JEWELRY CLIPS

Abstract

A jewelry clip is provided for clipping onto an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace. The jewelry clip includes first and second parts connected by a hinge and being rotatable between open and closed states. The clip in the closed state is adapted for gripping the elongated member and in the open state is adapted for being released from the elongated member. At least one discrete spring biases the clip toward the closed state when the clip is in the open state. The clip has, in the closed state, a through hole. At least one of the first and second parts includes at least one resilient element defining at least part of an inner surface of the jewelry clip defining the through hole. When the clip is clipped onto the elongated member, the resilient element provides a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole.

Claims

1. A jewelry clip for being clipped onto an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace, the jewelry clip comprising: a first part having proximal and distal ends and a second part having proximal and distal ends, an extremity of the proximal end of the first part and an extremity of the proximal end of the second part collectively defining a terminal wall, the second part being connected to the first part by a hinge having a hinge axis, at least one of an extremity of the distal end of the first part and an extremity of the distal end of the second part being beveled where the first part meets the second part thereby forming a recess, the first and second parts being moveable between an open state and a closed state by rotation about the hinge axis, wherein the jewelry clip in the closed state is adapted for gripping the elongated member and in the open state is adapted for being released from the elongated member; and at least one discrete compression or torsion spring, the spring biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state when the jewelry clip is in the open state; wherein the jewelry clip has, in the closed state, a through hole extending in a longitudinal direction between a first and a second opening so that the elongated member can be positioned to extend through the through hole; wherein at least one of the first and second parts includes at least one resilient element positioned to form part of the at least one of the first and second parts so that the resilient element defines at least part of an inner surface of the jewelry clip defining the through hole in the closed state of the jewelry clip; and whereby, when the jewelry clip is clipped onto the elongated member, the resilient element provides a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole.

2. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the discrete spring biases the jewelry clip toward the closed state anywhere between a fully open state and the closed state.

3. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one resilient element is configured to be compressed when the jewelry clip is in the closed state and clipped onto the elongated member.

4. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the jewelry clip is configured to be positionally fixed by the frictional resistance of the resilient element on the elongated member when clipped onto the elongated member, and to be moved along the elongated member by providing a force that overcomes the frictional resistance.

5. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the jewelry clip in the closed state is locked by a snap lock.

6. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the discrete spring comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in physical contact with the first clip part and the second end is in physical contact with the second clip part, to thereby bias the jewelry clip toward the closed state.

7. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the discrete spring is located at the hinge axis.

8. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the discrete spring is positioned concentrically with the hinge axis.

9. A set of parts for being assembled to form a bracelet or necklace, comprising: an elongated member for a bracelet or a necklace; and the jewelry clip of claim 1.

10. A method of assembling the set of parts of claim 9 to form a necklace or bracelet by clipping a jewelry clip onto an elongated member, the method comprising clipping the jewelry clip onto the elongated member.

11. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein an external perimeter of the first part is the same as an external perimeter of the second part.

12. The jewelry clip of claim 11, wherein: at least one of the first and second parts has a cavity spanned by a retaining element; and the at least one resilient element has first and second projections with a groove therebetween, the retaining element being located in the groove, the first and second projections extending into the through hole.

13. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the first and second parts has a cavity spanned by a retaining element; and the at least one resilient element has first and second projections with a groove therebetween, the retaining element being located in the groove, the first and second projections extending into the through hole.

14. The jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein: the first and second parts define a cavity; the spring is located in the cavity; and the spring is enclosed when the first and second parts are at the closed state.

15. A jewelry clip for being clipped onto an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace, the jewelry clip comprising: a first part having proximal and distal ends and a second part having proximal and distal ends, the second part being connected to the first part by a hinge having a hinge axis, at least one of an extremity of the distal end of the first part and an extremity of the distal end of the second part forming a gap where the first part meets the second part, the first and second parts being moveable between an open state and a closed state through rotation about the hinge axis by imparting a force at a location between the hinge axis and the distal ends of the first and second parts, wherein the jewelry clip in the closed state is adapted for gripping the elongated member and in the open state is adapted for being released from the elongated member; and at least one discrete compression or torsion spring, the spring biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state when the jewelry clip is in the open state; wherein the jewelry clip has, in the closed state, a through hole extending in a longitudinal direction between a first and a second opening so that the elongated member can be positioned to extend through the through hole; wherein at least one of the first and second parts includes at least one resilient element positioned to form part of the at least one of the first and second parts so that the resilient element defines at least part of an inner surface of the jewelry clip defining the through hole in the closed state of the jewelry clip; and whereby, when the jewelry clip is clipped onto the elongated member, the resilient element provides a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole.

16. The jewelry clip of claim 15, wherein an external perimeter of the first part is the same as an external perimeter of the second part.

17. The jewelry clip of claim 15, wherein: at least one of the first and second parts has a cavity spanned by a retaining element; and the at least one resilient element has first and second projections with a groove therebetween, the retaining element being located in the groove, the first and second projections extending into the through hole.

18. The jewelry clip of claim 15, wherein: the first and second parts define a cavity; the spring is located in the cavity; and the spring is enclosed when the first and second parts are at the closed state.

19. The jewelry clip of claim 15, wherein the proximal end of the first part and the proximal end of the second part collectively define a terminal wall such that the terminal wall is located at an extremity of the proximal end of the first part and an extremity of the proximal end of the second part.

20. The jewelry clip of claim 15, wherein at least one of the extremity of the distal end of the first part and the extremity of the distal end of the second part is beveled where the first part meets the second part to form the gap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The aspects of this disclosure will now be described in greater detail based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side cross section view of a jewelry clip in the open state;

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side cross section of the jewelry clip of FIG. 1 in the closed state;

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a perspective and partly exploded view of the jewelry clip of FIG. 1;

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of a resilient element of the jewelry clip of FIG. 1;

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a jewelry clip in the open state;

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the jewelry clip of FIG. 5 in the closed state;

[0081] FIG. 7a-c show a top view of a second part of various embodiments of a jewelry clip;

[0082] FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of a jewelry clip with a round outer shape, in the closed state;

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a perspective and partly exploded view of the jewelry clip of FIG. 8; and

[0084] FIG. 10 shows an assembled set of parts including a jewelry clip according to FIG. 9 and an elongated member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] In the following, embodiments of the jewelry clips will be described in further detail. Each specific variation of the features can be applied to other embodiments of unless specifically stated otherwise. Note that for illustrative purposes the dimensions, especially thicknesses, of the different elements shown may be exaggerated.

[0086] Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show side cross section views of a first embodiment of a jewelry clip in an open and closed state, respectively. The jewelry clip 100 is a jewelry clip with a rectangular outer shape in cross section. The jewelry clip 100 comprises a first part 120, i.e. a first half shell, and a second part 130, i.e. a second half shell, which are connected by a hinge 101 allowing the jewelry clip 100 to be moved between the open state, shown in FIG. 1, and the closed state, shown in FIG. 2, by rotation of the first and second clip parts 120, 130 about the hinge axis HA.

[0087] A discrete spring 110, in this case a helical torsion spring positioned concentrically with the hinge axis HA, biases the jewelry clip 100 toward the closed state. This is achieved by a first end 111 of the spring 110 being arranged in a first spring cavity 113 in the first clip part 120 and a second end 112 of the spring being arranged in a second spring cavity 114 in the second clip part 130, where each spring end 111, 112 exerts a force on the first and second clip parts 120, 130, respectively, urging the jewelry clip parts to rotate about the hinge axis HA toward the closed state of the jewelry clip 100. This may also be achieved by a compression spring, such as a helical compression spring positioned at the hinge axis HA and arranged between the two clip parts 120, 130 where a respective end of the compression spring is in physical contact with and exerts a force on a respective clip part 120, 130, urging the two clip parts 120, 130 to rotate about the hinge axis HA toward the closed state of the jewelry clip 100, as described above. The inclusion of a discrete spring 110 thus improves handling and closing of the jewelry clip 100 and improves the retention of the jewelry clip 100 on an elongated member of a bracelet or necklace as the force provided by the spring 110 biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state both provides a force acting to keep the jewelry clip closed as well as increasing the force with which the jewelry clip grips the elongated member. The force provided by the spring will also act to negate play that may inherently exist in the jewelry clip or that may arise due to wear and tear, and may in this way improve the performance and lifespan of the jewelry clip.

[0088] In some embodiments, the spring 11 biases the jewelry clip toward the closed state anywhere between a fully open state and the closed state. In this way a force biasing the jewelry clip 100 toward the closed state is provided at any position of the jewelry clip parts 120, 130.

[0089] To enable the jewelry clip 100 to be locked in the closed state, the jewelry clip comprises a snap lock mechanism 106, 107. In the shown embodiment, the snap lock mechanism 106, 107 comprises a locking spring 106 and a locking spring contact point 107, the locking spring 106 engaging the locking spring contact point 106 when the jewelry clip is closed, whereby the mutual mechanical engagement between the two 106, 107 provides a locking effect. To bring the jewelry clip from the closed state to the open state, a certain magnitude of force has to be overcome to unlock the snap lock mechanism and bring the locking spring 106 out of locking engagement with the locking contact point 106, when pulling or pushing the first clip part and the second clip part apart. This provides additional security to ensure the jewelry clip does not unintentionally open.

[0090] In the closed state, shown in FIG. 2, the jewelry clip 100 has a through hole 102 allowing the jewelry clip 100 to be clipped onto the elongated member. The through hole 102 extends in a longitudinal direction (L) between a first and a second opening 115, 116 (best seen in FIG. 9). In this embodiment the through hole 102 and the jewelry clip 100 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. The through hole 102 is partly defined by a first substantially flat surface 121 of the first part 120 and a second substantially flat surface 131 of the second part 130. The through hole 102 is further partly defined by two side walls formed on the first and second parts 120, 130. In the open state, the through hole 102 is open at the side opposite the hinge 101, whereby the jewelry clip 100 can be placed onto or removed from the elongated member. The first surface 121 is adapted for gripping a surface of the elongated member.

[0091] The jewelry clip 100 further comprises a resilient element 150 positioned in the second part 130 to form part of the second part so that the resilient element forms at least part of an inner surface of the jewelry clip defining the through hole 102 in the closed state of the jewelry clip. The resilient element 150 can provide a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole 102, between the jewelry clip 100 and the surface of the elongated member to allow the jewelry clip 100 to be releasably secured at selected positions along the elongated member, i.e. the resilient element 150 and the rigid gripping surfaces 121 grips opposite surfaces of the elongated member, thereby securing the jewelry clip 100 at the selected position of the elongated member. In this way the jewelry clip 100 may be positionally fixed by the frictional resistance on the elongated member when clipped on the elongated member, but can be moved along the elongated member by providing a force that overcomes the frictional resistance.

[0092] In the shown embodiment, the first surface 121 is provided with a small curvature in the width direction (W). This curvature limits wear caused by friction between the elongated member and the first surface 121 to the outer regions, i.e. outer edges in the width direction. Furthermore, the edges 122 of the first surface 121 toward the first and/or second openings are rounded so as to limit wear at the edges 122, where the first surface might be visible to the user.

[0093] The jewelry clip 100 may be forced to move along the elongated member, on which it is positioned by exerting a force in the longitudinal direction (L), preferably using a hand. Thereby the jewelry clip 100, in the closed state, can be moved along the elongated member. The resilient element 150 shown here has an oblong cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction (L) with the width, i.e. in a width direction (W) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), of the resilient element 150 being at least twice that of the height, i.e. in a height direction (H) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and the width direction (W), of the resilient element 150. Resilient elements with other shapes, geometries and dimensions may be used as required by the application or availability of space within the jewelry clip.

[0094] To secure the resilient element 150 in the second part 130, the second part 130 comprises a cavity 140 extending into the second surface 131 and having an opening in the second surface 131. The cavity 140 is formed with side walls 143 with overhang, such that the opening has a smaller area than the base of the cavity 140. The cavity 140 is thus able to retain the resilient 150 as the overhanging sidewalls 143 make it difficult for the resilient element 143 to fall out of the cavity.

[0095] However, due to the oblong cross-sectional shape and the resilience of the resilient element 150, the resilient element 150 may be bent and/or compressed so that it can be inserted, as is done during assembly, or removed from the cavity 140. To prevent the resilient element 150 from unintentionally being removed from the cavity 140, the jewelry clip 100 comprises a retaining element 180 extending in the longitudinal direction (L) over the opening of the cavity 140 and over the resilient element 150, so that the resilient element 150 is securely retained in the cavity 140. In the shown embodiment, the retaining element 180 is formed by a tab extending over the resilient element 150.

[0096] The resilient element 150 comprises a first and a second projection 151, 152 which protrude beyond the second surface 131 so that they can engage the elongated member. Each of the first and second projections 151, 152 comprise a gripping surface 153, 154 which is adapted to engage a major surface of the elongated member to provide friction between the resilient element 150 and the elongated member. The retaining element 180 extends between the first and second projections 151, 152 so that the resilient element 150 is securely retained in the cavity 140. The edges of the gripping surfaces 153, 154 in the longitudinal direction are preferably rounded as shown in FIG. 4. The gripping surfaces 153, 154 will thereby comprise rounded portions 155, 156 which reduce wear on the resilient element 150 when the elongated member is forced to move by the user.

[0097] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the jewelry clip 100 described above. As can be seen, the retaining element 180 extends over the entire length of the resilient element 150, thus preventing the resilient element 150 from coming out of the cavity 140 unintentionally. To achieve this configuration, the retaining element 180 is either attached to the second part 130 after insertion of the resilient element 150 into the cavity, or attached before and bended upwards so that the resilient element 150 can be inserted into the cavity after which the retaining element 180 can be bend down in the correct position and optionally welded/soldered to ensure a solid attachment.

[0098] When the jewelry clip is clipped onto the elongated member, the resilient element may be compressed. This compression of the resilient element provides a force which urges the jewelry clip to open. The force provided by the spring biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state counteracts this force and thus provides a more secure clip. Similarly, when the jewelry clip is attached on, and compresses, a resilient elongated member, a force urging the jewelry clip to open also occurs. In such situations the force urging the jewelry clip to open exerted by the compression of the resilient element and the compression of the resilient elongated member may compound, making the counteracting force biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state provided by the spring even more important.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows the resilient element 150 by itself from a perspective view. The resilient element 150 comprises two anchor portions 159 which extend outwards in the width direction (W), the anchor portions 159 being adapted to fit in under the overhanging side walls 143 of the cavity 140. Furthermore, the resilient element 150 has a groove 158 between the first and second projections 151, 152, the groove 158 being formed to accommodate the retaining element 180, thereby limiting the freedom of movement for the resilient element 150 once inserted into the cavity 140 and retained by the retaining element 180.

[0100] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a jewelry clip 100 is shown in the open and in the closed state, respectively. The shown embodiment is largely identical to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but differs in the following.

[0101] The shown clip 100 has an outer shape like that of a star to provide an aesthetic appearance. This shape means that the length of the through hole 102, i.e. in the longitudinal direction (L), is comparable to the width of the through hole 102, i.e. in the width direction (W). To provide sufficient friction for such a jewelry clip 100 to remain at the selected location on an elongated element, the jewelry clip 100 could be provided with a longer resilient element 150.

[0102] Instead, as seen in FIG. 7a, the shown embodiment comprises a second resilient element 150 arranged in another cavity 140 in the second surface 131. The second retaining element 150 is substantially identical to the first retaining element 150 described in the previous embodiment. The first and second retaining elements 150, 150 are arranged proximate to respective ones of the first and second openings, so that the friction between the gripping surfaces of the retaining elements 150, 150 and the elongated member is even throughout the length of the through hole, and so that the elongated member is gripped more securely near the first and second openings 115, 116.

[0103] The following will describe a method for assembling a necklace or bracelet by clipping a jewelry clip 100 as seen in FIGS. 1-3 onto an elongated member for a necklace or bracelet.

[0104] The jewelry clip 100 is brought into an open state by overcoming a force that biases the jewelry clip 100 toward a closed state by rotating the first and the second clip parts 120, 130 about a hinge axis HA of a hinge 101 connecting the first and second parts 120, 130, where the biasing force is provided by a discrete spring 110.

[0105] Subsequently, the jewelry clip 100 is then brought from the open state into the closed state, thereby enclosing the elongated member such that the elongated member is positioned in the through hole 102 of the jewelry clip 100 where the jewelry clip 100 grips the elongated member.

[0106] This provides an easy to assemble necklace or bracelet, which allows beads or other ornamental components on the necklace or bracelet to be organized as described herein, without the need for any tools or other special utensils.

[0107] Turning now to FIGS. 7a-c, the second part 130 of various embodiments of the jewelry clip 100 is shown from a top view. The first parts 120 of the shown embodiments may be provided with resilient elements 150 similarly to the second parts 130. Alternatively, only the first parts 120 may be provided with one or more resilient elements 150. In FIGS. 7a-c, an elongated member 200 is shown.

[0108] FIGS. 8 and 9, show a jewelry clip 100 with a circular outer shape and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. A first end 111 of the discrete spring 110 here abuts the first part of the jewelry clip 120 and the second end 112 of the discrete spring 110 abuts the second clip part 130. In this way the discrete spring 110 biases the two clip parts 120, 130 toward a closed state of the jewelry clip 100.

[0109] FIG. 10 shows schematically an assembled set of parts including a jewelry clip 100 according to FIG. 9 which is clipped onto an elongated member 200 similar to that of FIGS. 7a-c. The elongated member 200 is a braided wire or string having a substantially circular cross section. The elongated member 200 includes two ends that are assembled by a bracelet lock 201 in a conventional manner. The set of parts may include one, two or more further jewelry clips of similar structure as the jewelry clip 100, potentially with varying ornamentation according to a user's desires.