US20070000283A1 - Structure for adjusting length of ornament chains - Google Patents
Structure for adjusting length of ornament chains Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070000283A1 US20070000283A1 US09/813,372 US81337201A US2007000283A1 US 20070000283 A1 US20070000283 A1 US 20070000283A1 US 81337201 A US81337201 A US 81337201A US 2007000283 A1 US2007000283 A1 US 2007000283A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- resilient member
- ornament
- casing
- retainer
- chain
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
- A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/209—Fasteners specially adapted for necklaces or bracelets made of pearls
- A44C5/2095—Fasteners specially adapted for necklaces or bracelets made of pearls provided with retaining means for several strings of pearls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
- A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/209—Fasteners specially adapted for necklaces or bracelets made of pearls
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improvement in a structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain, in which the length of an ornament chain or a loop tie is adjusted with the use of an adjuster.
- This resilient member is formed in an arcuate leaf spring by bending opposite ends of a single leaf spring on the same side so as to have a semicylindrical shape so that the opposite ends have a back-to-back relationship, and a pair of left and right ornament chains are inserted and clamped between the back-to-back parts of the arcuate leaf spring.
- a main object of the present invention is to provide a structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain, which can increase a clamping force without the ornament chain being damaged, by widening the clamping surface with respect to the ornament chain.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for similarly adjusting the lengths of even a pair of ornament chains.
- FIGS. 1 ( a )- 1 ( b ) represents the sequential steps in forming the cylindrical resilient member
- FIGS. 1 ( c )- 1 ( e ) represent the sequential steps in forming the casing
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer
- FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an example of a structure for adjusting the length of the ornament chain using the retainer
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer incorporating two resilient members in the casing
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement such that the retainer is used being opposed to the ornament chain;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer in which a casing is engageably separated
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member having a raised part in another embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member in the other embodiment in which the shape of a cutout is different
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member in further of the other embodiment in which the shape of a cutout is different;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer of another embodiment
- FIG. 11 ( a ) is a cross-sectional view of the retainer including a resilient member in the casing such that both ends of the resilient tube are in contact with the inner wall of the casing;
- FIG. 11 ( b ) is a cross-sectional view of the retainer including the resilient member in the casing such that the both ends of the resilient tube are not in contact with the inner wall of the casing;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the resilient tube having a bump
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the resilient tube having a tapered portion.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the retainer having a spherical casing.
- the structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain has a single retainer 10 adapted to be fixed to an ornament.
- This retainer 10 is composed of a casing 1 and a cylindrical resilient member 4 incorporated in the casing 1 .
- the casing 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in the figures, the casing 1 should not be limited to this shape, but it may have any shape such as a shape having a polygonal outer surface, egg shape, or any other shape an ornament chain can be inserted into.
- the ornament chain 2 constitutes a necklace or a bracelet, and is a ball chain or a bead chain or any of other well-known chains.
- the casing 1 has a hole 3 a on the side where the ornament chain 2 is inserted, and a hole 3 b on the side where the ornament chain passing through the casing 1 is led out.
- the casing 1 is formed from a metal pipe which is cut into a predetermined length and opposite ends of which are rounded for chamfering, as shown in FIG. 1 d.
- These holes 3 a, 3 b have a diameter which is set to be slightly larger than that of the outer periphery of the ornament chain so that the ornament chain can smoothly slide therein.
- the resilient member 4 is a cylindrical spring formed in such a way that a single metal leaf spring shown in FIG. 1 a is cylindrically curved as shown in FIG. 1 b, and a slit-like cutout 5 which is linearly extended is defined in the center joint part.
- the resilient member 4 has a diameter which is smaller than that of the outer periphery of the ornament chain 2 so that an urging force is effected in a direction in which the outer periphery of the ornament chain 2 is fastened when the ornament chain 2 is inserted in this resilient member 4 .
- Openings at opposite ends of the resilient member 4 define a hole 4 a on the side where the ornament chain 2 is inserted, and a hole 4 b on the side where the ornament chain 2 passing through the resilient member comes out.
- the resilient member is a cylindrical shape by rounding a metal material, it is possible to prevent the resilient function from being lost due to heat.
- the resilient member 4 is pushed out in its enlarging direction by the outer peripheral surface of the ornament chain 2 so that the resilient member 4 itself is urged in a decreasing direction.
- the ornament chain 2 inserted in the resilient member 4 is always fastened by the resilient member 4 due to fastening by the urging force of the resilient member 4 .
- the resilient member 4 is accommodated in the hollow part of the retainer 1 , and accordingly, the diameters of the insertion hole and the come-out hole of the retainer are set to be small so that the resilient member 4 is prevented from coming off.
- the ornament chain can be led out from the retainer so as to adjust the length thereof.
- the resilient member 4 is moved in the reverse direction within the retainer, and abuts against the inner wall of the hole on the opposite side, and accordingly, the ornament chain can be pulled out in the reverse direction while the resilient member is enlarged, similar to that mentioned above.
- This retainer 10 enables a plurality of ornament chains (two ornament chains in the embodiment shown in this figure) to be fitted in the casing 1 in parallel with each other, and resilient members 4 are fitted onto the ornament chains 2 , respectively, within the casing 1 .
- like reference numerals are used to denote like parts, but followed by “′” in order to distinguish the parts from one another, for the sake of brevity in explanation.
- a pair of holes 3 a, 3 a ′ and a pair of holes 3 b, 3 b ′ are formed in opposite ends of the casing 1 , being opposed to one another.
- resilient members 4 , 4 ′ are arranged between the holes 3 a, 3 b, and between the holes 3 a and 3 a′, respectively, and are fitted, respectively, on two ornament chains 2 , 2 ′ which respectively extend through the above-mentioned holes 3 a, 3 a ′ and 3 b, 3 b′, in parallel with each other.
- These ornament chains 2 , 2 ′ may be used by winding a single ornament chain or by using a plurality of ornament chains in parallel with each other.
- the lengths of the ornament chains 2 , 2 ′ can be respectively adjusted by pulling the respective ornament chains 2 , 2 ′ themselves.
- FIG. 5 shows a retainer in which the lengths of a plurality of ornament chains (four ornament chains) can be adjusted.
- a retainer 10 shown in FIG. 6 is composed of a plurality of casings 1 A, 1 B which are disengageably coupled together, and resilient members 4 are incorporated in the casings 1 A, 1 B so that the ornament chains 2 , 2 ′ which are fitted in the casings 1 A, 1 B can slide therein so as to adjust their lengths.
- the casings 1 A, 1 B are provided therein with constituting parts 9 , 9 ′ of engaging means, locking structures or other removable coupling means, respectively, and accordingly, they can be disengageably coupled integrally with each other.
- the constituting parts 9 , 9 ′ shown in FIG. 6 is composed of a pair of magnets.
- a structure composed of a hook and a receiving part for receiving the former, a structure for concave and convex engagement, and various kind of structures can be used.
- This retainer 10 may be used for a loop type necklace or the like.
- the casings 1 A, 1 B are separated from each other so as to remove the necklace, and with coupling the casings 1 A, 1 B together or without coupling them, the length of the ornament chain 2 can be adjusted by pulling the ornament chain 2 .
- a resilient member 4 shown in FIG. 7 is formed with a raised part 7 on its peripheral wall, which is projected inward.
- this raised part 7 is formed in a substantially annular shape along the outer periphery, but it may be the one which is discretely projected, instead of the one which is continuously projected along the outer periphery as mentioned above.
- the ornament chain is, for example, a bead-like chain only composed of a ring-like chain which does not include spherical pieces or cubic pieces having a large contact area with respect to the resilient member, the raised part 7 abuts against the chain so as to surely effect an urging force.
- a resilient member 4 ′ shown in FIG. 8 has a slit-like cutout 5 ′ which is extended longitudinally while it is inclined with respect the axial direction of the resilient member 4 ′, and accordingly, pieces of the ornament chain can hardly be caught in the cut-out even though the pieces have angle corners.
- a resilient member 4 ′ shown in FIG. 9 has a slit-like cutout 5 ′ which is axially extended, being wavelike curved.
- the shape of the cutout may be suitably changed in view of a shape of the ornament chains, that is, it may select any of various shapes, that is, the one obliquely inclined or meandering.
- one end part of the resilient member may be provided with a flange or may have a large thickness so as to prevent the resilient member from coming off even though a hole in the casing is enlarged.
- the resilient member is fitted on the ornament chain so as to be restrained, and accordingly, the clamping area of the resilient member for the ornament chain can be widened, thereby it is possible to enhance the camping force and as well to restrain the ornament chain from being damaged.
- a resilient tube 4 ′ is used as a different embodiment of the resilient member.
- the resilient tube 4 ′ comprises cylindrical synthetic rubber. As shown in FIG. 11 ( a ), an exterior diameter L 2 of the resilient tube 4 ′ is longer than a diameter L 1 of a hole 3 a ( 3 b ) of a casing 1 (L 2 >L 1 ), and a diameter L 3 of a through hole 4 a is shorter than the diameter L 1 of the hole 3 a ( 3 b ) of the casing 1 .
- a diameter L 4 in a maximum perimeter portion of an ornament chain 2 is slightly shorter than the diameter L 1 of the hole 3 a ( 3 b ), and the diameter L 3 of the through hole 4 a is shorter than the diameter L 4 .
- a biasing force acts in a direction to fasten the periphery of the ornament chain 2 .
- FIG. 10 shows a ball chain
- FIG. 11 ( b ) shows a compact chain
- the length of the resilient tube 4 ′ is set such that the both ends in the lengthwise direction are not strongly pressed in contact with the inner wall of the hollow portion 1 a of the casing 1 , but the ends are in contact with the inner wall (See FIG. 11 ( a )) or not in contact with the inner wall (See FIG. 11 ( b )).
- the length of the tube is set as above since when the resilient tube 4 ′ in contracted status is accommodated in the casing 1 , even at no load, the both ends of the resilient tube 4 ′ are in tight contact with the inner wall near the hole of the casing 1 and the resilient tube 4 ′ cannot be easily rotate.
- the diameter L 2 of the resilient tube 41 is shorter than a diameter L 5 of the hollow portion (in case of oval shape, the minimum diameter) of the casing 1 .
- the resilient tube 4 ′ is placed in the casing 1 such that a gap S formed between the tube and the inner wall of the hollow portion 1 a of the casing 1 along the outer peripheral wall of the tube.
- the resilient tube 4 ′ is contracted and pressed int the hollow portion 1 a of the casing 1 from one of the holes 3 a and 3 b.
- the resilient tube 4 ′ is interlocked with the movement of the ornament chain 2 in the hollow portion 1 a of the casing 1 in the retainer 10 .
- the resilient tube 4 ′ is formed such that there is a gap in a ring shape between the periphery of the resilient tube 4 ′ and the inner wall of the hollow portion 1 a in the hollow portion 1 a of the casing 1 , when the resilient tube 4 ′ is under no load, the resilient tube 41 can be easily rotated on its axis in the hollow portion of the casing 1 .
- the resilient tube 4 ′ can be easily rotated in the casing 1 in accordance with the movement of the chain in the twist direction.
- a gap is continuously formed in a ring shape along the periphery of the resilient tube 4 ′, however, it may be arranged such that a part of the tube is in contact with the inner wall of the hollow portion.
- the retainer 10 as shown in FIG. 12 has the casing 1 which is a hollow spherical body.
- the resilient tube 4 is attached in a similar manner to that in the above embodiment.
- FIG. 13 shows a different embodiment of the resilient tube 4 ′ where inwardly swollen bump 7 is integrated with the peripheral wall.
- the bump 7 is formed approximately in a ring shape along the periphery, however, intermittently swollen bumps may be employed in place of this bump continuously swollen along the periphery.
- the ornament chain 2 comprises the combination of rings, e.g. elliptic rings, without including solid pieces such as spherical members having a large area of contact with the resilient tube 4 ′, the bump 7 comes into collision against the chain to ensure the operation of the biasing force.
- ends 41 have approximately the same diameter of the outer perimeter of the chain, a tapered intermediate portion 42 has a gradually-decreasing diameter, and a central portion 43 has a small diameter for the operation of the biasing force by resilience.
- ends 41 have approximately the same diameter of the outer perimeter of the chain, a tapered intermediate portion 42 has a gradually-decreasing diameter, and a central portion 43 has a small diameter for the operation of the biasing force by resilience.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/418,794, filed on Oct. 15, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to an improvement in a structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain, in which the length of an ornament chain or a loop tie is adjusted with the use of an adjuster.
- Conventionally, there has been known a structure of a retainer for an ornament chain, as an adjuster of this kind, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3,042,071, which is characterized in that the ornament chain is inserted and retained in the retainer, and the retainer has a spherical shape or the like, and has a through-hole in which the ornament chain is inserted, the retainer including therein a resilient member for preventing the ornament chain from coming off.
- This resilient member is formed in an arcuate leaf spring by bending opposite ends of a single leaf spring on the same side so as to have a semicylindrical shape so that the opposite ends have a back-to-back relationship, and a pair of left and right ornament chains are inserted and clamped between the back-to-back parts of the arcuate leaf spring.
- Accordingly, there has been provided such an arrangement that the area of contact between the ornament chains and the above-mentioned resilient member is narrow, and accordingly, the clamping force acts only upon a local part, thereby it is required to increase the clamping force, causing the ornament chains to be easily and locally damaged.
- The invention is devised in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain, which can increase a clamping force without the ornament chain being damaged, by widening the clamping surface with respect to the ornament chain.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for similarly adjusting the lengths of even a pair of ornament chains.
- FIGS. 1(a)-1(b) represents the sequential steps in forming the cylindrical resilient member;
- FIGS. 1(c)-1(e) represent the sequential steps in forming the casing;
-
FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer; -
FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an example of a structure for adjusting the length of the ornament chain using the retainer; -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer incorporating two resilient members in the casing; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement such that the retainer is used being opposed to the ornament chain; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a retainer in which a casing is engageably separated; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member having a raised part in another embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member in the other embodiment in which the shape of a cutout is different; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a resilient member in further of the other embodiment in which the shape of a cutout is different; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer of another embodiment; -
FIG. 11 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the retainer including a resilient member in the casing such that both ends of the resilient tube are in contact with the inner wall of the casing; -
FIG. 11 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the retainer including the resilient member in the casing such that the both ends of the resilient tube are not in contact with the inner wall of the casing; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the resilient tube having a bump; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the resilient tube having a tapered portion; and -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the retainer having a spherical casing. - Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain has a
single retainer 10 adapted to be fixed to an ornament. Thisretainer 10 is composed of acasing 1 and a cylindricalresilient member 4 incorporated in thecasing 1. Although thecasing 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in the figures, thecasing 1 should not be limited to this shape, but it may have any shape such as a shape having a polygonal outer surface, egg shape, or any other shape an ornament chain can be inserted into. - The
ornament chain 2 constitutes a necklace or a bracelet, and is a ball chain or a bead chain or any of other well-known chains. - In order to insert this
ornament chain 2 in theretainer 10, through-holes are formed in thecasing 1. - That is, the
casing 1 has ahole 3 a on the side where theornament chain 2 is inserted, and ahole 3 b on the side where the ornament chain passing through thecasing 1 is led out. - As shown in
FIG. 1 c, thecasing 1 is formed from a metal pipe which is cut into a predetermined length and opposite ends of which are rounded for chamfering, as shown inFIG. 1 d. - Thus formed cylindrical body is inserted therein with a
resilient member 4 which will be detailed later, and as shown inFIG. 1 (e), the chamfered opposite ends as mentioned above, are then caulked or squeezed so as to formsmall diameter holes - These
holes - Next, the
resilient member 4 is a cylindrical spring formed in such a way that a single metal leaf spring shown inFIG. 1 a is cylindrically curved as shown inFIG. 1 b, and a slit-like cutout 5 which is linearly extended is defined in the center joint part. - The
resilient member 4 has a diameter which is smaller than that of the outer periphery of theornament chain 2 so that an urging force is effected in a direction in which the outer periphery of theornament chain 2 is fastened when theornament chain 2 is inserted in thisresilient member 4. - Openings at opposite ends of the
resilient member 4 define ahole 4 a on the side where theornament chain 2 is inserted, and ahole 4 b on the side where theornament chain 2 passing through the resilient member comes out. - Further, since the resilient member is a cylindrical shape by rounding a metal material, it is possible to prevent the resilient function from being lost due to heat.
- Thus, other components and members such as another casing and an ornament member can be joined thereto by heating (for example, brazing).
- Accordingly, when the
ornament chain 2 is inserted into theresilient member 4, theresilient member 4 is pushed out in its enlarging direction by the outer peripheral surface of theornament chain 2 so that theresilient member 4 itself is urged in a decreasing direction. - Thus, the
ornament chain 2 inserted in theresilient member 4 is always fastened by theresilient member 4 due to fastening by the urging force of theresilient member 4. - It is noted that the
resilient member 4 is accommodated in the hollow part of theretainer 1, and accordingly, the diameters of the insertion hole and the come-out hole of the retainer are set to be small so that theresilient member 4 is prevented from coming off. - Accordingly, as shown in
FIG. 2 , when theornament chain 2 is pulled in either direction, only theornament chain 2 is associatingly pulled out so that one end part of theresilient member 4 abuts against the inner wall of theretainer 1 so as to restrain the motion thereof. - If the ornament chain is strongly pulled, only the ornament chain is pulled out while enlarging the
resilient member 4, overcoming the urging force of theresilient member 4. - Thus, the ornament chain can be led out from the retainer so as to adjust the length thereof.
- If the ornament chain is pulled in the reverse direction, the
resilient member 4 is moved in the reverse direction within the retainer, and abuts against the inner wall of the hole on the opposite side, and accordingly, the ornament chain can be pulled out in the reverse direction while the resilient member is enlarged, similar to that mentioned above. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, although it has been explained of such an arrangement that one end part of the single ornament chain is locked to a
retaining ring 20 through the intermediary of afixture 21 so as to have such an arrangement that the other end part is inserted in the retainer in order to adjust the length of the ornament chain, aretainer 10 which can adjust the lengths of a plurality of ornament chains is shown inFIG. 4 . - This
retainer 10 enables a plurality of ornament chains (two ornament chains in the embodiment shown in this figure) to be fitted in thecasing 1 in parallel with each other, andresilient members 4 are fitted onto theornament chains 2, respectively, within thecasing 1. In this embodiment shown in this figure, like reference numerals are used to denote like parts, but followed by “′” in order to distinguish the parts from one another, for the sake of brevity in explanation. - That is, a pair of
holes holes casing 1, being opposed to one another. - Further,
resilient members holes holes ornament chains holes - These
ornament chains - In this case, the lengths of the
ornament chains respective ornament chains - Next,
FIG. 5 shows a retainer in which the lengths of a plurality of ornament chains (four ornament chains) can be adjusted. - In this case, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, four
holes resilient members 4 are correspondingly provided. The other structure is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment, and accordingly, explanation thereto will be omitted. - A
retainer 10 shown inFIG. 6 is composed of a plurality ofcasings 1A, 1B which are disengageably coupled together, andresilient members 4 are incorporated in thecasings 1A, 1B so that theornament chains casings 1A, 1B can slide therein so as to adjust their lengths. - The
casings 1A, 1B are provided therein with constituting parts 9, 9′ of engaging means, locking structures or other removable coupling means, respectively, and accordingly, they can be disengageably coupled integrally with each other. - The constituting parts 9, 9′ shown in
FIG. 6 is composed of a pair of magnets. For example, a structure composed of a hook and a receiving part for receiving the former, a structure for concave and convex engagement, and various kind of structures can be used. - This
retainer 10 may be used for a loop type necklace or the like. - In this case, the
casings 1A, 1B are separated from each other so as to remove the necklace, and with coupling thecasings 1A, 1B together or without coupling them, the length of theornament chain 2 can be adjusted by pulling theornament chain 2. - A
resilient member 4 shown inFIG. 7 is formed with a raisedpart 7 on its peripheral wall, which is projected inward. - In this case as shown, this raised
part 7 is formed in a substantially annular shape along the outer periphery, but it may be the one which is discretely projected, instead of the one which is continuously projected along the outer periphery as mentioned above. - With this arrangement, even if the ornament chain is, for example, a bead-like chain only composed of a ring-like chain which does not include spherical pieces or cubic pieces having a large contact area with respect to the resilient member, the raised
part 7 abuts against the chain so as to surely effect an urging force. - A
resilient member 4′ shown inFIG. 8 has a slit-like cutout 5′ which is extended longitudinally while it is inclined with respect the axial direction of theresilient member 4′, and accordingly, pieces of the ornament chain can hardly be caught in the cut-out even though the pieces have angle corners. - Further, a
resilient member 4′ shown inFIG. 9 has a slit-like cutout 5′ which is axially extended, being wavelike curved. - With this arrangement, even if the pieces of the
ornament chains 2′ have angle comers, instead of rounded corners, linearly extended ridge lines of the side surfaces thereof, can hardly be caught in thecutout 5′. - According to the present invention, the shape of the cutout may be suitably changed in view of a shape of the ornament chains, that is, it may select any of various shapes, that is, the one obliquely inclined or meandering.
- Further, one end part of the resilient member may be provided with a flange or may have a large thickness so as to prevent the resilient member from coming off even though a hole in the casing is enlarged.
- As mentioned above, with the structure for adjusting the length of an ornament chain, according to the present invention, the resilient member is fitted on the ornament chain so as to be restrained, and accordingly, the clamping area of the resilient member for the ornament chain can be widened, thereby it is possible to enhance the camping force and as well to restrain the ornament chain from being damaged.
- In a
retainer 10 as shown inFIG. 10 , aresilient tube 4′ is used as a different embodiment of the resilient member. - The
resilient tube 4′ comprises cylindrical synthetic rubber. As shown inFIG. 11 (a), an exterior diameter L2 of theresilient tube 4′ is longer than a diameter L1 of ahole 3 a (3 b) of a casing 1 (L2>L1), and a diameter L3 of a throughhole 4 a is shorter than the diameter L1 of thehole 3 a (3 b) of thecasing 1. - Further, a diameter L4 in a maximum perimeter portion of an
ornament chain 2 is slightly shorter than the diameter L1 of thehole 3 a (3 b), and the diameter L3 of the throughhole 4 a is shorter than the diameter L4. - That is, L2>L1>L4>L3 holds.
- Accordingly, when the
ornament chain 2 is inserted through theresilient tube 4′, a biasing force acts in a direction to fasten the periphery of theornament chain 2. - Note that as the
ornament chain 2,FIG. 10 shows a ball chain, however,FIG. 11 (b) shows a compact chain. - The length of the
resilient tube 4′ is set such that the both ends in the lengthwise direction are not strongly pressed in contact with the inner wall of thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1, but the ends are in contact with the inner wall (SeeFIG. 11 (a)) or not in contact with the inner wall (SeeFIG. 11 (b)). - The length of the tube is set as above since when the
resilient tube 4′ in contracted status is accommodated in thecasing 1, even at no load, the both ends of theresilient tube 4′ are in tight contact with the inner wall near the hole of thecasing 1 and theresilient tube 4′ cannot be easily rotate. - Further, the diameter L2 of the
resilient tube 41 is shorter than a diameter L5 of the hollow portion (in case of oval shape, the minimum diameter) of thecasing 1. - Accordingly, the
resilient tube 4′ is placed in thecasing 1 such that a gap S formed between the tube and the inner wall of thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1 along the outer peripheral wall of the tube. - Further, it may be arranged such that the
resilient tube 4′ is contracted and pressed int thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1 from one of theholes - Otherwise, it may be arranged such that in the manufacturing process of the
casing 1, at a stage where the entrance hole is slightly reduced (SeeFIG. 1 (d) in the previous embodiment, theresilient tube 4′ is inserted, then the diameter of the entrance hole is narrowed as the pipe 13 (SeeFIG. 1 (e)) so as to prevent theresilient tube 4′ from dropping. - In the above construction, when the
ornament chain 2 is inserted through theresilient tube 4′, theresilient tube 4′ is forcibly-expanded in an expanding direction by the outer periphery of theornament chain 2, and in theresilient tube 4′ itself, a biasing force acts in a contracting direction. - The
ornament chain 2 inserted through theresilient tube 4′, fastened by the biasing force of theresilient tube 4′, is always press-held by theresilient tube 4′. - The
resilient tube 4′ is interlocked with the movement of theornament chain 2 in thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1 in theretainer 10. - Accordingly, as shown in
FIG. 10 , when theornament chain 2 or thecasing 1 of theretainer 10 is pulled in any direction, theresilient tube 4′ is also pulled, and the end of theresilient tube 4′ comes into collision against the inner wall around thehole casing 1, thus the movement of theresilient tube 4′ is restrained. - Further, in this status, when the
casing 1 of theretainer 10 is strongly pulled, the end of theresilient tube 4′ in contact with the inner wall is compressed, and theornament chain 2 is pulled out while expanding the throughhole 4 a of theresilient tube 4′ against the biasing force of theresilient tube 4′ holding the chain. - Thus the position of the
retainer 10 with respect to theornament chain 2 can be changed by sliding theretainer 10 along theornament chain 2. - Further, since the
resilient tube 4′ is formed such that there is a gap in a ring shape between the periphery of theresilient tube 4′ and the inner wall of thehollow portion 1 a in thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1, when theresilient tube 4′ is under no load, theresilient tube 41 can be easily rotated on its axis in the hollow portion of thecasing 1. - At this time, even if the both ends or one end in the lengthwise direction of the
resilient tube 4′ is in contact with the inner wall of thecasing 1, no braking force to prevent the above rotation occurs. - Accordingly, if the ornament chain is twisted, the
resilient tube 4′ can be easily rotated in thecasing 1 in accordance with the movement of the chain in the twist direction. - In the above embodiment, a gap is continuously formed in a ring shape along the periphery of the
resilient tube 4′, however, it may be arranged such that a part of the tube is in contact with the inner wall of the hollow portion. - In such case, as the rotation cannot be easily made if the
resilient tube 4′ is in tight contact with the inner wall, it is desirable that the part of the tube is merely in contact with the inner wall. - Further, regarding the both ends in the lengthwise direction of the
resilient tube 4′, when thechain 2 is slid, at least the end of the pulled side is pressed into contact with the wall near thehole 3 a (3 b) of thecasing 1. When such load has disappeared, the end returns inside the hollow portion. In case of arrangement where the tube is not in contact with the inner wall of thehollow portion 1 a of thecasing 1, the tube does not disturb the rotation of thechain 2, and even in case of arrangement where the tube is in contact with the inner wall, the braking force is small, and the rotation of the chain can be comparatively easily made. - In this manner, as a gap S is formed continuously or intermittently along the periphery of the
resilient tube 4′, the chain press-held by theresilient tube 4′ can be rotated on the axial line or distorted in the gap S. Thus theornament chain 2 can be smoothly twisted when the ornament is wore. - The
retainer 10 as shown inFIG. 12 has thecasing 1 which is a hollow spherical body. In this case, theresilient tube 4 is attached in a similar manner to that in the above embodiment. -
FIG. 13 shows a different embodiment of theresilient tube 4′ where inwardlyswollen bump 7 is integrated with the peripheral wall. - The
bump 7 is formed approximately in a ring shape along the periphery, however, intermittently swollen bumps may be employed in place of this bump continuously swollen along the periphery. - By this arrangement, even if the
ornament chain 2 comprises the combination of rings, e.g. elliptic rings, without including solid pieces such as spherical members having a large area of contact with theresilient tube 4′, thebump 7 comes into collision against the chain to ensure the operation of the biasing force. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 14 , it may be arranged such that in the throughhole 4 a of theresilient tube 4′, ends 41 have approximately the same diameter of the outer perimeter of the chain, a taperedintermediate portion 42 has a gradually-decreasing diameter, and acentral portion 43 has a small diameter for the operation of the biasing force by resilience. Thus the chain can be easily inserted through the tube.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/813,372 US20070000283A1 (en) | 1999-09-01 | 2001-03-12 | Structure for adjusting length of ornament chains |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JPUM,H11-6709 | 1999-09-01 | ||
JP67099999 | 1999-09-01 | ||
US41879499A | 1999-10-15 | 1999-10-15 | |
JP363,797 | 2000-11-29 | ||
US09/813,372 US20070000283A1 (en) | 1999-09-01 | 2001-03-12 | Structure for adjusting length of ornament chains |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US41879499A Continuation-In-Part | 1999-09-01 | 1999-10-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070000283A1 true US20070000283A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
Family
ID=37587939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/813,372 Abandoned US20070000283A1 (en) | 1999-09-01 | 2001-03-12 | Structure for adjusting length of ornament chains |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070000283A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060213225A1 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-09-28 | Ronald Pratt | Jewelry bead and method of stringing same |
US20080127626A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-05 | Silmar S.P.A. | Device for adjusting ornamental chains and method for the manufacture thereof |
CN101833899A (en) * | 2010-04-06 | 2010-09-15 | 南京市妇幼保健院 | Medical hand ring for newborn |
ITPD20090217A1 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-01-25 | Fraterna S A S Di Tomaso Neri & C | DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF ORNAMENTAL CHAINS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS REALIZATION |
ITPD20100005A1 (en) * | 2010-01-18 | 2011-07-19 | Euro Meccanica Preziosi Srl | DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF ORNAMENTAL CHAINS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS REALIZATION |
US8950214B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2015-02-10 | Pandora A/S | Component with gripping element |
USD750155S1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-02-23 | Neckglasses, LLC | Chain with integral glasses |
CN105982406A (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2016-10-05 | 浙江新光饰品股份有限公司 | Multipurpose shake-stopping type necklace |
USD774122S1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-12-13 | Neckglasses, LLC | Chain with pendant glasses |
WO2019112635A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-13 | Pt. Veronique Indonesia | An ornament whose length can be easily adjusted |
US11819096B2 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2023-11-21 | Elc Management Llc | Single-piece watch band |
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US1504761A (en) * | 1923-05-31 | 1924-08-12 | Hubbell Harvey | Clasp |
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US2260700A (en) * | 1940-02-03 | 1941-10-28 | Bloom Gertrude | Glove holder |
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US4665595A (en) * | 1984-04-20 | 1987-05-19 | Jean Viot | Clasp with interchangeable ornament |
US6557376B2 (en) * | 2001-04-13 | 2003-05-06 | Ronald Pratt | Adjustable self-stopping strung beads and method of making same |
US6901771B2 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2005-06-07 | Planet Co. | Jewel and personal ornament |
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- 2001-03-12 US US09/813,372 patent/US20070000283A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US1504761A (en) * | 1923-05-31 | 1924-08-12 | Hubbell Harvey | Clasp |
US2117137A (en) * | 1938-01-27 | 1938-05-10 | Bead Chain Mfg Co | Bead chain length adjuster |
US2260700A (en) * | 1940-02-03 | 1941-10-28 | Bloom Gertrude | Glove holder |
US2378655A (en) * | 1942-04-06 | 1945-06-19 | Mc Gill Mfg Co | Switch mechanism |
US2861313A (en) * | 1954-05-24 | 1958-11-25 | Forstner Inc | Key chain construction |
US2845672A (en) * | 1954-06-18 | 1958-08-05 | Arthur W Molene | Key post |
US2856661A (en) * | 1955-10-20 | 1958-10-21 | Holl Charles | Locking slide |
US3974545A (en) * | 1975-10-06 | 1976-08-17 | Raybeth Tool & Die Co., Inc. | Slide locking assembly |
US4237702A (en) * | 1979-05-24 | 1980-12-09 | Richard Caverly | Necklace |
US4321804A (en) * | 1980-09-02 | 1982-03-30 | Margaret Borofsky | Adjustable necklace or bracelet |
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US4377078A (en) * | 1981-08-04 | 1983-03-22 | Intimate Jewels, Inc. | Chain and end attachment means |
US4665595A (en) * | 1984-04-20 | 1987-05-19 | Jean Viot | Clasp with interchangeable ornament |
US6557376B2 (en) * | 2001-04-13 | 2003-05-06 | Ronald Pratt | Adjustable self-stopping strung beads and method of making same |
US6901771B2 (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2005-06-07 | Planet Co. | Jewel and personal ornament |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060213225A1 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-09-28 | Ronald Pratt | Jewelry bead and method of stringing same |
US7409763B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2008-08-12 | Ronald Pratt | Jewelry bead and method of stringing same |
US20080127626A1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2008-06-05 | Silmar S.P.A. | Device for adjusting ornamental chains and method for the manufacture thereof |
ITPD20090217A1 (en) * | 2009-07-24 | 2011-01-25 | Fraterna S A S Di Tomaso Neri & C | DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF ORNAMENTAL CHAINS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS REALIZATION |
ITPD20100005A1 (en) * | 2010-01-18 | 2011-07-19 | Euro Meccanica Preziosi Srl | DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF ORNAMENTAL CHAINS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS REALIZATION |
CN101833899A (en) * | 2010-04-06 | 2010-09-15 | 南京市妇幼保健院 | Medical hand ring for newborn |
US8950214B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2015-02-10 | Pandora A/S | Component with gripping element |
US9839266B2 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2017-12-12 | Pandora A/S | Component with gripping element |
USD750155S1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-02-23 | Neckglasses, LLC | Chain with integral glasses |
USD774122S1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-12-13 | Neckglasses, LLC | Chain with pendant glasses |
CN105982406A (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2016-10-05 | 浙江新光饰品股份有限公司 | Multipurpose shake-stopping type necklace |
WO2019112635A1 (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-13 | Pt. Veronique Indonesia | An ornament whose length can be easily adjusted |
US11819096B2 (en) | 2020-06-16 | 2023-11-21 | Elc Management Llc | Single-piece watch band |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MURAO, CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MURAO, MASAMI;MURAO, YOSHIAKA;REEL/FRAME:012358/0681 Effective date: 20011106 |
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Owner name: MURAO, CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: RE-RECORD TO CORRECT THE NAME OF THE SECOND ASSIGNOR, PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 012358 FRAME 0681, ASSIGNOR CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE ENTIRE INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:MURAO, MASAMI;MURAO, YOSHIAKI;REEL/FRAME:012793/0832 Effective date: 20011106 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |