Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
  • A44B17/00—Press-button or snap fasteners
  • A44B17/0011—Press-button fasteners in which the elastic retaining action is obtained by a spring working in the plane of the fastener
• • 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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C15/00—Other forms of jewellery
  • A44C15/0045—Jewellery specially adapted to be worn on a specific part of the body not fully provided for in groups A44C1/00 - A44C9/00
  • A44C15/005—Necklaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C7/00—Ear-rings; Devices for piercing the ear-lobes
  • A44C7/003—Ear-studs or their catch devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C15/00—Other forms of jewellery
  • A44C15/0035—Piercing type jewellery
• • 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
  • A44C5/2076—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like with the two ends of the strap or chain abutting each other or sliding in the main plane or a plane parallel to the main plane of these two ends

Definitions

• the invention in some embodiments, relates to the field of connectors, and more specifically, to connectors suitable for use in jewelry.
• connectors in jewelry are well known for various purposes including:
• reversibly securing piercing jewelry such as earrings and studs to the body of a wearer
• reversibly attaching ends of elongated encircling jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets when putting on or removing the jewelry from a wearer
• reversibly associating a decorative element from an item of jewelry such as a gem stone of a ring or pendant.
• Some embodiments of the invention relate to connectors suitable for use in jewelry, some of which embodiments have one or more advantages over known connectors used in jewelry.
• a connector suitable for use in jewelry comprising:
• a female component configured for reversible mating with a male component
• the male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body, (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction)
• the female component including:
• a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to the female component; and iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and movable along the axis, having:
• the connector further comprises: a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.
• a connector including two reversibly mateable components suitable for use in jewelry, comprising:
• a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction);
• a female component configured for reversible mating with the male component, the female component including:
• a locking component configured to engage the retention pin of the male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to the female component; and iii. a push button accessible through the button hole and movable along the axis, having:
• the push button in the locking state is nestled against an inner surface of the button hole.
• the retention pin and the male body are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the retention pin is secured to the male body.
• the retention pin is located near the center of the male body. In some embodiments, the retention pin is located off-center of the male body.
• the female body comprises: a front cap bearing the perforation; and a backing ring defining the button hole.
• the front cap and the backing ring are reversibly mutually attached, e.g., by complementary screw threads as known in the art of gold watches while in some embodiments, the front cap and the backing ring are fixedly mutually attached, e.g., are welded together.
• the view to at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and to the axis) is obstructed by part of the female body.
• the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body to which the view is blocked is a portion of not less than 90°, not less than 120°, not less than 180°, not less than 240°, and even not less than 270°,
• the view to the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the downward direction is substantially entirely obstructed by part of the female body.
• the view to at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and to the axis) is obstructed by part of the male body.
• the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body to which the view is blocked is a portion of not less than 90°, not less than 120°, not less than 180°, not less than 240°, and even not less than 270°,
• the view to the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the downward direction is substantially entirely obstructed by part of the male body.
• Such partial or complete covering of the seam helps reduce, if not entirely eliminates, separation of a connected male and female components by insertion of an object (accidental or not) into the seam to pry the two components apart.
• a connector according to the teachings herein is configured so that when the male component is connected to the female component, substantially no tilting motion of the retention pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible
• “configured” is meant that parts of the male component and the female component are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that when the male component is connected to the female component, substantially no tilting motion of the retention pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible.
• such configuration includes that the fit between the male component and the female component is sufficiently tight to prevent substantial such tilting motion.
• such configuration includes that the tolerance between the male component and the female component is sufficiently small to prevent substantial such tilting motion. Prevention of substantial such tilting motion helps reduce, if not entirely eliminates, separation of connected male component and female components by application of a force not through the push-button.
• a connector according to the teachings herein is configured so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component cannot substantially rotate around the axis relative to the female component.
• Configured is meant that parts of the male component and the female component are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component cannot rotate around the axis relative to the female component.
• such configuration includes that at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti-rotation feature so that when the male component is connected to the female component, the anti-rotation feature prevents the rotation of the male component around the axis relative to the female component.
• such configuration includes that the periphery of the male body comprises features that engage features of the female component to prevent rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body.
• the features of the male components and the corresponding female features taken together are an anti- rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.
• such configuration includes that the periphery of the female body comprises features that engage features of the male component to prevent rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body.
• the features of the male components and the corresponding female features taken together are an anti-rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.
• such configuration includes that at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti rotation pin configured to engage a hole in the other component when the male component is connected to the female component, thereby preventing rotation of the male body around the axis relative to the female body.
• at least one of the male component and the female component comprises an anti rotation pin that can engage a hole in the other component when the male component is connected to the female component thereby preventing the rotation around the axis.
• the anti-rotation pin and the corresponding hole taken together are an anti-rotation feature that prevents the male component from rotating around the axis relative to the female component.
• the push button when the push button is in the locking state, the push button extends no further than flush with the female body in the locking direction.
• the retention pin comprises at least one feature configured to be engaged by the locking component and the locking component is configured to engage the retention pin through at least one of the at least one features when in the locking state, that is to say the retention pin comprises at least one feature that is engageable by the locking component and the locking component can engage the retention pin through the least one feature when in the locking state,
• At least one such feature of the retention pin comprises protrusions on the retention pin.
• the locking component comprises features configured to reversibly mate with the protrusions of the retention pin in the locking state, that is to say the locking pin comprises features that reversibly mate with the protrusions of the retention pin in the locking state.
• at least one such feature of the retention pin comprises a ridge on the retention pin having a greater dimension than a portion of the retention pin immediately above the ridge. As is seen from the Figures, “above” is in the disengagement direction opposite the locking direction.
• the ridge is a circumferential ridge around the retention pin.
• a portion of the locking component is configured to contact the ridge when in the locking state, that is to say the locking pin has a portion that contacts the retention pin ridge ⁇ in the locking state.
• the locking component comprises an elastic member configured to bias the locking component to ordinarily engage the retention pin when the retention pin is positioned through the perforation and the push button is in the locking state, that is to say the locking component comprises an elastic member that biases the locking component to ordinarily engage the retention pin when the retention pin is positioned through the perforation and the push button is in the locking state.
• the elastic member of the locking component comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer such as silicone rubber.
• the connector is devoid of a component that pushes the male component away from the female component in the disengagement direction.
• the push button comprises a portion that, when the push button is moved away from the button hole (that is to say, in the disengagement direction), contacts the retention pin, thereby pushing the male component away from the female component in the disengagement direction.
• the portion that contacts the retention pin when the push button is moved away from the button hole comprises a push-peg.
• the push-peg is integrally formed with the push button.
• the push-peg is attached to the push button.
• the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are configured to mate. Specifically, by “configured to mate” is meant that the two distal ends are shaped, dimensioned and/or include features so that they are mateable.
• the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are configured to self-center when mated.
• a first one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is convex and a second one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is concave.
• a first one of the distal end of the push- peg and the distal end of the retention pin is a ball and a second one of the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin is a corresponding socket.
• the distal end of the push-peg and the distal end of the retention pin are separated by not more than 0.5mm.
• the push button comprises a portion that, when the push button is moved away from the button hole (in the disengagement direction), the portion contacts a part of the locking component to move the part and thereby to at least partially disengage the locking component from the retention pin.
• the part of the locking component that is moved is moved sideways in a direction perpendicular to the locking direction when the push button is moved away from the button hole (in the disengagement direction).
• the portion of the push button is a release pin that protrudes from the push button in the disengagement direction opposite the locking direction. In some such embodiments, the release pin havs a tapering distal end.
• a connector according to the teachings herein further comprises an elastic button biaser, biased to ordinarily maintain the push button in the locking state.
• the button biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer such as silicone rubber.
• the male component and the female component when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is flat; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is flat. That said, in some embodiments when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.
• the connector is part of an item of jewelry for reversibly associating an element with the jewelry, for example, the connector is part of a pendant that allows reversible association of a decorative element with the rest of the pendant.
• the connector is part of an item of encircling jewelry for reversibly attaching ends of the encircling jewelry, for example, the connector serving as chain lock of a necklace or hip chain.
• the connector is part of an item of piercing jewelry, for reversibly securing the piercing jewelry to the body a wearer.
• the retention pin is configured to pass through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn, that is to say, the retention pin is suitable for passing through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn, which in some embodiments includes one or more of a suitable shape, suitable dimensions, and suitable surface texture and composition, for example, the connector used to secure an earring to a wearer, wear the retention pin passes through a pierced ear lobe.
• the male component and the female component when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of said male component facing said female component is flat, and at least a portion of said female component facing said male component is flat In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is flat. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is flat.
• the male component and the female component when the male component and the female component are mutually connected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.
• a male component includes a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body which is equivalent to the male component including a male body and a retention pin directed away from the male body, the retention pin defining an axis which defines the locking direction.
• FIGS. 1A to IF schematically depict a pendant including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:
• Figure 1A a side view from the y-direction of the pendant with the male component and the female component mutually connected;
• Figure IB the male component in side cross section viewed from the y-direction
• Figure 1C a top view from the z-direction of the male component
• Figure ID a radial-force spring constituting the locking component of the connector
• Figure IE the pendant in side cross section viewed from the x-direction with the male component and the female component mutually connected;
• FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically depict a ring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:
• Figure 2A the ring in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with the male component and the female component mutually connected;
• Figure 2B the ring in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing the locking component
• FIGS. 3 A and 3B schematically depict a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock:
• Figure 3A the connector in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with the male component and the female component mutually connected; and Figure 3B the connector in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing the locking component;
• FIG. 4 schematically depicts an earring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the male component viewed in side cross section;
• FIG. 5 schematically depicts an earring including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the female component viewed in side cross section;
• FIG. 6 schematically depicts a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock, having a single male component and three female components;
• FIG. 7 schematically depicts a necklace including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein as a jewelry chain lock, having three male components and three female components.
• connectors in the art of jewelry there is a need for connectors in the art of jewelry, but many known connectors have disadvantages when used in jewelry, for example, one or more of: not being sufficiently secure or being fine and therefore weak, therefore risking undesirable detachment; being gross and unaesthetic; and/or comprising a relatively large amount of less valuable material such as base metals.
• Some embodiments of the teachings herein relate to connectors suitable for use with jewelry, some of which embodiments at least partially overcome at least some of the disadvantages of connectors known in the art of jewelry.
• some embodiments of a connector according to the teachings herein are one or more of fashioned substantially entirely of noble metals, especially gold; are resistant to damage and breaking; are easy to use even by a person having large hands; are secure in so far as preventing undesired opening of the connector; and are aesthetic.
• a female component of a connector suitable for use in jewelry configured for reversible mating with a male component
• the male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction)
• the female component comprising:
• a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to the female component;
• a push button accessible through the button hole and movable along the axis, having: a locking state when the locking component engages the retention pin of a male component;
• a connector suitable for use in jewelry comprising: a female component configured for reversible mating with a male component, the male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin of the male component defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction),
• the female component including:
• a locking component configured to engage a retention pin of a male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to the female component;
• a push button accessible through the button hole and movable along the axis, having: a locking state when the locking component engages the retention pin of a male component;
• the connector further comprises a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.
• a connector including two reversibly mateable components suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:
• a male component including a male body and a retention pin, the retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is to say, the retention pin is directed away from the male body in the locking direction);
• a female component configured for reversible mating with the male component, the female component: including: i. a hollow female body with a wall defining an internal volume, the hollow female body having:
• a locking component configured to engage the retention pin of the male component when the retention pin of the male component is positioned through the perforation, thereby holding the male component connected to the female component;
• FIG. 1A to IF is schematically depicted a pendant 10 including an embodiment of a connector 12 according to the teachings herein.
• Figure lA is a side view from the y-direction of pendant 10 with a male component 14 and a female component 16 mutually connected.
• Figure IB depicts male component 14 in side cross section viewed from the y- direction.
• Figure 1C depicts male component 14 in a top view from the z-direction.
• Figure ID depicts a locking component 18 of connector 12, a radial force spring.
• Figure IE depicts pendant 10 in side cross section viewed from the x-direction with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected.
• Figure IF depicts pendant 10 in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected.
• Male component 14 of pendant 10 includes a male body 20 integrally formed with a retention pin 22 that defines an axis 24 and a downward direction 26 away from male body 20.
• retention pin 22 is a decorative element 28 (a pearl) secured to male body 20.
• retention pin 22 comprises a circumferential ridge 30 (that is to say, ridge 30 describes a complete circle around retention pin 22), ridge 30 having a greater dimension than a portion of retention pin 22 immediately above ridge 30.
• ridge 30 is a feature that locking component 18 is configured to contact and thereby engage to maintain male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected when in the locking state.
• Female component 16 is configured for reversible mating with male component 14.
• Female component 16 includes a hollow female body 32 with a wall 34 defining an internal volume 36, having a perforation 38 through wall 34 for accepting retention pin 22 of male component 14 therethrough into internal volume 36, as depicted in Figures IE and IF.
• Female body 32 further comprises a button hole 40 through wall 34 across from perforation 38 providing fluid communication into internal volume 36.
• female body 32 comprises a front cap 42 bearing perforation 38 and a backing ring 44 defining button hole 40.
• Front cap 42 also defines the greater part of the side walls of connector 12 of pendant 10.
• Front cap 42 and backing ring 44 are fixedly mutually attached by welding.
• Locking component 18 of connector 12 is a radial force spring, depicted alone in Figure ID, and held inside internal volume 36 of fully-assembled connector 12 in Figures IE and IF. As depicted in Figures IE and ID, locking component 18 is configured to engage retention pin 22 when retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38, thereby holding male component 14 connected to female component 16 as detailed hereinbelow.
• Female component 16 further comprises a push button 46 accessible through button hole 40 and movable along axis 24.
• Push button 46 has at least two states, a locking state and a releasing state.
• connector 12 of pendant 10 comprises locking component 18, an elastic radial-force spring of stainless steel that includes an outer circular section 48 and two parallel arms 50 each connected to circular section 48 by a respective S-shaped section 52.
• Outer circular section 48 renders locking component 18 self-centering when held inside internal volume 36 of female body 32 by applying an outwards force against wall 34, and also allows locking component 18 to be held in place by ledge 54 when placed inside front cap 42.
• outer circular section 48 and the ends of parallel arms 50 rest on ledge 54.
• locking component 18 is substantially entirely elastic and configured to be self-biasing to ordinarily engage retention pin 22 when retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38 and push button 46 is in the locking state.
• locking component 18 is configured so that when push button 46 is in a locking state and a retention pin 22 is positioned through perforation 38, parallel arms 50 apply an inwardly radial force against retention pin 22 just above ridge 30 and the respective bottom surfaces of parallel arms 50 press against ridge 30, as depicted in Figures IE and IF.
• the force applied by locking component 18 is such that retention pin 22 cannot substantially move, thereby holding male component 14 connected to female component 16.
• push button 46 when push button 46 is in the locking state, push button 46 extends by a small amount in downward direction 26 beyond flush with a bottom surface 56 of female body 32.
• push button 46 is ordinarily maintained in a locking state by the force applied by two cylindrical coil springs 58 of stainless steel functioning as elastic button-biasers biased to ordinarily maintain push button 46 in a locking state. More specifically, coil springs 58 are biased to ordinarily maintain push button 46 in a locking state nestled against an inner surface 60 of button hole 40. Among other advantages, such nestling is aesthetic and prevents contamination of internal volume 36.
• an elastic button-biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer.
• an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is of an elastic polymer material such as rubber, silicone rubber.
• an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is of a metal.
• an elastic button-biaser used in implementing embodiments of the teachings herein comprises or is substantially a spring, e.g., a leaf spring, a compression spring, a compression coil spring, a wave washer, a stacked wave washer.
• male body 20 is inset in female body 32 so that a view to a seam 62 between female body 32 and male body 20 perpendicular to downward direction 26 is substantially entirely obstructed by parts of female body 32.
• Connector 12 of pendant 10 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, substantially no tilting motion of male component 14 relative to female component 16 perpendicular to axis 24 is possible.
• the tolerance between the inner diameter of perforation 38 and the outer diameter of the corresponding portion of retention pin 22, as well as the tolerance between the outer walls of male body 20 and the walls of a void 64 in female body 32 in which male component 14 is inset are sufficiently small (e.g., in some embodiments, not more than 0.5mm, not more than 0.3mm and in some embodiments not more than 0.2mm) to prevent substantial tilting motion of male component 14 relative to female component 16 perpendicular to axis 24, e.g., not more than ⁇ 6°, not more than ⁇ 3°, not more than ⁇ 2°, not more than ⁇ 1° and even not more than ⁇ 0.5°.
• Connector 12 of pendant 10 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, male component 14 cannot rotate around axis 24, e.g., by not more than ⁇ 15°, by not more than ⁇ 10°, by not more than ⁇ 6°, by not more than ⁇ 4° and even by not more than ⁇ 2°.
• a first such anti-rotation feature is that the periphery of male body 20 is square-shaped and comprises vertices 66 that are features that engage features of female component 16 (not depicted vertices of square void 64 in which male body 20 is inset), the vertices together preventing rotation of male component 14 relative to female component 16 around axis 24.
• a second such anti-rotation feature is that male component 14 comprises an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage an anti-rotation hole 70 in female component 16 when male component 14 is connected to female component 16.
• connector 12 is depicted with male component 14 and female component 16 mutually connected, where push button 46 is in a locking state and locking component 18 engages retention pin 22.
• push button 46 is moved to the releasing state by applying a force in an upward direction 72 opposite downward direction 26 while male component 14 is left free to separate from female component 16.
• Push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 in direction 72 away from inner surface 60 and into internal volume 36 of female body 32. As a result, retention pin 22 is released from locking component 18, separating male component 14 from female component 16.
• push button 46 comprises a portion, a push-peg 74, that when push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 as noted above, the portion contacts retention pin 22, thereby pushing male component 14 away from female component 16 in direction 72 opposite downward direction 26, thereby separating male component 14 from female component 16.
• push-peg 74 is integrally formed with push button 46.
• a portion such as a push-peg is attached to a respective push button 46.
• the distal end of push-peg 74 is a convex hemisphere while the distal end of retention pin 22 is a matching socket, so that push-peg 74 and retention pin 22 are thereby configured to mate and to self-center when mated, eliminating any substantial chance of slippage and ensuring that a force transferred to retention pin 22 through push-peg 74 is along axis 24.
• a push-peg and a retention pin are not configured to mate.
• a push peg and retention pin configured to mate are not configured to self-center.
• a push peg and a retention pin that are configured to mate and self-center have a different shape than those discussed for connector 12 of pendant 10, for example, the distal end of the retention pin is convex and the distal end of the push-peg is concave.
• pairs of mating shapes different than ball and socket are used, for example, concave/convex conical sections, crenellations and the like.
• retention pin 22 of male component 14 is threaded through perforation 38 in direction 26 so that the distal end of retention pin 22 enters internal volume 36 of female body 32, while push button 46 is not pushed in an upward direction 72 opposite downward direction 26.
• the distal tip of retention pin 22 contacts parallel arms 50 of locking component 18.
• retention pin 22 pushes parallel arms 50 apart until ridge 30 passes parallel arms 50.
• parallel arms 50 move radially inwards to contact the shaft of retention pin 22 and ridge 30, thereby engaging retention pin and holding male component 14 connected to female component 16.
• retention pin 22 is integrally formed with male body 20.
• a retention pin is attached to a respective male body, for example, immovably attached e.g., by welding, or movably attached, e,g. with a hinge, with a pin or with an axle.
• locking component 18 is a single monolithic component that is substantially entirely elastic and self-biasing.
• a locking component includes multiple discrete parts that together make up the locking component.
• some components are elastic.
• some components are not elastic.
• one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are fashioned of a polymer, e.g., rubber, silicone rubber.
• one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are fashioned of a metal.
• one, some or all of the parts of the locking component are substantially a spring, e.g., a leaf spring, a flat spring, a radial-force spring.
• FIGs 2 A and 2B is schematically depicted a ring 76 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 78.
• ring 76 is depicted in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with a male component 14 connected to a female component 16 and in Figure 2B ring 76 is depicted in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing a locking component 18 from the top.
• Many components and workings of connector 78 of ring 76 are similar to or analogous to those of connector 12 of pendant 10 discussed above with reference to Figures 1 with a few notable differences.
• female body 32 of connector 78 comprises a front cap 42 bearing perforation 38 and a backing ring 44 defining button hole 40.
• front cap 42 also defines the greater part of the side walls of female body 32, as seen in Figure 2A the side walls of female body 32 of connector 78 of ring 76 are defined substantially entirely by backing ring 44.
• front cap 42 and backing ring 44 are reversibly mutually attached with complementary screw threads as known in the art of gold watchmaking.
• connector 78 of ring 76 is devoid of a ledge 54 around the inner surface of female body 36 as in connector 12 of pendant 10.
• female body 32 of connector 78 includes a support (supporting ring 80) integrally formed with and protruding from front cap 42 into internal volume 36 of female body 32.
• Supporting ring 80 maintains locking component 18 in place inside internal volume 36.
• supporting ring 80 prevents parallel arms 50 of locking component 18 from being pushed in a downward direction 26 when retention pin 22 is threaded through perforation 38, thereby strengthening the force with which male component 14 is held connected to female component 16.
• connector 78 of ring 80 is configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, male component 14 cannot substantially rotate around axis 24.
• female component 16 comprises an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage an anti-rotation hole 70 in male component 14 when male component 14 is connected to female component 16.
• FIGs 3A and 3B is schematically depicted a chain 82 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 84, as a jewelry chain lock.
• connector 84 is depicted in side cross section viewed from the y-direction with a male component 14 connected to a female component 16 and in Figure 3B connector 84 is depicted in top cross section viewed from the z-direction showing a locking component 18.
• Many components and workings of connector 84 of chain 82 are similar to or analogous to those of connectors 12 and 78 discussed above with reference to Figures 1 and Figures 2 respectively, with a few notable differences.
• a first notable difference is the construction of locking component 18, the manner in which locking component 18 is configured to engage a retention pin 22 when in a locking state, and the mechanism by which male component 14 and female component 16 are separated when in a releasing state.
• retention pin 22 comprises protrusions 86.
• Locking component 18 comprises two discrete and separate components, curved leaf springs 18a and 18b that include protrusions 88 that are complementary to protrusions 86 of retention pin 22.
• leaf springs 18a and 18b press against retention pin 22, so that protrusion 88 mate with protrusions 86 on retention pin 22, preventing release of male component 14 from female component 16.
• push button 46 comprises a portion, release pin 90 that protrudes from push button 46 in a direction opposite downward direction 26.
• release pin 90 contacts a part of locking component 18 to move the part of locking component 18 and thereby to at least partially disengage locking component 18 from retention pin 22.
• release pin 90 is shaped so that when push button 46 is moved away from button hole 40 to a releasing state, the distal tip of release pin 90 pushes leaf springs 18a and 18b sideways in directions perpendicular to downward direction 26. As a result, protrusions 86 and 88 are separated, releasing retention pin 22 from locking component 18.
• a release pin may have any suitable shape.
• a release pin has a tapering distal end (e.g., a conical, ogive, parabolic, wedge shaped).
• release pin 90 additionally functions as a push- peg 74 as described above pushing the end of retention pin 22 in an upward direction 72 in parallel to releasing retention pin 22 from locking component 18.
• connectors 12 and 78 each include two coil springs 58 as button-biasers to continuously apply a force to maintain push button 46 pressed against inner surface 60 of button hole 40 in a locking state.
• connector 84 includes a single stacked wave washer spring 92 as a button-biaser.
• the contact surfaces of the male and female components are not flat. Specifically, in connector 84 when male component 14 and female component 16 are mutually connected, most of the portion of male component 14 facing female component 16 is curved; and most of the portion of female component 16 facing male component 14 is curved.
• FIG 4 is schematically depicted an earring 94 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 96, and in Figure 5 is schematically depicted an earring 98 including an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 100, both in side cross section.
• Many components and workings of connectors 96 and 100 are similar to or analogous to those of connectors 12, 78 and 84 discussed above, with a few notable differences.
• earrings 94 and 98 are configured to be worn where a male component 14 is on one side of an ear lobe, a female component 16 is on the other side of the ear lobe, and where retention pin 22 passes through and spans the ear lobe.
• Both earrings 94 and 98 are configured so that when male component 14 is connected to female component 16, substantially no tilting motion perpendicular to axis 24 is possible, specifically by the substantial length of perforation 38 afforded by a neck 102 that extends from female body 16 towards a male body 20 of a connected male component 16, and by the fact that the inner diameter of perforation 38 and the outer diameter of retention pin 22 are manufactured to a tolerance that precludes substantial tilting.
• rotation of male component 14 around axis 24 relative to female component 16 is possible and not precluded.
• male component 14 comprises a decorative element 28 and is thereby configured to be worn with male component 14 on the outer side of an ear lobe.
• female component 16 comprises a decorative element 28 and is thereby configured to be worn with female component 16 on the outer side of an ear lobe.
• a decorative cap 104 is welded and thereby rigidly secured to push button 46.
• decorative cap 104 includes perforations 106 (only one perforation is depicted) that are also decorative.
• perforations 106 only one perforation is depicted
• push button 46 is also pushed in the same direction, thereby allowing separation of male component 14 from female component 16.
• decorative cap 104 comprises walls 108 that encircle female body 16 to at least partially hide the mechanism of connector 100.
• a connector according to teachings herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials using any suitable technique or combination of techniques with which a person having ordinary skill in the art is familiar.
• an advantage of some embodiments of the teachings herein is that substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned from precious metals. In some such embodiments, substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned of a gold alloy comprising at least 33% by weight gold (8 karats).
• substantially all of the components of the connector are fashioned of a gold alloy comprising not less than 33% by weight gold (9 karats), not less than 41.7% by weight gold (10 karats), not less than 50% by weight gold (12 karats), not less than 58.3% by weight gold (14 karats), not less than 66.7% by weight gold (16 karats), not less than 75% by weight gold (18 karats), not less than 83.3% by weight gold (20 karats) and in some embodiments, not less than 91.7% by weight gold (22 karats).
• substantially all of the components are made of gold except an elastic member of a locking component and/or an elastic button biaser as elastic members made of gold are atypical. That said, in some embodiments one or more such elastic elements are made of an elastic gold or alloy thereof, for example as described in US 5, 173, 132.
• a connector according to the teachings herein may be made using any suitable technique or combination of techniques.
• Prototypes of connectors according to the teachings herein implemented as components of pendants and rings, excepting precious stones and glass as decorative elements were fashioned substantially entirely of 16k gold using free form manufacture (3D-printing) where only the elastic member of a locking component and the elastic button biaser were stainless steel springs.
• Some embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein are used as components of jewelry, allowing reversible connection of portions of such j ewelry.
• a single item of jewelry has one male component and one female component.
• a single item of jewelry has at least two male components.
• a single item of jewelry has at least two female components.
• a single item of jewelry has at least two male components and at least two female components.
• multiple male and/or female components of a single item of j ewelry allow the j ewelry to be worn in different ways, depending which of the multiple male and /or female components are connected. Two examples of such embodiments are discussed below.
• Jewelry often includes decorative elements. Some jewelry includes reversibly attachable decorative elements, to allow a wearer to change a decorative element that is being worn with the same item of jewelry, for example to match the color of a decorative element depending on the clothes worn.
• a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of jewelry, for reversibly associating an element with the jewelry, in some embodiments, a decorative element.
• female component 14 is the primary portion of the jewelry (e.g., in terms of weight of precious metal and value) while male component 14 bears a decorative element 28 that is easily changeable in accordance with the teachings herein.
• Encircling jewelry is jewelry that surrounds a portion of the body of a wearer that, in some instances, has reversibly attachable ends. When the ends are detached and the jewelry is in an open state, the jewelry is easily put on and taken off the body of a wearer. When the ends are attached and the jewelry is in a closed curve state around a portion of the body of a wearer, the jewelry is secure and does not fall off the wearer.
• Typical encircling jewelry having reversibly attachable ends includes necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets and hip chains. Encircling jewelry often is provided with a jewelry chain lock that allows secure reversible attachment of the ends.
• a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of encircling jewelry for reversibly attaching ends of the encircling jewelry.
• an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein is a jewelry chain lock.
• the connector includes a single male component 14 and a single female component 16.
• a connector of a single item of jewelry includes at least two male components 14 (in Figure 6, three male components 14a, 14b and 14c) and at least one female component 16, the at least two male components 14 attached at different positions along the length of the jewelry.
• a connector in some embodiments such as depicted in Figure 7, a connector includes at least two female component 16 (in Figure 7, three female components 16a, 16b and 16c) and at least one male component 14 (in Figure 7, three male components 14a, 14b and 14c), the at least two female components 16 attached at different positions along the length of the jewelry.
• Such embodiments having multiple male and/or female components along the length of the jewelry allow the diameter of the encircling jewelry when worn to be changed in accordance with the desire of a wearer.
• Piercing jewelry is jewelry that passes through bodily tissue of a wearer and includes jewelry such as earrings, nose-rings, brow-rings, navel rings, lip-rings, tongue-rings, nipple rings, genital rings,
• the retention pin 22 of the male component 14 is configured to pass through bodily tissue when the piercing jewelry is worn.
• ring is a synonym for piercing jewelry rather than a geometric description and includes such shapes as "barbell” jewelry.
• a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of piercing jewelry, for reversibly securing the piercing jewelry to the body a wearer, for example, earrings 94 and 98 depicted in Figures 4 and 5 respectively.

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• 2016
  • 2016-03-03 GB GB1700765.9A patent/GB2548206B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-03-03 GB GB1700613.1A patent/GB2548202B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-03-03 GB GB1603687.3A patent/GB2548089B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2017
  • 2017-02-27 WO PCT/IL2017/050244 patent/WO2017149529A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2017-02-27 US US16/079,670 patent/US20190037974A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2017-02-27 CN CN201780014925.3A patent/CN108778036A/zh active Pending
• 2018
  • 2018-08-21 IL IL261286A patent/IL261286A/he unknown

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