EP0250321B1 - Ornamental article - Google Patents

Ornamental article Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0250321B1
EP0250321B1 EP19870401365 EP87401365A EP0250321B1 EP 0250321 B1 EP0250321 B1 EP 0250321B1 EP 19870401365 EP19870401365 EP 19870401365 EP 87401365 A EP87401365 A EP 87401365A EP 0250321 B1 EP0250321 B1 EP 0250321B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
string
ornamental article
article according
gem
gem objects
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19870401365
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0250321A2 (en
EP0250321A3 (en
Inventor
Mitsuhiro Yoda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0250321A2 publication Critical patent/EP0250321A2/en
Publication of EP0250321A3 publication Critical patent/EP0250321A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0250321B1 publication Critical patent/EP0250321B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C11/00—Watch chains; Ornamental chains
    • A44C11/002—Ornamental chains composed of pearls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ornamental article comprising a multiplicity of gem objects interconnected by a string passing through holes defined in the gem objects.
  • the present invention is applicable to annular ornamental articles such as a necklace, a pendant, a bracelet, a hair band, a string of beads, an anklet ring, and the like.
  • gem objects used throughout the specification means precious stones, semiprecious stones, pearls, pieces of coral, amber, tortoise shell, and ivory, synthetic stones, imitation stones, and precious metals.
  • the gem objects when finished, are generally of a spherical shape or in the form of a particulate body or small mass having a spherical surface.
  • FIG. l5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates three spherical gem objects la, lb, lc having respective through holes through which a string 2 passes.
  • Each of the gem objects has a radius r .
  • the length L of the string 2 which is inserted in the three gem objects is therefore equal to 6 r .
  • strung gem objects are generally used as a necklace, for example, in an annular or arcuate form and worn by the user.
  • the string 2 is subjected to a strong tensile force.
  • FIG. l6 shows the manner in which the three strung gem objects are used in an arcuate form. It is empirically known that the maximum angle ⁇ through which adjacent two of the strung gem objects are angularly displaced, or the string is bent, when the chain of the gem objects flexes, is 45 degrees. This requires manufacturers of ornamental articles to thread the gem objects on the string so that they can withstand damaging stresses even when two adjacent gem objects are angularly displaced through 45 degrees. Stated otherwise, the strung gem objects are practically usable sufficiently if they can withstand stresses arising from bending through 45 degrees. However, there are some technical difficulties in meeting the above requirement.
  • the string 2 is kept under suitable tension in FIG. l5, the string 2 tends to be excessively tensioned and at times cut off or elongated when bent as shown in FIG. l6.
  • the unduly tensioned string 2 imposes localized forces on ends of the hole of the gem object, with the result that the ends of the hole of the gem object are highly likely to be damaged especially when the gem objects are easily damageable pieces such as pearls. Therefore, the procedure for threading gem objects requires much skill on the part of the worker who assembles chains of gem objects.
  • the string used is limited in terms of material and performace. Even if a chain of gem objects is assembled with the required degree of skill and a desired string, the string is still apt to rupture when the chain of gem objects is strongly bent over or caused to flex.
  • FIGS. l8 through 2l show a conventional process of stringing a series of gem objects 42 and securing them to a stretchable string 4l.
  • a string 4l is threaded successively through holes 43 of the gem objects, and the end 4la of the string 4l is passed through a ring 44 and then folded back.
  • the string 4l is firmly joined to the ring 44 by a knot 45, and passed successively through the gem objects 42 backwards while under strong tension.
  • a knot 46 is formed on the string 4l to keep the gem object 42 in position on the tensioned string 4l, as shown in FIGS. l9 through 2l.
  • the string 4l is knotted in this manner until all of the gem objects 42 are securely fastened in place. Therefore, the gem objects 42 are strung by and fixed in place on two strings.
  • nonstretchable string such as a metal wire for strining gem objects, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57(l982)-6034l.
  • the string tends to be elongated during usage and with time, leaving gaps between the gem objects, which are then loosened and become unsightly.
  • the tip end of the string or wire is apt to be frayed and the frayed string or wire would not be threaded easily through the gem objects. It would be impossible to mechanically thread a string through a succession of gem objects. Even after the gem objects have been strung, the tip end of the string tends to be frayed, and the frayed string end may be responsible for loosening of the gem objects and is poor in appearance.
  • the open ends of the through holes of the gem objects are worn by the metal wire as they rotated during usage over a long period of time.
  • the worn gem objects are quite unsightly, and, above all, it is intolerable to the consumers to find their expensive gem objects damaged.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an ornamental article of strung gem objects which is so designed that no excessive tensile forces will be applied to the string even when the article is strongly bent over, for protection of the string and the gem objects against damage.
  • Still another object of the present invention to provide an ornamental article of strung gem objects which can be adjusted in length even after it is completed.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide an arnamental article of strung gem objects which are prevented from being loosened, has its string end prevented from being frayed, and prevents the through holes of the gem objects from being worn during usage over an extended period of time, so that the ornamental article will be kept graceful and smooth over a long period of time.
  • an ornamental article comprising a plurality of gem objects each having a spherical surface and a through hole extending substantially perpendicularly to the spherical surface, a string threaded through the gem objects to interconnect them, and a plurality of spacers of an elastomeric material interposed between adjacent ones of the gem objects and having through holes through which the string extends, the spherical surface of each of the adjacent gem objects having a radius of curvature of r , the thicker central portion having a thickness of at most 0.15 r , each spacer having a diameter of at most 0.77 r .
  • FIG. 7 shows the principles of the present invention.
  • Two small spherical gem objects 1d, 1e each having a radius r are angularly displaced so that the through holes in the gem objects 1d, 1e have their central axes 1d-1, 1e-1 intersecting at 45 degrees.
  • the through holes have exit ends A, B, respectively.
  • the gem objects 1d, 1e are held in contact with each other at a point C.
  • a perpendicular from the point C to a line AB has a foot H.
  • AB 0.15 r
  • CH 0.385 r .
  • the spacer would prevent the strung ornamental article from flexing unless the spacer had a thickness of 0.15 r or smaller and a diameter of 0.77 r .
  • the string threaded through the gem objects 1d, 1e can be kept at constant tension without preventing the strung ornamental article from flexing, by placing, between the gem objects 1d, 1e, an elastomeric thin abacus-bead-shaped spacer having a thickness of 0.15 r or smaller and a diameter of 0.77 r or smaller.
  • FIG. 1 shows an ornamental article according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the ornamental article has a multiplicity of spherical gem objects threaded on a string 2. Only adjacent two 1a, 1b out of the strung gem objects are illustrated in FIG. 1, the gem objects 1a, 1b each having a radius r .
  • a thin abacus-bead-shaped spacer 3 made of rubber is interposed between the gem objects 1a, 1b and threaded on the string 2.
  • the spacer 3 has a maximum thickness of 0.15 r and a diameter of 0.77 r or less. Assuming that each of the gem objects 1a, 1b has a diameter R, the diameter of the spacer 3 is 0.77 r or smaller. However, it is preferable that the radius of the spacer 3 be 0.15 r or less to make the spacer 3 less conspicuous.
  • the spacer 3 is required to be thicker in its central portion and a thinner in its outer circumferential edge.
  • the spacer 3 serves to keep the string 2 under substantially constant tension without preventing the ornamental article from flexing even when the gem objects 1a, 1b are angularly displaced or bent as indicated by the imaginary lines.
  • FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
  • a spacer 4 interposed between the gem objects 1a, 1b has its circumferential edge cut off or chamferred.
  • the spacer 4 has a central hole with its open ends enlarged for facilitating the threading of the string therethrough.
  • two spacers 5 are placed side by side between the gem objects 1a, 1b.
  • the combined thickness of the two spacers 5 is selected to be 0.15 r or less.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an ornamental article according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.
  • a spacer 6 interposed between the gem objects 1a, 1b is shaped like a double-convex lens.
  • FIG. 5 shows a modification of the ornamental article of FIG. 4.
  • a spacer 7 is constructed of a combination of conical and frustoconical layers having an outer profile inscribed in a reference surface 6' (indicated by the imaginary lines) of a double-convex-lens form.
  • the outer circumferential edged of the spacer 7 may be cut off or chamferred as indicated by the dotted lines 7 ⁇ .
  • gem objects lf, lg are substantially cylindrical in shape and have respective end surfaces lf-l, lg-l which are near-plane spherical surfaces (their radii of curvature are quite large).
  • the gem objects lf, lg have respective through holes lf-2, lg-2 through which a string is inserted, the holes lf-2, lg-2 extending substantially perpendicularly to the spherical surfaces lf-l, lg-l.
  • a spacer 8 interposed between the gem objects lf, lg is of a double-convex shape with its outer circumferential edge chamferred.
  • the ratio of the number of spacers to the number of gem objects, and the positions where the spacers are placed may be varied to enable the spacers to function properly.
  • the ornamental article of the invention is highly effective for greater consumer protection and smoother distribution in the gem market.
  • the string is not subjected to strong tensile forces, a range of strings that can be used is widened, i.e., more and less stretchable strings can be employed.
  • the strung gem objects are of higher durability as they are free of damage which would otherwise arise from undue tension of the string.
  • FIG. 8 shows an ornamental article according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the ornamental article generally denoted by the reference numeral 10, includes a nonstretchable string 11 threaded through gem objects 12.
  • the string 11 is in the form of a metal wire of steel (for example, of SAS 304 or SAS 316) coated with synthetic resin such as vinyl, nylon, Teflon, or the like or natural resin such as lacquer, or inserted through a slender tube made of any of these resins.
  • synthetic resin such as vinyl, nylon, Teflon, or the like or natural resin such as lacquer
  • a silk thread or a non-stretchable thread may be used and coated with any of the above resins.
  • the string 1 may be colored to match the color of the gem objects 12.
  • the gem objects 12 are of a spherical shape such as pearls, for example, and have diametrical through holes 13 extending substantially perpendicularly to the spherical surface of the gem objects 12, which are interconnected by the string 11 inserted through the holes 13.
  • An O-ring-shaped or annular spacer 14 made of an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber is interposed between two adjacent gem objects 12 and threaded on the string 11.
  • the spacer 14 has a maximum thickness of 0.15 r and a diameter of 0.77 r .
  • the spacer 14 is disposed in each space between two adjacent gem objects 12.
  • the spacer 14 may be constructed of larger and smaller spacer members, and may be interposed between gem objects of different diameters or different shapes.
  • a spherical spacer having a radius of 0.15 r or less may be interposed between two adjacent gem objects 12.
  • the opposite ends of the string 11 are folded back to form rings 11a and tubular clamps 15 of synthetic resin are fitted respectively over folded back portions llc.
  • the tubular clamps l5 are fixed by fusing or bonding to an intermediate portion of the string ll adjacent to the rings lla.
  • the clamps l5 of synthetic resin may be dispensed with, and the resin on the string ll may be fused or bonded to fix the folded back portion of the string ll to the intermediate portion thereof.
  • the tubular clamps l5 are shown as being fixed to the folded string portions, the clamps l5 are actually concealed from view as they are positioned in through holes l3 of the endmost gem objects l2 during usage of the ornamental article l0.
  • the clamps l5 may be of metal rather than synthetic resin, and may be fixed in place by staking which may preferably be followed by bonding for increased strength. To prevent the clamps l5 from becoming loose in use, one or two knots may be formed on the string ll at the folded-back ends thereof. If a conventional string or a metal wire were employed in this case, it should be knotted firmly as it is slippery. Since the string ll of the invention is coated, the coated surfaces are brought into intimated contact with each other even when the string ll is lightly knotted, and the string ll remains firmly knotted. The string ll can easily be unknotted because it is lightly knotted.
  • the ring lla on the end of the string ll is coupled via a C ring l6 to a ring l7a or directly to a ring l7a integrally formed with a clasp member l7b, which may be connected to a companion clasp member l7c coupled to the other ring l7a.
  • the gem objects l2 can easily and quickly be placed on the string ll simply by threading the string ll through the gem objects l2 alternating with the spacers l4.
  • the assembling process is highly efficient and can be carried out by an unskilled worker. Since the string ll is protected by the resin coating, its end is not frayed during the threading operation and also usage, and the string ll can smoothly be threaded successively through the gem objects l2 and the spacers l4 while the string ll itself is serving as a guide needle. The string ll can thus automatically be threaded through the gem objects l2 and the spacers l4 on an automatic assembling machine.
  • the length of the string ll can be adjusted even after the ornamental article has been completed.
  • the strung gem objectgs l2 of the present invention are prevented from being loosened during usage for a long period of time, and the ends of the string ll are also prevented from being frayed, so that the string of gem objects will remain gracefull and smooth for an extended period of time.
  • FIG. 9 shows an ornamental article with accent rings 2l each interposed between two adjacent gem objects l2.
  • Each of the accent rings 2l includes diamonds or other precious stones 22 set on a side wall 2la of the ring.
  • the rings 2l are located in one or more angularly spaced positions on the ornamental article l0 to give the latter an accent in appearance.
  • Each of the accent rings 2l has a slant groove 2lb defined in the side wall 2la, and can be brought into or out of a position between two adjacent gem objects l2 by inserting the string ll through the groove 2lb.
  • the rings ll are prevented from being accidentally detached since the groove 2lb extends oblightly to the axis thereof.
  • the ring 2l may itself be spread out so as to be removed from the ornamental article.
  • Each of the accent rings 2l may be disposed over one of the spacers l4, or may be positioned between one of the spacers l4 and an adjacent gem object l2.
  • Each of the accent rings 2l has spherical recesses defined in its opposite axial ends for contact with the gem object l2 and the spacer l4 so that the accent ring 2l is fixed stably in position and the gem object l2 and the spacer l4 are prevented from damage.
  • FIG. l0A shows a pendant 33 suspended from an annular member 3l supported on the string and interposed between two adjacent gem objects l2.
  • the pendant 33 is suspended by a C ring 22 from the annular member 3l to give the strung gem objects l2 an accent in appearance.
  • the annular member 3l may have a groove defined in its side wall or may be spread out so that it can be removed from the ornamental article. Instead of the annular member 3l, a member similar to a paper clip may be interposed between the gem objects l2 and the pendant 33 may be hung from such a member.
  • FIG. l0B illustrates a brooch 34 coupled to an annular member 35 suspended from the string between two adjacent gem objects.
  • the annular member 35 has a groove 35a defined in its side portion and two through holes 35b defined in portions spaced from the groove 35a in opposite directions and aligned with each other.
  • the brooch 34 has an engaging pin 34a extending through the holes 35b to prevent the string from slipping out of the annular member 35 through the groove 35a.
  • the brooch 34 thus attached to the ornamental article gives an additional ornamental effect to the ornamental article.
  • FIG. l0C shows an earwire 36 for attachment to a pierced ear.
  • the earwire 36 has an engaging pin 36a extending through the holes 35b defined in the annular member. 35 hanging from the string between two adjacent gem objects.
  • FIG. l0D shows a brooch 37 including an integral annular member for directly attaching the brooch 37 to the ornamental article.
  • the brooch 37 also includes an engaging pin 37a pivotally joined to its back by a pivot member 37b having an integral ring 37c serving as the annular member.
  • the ring 37c has a slit 37d through which the string is inserted into the ring 37c to couple the brooch 37 directly to the ornamental article between two adjacent gem objects thereof.
  • FIG. l0E depicts an ornamental spherical gem object 38 including an engaging pin 38a inserted therein and a ring 39 mounted on the outer end of the engaging pin 38a and suspended from the string of the ornamental article.
  • the ring 39 has a slit 39a through which the string is inserted into the ring 39 to couple the spherical gem object 38 to the ornamental article between two adjacent gem objects thereof.
  • various ornamental pieces such as a pendant, a brooch, an earwire and the like may be attached to strings of gem objects to give the latter an added ornamental effect.
  • one end lb of a non-stretchable string l coated on its outer surface with synthetic resin or natural resin is folded back to form a ring la.
  • Tubular clamps l5 of synthetic resin are fitted over a folded-back portion llc adjacent to the ring lla, and fused or bonded to secure the string end llb to an intermediate portion lld of the string ll.
  • tubular clamps of metal may be fitted over the folded-back portion llc and secured by staking to secure the string end llb to the intermediate portion lld. While two tubular clamps l5 are shown, only one tubular clamp may be used to secure the string end llb.
  • a C ring 6 is coupled to the ring lla, and as shown in FIG. l3, a desired number of gem objects l2 alternating with O-ring-shaped spacers l4 of elastomeric material such as silicone rubber are successively threaded on the string ll from the other end thereof.

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  • Adornments (AREA)
EP19870401365 1986-06-17 1987-06-17 Ornamental article Expired EP0250321B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP14116586A JPS62298305A (ja) 1986-06-17 1986-06-17 連珠宝飾品及びその作製方法
JP141165/86 1986-06-17

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0250321A2 EP0250321A2 (en) 1987-12-23
EP0250321A3 EP0250321A3 (en) 1988-07-20
EP0250321B1 true EP0250321B1 (en) 1991-09-04

Family

ID=15285645

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19870401365 Expired EP0250321B1 (en) 1986-06-17 1987-06-17 Ornamental article

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0250321B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS62298305A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE3772639D1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1219523B (it) * 1987-04-06 1990-05-18 Kiyohiro Kanno Dispositivo di connesione delle perle o altri articoli di gioielleria per formare collane o simili
US5398391A (en) * 1992-07-31 1995-03-21 Yokochi; Tokio Wire connection member for strung beads ornaments
JP2578167Y2 (ja) * 1993-06-30 1998-08-06 安彦 殿川 装飾品のワイヤ
JP3939647B2 (ja) * 2000-11-06 2007-07-04 六甲真珠貿易株式会社 装身具
JP4669985B2 (ja) * 2003-10-29 2011-04-13 有限会社真珠堂 装身用球体、装身用球体からなる装身具及びその製造方法
FR3049829B1 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2022-01-28 Pascale Bataillou Procede de fabrication de bijoux, de fermoirs, d'accessoires decoratifs avec perles

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1522297A (en) * 1922-08-25 1925-01-06 Frank J Godsol Identification device
GB236866A (en) * 1925-04-02 1925-07-16 Viva Fraser Improved construction of bead bracelet or the like
US1711848A (en) * 1927-09-28 1929-05-07 Charles E Heitkemper Clasp
US3685284A (en) * 1970-11-10 1972-08-22 Valentine J Taubner Jr Flexible, linked jewelry beads
JPS5760341Y2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1980-02-25 1982-12-23
JPS56150415U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1980-04-10 1981-11-11
JPS5760341U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1980-09-27 1982-04-09
JPS5929559Y2 (ja) * 1981-07-08 1984-08-24 田崎真珠株式会社 ネツクレス等の身飾品
JPS59179614U (ja) * 1983-05-20 1984-11-30 株式会社　マキ製作所 装飾品
DE3319163A1 (de) * 1983-05-26 1984-12-20 Fa. Ursula Hall, Natur-, Gold- und Silberschmuck, 5250 Engelskirchen Kugelkalotte und verwendung einer solchen in einem verfahren zur finierung von ketten

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0250321A2 (en) 1987-12-23
JPS62298305A (ja) 1987-12-25
EP0250321A3 (en) 1988-07-20
DE3772639D1 (de) 1991-10-10
JPH0425801B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1992-05-01

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