Clothing

The accessory addresses the challenge of secure and easy attachment of jewelry by using an elastically deformable linear member with seamless connecting parts, ensuring secure fit and easy detachment while preserving aesthetics.

JP2026069213APending Publication Date: 2026-04-23CROSSFOR
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
CROSSFOR
Filing Date
2024-10-11
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Jewelry with open ends, such as bangles, faces challenges in maintaining secure attachment to the body due to the elastic force keeping ends close, making it difficult to put on and take off, or risking the ends widening and allowing the jewelry to slip off.

Method used

An accessory with an elastically deformable linear member featuring two connecting parts that join seamlessly without external force, allowing easy attachment and detachment, and a design that hides the joint to maintain aesthetics and prevent obstruction.

Benefits of technology

The accessory ensures secure fitting to the body while being easy to put on and take off, maintains decorative freedom, and prevents the joint from obstructing the view, thus enhancing usability and aesthetics.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an accessory that is difficult to detach from the body and easy to put on and take off. [Solution] The accessory 1 has an elastically deformable linear member 2 that is bent so as to be attachable to the body, and two connecting parts 4 and 5 provided at two spaced-apart locations on the linear member 2 and connected to each other in a separable manner. When no external force is applied to the linear member 2, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are in close proximity so as to be able to contact each other. When the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are connected, the linear member 2 is in a closed state, making it difficult for the linear member 2 to come off the body. In addition, since the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are in close proximity so as to be able to contact each other when no external force is applied to the linear member 2, the two close connecting parts 4 and 5 can be easily connected.
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Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to ornaments.

Background Art

[0002] A bangle is a type of bracelet without a fastener, and is generally composed of a linear member bent so as to be attached to the wrist or the like. The shape of the bangle includes a type in which both ends of the linear member are annularly connected and a type in which both ends are separated. Although the bangle is composed of a relatively hard member, in the case of the type in which both ends are separated, an elastically deformable member is used so that both ends can be separated and the wrist can pass through.

[0003] The following patent documents describe ornaments (such as bangles) composed of an internally hollow annular body having free ends at both ends. In order to impart structural flexibility to the annular body, this ornament has a dividing portion that divides the inner wall of the annular body annularly along the longitudinal direction. Thereby, even if both ends of the annular body are widened for attachment and detachment, the annular body can be prevented from plastically deforming.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in jewelry (such as bangles) where the ends of a linear member are not closed, as described in the above-mentioned patent document, the elastic force of the linear member generally keeps its ends close together or in contact. This makes it difficult for the gap between the ends of the linear member to widen, preventing it from easily coming off the body (such as the wrist). However, if the elastic force of the linear member cannot be made very strong due to design constraints, the gap between the ends of the linear member tends to widen, and the body (such as the wrist) can easily slip off through the gap, for example, when clothing touches the end of the linear member. To prevent this, one could consider connecting the ends of the linear member with a fastener, but this requires an operation to attach and detach the fastener, making it cumbersome to put on and take off the jewelry. In particular, with bangles, the fastener must be operated with one hand, which makes it very cumbersome to put on and take off the jewelry.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an accessory that is difficult to detach from the body and easy to put on and take off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an accessory comprising an elastically deformable linear member that is bendable to be attachable to the body, and two connecting parts provided at two spaced-apart locations on the linear member and connected to each other in a separable manner, wherein the two connecting parts are in close proximity and in contact with each other when no external force is applied to the linear member. According to the accessory described above, when the two connecting parts provided on the linear member are joined, the linear member becomes closed, making it difficult for the linear member to come off the body. Furthermore, since the two connecting parts are able to come into contact with each other without any external force being applied to the linear member, the two close connecting parts can be easily joined.

[0008] Preferably, the linear member faces the body when attached to the body, has a back surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the linear member, and two sides connected to two edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the back surface, with one connecting portion provided on one side and the other connecting portion provided on the other side. With this configuration, one connecting part is provided on one side of the linear member, and the other connecting part is provided on the other side of the linear member, making it difficult for the connecting parts to come into contact with the body on the back side of the linear member.

[0009] Preferably, the linear member has a decorative member fixed to a region sandwiched between two sides. With this configuration, since the area for fixing the decorative member is sandwiched between the two sides of the linear member, it becomes possible to fix the decorative member to the linear member without being obstructed by the joint, thus increasing the freedom of decoration. In addition, since the joint is located in a place that does not obstruct the view of the decorative member, the deterioration of aesthetics caused by the presence of the joint is suppressed.

[0010] Preferably, the two sides include two opposing portions that face each other when no external force is applied to the linear member, with one connecting portion provided on the opposing portion of one side and the other connecting portion provided on the opposing portion of the other side. With this configuration, since a joint is provided on each of the two opposing sides of the linear member when no external force is applied to it, the two joints can be easily brought into contact simply by moving a part of the linear member so that the two opposing sides are closer together, thus easily connecting the two joints.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting portion is located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the opposing portions. In this configuration, the distance from the two ends of the linear member in the longitudinal direction to the joint is approximately equal. If the distance from one end to the joint becomes longer, objects (such as clothing) are more likely to get caught between that end and the joint, and an external force that separates the two joints is more likely to be applied. By providing the joint in the center of the longitudinal direction of the opposing parts, the distance from the ends to the joint does not become extremely long, thus preventing objects from getting caught in the gap.

[0012] Preferably, one joint includes an engaging projection protruding from one side, and the other joint includes an engaging member provided on the other side, having an engaging groove into which the engaging projection can be inserted and removed, and the engaging projection inserted into the engaging groove engages with the engaging member. In this configuration, the two connecting parts are joined by a simple operation of inserting the engaging projection into the engaging groove of the engaging member. Conversely, the two connecting parts are separated by a simple operation of pulling the engaging projection out of the engaging groove of the engaging member.

[0013] Preferably, the engaging projection includes a spherical tip and an intermediate portion connecting the tip and the side surface, the intermediate portion having a larger diameter than the tip, the engaging member having an internal space communicating with the engaging groove, the tip inserted into the engaging groove being housed in the internal space, and the engaging member elastically deforming so that the engaging groove widens when the tip passes through the engaging groove. In this configuration, when the spherical tip of the engaging projection passes through the engaging groove, the engaging member elastically deforms so that the engaging groove widens, and the tip is housed within the internal space of the engaging member while inserted into the engaging groove. When the tip is housed within the internal space, the intermediate portion has a smaller diameter than the tip, so the engaging groove, which widened when the tip passed through, narrows, and the tip and the engaging member engage within the engaging groove. Because the tip of the engaging projection has a spherical shape, it is easier to smoothly transition between the engaged state and the disengaged state of the tip and the engaging member.

[0014] Preferably, the engaging member has two curved surfaces that are spaced apart to form an engaging groove, the two curved surfaces face each other and curve in opposite directions, and the tip is inserted into the internal space from between the two opposing curved surfaces. In this configuration, two curved surfaces, which are curved in an arc shape, form an engagement groove, and a spherical tip is inserted into the internal space from between the two opposing curved surfaces. Because the surface of the spherical tip and the two curved surfaces come into contact over a wide area, it becomes easier to smoothly transition between the engagement state and the release state between the tip and the engaging member.

[0015] Preferably, the engaging member includes a first curved portion on which one curved surface is formed, a second curved portion on which the other curved surface is formed, and a base portion fixed to the side surface and supporting the first and second curved portions, wherein the base portion elastically deforms so that the distance between the two curved surfaces widens when the tip portion passes between the two curved surfaces. With this configuration, the base supporting the first and second curved sections, each with a curved surface, undergoes elastic deformation, which changes the distance between the two curved surfaces that form the engagement groove. This prevents excessive force from being applied to the curved surfaces, thus avoiding plastic deformation.

[0016] Preferably, the direction in which two opposing curved surfaces curve is called the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the side surface is called the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to the side surface is called the third direction. The base is erected on the side surface and includes two first side plate portions that are spaced apart in the second direction and face each other. The first side plate portions have slits extending in the third direction, and the slits of the two first side plate portions are formed to overlap each other when viewed from a direction parallel to the second direction. The ends of the first side plate portions that are spaced apart from the side surface in the third direction have two upper ends separated by slits. The first curved portion is connected to the upper ends of the two first side plate portions, which are located on one side of the first direction relative to the slits, and the second curved portion is connected to the upper ends of the two first side plate portions, which are located on the other side of the first direction relative to the slits. According to this configuration, when the tip of the engaging projection passes between the two curved surfaces, the slits of the two first side plate portions expand respectively, and the interval between the first curved portion and the second curved portion in the first direction expands, so that the interval between the two curved surfaces expands. That is, since the interval between the two curved surfaces expands due to the expansion of the slits of the two first side plate portions, it is possible to avoid excessive force being applied to the curved surfaces and plastic deformation occurring.

[0017] Preferably, the second direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the linear member. In the first direction, the side closer to the back surface is called the back surface side, and the side away from the back surface is called the front surface side. The second curved portion is located on the front surface side of the first curved portion, the base portion is erected on the side surface, and includes a second side plate portion parallel to the second direction and the third direction. The edge portions on both sides of the second side plate portion in the second direction are respectively connected to the front surface side edge portions of the two first side plate portions in the first direction, and the edge portion of the second side plate portion in the third direction is connected to the second curved portion. According to this configuration, since the internal space of the engaging member is hidden from the front surface side by the second side plate portion, the engaging projection accommodated in the internal space cannot be seen from the front surface side. Further, since the two first side plate portions and the second curved portion are connected to the second side plate portion, the strength of the engaging member is improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ornament that is difficult to come off the body and is easy to attach to and detach from the body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an ornament (bangle) according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing examples of both ends of an ornament in a state where two connecting portions are connected. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing examples of both ends of an ornament in a state where two connecting portions are separated. [Figure 4] FIGS. 4A to 4C are views showing an example of an engaging member provided on the side surface of a linear member. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a perspective view showing an example of an engaging member provided on the side surface of a linear member. Figures 5B to 5F are views of the engaging member seen from various directions. Figure 5G is a cross-sectional view of the engaging member taken along line III-III. Figure 5H is a cross-sectional view of the engaging member taken along line IV-IV. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the ornament taken along line II-II. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ornament taken along line I-I.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the members once described may be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] Figure 1 is a view showing an example of an ornament according to the present embodiment. The ornament 1 shown in Figure 1 is a bangle and has an elastically deformable linear member 2 that is bent so as to be attachable to the body (such as the wrist). The linear member 2 is formed of an elastically deformable material, and is formed of a noble metal such as gold, silver, or platinum, for example.

[0022] In the example of Figure 1, the linear member 2 of the ornament 1 is bent into a circular shape and both ends are separated. The ornament 1 has two coupling portions 4 and 5 for closing the linear member 2 with both ends separated. The two coupling portions 4 and 5 are provided at two separated locations on the linear member 2 and are coupled to each other separably. In a state where no external force is applied to the linear member 2, the two coupling portions 4 and 5 are close to each other so as to be contactable.

[0023] Also in the example of Figure 1, the length of the linear member 2 is longer than the length of one circumference of the circular shape. In a state where no external force is applied to the linear member 2, the end portions near both sides of the linear member 2 are close to each other. That is, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the circular shape of the linear member 2, the end portions near both sides of the linear member 2 are substantially overlapped and extend along the circumference of the circular shape respectively. The two coupling portions 4 and 5 are provided near the end portions on both sides.

[0024] Each linear member 2 has a back surface 23 and side surfaces 21 and 22 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the linear member 2 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "longitudinal direction"). The back surface 23 of the linear member 2 is the surface that faces the body when attached to the body (such as the wrist). The two side surfaces 21 and 22 of the linear member 2 are surfaces that connect to the two edges of the back surface 23 that extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] The jewelry 1 has a decorative member 30 fixed to a region between two sides 21 and 22 of a linear member 2. In the example in Figure 1, the jewelry 1 has a decorative member row 3 in which multiple decorative members 30 are linearly connected. The decorative member row 3 is fixed to a region between two sides 21 and 22 of the linear member 2 and extends along the longitudinal direction. For example, a groove 24 (Figures 2A and 3A) extending along the longitudinal direction is formed between the two sides 21 and 22 of the linear member 2, and the decorative member row 3 is fixed to this groove 24. The decorative member row 3 may be, for example, a component of jewelry called a tennis chain, which is composed of multiple cups that hold gemstones connected linearly.

[0026] Each decorative member 30 has a decorative body 31 such as a gemstone and a support member 32 that supports the decorative body 31 (Figures 4A, 5A, etc.). The support member 32 has a cylindrical shape, and the decorative body 31 is placed on its opening. The edge of the opening of the support member 32 is provided with claw portions 33 that press against the surface of the decorative body 31 to fix the decorative body 31 to the support member 32. Decorative members 30 adjacent to each other in the front and back of the decorative member row 3 are connected to each other by connecting portions 34 provided on the support member 32. The edges on both sides of the groove 24 in the linear member 2 are provided with protrusions 241 that project toward the other (Figures 6A, 6B), and each decorative member 30 of the decorative member row 30 is fixed to the linear member 2 by fitting the two protrusions 241 into the two recesses provided on the support member 32 of each decorative member 30.

[0027] One decorative member 30 at one end of the decorative member row 3 is fixed to one end of the linear member 2, and the other decorative member 30 at the other end of the decorative member row 3 is fixed to the other end of the linear member 2. In other words, both ends of the decorative member row 3 are fixed to both ends of the linear member 2.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 1, two cap members 6 are fixed to both ends of the linear member 2. The cap members 6 close the opening of the groove 24 at the end of the linear member 2. The decorative member 30 at one end of the decorative member row 3 is fixed to the cap member 6 at one end of the linear member 2, and the decorative member 30 at the other end of the decorative member row 3 is fixed to the cap member 6 at the other end of the linear member 2.

[0029] The linear member 2, the decorative member row 3, and the cap member 6 are each formed, at least in part, from a weldable metal (for example, a precious metal such as gold, silver, or platinum). The metal portion of the cap member 6 is welded to the metal portion of the linear member 2 and the metal portion of the decorative member row 3 (decorative member 30) by any method such as laser welding or brazing.

[0030] Figures 2A and 2B show examples of the ends of the ornament 1 when the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are joined together. Figures 3A and 3B show examples of the ends of the ornament 1 when the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are separated. Figures 2A and 3A show the ends of the ornament 1 as seen from the side where the decorative member 30 is fixed to the linear member 2, while Figures 2B and 3B show the ends of the ornament 1 as seen from the back surface 23 side of the linear member 2. In these figures, the connecting part 4 is provided on the side surface 21 of the linear member 2, and the connecting part 5 is provided on the side surface 22 of the linear member 2.

[0031] The two sides 21 and 22 of the linear member 2 include portions (sides 21A and 22A) that face each other when no external force is applied to the linear member 2. In the examples in Figures 2A and 2B, the connecting portion 4 is provided on side 21A, and the connecting portion 5 is provided on side 22A. Furthermore, the connecting portion 4 is provided approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction of side 21A, and the connecting portion 5 is provided approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction of side 22A.

[0032] In the examples shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the connecting portion 4 includes an engaging projection 40 protruding from the side surface 21A. The connecting portion 5 also includes an engaging member 50 provided on the side surface 22A, which has an engaging groove 51 (Figures 4A, 5A, etc.) formed therein that allows the engaging projection 40 to be inserted and removed.

[0033] Figures 4A to 4C show examples of engaging members 50 provided on the side surface 22A of the linear member 2. Figure 4A is a view of the linear member 2 from the side surface 22A, Figure 4B is a view of the linear member 2 from the side to which the decorative member 30 is fixed, and Figure 4C is a view of the linear member 2 from the back surface 23. Figure 5A is a perspective view showing an example of an engaging member 50 provided on the side surface 22A of the linear member 2. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the ornament 1 along line II-II (Figure 3A). Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the ornament 1 along line II (Figure 2A).

[0034] In the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the engaging projection 40 of the connecting portion 4 has a tip portion 41 and an intermediate portion 42. The tip portion 41 has a spherical shape, and the intermediate portion 42 connects the tip portion 41 to the side surface 21A. The intermediate portion 42 has a smaller diameter than the tip portion 41. That is, the intermediate portion 42 that connects the tip portion 41 to the side surface 21 is thinner than the tip portion 41.

[0035] In the examples shown in Figures 4C, 6A, and 6B, the engaging member 50 has an internal space 59 that communicates with the engaging groove 51. The tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 inserted into the engaging groove 51 of the engaging member 50 is housed in the internal space 59, as shown in Figure 6B. When the tip 41 passes through the engaging groove 51, the engaging member 50 elastically deforms so that the engaging groove 51 expands.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 5A, the engaging member 50 has a first curved surface 520 and a second curved surface 530 spaced apart to form an engaging groove 51. The first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530 are each curved in an arc shape and face each other. Furthermore, the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530 are curved in opposite directions. The tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 is inserted into the internal space 59 from between the opposing first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530.

[0037] Here, the direction in which the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530 curve is called the Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction and parallel to the side surface 22A is called the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the side surface 22A is called the Z direction. However, the "side surface 22A" referred to here is the side surface 22A at the location where the engaging member 50 is located. Furthermore, the directions opposite each other in the Y direction are called the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, the directions opposite each other in the X direction are called the X1 direction and the X2 direction, and the directions opposite each other in the Z direction are called the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction.

[0038] In the example in Figure 5A, the X direction is along the longitudinal direction of the linear member 2 at the location where the engaging member 50 is located. The Y2 side of the engaging member 50 is the side closer to the back surface 23 of the linear member 2 in the Y direction, and the Y1 side of the engaging member 50 is the side away from the back surface 23 of the linear member 2 in the Y direction. The Z2 side of the engaging member 50 is the side closer to the side surface 22A of the linear member 2 in the Z direction, and the Z1 side of 20 is the side away from the side surface 22A of the linear member 2 in the Z direction.

[0039] Figure 5B shows an example of the engaging member 50 as seen from the Z1 side. Figure 5C shows an example of the engaging member 50 as seen from the Y1 side. Figure 5D shows an example of the engaging member 50 as seen from the Y2 side. Figure 5E shows an example of the engaging member 50 as seen from the X1 side. Figure 5F shows an example of the engaging member 50 as seen from the X2 side. Figure 5G shows an example of a cross-section of the engaging member 50 along the line III-III in Figure 5B. Figure 5H shows an example of a cross-section of the engaging member 50 along the line IV-IV in Figure 5E.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5A and 5D, the engaging member 50 has a first curved portion 52 on which a first curved surface 520 is formed, a second curved portion 53 on which a second curved surface 530 is formed, and a base portion 54 that supports the first curved portion 52. The base portion 54 is fixed to the side surface 22A and elastically deforms so that the distance between the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530 widens when the tip portion 41 of the engaging projection 40 passes between the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5A to 5B and 5D to 5H, the base 54 includes two first side plate portions 55 erected on the side surface 22A. The two first side plate portions 55 are spaced apart in the X direction and face each other. Each of the two first side plate portions 55 has a slit 550 extending in the Z direction. The slits 550 of the two first side plate portions 55 are formed in positions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction parallel to the X direction.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5A, 5E, 5F, and 5G, the first side plate portion 55 is divided into two by a slit 550 on the Z1 side (the side spaced away from the side surface 22A in the Z direction). That is, the Z1 side end of the first side plate portion 55 has two upper ends 551 and 552 separated by the slit 550. Upper end 551 is located on the Y2 side relative to the slit 550, and upper end 552 is located on the Y1 side relative to the slit 550. The first curved portion 52, on which the first curved surface 520 is formed, is connected to the upper ends 551 of the two first side plate portions 55, and the second curved portion 53, on which the second curved surface 530 is formed, is connected to the upper ends 552 of the two first side plate portions 55. When the tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 passes between the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530, the two first side plate portions 55 elastically deform so that the slits 550 widen.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5A, 5C, 5D, 5G, and 5H, the base portion 54 is erected on the side surface 21A and includes a second side plate portion 56 parallel to the X and Z directions. The X1 and X2 edges of the second side plate portion 56 are connected to the Y1 edge of the first side plate portion 55, respectively. The Z1 edge of the second side plate portion 56 is connected to the second curved portion 53. The Y1 side of the internal space 59 of the engaging member 50 is covered by the second side plate portion 56.

[0044] When attaching the aforementioned accessory 1 to the wrist, force is applied to the linear member 2 so that the ends on both sides of the linear member 2 separate, causing the linear member 2 to elastically deform and expanding the diameter of the loop (or arc) formed by the linear member 2, through which the hand is passed. When the force applied to the linear member 2 is released, the linear member 2 returns to its initial state, and the two connecting parts 4 and 5 of the linear member 2 (engaging projection 40 and engaging member 50) come into close contact. By connecting the two close connecting parts 4 and 5 (inserting the engaging projection 40 into the engaging groove 51 of the engaging member 50), the loop formed by the linear member 2 closes, and the linear member 2 cannot be removed from the wrist. At this time, by pinching the sides 21 and 22 near the engaging projection 40 and engaging member 50 with the fingers and bringing them closer together, the tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 can be easily pushed into the engaging groove 51 of the engaging member 50.

[0045] To remove the accessory 1 from the wrist, insert your fingers into the gap between sides 21A and 22A and widen the gap to easily release the connection between the connecting parts 4 and 5 (the engagement between the engaging projection 40 and the engaging member 50). Then, apply force to separate the ends on both sides of the linear member 2, causing the linear member 2 to elastically deform and increasing the diameter of the loop (or arc) formed by the linear member 2, thereby removing the linear member 2 from the wrist.

[0046] (Summary of the accessory 1 of this embodiment) In the aforementioned accessory 1, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 provided on the linear member 2 are joined together, causing the linear member 2 to close, making it difficult for the linear member 2 to detach from the body (wrist, etc.). Furthermore, since the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are able to come into close proximity and contact with each other without any external force being applied to the linear member 2, the two close connecting parts 4 and 5 can be easily joined together.

[0047] In the accessory 1 described above, a connecting portion 4 is provided on the side surface 21 of the linear member 2, and a connecting portion 5 is provided on the side surface 22 of the linear member 2, making it difficult for the connecting portions 4 and 5 to come into contact with the body on the back surface 23 side of the linear member 2.

[0048] In the aforementioned accessory 1, the location for fixing the decorative member 30 is the area sandwiched between the two sides 21 and 22 of the linear member 2. Therefore, the decorative member 30 can be fixed to the linear member 2 without being obstructed by the connecting parts 4 and 5, thus increasing the freedom of decoration. Furthermore, since the connecting parts 4 and 5 are positioned in a location that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative member 30, the deterioration of aesthetics caused by the presence of the connecting parts 4 and 5 can be suppressed.

[0049] In the ornament 1 described above, when no external force is applied to the linear member 2, connecting parts 4 and 5 are provided on the opposing portions (sides 21A and 22A) of the two opposing sides 21 and 22. Therefore, by simply moving a part of the linear member 2 so that the two sides 21A and 22A move closer together, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 can be easily brought into contact, and the two connecting parts 4 and 5 can be easily joined.

[0050] In the accessory 1 described above, a connecting part 4 is provided in the center of the opposing side surface 21A, and a connecting part 5 is provided in the center of the opposing side surface 22A. As a result, the distance from the two ends of the linear member 2 in the longitudinal direction to the connecting parts 4 and 5 is approximately equal. If the distance from one end to the connecting part (4 or 5) is long, it becomes easier for objects such as clothing to get caught between that end and the connecting part (4 or 5), and an external force that separates the two connecting parts 4 and 5 becomes easier to apply. By providing the connecting parts 4 and 5 in the center of the longitudinal direction of the opposing parts (side surfaces 21A and 22A), the distance from the ends to the connecting parts 4 and 5 does not become extremely long, thus preventing objects from getting caught in the gap.

[0051] In the aforementioned accessory 1, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 can be joined by a simple operation of inserting the engaging projection 40 into the engaging groove 51 of the engaging member 50. Conversely, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 can be separated by a simple operation of pulling out the engaging projection 40 from the engaging groove 51 of the engaging member 50. Furthermore, both the engaging member 50 and the engaging projection 40, which have the engaging groove 51 formed therein, can be manufactured as parts with relatively simple structures. Therefore, the engaging member 50 and the engaging projection 40 can be formed from the same material (same type of metal, etc.) as the linear member 2, and fixed to the linear member 2 by any method such as laser welding or brazing.

[0052] In the ornament 1 described above, when the spherical tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 passes through the engaging groove 51, the engaging member 50 elastically deforms so that the engaging groove 51 widens, and with the tip 41 inserted into the engaging groove 51, the tip 41 is housed in the internal space 59 of the engaging member 50. When the tip 41 is housed in the internal space 59, the intermediate portion 42 has a smaller diameter than the tip 41, so the engaging groove 51, which widened when the tip 41 passed through, narrows, and the tip 41 and the engaging member 50 become engaged in the engaging groove 51. Because the tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 has a spherical shape, the transition to the engaged state and the release of the engaged state between the tip 41 and the engaging member 50 can be performed smoothly.

[0053] In the ornament 1 described above, the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530, which are curved in an arc shape, form an engagement groove 51, and the spherical tip portion 41 is inserted into the internal space 59 from between the opposing first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530. Because the surface of the spherical tip portion 41 and the first curved surface 520 and the second curved surface 530 can easily come into contact over a wide area, the transition to an engaged state and the release of the engaged state between the tip portion 41 and the engagement member 50 can be performed smoothly.

[0054] In the ornament 1 described above, the base 54 supporting the first curved portion 52 and the second curved portion 53, each having curved surfaces (520, 530), undergoes elastic deformation, which changes the distance between the two curved surfaces (520, 530) that form the engagement groove 51. This prevents excessive force from being applied to the curved surfaces (520, 530) and causing plastic deformation.

[0055] In the ornament 1 described above, when the tip 41 of the engaging projection 40 passes between the two curved surfaces (520, 530), the slits 550 of the two first side plate portions 55 widen, and the distance between the first curved portion 52 and the second curved portion 53 in the Y direction widens, thereby widening the distance between the two curved surfaces (520, 530). In other words, the distance between the two curved surfaces (520, 530) widens as the slits 550 of the two first side plate portions 55 widen. Therefore, it is possible to avoid excessive force being applied to the curved surfaces (520, 530) and causing plastic deformation.

[0056] In the aforementioned accessory 1, the engagement groove 51 of the engagement member 50 is hidden from the Y1 side (front side) by the second side plate portion 56, so the engagement projection 40 housed in the internal space 59 is not visible from the front side, thus preserving the aesthetic appearance. In addition, since the two first side plate portions 55 and the second curved portion 53 are connected to the second side plate portion 56, the strength of the engagement member 50 is improved.

[0057] This embodiment is not limited to the examples described above, and includes various further modifications.

[0058] Although the aforementioned accessory 1 has only one pair of connecting parts (4, 5) that connect to each other, in other examples of this embodiment, the accessory may have two or more pairs of connecting parts. Increasing the number of connecting parts makes it more difficult for the accessory to come off the body.

[0059] In the ornament 1 described above, the two connecting parts 4 and 5 are provided on the sides 21 and 22 of the linear member 2, but in other examples of this embodiment, the two connecting parts may be provided at other locations on the linear member. For example, the two connecting parts (the engaging projection 40 and the engaging member 50 in the example of Figure 3A) may be provided at the end of the linear member (the end of the cap member 6 in the example of Figure 3A). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1…Ornament, 2…Linear member, 21,21A,22,22A…Side, 23…Back, 24…Groove, 241…Protrusion, 3…Arrangement of decorative members, 30…Decorative member, 31…Decorative body, 32…Support member, 33…Claw part, 34…Connecting part, 4…Joint part, 40…Engaging projection, 41…Tip part, 42…Intermediate part, 5…Joint part, 50…Engaging member, 51…Engaging groove, 52…First curved part, 520…First curved surface, 53…Second curved part, 530…Second curved surface, 54…Base, 55…First side plate part, 550…Slit, 551…Upper end, 552…Upper end, 56…Second side plate part, 59…Internal space, 6…Cap member

Claims

1. A linear member that is elastically deformable and can be bent to be attached to the body, The linear member has two connecting parts provided at two spaced-apart locations and connected to each other in a separable manner, When no external force is applied to the linear member, the two connecting portions are in close proximity to each other so that they can contact each other. Accessories.

2. The linear member is With the body attached, the side facing the body, the back surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the linear member, The back surface has two sides connected to the two edges that extend in the longitudinal direction, One of the aforementioned connecting portions is provided on one of the aforementioned side surfaces, The other connecting portion is provided on the other side surface. The personal accessory according to claim 1.

3. The linear member has a decorative member fixed in the region sandwiched between the two sides. The accessory according to claim 2.

4. The two aforementioned sides include two opposing portions that face each other when no external force is applied to the linear member, One of the connecting portions is provided on the opposing portion of one of the side surfaces, The other connecting portion is provided on the opposing portion of the other side surface. The personal accessory according to claim 2.

5. The connecting portion is provided at the center of the opposing portion in the longitudinal direction. The personal accessory according to claim 4.

6. One of the connecting portions includes an engaging projection protruding from one of the side surfaces, The other connecting portion includes an engaging member provided on the other side surface, which has an engaging groove formed therein that allows the engaging projection to be inserted and removed. The engaging projection inserted into the engaging groove engages with the engaging member. The accessory according to claim 2.

7. The aforementioned engaging projection A spherical tip, It includes an intermediate portion that connects the tip portion and the side portion, The intermediate portion has a smaller diameter than the tip portion. The engaging member has an internal space that communicates with the engaging groove, The tip portion inserted into the engagement groove is housed in the internal space, When the tip passes through the engagement groove, the engagement member elastically deforms so that the engagement groove widens. The personal accessory according to claim 6.

8. The engaging member has two curved surfaces that are spaced apart to form the engaging groove and are curved in an arc shape, The two curved surfaces face each other and are curved in opposite directions. The tip portion is inserted into the internal space from between the two opposing curved surfaces. The accessory according to claim 7.

9. The engagement member, One of the curved surfaces is formed on the first curved portion, The other curved surface is formed in the second curved portion, It includes a base fixed to the side surface and supporting the first curved portion and the second curved portion, When the tip passes between the two curved surfaces, the base elastically deforms so that the distance between the two curved surfaces widens. The accessory according to claim 8.

10. The direction in which the two opposing curved surfaces curve is called the first direction. The direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the side surface is called the second direction. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned side surface is called the third direction. The base portion includes two first side plate portions that are erected on the side surfaces, spaced apart in the second direction and facing each other, The first side plate portion has a slit extending in the third direction, The slits in the two first side plates are formed in positions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction parallel to the second direction. In the third direction, the end of the first side plate portion spaced apart from the side surface has two upper ends separated by the slit, The first curved portion is connected to the upper end of the two first side plate portions, which is located on one side in the first direction relative to the slit. The second curved portion is connected to the upper end of the two first side plate portions, which is located on the other side in the first direction relative to the slit. The personal accessory according to claim 9.

11. The second direction is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the linear member, In the first direction, the side closer to the back surface is called the back surface side, and the side further away from the back surface is called the front surface side. The second curved portion is located on the front side of the first curved portion, The base portion is erected on the side surface and includes a second side plate portion parallel to the second and third directions, The edges on both sides of the second side plate portion in the second direction are connected to the front edges of the two first side plate portions in the first direction, The edge of the second side plate portion in the third direction is connected to the second curved portion. The personal accessory according to claim 10.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Personal ornament

    JP1995298909A