Substantially annular-shaped accessory

Abstract

A substantially annular-shaped accessory includes multiple arc-shaped structural elements that form a C-shaped annulus (major arc-shaped annulus) and a core. The core has a structure formed into a C-shaped annular-shaped accessory having an end gap of expandable/contractible width. One end of the core having a C-shaped member and an elastic body are fasten to a locking projection inside the arc-shaped structural element constituting one end section. Another end of the core is fasten to the locking projection inside the arc-shaped structural element constituting another end section.

Claims

1. A substantially annular-shaped accessory comprising: a plurality of arc-shaped structural elements made of cuboids comprising mating end surfaces with openings, two of the arch-shaped structural elements respectively constituting a first endmost section and a second endmost section; cores to form a C-shaped annulus comprising an end gap by interconnecting the plurality of arc-shaped structural elements to provide the substantially annular-shaped accessory; the arc-shaped structural elements comprising a groove-like decorative surface in a longitudinal direction of the substantially annular-shaped accessory, core fitting holes to penetrate through inner side walls on opposite longitudinal sides of the substantially annular-shaped accessory of arc-shaped structural elements, one of the two mating end surfaces interconnecting the arc-shaped structural elements has a wavy shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and other mating end surface has a wavy shape complementary to a mating end surface of an adjacent arch-shaped structural element; and each core comprises one or multiple C-shaped members made of C-shaped shape-memory alloy fitted inside the plurality of the arc-shaped structural elements and an elastic body to expand a width of the end gap, wherein a first end of a C-shaped member is engaged with a first end of the elastic body, a second end of the elastic body constituting a first end of the core is engaged with one locking projection projecting from an inside end surface of an associated arc-shaped structural element, and a second end of the C-shaped member constituting a second end of the core is fastened to another locking projection projecting from an internal end surface of an arc-shaped structural element, thereby configuring the width of the end gap of the C-shaped annulus to be expandable or contractible.

2. The substantially annular-shaped accessory of claim 1, wherein the cores form a major arc-shaped annuls.

3. The substantially annular-shaped accessory of claim 1 is a bracelet.

4. The substantially annular-shaped accessory of claim 1 is an earring.

5. A substantially annular-shaped accessory comprising: a plurality of arc-shaped structural elements made of cuboids comprising mating end surfaces with holes, two of the arch-shaped structural elements respectively constituting a first endmost section and a second endmost section; at least one core to form a C-shaped annulus comprising an end gap by interconnecting the plurality of arc-shaped structural elements to provide the substantially annular-shaped accessory; the arc-shaped structural elements comprising a groove-like decorative surface in a longitudinal direction of the substantially annular-shaped accessory, core fitting holes to penetrate through inner side walls on opposite longitudinal sides of the substantially annular-shaped accessory of arc-shaped structural elements, one of the two mating end surfaces interconnecting the arc-shaped structural elements has a wavy shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and other mating end surface has a wavy shape complementary to a mating end surface of an adjacent arch-shaped structural element; each core comprises one or multiple C-shaped members made of C-shaped shape-memory alloy fitted inside the plurality of the arc-shaped structural elements and an elastic body to expand a width of the end gap, wherein a first end of a C-shaped member is engaged with a first end of the elastic body, a second end of the elastic body constituting a first end of the core is engaged with one locking projection projecting from an inside end surface of an associated arc-shaped structural element, and a second end of the C-shaped member constituting a second end of the core is fastened to another locking projection projecting from an internal end surface of an arc-shaped structural element, thereby configuring the width of the end gap of the C-shaped annulus to be expandable or contractible; and wherein the substantially annular-shaped accessory is a piercing earring equipped on an end side surface of one end with a post made of a cylindrical support column and on another opposing end side surface with a piercing catch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention is explained in detail below based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the arc-shaped structural elements of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention in a state removed from the cores.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view in a state with only the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting one end section of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention fitted on the cores.

(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded view of the end gap of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the end section of the core according to the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(9) The annular-shaped accessory 10 according to the present invention comprises the arc-shaped structural elements 20 (including the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section), and the cores 30 (formed of the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32). The arc-shaped structural elements 20, the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section, and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section are interconnected at their respective mating end surfaces 26 to form the C-shaped annulus 11, the cores 30 are fitted into core fitting holes 40 provided to penetrate through the inside of the C-shaped annulus 11, the one ends of the cores 30 are engaged with the one locking projections 52, and the other ends 31b of the cores are engaged with the other locking projections 54, thereby forming the substantially annular-shaped accessory.

(10) The annular-shaped accessory 10 is made using gold or other precious metal and comprises the arc-shaped structural elements 20, the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section, the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section, the C-shaped members 31, and the elastic bodies 32. The multiple arc-shaped structural elements 20, the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section are linked and are interconnected by the cores 30 made of the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32, thereby configuring the substantially annular-shaped accessory to have the end gap. The decorative surface of the annular-shaped accessory 10 is formed groove-like in the longitudinal direction so that its cross-section is configured to have a gently rounded substantially concave shape as shown in FIG. 4. A configuration is adopted wherein the annular-shaped accessory 10 has multiple large and small ornaments (e.g., diamonds, gemstones, metal bits) set in its decorative surface at various angles matched to the curved surface of the groove.

(11) The arc-shaped structural elements 20 are constituted as curved box-like bodies comprising multiple cuboids formed with openings at opposite mating end surfaces, and configured to include the mating end surfaces 26, openings 28, and the core fitting holes 40. The multiple arc-shaped structural elements 20 are connected, the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section is deployed at one end thereof, the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section is deployed at the other end thereof, and the members are interconnected by the cores 30 comprising the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32, thereby configuring an annular shape. In the present embodiment, six (FIG. 2) or eight (FIG. 3) arc-shaped structural elements 20 are used, but the number used in this embodiment is not a limitation and the size and number of the arc-shaped structural elements 20 can be arbitrarily decided with consideration to the size of the annular-shaped accessory 10.

(12) The arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section has a configuration that is equipped with the mating end surface 26 and the one locking projections 52 and is formed with the mating end surface 26 at only one end of the arc-shaped structural element. The arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section does not have an opening on the end surface on the side where an end gap 110 is formed, and is provided with the one locking projections 52 at opposite corners of the inside end surface on the end gap 110 side. In the present embodiment, since the arc-shaped structural elements are formed using two cores 30, two of the one locking projections 52 are provided, but the number of locking projections is not limited to that in the present embodiment and, depending on decorative body diameter size or width (when slim), a substantially annular body can be formed using a single core 30.

(13) The arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section has a configuration that includes the mating end surface 26 and the other locking projections 54, with the mating end surface 26 being formed at only one end of the arc-shaped structural element. The end side surface of the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section does not mate with another member on the side where the end gap 110 is formed. Moreover, the other locking projections 54 that engage the cores 30 are provided at opposite corners of the inside end surface on the end gap 110 side. Although the configuration according to the present embodiment has the end gap 110, i.e., spaced ends, between the end surfaces of the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section, namely the end surfaces thereof that are not provided with the mating end surfaces 26, it is alternatively possible to adopt a configuration that establishes a C-shaped annular state in enlarged diameter condition and a state in which the opposite ends of the C-shaped annulus touch each other when worn on an arm or the like, namely, an openable/closable O-shaped configuration exhibiting an end gap when being put on (or being taken off).

(14) A ring can be obtained by forming the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention in small diameter. As the cores 30 exhibit high elasticity, a single size is sufficient to deal with a range of finger ring sizes, and production of the substantially annular-shaped accessory in only one or a few size types enables provision of rings matched to the full range of ring sizes.

(15) The mating end surfaces 26 are contact surfaces between the arc-shaped structural elements that are provided on both ends of the multiple arc-shaped structural elements 20 located in the middle and on the end surface on one side of the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and of the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section, and are configured wavy in cross-section. The mating end surfaces 26 are configured to form the mating end surfaces of the arc-shaped structural elements 20 to be wave-shaped perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substantially annular-shaped accessory and to form the other in a wavy shape complementary to the adjacent one mating end surface. A configuration is adopted whereby the mating end surfaces of the multiple arc-shaped structural elements 20, the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section are snugly mated by the cores 30 comprising the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32, thereby forming the annular-shaped accessory 10.

(16) The openings 28 are open sectional regions provided in the mating end surfaces 26 of the arc-shaped structural elements 20 and are configured to be substantially rectangular in cross-section. The core fitting holes 40 are formed in these cross-sectional openings. In the present embodiment, for the purpose of, inter alia, reducing accessory weight and saving metal, the arc-shaped structural elements are constituted as hollow boxes whose cross-sections define the openings 28, but the openings 28 are not indispensable and it is alternatively possible to adopt a closed configuration.

(17) Each core 30 is configured to comprise the C-shaped member 31 and the elastic body 32, with the one end 31a of the C-shaped member and the other end 32b of the elastic body joined. A configuration is adopted whereby the cores 30 comprising the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32 are fitted by insertion into the core fitting holes 40 inside the substantially annular body obtained by interconnecting the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section, the arc-shaped structural elements 20 and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section. The accessory of substantially annular shape is formed by engaging the one ends 32a of the elastic bodies 32 with the one locking projections 52 inside the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and engaging the other ends 31b of the C-shaped members 31 with the other locking projections 54 inside the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section.

(18) The C-shaped members 31 are made of slender metal sheets of shape-memory alloy and formed with small holes at both ends. A configuration is adopted whereby the one ends 31a of the C-shaped members are engaged with the other ends 32b of the elastic bodies 32 and the other ends 31b of the C-shaped members are engaged with the other locking projections 54 provided inside the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section.

(19) A configuration is adopted whereby the elastic bodies 32 are made of spring elements provided with engaging portions at both ends, the other ends are engaged with the one ends 31a of the C-shaped members, and the one ends 32a of the elastic bodies are engaged with the one locking projections 52 provided inside the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section. Since the individual cores 30 are structured by combining the C-shaped member 31 made of shape-memory alloy exhibiting elasticity and the elastic body 32, it is possible to ensure a broad range of movability over which the end gap 110, i.e., spaced ends, can be pressed apart when putting on or taking off the substantially annular-shaped accessory. The use of abundant elasticity to secure the movability range enables large diameter expansion and makes it possible to put on and take off even a thick accessory with ease.

(20) The core fitting holes 40 are through-holes formed in inner walls provided at both mating end surfaces of the arc-shaped structural elements 20, and the mating end surfaces 26 of the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and of the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section. As two core fitting holes 40 are provided, one in each of the side walls on the left and right edges of the mating end surfaces 26, the configuration is such that the arc-shaped structural elements 20 having mating end surfaces 26 at both ends are provided with a total of four core fitting holes, and the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section and the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section, which have the mating end surfaces 26 at only one end, are each provided with two core fitting holes 40. The location, shape, number and so on of the core fitting holes 40 are not limited in the present invention insofar as the structural elements of the substantially annular-shaped accessory can be retained when the cores 30 are fitted and an adequate diameter expandability range can be secured.

(21) The one locking projections 52 are cylindrical locking projections provided on opposite end gap 110 side corners inside the arc-shaped structural element 22 constituting the one end section, and a configuration is adopted whereby the elastic bodies 32 of the cores 30 are engaged with the one locking projections 52 by passing the one locking projections 52 through the locking members provided on the one ends 32a of the elastic bodies.

(22) The other locking projections 54 are cylindrical locking projections provided on opposite end gap 110 side corners of the arc-shaped structural element 24 constituting the other end section, and a configuration is adopted wherein the C-shaped members 31 are engaged with the one locking projections 52 by passing the other locking projections 54 through the other ends 31b of the C-shaped members constituted as small holes formed in the C-shaped members 31.

(23) Being constituted of the C-shaped members 31 made of shape-memory alloy and the elastic bodies 32, the cores 30 exhibit high elasticity by which a large movement range can be achieved that enables the end gap to be widely enlarged at the time of putting on or taking off the accessory. The large diameter expansion range attained makes even a thick annular accessory easy to put on and take off. Moreover, thanks to the adaptable tensioning force of the elastic bodies 32 (springs), diameter expansion with a small force is possible, while damage to the engaging regions can be simultaneously prevented because pressure acting on the locking projections and engaging regions is reduced in comparison to a conventional annular accessory comprising cores 30 made solely of slender metal sheets. In addition, the large diameter expansion possible results in larger clearance between the arc-shaped structural elements than heretofore, so that an effect of inhibiting accumulation of dirt and dust and preventing harm to appearance is exhibited.

(24) In conventional annular accessories whose arc-shaped structural elements are simple cuboids, the contacting surface ends between structural elements come into full area contact with adjacent surface ends during diameter enlargement, so that ornaments (e.g., diamonds) in the vicinity of the structural element surface ends interfere during diameter expansion, which becomes a cause of ornament breakage/loss. In the present invention, the cores 30 comprising the C-shaped members 31 and elastic bodies 32 ensure a large range of movability, the decorative surface of the annular-shaped accessory 10 is formed groove-like in the longitudinal direction, and the mating end surfaces 26 are given a wavy shape, whereby a configuration is obtained by which only a portion of the connection surfaces of the decorative surface make contact during diameter expansion, so that the portions not making contact during diameter expansion can be freely designed without sacrificing decoration of the connecting end portion regions. Further, since the surface ends of the connection portions do not come into full area contact during diameter expansion, diameter expansion resistance is small and the diameter can be easily enlarged.

(25) Instead of forming the decorative surface to have a groove-like shape in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to form the surface to have a protruded shape, as shown in FIG. 7, and also possible to form the surface flat.

(26) Occurrence of lateral shifting and twisting among the individual arc-shaped structural elements due to forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be prevented because substantial annularity is maintained by the expansion/contraction forces produced by the cores 30 having the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32. Owing to this structure, the substantially annular-shaped accessory does not shift laterally or deform, so that the configuration ensures no impairment of the accessory's most important asset, namely, its appearance. Another effect is that the prevention of lateral shifting deters damage to the substantially annular-shaped accessory. So since lateral shifting is not prevented by a complicated internal structure but by a configuration that uses wavy connection surfaces, lateral shifting can be prevented by a simple structure.

(27) In an accessory decorated with polished diamonds or other gemstones, light reflection enhanced by cutting and polishing is an essential factor, and this makes ornament setting angle very important when a number of ornaments are arranged. As the decorative surface of the substantially annular-shaped accessory according to the present invention is formed gently groove-like in the longitudinal direction of the annular-shaped accessory 10, the surface is curved along the longitudinal direction of the surface, thereby enabling ornaments to be set at various angles. As a result, light from a greater variety of angles can be caught and reflected than when ornaments are arranged solely at one fixed angle.

(28) Moreover, since the groove-like formation of the decorative surface keeps ornaments in the groove-like region from coming into contact with surroundings, breakage/loss of ornaments (such as diamonds) and the like can be prevented. As diamonds and other ornaments set in the recessed region do not make direct contact with the exterior, the ornaments can be retained without using large prongs, so that the configuration enables large-sized ornaments to be set with small prongs that do not impair appearance.

(29) As set out in the foregoing, the substantially annular-shaped accessory according the present invention is easy to put on and take off thanks to the large diameter expansion movement range it achieves by dint of the cores 30 equipped with the C-shaped members 31 and the elastic bodies 32. Further, dispersion of pressure by the cores 30 prevents damage to portions connected with the locking projections 52 and 54 at opposite ends, whereby long-term use becomes possible. In addition, decorativeness can be enhanced by ornaments (e.g., diamonds) set at various angles, and damage and fall-out of ornaments can be prevented.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

(30) 10 Annular-shaped accessory 11 C-shaped annulus 20 Arc-shaped structural element 22 Arc-shaped structural element constituting one end section 24 Arc-shaped structural element constituting other end section 26 Mating end surface 28 Opening 30 Core 31 C-shaped member 31a One end of C-shaped member 31b Other end of C-shaped member 32 Elastic body 32a One end of elastic body 32b Other end of elastic body 40 Core fitting hole 52 One locking projection 54 Other locking projection 100 Decorative surface 110 End gap