GB2539188A - A jewellery box - Google Patents

Abstract

A jewellery box comprises an Inner cylindrical sleeve housing (6, figure 5) and an outer cylindrical sleeve housing 5 co-axially arranged, the outer sleeve housing disposed about the inner sleeve housing, said sleeve housings being movable circumferentially with respect to each other; one of said sleeve housings having an axial slot (6A, figure 5), the other having a helical slot 7. The jewellery box also comprises a display mounting 9 within the volume of the sleeve housings mounted for axial movement along the inside of the sleeve housings, said mounting including one or more projections 8 extending through both the axial and the helical slots. The jewellery box also comprises a lid 2A covering the open end of the sleeve housings and pivotally mounted to a sleeve housing for motion perpendicular to the cylindrical axis, to move between a closed position covering the end of the sleeve housings and an open position to uncover the end of the sleeve housings and allow contents of the jewellery box to be seen. Relative circumferential movement of the inner and outer cylindrical sleeve housings causes the or each projection 8 to move within the slots 6A & 7 and the display mounting 9 to move axially, and the lid 2A simultaneously to pivot about the pivot mounting.

Description

AJFWELLF.RY BOX

field of the 'nventicin

The invention relates to jewellery boxes, in particular jewellery boxes for containing and displaying a small item of jeweliery, an accessory, a small jewel or equivalent.

Bickgrovn_d_tfa. the ft)vientiorl Small, precious items of jewellery such as jewels, rings, earrings, brooches and equivalent often hold monetary and/or sentimental value to the owner and it is generally desirable to keep such items safely contained to prevent any damage or loss. However, at certain times it is also desirable to be able to display or exhibit such precious items and to add an 25, element of aesthetic appeal in the display.

jewellery boxes exist currently which, when closed, prevent the contents from being seen, but when opened allow said contents to be visible. Typically, such jewellery boxes have a universal design: hinged at the back to reveal the contents. However, these types of jewellery boxes do not always provide adequate protection from damage or loss due to too large a size or multiple compartments allowing items to get entangled or have too much movement. Additionally, such boxes do not allow the contents to be either revealed gradually or to be fully on show when open: with conventional boxes, the contents can remain partially concealed within the box and so only viewable from certain angles. This latter feature renders such boxes less suitable for shop displays.

Other jewellery boxes may exist to either hold a single valuable:tern securely or to display a valuable item elegantly on show. These may consist of stands or panels on which to hang something. However, as mentioned briefly above, not many jewellery boxes are capable of doing both simultaneously.

Moreover, existing jewellery boxes are capable of being covered only with sheet materials to including vinyl and leathers.

The present invention seeks to improve jewellery boxes to enable a small, valuable item of jewellery, jewel or accessory to be securely contained and protected or even secretly housed but simultaneously openly presented in such a manner to be elegant and Is aesthetically pleasing when desired, iii.x_iriritaty of the invention In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a jewellery box comprising: an inner cylindrical sleeve housing and an outer cylindrical sleeve housing co-axially arranged, the outer sleeve housing disposed about the inner sleeve housing. said sleeve housings being movable circumferentially with respect to each other; one of said sleeve housings having an axial slot, the other sleeve housing having a helical 510r; a display mounting within the volume of the sleeve housings, said display mounting mounted for axial movement along the inside of the sleeve housings, said display mounting including one or more projections, the or each projection extending through both the axial and the helical slot: a lid covering the open end of the sleeve housings and pivotally mounted to a sleeve housing for motion perpendicular to the cylindrical axis to move between a closed position covering the end of the sleeve housings and an open position to uncover the end of the sleeve housings and allow contents of the jewellery box to be respectively concealed and seen: relative drcurriferentiai rriovernort of the inner and outer cylindrical sleeve housings casing the or each projection to move within the slots and causing the display mounting to!move axially. and also causing the lid simultaneously to pivot, about the pivot mounting, This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a secure inner compartment which can remain hidden from view and therefore can be both secure and secret within, the housing and which can be displayed when desired on the display mounting. The projections allow for an ascent whilst keeping the inner platform stable. The helical and axial slots provide a mechanism for the projections to be efficiently Lifted simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, said lid comprises a plurality of Lid segments, each lid segment being independently pivotally mounted to a sleeve housing.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the box remains symmetrical when the lid is opened and adds an aesthetic element to the display of the item. A pivotal attachment means the segments can be opened quickly and easily in one movement.

in a preferred embodiment, a lid segment comprises a channel in its inner facing surface channel which engages a guide means attached at a first end to a sleeve housing, This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows a segment to move along a specified path and to open in a coordinated manner and reduces any risk of falling off the path and becoming jammed.

In a preferred embodiment said channel is crescent shaped.

25. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the crescent shape matches with the diameter of the outer rim when the segments are fully opened. The crescent shape also provides an even pivoting action which is at first slow but increases in radial velocity as the device moves from its closed configuration to its open configuration and vice versa, In an alternative preferred embodiment said channel extends through the lid segment.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows more guidance as the guide means can extend the entire way through the lid segment In a preferred embodiment said guide means comprises an elongate section extending throu&in the lid segment channel, This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a more secure means as each lid segment will not come away from the sleeve housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide means has at a second end, a flat head which is wider than said channel and which extends over the upper surface of the lid segment. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it ensures the lid segment remains securely within its defined plane of movement as the lid segment moves between the to closed and open positions.

In a preferred embodiment, circumferential movement is artioned by the relative circumferential motion of the sleeve housings about said cylindrical axis.

This configuration is partiallarly advantageous because it allows for easy operation of the box by a user to quickly and efficiently display the item when desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each projection is a laterally extending pin.

[his configuration is particularly advantageous because it simplifies the overall structure of the separate parts of the jewellery box. 2o

In a preferred embodiment, the display mounting comprises an item retention means. This configuration is particularly advantageous because securing of the item of jewellery is ensured and any chances of damage during transport of the jewellery box or during ascent of the platform are minimised, In a preferred embodiment, said jewellery box includes a protective cover to prevent contact between a user's hand and the sleeve housings.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because an aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic outer finish can be provided which can vary in design and also provides a so, protective housing to the inner mechanisms which can prevent elements from getting jammed or particles from entering the inner workings of the Ming mechanism.

DiNscription of the Drawings According to a first aspect of the invention, there are disclosed various embodiments of a jewellery box. In the drawings; Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the jewettery box in its closed S position; Figure 2 shows an underneath view of an embodiment of the jewellery box in its closed position; io Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the jeweller), box in its closed position; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the jewellery box in an open position; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the components of an embodiment of the jewellery box; Figure 6 shows a deconstructed view of an embodiment the /id components in the closed position; Figure 7 shows a deconstructed view of an embodiment of the lid components in the open position; Figure 8 shows a deconstructed view of an embodiment of the lid components in the closed position; Figure 9 shows a deconstructed view of an embodiment of the lid components in the open position; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the components of a second embodiment of the jewellery box in the closed position; Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the components of the second embodiment of Figure 10 of the jewellery box in the open position; Figure 12 shows a deconstructed view of the central components of an embodiment of the s jewellery box; Figure 13 shows a deconstructed view of the central components of an alternative embodiment of the jewellery box; Figure 14 shows a deconstructed view of the central components of an alternative embodiment of the jewellery box: and Figure 15 shows a deconstructed view of the central components of an alternative embodiment of the jewellery box.

Detailed ion of the Embodirmm.5 The present invention seeks to improve jewellery boxes by providing a box which enables a small, valuable item of jewellery, jewel or accessory to be securely contained and protected or even secretly housed. Operation of the box enables the item to be simultaneously presented ir: such a manner to be elegant and aesthetically pleasing when ces.red.

Figures 1-3 show a jewellry box generally referenced 1 in its dosed position. Figures 1 and 2 show the middle and lower outer casings 3, 4 and lid segment covers 2B whereas Figure 3 snows the inner components which in normal use are not on v ew. The lid segment covers 2B are housed on and cover the lid segments 2A and are provided both for aesthetic purposes and also to protect the working mechanisms of the Lid segments 2A (Figure 3) Lid so segment covers 2B are located above a middle outer casing 3 which is located above the lower outer casing 4, A plaque 4A sits within the tower casing 4 and is visible beneath the box (Figure 2). This outer casing 3 provides protection to the inner mechanisms by preventing a user from accessing the mechanisms and preventing any foreign objects from entering through any of the slots or apertures and potentially jamming the mechanisms.

Figure 3 shows the inner lid segments A beneath lid segment covers 26. Each lid se ent 2A is attached to a rim 10 by means of a pivot screw 'SA (Figure 10, 11) though an aperture 15. Additionalty, a guiding screw 13A passes through the crescent-shaped aperture 13.

In this preferred embodiment, an outer sleeve 5, which ithin and is attached to the to m'ddle outer casing 3, is provided with helical apertures 7. Housed within the outer sleeve 5, is an inner riser sleeve 6 (see figure 5) haying a rim 10 which extends outwardly and over the upper in use end of the outer sleeve S. The outer sleeve 5 contains four elongate oppositely opposed helical apertures 7 which extend both circumferentially and axially through the wall of the outer sleeve 5. In use the helical apertures 7 house lift pins 8 with the bidirectionality allowing circumferential motion to cause ax'al motion of a platform 9 (see below). The inner riser sleeve 6 contains four elongate vertical apertures BA running axially and which are arranged in pairwise opposite and adacent to a corresponding helical apertures 7. The term 'vertical' rs used interchangeably with 'axial' throughout this specification.

Each lifting pin loc tes through both the helical aperture 7 of the outer sleeve S and through a vertical aperture 6A of the inner riser.eve 6. Consequentlyx the pins 8 may be housed such that they meet one another at the axial centre of the sleeve 6 in an X-conformation, Figure '4 shows an inner lift platform 9 which houses the lifting pins 8. The Lift, platform 9 can include a cushioned upper surface or contain a central soft pouch (not shown) with a holder such as a narrow aperture into which a ring, pair of earrings or equivalent item can be slotted. Other embodiments can consist of an elasticated strap to hold a necklace of bracelet or pair of cufflinks securely. In an alternative embodiment the platform may contain only a plain cushion upon which an item can rest. The cushioned material can be of a soft velvet material suitable for protecting a valuable, precious item. The underside of the lift platform 9 comprises slots 9A into which the Lifting pins 8 insert.

In use, the jewellery box 1 has two configurations, open and closed, When closed, items are kept secure and/or secret. When it is desired to display items, the box can be moved to the open configuration, TO move to the open configuration, tie outer sleeve S is rotated 61,5° counter-clockwise around the inner riser sleeve 5, This rotation is achieved by a twisting action by the user of the outer casing 3, which, being attached to the outer sleeve 5, causes rotation of the outer sleeve 5 relative to the lower casing 4. The rotation causes the lifting pins 8 to move along both the helical apertures 7 and also thereby, the axial apertures 6.4. As the lifting pins 8 therefore move axially, this causes the lift platform 9 containing the jewellery iteni(s) to move to the top of the box as shown in Figure 4 and enables the item(s) to be displayed at the top of the in--use box and emerge over the top rim 10.

The 613° rotation is the optimal degree of rotation for the four segment embodiment although this can be varied. In alternative embodiments, mentioned below, such as the three-and two-segment embodiments, a different degree of rotation would be optimal In addition, where a greater degree of rotation is used for an embodiment then the rake of the helical apertures 7 required would be shallower, in order to allow for a longer length of the helical aperture /and to reduce any friction between the lifting pins 8 and the helical aperture 7. Altering the degree of rotation and the rake of the helical aperture 7 might also require alterations in the lid segments 2A within the scope of the skilled person's ability.

To allow the display of the item, the twisting action simultaneously causes the lid segments ?A (and attached lid segment covers 28) to move from the closed configuration into the open configuration as shown in Figure 4. Both the opening of the lid and axial movement of the lift platform 9 are operably linked to the twisting action, however, occur independently of one another. Twisting of the outer casing 3 relative to the lower casing 4 3:7 in the opposite direction to that used for opening, brings the "jewellery box back to the dosed position; the lid segments 2A are moved to the dosed configuration and the lift platform 9 moves axially towards the lower casing base 4 of the box 1.

In the open configuration shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that each lid segment 2A is pivotally mounted to the top rim 10 of the inner sleeve 6 (Figure 5) by means of a slider screw 15A (Figures 10-11) passing through an aperture 15. An arc-shaped aperture 12 is provided within the rim 10 and the slider screw is securely attached to the outer sleeve 5 beneath the rim 10. In use, as the sleeves 5, 6 rotate relative to each other, the slider screw 15A slides along the aperture 12 to allow the lid segments 2A to fully open/dose.

Guide screws 13A, which are mounted in holes 11, distributed about the rim 10, pass through a further crescent-shaped aperture 13. the guide screws 13A act as a guide means To defining a path which the lid segments 2A follow whilst opening and closing. In alternative embodiments, the crescent-shaped aperture 13 can be a channel running along the underside of a lid segment 2A. The crescent shape enables a:id segments 2A to initially open relatively slowly, but to open more rapidly in the later stages of opening This provides for a slow reveal of the contents at first, followed by a more rapid one. As the lift is platform 9 and the contents approach the Level of the Lid segments 2A, the Lid segments' movement increases and avoids contact between the contents and the lid segments ?A.

The four Lid segments 2A also include two holes 14 which enable the lid segment covers 28 to be attached to the upper side of a lid segment 2A, The lid segment covers 25 can be made of bronze or other alternative decorative material.

In use, when a user applies the twisting action to a box 1 in the closed configuration, the lid segments 2A open outwardly in a synchronised manner in which the lid segment ?A is constrained by engagement of the crescent shaped aperture 13 with the guide screw 13A to!CROW a Cefined path swinging the!id segment 2A open and about the pivot axis provided by slider screw 15k This sliding action of the lid segments 2A occurs srmuizaneously with the inner lift platform 9 -described above -containing the item of jewellery, being lifted to the top of 30 the box 1 and presented in the centre of the jewellery box 1 emerging above the opened Lid segments ?A, In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the rim 10 may not include either the outer wall 12A or the inner wall 128 which define the aperture 12. Alternatively, both inner and ou -el walls 2A and 12B) may be absent and instead the rim 10 rraay effectively consist of four stop members to allow the pivotal attachment of the lid segments 2A.

This would provide a far simplified structure, although removing walls 12A and 12B would give the jewellery box 1 a reduced strength. in this alternative embodiment, the strength would be provided by virtue of the materials from which it is formed and additional strength would also be provided by the outer casing 3.

Figures 6-7 show an alternative embodiment of the jewellery box in which the lid comprises three segments rather than four. Figure 6 shows the Lid in the closed configuration and it can be seen there are correspondingly three arc-shaped apertures 12 and holes 11 on the rim 10. Each lid segment is pivotally attached to the rim 10. In this embodiment, the open configuration still involves the opening of the lid segments 2A with the same mechanism of slider screw 15A in aperture 15 sliding along arc-shaped aperture and simultaneously crescent-shaped aperture 13 a ongitheiguide screw 13A mounted in the hole 11 of the rim 19. Figure 7 shows the fully opened configuration.

In a further alternative embodiment, the lid consists of only two lid segments hi slide open when in the open configuration as can be seen it Figures 8-9. Figure:8 shows 2fi components of the lid in a closed position there are just two lid segments 2A and two lid segment covers 2B which are pivotally attached to the rim 10 at opposite ends, The rim 10 only contains two holes 1" and two, arc-shaped apertures 12. Figure 9 shows the components of this embodiment in their opened configuration. Tie lid segments ?A pivot open simultaneously.

Figures nd 11 show ar exploded view of a second embodiment of a jewellery box having four lid segments. The closed configuration in Figure "0 clearly slows the lifting pins '8 and shows slots 9A beneath the lift platform 9 into which they are able to be slotted and secured.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 10-11, the outer sleeve 5 contains inner helical ricges 100. The ridges co operate to define -th which guides the Lifting pins 8 axially.

The inner base platform 413 can alco be seen lore clearly in these figures. In pnsiticsn, the platform 4B sits within the tower casing 4, In this em bodirr ent, slots 4C enable tl e inner sleeved to be slotted securely within the base platform 4B, res 12 shows in more detaii the lifting components of h original embodiment of the jewellery box. The lift platform 9 is shown comprising slots 9A through which the lifting pins are inserted. The inner sleeve 6 is shown having vertical apertures 6A but without the rim 10 and outer sleeve 5 is shown having helical apertures 7.

Figure 13 shows an alternative, embodiment in which the helical apertures 7 are found on the inner sleeve 5 and the vertical apertures 5A are on the outer sleeve 6. In this embodiment, there are still shown four lifting pins 8 which slot beneath the lift platform 9, and the sleeves 5, 6 shown, rotate relative to one another about a central axis.

Figures 14-15 show a further altentative embodiment in which the outer nd the ve have three apertures only and consequently only three lifting pi required within the corresponding slots ie the inner lift platform 9. SimLarty to Figure 12, Figure 14 shows the three helical apertures 7 located within the cuter sleeve 5 with the vertical apertures 6A being located within the inner sleeve 6. The inverse of this is shown in Figure 15 in which the apertures on inner sleeve 6 are helical and apertures within the outer sleeve 5 are vertical.

In the mentioned embodiment, the lid segments 2A and lid segment covers 2B a designed to he substantially leaf shaped. In further alternative embodiments, the lid segments 2A and lid segment covers 2B can take any shapes or designs which are desired aesthetically and can be varied to nclude shapes such as the shape of a petal, swirls or any personalised design.

In a further alternative embodiment the lifting pins 8 can be an integral part of the lifting platform and be moulded into it rather than separate pins. This could be advantageous by there being fewer parts to the jewellery box making it more imple to construct. Moreover, there may be just one pin rather than two.

In a further alternative embodiment, the jewellery box may be any shaped cylinder, not necessarily circular. This provides variation which is beneficial to items which are personal to individuals.

6 A further use for the box would be to house gift USB sticks.