Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or necklace
Field
The present invention relates jewellery, especially charm jewellery,
and specifically to an ornamental component for a bracelet or a necklace, to a
bracelet or a necklace comprising such an ornamental component and to a
set of parts for and a method of manufacturing an ornamental component.
Background
Jewellery, such as necklaces and bracelets, often consists of a plu-
rality of freely movable ornamental components, e.g. beads or charms, strung
on an elongated member, e.g. a chain, wire, or string.
A widely used type of jewellery in later years is the so-called charm
bracelet, which involves a consumer initially buying an elongated member
(typically a bracelet chain) and later expands his or her collection of
different
charms, which can then be assembled in many different ways to produce a
special or individualized bracelet. A very large amount of differently
designed
ornamental components or charms are available on the market.
To prevent the freely movable ornamental components from grouping
together at the bottom of the necklace or bracelet or to group the freely mov-
able beads in certain areas of the elongated member, an ornamental compo-
nent provided with a stopping mechanism configured to grip the necklace or
bracelet may be used. The ornamental component can be fixed or attached to
the elongated member in one or more positions along the elongated member
and has such dimensions that the freely movable charms are not able to
move past the component. A variety of such ornamental components have
been suggested in the prior art.
The Applicant markets an extremely popular charm bracelet type
which has been patented in Applicant's US 7,007,507. In this patented brace-
let an elongated member (the jewellery chain) comprises threaded bands,
which are known as "stoppers". The bands or stoppers are fixed to the elon-
gated member and are configured to interact with an ornamental component
to removably attach said component to the band. The band may comprise
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external threads interacting with internal threads of the ornamental compo-
nent. The ornamental component may be a clip type charm with two parts
hinged to each other. Since the band or stopper is fixed to the elongated
member, it is not possible to freely adjust the position of the ornamental com-
ponent along the elongated member.
The charm jewellery industry has tried to develop satisfactory alter-
native solutions, which do not need the provision of a band or stopper fixed
to
the elongated member to attach charms to the elongated member. On exam-
ple is disclosed in Applicant's WO 20014/121798, which related to an orna-
mental component with an insert assembly comprising a tubular element and
a gripping element, the insert assembly being inserted into a housing with an
ornamental surface. The gripping element is provided to surround the tubular
element, and gripping portions of the gripping element extending through
holes of the tubular element to frictionally engage an elongated member. The
ornamental component of WO 20014/121798 is one successful example of a
type of charm where a member of a friction-enchancing material is positioned
inside the charm to hold the charm on an elongated member without bands or
stoppers.
However, since millions of bracelet chains with bands or stoppers
fixed thereto have been sold to consumers all over the world in later years
and are still in use, the charm jewellery industry has long desired to develop
charms that can be used with elongated members both with and without
bands/stoppers. Such charms could be sold to fit both types of elongated
members and thus would have huge market potential. However, with the cur-
rent prior art charms comprising interior members of friction-enchancing ma-
terial, these interior members are destroyed during use either immediately or
over time due to wear since the edges of the bands or stoppers cut into these
members. Thus, in prior art attempts to create ornamental components, which
can be attached to an elongated member without the use of "stoppers", the
friction-enhancing material on the inside of the ornamental component would
either not be able to pass by a stopper or would be destroyed when attempt-
ing to do so, or the charm could not be attached sufficiently strongly to the
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elongated member. In some of these ornamental components the friction-
enhancing material is also visible when the ornamental component is posi-
tioned on the elongated member, which is disadvantageous to the visual aes-
thetics of the assembled jewellery item.
US 2003/0154742 discloses an ornamental component produced
with an elastic body within an inside cavity configured to provide a
frictional
force on an elongated member.
US 2002/0148250 discloses an ornamental component in which a
flexible tube is positioned inside an ornamental shell in alignment with the
holes of the shell, the tube having a length that is as great as or greater
than
the spacing of the holes, an outside diameter that is larger than the diameter
of the holes and an inside diameter that is slightly smaller than the maximum
cross-sectional dimension of a chain so that the tube resiliently engages the
elongated member to adjustably fix the position of the ornamental shell along
the chain. This type of ornamental component can thus be adjusted to as-
sume a fixed position potentially anywhere along the length of the elongated
member, the tube providing a suitable friction with regards to the chain to al-
low the ornamental component to be moved by hand along the elongated
member, but also to remain in position to provide a stop for the freely mov-
able beads. Providing the tube inside the ornamental shell is a challenge and
it is difficult to control the amount of friction in the ornamental component,
es-
pecially since it may be necessary to apply a rather complicated method, e.g.
using thermal deformation, to produce the ornamental component and precise
positioning of the tube may be difficult. During manufacture using thermal de-
formation the characteristics of the tube may be affected, which may again
influence optimal functioning of the ornamental component.
WO 2006/1 251 55 discloses an ornamental component, which uses a
friction enhancing material positioned to abut the elongated member to
achieve adjustable fixation of the ornamental component along the strand.
The friction enhancing material, such as silicone rubber, covers all or a por-
tion of the inside dimensions of an ornamental ring. The material is bonded or
moulded onto the interior surface of the ring.
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On this background it is the object of the present invention to improve
manufacture and functionality of ornamental components for adjustable fixa-
tion to an elongated member.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect, the invention involves an ornamental
component for a bracelet and/or necklace as defined in claim 1.
An ornamental component according to the invention may take the
form of any component that can be strung on a bracelet and/or necklace for
ornamental purposes, such as a bead or charm. It may also include a clip
type charm.
The present invention has the essential advantage that the ornamen-
tal component, which may take the form of a charm, is able to pass over a
band or stopper with minimal wear while the projections are still able to re-
leasably fix the ornamental component on the elongated member after hav-
ing passed the threaded stopper. This means that an ornamental component
according to the invention can be used with both types of elongated members
on the market today. The ornamental component according to the present
invention can thus be used according to its purpose with elongated members
both with and without bands or stoppers. The present invention's use of pro-
jections alleviates the problem of wear of the friction-enhancing material
since
each projection is able to expand (more) in both an axial and a
circumferential
direction of the ring and the ornamental component, allowing for the projec-
tions to deform so as to easily pass by the stoppers with less wear.
Furthermore, during manufacture of an ornamental component ac-
cording to the above a separate ring may thus be readily inserted through one
of the openings of the housing using the resilience of the ring to compress it
to fit through the opening's dimensions. The cut-outs make the ring more
compressible especially at the inner surface of the ring. This makes it easier
to deform the ring during assembly. For example a part of the outer surface of
the ring may be pushed inwardly so that the inner surfaces of the ring come in
contact with each other and the ring may be folded in on itself at this part
of
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the outer surface to thereby significantly lessen the extent of the outer
dimen-
sions of the ring so that it may fit through one of the openings. Assembly us-
ing mechanical deformation/compression only is thus possible, and manufac-
turing costs can be significantly lowered. At the same time the
characteristics,
5 such as frictional characteristics, of the ring can be maintained during
manu-
facture. Thermal bonding or deformation can be completely avoided and the
assembly of ring and housing can be carried out without use of adhesives.
When inserted through the opening the ring may again expand to fit into the
cavity and provide the stringing hole. By using the projecting rims to secure
the ring inside the housing, the ornamental component may be easily assem-
bled and held in the axial direction with a minimal use of components. Fur-
ther, the projections protect the potentially more vulnerable ring from damage
during use, e.g. from contact with the ornamental component with freely mov-
ing beads on the elongated member. If the ring substantially fits in the
cavity
so that it substantially covers all inside surfaces of the cavity or is
slightly
compressed within the cavity, any movement of the ring inside the cavity is
prevented so that the ring is also held in the desired position.
That the cut-outs are fully open can alternatively be expressed by an
entirety of the cut-outs being free of material. Thereby, expansion of the cut-
outs in the circumferential direction is not limited by any physical element
po-
sitioned in the cut-outs. The cut-outs being fully open or free of material is
the
case when the ornamental component is not strung onto the elongated mem-
ber; when the ornamental component is strung on the elongated member,
parts of the elongated member, such as a chain joint, may extend partly into
one or more cut-outs. The cut-outs of the ring thus further provide improved
control of the frictional characteristics of the ring when designing the compo-
nent, specifically when designing the projections; broader, wider or deeper
cut-outs make the projections more flexible in different directions since the
projections are able to expand more in those directions. Instead of adjusting
the material composition of which the ring is made up it is to a large degree
possible to adjust the frictional characteristics of the ring in relation to
the
elongated member by adjusting the shape and size of the projections. If it is
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desired to provide projections more flexible in the circumferential direction,
the cut-outs can be made deeper; if flexibility is desired in the axial
direction,
the projections can be designed to at least partly be spaced from the rims.
Flexibility of the ring at the inner surface is thus easier to control at the
inner
surface. This also has the advantage that it provides greater freedom of se-
lection of the composition of the material of the ring. For example it may be
desired to manufacture the ring of a relatively hard material to improve the
ring's wear resistance. A harder material can be selected to achieve improved
frictional wear resistant characteristics of the harder material.
Furthermore, in the case where no projections are provided at the in-
ner surface of the ring a force on a point on the inner surface of the ring
will
have a tendency to pull an opposite point on the inner surface toward itself.
This means that it may be difficult to push the ornamental component past a
widening such as a chain joint on the elongated member since the frictional
force may be highly increased in the widened area. Providing a number of
separate projections at the inner surface according to the invention may sig-
nificantly lower this effect since the tendency of the projections to pull
each
other towards each other is significantly lowered.
The ornamental component may be forced to move along an elon-
gated member, on which it is positioned by exerting a force in the axial direc-
tion, preferably using a hand.
The projections may project further into the through hole than the
rims, and the rims may have such dimensions that they substantially do not
exert any frictional force on the elongated member when the ornamental
component moves along the stringing direction. The elongated member pref-
erably has such external dimensions, including an external diameter, that
when the ornamental component is positioned on the elongated member, the
projections will be somewhat compressed in the radial direction. Preferably,
only the projections are in contact with the elongated member so that a bot-
tom surface of the cut-outs is not in contact with the elongated member. The
projections preferably have such characteristics, including shape, size and
material characteristics, that they substantially are not deformed in the
axial
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direction during movement of the ornamental component in the axial direction
along the strand. This ensures that the frictional force exerted by the projec-
tions on the elongated member is closer to constant during movement of the
ornamental component. Depth of the cut-outs and/or projections is preferably
0.1 to 1, more preferred 0.2 to 0.5 of a diameter of the stringing hole. In
the
context of the present specification the term width refers to an extent in the
axial direction and the term depth refers to an extent in the radial
direction.
The ring and/or the housing and/or the ornamental component is/are
preferably substantially symmetrical about a symmetry plane extending in the
radial direction and/or about a symmetry plane extending in the axial direc-
tion.
The cut-outs and the projections are generally preferably of substan-
tially similar shapes and sizes and are preferably distributed substantially
evenly in a circumferential direction of the ring.
An ornamental component according to the invention may be used to
organize freely movable beads on a bracelet or necklace, e.g. two ornamental
components may be pulled in the axial direction to a desired position on an
elongated member of a bracelet or necklace and released, whereby they
resiliently grip the elongated member. This may be used to prevent any freely
movable beads from grouping together or to group them in certain areas of
the elongated member.
The ring and housing may each have a generally substantially circu-
lar or circular-cylindrical shape, the stringing hole axis extending through a
centre of the circular ring and housing, the radial direction extending in a
dia-
metrical direction of the ring and housing. The rims and projections may ex-
tend substantially in this diametrical direction.
The housing may be integrally moulded, i.e. moulded in a single
piece and it may comprise an ornamental outer surface provided with orna-
ments such as jewellery stones, patterns, projections etc. The housing may
be made of any suitable material such as metal, wood, plastic or the like and
does not extend into the cut-outs. The housing may be embellished with a
layer comprising pearl, gold, silver or the like, or an element such as pearl,
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gemstones or the like, constituting the outer surface of the ornamental com-
ponent for decorative purposes. The housing may comprise different housing
parts, such as two half parts that are connected to each other. The decorative
elements may be permanently attached or non-permanently attached to the
housing.
The housing may have any suitable shape such as substantially
spherical, cylindrical or cubical. The housing may be self-supporting and have
a structural strength allowing it to be securely handled during the manufactur-
ing process of the ornamental component. The housing may provide the pri-
mary structural strength and/or provide the structural integrity of the
ornamen-
tal component.
The cavity of the housing may have a constant width and depth or
may have a varying width and depth, e.g. the cavity of the housing may be
wider in the central part of the housing than near the first opening and the
second opening.
The rims may have any suitable shape and size. The end of the rims
may define the radial extent of the openings and may have any desired shape
such as flat, curved or corrugated. The openings are preferably substantially
circular and co-axial with the ring. The rims may have a varying width, the
width of the rims defining a width of the cavity. Consequently, the rims may
in
an efficient manner secure the ring inside the cavity of the housing by pre-
venting axial movement of the ring in relation to the housing.
The ring and housing may be permanently attached or non-
permanently attached to each other. An adhesive may be applied between a
wall of the cavity and the ring to secure them to each other. The ring may
have a set of characteristics including flexibility, elasticity, size and
shape,
allowing it to be insertable through the first and/or second opening of the
housing by means of compression of the ring at least in the radial direction.
The ring may have any suitable outer shape such as round, cylindri-
cal and rectangular. Correspondingly, the cavity may have any shape such as
round, cylindrical and rectangular. Preferably, the cavity has a substantially
circular-cylindrical shape, the outer side of the ring forming a circular
cylinder
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shell, the diameters preferably being substantially identical.
The ring may be integrally moulded, i.e. moulded in one piece, sepa-
rately from the housing.
The ring may be made of a resilient material configured to establish a
high frictional connection with an elongated member of a bracelet and/or
necklace. The ring may be made of a resilient material such as a silicone ma-
terial including a silicone rubber. Preferably the ring is manufactured from a
material comprising at least 50, more preferred at least 80, more preferred at
least 95 percent of, most preferred essentially consists of, a material or a
combination of materials selected from the group consisting of silicone, sili-
cone rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, PTFE, polyethylene, polypro-
pylene, HDPE, polystyrene and nylon. The ring material may comprise addi-
tives and fillers, including colouring agents. The preferred modulus of
elastic-
ity (Young's modulus) of the material of the ring is 5 to 200 MPa, more pre-
ferred 10 to 150 MPa, more preferred 10 to 100 MPa, more preferred 20 to
80 MPa.
The term "cut-out" as used in connection with the ring includes for
example indentations or depressions that may be cut out, moulded or other-
wise provided in the ring. Preferably the cut-outs of the ring are formed by
integral moulding of the ring. The "inside surface" of the ring is defined by
the
parts of the projections closest to the through hole or to a centre of the
ring so
that the surfaces of the cut-outs do not form part of the inside surface.
The at least two projections may each have an inner surface extend-
ing in a circumferential direction of the ring, defining the inner surface of
the
ring, said inner surfaces defining part of the stringing hole. The inner
surfaces
may extend an accumulated amount in the circumferential direction corre-
sponding to an angle of approximately 250 to 310 , preferably 260 to 300 ,
more preferred 270 to 290 . The circumferential direction extends about the
stringing hole axis.
In some embodiments the ring comprises three cut-outs forming also
a third inwardly projecting integral projection of the ring for frictionally
gripping
the surface of the elongated member. Hereby a suitable amount of friction
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may be applied between an inner surface of the projections. With three pro-
jections this amount of friction can readily be dimensioned to be high enough
to fix the ornamental component to the elongated member whilst also being
small enough to allow a user to easily move the ornamental component along
5 the elongated member to a new fixed position with the use of a suitable
force
provided by hand. If the three projections are substantially equally
distributed
in the circumferential direction stability of the ring in the axial direction
is im-
proved, a force exerted on the inner surface of the projections from the elon-
gated member in the radial direction being substantially evenly distributed to
10 the ring when the ornamental component is fixed in a position on the elon-
gated member.
In some embodiments said three cut-outs extend an accumulated
amount of an inner circumference of the ring corresponding to an angle of
approximately 210 to 270 , preferably 220 to 260 , more preferred 230 to
250 . The three cut-outs may each have an inner opening extending in a
circumferential direction of the ring. The inner openings make up an accumu-
lated amount of the inner circumference of the ring corresponding to an angle
of approximately 90 to 150 , preferably 100 to 140 , more preferred 110 to
130 . The cut-outs are generally preferably of similar shapes and sizes and
are preferably distributed evenly in the circumferential direction of the
ring.
The inner openings and inner projections preferably constitute the entire cir-
cumference of the inner ring. The ring may comprise more than three cut-outs
and consequently more than three projections. However, experiments have
shown that three cut-outs forming three projections is an optimal choice in
relation to ring stability and friction. In embodiments with more or less than
three cut-outs the cut-outs also preferably extend an accumulated amount of
an inner circumference of the ring corresponding to an angle of approximately
210 to 270 , preferably 220 to 260 , more preferred 230 to 250 .
In some embodiments each projection comprises a first and a se-
cond lateral side surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs, the side surfaces
being substantially straight and extending substantially in the radial
direction
from the through hole. Hereby the projections may deform in the circumferen-
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tial direction, allowing the user to easily move the ornamental component
along the elongated member. It is preferred that a bottom part of the cut-outs
extend farther in the circumferential direction than a top part of the cut-
outs.
This improves the ability of the projections to deform in the circumferential
direction.
In some embodiments each projection in a cross section parallel to
the axial direction has a convex shape, preferably a curved shape, more pre-
ferred a substantially semi-circular shape, see also the detailed description
below. Preferably the cross section extends through a centre of the through
hole. Consequently, a larger surface area of the projections abuts the elon-
gated member, the farther the projections are depressed in the radial direc-
tion by the elongated member. Similarly, each projection in a cross section
perpendicular to the axial direction may have a concave shape, more pre-
ferred a curved shape, and more preferred a substantially semi-circular
shape. Preferably this cross section extends through a centre plane of the
ring. Consequently, each projection has an inner surface defining part of the
through hole, this inner surface being curved or substantially semi-circular,
in
shape preferably corresponding to a part of an outer surface of the elongated
member. Hereby the projections may fit snugly around an elongated member
with a substantially circular surface, providing a larger area of contact.
In some embodiments each cut-out has a depth dimension in the ra-
dial direction that is 1/10 to 1/4 of a largest total extent of the ring in
the radial
direction, preferably 1/8 to 1/5, more preferred approximately 1/6. In case of
a
ring with a circular shape the largest total extent of the ring in the radial
direc-
tion corresponds to a diameter of the circle. In other embodiments each cut-
out has a depth dimension in the radial direction that is 1/4 to, preferably
3/8
to 5/8 of a distance from the inner to the outer surface of the ring. The
dimen-
sion of the cut-outs is one of the factors that define the flexibility of the
projec-
tions in the axial and circumferential directions. Consequently, the
projections
may deform to a suitable amount during movement along the elongated
member.
In some embodiments the first rim and/or second rim extend(s)
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circumferentially around the first opening and/or the second opening, respec-
tively. A width of each rim in the axial direction is preferably less than
1/4,
more preferred less than 1/5, most preferred less than 1/6 of a total width of
the ornamental component.
In some embodiments the ring has a first lateral surface and a se-
cond, opposite lateral surface, the first rim abutting the first lateral
surface and
the second rim abutting the second lateral surface, wherein the first rim
and/or second rim at least partly are substantially leveled with a bottom of
the
radial depth of the cut-outs in the radial direction. The lateral surfaces
thus
define parts of the cavity. Consequently, the rims secure the ring inside the
housing and provide a circumferential abutment surface for the ring to abut
uniformly in the entire circumference of the ring while the projections extend
farther towards the stringing hole than the rims. Also, the parts of the ring
be-
yond the cut-outs may be hidden beyond the rims. When the ornamental
component is moved in the axial direction of the elongated member, the ring
is preferably supported equally in the circumference of the rims ensuring that
the ring is deformed uniformly and no excess abrasion is performed at any
specific point on the ring. The rims may generally protect the ring from dam-
age during use, e.g. from coming into contact with freely moving ornamental
components on the elongated member. Preferably, a bottom surface of each
cut-out is substantially in line with the first and second rims.
In some embodiments the ring has a width in the axial direction of
approximately 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 to 4 mm, more preferred 2 to 3 mm.
Preferably, the rims each extends in the axial direction 1/10 to 1/2, more pre-
ferred 1/5 to 1/4, of the ring's extent in the axial direction. In some embodi-
ments the first rim and/or second rim has a width in the axial direction of ap-
proximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more preferred 0.6
to 1 mm.
In some embodiments the cavity substantially has a cylinder shape,
an inner circumference of the cavity forming a cylinder shell extending sub-
stantially in the axial direction and abutting an outer circumference of the
ring.
The ring may be slightly compressed in the radial direction so as to
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be tightly secured in the cavity in the radial direction. Consequently, the
ring
may be secured in the cavity without the use of adhesives.
In some embodiments each projection comprises a first and a sec-
ond cut-out side surface defined by the respective adjacent cut-out, said side
surfaces being rounded, and each projection may extend in an arc-shape
from the bottom surfaces of each cut-out and/or may have a semi-spherical
shape with a semi-circular shape in cross sections parallel to and perpendicu-
lar to said axial direction. Experiments have shown that this embodiment is
especially suited in the above-mentioned cases where the elongated mem-
ber comprises radial projections or "stoppers", such as for example the
threaded stoppers disclosed in Applicant's above-mentioned US 7,007,507. It
is believed that the more rounded contact surfaces of the projections have the
effect that the risk of destroying the projections when they pass over a stop-
per is lessened.
In a second aspect the invention involves a bracelet or a necklace
according to claim 16.
Consequently, an improved ornamental component is provided,
where the ornamental component is fixed to the elongated member until a
particular force is acting on said ornamental component in the axial
direction,
whereby the ornamental component can be moved along the elongated
member.
In a third aspect the invention involves a method for manufacturing
an ornamental component according to the first aspect of the invention ac-
cording to claim 17.
Consequently, an uncomplicated method of manufacturing an orna-
mental component for adjustable fixation to an elongated member is provided
as also described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. By
manufacturing the ring separately from the manufacture of the housing, it is
possible to control the amount of friction in the assembled ornamental com-
ponent. Positioning of the ring inside the housing is uncomplicated, since the
ring may fit snugly inside the cavity of the housing, the ring being fixed by
the
rims. Hereby no other process needs to be applied that might affect the char-
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acteristics of the ring and influence optimal or intended functioning of the
or-
namental component.
In a fourth aspect the invention involves a set of parts for assembly of
an ornamental component according to any of the above embodiments of the
first aspect of the invention, according to claim 18.
The set of parts can be put together to form an ornamental compo-
nent according to the first aspect of the invention, potentially applying the
method according to the method according to the third aspect of the inven-
tion.
A sixth aspect of the invention involves an ornamental component for
a bracelet and/or necklace as defined in claim 19.
The sixth aspect of the invention provides advantages identical or
similar to the advantages gained by the first aspect of the invention. The
sixth
aspect of the invention can be combined with any of the optional features as
identified in the above embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.
The different aspects of the present invention can be implemented in
different ways, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages de-
scribed in connection with at least one of the aspects described above, and
each having one or more preferred embodiments corresponding to the pre-
ferred embodiments described in connection with at least one of the aspects
described above and/or disclosed in the dependent claims.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that embodiments described in
connection with one of the aspects described herein may equally be applied
to the other aspects.
Brief description of the drawings
The above and/or additional objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be further outlined by the following illustrative and
non-
limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with
ref-
erence to the appended drawings, wherein:
Figs la-c show a ring of an ornamental component according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
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Figs 2a-c show a housing of an ornamental component according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
Figs 3a-b show an ornamental component according to an embodi-
ment of the present invention.
5 Fig. 4 shows a ring of an ornamental component according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 shows a ring of an ornamental component according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for assembly of an ornamental
10 component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figs 7a-b show a ring of an ornamental component according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed description
15 In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying
figures, which show by way of illustration how the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings, different parts and embodiments are denoted from
numbers 100 to 700. Those elements of the different parts and embodiments
that have identical reference signs except for the first digit are identical
to
each other except for the potential differences noted so that, for example,
ring
100 is similar to ring 400 except for the differences noted in the description
of
Fig. 4.
Figs 1 a-1 c show a ring of an ornamental component according to an
embodiment of the invention. Fig. la shows a front view, Fig. lb shows a
cross-sectional side view and Fig. lc shows a perspective side view.
The ring 100 has a circular-cylindrical shape, an inside surface 101
and an inner circumference 101a, which defines a through hole 103 of the
ring 100, and an opposite, outside surface 102 and outer circumference 102a.
The through hole 103 has a circular-cylindrical shape with a centre coinciding
with a centre of the circular ring, an axial direction A extending through
these
centres and a radial direction B extending in a diametrical direction of the
ring
100. The through hole 103 has a diameter 180 of approximately 2.5 mm cor-
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responding to the diameter of the circular inside surface 101.
The ring 100 is integrally moulded, i.e. moulded in one piece. The
ring 100 comprises three cut-outs 140, 150, 160 in the inside surface 101.
Each cut-out 140, 150, 160 extends towards the outside surface of the ring
102, the three cut-outs 140, 150, 160 defining associated three inwardly pro-
jecting integral projections 110, 120, 130. The projections 110, 120, 130 are
used for frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet
and/or necklace (not shown) so as to adjustably fix the ornamental compo-
nent at selected positions along the elongated member. The ring 100 has a
width 105 in the axial direction of approximately 2.5 mm and an outside di-
ameter 181 of approximately 7 mm.
The ring 100 has a circular-cylindrical shape with a continuous outer
surface 102. As used herein the term "continuous surface" refers to a surface
without indentations, openings, crevasses and the like.
Each projection 140, 150, 160 comprises a first 111, 121, 131 and a
second 112, 122, 132 lateral surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs 140,
150, 160. The first 111, 121, 131 and second 112, 122, 132 surfaces are
straight, i.e. plane surfaces, and extend substantially in the radial
direction B
from the through hole 103. Each projection 140, 150, 160 has a semi-circular
shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction A, see Fig. lb. Each
projection 140, 150, 160 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial
direction
has a concave shape of the inner surface 101, see Fig. 1c. Each projection
110, 120, 130 makes up an accumulated amount of the inner circumference
101a of the ring 100. In the embodiment shown is equal to approximately
240 .
The term width refers to an extent in the axial direction A and the
term depth refers to an extent in the radial direction B. A depth 143, 153,
163
of the cut-outs 140, 150, 160 in the radial direction B is about 1/7 of an
outer
diameter 181 of the ring 100 in the radial direction B. Each cut-out 140, 150,
160 has a respective bottom surface 144, 154, 164. The bottom surfaces 144,
154, 164 extend in the circumferential direction. The diameter of a bottom
surface circumference 104a is 4.6 mm and is larger than a diameter 103 of
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the inner circumference 101a. The bottom surfaces 144, 154, 164 have the
same width in the axial direction as the general width 105 of the ring 100.
The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 are formed by integral moulding of the
ring, i.e. they are not "cut out" after moulding of the ring. The cut-outs
140,
150, 160 extend an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 101a of
the ring 100 corresponding to an angle of approximately 240 .
The ring 100 is manufactured from a resilient friction material config-
ured to establish a high frictional connection with the elongated member. The
resilient material consists of silicone rubber. The modulus of elasticity
(Young's modulus) of the material of the ring is about 50 MPa.
The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 provide improved control of the frictional
characteristics of the ring 100. Broader, wider or deeper cut-outs may make
the projections more flexible in different directions since the projections
are
able to expand more in those directions.
Figs 2a-2c show a housing of the ornamental component according
to the embodiment of the ring shown in Figs la-1c. Fig. 2a shows a perspec-
tive side view, Fig. 2b shows a front view, and Fig. 2c shows a cross
sectional
side view taken along the line W-W.
The housing 200 has a general circular-cylindrical shape. The hous-
ing 200 has a first plane-shaped and circular end wall 206, a similar second,
opposite plane-shaped and circular end wall 207, a first circular opening 208
in the first end wall 206, a second circular opening 209 in the second end
wall
207 and an interior cavity 290 having a circular-cylindrical shape. The first
208 and second 209 openings each extend into said cavity 290, see Fig. 2c.
A centre of the cavity 290 is coinciding with the axial direction A ex-
tending through the cavity 290 and openings 208, 209 and the radial direction
B extending in a diametrical direction of the cavity 290.
A diameter 280 of the cavity 290 is larger than the corresponding di-
ameters 288, 289 of the first 208 and second 209 openings, respectively,
thereby defining a radially extending first projecting rim 276 of the first
end
wall 206 and a radially extending second projecting rim 277 of the second end
wall 207, respectively. The first 276 and second 277 rims extend circumferen-
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tially around the first 208 and second 209 openings, respectively.
The ends 278, 279 of the rims 276, 277 define the radial extent of the
openings 208, 209. The rims 276, 277 each have a width in the axial direction
of 0.7 mm, the width of the rims 276, 277 defining the width of the cavity
290.
The width of the cavity 290 is about 2.5 mm. The cavity 290 has a diameter
280 in the radial direction of about 7.7 mm.
The housing 200 comprises an integrally moulded metal part 200a,
i.e. moulded in a single piece, with an ornamental outer surface 202 provided
with ornaments i.e. jewellery stones 295, and projections 296 for retaining
the
jewellery stones 295 in position. The housing 200 is made of a silver alloy.
The ornamental outer surface 202 of the housing 200 constitutes an outer
surface 302 of the assembled ornamental component 300 shown in Figs 3a
and 3b, see further below. The housing 200 is self-supporting and provides
the primary structural strength and structural integrity of the ornamental com-
ponent 300.
The cavity 290 has a plurality of square apertures 293 positioned in
the circumference of the cavity 290, the plurality of apertures 293 being per-
pendicular to the radial direction B. The plurality of apertures 293 each re-
ceive a part of a respective jewellery stone 295, the jewellery stones 295 ex-
tending through the plurality of apertures 293 in the radial direction B.
Figs 3a and 3b show an ornamental component 300 according to an
embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, which comprises the ring 100
and housing 200 described above. Fig. 3a shows a perspective side view of
the ring 100 and housing 200 before assembly, and Fig. 3b shows a per-
spective view of the assembled ornamental component 300.
The ornamental component 300 has a stringing hole 303 defining a
stringing hole axis C coinciding with the axial direction A, the radial
direction B
extending radially from the stringing hole axis C. The stringing hole 303 al-
lows the ornamental component 300 to be strung on the elongated member of
the bracelet and/or necklace (not shown) along the stringing hole axis C. The
ornamental component 300 comprises the ring 100 as shown in Figs la-ic
and the housing 200 as shown in Figs 2a-2c.
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The ring 100 is positioned in the cavity 290 of the housing 200. The
through hole 103 and the first 208 and second 209 openings define the string-
ing hole 303. The openings 208, 209 are positioned to be co-axial with the
ring 100. The diameter 180 of the through hole 103 in the radial direction B
is
smaller than the diameters 288, 289 of the first 208 and second 209 open-
ings, respectively. The ring 100 extends between the first 278 and second
279 rims. The outside diameter 181 of the ring 100 is larger than the diame-
ters 288, 289 of the first 288 and second 289 openings. The rims 276, 277
thus secure the ring 100 in the housing 200 in the axial direction A. The
jewel-
lery stones 293 of the housing 200 may abut the ring 100 and assist in fixat-
ing the ring inside the housing 200, specifically in the circumferential
direction.
The ring 100 has a first lateral surface 106 and a second, opposite
lateral surface 107. The first rim 276 abuts the first lateral surface 106.
The
second rim 277 abuts the second lateral surface 107. The first rim 273 and
the second rim 277 abut approximately 2/5 of the first lateral surface 106 and
second lateral surface 107. A bottom surface 144, 154, 164 of each cut-out
140, 150, 160 is substantially in line with the first 176 and second 177 rims.
An inner circumference of the cavity 290 forming a cylinder shell 291
extends substantially in the axial direction A and abuts the outer surface 202
of the ring 100. The ring 100 is slightly compressed in the radial direction B
so
as to be secured in the housing 200 in the radial direction B.
The projections 110, 120, 130 project farther towards the stringing
hole 303 than the rims 276, 277. The openings 208, 209 have diameters lar-
ger than a diameter of the elongated member so that the rims 276, 277 sub-
stantially do not exert any frictional force on the elongated member when the
ornamental component 300 moves along the stringing direction. The projec-
tions 110, 120, 130 have such characteristics, including shape, size and ma-
terial characteristics, that they substantially are not deformed in the axial
di-
rection A during movement of the ornamental component 300 in the axial di-
rection A along the elongated member.
The ornamental component 300 may be assembled using an em-
bodiment of the method according to the invention in the following manner.
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The ring 100 and housing 200 are first manufactured as separate parts. Then
the ring 100 is inserted through one of the openings 208, 209 of the housing
200 along the axial direction A as shown by the arrow in Fig. 3a using the re-
silience of the ring 100 to compress it to fit through the opening's
dimensions.
5 The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 make the ring 100 more readily compressible
and
deformable especially at the inner surface 101 of the ring 100. Assembly us-
ing mechanical deformation/compression only is thus possible. When inserted
through the opening 208; 209 the ring 100 again expands to fit into the cavity
290. The projecting rims 276, 277 secure the ring 100 inside the housing 200
10 and the ornamental component 300 may thereby be easily assembled and
the ring 100 held in the axial direction A with a minimal use of simple compo-
nents.
The ornamental component 300 may be forced to move along the
elongated member when strung on this which by exerting a force in the axial
15 direction A, e.g. using a hand.
The ring 100, the housing 200 and the ornamental component 300
are each substantially symmetrical about a symmetry plane extending in the
radial direction B as well as about a symmetry plane extending in the axial
direction A. The cut-outs 140, 150, 160 and the projections 110, 120, 130 are
20 of substantially similar shapes and sizes and are distributed substantially
evenly in a circumferential direction of the ring 100.
Figs 4 and 5 show front views of alternative embodiments of the ring
100 denoted 400 and 500, respectively. Each of the rings 400 and 500 are
identical to the ring 100 except for the differences described in the
following.
In the ring 400 in Fig. 4 the through hole has a diameter of approxi-
mately 2.5 mm. The ring 400 comprises four cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 in
the inside surface 401 of the ring 400. Each cut-out 450, 460, 470, 480 ex-
tends towards the outside surface 402 of the ring 400 and defines associated
four inwardly projecting integral projections 410, 420, 430, 440. As is the
case
for the ring 100 the projections 410, 420, 430, 440 are used for frictionally
gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace so
as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the
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elongated member. The ring 400 has a width in the axial direction of approxi-
mately 2.5 mm and an outside diameter of approximately 7 mm.
Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440 comprises a first 411, 421, 431,
441 and a second 412, 422, 432, 442 surface defined by the adjacent cut-
outs 450, 460, 470, 480. The first 411, 421, 431, 441 and second 412, 422,
432, 442 surfaces are substantially straight and extend substantially in the
radial direction from the through hole 403. Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440
has a semi-circular shape in a cross section parallel to the axial direction
A.
Each projection 410, 420, 430, 440 in a cross section perpendicular to the
axial direction A has a concave shape of the inner surface 401. Each of the
projections 410, 420, 430, 440 make up an accumulated amount of the inner
circumference 401 of the ring 400 equal to approximately 60 .
A depth 453, 463, 473, 483 of the cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 in the
radial direction B is 1/10 of a total extent/diameter of the ring 400 in the
radial
direction B. Each cut-out 450, 460, 470, 480 has a bottom surface 454, 464,
474, 484. The bottom surfaces 454, 464, 474, 484 extend in the same circum-
ference 404a. The diameter of the bottom surface circumference 404a is 4.6
mm and is larger than the diameter 480 of an inside circumference 401a. The
bottom surfaces 454, 464, 474, 484 have the same width in the axial direction
A as the areas of ring 400 not forming part of the projections 410, 420, 430,
440. The cut-outs 450, 460, 470, 480 are cut into the ring 400 and extend an
accumulated amount of the inner circumference 401 of the ring 400 corre-
sponding to an angle of approximately 180 .
In the ring 500 in Fig. 5 the through hole has a diameter of approxi-
mately 1 mm. The ring 500 comprises two cut-outs 550, 560 in the inside sur-
face 501 of the ring 500. Each cut-out 550, 560 extends towards the outside
surface 502 of the ring 500 and defines associated two inwardly projecting
integral projections 510, 520. The ring 500 has a width in the axial direction
of
approximately 2.5 mm and an outside diameter of approximately 7 mm.
Each projection 510, 520 comprises a first 511, 521 and a second
512, 522 surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs 510, 520. The first 511, 521
and second 512, 522 surfaces are substantially straight. Each projection 510,
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520 has a generally semi-circular shape in a cross section parallel to the
axial
direction A. Each projection 510, 520 in a cross section perpendicular to the
axial direction A has a concave shape of the inner surface 501. Each of the
projections 510, 520 makes up an accumulated amount of the inner circum-
ference 501 of the ring 500 equal to approximately 35 .
A depth 553, 563 of the cut-outs 550, 560 in the radial direction B is
approximately 1/4 of a total extent/diameter of the ring 500 in the radial
direc-
tion B. Each cut-out 550, 560 has a bottom surface 554, 564. The bottom sur-
faces 554, 564 are plane.
Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the method according to the in-
vention for assembly of the ornamental component 300 according to any one
of the above embodiments. In the following each step of the method steps will
be described in sequence.
In step I the housing 200 is manufactured as explained above. In
step lithe ring 100 is manufactured as explained above. In step III the ring
100 is resiliently compressed in the radial direction B. In step IV the ring
100
is inserted in the cavity 290 of the housing 200 through the first 208 or
second
209 opening. In step V the ring 100 is allowed to resiliently expand inside
the
cavity 290 so that the ring 100 extends between the first 276 and second 277
rims so that the through hole 103 forms part of the stringing hole 303.
Figs 7a and 7b show another alternative embodiment of the ring 100,
denoted 700. The ring 700 is identical to the ring 100 except for the differ-
ences described in the following.
The through hole 703 is somewhat smaller than the through hole
103, but may be of the same size, smaller or larger. As is the case for the
ring
100 three inwardly projecting integral projections 710, 720, 730 are used for
frictionally gripping a surface of an elongated member of a bracelet and/or
necklace so as to adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected posi-
tions along the elongated member.
Each projection 710, 720, 730 comprises an arc-shaped first 711,
721, 731 and an arc-shaped, identical, but opposed, second 712, 722, 732
surface defined by adjacent cut-outs 740, 750, 760. The first 711, 721, 731
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and second 712, 722, 732, 742 surfaces are rounded so as to produce arch-
shaped and semi-sphere shaped projections 710, 720, 730. Thus, each pro-
jection 710, 720, 730 has a semi-circular arc shape in cross sections both
parallel to the axial direction A as shown in Fig. 7b and perpendicular to the
axial direction A (as well as when seen from the front view in Fig. 7a). Each
projection 710, 720, 730 thus forms an elastic semi-spherical bulb that pro-
jects towards a centre of the ring from bottom surfaces 744, 754, 764 of the
cut-outs 740, 750, 760, i.e. from bottom circumference 704a. Each of the pro-
jections 710, 720, 730 make up an accumulated amount of the bottom cir-
cumference 704a equal to approximately 50 .
A depth 743, 753, 763 of the cut-outs 740, 750, 760 in the radial di-
rection B is about 1/6 of a total extent/diameter of the ring 700 in the
radial
direction B. Each cut-out 740, 750, 760 defines one respective of the cut-out
bottom surfaces 754, 764, 774. The bottom surfaces 744, 754, 764 extend in
the mutual cut-out bottom surface circumference 704a. The diameter of the
bottom surface circumference 704a is about 4.6 mm and is larger than a di-
ameter of the inside circumference 701a.
The cut-outs 740, 750, 760 are cut into the material of the ring 700
and extend an accumulated amount of the inner circumference 701 of the ring
700 corresponding to an accumulated angle of approximately 210 of the bot-
tom circumference 704a.
As is the case with any of the previous embodiments, one preferred
method of manufacture of the ring 700 is using moulding, wherein the projec-
tions 710, 720, 730 are moulded integrally with the ring, i.e. so that the cut-
outs 740, 750, 760 are not actually "cut out" from an initial ring, but are
rather
included as spacings or openings provided between the projections during
moulding.
The embodiment of Figs 7a and 7b is especially suitable in cases
where the elongated member comprises radial projections or "stoppers" as
mentioned in the introduction. It is believed that the more rounded contact
surfaces of the projections have the effect that the risk of destroying the
pro-
jections when they pass over a stopper is lessened.
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In the following, embodiments 1-15 of the present invention are de-
scribed:
Embodiment 1. An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or
necklace, said ornamental component having a stringing hole defining a
stringing hole axis extending in an axial direction, with a radial direction
ex-
tending radially from the axial direction and a circumferential direction
extend-
ing about the axial direction, said stringing hole allowing said ornamental
component to be strung on an elongated member of a bracelet and/or neck-
lace along said stringing hole axis; said ornamental component comprising:
- a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and
a second, opposite end wall, and having a first opening in the first end wall,
a
second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said first and
second openings each extending into said cavity and forming part of the
stringing hole, where a dimension of the cavity in said radial direction is
larger
than corresponding dimensions of the first and second openings, the housing
thereby extending into a radially extending first projecting rim of the first
end
wall and a radially extending second projecting rim of the second end wall;
and
- a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material with an inside
surface defining a through hole and an opposite, outside surface, the ring be-
ing positioned in said cavity to be encased by the housing, the through hole
forming part of the stringing hole and having a smaller dimension in said ra-
dial direction than the first and second openings, said ring extending between
the first and second rims and having an outside dimension in said radial direc-
tion that is larger than said dimensions in said radial direction of the first
and
second openings so that the rims fix the ring in the axial direction,
wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface
of the ring, each cut-out extending towards the outside surface of the ring,
said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections
of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as
to
adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elon-
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gated member, said cut-outs being fully open to allow the projections to
freely
resiliently expand in the circumferential direction in an entire radial depth
of
the cut-outs.
Embodiment 2. An ornamental component according to embodiment
5 1, wherein the ring comprises three cut-outs forming also a third
inwardly pro-
jecting projection of the ring for frictionally gripping the surface of the
elon-
gated member.
Embodiment 3. An ornamental component according to embodiment
2, wherein said three cut-outs extend an accumulated amount of an inner cir-
10 cumference of the ring corresponding to an angle of approximately 2100
to
2700, preferably 2200 to 2600, more preferred 2300 to 2500
.
Embodiment 4. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each projection comprises a first and a second
cut-out side surface defined by the adjacent cut-outs, the side surfaces being
15 substantially straight and extending substantially in the radial
direction from
the through hole.
Embodiment 5. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 4, wherein each projection in a cross section parallel to the
axial direction has a convex shape.
20 Embodiment 6. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 5, wherein each cut-out has a depth dimension in the radial
direction that is 1/10 to 1/4 of a total extent of the ring in the radial
direction.
Embodiment 7. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first rim and/or second rim extend(s) circum-
25 ferentially around the first opening and/or second opening,
respectively.
Embodiment 8. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the ring has a first lateral surface and a second,
opposite lateral surface, the first rim abutting the first lateral surface and
the
second rim abutting the second lateral surface, wherein the first rim and/or
second rim at least partly are substantially leveled with a bottom of the
radial
depth of the cut-outs in the radial direction.
Embodiment 9. An ornamental component according to any one of
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embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the ring has a width in the axial direction of ap-
proximately 1 to 5 mm. preferably 1.5 to 4 mm, more preferred 2 to 3 mm.
Embodiment 10. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first rim and/or second rim has an width in
the axial direction of approximately 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2
mm, more preferred 0.6 to 1 mm.
Embodiment 11. An ornamental component according to any one of
embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the cavity substantially has a cylinder shape,
an inner circumference of the cavity forming a cylinder shell extending sub-
stantially in the axial direction and abutting an outer circumference of the
ring.
Embodiment 12. A bracelet or a necklace comprising:
- an elongated member; and
- an ornamental component according to any one of embodiments 1
to 11 and a number of freely movable beads strung on said elongated mem-
ber;
wherein the ornamental component is configured so that the projec-
tions resiliently grip the surface of the elongated member to adjustably fix
the
ornamental component along the elongated member.
Embodiment 13. A method for manufacturing an ornamental compo-
nent according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, comprising the steps of:
- providing the housing;
- providing the ring;
- resiliently compressing said ring in the radial direction; and
- inserting said ring in said cavity through the first or second opening;
and
- allowing the ring to resiliently expand inside said cavity so that said
ring extends between the first and second rims so that the through hole forms
part of the stringing hole.
Embodiment 14. A set of parts for assembly of an ornamental com-
ponent according to any one embodiments 1 to 11, comprising:
- a housing having an ornamental outer surface, a first end wall, and
a second, opposite end wall, and having a first opening in the first end wall,
a
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second opening in the second end wall and an interior cavity, said first and
second openings extending towards each other into said cavity, where a di-
mension of the cavity in said radial direction is larger than corresponding di-
mensions of the first and second openings, the housing thereby extending
into a radially extending first projecting rim of the first end wall and a
radially
extending second projecting rim of the second end wall; and
- a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material with an inside
surface defining a through hole and an opposite outside surface, the ring hav-
ing a smaller dimension in said radial direction than the first and second
openings and an outside dimension in said radial direction that is larger than
said dimensions in said radial direction of the first and second openings of
the
housing, the ring being resiliently compressible in said radial direction so
as to
be adapted for being inserted in a resiliently compressed state through the
first or second opening and then expand to assume a fixed position in said
cavity so that the through hole forms part of the stringing hole and so that
said
ring extends between the first and second radially projecting rims,
wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in the inside surface
of the ring, each cut-out extending towards the outside surface of the ring,
said cut-outs defining associated at least two inwardly projecting projections
of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface of the elongated member so as
to
adjustably fix the ornamental component at selected positions along the elon-
gated member.
Embodiment 15. An ornamental component for a bracelet and/or
necklace, comprising a housing with an ornamental surface with a cavity de-
fining projecting rims of end walls of the housing, said rims surrounding open-
ings in the end walls, a ring manufactured from a resilient friction material
po-
sitioned in said cavity, wherein the ring comprises at least two cut-outs in
an
inside surface of the ring, said cut-outs defining associated at least two in-
wardly projecting projections of the ring for frictionally gripping a surface
of an
elongated member of the bracelet and/or necklace so as to adjustably fix the
ornamental component at selected positions along the elongated member, an
entirety of the cut-outs being free of material.
