EP2120626B1 - Fastener for pieces of jewellery - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp for jewelry comprising a first hollow closure element which comprises a groove having an insertion aperture and extending at least partially around the circumference of the first closure element. The groove is configured to receive a fastening member of a second closure element which is insertable through the insertion aperture into the groove of the first closure element and whose cross-section is larger than the width of the groove. The first closure element comprises a wall at each of the two opposite end portions which ends the hollow first closure element, wherein the groove extends into the respective wall of the end portions and ends there.

Description

The present invention relates to a closure or a clasp for jewelry, in particular chains, such as necklaces.

Various embodiments of jewelry closure are known in the art. DE 298 07 163 U1 discloses a jewelry chain provided with a conventional spring ring, wherein for the connection of the spring ring with the end of the jewelry chain, an annular intermediate member is provided with an original and closable by a weld opening, wherein the intermediate member is formed flat and welded to the spring ring.

AT 379 301 C relates to a clasp for jewelry, one part of which consists of a closing ring, whereas the other part consists of interconnected, a gap releasing plates, wherein in the space defined by the plates, a pin is arranged as an engagement part for the locking ring.

Other closures for jewelry are for example in DE 82 23 357 U1 . DE 18 61 755 A . DE 30 36 059 A1 . DE 44 23 388 A1 . DE 90 03 320 U1 . DE 38 969 . DE 23 32 531 . DE 70 37 805 U1 . EP 0 382 068 A1 . EP 0 383 203 . EP 0 498 300 A1 . US 2 644 992 . US 2,539,777 and WO 98/33411 described.

DE 201 16 646 U1 discloses an interchangeable buckle for jewelery chains according to the bayonet principle with a female first part in the form of a tube with bottom lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis guide pin and groove and a second part to be inserted in the form of a tube with shaft with z-shaped guide and snap ring.

US 3,224,060 discloses a buckle of a tubular or generally cylindrical open-ended member. In the open-ended tubular member, there are provided two helically extending slots extending from the opposite ends toward the center, respectively extend. The slots form respective insertion openings at the ends. These insertion openings can be locked by means of two locking arms. The locking arms are each pivotally hinged diametrically opposite to the Einführöfnungen and can be locked with a locking head in the corresponding insertion opening.

US 5,653,009 describes a clasp for connecting two ends of a jewel with a cylindrical main body, at one end of an eyelet for attaching a first end of the jewel is firmly attached. The cylindrical main body has a rectilinear or curved line extending groove, which merges at the opposite end of the eyelet in an end wall of the main body. In this groove, a pin of another eyelet is inserted, to which a second end of the piece of jewelry is attached.

US 2 051 591 discloses a buckle with a box-like structure having side and end walls and a rear wall in addition to a decorated front to form a cavity. The back wall has a central opening and slots leading away from it to the end walls. The end walls are slightly concave to form seats. In the cavity, a spring plate is arranged, which has side wings and curved flanges extending in the direction of the rear wall. The curved flanges are slotted and aligned with the slots of the box-like structure. At the ends of a chain closure elements are each provided with a ball head, which can be inserted through the central opening and move along the slots in the direction of the end walls. By moving the shutter members through a protruding portion, the ball heads are fixed to the curved portions.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved clasp for jewelry, which allows a secure closing jewelry, in particular chains, and at the same time is aesthetically pleasing. Another object of the invention is to provide a clasp for jewelry, with The multi-row chains are reliably closed and the aesthetically pleasing. These objects are achieved by the closures defined in the claims.

In one embodiment, the jewelry clasp according to the invention has a first hollow closure element, which has in its wall or jacket a groove extending at least partially around the circumference of the first closure element and having an insertion opening. The groove is designed to receive a fastening part of a second closure element, which can be introduced through the insertion opening into the groove of the first closure element and whose cross-section is larger than the width of the groove. Thereby, the fastening part is secured in the hollow closure element after insertion into the insertion opening and displacement along the groove. The first closure member further has at each of two opposite end portions a wall which supports the hollow first closure member in the axial direction, i. in one direction between the ends of the jewel to be joined, the groove extending into and terminating in the respective wall in the end portions. The wall is preferably curved or conical, and the groove preferably ends approximately in the center of the curvature or the cone.

The buckle according to the invention is particularly suitable for use on chains of any kind. In this case, the hollow first closure element substantially forms a base body into which the fastening part of the second closure element can be inserted. According to one embodiment, the first closure element is attached to one end of the piece of jewelry, eg the chain, and the second closure element to an opposite end of the piece of jewelry. However, it is also possible to form the first closure element as a separate part and to provide at the two ends or at any two sections along the piece of jewelry in each case a second closure element, both second closure elements for closing the piece of jewelry introduced through the insertion opening into the groove of the first closure element be moved in the groove in the opposite direction. The first closure element can be designed such that it receives a plurality of second closure elements at its two opposite end sections.

The first closure element is preferably substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, i. the extension direction of the clasp between the two ends of the jewelry, formed. The first closure element may, for example, be substantially hollow-cylindrical, spherical, multi-spherical, helical, multi-helical, cubic, multi-cubic and / or curved or angled tubular.

The insertion opening, which is an enlargement of the groove, is spaced from the two end portions of the first closure element and preferably provided in a central region, in particular approximately in the middle of the axial extension of the clasp. The groove may for example be helical and preferably performs about ¼ to 5 turns, preferably about ½ to 3 turns, more preferably 1 to 2 turns along the length of the first closure element. The pitch of the helical groove or turns is generally dependent on the diameter, the wall thickness and / or the length of the first closure element and is preferably in the range between 15 ° and 75 °, more preferably between 30 ° and 60 °.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a movable guided part, for example in the form of a pin, is provided in the interior of the hollow first closure element. Due to its mass or inertia, this part acts as a securing element for the clasp according to the invention, since it counteracts a movement of the fastening part of the second closure element along the groove in the direction of the insertion opening.

For improved securing of the fastening part of the second closure element in the first closure element, it is advantageous as an alternative or in addition to form the first closure element bent (approximately U-shaped) or angled (approximately V-shaped), wherein the insertion opening preferably on the inside of the bend or the bend is provided, in particular in the region of the apex of Bending or bending. By this shape, the fastening part of the second closure element is selectively kept spaced from the insertion opening.

As an alternative or in addition, the first closure element can in each case have at one or both end sections a labyrinth device, through which the fastening part of the second closure element has to be guided, in order to secure the second closure element relative to the first closure element. This labyrinth device has e.g. a hollow ball with an opening, wherein the hollow ball is attached to an inner wall of the hollow first closure element in the region of the groove. The opening faces away from the groove, the groove extending through both the wall of the hollow first closure member and that of the hollow sphere.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of first closure elements, preferably substantially parallel to each other and coupled together in the transverse direction. For example, at least one of the outermost two first closure members may have a helical groove from the insertion opening with a first screwing direction towards a first axial end portion and a helical groove with a second, opposite screwing direction towards a second, opposite axial end portion. Preferably, both outermost, first closure elements have a helical groove from the insertion opening towards a first axial end portion with a first screwing direction and a helical groove towards a second, opposite axial end portion with a second, opposite screwing direction.

It is preferred to provide between the two outermost first closure elements at least one further hollow first closure element with a groove and an insertion opening for receiving a fastening part of a second closure element. The groove of each further hollow first closure element is preferably formed substantially in its axial direction. The further hollow first closure element also preferably has both end portions on a wall which terminates in the axial direction, wherein the groove extends into the wall and ends there. Preferably, the further hollow closure element at each of the two opposing end sections has such a wall. The wall is preferably curved or conical, and the groove preferably ends approximately in the center of the curvature or the cone.

The insertion opening of the further hollow first closure element is spaced from its two end sections and is preferably provided in the middle region, in particular approximately in the middle, of the axial extension of the closure element. The helical groove of the outermost first closure element performs approximately ¼ to 1 turn, preferably approximately ½ turn along the corresponding length of the first closure element per screwing direction.

There is also disclosed a clasp for jewelery having a first closure member, a substantially symmetrical second closure member and a locking member not forming part of the invention. The first and second closure element each have a cylinder portion for inserting a respective attachment part of the jewelry piece and for receiving a respective locking portion of the locking element and a receiving portion provided parallel thereto for receiving the respective fastening part of the jewelry piece.

The first and second closure elements each have a longitudinal groove beginning at a first end, which opens into a groove extending in the circumferential direction and finally into a further longitudinal groove in the direction of the first end. However, the further longitudinal groove ends spaced from the first end of the closure element. The locking element is preferably formed substantially H-shaped, wherein in each case a longitudinal portion or leg of the "H" in the respective longitudinal grooves in the first and second closure element can be inserted.

Preferably, a projection is provided at the first end of the two cylinder sections respectively in the mouth region of the longitudinal groove, and the two longitudinal sections of the H-shaped locking element each have a groove, in the respective projection is insertable. The length of the two longitudinal portions of the H-shaped locking element and the projections is dimensioned such that in the locked state of the clasp, the grooves of the locking element are not engaged with the projections, whereby unintentional opening of the clasp is prevented.

In the receiving portion of the first and second closure element is preferably provided in each case a groove whose cross-section is smaller than the width of the fastening parts of the jewelry piece. The locking element is preferably biased by spring force into a locked position.

The invention further relates to a piece of jewelry, in particular a chain, with a fastening part, which is closable with a clasp as described above.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließe an einer Kette;

Fig. 2a

eine Vorderansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließe an einer zweireihigen Kette;

Fig. 2b

eine Rückansicht der Schließe gemäß Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3a

eine Vorderansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Schließe für eine sechsreihige Kette;

Fig. 3b

eine Rückansicht der Schließe gemäß Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4a

eine Vorderansicht einer Schließe für einer vierreihige Kette; die nicht Teil der Erfindung ist;

Fig. 4b

eine Rückansicht der Schließe gemäß Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c

eine schematische Ansicht eines Verriegelungselements für die Schließe gemäß den Figuren 4a und 4b;

Fig. 5a

eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Befestigungsteils zur Verwendung mit der erfindungsgemäßen Schließe;

Fig. 5b

eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Befestigungsteils zur Verwendung mit der erfindungsgemäßen Schließe;

Fig. 6

eine modifizierte Ausführungsform der in den Fig. 4a-4c dargestellten Schließe; die nicht Teil der Erfindung ist;

Fig. 7a

eine Draufsicht einer modifizierten Ausführungsform der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Schließe;

Fig. 7b

eine Vorderansicht der in Fig. 7a gezeigten Schließe;

Fig. 8a-d

weitere modifizierte Ausführungsformen der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Schließe;

Fig. 9a

eine Vorderansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schließe;

Fig. 9b-h

modifizierte Ausführungsformen der in Fig. 9a dargestellten Schließe;

Fig. 10a

eine Vorderansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schließe;

Fig. 10b

eine modifizierte Ausführungsform der in Fig. 10a dargestellten Schließe;

Fig. 11 a

eine Vorderansicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schließe; und

Fig. 11b

eine modifizierte Ausführungsform der in Fig. 11a dargestellten Schließe.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the buckle according to the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a clasp on a chain according to the invention;

Fig. 2a

a front view of a second embodiment of a buckle according to the invention on a double-row chain;

Fig. 2b

a rear view of the clasp according to Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 3a

a front view of a third embodiment of a buckle according to the invention for a six-row chain;

Fig. 3b

a rear view of the clasp according to Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 4a

a front view of a clasp for a four-row chain; which is not part of the invention;

Fig. 4b

a rear view of the clasp according to Fig. 4a ;

Fig. 4c

a schematic view of a locking element for the clasp according to the FIGS. 4a and 4b ;

Fig. 5a

a schematic view of a first embodiment of a fastening part for use with the buckle according to the invention;

Fig. 5b

a schematic view of a second embodiment of a fastening part for use with the buckle according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a modified embodiment of the in the Fig. 4a-4c illustrated clasp; which is not part of the invention;

Fig. 7a

a plan view of a modified embodiment of the in Fig. 1 illustrated clasp;

Fig. 7b

a front view of in Fig. 7a clasp shown;

Fig. 8a-d

further modified embodiments of in Fig. 1 illustrated clasp;

Fig. 9a

a front view of a fourth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention;

Fig. 9b-h

modified embodiments of in Fig. 9a illustrated clasp;

Fig. 10a

a front view of a fifth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention;

Fig. 10b

a modified embodiment of the in Fig. 10a illustrated clasp;

Fig. 11 a

a front view of a sixth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention; and

Fig. 11b

a modified embodiment of the in Fig. 11a illustrated clasp.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a clasp 2 according to the invention for a piece of jewelry, such as a chain 4. The clasp 2 has a first substantially hollow cylindrical closure element 6, which has a helical groove 8 with an insertion opening 10. The groove 8 is designed to receive a fastening part 12 of a second closure element 14.

In the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, a second closure element 14 is provided at each end of the chain 4 respectively. The fastening part 12 of the second closure element 14 has a cross-section which is larger than the width of the groove 8. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide a cross-sectional enlargement on the second closure element 14, for example in the form of a ball as a fastening part 12 on a web or stem 16, wherein the serving as a fastening part ball 12 is inserted through the insertion opening 10 into the interior of the first hollow cylindrical closure element 6 and the stem 16 along the helical groove 8 is movable. For this purpose, the thickness or the diameter of the stem 16 is to be dimensioned smaller than the width of the groove. 8

The first hollow cylindrical closure element 6 also has in the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment at two opposite end portions in each case a wall 18 which closes off the hollow cylindrical closure element 6 in the axial direction and forms a stop for the fastening part 12 of the second closure element 14. The groove 8 passes from a hollow cylindrical portion of the first closure member 6 in the wall 18 in the region of each end portion and ends there. For this purpose, the wall is advantageously arched or conical away from the hollow cylindrical area, and the groove ends approximately in the center of the curvature or the cone, so that the buckle 2 substantially in the in Fig. 1 shown extended position keeps the chain 4 in the closed position after the two fasteners 12 have been moved along the groove 8 until it stops against the two opposite walls 18.

As in Fig. 1 illustrated, the insertion opening 10 is preferably provided in a central region, in particular approximately in the middle, the axial extent of the clasp 2. The helical groove 8 preferably has a substantially constant pitch and a total of one-quarter to five turns, more preferably about one-half to three turns, more preferably one to two turns along the length of the first closure member, from the insertion opening 10 to the respective wall 18, the groove preferably in each case about 1/8 to 2½ turns, in particular about ¼ to 1½, and more preferably ½ to 1 turn on.

To open the piece of jewelry 4, for example, one of the two second closure pieces 14 can be moved with the handle 16 along the groove 8 to the insertion opening 10 and then the fastening part 12 are led out through the insertion opening 10. The opposite second closure element can remain coupled to the first hollow cylindrical closure element 6 or can also be led out as described above.

In the FIGS. 2a and 2b a second embodiment of the buckle 2 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality of first hollow cylindrical closure elements 6 are arranged in the axial direction substantially parallel to each other and coupled together in the transverse direction, preferably connected along its length continuously or in sections, so that a plurality of chains 4 are closable by a single clasp 2. This is particularly advantageous for multi-row chains.

In the illustrated embodiment, two first hollow cylindrical closure elements 6 are provided, according to the illustration in accordance with Fig. 2a in front view, only end portions of the grooves 8 are visible. As in the rear view according to Fig. 2b 1, each of the first hollow-cylindrical closure elements 6 has a separate insertion opening 10, from which grooves 8 extend to the opposite ends of the first hollow-cylindrical closure elements 6. In this case, with each first hollow-cylindrical closure element 6, starting from the insertion opening 10, preferably a first helical groove 8 is formed towards a first axial end with a first screwing direction and towards a second, opposite axial end with a second, opposite screwing direction. Furthermore, the screwing directions of the grooves 8 of the first two closing elements 6 in the respective sections from the insertion opening to the first and the second axial end are preferably also opposite to one another. This ensures that the clasp 2 closes the chain 4 after insertion and displacement of the fasteners 12 to the respective axial end securely and holds in the closed position. If appropriate, the two insertion openings 10 can also together form a single opening.

The second closure elements 14 are preferably formed in this embodiment as well as in the case of the first embodiment described above Fig. 1 ,

In the FIGS. 3a and 3b a third embodiment of a clasp 2 according to the invention is shown. This corresponds in its basic structure substantially to the second embodiment, wherein in addition between the two outermost first closure elements 6, four further hollow cylindrical closure elements 18 are provided, each having a groove 20 and an insertion opening 22 for receiving a fastening part 12 of a second closure element 14. The grooves 20 of the further hollow cylindrical closure elements 18 preferably extend substantially in the axial direction. The insertion openings 22 of the further hollow cylindrical closure elements 20 are preferably provided at a distance from the axial ends and particularly preferably in a middle region, in particular approximately in the middle, of the axial extension of the clasp 2.

The other hollow-cylindrical closure elements 18 preferably have at their end portions in each case a wall which closes them in each case in the axial direction, wherein the grooves 20 of respective hollow cylindrical regions of the further closure elements 18 pass into the walls and end there. The walls formed at the end portions of the further hollow cylindrical closure elements 18 are preferably curved outwards or conically, and the grooves 20 end approximately in the center of the curvature or the cone.

The helical grooves 8 of the outermost two first closure elements 6 preferably extend approximately ¼ to one turn, preferably approximately ½ turn, per screwing direction from the insertion opening 10 to the axial end along the length of the first closure element. In other words, each of the grooves 8 extends from the insertion opening 10 along approximately half the length of the first closure element 6 and winds about a quarter to one, in particular about half a time around the circumference of the first closure element. 6

The clasp 2 according to the third embodiment is analogous to that in the Figures 1 and 2 described embodiments in that the fastening part 12 of the second closure element 14 of each chain part of a multi-row chain in a corresponding insertion opening 10 and the associated groove 8 and 20 introduced and pushed or guided to the axial end. The chain is held in particular by the helical grooves 8 of the outermost two first closure elements 6 in the closed position, since these are formed in opposite directions and thus the fasteners can not move independently from the axial end.

In the illustration according to FIGS. 3a and 3b the clasp 2 is connected only to one end of the multi-row chain 4. The other end of the chain 4 may be similarly provided with second closure members 14 and closing as described above by inserting the fasteners 12 into the respective insertion apertures 10, 22 and displacing the second closure members 14 along the grooves 8, 20 to the opposite axial end.

The individual second closure elements 14 at one end of the chain can optionally be connected to one another loosely or elastically so that the common insertion into the insertion opening and displacement to the respective axial end of the first closure element 6, 18 is possible.

In all embodiments, the first and second closure elements may either be separate pieces or may be fixed or detachable with the respective end of the piece of jewelry, e.g. the chain, be connected.

In the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c another buckle 52 is shown, which is not part of the invention. This clasp 52 has two substantially mutually symmetrical closure elements 54, 56 and a locking element 58. The two closure elements 54, 56 each have a cylinder portion 60 for inserting one or more fastening parts 12 of one or more closure elements 14 of the jewelry piece 4 and for receiving a respective locking portion 62 of the locking element 58. Parallel to the cylinder sections 60 is a respective receiving portion 64 to the two closure elements 54, 56 are provided. Between the cylinder portion 60 and the Receiving portion 64 is provided in each case a connection opening or groove, through which the fastening parts 12 can be performed after insertion into the cylinder portion 60 in the receiving portion. For secure mounting of the closure elements 14 of the piece of jewelry 4 in the receiving portion 64, the receiving portion 64 preferably has an undercut groove or is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with a groove. In the cylinder sections 60 of the two closure elements 54, 56, a respective longitudinal groove 66 is preferably provided which terminates in a circumferentially extending groove 68 and finally in a further longitudinal groove 70 in the direction of the first end. The first end of the two cylinder sections is open in each case and forms an axial opening 76, while the opposite end is preferably closed.

The locking element 58 is preferably formed substantially H-shaped, wherein the two legs or longitudinal portions of the "H" representing the insertable into the two cylinder sections 60 locking portions 62. The two longitudinal sections are connected to each other by a transverse section 72. The locking element 58 is preferably biased to a locked position by spring force provided by two compression springs 74 provided in the cylinder sections 60.

To close the chain 4, first the fastening parts 12 of the closure elements 14 are successively inserted into the axial opening 76 at the first end of one of the cylinder sections 60, eg the closure element 56 and pushed through the connection opening (not shown) into the adjacent receiving section 64 and there in the axial direction lined up. Subsequently, a longitudinal portion 62 of the locking member 58 is inserted into the axial opening 76, wherein the transverse portion 72 is inserted into the groove 66 and advanced along the groove against the spring force of the compression spring 74 until the end of the groove 66 is reached and extending in the circumferential direction Groove 68 begins. At this point, the locking member 58 is rotated about the axis defined by the cylinder portion 60 so that the transverse portion 72 of the locking member 58 slides along the circumferentially extending groove 68 until the transverse portion 72 at the end of the Circumferential groove 68 has arrived and is pressed by the force of the compression spring 74 in the longitudinal groove 70 to the end. In this position, the fastening parts 12 of the closure elements 14 are secured in the receiving portion 64 of the chain. This position is in the FIGS. 4a and 4b shown.

The opposite end of the chain 4 is inserted in the same way with the aid of its closure elements 14 with the fastening parts 12 in the receiving portion 64 of the closure member 54 and secured there by means of the locking element 58.

To open the piece of jewelry 4, it is not necessary to thread out the fastening parts 12 or closure elements 14 from the receiving sections 64. Rather, it is sufficient to remove the locking element 58 by movement in the opposite direction along the grooves 70, 68, 66 in order to separate the two closure elements 54, 56 from each other.

In the FIGS. 5a and 5b two embodiments of provided at the end of the chain 4 closure elements 14 are shown. According to Fig. 5a the spherical attachment member 12 is inserted via a stem or connecting web 16 in a hollow member, wherein at the end of the stem 16 an eyelet 78 is provided. For example, the end of a chain can be attached to this eyelet. The passage of the stem 16 through the hollow element 14 can, as shown in FIG Fig. 5a For example, be flexible, so that the fastening part 12 is movable relative to the hollow member 14 along the stem 16. Alternatively, as shown in FIG Fig. 5b the stem 16 may be fixedly connected to the hollow element 14 of the closure element.

In the Fig. 6 Clasp 52 shown is a modification of the in Figs Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrated clasp. The buckle 52 has - similar to that with reference to the Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c variant described - two substantially mutually symmetrical closure elements 54, 56 (of which only one in Fig. 6 is shown) and a locking element 58 on. In the cylinder sections 60 of the two closure elements 54, 56 is in each case one beginning at a first end longitudinal groove 66 is provided, which opens into a circumferentially extending groove 68 and finally into a further longitudinal groove 70 toward the first end. The first end of the two cylinder sections 60 are each open and form an axial opening 76, while the opposite end is preferably closed. In deviation to that in the Fig. 4a, 4b and 4c clasp shown in each case a projection 80 is provided at the first end of the cylinder portions 60 in the region of the axial opening 76. The two longitudinal or locking sections 62 of the H-shaped locking element 58 each have a groove 82 into which the projection 80 can be inserted. By suitable alignment of the groove 82 relative to the projection 80, the locking portion 62 can be inserted into the cylinder portion 60, wherein the transverse portion 72 of the H-shaped locking member 58 can be guided by the grooves 66, 68 and 70. The length of the two longitudinal sections 62 of the H-shaped sealing element 58 and the projections 80 is dimensioned such that in the locked state of the clasp 52, the grooves 82 of the locking element 58 are not engaged with the projections 80, thereby preventing unintentional opening of the clasp 52 becomes.

In Fig. 7a and 7b is a modified embodiment of the clasp 2 according to Fig. 1 shown. This clasp has - similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a first substantially hollow cylindrical closure element 6, which has a helical groove 8 with an insertion opening 10. The groove 8 is in turn for receiving a fastening part 12 of the second closure element (in Fig. 7 not shown). The clasp 2 according to the in Fig. 7a and 7b illustrated embodiment differs from the clasp according to Fig. 1 in particular in that the first closure element 6 is bent and / or angled with respect to its longitudinal axis, which in the front view according to FIG Fig. 7b is shown. As a result, an improved securing of the fastening part 12 of the second closure element in the first closure element 6 is made possible.

The insertion opening 10 is preferably provided on the inside of the bend or the bend, in particular in the region of the apex of the bend or the Angulation. Due to this shape, the fastening part 12 of the second closure element is kept at a specific distance from the insertion opening 10.

As in Fig. 7b In such an embodiment, in the region of the bend or angling, another decorative element, for example a ring 78, can be advantageously attached to the first closure element 6, which can continue to cover the insertion opening 10 when the article of jewelery is worn and thus secure it.

In Fig. 8a-d are further modified embodiments of in Fig. 1 shown clasp shown schematically. According to Fig. 8a For example, instead of a hollow cylindrical shape, the first closure element may also have a cross-sectionally generally oval shape. In Fig. 8b the first closure element is formed substantially hollow cylindrical, but with a relation to the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment by 90 ° pivoted axis, so that the two ends of the jewelry piece can be attached to the cylinder jacket surface. In the in Fig. 8c the modification shown, the first and second closure elements are asymmetrical and have a substantially arbitrary shape. According to the in Fig. 8d The first closure element may, for example, also be cubic or cube-shaped. In the modification shown, two cubes are provided adjacent to each other to form the first closure element.

The groove 8 is in the embodiments according to Fig. 8a-d for the sake of clarity not shown. However, it may, for example, be helical, as in the previous embodiments, or may extend at least partially along the circumference of the hollow first closure member 6 along any other path. The same applies to the following embodiments, with reference to the Fig. 9a-h . 10a-b and 11a-b to be discribed.

In the Fig. 9a-h a fourth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention with various modifications is shown. According to this embodiment, the first hollow shutter member 6 is formed substantially spherical. That's it Preferably, at least two balls in the longitudinal direction next to each other to arrange to form a double-spherical or multi-spherical first closure element. In Fig. 9a The double-spherical first closure element 6 receives at one or both end portions a fastening part (not shown) of a second closure element. For this purpose, the fastener according to the description in connection with Fig. 1 inserted into the groove and guided to the opposite end portions.

The in the Fig. 9b-c embodiments shown are designed for multi-row jewelry. There, the groove branches in the / the end portion (s) of the double or multi-spherical first closure element 6 in two, three or more ways to receive there each a fastening part of each row of the multi-row jewel.

In the Fig. 9d-9h are also shown closing for multi-row jewelry, which not only a multi-spherical first closure element is provided, in which the individual balls are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, but also in the transverse direction. Again, the multi-spherical first closure elements may have branched grooves, as in FIG Fig. 9d shown or the multi-spherical first closure elements have unbranched grooves. Preferably, the grooves extend only in the end balls but not in center balls.

For better securing of the fastening parts 12 in the spherical first closure elements, it is preferred, as in the Fig. 9a-e shown to provide on the walls in the end regions small spherical receptacles 84 into which the fastening part of the second closure elements can be introduced in a labyrinth.

10a and 10b show a fifth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention. In this embodiment, the hollow first closure element itself is helical. The helix can, as in Fig. 10a shown running in a single direction over the entire length or, as in Fig. 10b shown, For example, change the direction of screwing approximately in the middle. In this embodiment, the groove (not shown) extends substantially along the entire length of the hollow first closure member parallel thereto.

In Fig. 11a and 11b a sixth embodiment of the buckle according to the invention is shown schematically. In this embodiment, two curved and / or angled pipe elements 86 are firmly connected. The two tube elements together form the hollow first closure element. Each tube element has its own groove (not shown) for receiving the attachment part of the second closure part. As in Fig. 11a and 11b shown, the two tube elements 86 may be formed substantially identical or symmetrical and / or reversed to each other.

In all embodiments, the groove extends around at least part of the circumference of the first closure element. For example, the groove may be helical, but it may also extend partially in the longitudinal direction, partially in the circumferential direction.

To secure the second closure element relative to the first closure element, it may be preferable to provide the hollow first closure element in the interior with one labyrinth device at one or both end sections, through which the attachment part of the second closure element can be guided. This labyrinth means may for example be in the form of a hollow sphere with an opening which is attached to an inner wall of the hollow first closure element in the end portion in the region of the groove, the opening facing away from the groove and the groove extending through both the wall of the hollow first Closing element as well as through which the hollow ball extends. In this embodiment, the fastening part of the second closure element must first be introduced through the inlet opening into the groove, then passed around the outside of the inner hollow sphere and introduced through the opening provided in the inner hollow sphere. The opening is arranged so that a simple slipping out of the fastening part due to this labyrinth is highly unlikely. Preference is given to the opening in the inner hollow ball on the inner wall of the hollow first closure element still provided a retaining lug, which further complicates slipping out of the fastening part of the second closure element.

Alternatively, it is also possible to secure the fastening part of the second closure element by means of a labyrinth plate provided in the hollow first closure element. This is preferably arranged in the cavity of the first closure element such that it prevents free passage of the fastening part in the groove. This can be done, for example, that the labyrinth plate blocks the cavity in the first closure element to a considerable extent, so that the fastening part must be guided around the labyrinth plate. Alternatively, the labyrinth plate can also close off the cavity almost completely and leave a passage open only for a non-circular cross-section of the fastening part.

The buckle according to the invention can be made of all common materials for jewelery, such as metal, e.g. Silver, gold, platinum and their alloys, and stainless steel, or plastic.

Claims (14)

1. A clasp (2) for jewellery (4) comprising a first hollow closure element (6) which comprises a groove (8) having an insertion aperture (10) and extending at least partially around the circumference of the first closure element, wherein said groove (8) is configured to receive a fastening member (12) of a second closure element (14) which is insertable through the insertion aperture (10) into the groove (8) of the first closure element (6) and whose cross-section is larger than the width of the groove (8), wherein the first closure element (6) comprises a wall (18) at each of two opposite end portions, said wall ending the hollow first closure element (6), and wherein the groove (8) extends into the respective wall (18) in the end portions and ends there.
2. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the first closure element (6) is configured essentially symmetrically to its longitudinal axis.
3. The clasp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first closure element (6) is configured essentially hollow-cylindrically, spherically, multi-spherically, helically, multi-helically, cubically, multi-cubically and/or in a curved or angled tubular way.
4. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wall (18) is configured in an arched or conical manner and the groove (8) ends approximately in the centre of the arch or cone.
5. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insertion aperture (10) is provided at a distance from the end portions and preferably in the centre region, in particular approximately in the middle, of the axial extension of the first closure element (6).
6. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the groove (8) is helically configured and performs about ¼ to 5 windings, preferably about ½ to 3 windings along the length of the first closure element (6).
7. The clasp according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the axial direction several first closure elements (6) are arranged essentially parallel and are preferably coupled to one another in the transverse direction, wherein at least one of the outermost two of the first closure elements (6) comprises a helical groove (8) starting at the insertion aperture (10) and exhibiting a first screwing direction in the direction towards a first axial end portion and a groove (8) exhibiting a second, reverse screwing direction in the direction towards a second opposite axial end portion, and wherein, optionally, at least one further hollow first closure element (6) comprising a groove (20) and an insertion aperture (22) for receiving a fastening member (12) of a second closure element (14) is configured between the two outermost first closure elements (6), wherein the groove (20) of the further hollow first closure element (6) preferably extends essentially in the axial direction.
8. The clasp according to claim 7, wherein the further hollow first closure element (6) comprises a wall (18) at both end portions which ends it in the axial direction, wherein the groove (20) extends into the respective wall (18) and ends there and wherein the wall (18) is preferably configured in an arched or conical manner and the groove (20) ends approximately in the centre of the arch or cone.
9. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first closure element (6) is configured such that it receives several second closure elements (14) at both opposing end portions.
10. The clasp according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the helical groove (8) of the outermost first closure element(s) (6) performs per screwing direction about ¼ to 1 winding, preferably about ½ winding, along the respective length of the first closure element (6).
11. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a movable guided member is provided inside the hollow first closure element (6).
12. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first closure element(s) (6) are configured in a bent and/or angled way and wherein the insertion aperture (10) is preferably provided on an inner side of the bend and/or angle, in particular in the area of the vertex of the bend and/or angle.
13. The clasp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the interior of the first closure element (6) comprises at one end portion or each of the two end portions a labyrinth means through which the fastening member (12) of the second closure element (14) is insertable in order to secure the second closure element (14) relative to the first closure element (6), wherein the labyrinth means preferably comprises a hollow sphere having an aperture, wherein said hollow sphere is arranged on an inner wall of the hollow first closure element (6) in the region of the groove (8), wherein the aperture faces away from the groove (8) and the groove (8) extends both through the wall of the hollow first closure element (6) and through that of the hollow sphere.
14. A piece of jewellery with one or more clasps according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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