EP1116453A1

EP1116453A1 - A device capable of regulating the length of the string of a necklace

Info

Publication number: EP1116453A1
Application number: EP01100544A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marilisa Zen
Original assignee: Zen & Key Srl
Current assignee: Zen & Key Srl
Priority date: 2000-01-14
Filing date: 2001-01-10
Publication date: 2001-07-18
Also published as: JP2001231615A; IL140690A0; ITVI20000009A1; US20010008075A1

Abstract

The device (1) is capable of regulating the length of the string of a necklace (6) of the type provided with a chain or other filiform support of a pendant for ornamental use produced in the jewelry field and costume jewelry such for example a "collino" which is a thin chain to be used around the neck to which a little medal (9) or a little cross can be hanged on, a bracelet, an earring and similar products. The device has a particular conformation of the means capable of regulating in the desired manner the length of the chain or the other filiform structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the achievement of a device to be applied to a chain or other filiform structures for ornamental use.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART

In the jewelry field and costume jewelry in general the necklaces made of a precious metal, precious alloys or non-precious metal are frequently made substantially of a filiform structure which supports a pendant and constitutes a "collino" which is a thin chain to be used around the neck to which a little medal or a little cross can be hanged on, a bracelet, an earring and similar products. These filiform structures or chains are sold to the final customer with a precise length.
Consequently the necklace or the ornamental article which is made joining the chain to a pendant, such as a medal or other pendant, when it is worn, will have a single conformation, so that when the aesthetic requirements are changed, there is a different length and the individual is limited in the choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to achieve a device which when applied to the string of a necklace, provides the possibility of varying the profile as desired, by approaching one to the other two portions of the chain or varying the length of the chain.
This object is achieved by means of an elastic element, referred to hereinbelow with the generic term of button, which button anchors itself to the chain thus preventing the chain to slide.
Constructively the button is composed of two semishells, placed one against the other and partially interpenetrating. On the lateral wall of each semishell there is present at least one pair of openings which are coaxial and diametrically opposite.
These two semishells are reciprocally mounted in such a manner that the openings of a semishell mate with the openings of the other semishell, thus allowing for the passage through them of the filiform element or the chain (6). In the interior of the two semishells is present an elastic element as a spring which being mounted in precompression, has the tendency to push towards the exterior the two semishells, that is to place them at a distance one from the other. This sliding or reciprocal outdistancing of the two semishells causes the openings to lose their axial alignment, which causes a tendency to cutting and the deformation of the portion of the chain engaged with the openings so as to generate a friction force which blocks the button on the same chain.
In operation, when the individual who is wearing the necklace wishes to modify the position of the button, he must compress the two semishells reciprocally in order to overcome the pushing force of the internal elastic element in order to eliminate the hooking to the chain of the button which may therefore freely run.
These and other features of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the description of a few possible embodiments provided as non-limiting illustrations, by reference to the drawings, of which:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3: show respectively three orthogonal views of the device of this invention;
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6: show possible applications of the device of this invention.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, the device of this invention is constituted by a body or button (1), composed of two semishells (2) and (3), which have on their lateral wall two pairs of openings (4) and (5). The openings are disposed in such a manner that when the semishells are mounted reciprocally interpenetrating, the openings fit together to allow the passage of the filiform element of the chain (6).
In the interior of the two semishells is placed spring (7) which is mounted precompressed. The spring has the tendency to push the two semishells towards the exterior so that they generate a cutting force in the area of contact chain/openings which is sufficient to maintain the body or button (1) anchored to the chain.
Fig. 4 shows the use of the button (1) to cause an approachment of the two portions (8) of the chain, these portions being comprised between the pendant (9) and the button (1).
Figs. 5 and 6 show the button (1) located on the pendant (10) or (11) so that it is possible to position the pendant at a different height. Specifically, in Fig. 6 the pendant (11) becomes hollow so that it is possible to receive the portion (12) of the chain which is located under the button.
Obviously some embodiments different from the illustrated embodiments are possible, such as the use of a single pair of openings. In addition the button may be made in every shape, dimension and material, precious and non-precious, without exiting from the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Claims

A device capable of regulating the length of the string of a necklace of the type provided with a chain or other filiform element for supporting a pendant, for ornamental use, produced in the jewelry field and in the field of costume jewelry including a "collino", which is a thin chain to be used around the neck to which a little medal or a little cross can be hanged on a chain for the neck, a bracelet, an earring and similar products, characterized by the fact that the device comprises two semishells (2,3) which are located one opposite to the other and partially interpenetrating, said semishells forming button (1), on the lateral wall of each semishell being placed at least one pair of openings (4,5), said openings being coaxial and diametrically opposite, said semishells being reciprocally mounted in such a manner that the openings of one semishell mate with the openings of the other semishell, whereby passage is allowed between them of the filiform or chain (6), an elastic contrast element (7) being located in the interior of said semishells, said elastic element being mounted precompressed and having the ability of pushing towards the exterior said two semishells, whereby they distance one from the other.
The device according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that the sliding or the reciprocal outdistancing of the two semishells (2,3) causes said openings (4,5) to lose their axial alignment, whereby a tendency to cutting and a deformation of the portion of the chain (6) engaged with the openings occur whereby friction force is developed, said force blocking said device on said chain.
The device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the fact that it is positioned in a manner to cause the two portions (8) of the chain which are comprised between the pendant and the device to approach.
The device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by the fact that it is located on the body of the pendant (10,11).
The device according to claim 4 characterized by the fact that said pendant (11) is hollow whereby it may receive the portion of the chain (12) which is located under said button (1).
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that it is made in every shape, dimension and material, precious and non-precious.