AN ORNAMENTAL COMPONENT FOR A BRACELET AND/OR NECKLACE

Abstract

An ornamental component (300) for a bracelet and/or necklace, comprising a housing with a cavity defining projecting rims of end walls of the housing and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface (303) of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along an elongated member, an entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.

Claims

1. An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or necklace, said ornamental component having a stringing hole defining a stringing hole axis extending in an axial direction, with a radial direction extending radially from the axial direction and a circumferential direction extending about the axial direction, said stringing hole allowing said ornamental component to be strung on an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace along said stringing hole axis; said ornamental component comprising: a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and a second, opposite end wall, said end walls extending in said radial direction, said housing further having a first opening in the first end wall, a second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said interior cavity being positioned between said first and second openings, said first and second openings being connected to said interior cavity and forming part of the stringing hole, where a dimension of the cavity in said radial direction is larger than corresponding dimensions of the first and second openings, the housing thereby comprising a radially inwards extending first projecting rim of the first end wall and a radially inwards extending second projecting rim of the second end wall, each said rim forming an inner portion of the respective end wall, which inner portion surrounds a respective said opening; and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material and having an inner circumference defining a through hole and an opposite, outer circumference, the ring being positioned in said interior cavity of the housing to be encased by the housing, the through hole of the ring forming part of the stringing hole and having a smaller dimension in said radial direction than the first and second openings of the end walls, said ring extending in said axial direction between the first and second rims, said outer circumference of the ring being larger than the first and second openings so that the rims fix the ring in the axial direction, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in its said inner circumference, each cut-out extending from the inner circumference of the ring towards the outer circumference of the ring, said cut-outs thus providing at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring, each projection projecting inwards from a mutual circumference defined by bottom surfaces of the cut-outs to said inner circumference of the ring, said projections being adapted to frictionally grip a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, said cut-outs being fully open to allow the projections to freely resiliently expand in the circumferential direction in an entire radial depth of the cut-outs.

2. An ornamental component according to claim 1, wherein said first opening is provided as a central opening of the first end wall, and the second opening is provided as a central opening of the second end wall.

3. An ornamental component according to claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a third cut-out in the inner circumference of the ring, each of the first to third cut-outs extending towards the outer circumference of the ring, said first to third cut-outs providing at least three inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, said first to third cut-outs being fully open to allow the projections to freely resiliently expand in the circumferential direction in an entire radial depth of the cut-out.

4. An ornamental component according to claim 3, wherein each of said three cut-outs extend over an angle of approximately 70° to 90° of the inner circumference of the ring.

5. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second cut-out side surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs, the side surfaces being substantially straight and extending substantially in the radial direction from the through hole.

6. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein each projection in a cross section parallel to the axial direction has a convex shape.

7. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein each cut-out has a depth dimension in the radial direction that is 1/10 to ¼ of a total extent of the ring in the radial direction.

8. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein the first rim and/or second rim extend(s) circumferentially around the first opening and/or second opening, respectively.

9. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein the ring has a first lateral surface and a second, opposite lateral surface, the first rim abutting the first lateral surface and the second rim abutting the second lateral surface, wherein the first rim and/or second rim at least partly are substantially leveled with a bottom of the radial depth of the cut-outs in the radial direction.

10. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein the ring has a width in the axial direction of approximately 1 to 5 mm. preferably 1.5 to 4 mm, more preferred 2 to 3 mm.

11. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein the first rim and/or second rim has a width in the axial direction of approximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more preferred 0.6 to 1 mm.

12. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein the cavity substantially has a cylinder shape, an inner circumference of the cavity forming a cylinder shell extending substantially in the axial direction and abutting an outer circumference of the ring.

13. An ornamental component according to any one of claim 1, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second cut-out side surface defined by the respective adjacent cut-out, said side surfaces being rounded.

14. An ornamental component according to claim 13, wherein each projection extends in an arc shape from a bottom surface circumference of the cut-outs.

15. An ornamental component according to claim 13, wherein the projections have a semi-spherical shape with a semi-circular shape in cross sections parallel to and perpendicular to the axial direction of the ring.

16. A bracelet or a necklace comprising: an elongated member; and an ornamental component and a number of freely movable beads strung on said elongated member; wherein the ornamental component is configured so that the projections resiliently grip the surface of the elongated member to adjustably fix the ornamental component along the elongated member.

17. A method for manufacturing an ornamental component, comprising: providing the housing; providing the ring; resiliently compressing said ring in the radial direction; and inserting said ring in said cavity through the first or second opening; and allowing the ring to resiliently expand inside said cavity so that said ring extends between the first and second rims so that the through hole forms part of the stringing hole.

18. A set of parts for assembly of an ornamental component, comprising: a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and a second, opposite end wall, said end walls extending in said radial direction, said housing further having a first opening in the first end wall, a second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said interior cavity being positioned between said first and second openings, said first and second openings being connected to said interior cavity, where a dimension of the cavity in said radial direction is larger than corresponding dimensions of the first and second openings, the housing thereby comprising a radially inwards extending first projecting rim of the first end wall and a radially extending second projecting rim of the second end wall, each said rim forming an inner portion of the respective end wall, which inner portion surrounds a respective said opening; and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material and having an inner circumference defining a through hole and an opposite outer circumference, the ring having a smaller dimension in said radial direction than the first and second openings of the housing, said outer circumference of the ring being larger than the first and second openings of the housing, the ring being resiliently compressible in said radial direction so as to be adapted for being inserted in a resiliently compressed state through the first or second opening and then expand to assume a fixed position in said interior cavity so that the through hole forms part of the stringing hole and so that said ring extends between the first and second rims, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in its said inner circumference, each cut-out extending from the inner circumference of the ring towards the outer circumference of the ring, each projection projecting inwards from a mutual circumference defined by bottom surfaces of the cut-outs to said inner circumference of the ring, said cut-outs thus providing at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring, each projection projecting inwards from a mutual circumference defined by bottom surfaces of the cut-outs to said inner circumference of the ring, said projections being adapted to frictionally grip a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member.

19. An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or necklace, comprising a housing with an ornamental surface and an interior cavity, wherein rims of end walls of the housing surround openings in the end walls, and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material is positioned in said cavity between said rims, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in an inside circumference of the ring, said cut-outs thus providing at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of the bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, an entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.

20. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein said first opening is provided as a central opening of the first end wall, and the second opening is provided as a central opening of the second end wall.

21. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein the ring comprises a third cut-out in the inner circumference of the ring, each of the first to third cut-outs extending towards an outer circumference of the ring, said first to third cut-outs providing at least three inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, said cut-outs being fully open to allow the projections to freely resiliently expand in the circumferential direction in an entire radial depth of the cut-out.

22. An ornamental component according to claim 21, wherein each of said three cut-outs extend over an angle of approximately 70° to 90° of the inner circumference of the ring.

23. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second cut-out side surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs, the side surfaces being substantially straight and extending substantially in the radial direction from the through hole.

24. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein each projection in a cross section parallel to an axial direction of the ring has a convex shape.

25. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein each cut-out has a depth dimension in a radial direction of the ring that is 1/10 to ¼ of a total extent of the ring in the radial direction.

26. An ornamental component according to claim 19 wherein each rim extends circumferentially around a respective said opening.

27. An ornamental component according to claim 19 wherein the ring has a first lateral surface and a second, opposite lateral surface, a first of said rims abutting the first lateral surface and a second of said rims abutting the second lateral surface, wherein the first rim and/or second rim at least partly are substantially leveled with a bottom of the radial depth of the cut-outs in a radial direction of the ring.

28. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein the ring has a width in the axial direction of approximately 1 to 5 mm. preferably 1.5 to 4 mm, more preferred 2 to 3 mm.

29. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein one or both said rims has/have a width in the axial direction of approximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more preferred 0.6 to 1 mm.

30. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein the cavity substantially has a cylinder shape, an inner circumference of the cavity forming a cylinder shell extending substantially in an axial direction of the ring and abutting an outer circumference of the ring.

31. An ornamental component according to claim 19, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second cut-out side surface defined by the respective adjacent cut-out, said side surfaces being rounded.

32. An ornamental component according to claim 31, wherein each projection extends in an arc shape from bottom surfaces of the cut-outs.

33. An ornamental component according to claim 31, wherein the projections have a semi-spherical shape with a semi-circular shape in cross sections parallel to and perpendicular to an axial direction of the ring.

34. A bracelet or a necklace comprising: an elongated member; and an ornamental component and a number of freely movable beads strung on said elongated member; wherein the ornamental component is configured so that the projections resiliently grip the surface of the elongated member to adjustably fix the ornamental component along the elongated member.

35. A method for manufacturing an ornamental component, comprising: providing the housing; providing the ring; resiliently compressing said ring in a radial direction; and inserting said ring in said cavity through one of the openings; and allowing the ring to resiliently expand inside said cavity so that said ring extends between the rims so that the through hole forms part of a stringing hole.

36. A set of parts for assembly of an ornamental component, comprising: a housing with an ornamental surface and an interior cavity, wherein rims of end walls of the housing surround openings in the end walls, and a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material for being positioned in said cavity between said rims, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in an inside circumference of the ring, said cut-outs thus providing at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of the bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, an entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The above and/or additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further outlined by the following illustrative and nonlimiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0056] FIGS. 1a-c show a ring of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIGS. 2a-c show a housing of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIGS. 3a-b show an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a ring of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a ring of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for assembly of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIGS. 7a-b show a ring of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which show by way of illustration how the invention may be practiced.

[0064] In the drawings, different parts and embodiments are denoted from numbers 100 to 700. Those elements of the different parts and embodiments that have identical reference signs except for the first digit are identical to each other except for the potential differences noted so that, for example, ring 100 is similar to ring 400 except for the differences noted in the description of FIG. 4.

[0065] FIGS. 1a-1c show a ring of an ornamental component according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1a shows a front view, FIG. 1b shows a cross-sectional side view and FIG. 1c shows a perspective side view.

[0066] The ring 100 has a circular-cylindrical shape, an inside surface 101 and an inner circumference 101a, which defines a through hole 103 of the ring 100, and an opposite, outside surface 102 and outer circumference 102a. The through hole 103 has a circular-cylindrical shape with a centre coinciding with a centre of the circular ring, an axial direction A extending through these centres and a radial direction B extending in a diametrical direction of the ring 100. The through hole 103 has a diameter 180 of approximately 2.5 mm corresponding to the diameter of the circular inside surface 101.

[0067] The ring 100 is integrally moulded, i.e. moulded in one piece. The ring 100 comprises three cut-outs 140, 150, 160 in the inside surface 101. Each cut-out 140, 150, 160 extends towards the outside surface of the ring 102, the three cut-outs 140, 150, 160 defining associated three inwardly projecting integral projections 110, 120, 130. The projections 110, 120, 130 are used for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace (not shown) so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member. The ring 100 has a width 105 in the axial direction of approximately 2.5 mm and an outside diameter 181 of approximately 7 mm.

[0068] The ring 100 has a circular-cylindrical shape with a continuous outer surface 102. As used herein the term “continuous surface” refers to a surface without indentations, openings, crevasses and the like.

[0069] Each projection 140, 150, 160 comprises a first 111, 121, 131 and a second 112, 122, 132 lateral surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs 140, 150, 160. The first 111, 121, 131 and second 112, 122, 132 surfaces are straight, i.e. plane surfaces, and extend substantially in the radial direction B from the through hole 103. Each projection 140, 150, 160 has a semi-circular shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction A, see FIG. 1b. Each projection 140, 150, 160 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction has a concave shape of the inner surface 101, see FIG. 1c. Each projection 110, 120, 130 makes up an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 101a of the ring 100. In the embodiment shown is equal to approximately 240°.

[0070] The term width refers to an extent in the axial direction A and the term depth refers to an extent in the radial direction B. A depth 143, 153, 163 of the cut-outs 140, 150, 160 in the radial direction B is about 1/7 of an outer diameter 181 of the ring 100 in the radial direction B. Each cut-out 140, 150, 160 has a respective bottom surface 144, 154, 164. The bottom surfaces 144, 154, 164 extend in the circumferential direction. The diameter of a bottom surface circumference 104a is 4.6 mm and is larger than a diameter 103 of the inner circumference 101a. The bottom surfaces 144, 154, 164 have the same width in the axial direction as the general width 105 of the ring 100.

[0071] The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 are formed by integral moulding of the ring, i.e. they are not “cut out” after moulding of the ring. The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 extend an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 101a of the ring 100 corresponding to an angle of approximately 240°.

[0072] The ring 100 is manufactured from a resilient friction material configured to establish a high frictional connection with the elongated member. The resilient material consists of silicone rubber. The modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) of the material of the ring is about 50 MPa.

[0073] The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 provide improved control of the frictional characteristics of the ring 100. Broader, wider or deeper cut-outs may make the projections more flexible in different directions since the projections are able to expand more in those directions.

[0074] FIGS. 2a-2c show a housing of the ornamental component according to the embodiment of the ring shown in FIGS. 1a-1c. FIG. 2a shows a perspective side view, FIG. 2b shows a front view, and FIG. 2c shows a cross sectional side view taken along the line W-W.

[0075] The housing 200 has a general circular-cylindrical shape. The housing 200 has a first plane-shaped and circular end wall 206, a similar second, opposite plane-shaped and circular end wall 207, a first circular opening 208 in the first end wall 206, a second circular opening 209 in the second end wall 207 and an interior cavity 290 having a circular-cylindrical shape. The first 208 and second 209 openings each extend into said cavity 290, see FIG. 2c. A centre of the cavity 290 is coinciding with the axial direction A extending through the cavity 290 and openings 208, 209 and the radial direction B extending in a diametrical direction of the cavity 290.

[0076] A diameter 280 of the cavity 290 is larger than the corresponding diameters 288, 289 of the first 208 and second 209 openings, respectively, thereby defining a radially extending first projecting rim 276 of the first end wall 206 and a radially extending second projecting rim 277 of the second end wall 207, respectively. The first 276 and second 277 rims extend circumferentially around the first 208 and second 209 openings, respectively.

[0077] The ends 278, 279 of the rims 276, 277 define the radial extent of the openings 208, 209. The rims 276, 277 each have a width in the axial direction of 0.7 mm, the width of the rims 276, 277 defining the width of the cavity 290. The width of the cavity 290 is about 2.5 mm. The cavity 290 has a diameter 280 in the radial direction of about 7.7 mm.

[0078] The housing 200 comprises an integrally moulded metal part 200a, i.e. moulded in a single piece, with an ornamental outer surface 202 provided with ornaments i.e. jewellery stones 295, and projections 296 for retaining the jewellery stones 295 in position. The housing 200 is made of a silver alloy. The ornamental outer surface 202 of the housing 200 constitutes an outer surface 302 of the assembled ornamental component 300 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, see further below. The housing 200 is self-supporting and provides the primary structural strength and structural integrity of the ornamental component 300.

[0079] The cavity 290 has a plurality of square apertures 293 positioned in the circumference of the cavity 290, the plurality of apertures 293 being perpendicular to the radial direction B. The plurality of apertures 293 each receive a part of a respective jewellery stone 295, the jewellery stones 295 extending through the plurality of apertures 293 in the radial direction B.

[0080] FIGS. 3a and 3b show an ornamental component 300 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, which comprises the ring 100 and housing 200 described above. FIG. 3a shows a perspective side view of the ring 100 and housing 200 before assembly, and FIG. 3b shows a perspective view of the assembled ornamental component 300.

[0081] The ornamental component 300 has a stringing hole 303 defining a stringing hole axis C coinciding with the axial direction A, the radial direction B extending radially from the stringing hole axis C. The stringing hole 303 allows the ornamental component 300 to be strung on the elongated member of the bracelet and/or necklace (not shown) along the stringing hole axis C. The ornamental component 300 comprises the ring 100 as shown in FIGS. 1a-1c and the housing 200 as shown in FIGS. 2a-2c.

[0082] The ring 100 is positioned in the cavity 290 of the housing 200. The through hole 103 and the first 208 and second 209 openings define the stringing hole 303. The openings 208, 209 are positioned to be co-axial with the ring 100. The diameter 180 of the through hole 103 in the radial direction B is smaller than the diameters 288, 289 of the first 208 and second 209 openings, respectively. The ring 100 extends between the first 278 and second 279 rims. The outside diameter 181 of the ring 100 is larger than the diameters 288, 289 of the first 288 and second 289 openings. The rims 276, 277 thus secure the ring 100 in the housing 200 in the axial direction A. The jewellery stones 293 of the housing 200 may abut the ring 100 and assist in fixating the ring inside the housing 200, specifically in the circumferential direction.

[0083] The ring 100 has a first lateral surface 106 and a second, opposite lateral surface 107. The first rim 276 abuts the first lateral surface 106. The second rim 277 abuts the second lateral surface 107. The first rim 273 and the second rim 277 abut approximately ⅖ of the first lateral surface 106 and second lateral surface 107. A bottom surface 144, 154, 164 of each cut-out 140, 150, 160 is substantially in line with the first 176 and second 177 rims.

[0084] An inner circumference of the cavity 290 forming a cylinder shell 291 extends substantially in the axial direction A and abuts the outer surface 202 of the ring 100. The ring 100 is slightly compressed in the radial direction B so as to be secured in the housing 200 in the radial direction B.

[0085] The projections 110, 120, 130 project farther towards the stringing hole 303 than the rims 276, 277. The openings 208, 209 have diameters larger than a diameter of the elongated member so that the rims 276, 277 substantially do not exert any frictional force on the elongated member when the ornamental component 300 moves along the stringing direction. The projections 110, 120, 130 have such characteristics, including shape, size and material characteristics, that they substantially are not deformed in the axial direction A during movement of the ornamental component 300 in the axial direction A along the elongated member.

[0086] The ornamental component 300 may be assembled using an embodiment of the method according to the invention in the following manner. The ring 100 and housing 200 are first manufactured as separate parts. Then the ring 100 is inserted through one of the openings 208, 209 of the housing 200 along the axial direction A as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3a using the resilience of the ring 100 to compress it to fit through the opening's dimensions. The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 make the ring 100 more readily compressible and deformable especially at the inner surface 101 of the ring 100. Assembly using mechanical deformation/compression only is thus possible. When inserted through the opening 208; 209 the ring 100 again expands to fit into the cavity 290. The projecting rims 276, 277 secure the ring 100 inside the housing 200 and the ornamental component 300 may thereby be easily assembled and the ring 100 held in the axial direction A with a minimal use of simple components.

[0087] The ornamental component 300 may be forced to move along the elongated member when strung on this which by exerting a force in the axial direction A, e.g. using a hand.

[0088] The ring 100, the housing 200 and the ornamental component 300 are each substantially symmetrical about a symmetry plane extending in the radial direction B as well as about a symmetry plane extending in the axial direction A. The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 and the projections 110, 120, 130 are of substantially similar shapes and sizes and are distributed substantially evenly in a circumferential direction of the ring 100.

[0089] FIGS. 4 and 5 show front views of alternative embodiments of the ring 100 denoted 400 and 500, respectively. Each of the rings 400 and 500 are identical to the ring 100 except for the differences described in the following.

[0090] In the ring 400 in FIG. 4 the through hole has a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm. The ring 400 comprises four cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 in the inside surface 401 of the ring 400. Each cut-out 450, 460, 470, 480 extends towards the outside surface 402 of the ring 400 and defines associated four inwardly projecting integral projections 410, 420, 430, 440. As is the case for the ring 100 the projections 410, 420, 430, 440 are used for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member. The ring 400 has a width in the axial direction of approximately 2.5 mm and an outside diameter of approximately 7 mm.

[0091] Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440 comprises a first 411, 421, 431, 441 and a second 412, 422, 432, 442 surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480. The first 411, 421, 431, 441 and second 412, 422, 432, 442 surfaces are substantially straight and extend substantially in the radial direction from the through hole 403. Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440 has a semi-circular shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction A. Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction A has a concave shape of the inner surface 401. Each of the projections 410, 420, 430, 440 make up an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 401 of the ring 400 equal to approximately 60°.

[0092] A depth 453, 463, 473, 483 of the cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 in the radial direction B is 1/10 of a total extent/diameter of the ring 400 in the radial direction B. Each cut-out 450, 460, 470, 480 has a bottom surface 454, 464, 474, 484. The bottom surfaces 454, 464, 474, 484 extend in the same circumference 404a. The diameter of the bottom surface circumference 404a is 4.6 mm and is larger than the diameter 480 of an inside circumference 401a. The bottom surfaces 454, 464, 474, 484 have the same width in the axial direction A as the areas of ring 400 not forming part of the projections 410, 420, 430, 440. The cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 are cut into the ring 400 and extend an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 401 of the ring 400 corresponding to an angle of approximately 180°.

[0093] In the ring 500 in FIG. 5 the through hole has a diameter of approximately 1 mm. The ring 500 comprises two cut-outs 550, 560 in the inside surface 501 of the ring 500. Each cut-out 550, 560 extends towards the outside surface 502 of the ring 500 and defines associated two inwardly projecting integral projections 510, 520. The ring 500 has a width in the axial direction of approximately 2.5 mm and an outside diameter of approximately 7 mm.

[0094] Each projection 510, 520 comprises a first 511, 521 and a second 512, 522 surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs 510, 520. The first 511, 521 and second 512, 522 surfaces are substantially straight. Each projection 510, 520 has a generally semi-circular shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction A. Each projection 510, 520 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction A has a concave shape of the inner surface 501. Each of the projections 510, 520 makes up an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 501 of the ring 500 equal to approximately 35°.

[0095] A depth 553, 563 of the cut-outs 550, 560 in the radial direction B is approximately ¼ of a total extent/diameter of the ring 500 in the radial direction B. Each cut-out 550, 560 has a bottom surface 554, 564. The bottom surfaces 554, 564 are plane.

[0096] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the method according to the invention for assembly of the ornamental component 300 according to any one of the above embodiments. In the following each step of the method steps will be described in sequence.

[0097] In step I the housing 200 is manufactured as explained above. In step II the ring 100 is manufactured as explained above. In step III the ring 100 is resiliently compressed in the radial direction B. In step IV the ring 100 is inserted in the cavity 290 of the housing 200 through the first 208 or second 209 opening. In step V the ring 100 is allowed to resiliently expand inside the cavity 290 so that the ring 100 extends between the first 276 and second 277 rims so that the through hole 103 forms part of the stringing hole 303.

[0098] FIGS. 7a and 7b show another alternative embodiment of the ring 100, denoted 700. The ring 700 is identical to the ring 100 except for the differences described in the following.

[0099] The through hole 703 is somewhat smaller than the through hole 103, but may be of the same size, smaller or larger. As is the case for the ring 100 three inwardly projecting integral projections 710, 720, 730 are used for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member.

[0100] Each projection 710, 720, 730 comprises an arc-shaped first 711, 721, 731 and an arc-shaped, identical, but opposed, second 712, 722, 732 surface defined by adjacent cut-outs 740, 750, 760. The first 711, 721, 731 and second 712, 722, 732, 742 surfaces are rounded so as to produce archshaped and semi-sphere shaped projections 710, 720, 730. Thus, each projection 710, 720, 730 has a semi-circular arc shape in cross sections both parallel to the axial direction A as shown in FIG. 7b and perpendicular to the axial direction A (as well as when seen from the front view in FIG. 7a). Each projection 710, 720, 730 thus forms an elastic semi-spherical bulb that projects towards a centre of the ring from bottom surfaces 744, 754, 764 of the cut-outs 740, 750, 760, i.e. from bottom circumference 704a. Each of the projections 710, 720, 730 make up an accumulated amount of the bottom circumference 704a equal to approximately 50°.

[0101] A depth 743, 753, 763 of the cut-outs 740, 750, 760 in the radial direction B is about ⅙ of a total extent/diameter of the ring 700 in the radial direction B. Each cut-out 740, 750, 760 defines one respective of the cut-out bottom surfaces 754, 764, 774. The bottom surfaces 744, 754, 764 extend in the mutual cut-out bottom surface circumference 704a. The diameter of the bottom surface circumference 704a is about 4.6 mm and is larger than a diameter of the inside circumference 701a.

[0102] The cut-outs 740, 750, 760 are cut into the material of the ring 700 and extend an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 701 of the ring 700 corresponding to an accumulated angle of approximately 210° of the bottom circumference 704a.

[0103] As is the case with any of the previous embodiments, one preferred method of manufacture of the ring 700 is using moulding, wherein the projections 710, 720, 730 are moulded integrally with the ring, i.e. so that the cut-outs 740, 750, 760 are not actually “cut out” from an initial ring, but are rather included as spacings or openings provided between the projections during moulding.

[0104] The embodiment of FIGS. 7a and 7b is especially suitable in cases where the elongated member comprises radial projections or “stoppers” as mentioned in the introduction. It is believed that the more rounded contact surfaces of the projections have the effect that the risk of destroying the projections when they pass over a stopper is lessened.

[0105] In the following, embodiments 1-15 of the present invention are described:

Embodiment 1

[0106] An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or necklace, said ornamental component having a stringing hole defining a stringing hole axis extending in an axial direction, with a radial direction extending radially from the axial direction and a circumferential direction extending about the axial direction, said stringing hole allowing said ornamental component to be strung on an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace along said stringing hole axis; said ornamental component comprising: [0107] a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and a second, opposite end wall, and having a first opening in the first end wall, a second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said first and second openings each extending into said cavity and forming part of the stringing hole, where a dimension of the cavity in said radial direction is larger than corresponding dimensions of the first and second openings, the housing thereby extending into a radially extending first projecting rim of the first end wall and a radially extending second projecting rim of the second end wall; and [0108] a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material with an inside surface defining a through hole and an opposite, outside surface, the ring being positioned in said cavity to be encased by the housing, the through hole forming part of the stringing hole and having a smaller dimension in said radial direction than the first and second openings, said ring extending between the first and second rims and having an outside dimension in said radial direction that is larger than said dimensions in said radial direction of the first and second openings so that the rims fix the ring in the axial direction,

[0109] wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface of the ring, each cut-out extending towards the outside surface of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, said cut-outs being fully open to allow the projections to freely resiliently expand in the circumferential direction in an entire radial depth of the cut-outs.

Embodiment 2

[0110] An ornamental component according to embodiment 1, wherein the ring comprises three cut-outs forming also a third inwardly projecting projection of the ring for frictionally gripping the surface of the elongated member.

Embodiment 3

[0111] An ornamental component according to embodiment 2, wherein said three cut-outs extend an accumulated amount of an inner circumference of the ring corresponding to an angle of approximately 210° to 270°, preferably 220° to 260°, more preferred 230° to 250°.

Embodiment 4

[0112] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second cut-out side surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs, the side surfaces being substantially straight and extending substantially in the radial direction from the through hole.

Embodiment 5

[0113] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein each projection in a cross section parallel to the axial direction has a convex shape.

Embodiment 6

[0114] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein each cut-out has a depth dimension in the radial direction that is 1/10 to ¼ of a total extent of the ring in the radial direction.

Embodiment 7

[0115] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first rim and/or second rim extend(s) circumferentially around the first opening and/or second opening, respectively.

Embodiment 8

[0116] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the ring has a first lateral surface and a second, opposite lateral surface, the first rim abutting the first lateral surface and the second rim abutting the second lateral surface, wherein the first rim and/or second rim at least partly are substantially leveled with a bottom of the radial depth of the cut-outs in the radial direction.

Embodiment 9

[0117] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the ring has a width in the axial direction of approximately 1 to 5 mm. preferably 1.5 to 4 mm, more preferred 2 to 3 mm.

Embodiment 10

[0118] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first rim and/or second rim has an width in the axial direction of approximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more preferred 0.6 to 1 mm.

Embodiment 11

[0119] An ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the cavity substantially has a cylinder shape, an inner circumference of the cavity forming a cylinder shell extending substantially in the axial direction and abutting an outer circumference of the ring.

Embodiment 12

[0120] A bracelet or a necklace comprising: [0121] an elongated member; and [0122] an ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 and a number of freely movable beads strung on said elongated member;

[0123] wherein the ornamental component is configured so that the projections resiliently grip the surface of the elongated member to adjustably fix the ornamental component along the elongated member.

Embodiment 13

[0124] A method for manufacturing an ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: [0125] providing the housing; [0126] providing the ring; [0127] resiliently compressing said ring in the radial direction; and [0128] inserting said ring in said cavity through the first or second opening; and [0129] allowing the ring to resiliently expand inside said cavity so that said ring extends between the first and second rims so that the through hole forms part of the stringing hole.

Embodiment 14

[0130] A set of parts for assembly of an ornamental component according to any one embodiments 1 to 11, comprising: [0131] a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and a second, opposite end wall, and having a first opening in the first end wall, a second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said first and second openings extending towards each other into said cavity, where a dimension of the cavity in said radial direction is larger than corresponding dimensions of the first and second openings, the housing thereby extending into a radially extending first projecting rim of the first end wall and a radially extending second projecting rim of the second end wall; and [0132] a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material with an inside surface defining a through hole and an opposite outside surface, the ring having a smaller dimension in said radial direction than the first and second openings and an outside dimension in said radial direction that is larger than said dimensions in said radial direction of the first and second openings of the housing, the ring being resiliently compressible in said radial direction so as to be adapted for being inserted in a resiliently compressed state through the first or second opening and then expand to assume a fixed position in said cavity so that the through hole forms part of the stringing hole and so that said ring extends between the first and second radially projecting rims,

[0133] wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface of the ring, each cut-out extending towards the outside surface of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member.

Embodiment 15

[0134] An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or necklace, comprising a housing with an ornamental surface with a cavity defining projecting rims of end walls of the housing, said rims surrounding openings in the end walls, a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material positioned in said cavity, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in an inside surface of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of the bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, an entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.