EP0920264A1

EP0920264A1 - Piece of jewellery

Info

Publication number: EP0920264A1
Application number: EP98930678A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Friedrich Zettl
Original assignee: Friedrich Zettl GmbH
Current assignee: Friedrich Zettl GmbH
Priority date: 1997-06-02
Filing date: 1998-05-09
Publication date: 1999-06-09
Also published as: JP2000505716A; WO1998054999A1; US6260381B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of jewellery with a first part (5) and second part (3), and a hinge (7) which provides a flexible link between the two parts (3, 5) in such a way that said parts (3, 5) can be moved between a first closed and a second open position. The inventive piece of jewellery is characterised in that a spring element (21) is provided to force the two parts (3, 5) into the closed position.

Description

Trinket

The invention relates to a piece of jewelry with a first and a second part and a hinge which hinges the two parts to one another in such a way that the parts can be moved between a first closed and a second open position.

From the document DE 34 34 475 AI an earring is known, which is composed of two parts, which are connected by a hinge are articulated together. Such articulated connections are also known for bracelets. In general, they make it easier to put on the piece of jewelry.

The earring shown in the above-mentioned document is held in its closed position by means of a locking mechanism which comprises a resilient pin with a notch on one side and a nose which snaps into the notch on the other side. Since the spring pin reaches through the perforated ear, its maximum diameter is limited. However, this also places limits on the spring force and the stability of this spring pin. Because of this, it can happen that the locking mechanism stops working properly after a certain time. In the worst case, the earring will be lost.

In addition, the hinge mechanism of the known earring, despite its good function, is still in need of improvement, in particular to further increase the ease of use and wearing.

Against this background, the object on which the invention is based is to further develop a piece of jewelry of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, on the one hand, the locking mechanism is supported and, on the other hand, the operating and wearing comfort is increased.

This object is achieved in a piece of jewelry of the type mentioned in that a spring means is provided which forces the two parts into the closed position. The advantage of this spring means can be seen on the one hand in that the security against unintentional opening of the piece of jewelry is increased and the locking mechanism is supported. On the other hand, the creation of the piece of jewelry is made considerably easier by the good positional fixation of the individual parts and the closing of the piece of jewelry caused by the spring means.

In an advantageous development of the invention, at least the first part is hollow and the spring means is arranged within the first part.

This has the advantage that the spring means is not visible from the outside, which is very important in particular for jewelry.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the spring means has a spiral spring. The spiral spring is preferably made of the same material as the two parts.

This has the advantage that a structurally simple and therefore inexpensive configuration of the spring means is achieved.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the hinge comprises a first hinge part assigned to the first part and a second hinge part assigned to the second part, the holding element connecting both hinge parts to one another, the spring means being fixed on the one hand to the holding element and on the other hand to the first part. Preferably, the holding element is rotatably attached to the second hinge part and connected to the first part via the spring means. The first hinge part and the holding element are preferably designed such that the first part is moved relative to the holding element when moving into the open position.

This configuration of the piece of jewelry has been found to be particularly advantageous in terms of function and construction effort.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the first hinge part comprises a tapering recess having a wall, at the bottom of which there is an opening penetrating the hinge part, and the second hinge part comprises a longitudinal section which is adapted to the shape of the recess and projects into the recess , and the holding element has a first longitudinal section passing through the opening and a second longitudinal section adjoining it, a shoulder being formed between the first and the second longitudinal section, which abuts the wall of the recess.

This has the advantage that the displacement of the first part when moving into the open position relative to the holding element is made possible with simple means. When moving into the open position, an area of the longitudinal section is supported on the wall of the recess and thus virtually forms the fulcrum of the two parts. The position of the holding element changes relative to the first part, so that the spring means is stressed.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a partially cylindrical further recess is provided at the base of the recess, and the second hinge part has a shape similar to that of section adapted to another recess, which - in the closed position - engages in the further recess.

This has the advantage that the first part is forced into a defined position when it is closed. The further recess and the section adapted to it thus act as an alignment or centering means.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the first part has a stop means which is arranged at a distance from the first hinge part, and the spring element is attached on the one hand to the stop means and on the other hand to the holding element, so that the spring means extends between the first hinge part and the stop means .

This has the advantage that the spring means as a whole builds the piece of jewelry in a structurally very simple manner and is therefore inexpensive to implement.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the two hinge parts have surfaces facing one another, and the two surfaces are designed such that rotation of one of the two parts about its longitudinal axis leads to a displacement of this part in the longitudinal direction.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the first longitudinal section of the holding element has a support surface, and the spring means extends along the first longitudinal section and is supported on the one hand on the support surface and on the other hand on the first hinge part. In this embodiment, the spring means is subjected to pressure since the spring means is compressed when the two parts are opened. This configuration has the advantage that the hinge can be completely prefabricated together with the spring means. It only has to be inserted into the first or the second part. A connection of the spring means to the first part is not necessary.

The piece of jewelry is preferably designed as an earring, the first and the second part being tubular and in the closed position forming a closed, preferably circular outline. However, the piece of jewelry can also be a bangle.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the description and the accompanying drawing.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

1 is a schematic representation of the hinge according to a first embodiment,

2 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the individual parts of the hinge shown in FIG. 1, 3 shows a schematic illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a hinge,

4 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

5 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

6 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

7 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

8 shows a schematic illustration of the individual parts of the hinge shown in FIG. 7,

9 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

10 shows a schematic illustration of the individual parts of the hinge shown in FIG. 9,

11 shows a schematic illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the hinge,

Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the hinge, and Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a last embodiment of the hinge.

The piece of jewelry according to the invention is explained purely by way of example using an earring, namely a so-called folding hoop. It is understood that the invention is not limited to earrings. Rather, the hinge with spring mechanism explained below can also be used, for example, in bracelets. 1 to 13, the same reference numerals are used throughout for the same parts. To simplify matters, parts that have already been described have not been described again.

In Fig. 1 a section of a folding creole 1 is shown, which comprises two parts 3, 5 hinged or articulated at a point S. The two parts 3, 5 are tubular, i.e. hollow, and preferably have a circular cross section. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable. The two parts 3, 5 are - seen in plan view - designed so that they form a closed shape, for example a circle. At the ends of the two parts 3, 5 facing away from the connection point S, a locking mechanism is attached which, for example, has a pin which interacts with a pin receptacle. For the sake of clarity, this locking mechanism is not shown in the figures. A corresponding disclosure and explanation of such a locking mechanism can be found in the document DE 34 34 475 AI.

A hinge 7 connecting the two parts 3, 5 comprises a first hinge part 9, which is part 5, and a second hinge kidney part 11, which is assigned to part 3. The two hinge parts 9, 11 are connected to one another by means of an elongated flag 13, the flag 13 being rotatably connected to the second hinge part 11 via a pin 15 about an axis running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The end of the flag 13 facing the first hinge part 9 is received in the first hinge part 9 so as to be displaceable in the direction of an axis A, but the displaceability is limited by stops 17.1 and 17.2. The stop 17.1 cooperates with the surface of the first hinge part 9 facing the part 13, while the stop 17.2 cooperates with a surface 18 which faces away from the part 3.

The flag 13 has an eyelet 19 which lies in the interior of the part 5. At this eyelet 19, a spiral spring 21 is attached at one end. The other end of the spring 21 is attached to an eyelet 23 firmly connected to the part 5. Preferably, the eyelet 23 is part of a cover 25 closing the part 5 at its longitudinal end. The spring 21, which is preferably made of a noble metal, is designed such that it pulls the flag 13 with its stop 17.1 against the first hinge part 9.

1 that the first hinge part 9 has a conical recess 27 which extends from the side of the hinge part 9 facing the part 3 in the direction of the surface 18. A correspondingly adapted, ie conical, longitudinal section of the second hinge part 11 engages in this recess 27. In Fig. 2, the two hinge parts 9, 11 and the flag 13 are shown again in isolation.

As can be seen from the sectional view of the first hinge part 9 in FIG. 2, the conical recess 27 merges into an opening 29 which passes through the hinge part. This opening 29 is preferably designed as a slot, one longitudinal side of which is designed to be open at the edge. The hinge part 9 is preferably a rotationally symmetrical body that can be easily manufactured, for example, by means of an automatic lathe.

2 that the first hinge part 9 has steps 31, 33. The annular step 31 serves as a stop when the hinge part 9 is inserted into the part 5.

The second hinge part 11 has a longitudinal section 35, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the recess 27. It is therefore conical. This longitudinal section 35 is followed by a longitudinal section 37 which is circular in cross section.

In a sectional view B it can be seen that the hinge part 11 has a longitudinal slot 39 which is open towards the end of the second hinge part 11 facing the first hinge part 9. Furthermore, it can be seen that a bore 41 running perpendicular to the slot 39 is provided for receiving a pin, not shown. The second hinge part 11 is also preferably rotationally symmetrical. trained trisch so that it can be manufactured with an automatic lathe.

The flag 13, also shown in FIG. 2, has an elongated shape, the flag 13 being composed of a first longitudinal section 43, a second longitudinal section 45 and a third longitudinal section 47. Because the second, central longitudinal section 45 has a lower height h than the other two longitudinal sections 43, 47, the two stops 17.1 and 17.2 are formed. The flag 13 is, as can be seen in the sectional view C, rectangular in longitudinal section. The flag 13 is preferably designed as a stamped part.

2 that the flag 13 has a bore 49 provided in the first longitudinal section 43.

In the functional state of the hinge 7, the section 35 of the second hinge part 11 lies in the recess 27 of the first hinge part 9. To connect the two hinge parts 9, 11, the flag 13 with its second longitudinal section 45 is inserted into the opening 29 and the longitudinal section 43 in inserted the slot 39 such that the bores 41 and 49 are aligned. For the rotatable connection, a pin is inserted into the bore 41 and the bore 49. Because the longitudinal extent of the longitudinal section 45 is greater than the longitudinal extent of the opening 29, the flag 13 is held so that it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first hinge part 9. The spring 21, as can be seen in FIG. 1, ensures that the longitudinal section 35 is pulled firmly into the receptacle 27, and thus causes a defined position of the hinge 7. In this defined position, the folding creole 1 is closed. When the folding creole is opened, ie when rotating at least one of the two parts 3, 5 about an axis running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, the conical section 35 is tilted in the recess 27. As a result, the flag 13 is shifted until the stop 17.2 strikes the first hinge part 9. By shifting the flag 13, the spring 21 is tensioned so that a force acting in the direction of the hinge part 9 is exerted on the flag 13 and thus on the second hinge part 11. This force ensures that the two parts 3, 5 are pushed back into their closed starting position.

FIG. 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a folding creole 1, which essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. The only difference is that the recess 27 is not conical but in the form of a spherical cap. In the area of the opening 29, a further spherical cap-shaped recess 51 with a smaller diameter is provided.

The longitudinal section 35 of the second hinge part 11 is correspondingly designed so that it fits into the shape of the recess 27 and 51. In this embodiment too, the flag 13 is displaced by rotating at least one of the two parts 3, 5 about an axis of rotation running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the second recess 51 ensures that the two parts 3, 5 - in the closed state - assume a defined position to each other.

The extent to which the two parts 3, 5 can be rotated relative to one another is essentially determined by the configuration of the recess 27 and the extent to which the flag 13 can be displaced relative to the first hinge part 9.

FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment which differs only slightly from that shown in FIG. 1. The difference is that the recess 27 is partially cylindrical, the longitudinal axis, not shown, of which runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The longitudinal section 35 of the second hinge part 11 is also partially cylindrical and is adapted to the recess 27. However, this does not change the way this hinge works.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment which differs only slightly from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1. One difference is that the flag 13 completely penetrates the second hinge part 11 and is held by a widened section 53.

Another difference is that the longitudinal section 35 of the second hinge part 11 and the side of the first hinge part 9 facing the second hinge part 11 have an interlocking shape which, when the two parts 3, 5 are rotated about the axis A, ensures that move the two parts 3, 5 away from each other in the direction of the axis A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the surface of the hinge part 11 facing the hinge part 9 is designated by the reference symbol 57 and the surface of the hinge part 9 facing the hinge part 11 is identified by the reference number 55. 5, the two superimposed surfaces 55, 57 are wave-shaped. Characterized in that the distance of the two parts 3, 5 from each other is increased when rotating about the axis of rotation A, the flag 13 is displaced with respect to the first hinge part 9, so that the spring 21 is tensioned in this case too.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 works on the same principle. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, surface 55 of hinge part 9 has a cylindrical recess into which a cylindrical projection provided on surface 57 of hinge part 11 projects. The longitudinal axis of this cylindrical shape is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. This shape also causes an increase in the distance between the two parts 3, 5 from one another when one of the two parts 3, 5 rotates about the axis A, so that the flag 13 is in turn displaced against the spring force of the spring 21.

7 to 13 show further exemplary embodiments which correspond to the exemplary embodiments already described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 with regard to the design of the two hinge parts 9, 11. A further description of the mode of operation and the construction of these hinge parts is therefore omitted.

The only difference between the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 13 is that the spring 21 does not work as a tension spring as before but now as a compression spring. To do this reach, the flag 13 is elongated in the longitudinal direction and has a support surface 61 at its end in part 5. The spring 21 is now supported on the one hand on the first hinge part 9 and on the other hand on the support surface 61, and thus presses the second hinge part 11 against the first hinge part 9. If the two parts 3, 5 are rotated relative to one another, the flag 13 is displaced into Longitudinal direction, so that the spring 21 is compressed.

The advantage of this compression spring mechanism is the fact that the hinge can be completely assembled before it is inserted into the two parts 3, 5, since the spring 21 no longer has to be connected to the part 5 via an eyelet.

The hinge 7 is now manufactured as follows:

First, the punched-out flag 13 is inserted through the two hinge parts 9, 11. In the area of the second hinge part 11, the flag 13 is fastened, for example, by squeezing or soldering. The spring 21 is then slipped onto the extended section of the flag 13, the support surface 61 being made to fix the spring 21, for example by squeezing the flag 13. This longitudinal section of the flag 13 is then bent into a shape which corresponds to the shape of the part 5. This fully assembled hinge 7 is then inserted into both parts 3, 5 and fastened there, for example by soldering.

The assembly of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 is somewhat more extensive, since the hinge cannot be used fully assembled. In addition to the aforementioned manufacturing steps, the spring 21 must be cut to length and to be attached to the eyelet 23 of the lid 25, which is then attached to the end of the part 5.

In addition to the exemplary embodiments described, other configurations of the hinge 7, in particular also the recess 27, are of course also conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition to the spiral springs shown, other spring means are also conceivable.

Claims

claims

1. piece of jewelry with a first (5) and a second part (3) and a hinge (7) which hinges the two parts (3, 5) together, such that the parts (3, 5) between a first closed and a second open position are movable, characterized in that a spring means (21) is provided which forces the two parts (3, 5) into the closed position.

2. Piece of jewelry according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first part (5) is hollow, and that the spring means (21) is arranged within the first part (5).

3. Piece of jewelry according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring means (21) has a spiral spring.

4. Piece of jewelery according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge (7) comprises a first (9) the first part (5) and a second (11) the second part (3) associated hinge part and a holding element (13) , wherein the holding element (13) connects both hinge parts (9, 11) to each other, and that the spring means (21) is fixed on the one hand on the holding element (13) and on the other hand on the first part (5).

. Piece of jewelery according to claim 4, characterized in that the holding element (13) is rotatably attached to the second hinge part (11) and is connected to the first part (5) via the spring means (21).

6. Piece of jewelry according to claim 4, characterized in that the first hinge part (9), the holding element (13) and the second hinge part (11) are designed such that the first part (5) when moving into the open position relative to the Holding element (13) is shifted.

7. Piece of jewelery according to claim 6, characterized in that the first hinge part (9) comprises a tapering wall-containing recess (27), at the bottom of which an opening penetrating the hinge part (29) is provided that the second hinge part (11) has a longitudinal section (35) adapted to the shape of the recess, which projects into the recess (27), and that the holding element (13) has a first longitudinal section penetrating the opening and a second longitudinal section (45, 47) adjoining it, wherein between the first (45, 47) and the second longitudinal section (43) a shoulder (17.1) is formed, which rests on the wall of the recess (27).

8. Piece of jewelery according to claim 7, characterized in that a partially cylindrical further recess (51) is provided at the base of the recess (27) and that the second hinge part (11) has a section adapted to the shape of the further recess (51), which engages in the further recess (51) in the closed position.

9. Piece of jewelry according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (5) has a stop means (25) which is spaced from the first hinge part (9), and that the spring element (21) on the one hand on the stop means (25 ) and on the other hand is attached to the holding element (13) so that the spring means (21) extends between the first hinge part (9) and the stop means (25).

10. Piece of jewelry according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two hinge parts (9, 11) have mutually facing surfaces (55, 57), and that the two surfaces (55, 57) are designed such that a rotation of one of the two parts (3, 5) about its longitudinal axis leads to a displacement of this part (3, 5) in the longitudinal direction.

11. Piece of jewelry according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal section (45, 47) of the holding element (13) has a support surface (61), and that the spring means (21) along the first longitudinal section (45, 47) extends and is supported on the one hand on the support surface (61) and on the other hand on the first hinge part (9).

12. Piece of jewelry according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as an earring.

13. Piece of jewelery according to claim 12, characterized in that the first and the second part (3, 5) are tubular and form a closed, preferably circular outline in the closed position.

14. Piece of jewelry according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is designed as a bangle.