Jewelry connector

Patent Abstract
A jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first body member. The first and second body members cooperatively define a closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and restrain a metal finding attached to a jewelry wire. At least one of the first and second body members has an aperture through which a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendable into the chamber.

1. A jewelry connector comprising: a body, said body having a chamber and adapted to receive a cap; a cap adapted to be affixed to said unitary body to close said chamber, said cap having an aperture sized to receive the free end of a wire; said chamber being sized to contain said wire free end and a metal finding affixed to said wire free end; and a loop carried by said unitary body for carrying a jewelry component.

2. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein; said body comprises a longitudinal bore, said longitudinal bore having a first threaded portion; and said cap comprises a second threaded portion for engaging said first threaded longitudinal bore.

3. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 2, comprising: a linking attachment carried by said body, said linking attachment being adapted to attach to a jewelry component.

4. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said jewelry component comprises one of a jewelry clasp, jewelry chain, or jewelry cable.

5. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 3, wherein: said linking attachment comprises one of a hook or a loop.

6. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said cap and said body each have an exterior shape and finish that match such that said cap and said body appears as a single unit.

7. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said cap and said body member are each comprised of metal.

8. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said aperture is selected to be large enough such that said wire can pass there through and small enough to prevent said crimp from passing there through.

9. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said cap member terminates in a substantially flat surface such that a pliers or crimping device may be utilized to permanently affix said crimp to said wire.

10. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said cap comprises a decorative portion extending beyond said cap threaded portion to facilitate being gripped by an assembler's fingers.

11. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 1, comprising: adhesive placed on one of said first or second threaded portions to permanently affix said body to said cap.

12. A jewelry connector comprising: a first connector member; and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connector member; one of said first or second members having an aperture for receiving a wire strand; said first and second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire strand extending through said aperture into said chamber.

13. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 12, comprising: a coupling element carried by the other of said first or second members for coupling to a jewelry component.

14. A jewelry connector in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said coupling element comprises a loop.

15. Jewelry comprising: a first jewelry section comprising a plurality of wired together elements and at least one jewelry connector disposed at one end of said first section; said jewelry connector comprising: a first connector member; and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connector member; one of said first or second members having an aperture for receiving a wire strand extending through said first section; said first and second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire strand extending through said aperture into said chamber.

16. Jewelry in accordance with claim 15, comprising: a coupling element carried by the other of said first or second members for coupling to a jewelry component.

17. Jewelry in accordance with claim 16, wherein: said coupling element comprises a loop.

18. Jewelry comprising: a first section comprising a plurality of wired together elements a first jewelry connector disposed at one end of said first section; said jewelry connector comprising: a first connector member; and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connector member; one of said first or second members having an aperture for receiving a wire strand extending through said first section; said first and second members cooperating to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire strand extending through said aperture into said chamber; a second jewelry connector disposed at the other end of said first section; said second connector comprising a third connector member; and a fourth connector member adapted for secure affixation to said third connector member; one of said third or fourth members having an aperture for receiving a wire strand extending through said first section; said third and fourth members cooperating to form a closed second chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to said wire strand extending through said second aperture into said second chamber.

19. Jewelry in accordance with claim 18, comprising: a first coupling element carried by the other of said first or second members for coupling to a jewelry component; and a second coupling element carried by the other of said first or second members for coupling to a jewelry component.

20. A jewelry connector comprising: a first body member; a second body member adapted to be affixed to said first body member; said first and said second body members cooperatively defining a closed chamber; said closed chamber being sized to contain and restrain a metal finding attached to a jewelry wire; at least one of said first and second body members having an aperture through which a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendable into said chamber.

Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The Invention pertains to jewelry, in general, and to jewelry connectors and jewelry utilizing such connectors, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Jewelry has always been considered an important element of a well-dressed individual, reflecting the personalities and taste of the wearer. Beaded jewelry started in ancient times as a craft using a series of artistic stones or metal pieces placed end-to-end on a string in various formations. Today, we have factories that arrange beads on various stringing materials to form bracelets, necklaces, watch bands, ankle bracelets, belts, handbag straps, waist jewelry or the like.

[0003] Stringing materials used today are predominately string, wire or chord. The type of material, size, weight and quality of the jewelry article usually determines the stringing mechanism, be it wire, chord, string that is selected by the designers.

[0004] Bead wire, made exclusively for the jewelry trade, comes in many diameters, is usually made of stainless steel wires woven together and then coated. It is typically strong, light, and allows for a supple drape.

[0005] Beadwork assemblies are typically connected to a clasp, chain, or cable using string or wire.

[0006] String beadwork typically is finished by knotting the string and placing the end knot into some type of bead where the final bead or a metal finding holds and conceals the final knot.

[0007] Wire is preferred by designers when the application requires heavy beads and where the bead hole is abrasive. Abrasive bead holes can act like razors on the string or chord. The allure of stringing many different beads or stones and creating limitless design possibilities without having to worry about abrasive beads, makes using the bead wire versus string very attractive for jewelry assemblies by designers.

[0008] String beadwork is feasible due to the ability to knot a string. This remedy is not feasible for designs that use a wire for beadwork. Tying a knot in the bead wire weakens the wire. Consequently, wire strands are typically finished with metal findings, called "crimps".

[0009] Crimps are small tubes of metal that are crushed with pliers or a specific crimping tool to hold wires together. Crimps fasten the wire to itself to form a loop that attaches to the clasp, chain or cable assemblies. This is accomplished by threading the wire through the crimp tube around a clasp or other article, and then back through the crimp tube. To close the loop, the crimp is then crushed with a crimp pliers or a needle nose pliers to hold the wire securely. Crimps of varying sizes are used depending on the size of the wire, the weight and size of the beads.

[0010] Additional problems with using bead wire are that a metal finding, such as a crimp, is exposed and raw beading wire is exposed. Metal findings are typically not very strong and often times will break causing the loss of the jewelry.

[0011] Metal findings become a piece of hardware as opposed to an element of design and are typically not found in high-priced jewelry since this would be considered not appealing by those that appreciate the art since aesthetics are important factors in the value of the jewelry. One of the primary problems in trying to attach a bead wire to either a clasp, chain or cable is how to attach the wire without detracting from the overall appearance of the jewelry article.

[0012] Some jewelry designers use what is called "french wire" or bullion to cover over the raw bead wire which creates the loop. French wire is a spring-like coil of silver tint that is cut to length and placed over the exposed portion of the beading wire. French wire is a temporary solution, at best, as it soon frays and discolors and detracts from the overall appearance of the article of jewelry. The value of the pieces ofjewelry often depends largely upon how the piece is "put together."

[0013] While many of the prior connector elements may be suitable for low-end jewelry, they are not desirable solutions for high-end jewelry. How it is "put together" is an important factor for success in the high-end jewelry market.

[0014] Although the relevant body of art discloses devices for use with an article of jewelry, most all are directed towards either connecting to chain, cable or an improved clasp. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,919 refers to connecting to chain, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,598 refers to connecting beads that are wired from eyelet to eyelet and are not a continuous wire strand. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,559 is a clasp appended to a knotted pearl necklace, U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,884, is still another clasp designed to be soldered to a chain. In most instances, particularly with the foregoing, the strand ends in prior art have loops that are either glued into the last bead for engagement to a clasp, or soldered to the end of a chain, or glued to a chord. None of the prior art addresses how to attach a bead wire to a clasp, chain, cable or the like and overcome the exposed metal findings that detracts from the appearance of the article of jewelry.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector, which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides a significant contribution to the jewelry industry.

[0016] It is an object of this invention to provide a jewelry connector suitable for higher-end jewelry.

[0017] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a connector which is easily installed on the ends of the strands.

[0018] Another object is to provide a jewelry connector device that minimizes the need for a high level of manual dexterity in assembly.

[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a jewelry connector that may incorporate a variety of styles, designs, decorative features.

[0020] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a jewelry connector that can be sized to allow for different amounts of holding power.

[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that is easily manufactured and simple to use.

[0022] These and other objects of the invention are provided by a jewelry connector in accordance with the principles of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a jewelry connector is provided that includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to be affixed to the first body member. The first and second body members cooperatively define a closed chamber. The closed chamber is sized to contain and restrain a metal finding attached to a jewelry wire. At least one of the first and second body members has an aperture through which a jewelry wire carrying said metal finding is extendable into the chamber.

[0024] A jewelry connector in accordance with the principles of the invention comprises a body, the body having a chamber and the body is adapted to receive a cap. The connector includes a cap adapted to be affixed to the body to close the chamber. The said cap includes an aperture sized to receive the free end of a wire strand. The chamber is sized to contain the wire strand free end and a metal finding affixed to the wire strand free end.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention a loop or ring is carried by the body for carrying a jewelry component.

[0026] Still further in accordance with the principles of the invention, a jewelry connector body is a substantially cylindrical member having at least a partially threaded longitudinal bore. The cap includes a threaded portion for engaging the partially threaded longitudinal bore and securing the cap to the body.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention a linking attachment is carried by the body. The linking attachment is adapted to attach to a jewelry component. The jewelry component may be one of a jewelry clasp, jewelry chain, jewelry cable or the like.

[0028] In accordance with the principles of the invention the cap and the body each have an exterior shape and finish that match such that the cap and body appear as a single unit when assembled together. In one embodiment of the invention, the cap and the body member are each comprised of precious metal.

[0029] The aperture is selected to be large enough such that the wire can pass there through and small enough to prevent the crimp attached to the wire from passing there through.

[0030] The cap includes a decorative portion extending to facilitate gripping by an assembler's fingers.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry comprises a first section comprising a plurality of wired together elements and at least one jewelry connector disposed at one end of the first section. The jewelry connector includes a first connector member and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to the first connector member. One of the first or second members has an aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first section. The first and second members cooperate to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire extending through the aperture into the chamber.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention jewelry includes a first jewelry section of a plurality of wired together elements. A first jewelry connector is disposed at one end of the first section. The jewelry connector includes a first connector member; and a second connector member adapted for secure affixation to said first connector member. One of the first or second members has an aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first jewelry section. The first and second members cooperate to form a closed chamber for capturing a crimp affixed to a wire extending through the aperture into the chamber. A second jewelry connector is disposed at the other end of the first jewelry section. The second connector includes a third connector member; and a fourth connector member adapted for secure affixation to the third connector member. One of the third or fourth members has an aperture for receiving a wire extending through the first jewelry section. The third and fourth members cooperate to form a closed second chamber for capturing a second crimp affixed to the wire strand extending through the second aperture into the second chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in which like reference designations are utilized to designate like elements, and in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 along with a wire and metal finding;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a portion of a piece of jewelry in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a second piece of jewelry in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention has substantial advantages over the jewelry connection schemes previously utilized. The jewelry connector of the present invention becomes an element of design as opposed to a deformed piece of hardware or wire used to forcefully grip the end strands.

[0041] The jewelry connector of the invention is sturdy and structurally as strong as the necklace, bracelet or other piece ofjewelry in which it is used.

[0042] Turning now to the drawing, FIGS. 1 through 4 show an embodiment of a jewelry connector 100 in accordance with the principles of the invention. Jewelry connector 100 includes a first member or body 103 and a second member or cap 101. Body 103 includes a chamber 105. Chamber 105 is formed by a blind bore 107 in body 103. Blind bore 107 includes threads 109 that extend partially along the length of bore 107.

[0043] Cap 101 includes a threaded portion 111 that is adapted to engage threads 109. Cap 101 includes an aperture 113 that is sized to receive a jewelry wire 115.

[0044] In utilizing the connector, jewelry wire 115 is extended through aperture 113 and a crimp 117 is affixed to the free end 119 of wire 115.

[0045] First member or body 103 includes a jewelry loop 121 that is affixed thereto by solder 123. Loop 121 is utilized to attach to a jewelry component such as a clasp 501, hook 503, chain 605 or other jewelry elements as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] First member or body 103 includes a decorative portion or flange 103A that more easily permits an assembler to hold first member or body 101. Similarly, second member or cap 101 includes a decorative portion or flange 101A that permits the assembler to hold second member or cap 101 for assembly.

[0047] In assembling jewelry connector 100, a drop of adhesive or glue may be provided on the threaded portions to permanently affix body 103 and cap 101.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a beaded piece of jewelry 500 having beads 507. At each end of the string of beads a jewelry connector 100 is connected. One jewelry connector 100 carries a hook 503 and the other carries a clasp 501 for coupling to the hook 503. The particular details of hook 503 and clasp 501 are not shown. Hook 503 and clasp 501 may be any well known hook and clasp.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates another piece of jewelry 600 in accordance with the principles of the invention. Jewelry 600 includes a first jewelry portion 601 that is terminated at both ends with jewelry connectors 100 and couples first jewelry portion 601 to chains or second jewelry portions 605. Jewelry portions 605 terminate in a hook and clasp assembly 607 that is shown schematically.

[0050] Connectors 100 are preferably formed of a metal that corresponds to the jewelry in which the connectors 100 are to be used. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector has been designed in a generally cylindrical shape, has one hole for passageway for receiving one free end of a wire strand, and a loop is permanent attached at the end of the main member. It is understood that the connector may take any decorative form or finish, additional holes for the passage of more than one wire strand, and another form of engagement, like a hook instead of a loop, to an article of jewelry without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0051] The invention has been described in conjunction with illustrative embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the embodiments shown may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the embodiments shown and/or described. It is intended that the invention be limited only by the claims that follow.