SPRING RING CLASP AND METHOD OF PRODUCING A SPRING RING CLASP

Abstract

A spring ring clasp, with a closed state in which the spring ring clasp (1) forms a closed ring (2), and with an opened state in which the ring (2) is opened, having an external tube (3), an internal tube (4) which in an overlap region (5) protrudes into the external tube (3), and a spring (6) which is disposed in a cavity (7) configured by the external tube (3) and the internal tube (4). For opening the spring ring clasp (1), the external tube being displaceable relative to the internal tube (4) counter to a spring force caused by the spring (6), and the spring (6) at least in the closed state protruding from the internal tube (4) and protruding into the external tube (3). The use of such a spring ring clasp (1) is in the jewelry industry but is not limited to this sector.

Claims

1. A spring ring clasp (1) with a closed state in which the spring ring clasp (1) forms a closed ring (2), and with an opened state in which the ring (2) is opened, the spring ring clasp (1) comprising: an external tube (3); an internal tube (4) which in an overlap region (5) protrudes into the external tube (3); and a spring (6) which is disposed in a cavity (7) configured by the external tube (3) and the internal tube (4), the external tube (3) for opening the spring ring clasp (1) being displaceable relative to the internal tube (4) counter to a spring force caused by the spring (6), and the spring (6) at least in the closed state protruding from the internal tube (4) and protruding into the external tube (3).

2. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal tube (4) and the external tube (3) in the opened state each include free ends (8) which contact each other in the closed state, the free end (8) of the internal tube (4) in the closed state engaging in the free end (8) of the external tube (3).

3. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a detent (9) is located at least one of on or in the external tube (3) or on or in the internal tube (4).

4. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a spring detent (10) which in the opened state and in the closed state is contacted by the spring (6) is located on or in at least one of the external tube (3) or the internal tube (4).

5. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the external tube (3) or the internal tube (4) on the free end (8) thereof is opened.

6. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein exclusively the spring (6) is disposed in the cavity (7).

7. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring (6) in the opened and in the closed state is completely covered by a tubular assembly formed by the internal tube (4) and the external tube (3).

8. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external tube (3) and the internal tube (4) are free from gripping elements (12).

9. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the external tube (3) or the internal tube (4) on a shell face (15) thereof is completely closed.

10. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion (16) of the spring (6) that in the closed state protrudes from the internal tube (4) is more densely wound than a portion of the spring (6) that in the closed state is situated in the internal tube (4).

11. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one fastening element for fastening the spring ring clasp (1) to a jewelry element on at least one of the internal tube (4) or the external tube (3).

12. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring ring clasp (1) is configured for hooking thereinto an item of jewelry.

13. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein configured on the free end (8) of the external tube (3) is a pin (20) which in the closed state protrudes into the internal tube (4), or configured on the free end (8) of the internal tube (4) is a pin (20) which in the closed state protrudes into the external tube (3).

14. A method of producing a spring ring clasp (1), the method comprising: introducing a spring (6) into an axially bent internal tube (4), thereafter pushing the external tube (3) over the internal tube (4) so far that a void in a circumferential direction of the ring (2) is created between free ends (8) of the external tube (3) and of the internal tube (4), and thereafter straightening the internal tube (4).

15. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a respective detent (9) is located at least on or in the external tube (3) and on or in the internal tube (4), and the detents (9) contact each other in the closed state.

16. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a detent (9) configured in or on the external tube (3) includes an opening (11) such that said detent (9) does not completely close the external tube (3).

17. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a detent (9) configured in or on the internal tube (4) includes an opening (11) such that said detent (9) does not completely close the internal tube (4).

18. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring ring clasp (1) consists of the external tube (3), the internal tube (4) and the spring (6).

19. The spring ring clasp (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring ring clasp (1) has a diameter of less than 10 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of an exemplary embodiment, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments are derived by combining the features of individual or a plurality of claims with one another and/or with individual or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiment.

[0043] In the figures:

[0044] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a spring ring clasp configured according to the invention, in the closed state (FIG. 1A) and the opened state (FIG. 1B);

[0045] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cross section of a further exemplary embodiment of a spring ring clasp configured according to the invention, having an attached gripping element in the closed state (FIG. 2A) and the opened state (FIG. 2B); and

[0046] FIGS. 3A-3C show a cross section of a third exemplary embodiment, wherein the spring ring clasp is illustrated as a hoop earring in the closed state (FIG. 3A) and the opened state (FIG. 3B) and in a worn state (FIG. 3C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a cross section of a first exemplary embodiment of a spring ring clasp 1 configured according to the invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B show a cross section of a second exemplary embodiment of a spring ring clasp 1 configured according to the invention. The second exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the presence of an attached gripping element 12, is configured like the first exemplary embodiment such that both exemplary embodiments are conjointly described hereunder.

[0048] The spring ring clasp 1 is composed of an external tube 3, an internal tube 4 and a spring 6. The external tube 3 and the internal tube 4 here have a circular cross section. In an alternative exemplary embodiment the cross section may also be, for example, oval, rectangular, triangular or square.

[0049] The two tubes 3, 4 can be produced from, for example, gold, silver or stainless steel, this being able to be used in particular in the production of jewelry. In general, a spring ring clasp 1 can be made from at least one precious metal and/or at least one non-precious metal.

[0050] The spring ring clasp 1 in the closed state (FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A) forms a closed ring 2 which may have a diameter of less than 10 mm, preferably of less than 6 mm. As has already been described above, the spring ring clasp 1 for reasons of application may also have a diameter of more than 10 mm. The spring ring clasp 1 can ultimately have interesting applications for all size ranges.

[0051] The external tube 3 is inverted over the internal tube 4 with minimal play such that the two tubes 3, 4 can be moved relative to one each other and in a guided manner. In the closed state (FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A) an overlap region 5 is formed by the external tube 3 and internal tube 4, which in the opened state (FIG. 1b and FIG. 2B) is configured so as to be larger than in the closed state. Furthermore formed is a second overlap region 18, wherein the second overlap region 18 is delimited by the spring detents 10 of the external tube 3 and of the internal tube 4, on the one hand, and by an outer end 21 of the external tube 3, on the other hand. The second overlap region 18 significantly increases the stability and security of the spring ring clasp 1 in the closed state. The free end 8 of the internal tube 4 here engages in the free end 8 of the external tube 3.

[0052] When opening the spring ring clasp 1, the external tube 3 is pushed over the internal tube 4 counter to the spring force, as a result of which the overlap region 5 is enlarged. The already pretensioned spring 6 is further tensioned by the opening action. The spring ring clasps 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B are configured in such a manner that the spring 6 in the opened and in the closed state is completely covered by the tube assembly formed by the internal tube 4 and the external tube 3. This is enabled by the spring detents 10 which constrict the free ends 8 of the external tube 3 and of the internal tube 4 to the extent that the spring 6, even in the opened state, cannot jump out of the spring ring clasp 1. Rather, the spring 6 pushes against the spring detents 10 and is tensioned as a result.

[0053] The spring detents 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B as a ring or a plate are soldered to the tubes 3, 4, could alternatively however also be moldings of the external tube 3 or of the internal tube 4, respectively. The spring detents 10 here are identical to detents 9 which in the closed state of the spring ring clasp 1 moreover contact each other (FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A).

[0054] Alternatively, the detents 9 and spring detents 10 can also be configured so as not to be identical components. A cavity 7 between the detent 9 and the spring detent 10 of the internal tube 4 and/or between the detent 9 and the spring detent 10 of the external tube 3 can be formed here. The detents 9 in the closed state of the spring ring clasp 1 contact each other here, but the detents 9 no longer contact the spring 6. The spring 6 in this instance contacts the spring detents 10. Since a second cavity 7 can be configured in this way, a first cavity 7, thus the cavity 7 which contains the spring 6, can be of a smaller design.

[0055] The spring detents 10 of both tubes 3, 4 each form an opening 11 so that the external tube 3 as well as the internal tube 4 are not completely closed. For example, the openings 11 can serve the purpose of moving the spring 6 by way of a tool, for example in order for the spring 6 to be aligned. Alternatively, only one or neither of the two tubes 3, 4 can have an opening 11 formed by a detent 9 or a spring detent 10.

[0056] As can be seen from FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, the spring 6 in the closed state almost completely encompasses the ring 2. Only a very short portion which is occupied by the two mutually contacting detents 9, 10 is free from the spring 6. The spring travel is therefore maximal.

[0057] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a gripping element 12 which can be used for more easily operating the spring ring clasp 1, in particular in the case of small spring ring clasps 1. While the gripping element 12 in FIGS. 2A and 2B is attached to the outside 13 of the external tube 3, a gripping element 12 can also be attached to the outside 14 of the internal tube 4. It is also conceivable for more than one gripping element 12 to be used on one spring ring clasp 1.

[0058] The portion 16 of the spring 6 that in the closed state protrudes from the internal tube 4 is more densely wound than a portion of the spring 6 that in the closed state is situated in the internal tube 4 (FIG. 1A and FIG. 2B). As is set forth in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the end of the spring 6 that impacts the free end 8 of the internal tube 4 can also be more intensely wound than the major part of the spring 6 that is situated in the internal tube 4.

[0059] The protruding portion 16 of the spring 6 is more densely wound so that the risk of the spring 6 catching on the edges 17 of the internal tube 4 when the spring ring clasp 1 is opened is reduced (FIG. 1A). The spring 6 can be protected in this way, and the spring ring clasp 1 can be more easily opened and closed.

[0060] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the spring 6 across the entire length thereof can also have a consistent winding density. As a result, costs in the production of the spring can be saved, as a result of which the spring ring clasp 1 can be designed in a more cost-effective and thus more customer-friendly manner.

[0061] The external tube 3 and the internal tube 4 on the shell face thereof are completely closed. The stiffness of the external tube 3 and of the internal tube 4 is increased as a result, such that twisting and, as a result inadvertent opening, of the spring ring clasp 1 can be prevented.

[0062] The mechanism of the spring ring clasp 1 described above, or claimed hereunder, respectively, can be used in closures, pendants, bracelets and hoop earrings 19, for example.

[0063] FIGS. 3A-3C show a spring ring clasp 1 configured as a hoop earring 19. Components and functional units which in terms of function and/or construction are equivalent or identical to those of the preceding exemplary embodiments are identified by the same reference signs and are not separately described once again. The explanations pertaining to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B therefore apply in analogous manner to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0064] In the hoop earring 19 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the spring detent 10 of the external tube 3 is not offset toward the rear but disposed so as to be flush on the outer end 21 of the external tube 3. A pin 20 is configured on the spring detent 10, in particular soldered to the latter. In the closed state, the pin 20 protrudes into the free end 8 of the internal tube 4, wherein the pin 20 engages through the opening 11 of the spring detent 10 of the internal tube 4 and through the internal diameter of the spring 6 (FIG. 3A). It can be provided in an exemplary embodiment not shown that a pin 20 protrudes through an opening 11 of a detent 9 of an internal tube 4 and engages through a second cavity 7 up to a spring detent 10 of the internal tube 4.

[0065] In the spring ring clasp 1 configured as a hoop earring 19 it is advantageous that ear holes can be obscured by the external tube 3 or the internal tube 4, respectively. In general, a hoop earring 19 can advantageously be adaptable to any ear thickness.

[0066] In order for a hoop earring 19 to be fitted, the latter is opened (FIG. 3B) and the pin 20 is inserted through an ear hole. The pin 20 thereafter is aligned with the free end 8 of the internal tube 4 such that the hoop earring 19, upon releasing the external tube 3 or the internal tube 4, respectively, is closed by virtue of the spring force without the pin 20 running past the outer end 22 of the internal tube 4. The spring 6 here is made such that the hoop earring 19 is able to be closed without pressure pains arising on the ear. The spring ring clasp 1 in this instance can assume the state according to FIG. 3C, for example.

[0067] In an embodiment of a hoop earring 19 not shown, an end cap which has a larger diameter than the external tube 3 can be attached to the outer end 21 of the external tube 3. Alternatively or additionally, an end cap which has a larger diameter than the internal tube 4 can be configured on the outer end 22 of the internal tube 4. As a result, an even higher level of wear comfort can be achieved, because the force is distributed across a larger area and a lower pressure consequently arises on the earlobe.

[0068] The invention generally proposes a spring ring clasp with a closed state in which the spring ring clasp 1 forms a closed ring 2, and with an opened state in which the ring 2 is opened, having an external tube 3, an internal tube 4 which in an overlap region 5 protrudes into the external tube 3, and a spring 6 which is disposed in a cavity 7 configured by the external tube 3 and the internal tube 4, the external tube 3 for opening the spring ring clasp 1 being displaceable relative to the internal tube 4 counter to a spring force caused by the spring 6 with the overlap region 5 being enlarged, and the spring 6 at least in the closed state protruding from the internal tube 4 and protruding into the external tube 3. The use of such a spring ring clasp 1 is preferably of interest in the jewelry industry but is not limited to this sector.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0069] 1 Spring ring clasp

[0070] 2 Ring

[0071] 3 External tube

[0072] 4 Internal tube

[0073] 5 Overlap region

[0074] 6 Spring

[0075] 7 Cavity

[0076] 8 Free end

[0077] 9 Detent

[0078] 10 Spring detent

[0079] 11 Opening

[0080] 12 Gripping element

[0081] 13 Outside of the external tube 3

[0082] 14 Outside of the internal tube 4

[0083] 15 Shell face

[0084] 16 Portion of the spring 6

[0085] 17 Edges

[0086] 18 Second overlap region

[0087] 19 Hoop earring

[0088] 20 Pin

[0089] 21 Outer end of 3

[0090] 22 Outer end of 4