BARB AND CUP JEWELRY LINK
Flexible jewelry connections between jewelry portions may be formed through use of corresponding a cup segment and a barb segment. A cup segment has a plurality of legs that connect to a cup, and a barb segment has a plurality of barbs that defines a barb channel for that barb segment. The cup segment may be arranged above the barb segment along a common axis, such that the cup is positioned below the plurality of barbs, and the barb channel is positioned over the top surface of the cup. In this manner, the upper and lower portions form an overlapping arrangement. When the effective diameter of the barb channel is less than the effective diameter of the cup, the cup is prevented from moving upward through the barb channel, thus forming a connection between the upper jewelry portion and the lower jewelry portion.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,440, filed Jan. 9, 2015.
STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT SUPPORTNone.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to unsoldered, flexible jewelry connections.
BACKGROUND—INTRODUCTIONArticles of jewelry are frequently formed from multiple parts, and as such normally include at least one link to connect segments. Jewelry links may be either fixed (e.g., soldered) or movable (e.g., flexible). It is common to provide flexible links for jewelry articles made of rigid materials that need to bend and/or move, due to the design or desired shape of the article. Flexible connections may serve both utilitarian and ornamental purposes. Not only do flexible links provide a wide range for aesthetic and artistic freedom, but also they allow jewelry segments to slide, twist, rotate and move about one or more degrees of freedom.
There are two general categories of conventional flexible connections: hinge or pin connections and ring connections. While many metal hinges remain from periods dating back 5500 years, archaeologists aren't sure of its exact origin. Ring connections date back to about 2500 BC, some of the oldest examples of chain were found hidden in royal tombs in ancient Babylonia (Iraq).
Hinge or pin connections are usually made with a rod or pin going through a series of eyelets to form a hinge. The end of the rod or pin is usually formed like a nail head to prevent further movement through an eyelet. The other end of the pin can be inserted through the eyelets and then the other side may be locked in position by, for example, hammering or soldering. However, if the opposite end of the pin is hammered, it can work itself flat through wear and become loose, causing the link to fail. Also, if the end of the pin is soldered, there is a risk of the entire connection becoming soldered, therefore making the link immovable.
Ring connections typically consist of a series of single or multiple rings connected to each other. Typically each ring has a joint that may or may not be soldered to lock the ring in a closed position. There are many disadvantages to a soldered or brazed joint. The joint itself often can be difficult to reach with the soldering iron. Also, the soldered joint needs to be finished after assembly and will often tarnish faster than the ring over time, giving away its location and negatively impacting the appearance of the article. Ring connections are normally designed to move in one direction at a time, often not allowing the piece to move in a fluid, multi-directional way. A ring connection can also be unsoldered, for example as a butt joint between two flat ends, as is frequently the case of chain mail. However, because they are not physically attached, unsoldered connections can come apart as easily as they are put together.
What is needed is a flexible link for jewelry segments that is reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and allows for movement about multiple axes.
BRIEF SUMMARYAs described herein, an article of jewelry may have a connection between an upper jewelry portion and a lower jewelry portion. The upper jewelry portion may have a bottom having a cup segment that has a plurality of legs. The plurality of legs may extend from the cup segment, downward in some embodiments, and connect to a cup having a top surface and a bottom surface. The lower jewelry portion may have a top having a barb segment with a plurality of barbs. The plurality of barbs may protrude radially inward from the barb segment. In embodiments, the space between the innermost surface of each barb defines a barb channel for that barb segment. The cup segment may be arranged above the barb segment along a common axis, such that the cup is positioned below the plurality of barbs, a first barb is positioned between a first pair of legs, a second barb is positioned between a second pair of legs, and the barb channel is positioned over the top surface of the cup. In this manner, the upper and lower portions form an overlapping arrangement, and may form a connection when the barbs are arranged such that the effective diameter of the barb channel is less than the effective diameter of the cup. When the effective diameter of the barb channel is less than the effective diameter of the cup, the cup is prevented from moving upward through the barb channel, thus forming a connection between the upper jewelry portion and the lower jewelry portion. The connection may have a high degree of flexibility or a low degree of flexibility, depending on the relative sizes of the components, such as for example the length of the barbs and legs and the cup shape, and the interstitial space between the components.
Some embodiments may feature a jewelry portion having more than one cup or bar segment. For example, in some embodiments, the upper jewelry portion may have a top with a barb segment having a plurality of barbs protruding radially inward from the barb segment. In such embodiments, the upper jewelry portion has a barb segment at one end, and a cup segment at another end. Those ends may be located substantially opposite each other, or may be any two ends of the portion. Those barbs may define another barb channel. This top may be configured for forming another connection, between the upper jewelry portion and a third jewelry portion having a cup segment. In some embodiments, the lower jewelry portion may have a bottom with a cup segment. The cup segment may have a plurality of legs extending downward relative to the cup segment, and connecting to a cup configured for forming a connection between the lower jewelry portion and a fourth jewelry portion having a barb segment. Alternatively, a jewelry portion may have two cup segments, or two barb segments, or various combinations of cup and barb segments. In some embodiments, a jewelry article may have a plurality of jewelry portions, and each portion may have a cup segment on a bottom and a barb segment on the top, for example, such that each cup segment of a portion is configured for forming a connection with a barb segment of another portion.
In some embodiments, the cup segment features pairs of legs, and each pair can share a common leg. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a first pair of legs can have a first leg and a second leg, and a second pair of legs comprises the second leg and a third leg. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the first pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the second pair of legs comprises a third leg and a fourth leg. Corresponding barb segments may interface with cup segments such that barbs alternate with legs. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a first barb may be between a first leg and a second leg, a second barb may be between the second leg and a third leg, a third barb may be between the third leg and a fourth leg, and a fourth barb may be between the fourth leg and the first leg.
The cup may have various shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the cup may be generally hemispherical with the top surface being concave opening upward. In some embodiments, the cup may be cylindrical. In other embodiments, the cup may be annular. The barbs may have numerous configurations. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, each barb in the plurality of barbs further comprises a free end and curve downwards. Alternatively, barbs in a segment may have different configurations. In some embodiments, barb free ends may be configured to contact the top surface of the cup. Embodiments of the barbs may include at least one barb that has a sharply bent region configured to protrude into a cup, such as through the annular cup. In some embodiments, the cup segment may have an engagement surface configured for contacting a surface of the barb segment. In an exemplary embodiment, the legs may extend downward such that the uppermost surface of the cup is lower than the engagement surface.
Also disclosed are exemplary methods for connecting jewelry portions. Generally, jewelry portions as described herein may be connected by providing a cup segment with a plurality of legs protruding from a surface of the cup segment and connecting to a cup, and a barb segment with a plurality of barbs protruding from a surface of the barb segment. The space between the innermost surface of each barb may define a barb channel for that barb segment. The barbs may be adjusted to a setting configuration, such that the barbs are spaced apart to enlarge the barb channel enough to allow the cup to fit between the barbs and move through the barb channel. The cup may be inserted through the barb channel, and then the plurality of barbs may be adjusted to a locking configuration, such that the barbs are spaced apart to reduce the barb channel enough to prevent the cup from fitting between the barbs and move between the barb channel. In some embodiments, the cup may be inserted through the barb channel such that a first barb is positioned between a first pair of legs, and a second barb is positioned between a second pair of legs.
These and other embodiments are better understood after consideration of the following descriptions and the accompanying drawings.
An article of jewelry may feature one or more flexible jewelry links. A flexible jewelry link may comprise a cup segment and a barb segment, in which a cup connects to the cup segment by a plurality of cup legs, and a plurality of barbs protrude from the barb section to define a barb channel. The barbs may be repositioned to change the geometry, including the width or diameter, of the barb channel, to either allow the cup to pass through the barb channel, or prevent the cup from passing into the barb channel. When the barbs are positioned in a locking configuration, the cup segment is connected to the barb segment, forming a flexible jewelry link.
The disassembled jewelry article 101 shown in
Also shown in
Generally, jewelry portions as described herein may be connected by providing a cup segment with a plurality of legs protruding from a surface of the cup segment and connecting to a cup, and a barb segment with a plurality of barbs protruding from a surface of the barb segment. The space between the innermost surface of each barb may define a barb channel for that barb segment. The barbs may be adjusted to a setting configuration, such that the barbs are spaced apart to enlarge the barb channel enough to allow the cup to fit between the barbs and move through the barb channel. The cup may be inserted through the barb channel, and then the plurality of barbs may be adjusted to a locking configuration, such that the barbs are spaced apart to reduce the barb channel enough to prevent the cup from fitting between the barbs and move between the barb channel. In some embodiments, the cup may be inserted through the barb channel such that a first barb is positioned between a first pair of legs, and a second barb is positioned between a second pair of legs.
The cup and barb segments may feature a variety of cup and barb designs, as shown in
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the approach. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Terms of location, such as “top” and “bottom,” are used to describe relative aspects of component only, and are not meant to be limiting with respect to orientation.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. An article of jewelry having a connection comprising:
- an upper jewelry portion with a bottom having a cup segment, the cup segment having a plurality of legs extending downward from the cup segment and connecting to a cup having a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a lower jewelry portion with a top having a barb segment, the barb segment having a plurality of barbs protruding radially inward from the barb segment, the space between the innermost surface of each barb defining a barb channel;
- the cup segment arranged above the barb segment along a common axis, such that the cup is positioned below the plurality of barbs, a first barb is positioned between a first pair of legs, a second barb is positioned between a second pair of legs, and the barb channel is positioned over the top surface of the cup;
- wherein the barbs are arranged such that the effective diameter of the barb channel is less than the effective diameter of the cup, thereby preventing the cup from moving upward through the barb channel, and thereby forming a connection between the upper jewelry portion and the lower jewelry portion.
2. The jewelry article of claim 2, wherein the upper jewelry portion further comprises a top having a barb segment, the barb segment having a plurality of barbs protruding radially inward from the barb segment, the space between the innermost surface of each barb defining a barb channel and configured for forming a connection between the upper jewelry portion and a third jewelry portion having a cup segment.
3. The jewelry article of claim 2, wherein the lower jewelry portion further comprises a bottom having a cup segment, the cup segment having a plurality of legs extending downward from the cup segment and connecting to a cup configured for forming a connection between the lower jewelry portion and a fourth jewelry portion having a barb segment.
4. The jewelry article of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of jewelry portions, each portion having a cup segment on a bottom and a barb segment on the top, each cup segment of a portion configured for forming a connection with a barb segment of another portion.
5. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the first pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the second pair of legs comprises the second leg and a third leg.
6. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the first pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the second pair of legs comprises a third leg and a fourth leg.
7. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein
- a first barb is between a first leg and a second leg,
- a second barb is between the second leg and a third leg,
- a third barb is between the third leg and a fourth leg, and
- a fourth barb is between the fourth leg and the first leg.
8. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the cup is generally hemispherical and the top surface is concave opening upward.
9. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein each barb in the plurality of barbs further comprises a free end and curve downwards.
10. The jewelry article of claim 9, wherein the barb free ends are configured to contact the top surface of the cup.
11. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the cup is cylindrical.
12. The jewelry article of claim 9, wherein the cup is annular.
13. The jewelry article of claim 12, wherein at least one barb further comprises a sharply bent region configured to protrude through the annular cup.
14. The jewelry article of claim 1, wherein the cup segment comprises an engagement surface configured for contacting a surface of the barb segment, and the legs extend downward such that the uppermost surface of the cup is lower than the engagement surface.
15. A method for connecting jewelry portions, the method comprising:
- providing a cup segment having a plurality of legs protruding from a surface of the cup segment and connecting to a cup, and a barb segment having a plurality of barbs protruding from a surface of the barb segment, the space between the innermost surface of each barb defining a barb channel;
- adjusting the plurality of barbs to a setting configuration, the barbs in the setting configuration being spaced apart to enlarge the barb channel enough to allow the cup to fit between the barbs and move through the barb channel;
- inserting the cup through the barb channel;
- adjusting the plurality of barbs to a locking configuration, the barbs in the locking configuration being spaced apart to reduce the barb channel enough to prevent the cup from fitting between the barbs and move between the barb channel.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cup segment is attached to the bottom of a first jewelry portion, the first jewelry portion further comprises a barb segment attached to the top of the first jewelry portion, and further comprising:
- adjusting the plurality of barbs of the first jewelry portion to a setting configuration, the barbs in the setting configuration being spaced apart to enlarge a barb channel of the first jewelry portion enough to allow a cup connected to a second jewelry portion to fit between the barbs and move through the barb channel;
- inserting the cup attached to the second jewelry portion through the barb channel; and
- adjusting the plurality of barbs of the first jewelry portion to a locking configuration, the barbs in the locking configuration being spaced apart to reduce the barb channel enough to prevent the cup connected to a second jewelry portion from fitting between the barbs and move between the barb channel.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the plurality of barbs of the first jewelry portion to a locking configuration comprises bending at least one barb.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein inserting the cup through the barb channel further comprises arranging the cup such that a first barb is positioned between a first pair of legs, and a second barb is positioned between a second pair of legs.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first pair of legs comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the second pair of legs comprises the second leg and a third leg.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the plurality of barbs to a locking configuration comprises positioning at least one barb into contact with an upper surface of the cup.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 11, 2016
Publication Date: Aug 11, 2016
Inventor: Jeffrey Marc Hoover (Midlothian, VA)
Application Number: 14/992,689