions of an anti-rotation pin.

Claim 40

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a half round slot in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said half round slot such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said half round slot.

Claim 41

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is an anti-rotation means for preventing rotational movement of different objects of a circular configuration and approximately the same size in the frame, the anti-rotation means comprising: a. a half round slot in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending into said critical dimension inner wall; b. an anti-rotation pin placed into said half round slot such that the pin extends into the area of the critical dimension inner wall but does not extend into said annular groove; and c. said anti-rotation pin having a press fit between the object and said half round slot.

Claim 42

The invention as defined in claim 31 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of solid cylindrical configuration.

Claim 43

The invention as defined in claim 31 wherein said anti-rotation pin is of jagged configuration and acts like a shim.

Claim 44

The invention as defined in claim 31, wherein said anti-rotation pin is part of an anti-rotation pin assembly which contains a multiplicity of anti-rotation pins aligned in a single row and separated by depressions which enable the forwardmost anti-rotation pin to be inserted in said half round slot and broken off from the remainder of the anti-rotation pin assembly at the point of a depression such that the anti-rotation pin assembly provides a means for multiple insertions of an anti-rotation pin.

Claim 45

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, within the improvement is a retaining means for use in the frame for retaining an object of circular configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending through said annular groove and into said critical dimension inner wall; b. a fill in said annular groove; c. said fill lying adjacent said notch and extending within said annular groove for a distance less than fifteen (15) degrees); d. a circular spring retaining ring conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; and e. said circular spring retaining ring placed into said annular groove such that the ends of the spring retaining ring abut the edge of said fill; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the frame by the circular spring retaining ring and the circular spring retaining ring can be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object into said notch.

Claim 46

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central hole for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central hole, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, within the improvement is a retaining means for use in the frame for retaining an object of circular configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. a notch in said inner transverse circumferential wall and extending through said annular groove and into said critical dimension inner wall; b. a fill in said annular groove; c. said fill lying adjacent said notch and extending within said annular groove for a distance less than fifteen (15) degrees); d. a circular spring retaining ring conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; and e. said circular spring retaining ring placed into said annular groove such that the ends of the spring retaining ring abut the edge of said fill; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the frame by the circular spring retaining ring and the circular spring retaining ring can be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object into said notch.

Claim 47

The invention as defined in claim 35, wherein said fill lies within said annular groove such that at least one end of the fill lies within approximately fifteen (15) degrees of said notch while the other end of the fill may be at a further distance.

Claim 48

The invention as defined in claim 35, wherein said notch is a half round slot.

Claim 49

An improved frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise wall; c. a first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; d. a second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and e. said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their respective corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and their respective ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; f. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of each retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a longitudinal side.

Claim 50

An improved frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise wall; c. a first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; d. a second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire whose three longitudinal sides are bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and e. said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their respective corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and their respective ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; f. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of each retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said first and said second rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a longitudinal side.

Claim 51

The invention as defined in claim 38, wherein said first three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end and said second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end, whereby the first and the second three-sided rectangular shaped retaining wires may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 52

The invention as defined in claim 38, wherein the ends of the first and the second rectangular shaped retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wires.

Claim 53

An improved frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of a lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise section; c. a rectangular shaped retaining wire whose sides ae bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and d. said rectangular shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; e. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of said rectangular shaped retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a side.

Claim 54

An improved frame for retaining a rectangular shaped object therein characterized by an upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, a rectangular lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be retained within it, wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove having its lengthwise walls sloping outwardly such that the central area of a lengthwise wall of the annular groove is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the outermost portion of the lengthwise section; c. a rectangular shaped retaining wire whose sides ae bowed inward and whose ends are smooth and without teeth; and d. said rectangular shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its corner portions contact the corner portions of said annular groove and its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; e. wherein the bowed longitudinal sides enable portions of said rectangular shaped retaining wire to lie flush against the wall of said annular groove and said retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object in the area of the bow of a side.

Claim 55

The invention as defined in claim 41, wherein said rectangular shaped retaining wire contains a kink adjacent one end, whereby the rectangular shaped retaining wire may be easily removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in the retaining wire.

Claim 56

The invention as defined in claim 41, wherein the ends of the rectangular shaped retaining wire are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.

Claim 57

An improved frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circunferential wall perpendicular to both upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall, b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. a first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; e. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; f. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and g. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; h. wherein said first and said second semi-oval shaped retaining wires lie flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 58

An improved frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circunferential wall perpendicular to both upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall, b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. a first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; e. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; f. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and g. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires being placed in said annular groove such that their ends nearly abut one another at the central area of the lengthwise walls of said annular groove; h. wherein said first and said second semi-oval shaped retaining wires lie flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 59

An improved frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. an oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; d. said oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and e. said oval shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one lengthwise wall of said annular groove; f. wherein said oval shaped retaining wire lies flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 60

An improved frame for retaining an oval shaped object therein, characterized by an oval upper face having a large central opening for exposing the object, an oval lower face having a large central opening, an outer transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face, an inner transverse circumferential wall perpendicular to both the upper face and the lower face containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the circumference of the object to be encased within it; wherein the improvement comprises: a. an annular groove within said inner transverse circumferential wall running beneath the critical dimension inner wall; b. said annular groove extending uninterrupted through the entire internal circumference of said inner transverse circumferential wall, the annular groove containing sides at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle to the horizontal and said annular groove sloping outwardly such that the central area of the lengthwise walls is approximately twenty percent (20%) deeper than the central area of the widthwise walls; c. an oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of said annular groove; d. said oval shaped retaining wire having ends which are smooth and without teeth; and e. said oval shaped retaining wire being placed in said annular groove such that its ends nearly abut one another at the central area of one lengthwise wall of said annular groove; f. wherein said oval shaped retaining wire lies flush against the wall of said annular groove.

Claim 61

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central oval shaped opening for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central oval shaped opening, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is a retaining means for use in the frame for retaining an object of oval configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; b. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; c. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; and e. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires placed into said annular groove such that each end of said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire nearly abuts a corresponding end of said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the frame by said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires but can easily be removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 62

A frame characterized by an upper face having a large central oval shaped opening for exposing an object, a lower face having a large central oval shaped opening, an inner transverse circumferential wall containing a transverse critical dimension inner wall portion adjacent the upper face, the circumference of the critical dimension inner wall being only slightly larger than the corresponding circumference of the object to be retained within it, and an annular groove in the inner transverse circumferential wall and beneath the critical dimension inner wall, wherein the improvement is a retaining means for use in the frame for retaining an object of oval configuration and specific size therein, the retaining means comprising: a. first semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; b. said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; c. a second semi-oval shaped retaining wire conforming to the size and shape of one half of said annular groove; d. said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire containing a kink located within approximately a fifteen (15) degree arc from one end; and e. said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires placed into said annular groove such that each end of said first semi-oval shaped retaining wire nearly abuts a corresponding end of said second semi-oval shaped retaining wire; f. whereby the object is securely maintained within the frame by said first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires but can easily be removed by placement of a thin sharp object at the location of the kink in each retaining wire.

Claim 63

The invention as defined in claim 44, wherein the ends of the first and the second semi-oval retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wires.

Claim 64

The invention as claimed in claim 45 wherein the ends of the oval shaped retaining wire are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.

Claim 65

The invention as defined in claim 46, wherein the ends of the first and second semi-oval shaped retaining wires are separated by a gap which is less than one half the diameter of the retaining wire.