Ornament

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an ornament which appears at first glance to be typical jewelry, but which is able to present a message with reflected light when light is shone on the jewelry, and which is capable of conveying a sentiment via the message. [Solution] The present invention is an ornament comprising a plurality of reflective bodies that reflect light and a base for mounting the reflective bodies, wherein the reflective bodies are attached to the base so as to achieve reflection angles for reflecting light from a light source to respective prescribed positions.

Description

decorative items

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative item, and more particularly to a technology for a decorative item that utilizes the reflection of light from a light source to convey a fantastic message of light to the recipient.

[0002] As a trend in society, it has become common to give accessories made of precious metals and gemstones as gifts to express gratitude or special feelings on special occasions such as anniversaries. This is because beautiful, sparkling items are especially popular among women, and are often used to express feelings on occasions such as birthdays, engagements, and weddings. Another major reason for this is that accessories made of metals and gemstones are less likely to deteriorate, and can be kept as a keepsake for a long time.

[0003] When giving a gift, adding a message to the giver or expressing your feelings in words can make a stronger impression and be a surprise that delights the recipient. However, words often fade into memory and are forgotten. On the other hand, it is common for engagement rings and wedding rings to have names, initials, or special dates engraved on the inside of the ring so that they do not fade away. However, it would be ideal if there was a technological means to convey the feelings that cannot be fully engraved on a ring, etc., with a surprise effect.

[0004] Furthermore, relationships between people are not always good times, and sometimes differences in personality or misunderstandings can cause feelings to drift apart, making it impossible to repair the relationship and resulting in unfortunate outcomes such as divorce or breakups. In recent years, with the divorce rate on the rise, there is a demand for a way to recreate the vows and messages exchanged at the time of engagement or marriage over and over again, even after time has passed, in order to remember the feelings of the couple.

[0005] In light of this situation, various technical proposals have been made in the past. The title of the invention is "Light-emitting Jewelry," the problem to be solved is "To provide light-emitting jewelry," and the specific solution is "The light-emitting jewelry includes a gemstone, a head portion, and a mounting portion. The head portion is configured to interconnect the gemstone with the mounting portion. The mounting portion is arranged to secure the light-emitting jewelry to a person or personal accessory." However, these proposals differ in that they employ a configuration in which a light source is provided in the gemstone itself to emit light, rather than utilizing reflected light as in the present invention.

[0006] The invention is titled "Light Art Jewelry," and the problem to be solved is "to enable a gem material to change color when irradiated with light, thereby adding the added value of shining light spontaneously to the jewelry." The specific solution is described as "a jewelry comprising colored, transparent gem material and colorless, transparent gem material, and a fluorescent lamp device that effectively radiates near-ultraviolet rays so that the gem material can emit a color different from its primary color by irradiating near-ultraviolet rays onto the gem material, or the colorless, transparent gem material can emit a colored light. The gem material is diamonds or pink sapphires arranged in a mosaic on an accessory base made of precious metal such as 18k gold, white gold, or platinum, having an outer shape such as a heart, clover, spade, or star." However, this technology also uses a near-ultraviolet lamp as a light source, which differs in configuration from the present invention, which does not require such a special light source.

[0007] The title of the invention is "A special effect of natural fluorescent diamonds that emits the transparent brilliance of diamonds under natural light and a blue-purple glow under ultraviolet light, and the transparent brilliance of diamonds under natural light and a blue-purple glow under ultraviolet light," and the intended purpose is "to provide a natural fluorescent diamond ornament that emits different colored brilliance and secret type letters and figures." The specific solution is as follows: "The natural fluorescent diamond ornament comprises an ornament setting, a plurality of natural fluorescent diamonds set and positioned on the ornament setting, and a plurality of natural non-fluorescent diamonds set and positioned on the ornament setting. Each of the natural fluorescent diamonds and the natural non-fluorescent diamonds has a polyhedral shape and is a light-transmitting body with refractive properties. With the above-mentioned configuration, when the ornament is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the natural fluorescent diamonds set and positioned on the ornament setting emit a blue-purple light, which is clearly different from the light emitted by the plurality of natural non-fluorescent diamonds set and positioned on top of it." This technology is common to the present invention in that it creates predetermined letters. However, the said invention differs in that it involves irradiating natural fluorescent diamonds and natural non-fluorescent diamonds with ultraviolet light, respectively, and by arranging the natural fluorescent diamonds, which emit a blue-purple light due to the difference in the properties of natural fluorescent diamonds and natural non-fluorescent diamonds, a predetermined design appears in the natural fluorescent diamonds, whereas the present invention employs a configuration in which letters and the like are made to stand out by irradiating light that is reflected by adjusting the angle.

[0008] JP 2017-144243, Jitto 3109499, Jitto 3172937

[0009] To provide an accessory that looks like ordinary jewelry at first glance, but when light is shone on the jewelry, it is possible to produce a message by the reflected light, and it is possible to convey thoughts by such a production.

[0010] The present invention is an ornament comprising a plurality of reflectors that reflect light and a base on which the reflectors are attached, and employs a configuration in which the reflectors are fastened to the base so as to form reflection angles that reflect light from a light source to respective predetermined positions.

[0011] The present invention may also employ a configuration in which the reflector is made of diamond.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention may employ a configuration in which the reflector is made of either a natural stone or an artificial stone, or a combination thereof.

[0013] The present invention may also employ a configuration in which a plurality of different characters or figures are drawn by changing the angle of incidence of light from a light source irradiating the reflector,

[0014] In the present invention, it is also preferable to employ a configuration in which a mirror-finished metal or a mirror is used as the reflector.

[0015] The decorative item according to the present invention has the excellent effect of conveying a message through effective lighting effects simply by shining light onto the reflector at a specific angle.

[0016] Furthermore, the decorative item according to the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to reproduce the message repeatedly by simply shining light from a specific angle.

[0017] Furthermore, the decorative item according to the present invention is made of metal, ore, or the like, and therefore has the excellent effect of not deteriorating like a paper message card.

[0018] Furthermore, the decorative item according to the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to convey multiple messages by changing the angle at which the light is shone.

[0019] Furthermore, the decorative item according to the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to create a variety of effects by varying the intensity and color of the reflected light.

[0020] Furthermore, the decorative item according to the present invention has the excellent effect of being usable as a normal decorative item without any difference, since the hidden message cannot be recognized when the light is not reflected.

[0021] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the basic configuration of a decorative tool according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a message is displayed on the decorative tool according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the decorative tool according to the present invention is used; and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another state in which the decorative tool according to the present invention is used.

[0022] The present invention is an ornament comprising a plurality of reflectors 10 that reflect light and a base 20 for mounting the reflectors 10, and its greatest feature is that the reflectors 10 are fixed to the base 20 at a reflection angle H that reflects light L from a light source K to a predetermined position. The following description will be given based on the drawings. However, the shape and configuration are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and modifications can be made within the scope of the effects that can be achieved as a creation of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the basic configuration of a decorative device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1(a) is a front view, FIG. 1(b) is a side view, FIG. 1(c) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an irradiation state in which light L from a light source K is reflected by a reflector 10 and the reflected light R is irradiated at a predetermined position, FIG. 1(d) shows an example of an arrangement configuration as a general decorative device, and FIG. 1(e) shows an irradiation state when A1 to A5 in FIG. 1(d) are reflected at adjusted angles.

[0024] The decorative device 1 is an ornament comprising a plurality of reflectors 10 that reflect light L and a base 20 for mounting the reflectors 10, and the reflectors 10 are basically attached to the base 20 at reflection angles that reflect the light L from the light source K to predetermined positions. Each component will be described below.

[0025] The reflector 10 can display a message by reflecting light L from a light source K. In the case of jewels, the reflector 10 utilizes the reflected light R by shining light on the table T (flat surface) of the top (crown), and in the case of precious metals, the reflector 10 utilizes the reflected light R due to their luster.

[0026] Light source K is a general term for any object that emits light L, and includes a wide variety of things, from the sun and living things such as fireflies to candles, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, and laser emitters. However, light sources usually refer to artificially created objects, and can be broadly classified according to the principle phenomenon of light emission: thermal radiation, which occurs when an object is heated to a high temperature, and luminescence, which occurs when the energy state of atoms or molecules changes, regardless of heat or temperature. Each phenomenon can be further classified. For example, high-pressure sodium lamps are a type of high-pressure discharge lamp, but their light emission principle is based on luminescence called discharge light emission (electroluminescence), while the light from an incandescent light bulb is a type of incandescent light emission based on thermal radiation.

[0027] Diamond 11 is a mineral composed solely of carbon, a type of carbon allotrope. It is the hardest naturally occurring substance, generally colorless and transparent, and has a beautiful luster. Diamond 11 can be obtained by mining ("natural diamond") or synthetically ("synthetic diamond"). Diamond 11 crystals are isometric, with many octahedral or dodecahedral shapes, and are formed in the extremely high-temperature, high-pressure environment of the Earth's interior. In this invention, light L from light source K is directed at the crown portion, and the reflected light R from the surface of table T is primarily used as reflector 10 to display a message.

[0028] The brightness of diamond 11 is based on two sources of light: light reflected from the surface of diamond 11 and light that enters the diamond 11, reflects back inside, and then exits. This invention utilizes the intense luster of light reflected from the surface (diamond luster). Meanwhile, the light of typical gemstones is called glass luster. When light is shone perpendicularly on the surface of a diamond, 17% of the light is reflected, compared with approximately 4% for glass. Diamonds have a strong luster due to their "high refractive index" and "excellent polishability." Light that enters the diamond is reflected by the lower slope, reflected again by the opposite slope, and then exits from the top. If the lower portion is shallow, the light will escape through the bottom without any reflections; conversely, if the lower portion is deep, the light will be reflected once and exit from the opposite slope. In either case, light leaks out, reducing brightness. Therefore, to maximize light reflection, the lower triangle must be an appropriate depth.

[0029] The refractive index of diamond 11 is 2.419, which is higher than other gemstones, and it can be said that this high refractive index is related to the scintillation (sparkle) of diamond 11. Furthermore, the angle at which all light from diamond 11 is reflected is called the critical angle, and the higher the refractive index, the smaller the critical angle becomes. The critical angle of diamond is approximately 25 degrees. Because the critical angle is small, the area over which light is reflected is wide, resulting in a stronger sparkle.

[0030] Natural stone 12 is originally a vague general term for minerals and rocks other than those artificially synthesized, and has no scientific definition. While literally, even roadside stones and asbestos can be considered natural stones, in this invention, it refers to those that can be used for decorative purposes and have commercial value. Natural stones are often called "power stones," and are sometimes sold commercially at prices that are out of proportion to their original cost, with explanations of their definitions and mysterious effects attached. However, this invention does not exclude these stones as long as they function as reflectors 10. Furthermore, natural stone 12 also includes stones sold as natural stones 12 that have been enhanced by heat or radiation treatment, those that have been subjected to vapor deposition treatments like Aqua Aura, or those that have been directly colored with pigments.

[0031] In particular, the appearance of reflected light varies depending on the surface properties and refractive index of the mineral. Luster can be broadly divided into metallic luster and other luster types. Metallic luster is opaque and highly reflective. Examples of materials with a strong metallic luster include native gold, native silver, bornite, wireworm, and chalcopyrite. Other luster types include highly transparent vitreous luster, diamond luster, pearl luster, fatty luster, resinous luster, and gold luster. Metals with a strong luster can be used to directly reflect light. Examples include the vitreous luster of quartz, feldspar, and fluorite; the diamond luster of diamond, sphalerite, rutile, tin, and scheelite; the pearl luster of muscovite, apophyllite, and heulandite; the fatty luster of serpentine, chalcedony, and realgar; the resinous luster of amber, sulfur, talc, pyromorphite, acrostagne, and xenotime; and the gold luster of glaucophane, artignite, hydrozincite, and asbestos. These exemplified minerals are considered to fully function as the reflector 10 of the present invention. In particular, zircon and lemantoid garnet have a high reflective luster and a high refractive index second only to diamond, and are therefore suitable for use as the reflector 10 according to the present invention.

[0032] Artificial stones 13 refer to synthetic stones, man-made stones, imitation stones, etc. Synthetic stones have almost or exactly the same chemical and physical properties as natural gemstones. Therefore, their specific gravity and refractive index are almost or exactly the same, so much so that it is said to be impossible to distinguish them from synthetic diamonds. Synthetic stones also have industrial uses. If we consider synthetic stones as decorative, there is the so-called "sapphire glass" that covers the dials of luxury watches. However, this is not glass, but synthetic sapphire, which is more labor-intensive than glass. In other words, it is an artificially produced synthetic sapphire that is hard and scratch-resistant.

[0033] Furthermore, artificial stones are stones that do not exist in nature and are created by humans. Therefore, the names of the stones are often similar to chemical symbols, and cubic zirconia (CZ) is a well-known example of this type of jewelry. Cubic zirconia, which looks very similar to diamond, is known as a diamond simulant. Its refractive index is 2.15, which is higher than that of diamond, and it is also hard. Cubic zirconia also has the characteristic of scattering more rainbow-colored light than diamond. Because it is more affordable than diamond, it has recently become popular as an accessory. Therefore, it is suitable for use as the reflector 10 of the present invention.

[0034] Imitation stones are stones made of glass or plastic, and well-known examples include Swarovski and cotton pearls. These have a low surface reflectance of 4% or less, so they may not function adequately as the reflector 10 of the present invention. However, they can sometimes be expressed even with a small amount of light, so they are not intentionally excluded.

[0035] The base 20 is a base for fixing the reflector 10, and is the base for an ornament such as the head of a ring or necklace, or a brooch, and is provided with a stone setting. Note that the stone setting is not limited to a configuration such as one that holds the stone in place with a claw or one that covers the periphery of the gemstone, and any means necessary for fixing the gemstone or the like as the reflector 10 may be used.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1(f), the angle of incidence N is the angle formed between a line drawn perpendicular to the surface of a table or the like where light L incident on reflector 10 is reflected by reflector 10, and the incident light L. Specifically, it is the angle at which light L from light source K is directed at a predetermined position on reflector 10 to make the message stand out. Basically, the reflected light R is utilized when light is directed approximately perpendicularly to the flat cut portion or glossy metallic surface that makes up table T of the crown portion, but if it is perpendicular, the reflected light R will be irradiated onto light source K or the like, so a slight angle of incidence N is given so that the reflected light R is projected onto a wall or the like.

[0037] The reflection angle H is the angle of reflected light R that is reflected at an angle of incidence N when light L from a light source K is shone on the reflector 10 to make the message stand out, specifically, the light reflected by the reflector 10 is called reflected light, and like the angle of incidence, the angle formed between the reflected light R and a line perpendicular to the reflector 10 is called the reflection angle H. Basically, the reflected light R is used when light is shone at an angle of incidence N on the flat cut portion or glossy metallic surface that makes up the table T of the crown portion, but if it is perpendicular, it will be irradiated onto the light source K, etc., so a slight angle of incidence N is given so that the reflected light R is projected onto a wall, etc.

[0038] The light L is emitted from a light source K and directed onto the reflector 10 to highlight the message.

[0039] Reflected light R is light L from a light source K reflected by a reflector 10, and is 17% of the light reflected from the surface if the reflector 10 is a diamond 11, 4% if the reflector 10 is glass, and approximately 90% to 95% of the light reflected if the reflector 10 is a mirror or metal.

[0040] Positions A1 to A5 indicate the positions of the reflectors 10 that reflect light from the light source K, where predetermined reflectors 10 are arranged to reflect light L to specific positions. As shown in Figures 1(d) and 1(e), reflector 10A reflects light to position P1, reflector 10b reflects light to position P2, reflector 10c reflects light to position P3, reflector 10d reflects light to position P4, and reflector 10e reflects light to position P5, and the angles are adjusted to represent the letter "L," and the reflected light R is irradiated to form the letter "L." The other reflectors 10 reflect light in different directions, so as not to interfere with the projection of the letter "L."

[0041] The irradiated positions P1 to P5 are positions where light from the light source K is irradiated at an angle adjusted by the reflector 10, with P1 corresponding to reflector 10a, P2 corresponding to reflector 10b, P3 corresponding to reflector 10c, P4 corresponding to reflector 10d, and P5 corresponding to reflector 10, and reflected light R is irradiated from each reflector 10 to a predetermined position.

[0042] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the state in which a decorative item according to the present invention is in use and displays a message. FIG. 2A shows the state in which reflected light R is emitted to create the word "LOVE" by adjusting light L from light source K to a predetermined angle of incidence N and reflection H, and FIG. 2B shows the state in which reflected light R is emitted to display the word "FOREVR" by adjusting it to another predetermined angle from light source K.

[0043] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the use of a decorative device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the decorative device 1 according to the present invention is used as a normal decorative item when not illuminated, and its arrangement is such that the hidden message cannot be recognized visually.

[0044] 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another application state of the decorative item according to the present invention. For example, in the case of a table clock decorated with reflectors 10 arranged in a ring around the outside of the dial when no light is irradiated, the light L from the light source K is adjusted to a predetermined angle of incidence N and reflection H, thereby creating the word "I love you" in a completely different way from the ring-shaped arrangement.

[0045] The decorative item according to the present invention can be given as a gift on anniversaries or other special occasions, and can send a message using light effects. The message can be viewed repeatedly, which is expected to meet the demand of many people who want to make someone happy on special occasions, and is therefore considered to have great industrial applicability.

[0046] 1 Accessory 10 Reflector 11 Diamond 12 Natural stone 13 Artificial stone 20 Base A1 to A5 Position of arrangement P1 to P5 Irradiated position N Incident angle L Light K Light source H Reflection angle R Reflected light

Claims

1. An ornament (1) comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) that reflect light and a base (20) provided with stone settings for attaching each of the reflectors (10), wherein the plurality of reflectors (10) are fastened to the stone settings of the base (20) so as to project a message of letters or figures by reflecting light (R) at a reflection angle (H) that reflects light (L) from a light source (K) placed at a position with a predetermined incident angle (N) to a specific position.

2. The decorative element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector (10) is a diamond (11), and the reflected light (R) is produced by shining the light (L) from the light source (K) onto the crown portion and reflecting it from the surface of the table (T).

3. The decorative item (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector (10) is either a natural stone (12) or an artificial stone (13), or a combination thereof, and the reflected light (R) is the result of reflection of the light (L) from the light source (K) from the gloss of the surface.

4. The decorative device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that by changing the angle of incidence (N) of light (L) from the light source (K) irradiating the reflector (10), a plurality of other reflectors (10) project different characters or different figures by means of reflected light (R) reflected at a reflection angle (H) corresponding to the changed angle of incidence (N).

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