WO1992017089A1

WO1992017089A1 - Fastener for necklaces, bracelets and the like

Info

Publication number: WO1992017089A1
Application number: PCT/DE1992/000272
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dieter Heinzelmann
Original assignee: Dieter Heinzelmann
Priority date: 1991-04-08
Filing date: 1992-04-04
Publication date: 1992-10-15
Also published as: DE9104214U1

Abstract

A fastener for necklaces, bracelets and the like has an outer sleeve (1) in which a receiving element (2) is movably mounted in the axial direction against the force of at least one spring (5) arranged in the outer sleeve. The receiving element (2) receives at least one linking element (4) linked to one end of the necklace. Receiving element and linking element are fixed in the closure position on at least one safety element, after being axially moved together by the spring. Since the receiving element and the linking element are fixed on a safety sleeve (3) concentrically arranged to the outer sleeve and that acts as a safety element by the receiving element being radially moved by the safety sleeve, it is possible to open the fastener blindly, at the same time as a high degree of security in spite of a simple and easy operation is ensured.

Description

Clasp for jewelry chains, bracelets and the like.

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a closure for jewelry chains, bracelets and the like with an outer sleeve, in which a receiving member is axially movably supported against the force of at least one spring arranged in the outer sleeve, and for receiving at least one connecting part connected to the one chain end, wherein receiving member and Connection part in Verschiußsteliung after a common axial movement forced by the spring on at least one securing member are fixed. Such a closure can be used to close a chain or bracelet as well as to connect decorative elements to one another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In such a closure, which is known from US Pat. No. 4,958,420, a slide, which is fixed in an axially movable manner in a sleeve, is brought into an accommodating position from the outside against the force of a spiral spring, which allows the insertion of a connecting part. During the subsequent closing, caused by the restoring force of the spring, the connecting part held centrally in the receiving member lies against an asymmetrical cover. The closure is opened in reverse - I "-

Sequence so that a blind palpation of the opening organs is required. With this fastener there is also the possibility that the actuating member of the fastener hooks onto the wearer's clothing.

From EP-PS 46 123 a closure is also known, in which a spiral spring designed as a receiving member is axially movable on a flat, rectangular socket. The lock has the function of a snap lock and releases one end of the chain when pulled. However, due to its design, the flat fastener cannot be arranged on any type of chain.

In a further closure of this type - according to DE-OS 26 50 155, a resilient pin is snapped onto a flange of a sleeve. To release a push piece of the pin must be operated blind.

Finally, from DE-GM 78 18017 a closure is known in which two sleeves are pushed against each other against a spiral spring, a pin of the inner sleeve being guided in the axial and circumferential direction on a groove of the outer sleeve. However, this closure is difficult to open blindly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from this, the inventor has set himself the task of developing a closure of this type in such a way that it can be opened blindly, but nevertheless provides a high level of security despite simple and easy operation.

This object is achieved in that the receiving element and the connecting part are fixed to a securing sleeve which is arranged concentrically with the outer sleeve and is designed as a securing member by a radial movement of the receiving member which is forced by the securing sleeve.

With such a design, the closure can be kept very small. The closing and opening is done by only one simple, axial plugging or pulling movement, so that easy handling is ensured. It should be noted that the closure can not be opened easily, since the system on the locking member for opening and closing the chain makes it necessary to hold the outer sleeve. The mechanism, which is made up of just a few parts, is also securely protected from prying eyes and dirt by the outer sleeve. Also, there are no actuating elements that at least disrupt the aesthetics emerge from the outer sleeve. Nevertheless, the closure is extremely adaptable in terms of shape, length and diameter, since the outer shape of the outer sleeve has no influence on the mechanism.

In an embodiment according to claim 3, a secure locking in the closing position is also made possible, but also the opening is facilitated by the forced axial connection of the receiving member and the connecting part.

In an embodiment according to claim 4, the already high level of security is additionally increased by clamping the connecting part, whereby in an embodiment according to claim 5 the resulting inward radial movement of the receiving member is considerably facilitated.

In an embodiment according to claim 10, the closure can also very well in the form of a double closure as a coupling piece, e.g. can be used to extend chains.

In all cases, the plug connection is secured on the one hand by spring force and on the other hand by the forced friction between the individual parts, both in tension and pressure, in the axial direction, so that an unintentional opening of the closure is impossible. The movements required for closing and opening can, in a configuration according to claim 11, be made considerably easier, if necessary, by chamfering the sliding surfaces of the individual parts. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to four exemplary embodiments. In an embodiment according to claim 13, the closure is used as a so-called "cross closure", for example to connect various jewelry elements to a chain and thereby increase the jewelry value of the piece of jewelry due to its increased adaptability.

Further advantages result from the subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a section through a closure on a first

Embodiment, Fig. 2a-2d a view of the individual parts of the closure according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a section through a closure according to a second embodiment with a multi-part

4a-4e a view of the individual parts of the closure according to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 a section through a double closure as the third

Embodiment and Fig. 6a-6e the view of the individual parts of the closure according to

Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows a section through a closure according to a fourth

Embodiment, Fig. 8a-8e the view of the individual parts of the closure according to

Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a rear view of a cross lock

Closure, Fig. 10a the closure on a bracelet in each case in a plan view -12c on the links to be connected and a side view in three exemplary embodiments, the ones to be connected

Links in the vertical or horizontal or in the chain direction are separated from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As far as possible, the four exemplary embodiments are described below together, the explanations according to FIGS. 9-12c only being discussed at the end.

The individual exemplary embodiments largely have the same reference symbols. The reference numerals of the second exemplary embodiment differ from the first by a prime, the reference numerals of the third exemplary embodiment from the first exemplary embodiment by two prime characters and the reference numerals of the fourth exemplary embodiment from the first exemplary embodiment by three prime characters.

All closures have an outer sleeve 1,, 1 ", 1 '" in which at least one receiving element 2, 2', 2 ","'against the force of at least one spring 5.5', 5 ", 5 '" arranged in the outer sleeve. is axially movable. The receiving element 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' serves to receive at least one connecting part 4,4 ', 4 ", 4'" connected to the chain end or bracelet end. In a closing position, the receiving element and connecting part are jointly connected to at least one securing element after a common axial movement forced by the spring. A securing sleeve 3, 3 ', 3', 3 '' serves as the securing element. The securing sleeve is arranged concentrically with the outer sleeve. In the closing position, the receiving member and the connecting part are fixed to the securing sleeve by a radial movement of the receiving member 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' which is forced by the securing sleeve itself. The receiving member is constructed so that a receiving opening 2a, 2a ', 2a ", 2a'" is formed by a connecting sleeve 2c, 2c ', 2c ", 2c"'. A connecting bolt 4a, 4a ', 4a ", 4a'" of the connecting part dips into this connecting sleeve in the locking position. In the first, second and fourth exemplary embodiment, the one chain end is fastened to the receiving element 2, 2 ', 2 "', specifically to the end 2b, 2b ', 2b"' opposite the receiving opening, while the other end is fastened to the connecting part. With the double lock according to the third Embodiment, however, both chain ends are attached to connecting parts 4 ".

In order to ensure an increased level of security, securing sleeves 3,3 ', 3 ", 3"', receiving member 2,2 ', 2 ", 2"' and connecting part 4,4 ', 4 ", 4'" in such a way that an axial movement of the receiving member and the connecting part is only possible together. For this purpose, the connecting bolt has an end section 4b, 4b ', 4b ", 4b"' with a larger outside diameter and a section 4c, 4c ', 4c ", 4c" ¹ arranged behind it in the direction of the chain with a smaller outside diameter. Corresponding sections of the receiving member correspond to these two sections. The end section 2e, 2e ', 2e \ 2e "' of the connecting sleeve 2c, 2c ', 2c", 2c "' of the receiving member 2, 2 ', 2",'"has a reduced inner diameter which corresponds to the section 4c, 4c ¹ , 4c ", c"'and a section 2d, 2d', 2d ", 2d"'of the connecting sleeve with an enlarged inner diameter arranged in the direction of the chain, which is connected to the end section 4b, 4b', 4b ", 4b '" As a result, a frictional connection between these two parts is achieved in the locking position. In addition, when the connecting bolt is inserted through the receiving opening 2a, 2a ', 2a ", 2a"' of the receiving member, it engages.

In order to limit the maximum possible movement during this insertion movement, the connection point 4, 4 ', 4 "has contact surfaces 4d, 4d', 4d" (FIGS. 1-6e).

In order to ensure the position of the receiving element 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2"' and the connecting part 4, ', 4 ", 4"', the connecting sleeve 2c, 2c ', 2c ", 2c"' additionally has in its end region 2e, 2e ', 2e ", 2e"' also have an enlarged outer diameter, which in the closing position in the first to third exemplary embodiments has a reduced inner diameter of an end region 3a, 3a ', 3a "of the securing sleeve 3,3', 3" and in the fourth exemplary embodiment comes into contact with the inner surface of an end region 3a ¹ ". In the first three exemplary embodiments, the receiving element and the connecting part are coupled in an area 3c, 3c ', 3c "of the securing sleeve and then jointly transferred into the end area of the securing sleeve by an axial movement. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, this coupling takes place in an area located outside the securing sleeve In all cases, the securing sleeve 3, 3 ', 3', 3 '' forces an inward radial movement of the connecting sleeve 2c, 2c ', 2c', 2c '' of the receiving member 2, 2 ', 2''"2"'. In order to facilitate this inward radial movement of a sleeve, the connecting sleeve 2c, 2c', 2c ", 2c"'has a longitudinal slot 2f, 2f', 2f ", 2f".

All securing sleeves 3,3 ', 3 ", 3"' have an external thread 3b, 3b ', 3b ", 3b"', albeit for different purposes. While in exemplary embodiment 2, 3 and 4 (FIGS. 3 to 8e), the securing sleeve is designed as a hollow screw whose external thread 3b ', 3b ", 3b"' with an internal thread la ', la ", la'" of the outer sleeve r, l ", r" cooperates and is fixed there, the securing sleeve 3 in the first exemplary embodiment has only an external thread which, due to the internal thread la of the outer sleeve 1, allows the securing sleeve to be inserted into the outer sleeve. In the assembled state, the securing sleeve 3 is then held in position only by the spiral spring 5 in the outer sleeve. The construction of the closure according to the first embodiment is thus such that the securing sleeve 3 is first screwed into the outer sleeve 1 until it is freely movable in the outer sleeve 1. The spring 5 is then inserted into the outer sleeve. Finally, the receiving member 2 is inserted into the central opening of the spring 5 and then screwed through the external thread 2g through the internal thread la of the outer sleeve until it is also fundamentally movable in the outer sleeve. In completion, the receiving member 2 can then be moved axially in the receiving opening 1b. Through the receiving opening lc, the closure part 4 can then be pushed through the through opening 3d to the receiving opening 3e, at the same time the Connecting bolt 4b is pushed through the receiving opening 2a of the connecting sleeve 2c.

In the second and third embodiments, however, the entire first receiving member 2 ', held by two springs in a position Mittel¬ 2 ^11. In the second embodiment, the springs rest on bearing edges of the receiving element 2h 'and in the third example on bearing edges 6a''of a connecting piece 6 ". In both cases, the receiving element is formed at least in two parts.

The construction of the closure according to the second exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4e, 7) takes place in such a way that a first spring is first inserted into the outer sleeve 1 'through the receiving opening 1c ¹ . Then the first part of the receiving member 2 'is also introduced through this opening. Next comes a spring 5 'and then the entire previous structure is fixed by screwing in the locking sleeve 3' designed as a hollow screw. The previously introduced part of the receiving member has in its side facing away from the receiving opening 2a 'a connecting thread 2i' on which an end part 2k 'can be fixed which is inserted through the receiving opening lb'. This end part 2k 'also has a connection possibility for the other chain end at its end 2b'. In this exemplary embodiment too, the connecting part is inserted through the receiving opening 1c ', through opening 3d' to the receiving opening 3e ' _s , the connecting part 4 also being carried out through the receiving opening 2a ¹ . The two springs are mounted on bearing edges 2h 'of the receiving member 2 and either on the outer sleeve 1' or on the securing sleeve 3 '.

The third exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 5-6e) can be regarded as a doubling of the right side of the second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3. It is a double lock that allows, for example, the lengthening of chains. On a connecting piece 6 "which over bearing edges 6a" for the installation of two spiral springs 5 "and an external thread 6b", the connecting sleeves 2c "of the receiving members 2" are attached directly via an internal thread 2m ". The structure is such that this screwing is carried out first, then the two spiral springs 5 "are placed over the two receiving members 2", then this mechanism is inserted into the outer sleeve 1 "and then fixed there by two locking sleeves designed as hollow screws. The insertion of the connecting parts 3 "into the receiving members or the fixing of the connection on the securing sleeve 3" is again carried out by inserting through the receiving opening lc ", the through opening 3b" and the receiving opening 3e "while simultaneously receiving through the receiving opening 2a".

The closure according to the fourth embodiment (FIGS. 7-8e) is constructed in such a way that first - largely identical to the second embodiment - the spring 5 '"and the first part of the receiving member are inserted through the receiving opening 1c"'. The receiving member 2 '"has a bearing edge 2h"' which serves as a bearing for the spring on the one hand, but also limits the axial mobility of the receiving member. The inserted parts are then fixed by the locking sleeve designed as a hollow screw. The end part 2h '' which is inserted through the receiving opening 1b ¹ and which is also used as an actuating member is screwed onto the receiving member via a connecting thread 2i ''. The connection to the connecting part 4 "'is again made by insertion through the receiving opening 1c"", through opening 3d""to the receiving opening 3e"'.

In this exemplary embodiment in particular, but also in the previously described exemplary embodiments, it is appropriate to chamfer the transitions between different inside and outside diameters on the securing sleeve, receiving element and closure part in order to enable the parts to slide securely into the closure position. FIGS. 9-12c show various fields of application in which the closure described so far can be used. For the sake of clarity, the reference numerals for identical parts are therefore initially increased by 10 in FIG. 9 compared to the previously described exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 9 shows a cross lock. In the specific exemplary embodiment, a connection element is arranged at an angle to a closure of the type described hitherto, via a connector 15, wherein, of course, a different angle than the one shown in the drawing or a plurality of connection elements can be provided. The interior of the connection element largely corresponds to what has been described so far. In the locked position, the outer sleeve 11 bears against the line b-b. In order to release the connection to the connecting element 17, the outer sleeve 11 is moved to the line a-a and is held there in order to achieve the release.

10a-12c show the closure described at the outset in an embodiment which is preferably suitable for use on a bracelet. In the exemplary embodiments, 20 increments are used compared to the reference symbols used at the beginning, the parts in the individual exemplary embodiments being distinguished from one another by no, one or two prime lines.

Basically, two links 26a, 26b; 26a ', 26b ¹ ; 26a ", 26b" connected to one another, the link 26a, 26a ', 26a "always being associated with the connecting part 24, 24', 24" with connecting bolts 24a, 24a ', 24a ", while the outer sleeve 21, 21 ', 21 "is provided. The exemplary embodiments differ from one another mainly by the selected parting plane, which is best expressed by a comparison of FIGS. 10c, 11c, 12c. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10a-10c, this parting plane lies vertically across the belt, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11a-11c horizontally and in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 12a-12c vertically in the belt direction. All three exemplary embodiments have in common that the closure is closed perpendicular to the direction of the tape, in particular in the second embodiment, the closure is not visible from the outside. Because of the position of the parting plane, the links 26a 'and 26a "are provided with recesses 26c ¹ , 26c" for receiving the outer sleeves.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Closure for jewelry chains, bracelets and the like with an outer sleeve (1,1 ', 1 ", 1'", 21,21 ', 21 "), in which a receiving member (2.2 * ^". Z " ¹ ) is axially movably supported against the force of at least one spring (5,5 ', 5 ", 5"') arranged in the outer sleeve, and for receiving at least one connecting part (4,4 ', 4 ", 4' connected to one chain end) ", 24,24 ', 24") is used, wherein the receiving member and the connecting part are fixed in the closed position after a common axial movement forced by the spring on at least one securing member, characterized in that the receiving member and connecting part are arranged on a concentric to the outer sleeve, as a securing member organ-formed securing sleeve (3,3 ', 3 ", 3'") are fixed by a radial movement of the receiving member forced by the securing sleeve.

2. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that a receiving opening (2a, 2a ', 2a ", 2a"') of the receiving member (2,2 ', 2 ", 2"') of a connecting sleeve (2c, 2c ', 2c ", 2c" ¹ ) is formed, into which a connecting bolt (4a, 4a ', 4a ", 4a"', 24,24 ', 24 ") of the connecting part (4,4', 4", 4 "', 24, 24 ', 24 ") is immersed in the locking position.

3. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that in the closure position an end section (4b, 4b ', 4b ", 4b"') of the connecting bolt (4a, 4a ', 4a ", a'", 24,24 ', 24 " ) on a section (2d, 2d ', 2d ", 2d"') of the connecting sleeve (2c, 2c ', 2c ", c'") with an enlarged inner diameter and a section (4c, 4c ', 4c ", 4c"' ) of the connecting bolt with reduced outer diameter at one end section (2e, 2e ^l , 2e ", 2e '") of the connecting sleeve, whereby the connecting part (4,4', 4 ") contact surfaces (4d, 4d ', 4d") for the connecting sleeve (2c, 2c ', 2 "), which limit the axial movement of the connecting part and the receiving member (2,2', 2") in the connecting direction. 4. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer diameter of a connecting sleeve forming a receiving opening (2c, 2c ', 2c ", 2c"') in an end section (2e, 2e ', 2e ", 2e"') is larger than in the remaining section (2d, 2d ', 2d ", 2d"') of the connecting sleeve, that the securing sleeve (3,3 ', 3 ") at an end region facing the closure end formed by the receiving member (2,2', 2") ( 3a, 3a ', 3a'') has a smaller inner diameter than in the rest of the area and that the end area (3a, 3a', 3a ") of the securing sleeve (3,3 ', 3") with a reduced inner diameter in the closure position at the end section ( 2a, 2a ', 2a ") of the receiving member (2,2', 2"), with the receiving member (2,2 ', 2 ", 2 ^, " 3 and connecting part (4,4', 4 ",

4 "') on the end region (3a, 3a', 3a", 3a "') of the securing sleeve (3,3', 3", 3 '") are clamped.

5. Closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting sleeve (2c, 2c ', 2c ", 2c"') has at least one longitudinal slot (2f, 2f ', 2f ", 2f"').

6. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing sleeve (3,3 ', 3 ", 3"') has an external thread (3b, 3b ', 3b ", 3b"') which has an internal thread (la.la ¹ , 1a ", la '") corresponds to the outer sleeve (1,1', 1 ", 1"',21,21', 21 ").

7. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving member (2) has an external thread (2g) which corresponds to the internal thread (la) of the outer sleeve (1) (Fig. 1,2).

8. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the securing sleeve (3 ', 3 ", 3"') is designed as a hollow screw which closes at least one end of the outer sleeve (l ', l ", r").

9. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving member (2 ', 2 ") by two on bearing edges (2h ¹ , 6a") of Receiving member (2) or a connecting piece (6 ") mounted coil springs (5 ', 5") is held in a central position (Fig. 3.5).

10. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that two closures are arranged together in an outer sleeve (1 ", 11), the two receiving members (2") being connected to one another via a connecting piece (6 ") (Fig. 5,6 ).

11. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the transitions between areas of different diameters on the securing sleeve (3,3 ', 3 ", 3'") receiving member (2,2 ', 2 ", 2'") and connecting part (4th , 4 ', 4 ", 4'", 24,24 ', 24 ") are chamfered.

12. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving member (2 '") has a bearing edge (2h"') in the region of the connecting sleeve (2c "') for the storage of a spiral spring (5'"), which is also the axial Movement of the receiving member limited (Fig. 7,8).

13. Closure according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that the closure (11) is associated with a connection element (17) at an angle to the closure, the connection element (17) being identical to the closure in terms of its mode of operation.

14. Closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure direction is perpendicular to the chain or bracelet.