CONNECTOR FOR A DECORATIVE ELEMENT

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector (1) for mounting a decorative element (2) on a structure (3), comprising an insertion guide (4), a support zone (5) for the decorative element (2), and a retaining structure (10); two substantially parallel legs (6, 7) adjoin the support zone (5), and the insertion guide (4) projects from a first of the two substantially parallel legs (6) at a predefined angle.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for mounting a decorative element (2) to a structure (3) comprising an insertion guide (4), a support region (5) for the decorative element (2) and a retaining structure (10), wherein two substantially parallel legs (6, 7) adjoin the support region (5), characterised in that the insertion guide (4) projects at a predetermined angle from a first of the two substantially parallel legs (6).

2. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the retaining structure (10) has a plurality ofpreferably tworetaining regions (8, 9) for mounting to the structure (3).

3. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the retaining structure (10), the support region (5) and the substantially parallel legs (6, 7) border substantially a closed area (F) and the insertion guide (4) is adapted to project away from that area (F).

4. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the insertion guide (4) has an uncurved portion (41) angled away from the first of the two substantially parallel legs (6) in a range of between 10 and 80, preferably between 20 and 70 and quite preferably between 30 and 60.

5. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second of the substantially parallel legs (7) goes into a first retaining region (8).

6. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first retaining region (8) has at least a first curved portion (81) and a second curved portion (82) with opposite curvature in relation to the first portion.

7. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein arranged between the first curved portion (81) and the second curved portion (82) is an uncurved portion (83) arranged substantially parallel to the substantially parallel legs (6, 7).

8. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein the first curved portion (81) of the first retaining region (8) has a curvature with a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the support region (5) and a turn angle of substantially 180.

9. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein the second curved portion (82) of the first retaining region (8) has a curvature with a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the first curved portion (81) and a turn angle of substantially 180.

10. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein the support region (5) and at least the first curved region (81) of the first retaining region (8) lie substantially in a plane (E).

11. A connector as set forth in claim 10 wherein the second retaining region (9) has a free end (11) extending out of the plane (E).

12. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second retaining region (9) has a curved portion (91) adjoining the first retaining region (8), preferably by way of an uncurved portion (92).

13. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second retaining region (9) has a free end (11) which bears resiliently against the first retaining region (8).

14. A connector as set forth in claim 12 wherein the curved portion (91) of the second retaining region (9) has a curvature with a radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the second curved portion (82) of the first retaining region (8) and a turn angle of between 90 and 180.

15. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the end (42) of the insertion guide (4), that is arranged at the substantially parallel leg (6), bears preferably resiliently against the first retaining region (8).

16. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein the connector is made from a resilient material, preferably metal.

17. A set comprising a connector (1) as set forth in claim 1 and a decorative element (2), preferably a gemstone.

18. A set as set forth in claim 17 wherein the decorative element (2) has a through hole for mounting the decorative element (2) to the connector (1).

19. An installation, preferably an installation comprising a wire mesh, having at least one set mounted thereto as set forth in claim 17.

20. A connector as set forth in claim 2 wherein the retaining structure (10), the support region (5) and the substantially parallel legs (6, 7) border substantially a closed area (F) and the insertion guide (4) is adapted to project away from that area (F).

Description

[0029] Further details and advantages of the present invention are described in greater detail hereinafter by means of the specific description with reference to the embodiments by way of example illustrated in the drawing in which:

[0030] FIG. 1a shows a front view of the connector,

[0031] FIG. 1b shows a side view of the connector,

[0032] FIG. 1c shows a view from above on to the connector,

[0033] FIG. 1d shows a further front view of the connector,

[0034] FIG. 2a shows a front view of a set comprising a connector and a decorative element,

[0035] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of a set comprising a connector and a decorative element,

[0036] FIG. 2c shows a front view of a set mounted to a structure, and

[0037] FIG. 2d shows a perspective view of a set mounted to a structure.

[0038] FIG. 1a shows a front view of a connector 1, the connector 1 in this case being so oriented that the retaining structure 10 occupies substantially the upper half of the surface area F enclosed by the connector 1 (see FIG. 1d in which the dash-dotted line represents the boundary of the surface area F), this substantially also corresponding to the mounted position. In this embodiment the insertion guide 4 is in the form of an uncurved portion 41 angled away from the first leg 6 substantially through 45. In this case the uncurved portion 41 is arranged at a free end of the wire of the connector 1. The end 42 remote from the free end of the uncurved portion 41 bears in this case resiliently against the second curved portion 82 of the first retaining region 80 of the retaining structure 10.

[0039] Starting from the insertion guide 4 the first leg 6 goes into a support region 5 which in this embodiment is in the form of a curvature 51 with a substantially constant radius of curvature and a turn angle of 180. The support region 5 serves to mount a decorative element 2, as shown for example in FIG. 2a. The curvature 51 serves to minimize the loadings acting on a through hole 12 in a decorative element.

[0040] The configuration of the uncurved portion 41 of the insertion guide 4 can be adapted to the configuration of the decorative element 2 or its through hole 12 in order in that way to ensure quick and damage-free application of the decorative element 2 to the connector 1, without using a tool.

[0041] In addition adjoining the support region 5 is the second parallel leg 7 which in turn goes into the first retaining region 8 of the retaining structure 10. In this case the first retaining region 8 has a first curved portion 81 and a second curved portion 82 adjoining same by way of an uncurved portion 83. In the embodiment illustrated here the first curved portion 81 is of the same radius of curvature as the curvature 51 of the support region 5. That can provide that the apex points of the first curved portion 81 and the curvature 51 lie on a connecting line substantially parallel to the substantially parallel legs 6, 7 and this therefore can involve a uniform distribution of any longitudinal forces acting on the connector 1 of that configuration. The uncurved portion 83 arranged between the curved portions 81, 82 is of such a configuration that the first retaining region 8 occupies substantially half of the surface area enclosed by the connector 1 (see the area F in FIG. 1d).

[0042] In the embodiment of the connector 1 shown here the osculating planes of the curvature 51 and the first curved portion 81 are coplanar in one plane. Together with the length relationships shown here between the straight portions 6, 83 and the straight portion 7 it is possible in that way for the first parallel leg 6 or the end 42 of the insertion guide 4 to bear resiliently against the second curved portion 82 of the first retaining region 8 and thus provide a certain closure safeguard in respect of the connector 1.

[0043] The second retaining region 9 of the retaining structure 10 is provided by a portion 91 adjoining the second curved portion 82 by way of an uncurved portion 92, and a free end 11 adjoining the portion 91. The length of the uncurved portion 92 can in this case be so selected that the curved portions 81 and 91 lie as closely together as possible and nonetheless allow the connector to be mounted to the structure 3. In the embodiment illustrated here the curved portion 91 is of a constant radius of curvature and has a turn angle of about 165. Because the radius of curvature of the second curved portion 82 of the first retaining region 8 is less than the radius of curvature of the first curved portion 81 the second retaining region 9 of the retaining structure 10 is wound in a substantially spiral shape within the first retaining region 8. The radius of curvature of the second curved portion 91 can be so selected that its apex point comes to lie on a connecting line to the apex points of the curvature 51 and the first curved portion 81, whereby this can again result in a desirable distribution of the longitudinal forces acting on the connector 1 in the mounted condition.

[0044] By virtue of the provision of a turn angle for the second curved portion 91 of less than 180 it is possible for a free end 11 of the second retaining region 9 to be caused to bear resiliently against the first retaining region 8. In the embodiment illustrated here the free end 11 in this case extends at an angle out of the connector plane (see the plane E in FIG. 1b). That is shown in FIG. 1c by means of the angle between the notional planes E and S, which are respectively arranged perpendicularly to the planes of the sheet of paper. Because the free end 11 of the second retaining region 9 extends out of the plane E and bears resiliently against the first retaining region 8 the retaining structure 10 afforded in that way can have a high degree of mechanical closure safeguard against unwanted disengagement of the connector 1 from a structure 3. In this case as shown the free end 11 is in the form of an uncurved portion, adjoining the curved portion 91, of corresponding length.

[0045] The advantages of a configuration as described of the connector 1 will be made clear upon visualizing the procedure for mounting the connector 1 to a structure 3. Upon introduction of a substantially one-dimensional portion of a structure 3 into the opening defined by the angled uncurved portion 41 of the insertion guide 4 and the uncurved portion 83 of the first retaining region 8, that results in resilient pivotal opening movement of the first leg 6 and thus opening of the connector 1. When mounting the connector 1 or a set comprising a connector 1 and a decorative element 2 to a structure 3 from below that can be effected by simply pressing the insertion guide 4 against the structure 3 or by a pushing movement against same. The configuration of the second curved portion 82 of the first retaining region 8 and the second leg 7 provides that the retaining structure 10 can be spread open by the part of the structure 3, that now projects through the connector 1, and thus comes to lie at the first curved portion 81 of the first retaining region 8. In the case of an operation as described hereinbefore for mounting the connector 1 to a structure 3 from below, that corresponds to a simple pulling movement. Insertion of the part of the structure 3, that projects through the connector 1, to the second retaining region 9 is effected in a similar manner, except that in this case once again a pushing or pressure movement is required. By virtue of the free end 11 of the second retaining region 9 bearing resiliently against the first retaining region 8 however the second retaining region 9 does not have any device which would facilitate disengagement of the connector 1 from the structure 3. Rather, the situation is such that the illustrated configuration of the retaining structure 10 ensures that the connector 1 remains securely on the structure 3.

[0046] FIG. 1b shows a side view of the connector 1, with the direction of view being on to the insertion guide 4 in this case. It will be seen from this view that the support region 5, the first curved region 81, the second curved region 82, the first and second legs 6, 7, the uncurved portions 83 and 92 and also the uncurved portion 41 of the insertion guide 4 lie in a plane E. In other words the osculating planes of the curvature 51 and the first and second curved portions 81, 82 lie in coplanar relationship in a plane E.

[0047] FIG. 1c shows a view from above on to the connector, with the direction of view being from above on to the first curved portion 81. Here too it can be seen that in this embodiment the uncurved portion 41 of the insertion guide 4 is in the plane E. The osculating plane of the curved portion 91 of the second retaining region 9 is here identified as the plane S. The free end 11 adjoins the curved portion 91 and is also in the plane S. As can be easily seen from FIG. 1c the plane E includes an angle with the plane S. The curved portion 91 and the free end 11 adjoining same thus extend out of the plane E. The angle is so selected in this case that the free end 11 of the second retaining region 9 bears against the first retaining region 8.

[0048] FIG. 1d shows a front view of the connector 1, wherein the area enclosed by the clip is identified as the area F and is diagrammatically ordered by a dash-dotted line. In this case the insertion guide 4 is directed outwardly away from the area F.

[0049] FIG. 2a shows a set comprising a connector 1 and a decorative element 2. The decorative element 2 is received in the connector 1 and is supported in the support region 5.

[0050] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of a set comprising a connector 1 and a decorative element 2. It will be seen from this perspective view how the connector 1 projects through the through hole 12 in the decorative element and same is supported in the support region 5. The curved configuration of the support region 5 permits minimization of the loadings in the through hole 12 in the decorative element 2.

[0051] FIG. 2c shows a front view of a connector fixed to a structure 3, with a decorative element 2 accommodated thereby. The part of the structure 3, that projects through the connector 1, is inserted in this case in the second retaining region 9 of the retaining structure 10 of the connector 1 and is only shown in cross-section. In principle it would also be possible for the structure 10 to be inserted in the first retaining region 8.

[0052] FIG. 2d shows a perspective view of a set mounted to a structure 3 and comprising a connector 1 and a decorative element 2.