A lock, a piece of jewellery comprising the lock and a method of locking and unlocking

Abstract

A jewellery lock (1), wherein the jewellery lock (1) comprises a first locking piece (11) comprising a first locking piece space (12) contained within a first locking piece housing (18), a first locking piece passage (17) within the first locking piece housing (18) for accessing the first locking piece space (12), and a catch plate (19) adjacent to the first locking piece passage (17) and forming part of the first locking piece housing (18). The lock also comprises a second locking piece (21) comprising a second locking piece space (22) contained within a second locking piece housing (28), a second locking piece passage (27) within the second locking piece housing (28) for accessing the second locking piece space (22), a spring (23) being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space (22). The spring (23) comprise a first end portion (23f). Wherein the first end portion (23f) is secured to the second locking piece (21) by a fastening means (25). The spring (23) comprises a compressible or spring-biased second end portion (23s) comprising a catch part (23cp). Wherein the catch part (23cp) is configured to engage with the catch plate (19). The lock also comprises a release means (24) configured to depress or release the catch part (23cp) out of engagement with the catch plate (19). The lock also comprises a locking device (30) comprising a locking means (31) which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part (23cp) to maintain the catch part (23cp) in engagement with the catch plate (19), and away from the catch part (23cp) to allow the catch part (23cp) to come out of the engagement with the catch plate (19)- Wherein the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage (17) is aligned with the second locking piece passage (27). Wherein the compressible or spring-biased second end portion (23s) and the catch part (23cp) extend through the first locking piece passage (17) when the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connected, and the lock (1) is configured to be in the following states: An open state (OS) in which the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are disengaged and a locked state (LS) where the catch part (23cp) is engaged with the catch plate (19), and the catch part (23cp) is secured to the catch plate (19) by the locking device (30). The invention also relates to a piece of jewellery comprising the jewellery lock and a method of locking and unlocking the jewellery lock.

Description

[0001] TITLE: A LOCK, A PIECE OF JEWELLERY COMPRISING THE LOCK AND A METHOD OF LOCKING AND UNLOCKING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a jewellery lock, a piece of jewellery comprising the jewellery lock and a method of locking and unlocking the jewellery lock.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Mechanical locks for jewellery items such as bracelets and necklaces have been in use for hundreds of years. These locks have seen improvements and innovations over the years. However, they are still an area of concern for jewellery buyers (owners), and jewellery sellers. These locks tend to open unintentionally and are considered unreliable. Also, maintenance of such locks is difficult and the reconstruction of damaged or used locks requires a highly skilled craftsperson.

[0006] The use of new materials and methods of processing them is under constant development. New materials are used in some areas of the jewellery industry. However, they have not been embraced and applied yet on a significant scale.

[0007] The aim of this invention is to propose a new device for securely closing and maintaining a closure without unintentional opening of jewellery items.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a solution that may solve or at least reduce at least one of the aforementioned problems or challenges.

[0010] The invention is defined in the attached claims.

[0011] The present invention relates to a jewellery lock, wherein the jewellery lock comprises:

[0012] - a first locking piece comprising:

[0013] - a first locking piece space contained within a first locking piece housing,

[0014] - a first locking piece passage within the first locking piece housing for accessing the first locking piece space, and

[0015] - a catch plate adjacent to the first locking piece passage and forming part of the first locking piece housing;

[0016] - a second locking piece comprising: - a second locking piece space contained within a second locking piece housing,

[0017] - a second locking piece passage within the second locking piece housing for accessing the second locking piece space,

[0018] - a spring being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space, and wherein the spring comprise a first end portion, wherein the first end portion is secured to the second locking piece by a fastening means, wherein the spring comprises a compressible second end portion comprising a catch part, wherein the catch part is configured to engage with the catch plate;

[0019] - a release means configured to depress the catch part out of engagement with the catch plate;

[0020] - a locking device comprising a locking means which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part to maintain the catch part in engagement with the catch plate, and away from the catch part to allow the catch part to come out of the engagement with the catch plate;

[0021] - wherein the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage is aligned with the second locking piece passage,

[0022] - wherein the compressible second end portion and the catch part extend through the first locking piece passage when the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connected, and

[0023] - wherein the lock is configured to be in the following states:

[0024] - an open state in which the first locking piece and the second locking piece are disengaged;

[0025] - a locked state where the catch part is engaged with the catch plate, and the catch part is secured to the catch plate by the locking device.

[0026] A jewellery lock, wherein the jewellery lock comprises:

[0027] - a first locking piece comprising:

[0028] - a first locking piece space contained within a first locking piece housing,

[0029] - a first locking piece passage within the first locking piece housing for accessing the first locking piece space, and

[0030] - a catch plate adjacent to the first locking piece passage and forming part of the first locking piece housing;

[0031] - a second locking piece comprising: - a second locking piece space contained within a second locking piece housing,

[0032] - a second locking piece passage within the second locking piece housing for accessing the second locking piece space,

[0033] - a spring being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space, and wherein the spring comprise a first end portion, wherein the first end portion is secured to the second locking piece by a fastening means, wherein the spring comprises a spring-biased second end portion comprising a catch part, wherein the catch part is configured to engage with the catch plate;

[0034] - a release means configured to release the catch part out of engagement with the catch plate;

[0035] - a locking device comprising a locking means which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part to maintain the catch part in engagement with the catch plate, and away from the catch part to allow the catch part to come out of the engagement with the catch plate;

[0036] - wherein the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage is aligned with the second locking piece passage;

[0037] - wherein the spring-biased second end portion and the catch part extend through the first locking piece passage when the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connected; and

[0038] - wherein the lock is configured to be in the following states:

[0039] - an open state in which the first locking piece and the second locking piece are disengaged,

[0040] - a locked state where the catch part is engaged with the catch plate, and the catch part is secured to the catch plate by the locking device.

[0041] A jewellery lock, wherein the jewellery lock comprises:

[0042] - a first locking piece comprising:

[0043] - a first locking piece space contained within a first locking piece housing,

[0044] - a first locking piece passage within the first locking piece housing for accessing the first locking piece space, and

[0045] - a catch plate adjacent to the first locking piece passage and forming part of the first locking piece housing; - a second locking piece comprising:

[0046] - a second locking piece space contained within a second locking piece housing,

[0047] - a second locking piece passage within the second locking piece housing for accessing the second locking piece space,

[0048] - a spring being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space, and wherein the spring comprise a first end portion, wherein the first end portion is secured to the second locking piece by a fastening means, wherein the spring comprises a compressible or spring-biased second end portion comprising a catch part, wherein the catch part is configured to engage with the catch plate;

[0049] - a release means configured to depress or release the catch part out of engagement with the catch plate;

[0050] - a locking device comprising a locking means which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part to maintain the catch part in engagement with the catch plate, and away from the catch part to allow the catch part to come out of the engagement with the catch plate;

[0051] - wherein the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage is aligned with the second locking piece passage;

[0052] - wherein the compressible or spring-biased second end portion and the catch part extend through the first locking piece passage when the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connected; and

[0053] - wherein the lock is configured to be in the following states:

[0054] - an open state in which the first locking piece and the second locking piece are disengaged,

[0055] - a locked state where the catch part is engaged with the catch plate, and the catch part is secured to the catch plate by the locking device.

[0056] In one aspect, the release means is provided with spring action to return to the initial position, after having been depressed.

[0057] The locking device may be moveable between:

[0058] - a locked position where the locking means may be positioned at least partly inside the catch part and the compressible second end portion; and - an open position where the locking means may be positioned outside the catch part and the compressible second end portion.

[0059] The locking device may be biased towards the locked position.

[0060] In one aspect, the locking device may be provided with a pre-loaded spring to automatically lock the lock.

[0061] In one aspect, the locking device may be provided with a spring-loaded locking sleeve to automatically lock the lock.

[0062] The locking device may be provided with an arresting device and a recess for engaging the arresting device, and wherein the arresting device is configured to arrest linear or rotational movement of the locking device.

[0063] In one aspect the arresting device may arrest movement of the locking device when moved between the open position and the locked position,

[0064] In one aspect, the arresting device may be overridden by force of a human hand.

[0065] The locking device may comprise a verification device, wherein the verification device may be configured to provide an audible or haptic feedback to an operator when the locking device may be moved into the locked position.

[0066] In one aspect, the locking device may make a mechanical clicking sound.

[0067] The locking device may be configured to move linearly between the open position and the locked position, wherein, in the locked position, the locking means may be inside the first locking piece space.

[0068] The locking device may comprise a rotating means, wherein the locking means may be connected to the rotating means, and wherein the rotating means may be configured to rotate between the open position and the locked position,

[0069] The spring may be made from a different material than a material used for the first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece housing.

[0070] In one aspect, the first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece housing are made from different material than the material or materials used for a piece of jewellery.

[0071] The fastening means may be configured to be removeable and replaceable without the use of heat or hot work for installation or replacement of the spring. Thus, heat sensitive materials can be used or materials that are not weldable or solderable. The locking device may be configured to be removeable attached to the first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece housing.

[0072] In one aspect, no heat may be required to remove and / or install the locking device.

[0073] It is further described a piece of jewellery comprising a jewellery lock as defined above.

[0074] In one aspect the piece of jewellery may be a bracelet or a necklace.

[0075] In one aspect the piece of jewellery may be a watch.

[0076] A first end of the piece of jewellery may be connectable to the first locking piece and a second end of the piece of jewellery may be connectable to the second locking piece.

[0077] The first locking piece may be contained in a first end of the piece of jewellery and the second locking piece may be contained in a second end of the piece of jewellery.

[0078] The first locking piece may be contained in a first end of the piece of jewellery or the second locking piece may be contained in a second end of the piece of jewellery.

[0079] It is further described a method of locking and unlocking a jewellery lock as defined above, wherein the method of locking the lock (1) comprises the following steps, in the given order:

[0080] - aligning the first locking piece passage with the second locking piece passage,

[0081] - may extend the compressible second end portion and the catch part through the first locking piece passage to allow the catch part to come into engagement with the catch plate,

[0082] - moving the locking device to the locked position, wherein the locked state of the lock may be achieved. and the method of unlocking the lock comprises the following steps, in the given order:

[0083] - moving the locking device to the open position,

[0084] - pressing the release means to allow the catch part to come out of the engagement with the catch plate,

[0085] - separating the first locking piece from the second locking piece, wherein the open state of the lock is achieved. Above-discussed preferred and / or optional features of each aspect of the invention / disclosure may be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects of the invention / disclosure.

[0086] The claimed invention is specified in the independent claims of this application. Advantageous adaptations and versions of the claimed invention are specified in the independent claims.

[0087] The compressible second end portion of the spring may be provided with a release means, adjacent to the catch part of the spring.

[0088] The first locking piece may be provided with a first guide surface and the second locking piece may be provided with a second guide surface.

[0089] The first guide surface and the second guide surface may be an inside of a bore or an outside of a casing.

[0090] The first guide surface and the second guide surface may be configured to come into contact with each other.

[0091] The first locking piece may comprise a first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece may comprise a second locking piece housing.

[0092] The first locking piece may be mechanically secured to the first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece may be mechanically secured to the second locking piece housing.

[0093] The components inside the second locking piece housing may be preassembled. The second locking piece housing may comprise the spring, the fastening means and the locking device.

[0094] The first and / or second locking piece housings of the jewellery lock may have an arbitrary shape that matches or complements the shape(s) of the piece of jewellery.

[0095] It is further described a jewellery lock, wherein the jewellery lock comprises:

[0096] - a first locking piece comprising:

[0097] - a first locking piece space contained within a first locking piece housing,

[0098] - a first locking piece passage within the first locking piece housing for accessing the first locking piece space, and

[0099] - a catch plate adjacent to the first locking piece passage and forming part of the first locking piece housing;

[0100] - a second locking piece comprising: - a second locking piece space contained within a second locking piece housing,

[0101] - a second locking piece passage within the second locking piece housing for accessing the second locking piece space,

[0102] - a spring-biased locking cam being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space, and wherein the spring-biased locking cam is rotatably secured to the second locking piece by a fastening means, wherein the spring-biased locking cam comprises a spring-biased first end portion, wherein the spring-biased locking cam comprises a spring-biased second end portion comprising a spring-biased cam catch part, wherein the spring-biased cam catch part is configured to engage with the catch plate;

[0103] - a release means comprising a release means spring;

[0104] - wherein the release means is configured to compress the release means spring to release the spring-biased catch part out of engagement with the catch plate;

[0105] - a locking device comprising a locking means which is configured to be moveable towards the spring-biased cam catch part to maintain the spring-biased cam catch part in engagement with the catch plate, and away from the spring-biased cam catch part to allow the spring-biased cam catch part to come out of the engagement with the catch plate;

[0106] - wherein the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage is aligned with the second locking piece passage;

[0107] - wherein the spring-biased second end portion and the spring-biased cam catch part extend through the first locking piece passage when the first locking piece and the second locking piece are connected; and

[0108] - wherein the lock is configured to be in the following states:

[0109] - an open state in which the first locking piece and the second locking piece are disengaged,

[0110] - a locked state where the spring-biased cam catch part is engaged with the catch plate, and the spring-biased cam catch part is secured to the catch plate by the locking device.

[0111] The release means spring may be un-compressed and / or fully extended in the locked state. The locking device may be moveable between:

[0112] - a locked position where the locking means may be positioned at least partly inside the spring-biased first end portion; and

[0113] - an open position where the locking means may be positioned outside the spring- biased first end portion.

[0114] The locking device may be biased towards the locked position.

[0115] The jewellery lock may have one or more of the following advantages:

[0116] - the fastening means are removeable and replaceable without the use of heat or hot work for installation or replacement of the spring,

[0117] - the spring can be optimised for its elastic properties without having to consider the effect of heat from for example a soldering process,

[0118] - heat sensitive materials or materials that are not weldable or solderable can be used,

[0119] - materials for the outside of the first and / or second locking piece can be chosen from design or aesthetics considerations such as the look and feel of a material, while the mechanical components inside the first and / or second locking piece housing can be optimized for reliability and longevity.

[0120] - the material of the fastening means is selectable and may be chosen from a material of lower strength such that, if the piece of jewellery is accidentally overloaded, the fastening means breaks rather than the piece of jewellery,

[0121] - items inside the first locking piece housing and / or the second locking piece housing may be preassembled, for faster installation inside the first locking piece and / or the second locking piece respectively.

[0122] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the claimed invention:

[0124] Fig. 1 - illustrates a piece of jewellery with a jewellery lock;

[0125] Fig. 2 - illustrates a sideview of a jewellery lock in an open state where the locking device is linearly moveable and in an open position;

[0126] Fig. 3 - illustrates a sideview of a jewellery lock in a locked state, where the locking device is linearly moveable and in a closed position;

[0127] Fig. 4a, b - illustrate a sideview (4a) and a perspective view (4b) of a jewellery lock with a biased locking device; Fig. 5 - illustrates a sideview of a jewellery lock in the open state with curved first and second locking pieces;

[0128] Fig. 6a, b - illustrates an elevated view in plane B-B of the jewellery lock of figure 5, with a rotatable locking device in an open position (6a) and closed position (6b);

[0129] Fig. 7a, b - illustrates an elevated view of the jewellery lock of figure 5, with a rotatable locking device with combined rotational and translational locking movement in an open position (7a) and closed position (7b);

[0130] Fig. 8a, b - illustrates an elevated view of the jewellery lock of figure 5, with alternative embodiments of the rotatable locking device (8a) and rotatable locking device with combined rotational and translational locking movement (8b):

[0131] Fig. 9a, b - illustrate a cross-sectional view of a jewellery lock with a release means placed in the second locking piece in the open state (9a) and closed state (9b),

[0132] Fig. 10 - illustrates a sideview of a jewellery lock in an open state, where the first locking piece housing is installed inside the first locking piece;

[0133] Fig. 11 - illustrates a jewellery lock with a spring-biased locking cam;

[0134] Fig. 12a, b, c - illustrate different stages of locking the jewellery lock of Fig. 11.

[0135] It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the claimed invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

[0136] In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used to indicate common parts, elements or features unless otherwise explicitly stated or implicitly understood by the context.

[0137] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0138] In the following, one or more specific embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, it is specifically intended that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein but includes modified forms of the embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation- specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system and / or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation of the invention to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for the skilled person having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0139] A piece of jewellery comprising a jewellery lock - figure 1

[0140] Fig. 1 shows a piece of jewellery 100 comprising a lock 1. The piece of jewellery 100 could for example be a necklace, a bracelet, or a watch. The lock 1 features a first locking piece 11 and a second locking piece 21. A first end of the jewellery 103 may be connected to the first locking piece 11 and a second end of the jewellery 104 may be connected to the second locking piece 21.

[0141] The first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 may be separate items. Alternatively, they could be contained in the first end of the jewellery 103 or second end of the jewellery 104. It is also possible to combine a separate first locking piece

[0142] 11 or a second locking piece 21 with a second end of the jewellery 104 or a first end of the jewellery 103 containing a second locking piece 21 or a first locking piece 11.

[0143] Further details of the jewellery lock are discussed below.

[0144] A jewellery lock with a linear locking device - figures 2, 3 and 4

[0145] As shown in figure 2, the jewellery lock 1 features two main parts: a first locking piece 11 and a second locking piece 21. Here the lock 1 is shown in an open state OS where the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 are disengaged and placed apart.

[0146] The first locking piece 11 features a first locking piece space 12. The first locking piece space 12 can be accessed through a first locking piece passage 17. Adjacent to the first locking piece passage 17 is the catch plate 19. The first locking piece space

[0147] 12 is enclosed by a first locking piece housing 18. The first locking piece housing 18 also comprises a release means 24. The first locking piece housing 18 can have an arbitrary shape that matches or complements the shape(s) of the piece of jewellery 100. Furthermore, the locking piece space 12 may be contained in the first end of the jewellery 103.

[0148] The second locking piece 21 features a second locking piece space 22. The second locking piece space 22 can be accessed through a second locking piece passage 27. The second locking piece space 22 is enclosed by a second locking piece housing 28. The second locking piece housing 28 can have an arbitrary shape that matches or complements the shape(s) of the piece of jewellery 100 and is usually of the same type, or complementary to the first locking piece housing 18. The second locking piece space 22 may alternatively be contained in the second end of the jewellery As shown in fig. 2, the second locking piece 21 features a spring 23 with a first end portion 23f and a compressible second end portion 23s. The first end portion 23f is secured to the second locking piece by a fastening means 25. The first end portion 23f is shaped to fit inside the second locking piece space 22 and to provide support to prevent or at least minimise movement or rotation of the spring 23.

[0149] The fastening means 25 may be a bolt, pin or screw and is fastened and / or removed by mechanical means such as a screwdriver, preferably without the use of heat. The spring 23 is partly arranged within the second locking piece space 22. The compressible second end portion 23s may comprise a catch part 23cp which extends outside the second locking piece space 22.

[0150] A locking device 30 is provided to avoid accidental release of the lock by pressing the release means 24 unintentionally. As shown in fig. 2, the locking device 30 features a locking means 31 and recesses 38 for engaging an arresting device 37. The arresting device 37 is connected to the second locking piece 21. Typically, it is connected to the second locking piece housing (28). The locking device 30 can be moved in a linear fashion toward the compressible second end portion 23s below the catch part 23cp to prevent depression of the catch part 23cp.

[0151] The locking device 30 may be provided with extensions (not shown) to the sides of the second locking piece housing 28, which extensions can travel in a slot or similar (not shown) when moving the locking device 30. Alternatively, the locking device 30 can extend past the fastening means 25 and outside the backend of the second locking piece housing 28, so that the locking device 30 is pulled or pushed into position.

[0152] Fig. 3 shows the lock 1 in a locked state LS. The catch part 23cp is engaged with the catch plate 19. Furthermore, the lock 1 is secured by the locking device 30 being positioned under the catch part 23 cp.

[0153] It is also shown in fig. 3 that the catch part 23cp is engaged with the catch plate 19 of the first locking piece 11. The release means 24, provided in the first locking piece 11, is used to depress (i.e. by a finger of a wearer) the catch part 23cp out of engagement with the catch plate 19 by compressing the compressible second end portion 23s. The release means 24 returns to the initial position after having been depressed to release the catch part 23 cp. The release means 24 may have an extra spring or be partly shaped as a spring. It is also possible that the release means 24 utilizes the spring forces of the compressible second end portion 23 s.

[0154] In order to be able to connect the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21, the first locking piece passage 17 and the second locking piece passage 27 have to be aligned. When they are aligned and arranged adjacent each other, the compressible second end portion 23s and the catch part 23cp extend through the first locking piece passage 17 and the catch part 23cp engages with the catch plate 19, thus connecting the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21.

[0155] To secure the lock 1 against unintentional opening, the locking device 30 is moved from an open position OP, where the locking means 31 is positioned outside the catch part 23 cp and the compressible second end portion 23s, to a locked position LP, where the locking means 31 is positioned at least partly inside the catch part 23cp and the compressible second end portion 23s. Fig. 2 shows the locking device in the open position OP. Here the locking device 30 is fully contained in the second locking piece 21. Fig. 3 shows the locking device 30 in the locked position LP.

[0156] To open the lock, first the locking device 30 is moved to an open position OP and then the release means 24 is pressed to release the catch part 23 cp to then separate the first locking piece 11 from the second locking piece 21.

[0157] In one aspect, the locking device 30 may be biased towards the locked position LP by using for example a spring-loaded locking sleeve 39 as shown in fig. 4a and 4b. Then the locking sleeve 39 needs to be pushed and held in the open position OP by manual action while connecting or dis-connecting the first locking piece 11 and second locking piece 21. For such a configuration, the lock 1 is automatically locked once the locking sleeve 39 has been released. When dis-joining the first locking piece 11 and second locking piece 21 the release means 24 needs to be pressed in addition to release the catch part 23 cp and separate the first locking piece 11 and second locking piece 21.

[0158] As disclosed in figures 2 and 3, the position of the locking device 30 is secured by an arresting device 37 that engages recesses 38. The arresting device 37 is usually a spring, or other durable elastic element, that is inserted into and or attached to the second locking piece 21. The locking device 30 is moved by one or more fingers of a human hand. Hence, the spring force of the arresting device 37 is adjusted accordingly. The arresting device 37 arrests the locking device 30 in the open position OP (shown in fig. 2) and the locked position LP (shown in fig. 3) and permits movement of the locking device 30 between both positions.

[0159] The locking device 30 may comprise a verification device to provide audible and or haptic feedback to the user of the lock 1. This is caused by the interaction of the arresting device 37 with the recesses 38 when the locking device 30 is moved between the open position OP and the closed position. In particular, the audible and or haptic feedback provided when moving the locking device 30 from the open position OP to the closed position CP signals to the user that lock 1 is properly secured.

[0160] The shape and spacing of the recesses 38 and the materials, dimensions and placement within the second locking piece 21 of the arresting device 37 are some of the parameters that can be varied to change or tune the audible and / or haptic feedback of locking device 30.

[0161] A jewellery lock with rotational locking device - figures 5 and 6

[0162] In the following section, a further embodiment of the lock 1 is presented. Only differences between this embodiment and the jewellery lock with a linear locking device is discussed. As shown in fig. 5, the first locking piece housing 18 and the second locking piece housing 28 are curved with a spherical, elliptical, or cylindrical shape. The first locking piece 11 is also provided with a locking device 30 while the second locking piece 21 comes without a locking device 30. The locking device 30 is usually supported by the first locking piece housing 18.

[0163] As shown in fig. 6a, the rotating means 33 of the locking device 30 provides the locking function for the catch part 23 cp and rotates in a normal plane to a centre axis Ca, where the centre axis Ca is normal to the first locking piece passage 17 and the second locking piece passage 27 and in the centre of the cross-section of the lock 1 in plane B-B.

[0164] Figures 6a and 6b show a rotating means 33 that is provided with locking means 31 that is formed like an internal catch of the rotating means 33. Rotating the rotating means 33 moves the locking means 31 from the open position OP (see fig. 6a), where the locking means 31 is positioned outside the catch part 23cp and the compressible second end portion 23s, to the closed position CP (fig. 6b) where the locking means 31 is positioned at least partly inside the catch part 23cp and the compressible second end portion 23s.

[0165] The position of the rotating means 33 is secured by an arresting device 37 that engages recesses 38. The rotating means 33 is rotated by one or more fingers of a human hand. Hence, the spring force of the arresting device 37 is adjusted accordingly. The arresting device 37 arrests the locking device 30 in the open position OP (shown in fig. 6a) and the locked position LP (shown in fig. 6b) and permits rotation of the rotating means 33 between both positions.

[0166] A jewellery lock with rotational and linear movement locking device - figure 7

[0167] In the following section, a further embodiment of the lock 1 is presented. Only differences between this embodiment and the jewellery lock with rotational locking device in figs. 5 and 6 is discussed.

[0168] As shown in fig. 7a, the rotating means 33 of the locking device 30 is connected to a locking frame 35 which features a locking means 31 with the help of connecting means 34. Locking frame 35 comprises the locking means 31. The rotation of the rotating means 33 about centre axis Ca translates into a translational movement of the locking frame 35 and the locking means 31. Thus, rotating the rotating means 33 moves the locking frame 35 with the locking means 31 from the open position OP (see fig. 7a), where the locking means 31 is positioned outside the catch part 23 cp and the compressible second end portion 23s, to the closed position CP (fig. 7b) where the locking means 31 is positioned at least partly inside the catch part 23 cp and the compressible second end portion 23s.

[0169] A jewellery lock with further locking devices - figure 8

[0170] It is now referred to figures 8a and 8b. In the following section, further embodiment of the lock 1 are presented. Only differences between these embodiments and the previous embodiments of the jewellery lock with rotational locking device in figs. 5 and 6 is discussed.

[0171] Figure 8a discloses a rotational locking device 30 where the rotating means 33 of the locking device 30 is cam shaped with a rotational axis being located at the proximal end, while the locking means 31 are located at the distal end of the camshaped rotating means 33. The arresting device 37 is lever shaped and is spring loaded to lock the arresting device 37 into recesses 38.

[0172] Fig 8b discloses a rotational and linear movement locking device 30 where the rotating means 33 and the locking frame 35 are positioned next to each other, thus reducing the height of the locking device 30.

[0173] Further embodiments of the jewellery lock - figures 9a, 9b and 10

[0174] In the following section, further embodiments of the lock 1 is presented. Only differences to the jewellery lock with a linear locking device (figures 2 to 4) are discussed.

[0175] As shown in fig. 9a and 9b, the second locking piece 21 comprises a release means 24. Also here, the release means 24 is used to depress (i.e. by a finger of a wearer) the catch part 23cp out of engagement with the catch plate 19 by compressing the compressible second end portion 23s. The release means 24 returns to the initial position after having been depressed to release the catch part 23 cp.

[0176] As shown in figure 9a, the lock 1 is further provided with a first guide surface 16 and a second guide surface 26. The first guide surface 16 and the second guide surface 26 can be either an inside of a bore or an outside of a casing. The cross- sectional shape of the first guide surface 16 and the second guide surface 26 is often circular but can also be elliptical or rectangular with sharp or rounded corners.

[0177] To connect the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21, the first locking guide surface 16 and the second guide surface 26 are configured to come into contact with each other, before the first locking piece passage 17 and the second locking piece passage 27 are aligned, see for example figure 9b. In figure 9a, the first guide surface 16 is the outside of a casing while the second guide surface 26 is the inside of a bore. In figure 10, the first guide surface 16 is the inside of a bore while the second guide surface 26 is the outside of a casing.

[0178] Also shown in figures 9a, 9b and 10 are that the first locking piece 11 and / or the second locking piece 21 contain the first locking piece housing 18 and / or the second locking piece housing 28. This means that all the items inside the first locking piece housing 18 and / or the second locking piece housing 28 may be preassembled, before installing and mechanically securing the first locking piece housing 18 and / or the second locking piece housing 28 inside the first locking piece 11 and / or the second locking piece 21. The second locking piece housing 28 may comprise the spring 23, the fastening means 25 and the locking device 30.

[0179] The shape and material of the outside of the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 may therefore be chosen from design or aesthetics considerations such as the look and feel of a material, while the mechanical components inside the first locking piece housing 18 and the second locking piece housing 28 may be optimized for reliability and longevity.

[0180] A jewellery lock with spring-biased locking cam- figures 11 and 12

[0181] In the following section, a further embodiment of the lock 1 is presented. Only differences to the jewellery lock with a linear locking device (figures 2 to 4) are discussed.

[0182] As shown in figure 11, the function of the spring 23 as shown in figures 1-10 is replaced by means of a combination of a spring-biased locking cam 41 and a release means spring 43. The spring-biased locking cam 41 comprises a spring-biased first end portion 41f and a spring-biased second end portion 41s. Adjacent to the spring- biased second end portion 41s is a spring-biased cam catch part 41cp. The spring- biased catch part 41cp is configured to engage with the catch plate 19.

[0183] Figure 11 shows, that the spring-biased first end portion 41f is secured to the second locking piece housing 28 by a fastening means 44. The spring-biased locking cam 41 rotates about the fastening means 44. The release means 24, operates the spring- biased locking cam 41 thereby compressing the release means spring 43. In the embodiment shown in figure 11, the spring-biased cam catch part 41cp is released when the release means 24 is pulled out from the second locking piece housing 28. If the release means 24 is installed on the opposite side of the second locking piece housing 28, the release of the spring-biased cam catch part 41cp would be done by depressing the release means 24 and compressing the release means spring 43.

[0184] Also shown in figure 11 is that the locking device 30 comprises a locking means 31 which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part 41cp to maintain the catch part 41cp in engagement with the catch plate 19, and away from the catch part 41cp to allow the catch part 41cp to come out of the engagement with the catch plate 19. In figure 11, the locking means 31 are biased towards the catch part 41cp and the locked position LP by a locking means spring 32.

[0185] Figures 12a, b and c show how to lock the jewellery lock 1 with spring-biased locking cam 41. In figure 12a, the jewellery lock 1 is in the open state OS in which the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 are disengaged.

[0186] Figure 12c shows the jewellery lock 1 in the locked state LS where the spring- biased cam catch part 41cp is engaged with the catch plate 19, and the spring-biased cam catch part 41cp is secured to the catch plate 19 by the locking device 30. The spring-biased second end portion 41s and the spring-biased cam catch part 41cp extend through the first locking piece passage 17 when the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 are connected.

[0187] In figures 12a and 12c, the release means spring 43 is un-compressed and fully extended.

[0188] Figure 12b shows the transition between the open state OS and the locked sate LS. The spring biased locking cam 41 is rotated about the fastening means 44 to allow the first locking piece 11 to enter the second locking piece 21. Release means 24 is released to operate the spring-biased locking cam 41 and at the same time compressing the release means spring 43.

[0189] Assembly and installation of the jewellery lock - all figures

[0190] The first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 can be connected by any of the joining methods used by jewellers. The selection of the joining method depends on the materials used in the piece of jewellery 100 and the first locking piece housing 18 and second locking piece housing 28. If the materials are heat resistant, they could be for example soldered or brazed. Otherwise, they could be connected by bolts or rivets or sewing. Hence, materials can be selected due to aesthetic criteria or performance and durability rather than the requirements of a particular joining method such as soldering.

[0191] The fastening means 25 is fastened and / or removed by mechanical means and can therefore be removed if or when the spring 23 is damaged. This can be done without the need to remove other components of the lock 1. Also, the material of the fastening means 25 is selectable and may for example be chosen from a material of lower strength such that, if the piece of jewellery is accidentally overloaded, the fastening means 25 breaks rather than the piece of jewellery 100. As the spring 23 is attached by mechanical means, the spring 23 can be optimised for its elastic properties without having to consider the effect of heat from for example a soldering process. Thus, heat sensitive materials can be used or materials that are not weldable or solderable.

[0192] Furthermore, the components of the locking device 30, including rotating means 33, are mechanical parts that are installed inside the first locking piece housing 18 and the second locking piece housing 28. This is all done without the need for soldering or hot work. Therefore, the lock 1 facilitates maintenance and repair over the lifetime of the piece of jewellery 100.

[0193] The jewellery lock 1 with spring-biased locking cam 41 as shown in figures 11 and 12, comprises a spring-biased locking cam 41, a release means spring 43 and fastening means 44 as well as a locking means 31 and a locking means spring 32. These components are also fastened by mechanical means.

[0194] As an alternative, the first locking piece housing 18 and the second locking piece housing 28 are installed inside the first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 and are mechanically fastened by for example a pin or screw or by gluing or other suitable methods.

[0195] The components inside the second locking piece housing 28 may be preassembled, including spring 23, fastening means 25 and locking device 30. In some cases, the release means 24 may be installed after the second locking piece housing 28 has been secured inside the second locking piece 21.

[0196] This allows for greater flexibility in choosing materials and shapes. The first locking piece 11 and the second locking piece 21 could be made of gold, natural stones or even soft materials or fabric, while the first locking piece housing 18 and the second locking piece housing 28 are made of brass, bronze og metal while the spring 23 is made of spring steel or similar.

[0197] In the preceding description, various aspects of the apparatus and method according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the apparatus and method, which are apparent to person skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject-matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0198] 1 - jewellery lock

[0199] 11 - first locking piece

[0200] 12 - first locking piece space

[0201] 16 -first guide surface

[0202] 17 - first locking piece passage

[0203] 18 - first locking piece housing

[0204] 19 - catch plate

[0205] 21 - second locking piece

[0206] 22 - second locking piece space

[0207] 23 - spring

[0208] 23 cp - catch part of the spring

[0209] 23f - first end portion

[0210] 23 s -compressible second end portion

[0211] 24 - release means

[0212] 25 - fastening means

[0213] 26 - second guide surface

[0214] 27 - second locking piece passage

[0215] 28 - second locking piece housing

[0216] 30 - locking device

[0217] 31 - locking means

[0218] 32 - locking means spring

[0219] 33 - rotating means

[0220] 34 - connecting means

[0221] 35 - locking frame

[0222] 37 - arresting device

[0223] 38 - recesses for engaging the arresting device

[0224] 39 - locking sleeve

[0225] 41 - spring-biased locking cam 41cp - spring-biased cam catch part 4 If - spring-biased first end portion 41s - spring-biased second end portion

[0226] 43 - release means spring

[0227] 44 - fastening means

[0228] 100 - piece of jewellery

[0229] 103 - first end of the jewellery

[0230] 104 - second end of the jewellery

[0231] A- A - plane

[0232] B-B - plane

[0233] Ca - centre axis

[0234] CP - closed position

[0235] LP - locked position

[0236] LS - locked state

[0237] OP - open position

[0238] OS - open state

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jewellery lock (1), wherein the jewellery lock (1) comprises:- a first locking piece (11) comprising:- a first locking piece space (12) contained within a first locking piece housing(18),- a first locking piece passage (17) within the first locking piece housing (18) for accessing the first locking piece space (12), and- a catch plate (19) adjacent to the first locking piece passage (17) and forming part of the first locking piece housing (18);- a second locking piece (21) comprising:- a second locking piece space (22) contained within a second locking piece housing (28),- a second locking piece passage (27) within the second locking piece housing(28) for accessing the second locking piece space (22),- a spring (23; 41, 43) being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space (22), and wherein the spring (23; 41, 43) comprise a first end portion (23f; 4 If), wherein the first end portion (23f; 4 If) is secured to the second locking piece (21) by a fastening means (25; 44), wherein the spring (23; 41, 43) comprises a compressible or spring-biased second end portion (23s; 41s) comprising a catch part (23cp; 41cp), wherein the catch part (23 cp; 41cp) is configured to engage with the catch plate(19);- a release means (24) configured to depress or release the catch part (23 cp; 41cp) out of engagement with the catch plate (19);- a locking device (30) comprising a locking means (31) which is configured to be moveable towards the catch part (23cp; 41cp) to maintain the catch part (23cp; 41cp) in engagement with the catch plate (19), and away from the catch part (23cp; 41cp) to allow the catch part (23cp; 41cp) to come out of the engagement with the catch plate (19);- wherein the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage (17) is aligned with the second locking piece passage (27);- wherein the compressible or spring-biased second end portion (23s; 41s) and the catch part (23 cp; 41cp) extend through the first locking piece passage (17) when the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connected; and- wherein the lock (1) is configured to be in the following states:- an open state (OS) in which the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are disengaged,- a locked state (LS) where the catch part (23 cp; 41cp) is engaged with the catch plate (19), and the catch part (23cp; 41cp) is secured to the catch plate (19) by the locking device (30).

2. The lock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (30) is moveable between:- a locked position (LP) where the locking means (31) is positioned at least partly inside the catch part (23cp) and the compressible second end portion (23s); and- an open position (OP) where the locking means (31) is positioned outside the catch part (23 cp) and the compressible second end portion (23s).

3. The lock (1) according to claim 2, wherein the locking device (30) is biased towards the locked position (LP).

4. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (30) is provided with an arresting device (37) and a recess (38) for engaging the arresting device (37), and wherein the arresting device (37) is configured to arrest linear or rotational movement of the locking device (30).

5. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (30) comprises a verification device, wherein the verification device is configured to provide an audible or haptic feedback to an operator when the locking device (30) is moved into the locked position (LP).

6. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (30) is configured to move linearly between the open position (OP) and the locked position (LP), wherein, in the locked position (LP), the locking means (31) is inside the first locking piece space (12).

7. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (30) comprises a rotating means (33), wherein the locking means (31) is connected to the rotating means (33), and wherein the rotating means (33) is configured to rotate between the open position (OP) and the locked position (LP),8. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (23) is made from a different material than a material used for the first locking piece housing (18) and / or the second locking piece housing (28).

9. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (25) is configured to be removeable and replaceable without the use of heat or hot work.

10. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (30) is configured to be removeable attached to the first locking piece housing (18) and / or the second locking piece housing (28).I L A piece of jewellery (100), wherein the piece of jewellery (100) comprises a jewellery lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The piece of jewellery (100) according to claim 11, wherein a first end of the piece of jewellery (103) is connectable to the first locking piece (11) and a second end of the piece of jewellery (104) is connectable to the second locking piece (21).

13. The piece of jewellery (100) according to claim 11, wherein the first locking piece (11) is contained in the first end of the piece ofjewellery (103) and the second locking piece (21) is contained in the second end of the piece of jewellery (104).

14. The piece of jewellery (100) according to claim 11, wherein the first locking piece (11) is contained in the first end of the piece of jewellery (103) or the second locking piece (21) is contained in the second end of the piece of jewellery (104).

15. A method of locking and unlocking a jewellery lock (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method of locking the lock (1) comprises the following steps, in the given order:- aligning the first locking piece passage (17) with the second locking piece passage (27),- extending the compressible second end portion (23s) and the catch part (23 cp) through the first locking piece passage (17) to allow the catch part (23 cp) to come into engagement with the catch plate (19),- moving the locking device (30) to the locked position (LP), wherein the locked state (LS) of the lock (1) is achieved, and the method of unlocking the lock (1) comprises the following steps, in the given order:- moving the locking device (30) to the open position (OP),- pressing the release means (24) to allow the catch part (23cp) to come out of the engagement with the catch plate (19),- separating the first locking piece (11) from the second locking piece (21), wherein the open state (OS) of the lock (1) is achieved.

16. A jewellery lock (1), wherein the jewellery lock (1) comprises:- a first locking piece (11) comprising:- a first locking piece space (12) contained within a first locking piece housing(18),- a first locking piece passage (17) within the first locking piece housing (18) for accessing the first locking piece space (12), and- a catch plate (19) adjacent to the first locking piece passage (17) and forming part of the first locking piece housing (18);- a second locking piece (21) comprising:- a second locking piece space (22) contained within a second locking piece housing (28),- a second locking piece passage (27) within the second locking piece housing(28) for accessing the second locking piece space (22),- a spring-biased locking cam (41) being configured to be at least partially arranged within the second locking piece space (22), and wherein the spring-biased locking cam (41) is rotatably secured to the second locking piece (21) by a fastening means (44), wherein the spring-biased locking cam (41) comprises a spring-biased first end portion (4 If), wherein the spring-biased locking cam (41) comprises a spring-biased second end portion (41s) comprising a spring-biased cam catch part (41cp), wherein the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) is configured to engage with the catch plate (19);- a release means (24) comprising a release means spring (43);- wherein the release means (24) is configured to compress the release means spring(43) to release the spring-biased catch part (41cp) out of engagement with the catch plate (19);- a locking device (30) comprising a locking means (31) which is configured to be moveable towards the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) to maintain the spring- biased cam catch part (41cp) in engagement with the catch plate (19), and away from the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) to allow the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) to come out of the engagement with the catch plate (19);- wherein the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connectable to each other when the first locking piece passage (17) is aligned with the second locking piece passage (27);- wherein the spring-biased second end portion (41s) and the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) extend through the first locking piece passage (17) when the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are connected; and- wherein the lock (1) is configured to be in the following states:- an open state (OS) in which the first locking piece (11) and the second locking piece (21) are disengaged,- a locked state (LS) where the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) is engaged with the catch plate (19), and the spring-biased cam catch part (41cp) is secured to the catch plate (19) by the locking device (30).

17. The lock (1) according to claim 16, wherein the locking device (30) is moveable between:- a locked position (LP) where the locking means (31) is positioned at least partly inside the spring-biased first end portion (4 If); and- an open position (OP) where the locking means (31) is positioned outside the spring-biased first end portion (4 If).

18. The lock (1) according to claim 17, wherein the locking device (30) is biased towards the locked position (LP).

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