U.S. patent application number 10/586700 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for bangle.
Invention is credited to Klaus Woebke.
Application Number | 20080236195 10/586700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32087811 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080236195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woebke; Klaus |
October 2, 2008 |
Bangle
Abstract
The invention relates to a bangle comprising an annular-shaped
cover which is formed, essentially, of two curved tubes. The tubes
are connected together on one of the tube ends by a hinge and
comprises a liquid tank. One tube is embodied in such a manner that
it receives the liquid tank, and a spraying head of the liquid tank
protrudes into a tube end of the adjacent tube. The two tubes can
be displaced in relation to each other in the region of the tube
end thereof which is oriented away from the hinge.
Inventors: |
Woebke; Klaus; (Giengen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS BUJOLD & Daniels, P.L.L.C.
112 PLEASANT STREET
CONCORD
NH
03301
US
|
Family ID: |
32087811 |
Appl. No.: |
10/586700 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 18, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP05/00432 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.14 ;
63/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 15/002 20130101;
A44C 5/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.14 ;
63/7 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00; A44C 13/00 20060101 A44C013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 21, 2004 |
DE |
20-2004-000-890.4 |
Claims
1.-16. (canceled)
17. A bangle with an annular casing (1) essentially formed from two
bent tubes (2, 3), the two tubes (2, 3) being connected to with one
another at one tube end (2b, 3b) by a hinge (4), and with a
separate liquid tank (5), one tube (2) accommodating the separate
liquid tank (5), and a spray head (7) of the liquid tank (5)
protruding into a tube end (3a) of the adjacent tube (3), the two
tubes (2, 3) being displaceable with respect to each other in the
region of their tube end (2a, 3a) which faces away from the hinge
(4).
18. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tube walls (8,
9) of each of the two tubes (2, 3) have essentially an oval cross
sectional contour.
19. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tube walls (8,
9) of each of the two tubes (2, 3) have, in cross section, two
opposite approximately radius-free regions (10).
20. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the two tubes (2, 3)
have a height of between 5 to 10 mm and a width of between 10 to 20
mm.
21. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the width of the two
tubes (2, 3) corresponds at least approximately to double a value
of a height.
22. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the spray head (7)
is of oval design.
23. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein an outer contour of
the spray head (7) and an inner contour of the tube wall (9) are
designed, in a region of the tube end (3a), such that they match
each other in order for the spray head (7) to be arranged in a
twist-proof manner.
24. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tube (3), for
accommodating the spray head (7) in the region of the tube end
(3a), has a widened opening (12) for accommodating the spray head
(7).
25. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tube (3)
provided for accommodating the spray head (7) has, in an interior,
one of a retaining point, a projection, a stop and the like which
serves for an actuating surface (14) of the spray head (7) to bear
against.
26. The bangle as claimed in claim 25, wherein the inner contour of
the tube wall (9) of the tube (3) for accommodating the spray head
(7) in the region of the tube end (3a) tapers, starting from the
tube end (3a), in order to form the stop.
27. The bangle as claimed in claim 25, wherein the tube (3)
provided for accommodating the spray head (7) has an outlet opening
(15) which is aligned at least approximately with a spray opening
(16) of the spray head (7) when the actuating surface (14) of the
spray head (7) bears against the stop of the tube (3).
28. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the spray head (7)
protrudes between 15 to 30 mm into the tube end (3a) of the tube
(3) provided for accommodating the spray head (7).
29. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tube (2)
provided for accommodating the liquid tank (5) has a cutout
designed as a viewing window (19).
30. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the annular casing
(1) has an essentially oval shape.
31. The bangle as claimed in claim 30, wherein the inside diameter
of the annular casing (1) has a width of between 60 to 70 mm and a
length of between 48 to 58 mm.
32. The bangle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the hinge (4)
permits the two tubes (2, 3), in the region of their tube ends (2a,
3a), to pivot apart from one another.
Description
[0001] This application is a national stage completion of
PCT/EP2005/000432 filed Jan. 18, 2005 which claims priority from
German Application Serial No. 20 2004 000 890.4 filed Jan. 21,
2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a bangle with an annular casing and
with a liquid tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bangles are generally worn by women as a piece of jewelry on
the wrist. Bangles of this type, differing in quality, composed of
different materials and in different sizes, are known.
[0004] WO 99/32007 discloses a bangle as a container for liquids
with an atomizer and a hinge. In this case, the bangle comprises
two parts, one part of the bangle having a cavity which is filled
with perfume or another liquid. The two parts of the bangle are
connected to each other via a hinge. The liquid contained in one
part of the bangle can be dispensed by means of an atomizer. To
cover the atomizer, a displaceable covering ring is provided which
also serves to connect the two parts of the bangle to each
other.
[0005] The bangle known from WO 99/32007 is complicated to produce
and, in particular, also difficult to operate due to the covering
ring. A further problem is to reliably seal the cavity of the part
which is provided for filling with the liquid. It is also a problem
to ensure that the inserted liquid (perfume) does not corrode the
material of the bangle.
[0006] GB 2 235 861 A discloses a bangle which is composed of two
sections. The sections together form a complete circle. The
sections are composed in each case of a bent flat material. One of
the two sections has projections on its rear side. Provision is
made in this case for a liquid tank to be placed between the
projections and the rear side of the bent flat material. The liquid
tank has a spray head which has to be operated from the rear side
of the sections. So that an operation of the spray head is
possible, the latter has to be arranged, according to GB 2 235 861
A, in an exposed manner on the rear side of the bent material. The
optical effect of the bangle is therefore disadvantageously
affected. In addition, the wearer of the bangle repeatedly comes
into contact with the spray head. This may firstly be found
unpleasant and secondly an inadvertent actuation of the spray head
may not be reliably prevented.
[0007] A further disadvantage of the bangle known from GB 2 235 861
A is that the latter is complicated to produce. In order to improve
the optical impression of the bangle, provision is made for the two
sections to be surrounded by an outer ring. Although the directly
visible surface of the bangle can be improved by this means, it is
not possible, and is also not envisaged, to cover the rear side of
the sections, since otherwise the spray head would no longer be
operable. The spray head therefore continues to come into contact
with the wearer and is visible at least to keen observers. The rear
sides of the sections are also visible, thus conferring a
disadvantageous optical effect on the bangle inter alia because of
the projections which are intended to fix the liquid tank in place.
The bangle can therefore be used only with difficulty as an
attractive decorative piece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of
providing a bangle which can be used for spraying liquids, the
bangle being intended to meet the most exacting requirements both
qualitatively and also visually, being intended to ensure that the
liquid to be sprayed is accommodated in an advantageous manner and
being intended to be simple to operate.
[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the
features of claim 1.
[0010] By the annular casing of the bangle being formed from two
bent tubes, with one tube being designed to accommodate the liquid
tank, the liquid tank can be accommodated and connected to the
annular casing in a simple manner. The formation of a separate
liquid tank makes it possible for the bent tubes to be able to be
formed from any desired material. Damage or corrosion of the tubes
by the liquid provided for spraying is not of concern, since the
liquid is accommodated in a separate liquid tank. A further
advantage of the formation of a separate liquid tank is that the
latter can be changed in a rapid and simple manner, thus making it
possible to use the bangle to spray different perfumes. This is
virtually impossible without a separate liquid tank, since,
firstly, an emptying of the liquid from the bangle is complicated
and, secondly, it will be difficult to prevent residual liquid from
remaining in the bangle.
[0011] The formation of the bangle from two bent tubes confers a
uniform appearance on the bangle. In contrast to the bangle known
from GB 2 235 861 A, the overall impression is not disturbed by the
rear side or underside of the bangle, i.e. the side which faces the
wearer when wearing it, since the underside of the bangle is formed
from the same material as the upper side. The wearing of the bangle
is pleasant for the wearer, since the underside of the bangle is
likewise formed from the bent tube and therefore does not have any
projections, edges, corners and the like.
[0012] Since the spray head of the liquid tank protrudes into the
tube end or into the end-side opening of the adjacent tube, an
inadvertent actuation of the same is prevented. The spray head of
the liquid tank is therefore kept safe in a secure and reliable
manner.
[0013] It has turned out in tests that the bangle according to the
invention can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner.
The two bent tubes can be produced in a simple manner from unbent
tubes by the unbent tubes being bent, for example, around an arbor.
Various methods are known from the general prior art for the
bending of tubes. The formation of projections and the like in
order to fix the liquid tank in place, as is provided in GB 2 235
861 A, can be dispensed with, as a result of which particularly
cost-effective and simple production is possible.
[0014] The two bent tubes can be composed of any desired basic
material which may optionally be silver-plated, gold-plated,
rhodium-plated or finished in another manner. The bent tubes may be
produced from metal, plastic or any desired further material which
makes a tubular formation possible.
[0015] It is advantageous if the tube walls of the tubes have an
oval contour, as viewed in cross section. As has turned out in
tests, an oval contour of the tubes confers a lightweight and thin
overall impression. Furthermore, the contour which differs from a
round contour makes it possible for the liquid tank to be fixed in
place in the tube provided for it in a simple and twist-proof
manner. As a result, the position of the spray opening of the spray
head is likewise fixed in place. In addition, the oval contour of
the tube wall makes it possible in a particularly simple and
material-protecting manner to provide unbent tubes with the
intended radius.
[0016] It is advantageous if the spray head is of oval design (in
cross section).
[0017] Independently of or in addition to the oval configuration of
the tube, an oval configuration of the spray head, or a
configuration of the same which differs from a circular shape,
permits a simple and reliable fixing of the spray head in place if
the region of the tube end of the tube provided for accommodating
the spray head has a shape which is matched to said spray head. The
region of the tube end of the tube provided for accommodating the
spray head preferably has an outlet opening which is aligned with
the spray opening of the spray head. By means of the oval
configuration of the tube/spray head, or a configuration of the
same which differs from a circular shape, the spray opening
together with the outlet opening is fixed in place in a twist-proof
manner.
[0018] In a design refinement of the invention, provision can
furthermore be made for the tube provided for accommodating the
spray head to have, in the interior, a projection, stop or the like
which serves for an actuating surface of the spray head to bear
against.
[0019] The spraying function can therefore be actuated or triggered
in a simple manner by means of a slight compression of the bangle
or of the two adjacent tube ends, in the region of which the spray
head is arranged. Provision is made in this case for the spray
opening of the spray head to be aligned with the outlet opening
when the actuating surface of the spray head bears against the stop
of the tube. A reliable spraying of the liquid contained in the
liquid tank is therefore possible.
[0020] It is advantageous if the tube for accommodating the spray
head in the region of the tube end has a widened opening for
accommodating the spray head.
[0021] The widened opening or the increased diameter makes it
possible for the spray head to be accommodated in a simple manner.
In this case, the outer contour of the spray head can essentially
correspond to the outer contour of the tube in which the liquid
tank is placed. The spray head can therefore reliably close the
end-side opening of this tube. The enlarged diameter of the tube
end of the tube which is provided for accommodating the spray head
makes it possible for the spray head to be reliably surrounded or
enclosed in a simple manner. The enlarged diameter also makes it
possible in a simple manner for the two tube ends, which are
aligned with each other in this region, to be able to be displaced
with respect to each other, so that the spraying or pumping
function of the spray head can be triggered. For this purpose, the
widened opening of the tube end provided for accommodating the
spray head can be displaced essentially parallel to the outer
contour of the other tube. A displacement of a few millimeters is
sufficient here in order to trigger the spraying function.
Provision may be made here for the widened opening to have one or
more guide stops, latching points or the like which project into
the interior, latch into correspondingly matched cutouts or
depressions of the adjacent or surrounded tube and thus increase
the stability of the bangle. The cutouts are designed in such a
manner that the projections or the latching points can be displaced
along the cutout at least within the intended actuating travel of
the spray head.
[0022] Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention
emerge from the further subclaims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] An advantageous exemplary embodiment of the invention is
illustrated below with reference to the drawing, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the bangle according to
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of that region of the bangle
according to the invention which is provided with the spray
opening;
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the bangle according to the
invention according to the arrow direction III of FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the bangle according to the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 shows a further perspective illustration of the
bangle according to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the bangle according to the
invention in an open state;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the bangle according to the
invention in an individual illustration of the two tubes and of the
liquid tank in a side view;
[0031] FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration of the bangle
according to the invention according to FIG. 7; and
[0032] FIG. 9 shows a cross section through a tube of the bangle
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] As can be seen from the figures, the bangle according to the
invention has an annular casing 1 which is formed essentially from
two bent tubes 2, 3. The two tubes 2, 3 are connected to each other
at one end 2b, 3b by means of a hinge 4. The hinge 4 makes it
possible, as illustrated in FIG. 6, to open the bangle or to pivot
the two tubes 2, 3 apart at the tube ends 2a, 3a which face away
from the hinge 4.
[0034] Although the bangle is formed essentially from two bent
tubes 2, 3, this does not prevent these tubes 2, 3 from being
composed of a plurality of tube pieces. An embodiment of this type
is likewise to be understood, according to the invention, as
meaning a formation from essentially two bent tubes 2, 3. A
separation of the tubes 2, 3 or a composition from a plurality of
tube pieces draws on the basic concept according to the
invention.
[0035] As can be seen from the figures, the tube 2 is designed to
accommodate a liquid tank 5. The liquid tank 5 to be accommodated
is illustrated in terms of principle in FIGS. 7 and 8. The liquid
tank 5 illustrated in the exemplary embodiment has a bend of
approx. 90.degree.. However, the configuration of the liquid tank 5
is not restricted to this. In tests, a curve radius of 90.degree.
has proven suitable firstly with regard to a twist-proof and stable
arrangement and secondly in order to be able to place the liquid
tank 5 into the interior of the tube 2 without any problem.
[0036] As is furthermore revealed in the figures, the tube end 3a
of the tube 3 is designed to accommodate a spray head 7 of the
liquid tank 5. In this case, the spray head 7 of the liquid tank 5
protrudes, when the liquid tank 5 is inserted into the tube 2, into
the tube end 3a of the adjacent tube 3.
[0037] As can be seen in the figures, in particular in FIG. 9, the
tube walls 8, 9 of the tubes 2, 3 have, in cross section, a contour
which contains characteristic features of an oval shape. The tube
walls 8, 9 of the tubes 2, 3 have, in cross section, two opposite,
at least approximately radius-free regions 10. The tubes 2, 3 have
a width which corresponds at least approximately to double the
height. The width of the tubes 2, 3 is to be understood here as
meaning the extent of the tubes 2, 3 perpendicular to the plane
over which the bangle stretches. Accordingly, the height of the
tubes 2, 3 corresponds--apart from possible changes in shape
through the operation to bend the tubes 2, 3- to the difference
between the radius of the outside and the radius of the inside of
the bangle.
[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made for the tubes
2, 3 to have a height of 5 to 10 mm, preferably of 7.4 mm, and a
width of 10 to 20 mm, preferably 14.6 mm.
[0039] These dimensions and the two opposite, at least
approximately radius-free regions 10 enable the annular casing 1 of
the bangle to have a thin and elegant effect. In this case, the
radius-free regions 10 are formed on the "short side" of the tubes
2, 3 and therefore provide part of the height of the bangle. The
radius-free regions 10 form an encircling edge of the bangle.
[0040] As can be seen from the figures, the outer contour of the
liquid tank 5 and the spray head 7 and the inner contour of the
tube wall 8, 9 are designed such that they match each other in
order for the liquid tank 5 and the spray head 7 to be arranged in
a twist-proof manner. The spray head 7 and the liquid tank 5
therefore likewise have two opposite, at least approximately
radius-free edge regions. Otherwise, the contour of the spray head
7 and the contour of the liquid tank 5 have characteristic features
of an oval shape.
[0041] As can be seen from the figures, the tube 3 for
accommodating the spray head 7 in the region of the tube end 3a has
a widened opening 12 or an enlarged diameter for accommodating the
spray head 7. In addition, the tube 3 has, in the interior, a
projection (not illustrated) or a stop or the like which serves for
an actuating surface 14 of the spray head 7 to bear against. The
stop can be configured in a simple manner by the inner contour of
the tube wall 9 of the tube 3 for accommodating the spray head 7 in
the region of the tube end 3a tapering, starting from the tube end
3a. The inner contour preferably tapers conically here. As soon as
the inner contour falls short of the circumference of the outer
contour of the spray head 7, a stop is formed for the actuating
surface 14.
[0042] As is revealed in particular in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 8,
the tube 3 provided for accommodating the spray head 7 has an
outlet opening 15 which is aligned with a spray opening 16 of the
spray head 7 when the actuating surface 14 of the spray head 7
bears against the stop of the tube 3. It is therefore reliably
ensured that the liquid contained in the liquid tank 5 is dispensed
via the intended outlet opening 15.
[0043] To securely fix the spray head 7 in place in the region of
the tube end 3a of the tube 3 and to arrange the outlet opening 15
in an advantageous manner, provision is made for the spray head 7
to protrude essentially fully into the pipe end 3a or to be
accommodated by the latter, and for the spraying operation to be
triggered by pressure. In this case, the tube end 3a preferably
runs linearly at least in the region which is provided for
accommodating the spray head 7, or is matched to the profile of the
spray head 7. The tube end 3a of the tube 3 is therefore designed
to be approximately radius-free or unbent. The region of the tube
end 2a which can be plugged together with the tube end 3a
preferably likewise has a linear profile.
[0044] To actuate the spraying mechanism, provision is made for the
tube ends 2a, 3a, in the region of which the spray head 7 is
arranged, to be compressed or pushed together. As a result, the
spray head 7 is moved in the direction of the liquid tank 5 and is
consequently triggered, so that a surge of spray escapes through
the spray opening 16 and the outlet opening 15. In a manner not
illustrated specifically, either by means of an end stop within the
tube 2 or, for example, by means of a form-fitting seal between the
liquid tank 5 and the tube end 2a of the tube 2, the effect is
achieved that the liquid tank 5, after it has been fixed in place
in its designated position, can no longer be pushed further into
the tube 2. An actuation of the spray head 7 is therefore reliably
ensured.
[0045] To obtain an advantageous optical effect, provision is made
for the widened opening 12 to surround the tube end 2a. The bangle
according to the invention therefore obtains a uniform and
completely closed optical effect. In order to permit a stable and
simple pushing together or compression of the two tube ends 2a, 3a,
provision is made for the widened opening 12 to have two inwardly
directed guide stops 17 which protrude or latch into a respective
guide depression 18 in the region of the tube end 2a. The guide
depression 18 may also be designed as a groove. The guide
depression 18 extends in the direction in which the tube ends 2a,
3a are pushed together. The length of the guide depression 18 can
correspond to the travel covered when pushing together the tube
ends 2a, 3a. A stable guide is therefore ensured. It is
advantageous if both the two guide stops 17 and the two guide
depressions 18 are arranged in the regions 10.
[0046] The widened opening 12 may be connected separately to the
tube end 3a. As an alternative to this, provision may also be made
for the tube end 3a to be widened by appropriate measures in such a
manner that it constitutes the widened opening 12.
[0047] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, the tube 2 has a
viewing opening 19. In this case, the viewing opening 19 is
arranged in such a manner that it faces the arm of the wearer, when
the bangle is being worn, as a result of which the viewing opening
19 is difficult to see even for keen observers. The viewing opening
19 can serve in a simple manner to check the filling level of the
liquid tank 5. As is furthermore revealed from FIG. 5, the tube 2
in the region of the tube end 2a has a cutout 20 facilitating the
insertion of the liquid tank 5. This cutout 20 is likewise arranged
in such a manner that the cutout 20 faces the arm of the wearer
when the bangle is being worn.
[0048] The liquid tank 5 may be exchanged in a simple manner.
Provision is likewise made here for the liquid tank 5 to be able to
be topped up.
[0049] The liquid tank 5 may be filled with any desired liquid,
preferably with perfume. As the inventor has found out, the bangle
is also suitable in an advantageous manner for defending against
aggressors if, instead of perfume, the liquid tank 5 is filled with
a liquid, as is the situation with pepper sprays. For this purpose,
the spray head 7 may optionally be configured in such a manner that
a sharp surge of spray is possible.
[0050] As is revealed in the figures, the annular casing 1 has an
oval shape or a shape slightly deviating from a circular shape. In
the exemplary embodiment, provision is made for the inside diameter
of the annular casing 1 to have a width of 60 to 70 mm, preferably
65 mm, and a length of 48 to 58 mm, preferably 53 mm.
[0051] As is revealed in FIG. 6, the hinge 4 permits the two tubes
2, 3 to pivot apart in the region of the tube ends 2a, 3a in order
to remove the spray head 7 from the tube end 3a. By the two tubes
2, 3 pivoting apart, it is firstly possible, in a simple manner, to
change the liquid tank 5 and, secondly, in the pivoted out or open
state, the bangle can be put on particularly easily and
effortlessly. By means of a corresponding latching of the hinge 4
or a latching of the guide stops 17 into the guide depressions 18,
the bangle can be closed again in a simple manner.
[0052] The annular casing 1 or the tubes 2, 3 may be formed from
any desired material, for example metal or sheet metal or plastic.
In this case, any known type of finishing, for example
gold-plating, silver-plating and the like, is possible.
* * * * *