GB2143719A

GB2143719A - Piece of jewellery

Info

Publication number: GB2143719A
Application number: GB08320000A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Behrens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-07-25
Filing date: 1983-07-25
Publication date: 1985-02-20
Also published as: GB2143719B; GB8320000D0

Abstract

There is disclosed an elongate and flexible jewellery piece comprising first and second strings of jewellery (11 to 15) which are releasably coupled together via a pair of interengaging first and second loops (22,23) provided at the coupled-together ends of the first and second strings respectively. The arrangement of the first and second loops (22,23) is such that coupling together is achieved by sliding the first loop (22) over the second loop (23) so that the second loop passes through the aperture defined by the first loop and the second string (24) extends through the first loop (22), and then the first string (21) is taken through the second loop (23) and the first and second loops are then drawn together into coupling engagement with each other. Each pair of coupled-together loops presents a visually pleasing appearance of a reef knot. <IMAGE>

Description

elongated circles, as seen in plan. However, as will be apparent from the end view shown in Figure 3, taken in conjunction with Figure 2, each loop 17 defines an outline shape which corresponds somewhat with the outline shape of a teaspoon. Thus, each loop 17 extends from its junction 18 with the end of the sting 11 along curved limbs 19 which extend away from the string 11 and, at the same time, curve upwardly and then are united by an upper arcuate terminal portion 20. It should be noted that each of the loops 17 is of identical construction, and they are similarly connected to the string 11 i.e.

as shown in Figure 2 both of the loops 17 are curved upwardly to present a shape corresponding with the outline shape of a teaspoon whose "cup" is facing upwardly. However, as will be described in more detail below, successive ones of the strings 11 to 16 alternately have both of their loops 17 facing upwardly and downwardly.

Referring now to Figures 4a to 4d, description will now be made of the manner by which a pair of the strings 11 to 15 is releasably coupled together. As shown in Figures 4a to 4d, a first string 21 has a first end 22 which is releasably coupled with a second loop 23 at one end of a second string 24. For ease of description, it will be assumed that first string 21 represents a terminal string of the piece of jewellery which is to be added to or removed from the piece of jewellery. Description will now be made of the steps involved in attaching the first string 21 to an existing piece of jewellery, by coupling together the first loop 22 and the second loop 23.

Turning to Figure 4d, the first loop 22 is advanced towards the second loop 23 with the "cup" of the loop 23 facing upwardly and the "cup" of the loop 22 turned through 90" so as to face out of the plane of the drawing. The first loop 22 is slid over the second loop 23 so that the second loop 23 passes through the aperture 22a defined by the first loop 22 and the second string 24 then extends through the first loop 22 in the manner shown in Figure 4b. It should be noted that the first string 21 has not yet been engaged with the second loop 23 of the second string 24.

Referring nowto Figure 4c, the first string 21 is now taken through the second loop 23 of the second string 24. The second string 21 has a further loop 25 at its remote end, which is of identical construction to the loops 22 and 23. Suitable tilting of the loop 25 relative to the second loop 23 is necessary, to enable the loop 25 to pass through the aperture defined by the second loop 23. The first and second loops 22 and 23 are then drawn together into coupled engagement by the application of tension to the strings 21 and 24, so as to take up the visually pleasing coupling engagement shown in Figure 4a.

The loops 22 and 23 engage together so as to present the appearance of a reef knot, or a figure eight when they are slightly separated from each other.

The coupling together of terminal string 15 to string 11, string 11 to string 12, string 12 to string 13 and string 13 to terminal string 14 is achieved in the manner described above with reference to Figure 4.

After placing the necklace round the neck of the wearer, the necklace is fastened by joining loop 26 at the terminal end of final string 14 (which preferably is identical toall of the other loops) to the conventional spring-released circular fastener 16 at the end of final string 15. It will be evident that all of the coupled together loops cannot possibly become undone, and especially when the loop 26 engages the circular fastener 15. However, if the wearer requires to alter the length of the necklace 10, it is a simple matter to remove one of the strings, by carrying out reverse operation of the sequence of steps described in Figures 4a to 4d. Instead of altering the length of the necklace, the wearer may wish to alter its appearance, by replacing one or more of the existing strings with alternative designs or construction of jewellery strings.

CLAIMS 1. An elongate and flexible jewellery piece comprising first and second "strings" of jewellery items which are releasably coupled together via a pair of interengaging first and second loops provided at the coupled-together ends of the first and second strings respectively, in which: the arrangement of the first and second loops is such that coupling together is achieved by sliding the first loop over the second loop so that the second loop passes through the aperture defined by the first loop and the second string extends through the first loop, and then the first string is taken through the second loop and the first and second loops are then drawn together into coupling engagement with each other.

2. Jewellery piece according to claim 1, in which each string has identical formation loops at each end.

3. A jewellery piece according to claim 1 or 2, in which each loop has an outline shape corresponding substantially with the shape of the cupped part of a teaspoon.

4. Ajewellery piece according to claim 3, in which two loops, when coupled together, present a joint appearance resembling a reef knot.

5. A jewellery piece according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of strings of jewellery items releasably coupled together.

6. Ajewellery piece according to claim 5, in which a terminal one of said strings is provided at its free end with a releasable fastener.

7. Ajewellery piece according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each string comprises a jewellery chain.

8. A jewellery piece according to claim 7, in which each chain is a gold chein.

9. A jewellery piece according to any one of the preceding claims, and taking the form of a necklace, bracelet, earring or pendant.

10. Ajewellery piece according to claim 9, including jewellery stones mountie4 on at least one of said strings.

SPECIFICATION Piece of jewellery This invention relates to an elongate and flexible piece of jeweller", such as a necklace or bracelet.

Necklaces and bracelets are usually made of precious metal, such as gold or silver, and often comprise chains and similar assemblies of interconnected links and components. A fastener arrangement usually comprises a fastener arrangement at each end of the jewellery piece, which are releasably connectable together in order to form the piece into a closed loop after taking round the neck or wrist of the wearer.

Necklaces and bracelets are manufactured as substantially permanent assemblies, and cannot normally be altered readily in length by the wearer after purchase. Necklaces are usually longer than bracelets, and of course necklaces and bracelets have to be purchased as separate items.

The present invention has been developed with a view to enable an elongate and flexible piece of jewellery to be altered readily in length and/or its constituent parts by the customer to suit different requirements, while still maintaining adequately secure assembly when worn.

According to the invention there is provided an elongate and flexible jewellery piece comprisng first and second "strings" of jewellery items, such as gold chain, which are releasably coupled together via a pair of interengaging first and second loops provided at the coupled-together end of the first and second strings respectively, in which: the arrangement of the first and second loops is such that coupling together is achieved by sliding the first loop over the second loop so that the second loop passes through the aperture defined by the first loop and the second string extends through the first loop, and then the first string is taken through the second loop and the first and second loops are then drawn together into coupling engagement with each other.

This provides a secure assembly of the first and second strings which cannot become undone when the piece is worn around the neck or wrist. If the piece of jewellery consists solely of the first and second strings, then the remote ends of the first and second strings will be provided with cooperative fasteners, one of which may comprise a further one of the loops and the other of which may comprise a conventional spring-releasable fastener of the type used with necklaces. When the cooperative fasteners are joined together, it is quite impossible for the first and second loops to become uncoupled.

When the piece of jewellery comprises further strings, each coupled together in similar manner by respective first and second loops preferably the "final" string at one end has a conventional springreleased circle and the free loop at the end of the other "final" string is releasably fastened to the circle to complete the formation of a piece of jewellery around the neck, wrist or ankle of the wearer.

Thus, the invention provides a secure assembly of an elongate and flexible piece of jewellery comprising two or more strings, and yet one or more strings can readily be removed (1) to shorten the piece of jewellery e.g. to convert it from a necklace to a bracelet, or (2) to be replaced by a different appearance or type of string.

It is preferred that each string (apart from one of the final strings) has identical formation of loops at each end. In order to provide a visually pleasing assemblage of first and second loops, it is preferred that the loops have an outline shape which corresponds somewhat with the outline shape of a teaspoon. The "cupped" parts of the loops fit together with one cup facing up and the other facing down, to provide a firm and yet visually pleasing appearance.

When coupled together the loop presents a joint appearance resembling a reef knot.

The invention is applicable generally to necklaces, bracelets and the like, but also can be applied in the formation of earring or other "pendants", in which case there need be no provision of fasteners to form a jewellery loop as in a necklace.

The "strings" used in the piece of jewellery of the invention may take any conventional form, and may be adorned with additional jewellery items, such as previous stones, as desired.

One embodiment of elongate and flexible piece of jewellery according to the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure lisa plan view of a necklace comprising a number of separate gold chains releasably coupled together; Figure 2 is a plan view of one of the gold chains; Figure 3 is an end view of one of the loops provided at each end of the gold chain shown in Figure 2; and Figures 4ato 4dshow different stages in the assembly and disassembly of a pair of chains of the necklace shown in Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the invention will be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to a necklace 10.

However, it should be understood that the features ofthe invention are applicable generally to elongate and flexible pieces of jewellery comprising at least two "strings" of jewellery items releasably coupled together.

The necklace 10 comprises a number of separate "strings" 11, 12, 13 and 14 which take the form of gold chains, and which are releasably coupled together. The strings 11 to 14 are of generally similar construction though they may vary in length and/or appearance as desired. The string 14 constitutes one of the "final" strings of the piece of jewellery, and the other of the final strings comprises string 15 which is provided with a conventional springreleased circular type fastener 16 at its free end.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the construction of string 11 will now be described, strings 12 to 14 being, as indicated above, of generally similar construction. The string 11 comprises a number of links coupled together in standard manner to form a length of gold chain. Loops 17 are provided at each end of the string 11, and define apertures which are

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Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

SPECIFICATION Piece of jewellery This invention relates to an elongate and flexible piece of jeweller", such as a necklace or bracelet.

Necklaces and bracelets are usually made of precious metal, such as gold or silver, and often comprise chains and similar assemblies of interconnected links and components. A fastener arrangement usually comprises a fastener arrangement at each end of the jewellery piece, which are releasably connectable together in order to form the piece into a closed loop after taking round the neck or wrist of the wearer.

Necklaces and bracelets are manufactured as substantially permanent assemblies, and cannot normally be altered readily in length by the wearer after purchase. Necklaces are usually longer than bracelets, and of course necklaces and bracelets have to be purchased as separate items.

The present invention has been developed with a view to enable an elongate and flexible piece of jewellery to be altered readily in length and/or its constituent parts by the customer to suit different requirements, while still maintaining adequately secure assembly when worn.

According to the invention there is provided an elongate and flexible jewellery piece comprisng first and second "strings" of jewellery items, such as gold chain, which are releasably coupled together via a pair of interengaging first and second loops provided at the coupled-together end of the first and second strings respectively, in which: the arrangement of the first and second loops is such that coupling together is achieved by sliding the first loop over the second loop so that the second loop passes through the aperture defined by the first loop and the second string extends through the first loop, and then the first string is taken through the second loop and the first and second loops are then drawn together into coupling engagement with each other.

This provides a secure assembly of the first and second strings which cannot become undone when the piece is worn around the neck or wrist. If the piece of jewellery consists solely of the first and second strings, then the remote ends of the first and second strings will be provided with cooperative fasteners, one of which may comprise a further one of the loops and the other of which may comprise a conventional spring-releasable fastener of the type used with necklaces. When the cooperative fasteners are joined together, it is quite impossible for the first and second loops to become uncoupled.

When the piece of jewellery comprises further strings, each coupled together in similar manner by respective first and second loops preferably the "final" string at one end has a conventional springreleased circle and the free loop at the end of the other "final" string is releasably fastened to the circle to complete the formation of a piece of jewellery around the neck, wrist or ankle of the wearer.

Thus, the invention provides a secure assembly of an elongate and flexible piece of jewellery comprising two or more strings, and yet one or more strings can readily be removed (1) to shorten the piece of jewellery e.g. to convert it from a necklace to a bracelet, or (2) to be replaced by a different appearance or type of string.

It is preferred that each string (apart from one of the final strings) has identical formation of loops at each end. In order to provide a visually pleasing assemblage of first and second loops, it is preferred that the loops have an outline shape which corresponds somewhat with the outline shape of a teaspoon. The "cupped" parts of the loops fit together with one cup facing up and the other facing down, to provide a firm and yet visually pleasing appearance.

When coupled together the loop presents a joint appearance resembling a reef knot.

The invention is applicable generally to necklaces, bracelets and the like, but also can be applied in the formation of earring or other "pendants", in which case there need be no provision of fasteners to form a jewellery loop as in a necklace.

The "strings" used in the piece of jewellery of the invention may take any conventional form, and may be adorned with additional jewellery items, such as previous stones, as desired.

One embodiment of elongate and flexible piece of jewellery according to the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure lisa plan view of a necklace comprising a number of separate gold chains releasably coupled together; Figure 2 is a plan view of one of the gold chains; Figure 3 is an end view of one of the loops provided at each end of the gold chain shown in Figure 2; and Figures 4ato 4dshow different stages in the assembly and disassembly of a pair of chains of the necklace shown in Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the invention will be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to a necklace 10.

However, it should be understood that the features ofthe invention are applicable generally to elongate and flexible pieces of jewellery comprising at least two "strings" of jewellery items releasably coupled together.

The necklace 10 comprises a number of separate "strings" 11, 12, 13 and 14 which take the form of gold chains, and which are releasably coupled together. The strings 11 to 14 are of generally similar construction though they may vary in length and/or appearance as desired. The string 14 constitutes one of the "final" strings of the piece of jewellery, and the other of the final strings comprises string 15 which is provided with a conventional springreleased circular type fastener 16 at its free end.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the construction of string 11 will now be described, strings 12 to 14 being, as indicated above, of generally similar construction. The string 11 comprises a number of links coupled together in standard manner to form a length of gold chain. Loops 17 are provided at each end of the string 11, and define apertures which are

11. A jewellery piece according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in the accompanying drawing.