DE29909038U1 - Closure element for a jewelry chain - Google Patents

Description

Clasp for a jewelry chain

The invention relates to a closure element for a jewelry chain according to the preamble of claim 1.

The swiveling bracket of the snap hook is on the well-known
Fastening elements are mounted in such a way that in its closed position it forms, together with the hook 11, an almost closed eyelet, in which an eyelet or a ring or a similar element of the other end of the jewelry chain is usually hooked. In the open state, the actuating section of the bracket pivots outwards and the locking section pivots inwards accordingly, creating an opening in the eyelet through which the other end of the jewelry chain can be hooked in or out. As a rule, the hook and bracket of the snap hook are held against each other by springs in such a way that, without external stress, the snap hook is held in its closed position in which it takes on the eyelet shape mentioned above.

The operation of the pivoting bracket against the pre-tension of the integrated spring element requires that the operating section can be securely grasped with a finger and that the opening force, which must be applied against the pre-tension of the integrated spring, can be applied safely and without slipping during the opening of the bracket on the locking section. It goes without saying that this is easier the further the locking section protrudes from the hook of the snap hook and the further this point of attack for the operating finger is from the pivot axis, as this makes the lever arm correspondingly large.

On the other hand, this means that this technical specification must also be observed by the jewelry designer, so here too the question often asked in the jewelry sector

A "conflict of interests" between a technically reliable and a tastefully appealing design, which in this case is intended to make the technical function take a back seat.

It is therefore the object of the invention to further develop the actuating section of the snap hook in such a way that reliable, satisfactory handling of the snap hook can be combined with the possibility of a good design.

According to the invention, this object is achieved according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

The basic idea of the invention is therefore that the technically necessary "protrusion" of the actuating section from the surrounding hook of the snap hook is taken as an opportunity to arrange a decorative element so that an independent design is created that combines both functions, technical manageability and attractive design.

This is particularly evident when the surface of the operating section outside the setting or outside the gemstone is flush with the surrounding surface of the hook; handling can be optimized when the setting is arranged at the end of the operating section, as this achieves the maximum leverage effect.

The choice of gemstone is essentially left to the designer, preferably a precious stone or a diamond can be used, which can give the closure element according to the invention a typical appearance.

A preferred embodiment of the closure element according to the invention is shown in the figures:

The closure element usually has the form of a snap hook 10, which in its closed position (Figure 1) is designed as an eyelet, the majority of whose circumference is formed by a fixed hook 11, which is connected to a decorative chain 30. In the base area of this hook 11, an arcuate bracket 20 is pivotably mounted, which is designed in such a way that its locking section 23 on one side of the joint completes the hook 11 in the closed position to form an almost closed eyelet and whose actuating section 21 is located between the corresponding fork-shaped base sections of the hook 11. The surface of the actuating section 21 is essentially flush with the surface of the hook 11 surrounding it.

At the end of the actuating section 21 and extending beyond it by about a third of its length, a setting 24 with a gemstone 23 is attached, which protrudes from the hook 11 so far that it forms a secure abutment for a finger, so that the actuating section 21 is pivoted from its closed position in Figure 1 into the open position in Figure 2 against the effect of the spring device (not shown) of the snap hook. The eyelet shape is then eliminated and a removal area EB is created through which the other end of the jewelry chain can be removed or inserted.

In the embodiment shown, the setting 24 already protrudes from the surrounding area of the hook 11, but it is also possible to move the setting so far into the actuating section 21 that only the gemstone 23 protrudes, provided that it is large enough and suitably positioned relative to the actuating section to offer sufficient gripping resistance for actuating the bracket 20.

The design of the "counter bearing" for actuating the bracket 20 as an independent decorative element therefore represents the central point of the invention.

Claims (5)

Protection claims 1. Closure element for a jewellery chain, in the form of a snap hook (10), 5 with a pivotable bracket (20) which forms a protruding actuating section (21) for opening the locking section (22),
characterized in that the actuating section (21) is at least partially designed as a setting (24) with a gemstone (23). 2. Closure element according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the actuating section (21) outside the socket (24) is flush with the surrounding surface of the hook (11). 3. Closure element according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket 15 (24) is arranged at the end of the actuating section (21). 4. Closure element according to claim 1, characterized in that the gemstone (23) is a precious stone or a diamond. 20 5. Closure element according to claim 3, characterized in that the socket (24) projects beyond the actuating section (21).