U.S. patent application number 10/966656 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for jewelry connector.
Invention is credited to Scharr, Paul R..
Application Number | 20050241336 10/966656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34890643 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050241336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scharr, Paul R. |
November 3, 2005 |
Jewelry connector
Abstract
A jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body
member and a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first
body member. The first and second body members cooperatively define
a closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and
restrain a finding attached to one or more jewelry wires. At least
one of the first and second body members has an aperture through
which one or more jewelry wires carrying said finding is extendable
into the chamber. A decorative shroud is provided for said jewelry
connector.
Inventors: |
Scharr, Paul R.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL R SCHARR
6574 E. CRESTED SAGUARO LANE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85262-7373
US
|
Family ID: |
34890643 |
Appl. No.: |
10/966656 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10966656 |
Oct 16, 2004 |
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10834716 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 11/002 20130101;
A44C 5/185 20130101; A44C 5/208 20130101; A44C 15/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/003.1 |
International
Class: |
A44C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A jewelry connector comprising: a body, said body having a
chamber; an end portion having at least one aperture in
communication with said chamber, said at least one aperture sized
to receive the free ends of a plurality of wires; and said chamber
being sized to contain said free ends of said plurality of wires
and a finding affixed to said wires free ends.
2. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, comprising: one
of a hook or a loop coupled to said body for carrying a jewelry
component.
3. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said
body comprises a decorative shroud, and a chambered portion, said
shroud covering said chambered portion.
4. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said
shroud comprises a decorative shell.
5. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said
end portion comprises a cap; and said end portion is adapted to be
secured to said body to close said chamber.
6. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 5, wherein; said
end portion comprises one threaded portion, and said body comprises
another threaded portion for engaging said one threaded
portion.
7. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, comprising: a
linking attachment carried by said body, said linking attachment
being adapted to attach to a jewelry component.
8. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 7, wherein: said
jewelry component comprises one of a jewelry clasp, jewelry chain,
or jewelry cable.
9. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 7, wherein: said
linking attachment comprises one of a hook or a loop.
10. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: body
comprises metal.
11. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said
at least one aperture is selected to be large enough such that said
free ends of said plurality of wires can pass there through and
small enough to prevent said finding from passing there
through.
12. A jewelry connector comprising: a first connector member; and a
second connector member adapted for secure affixation to said first
connector member; one of said first or second members having at
least one aperture for receiving a plurality of wires; said first
and second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for
capturing a crimp affixed to said plurality of wires extending
through said at least one aperture into said chamber.
13. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 12, comprising: a
coupling element carried by the other of said first or second
members for coupling to a jewelry component.
14. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said
coupling element comprises a loop.
15. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 12, comprising: a
decorative shroud containing at least a portion of said first and
second members
16. Jewelry comprising: a plurality of jewelry sections each
comprising a plurality of wired together elements and having a free
end extending therefrom; and a jewelry connector disposed at one
end of said plurality of jewelry sections; said jewelry connector
comprising: a body, said body having a chamber; an end portion
having at least one aperture in communication with said chamber;
said at least one aperture sized to receive the free ends of said
plurality of wires; said chamber being sized to contain said free
ends of said plurality of wires and a finding affixed to said wires
free ends; and said at least one aperture being further sized such
that said finding cannot pass therethrough.
17. Jewelry in accordance with claim 16, comprising: a coupling
element carried by the other of said first or second members for
coupling to a jewelry component.
18. Jewelry in accordance with claim 17, wherein: said coupling
element comprises one of a hook or a loop.
19. Jewelry comprising: a first section comprising a plurality of
wired together elements a second section comprising a second
plurality of wired together elements a first jewelry connector
disposed at one end of said first section and at one end of said
second section; said jewelry connector comprising: a first
connector member; and a second connector member adapted for secure
affixation to said first connector member; one of said first or
second members having at least one aperture for receiving a first
wire extending through said first section and for receiving a
second wire extending through said second section; said first and
second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for capturing a
crimp affixed to said first and second wires extending through said
aperture into said chamber; a second jewelry connector disposed at
the other end of said first and said second sections; said second
connector comprising a third connector member; and a fourth
connector member adapted for secure affixation to said third
connector member; one of said third or fourth members having at
least one second aperture for receiving said first and said second
wires; said third and fourth members cooperating to form a closed
second chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to said first and said
second wires extending through said at least one second aperture
into said second chamber.
20. Jewelry in accordance with claim 19, comprising: a first
coupling element carried by the other of said first or second
members for coupling to a jewelry component; and a second coupling
element carried by the other of said first or second members for
coupling to a jewelry component.
21. A jewelry connector comprising: a first body member; a second
body member adapted to be affixed to said first body member; said
first and said second body members cooperatively defining a closed
chamber; said closed chamber being sized to contain and restrain a
metal finding attached to a jewelry wire; at least one of said
first and second body members having an aperture through which a
plurality of jewelry wires carrying said metal finding are
extendable into said chamber.
22. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 21, comprising: a
decorative shroud.
23. A jewelry connector comprising: a first body member; a second
body member adapted to be affixed to said first body member; said
first and said second body members cooperatively defining a closed
chamber; said closed chamber being sized to contain and restrain at
least one finding attached to a plurality of jewelry wires; at
least one of said first and second body members having a plurality
of apertures through which corresponding ones of said plurality of
jewelry wires carrying said metal finding are extendable into said
chamber.
24. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 23, comprising: a
decorative shroud.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/834,716 filed
Apr. 28, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to jewelry, in general, and to
jewelry connectors and jewelry utilizing such connectors, in
particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Jewelry has always been considered an important element of a
well-dressed individual, reflecting the personalities and taste of
the wearer. Beaded jewelry started in ancient times as a craft
using a series of artistic stones or metal pieces placed end-to-end
on a string in various formations. Today, we have factories that
arrange beads on various stringing materials to form bracelets,
necklaces, watch bands, ankle bracelets, belts, handbag straps,
waist jewelry or the like.
[0004] Stringing materials used today are predominately string,
wire or chord. The type of material, size, weight and quality of
the jewelry article usually determines the stringing mechanism, be
it wire, chord, string that is selected by the designers.
[0005] Bead wire, made exclusively for the jewelry trade, comes in
many diameters, is usually made of stainless steel wires woven
together and then coated. It is typically strong, light, and allows
for a supple drape.
[0006] Beadwork assemblies are typically connected to a clasp,
chain, or cable using string or wire.
[0007] String beadwork typically is finished by knotting the string
and placing the end knot into some type of bead where the final
bead or a metal finding holds and conceals the final knot.
[0008] Wire is preferred by designers when the application requires
heavy beads and where the bead hole is abrasive. Abrasive bead
holes can act like razors on the string or chord. The allure of
stringing many different beads or stones and creating limitless
design possibilities without having to worry about abrasive beads,
makes using the bead wire versus string very attractive for jewelry
assemblies by designers.
[0009] String beadwork is feasible due to the ability to knot a
string. This remedy is not feasible for designs that use a wire for
beadwork. Tying a knot in the bead wire weakens the wire.
Consequently, wires are typically finished with metal findings,
called "crimps".
[0010] Crimps are small tubes of metal that are crushed with pliers
or a specific crimping tool to hold wires together. Crimps fasten
the wire to itself to form a loop that attaches to the clasp, chain
or cable assemblies. This is accomplished by threading the wire
through the crimp tube around a clasp or other article, and then
back through the crimp tube. To close the loop, the crimp is then
crushed with a crimp pliers or a needle nose pliers to hold the
wire securely. Crimps of varying sizes are used depending on the
size of the wire, the weight and size of the beads.
[0011] Additional problems with using bead wire are that a metal
finding, such as a crimp, is exposed and raw beading wire is
exposed. Metal findings are typically not very strong and often
times will break causing the loss of the jewelry.
[0012] Metal findings become a piece of hardware as opposed to an
element of design and are typically not found in high-priced
jewelry since this would be considered not appealing by those that
appreciate the art since aesthetics are important factors in the
value of the jewelry. One of the primary problems in trying to
attach a bead wire to either a clasp, chain or cable is how to
attach the wire without detracting from the overall appearance of
the jewelry article.
[0013] Some jewelry designers use what is called "French wire" or
bullion to cover over the raw bead wire which creates the loop.
French wire is a spring-like coil of silver tint that is cut to
length and placed over the exposed portion of the beading wire.
French wire is a temporary solution, at best, as it soon frays and
discolors and detracts from the overall appearance of the article
of jewelry. The value of the pieces of jewelry often depends
largely upon how the piece is "put together."
[0014] While many of the prior connector elements may be suitable
for low-end jewelry, they are not desirable solutions for high-end
jewelry. How it is "put together" is an important factor for
success in the high-end jewelry market.
[0015] Although the relevant body of art discloses devices for use
with an article of jewelry, most all are directed towards either
connecting to chain, cable or an improved clasp. For instance, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,219,919 refers to connecting to chain, U.S. Pat. No.
6,681,598 refers to connecting beads that are wired from eyelet to
eyelet and are not a continuous wire strand. Similarly, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,289,559 is a clasp appended to a knotted pearl necklace, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,088,884, is still another clasp designed to be soldered
to a chain. In most instances, particularly with the foregoing, the
strand ends in prior art have loops that are either glued into the
last bead for engagement to a clasp, or soldered to the end of a
chain, or glued to a chord. None of the prior art addresses how to
attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like and
overcome the exposed metal findings and/or the exposed wire that
detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,398,391 refers to connecting a bead wire to a clasp. This
patent eliminates the unsightly crimp, but does not eliminate the
exposed raw bead wire that detracts from the appearance of the
article of jewelry. None of the prior art addresses how to attach a
bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like without detracting
from the appearance of the article of jewelry.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved connector, which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies
of the prior art devices and provides a significant contribution to
the jewelry industry.
[0017] It is an object of this invention to provide a jewelry
connector suitable for higher-end jewelry.
[0018] It is further an object of the present invention to provide
a connector which is easily installed on the ends of the
strands.
[0019] Another object is to provide a jewelry connector device that
minimizes the need for a high level of manual dexterity in
assembly.
[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a jewelry connector that may incorporate a variety of styles,
shapes, designs, decorative features. The shape of the connector
may be of any jewelry type shape including cubical, spherical,
cylindrical and other geometric shapes
[0021] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
jewelry connector that can be sized to allow for different amounts
of holding power.
[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
device that is easily manufactured and simple to use.
[0023] These and other objects of the invention are provided by a
jewelry connector in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a
jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body member and
a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first body
member. The first and second body members cooperatively define a
closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and restrain
a metal finding attached to at least one jewelry wire. At least one
of the first and second body members has an aperture through which
a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendable into the
chamber.
[0025] A jewelry connector in accordance with the principles of the
invention comprises a body, the body having a chamber and the body
is adapted to receive a cap. The connector includes a cap adapted
to be affixed to the body to close the chamber. The said cap
includes an aperture sized to receive the free end of a wire. The
chamber is sized to contain the wire free end and a metal finding
affixed to the wire free end.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention a loop or ring is carried
by the body for carrying a jewelry component.
[0027] Still further in accordance with the principles of the
invention, a jewelry connector body is a substantially cylindrical
member having at least a partially threaded bore. The cap includes
a threaded portion for engaging the partially threaded bore and
securing the cap to the body.
[0028] In another embodiment of the invention a linking attachment
is carried by the body. The linking attachment is adapted to attach
to a jewelry component. The jewelry component may be one of a
jewelry clasp, jewelry chain, jewelry cable or the like.
[0029] In accordance with the principles of the invention the cap
and the body each have an exterior shape and finish that match such
that the cap and body appear as a single unit when assembled
together. In one embodiment of the invention, the cap and the body
member are each comprised of precious metal.
[0030] The aperture is selected to be large enough such that the
wire can pass there through and small enough to prevent the crimp
attached to the wire from passing there through.
[0031] The cap includes a portion facilitating being gripped by an
assembler's fingers.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry
comprises a first section comprising a plurality of wired together
elements and at least one jewelry connector disposed at one end of
the first section. The jewelry connector includes a first connector
member and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation
to the first connector member. One of the first or second members
has an aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first
section. The first and second members cooperate to form a closed
chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire extending through
the aperture into the chamber.
[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry
includes a first jewelry section of a plurality of wired together
elements. A first jewelry connector is disposed at one end of the
first section. The jewelry connector includes a first connector
member; and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation
to said first connector member. One of the first or second members
has an aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first
jewelry section. The first and second members cooperate to form a
closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire extending
through the aperture into the chamber. A second jewelry connector
is disposed at the other end of the first jewelry section. The
second connector includes a third connector member; and a fourth
connector member adapted for secure affixation to the third
connector member. One of the third or fourth members has an
aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first jewelry
section. The third and fourth members cooperate to form a closed
second chamber for capturing a second crimp affixed to the wire
extending through the second aperture into the second chamber.
[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
jewelry connector comprises a body having a chamber, and an end
portion having an aperture in communication with the chamber. The
aperture is sized to receive the free ends of a plurality of wires.
The chamber is sized to contain the free ends of the plurality of
wires. A finding is affixed to said wires free ends.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the jewelry connector
includes one of a hook or a loop coupled to the body for carrying a
jewelry component.
[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the invention the
jewelry connector body comprises a decorative shroud, and a
chambered portion, the shroud covering the chambered portion.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention the shroud comprises a
decorative shell.
[0038] Still further in accordance with another aspect of the
invention, the jewelry connector end portion comprises a cap and
the end portion is adapted to be secured to the body to close the
chamber. In an illustrative embodiment, the end portion comprises
one threaded portion, and the body comprises another threaded
portion for engaging said one threaded portion.
[0039] A jewelry connector in accordance with the invention may
include a linking attachment carried by the body. The linking
attachment is adapted to attach to a jewelry component. The jewelry
component may comprise one of a jewelry clasp, jewelry chain, or
jewelry cable. The linking attachment may comprise one of a hook or
a loop.
[0040] In accordance with the invention the aperture is selected to
be large enough such that the free ends of the plurality of wires
can pass there through and small enough to prevent the finding from
passing there through.
[0041] Still further in accordance with the principles of the
invention jewelry comprises a plurality of jewelry sections. Each
jewelry section includes a plurality of wired together elements and
having a free end extending therefrom. A jewelry connector as
described above is disposed at one end of the plurality of jewelry
sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0042] The invention will be better understood from a reading of
the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing
figures in which like reference designations are utilized to
designate like elements, and in which:
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a device in accordance with the
principles of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 along
with a wire and metal finding;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a portion of a piece of jewelry in accordance with
the principles of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a second piece of jewelry in accordance
with the principles of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a device in
accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the second embodiment of the
invention;
[0051] FIG. 9 is a top view of the device of FIG. 7;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 7;
[0053] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the portion shown in FIG.
8;
[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates a multi-strand jewelry piece utilizing
the device of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 13 illustrates a multi-strand jewelry piece utilizing
the device of FIG. 7; and
[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates a piece of jewelry utilizing the device
of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] The present invention has substantial advantages over the
jewelry connection schemes previously utilized. The jewelry
connector of the present invention becomes an element of design as
opposed to a deformed piece of hardware or wire used to forcefully
grip ends of wires.
[0058] The jewelry connector of the invention is sturdy and
structurally as strong as the necklace, bracelet or other piece of
jewelry in which it is used.
[0059] Turning now to the drawing, FIGS. 1 through 4 show an
embodiment of a jewelry connector 100 in accordance with the
principles of the invention. Jewelry connector 100 includes a first
member or body 103 and a second member or cap 101. Body 103
includes a chamber 105. Chamber 105 is formed by a blind bore 107
in body 103. Blind bore 107 includes threads 109 that extend
partially along the length of bore 107.
[0060] Cap 101 includes a threaded portion 111 that is adapted to
engage threads 109. Cap 101 includes an aperture 113 that is sized
to receive at least one jewelry wire 115.
[0061] In utilizing the connector, jewelry wire 115 is extended
through aperture 113 and a crimp 117 is affixed to the free end 119
of wire 115.
[0062] First member or body 103 includes a jewelry loop 121 that is
affixed thereto by solder 123. Loop 121 is utilized to attach to a
jewelry component such as a clasp 501, loop 503, chain 605 or other
jewelry elements as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0063] First member or body 103 includes a portion 103A that more
easily permits an assembler to hold first member or body 101.
Similarly, second member or cap 101 includes a portion 101A that
permits the assembler to hold second member or cap 101 for
assembly.
[0064] In assembling jewelry connector 100, a drop of adhesive or
glue may be provided on the threaded portions to permanently affix
body 103 and cap 101.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a beaded piece of jewelry
500 having beads 507. At each end of the string of beads a jewelry
connector 100 is connected. One jewelry connector 100 carries a
loop 503 and the other carries a clasp 501 for coupling to loop
503. The particular details of loop 503 and clasp 501 are not
shown. Clasp 501 may be any well known clasp.
[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates another piece of jewelry 600 in
accordance with the principles of the invention. Jewelry 600
includes a first jewelry portion 601 that is terminated at both
ends with jewelry connectors 100 and couples first jewelry portion
601 to chains or second jewelry portions 605. Jewelry portions 605
terminate in a hook and clasp assembly 607 that is shown
schematically.
[0067] Connectors 100 are preferably formed of a metal that
corresponds to the jewelry in which the connectors 100 are to be
used. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
connector has been designed in a generally cylindrical shape, has
one hole for passageway for receiving at least one free end of a
wire, and a loop is permanent attached at the end of the main
member. It is understood that the connector may take any decorative
form or finish, additional holes for the passage of more than one
wire, and another form of engagement, like a hook instead of a
loop, to an article of jewelry without departing from the novel
scope of the present invention.
[0068] FIGS. 7-14 show alternate embodiments of the invention in
which a jewelry connector is shown that connects a plurality of
jewelry wires. The jewelry connector 700 comprises a body 701 that
includes a chamber 703 into which the ends of a plurality of wires
115a, 115b extend and are secured by a finding 117. Jewelry
connector body 701 includes an aperture 113 in one end portion 101
through which the plurality of wires 115a, 115b extend.
[0069] Jewelry connector body 701 includes a decorative shroud or
shell portion 702 and a chambered portion 100. Chambered portion
100 is identical to jewelry connector 100 described above, with the
exception that aperture 113 is sized to permit a plurality of wires
115a, 115b to extend into chamber 703 of chambered portion 100 and
further sized such that finding 117 that is crimped onto wires
115a, 115b can not pass through aperture 113.
[0070] FIG. 12 illustrates a jewelry connector 100 utilized with
two strands of beads 1201, 1203. Connecting jewelry components 501,
503 are utilized to connect the two ends of the strands 1201 1203
via jewelry connectors 100.
[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a two strand piece of jewelry 1300 that
utilizes two connectors 700, one at each end of two strands of
beads 1301, 1303. A jewelry clasp 1305 is utilized to connect the
two ends of the bead strands 130l, 1303. The two ends of the
strands of beads 1301, 1303 may be coupled together utilizing any
known jewelry component such as a hook and loop or a jewelry clasp,
a jewelry chain, or a jewelry cable.
[0072] FIG. 14 illustrates a jewelry piece 1400 that utilizes two
shrouded connectors 700a, 700b at either end of a strand of beads
1401. Each connector 700a, 700b carries a loop 121 that engages a
corresponding chain loop 1409 of a chain portion 1405. Jewelry
chain portions 1405 terminate in a hook and clasp assembly 1407
that is shown schematically.
[0073] In accordance with aspects of the invention the connector
body encases a chamber and is adapted to receive a cap. The size of
the connector body is determined by the size of the cap or end
portion, or to be compatible with adjacent components. The cap, in
turn, is sized by the number of strands and size of the adjacent
beads. The cap or end portion is adapted to be affixed to the body
to close the chamber.
[0074] In other embodiments of the invention, a plurality of
apertures is provided, with the number of apertures being dependent
on the number of strands and the size of the adjacent beads.
[0075] In some applications, connectors that are required to be
large in diameter have a shroud around the body. The outer surface
of the shroud may be decorated to enhance the appearance of the
jewelry article. On connectors without a shroud, the body may have
a decorated outer surface.
[0076] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
term "wire" as utilized herein includes not only jewelry wire but
also is intended to include substitutes and equivalents for wire,
such as string of various types, utilized in jewelry making.
[0077] The invention has been described in conjunction with
illustrative embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that various changes and modifications to the
embodiments shown may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. It is not intended that the invention be
limited by the embodiments shown and/or described. It is intended
that the invention be limited only by the claims that follow.
* * * * *