Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a connector for receiving and securing stand ends thereto. The connector includes first and second sections configurable connected tone another so as to either hide the strand ends or to provide access to the strand ends for repair or restringing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/797,288 which was filed on May 3, 2006 and entitled “Hidden Strands Findings”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Beaded jewelry includes beading (e.g., beads, pearls) on a cord. The cord ends may be connected to findings (e.g., clasps, connectors). The findings may include rings that the cord can be tied to (knotting the cord around the ring). The knotted strands may be dabbed with glue to help reduce fraying and loosening of the knot. Crimps (e.g., precious or base metal rings) may be used to engulf the strands by pinching the middle and bending it over unto itself to trap and secure the strand. 
         [0003]    These methods of securing bead strands are common, accepted practice in the fine art jewelry, as well as costume jewelry, trade. They allow for easy access to the cords for restringing or repair. This is important because while beaded jewelry can be cleaned, eventually the cord that the beads are on will need to be replaced. For example, with strands of pearls, dirt and grease eventually gets in between the pearls and attacks the material upon which they are threaded. As the thread weakens, the more chance there is of it snapping. The life expectancy of the cord is a function of wear, tear and care. However these methods for securing beading are unsightly and distracting to the esthetics of the piece. 
         [0004]    Some findings include a sheet of metal that is simply bent over the strand ends to envelop them. This type of finding is typically used to secure bands of chain or small beads that might comprise a watchband or belt. The finding may be secured to the bands with solder, glue or by dimpling the finding. It is near impossible to repair such a piece without causing damage to the bands or finding. Solder repair requires high heat to reflow the solder which may damage bands of chain or heat stress and crack beads. Glue is difficult to control and may flow out along the edges, and is unacceptable in fine jewelry. Cleaning solvents can damage synthetic cords or beads that have been treated. Metal becomes brittle and is weakened the more it is worked and bent. A dimpled finding would be greatly compromised by prying it open, bending it back and re-dimpling to secure repaired or replaced strands. While these findings may hide the cord knots and thus be more esthetically pleasing they do not provide easy access for restringing or repair. 
         [0005]    Some findings may provide a recessed space on the under side for securing and hiding strands. The recessed space is open and the knots are exposed on the underside. However, the space available to secure the knots is small making knot tying difficult. Furthermore, as the back of the finding may be open this can cause chafing to the skin of the wearer. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a finding that can hide the strands to provide an esthetically pleasing look while at the same time proving easy access for the repair or restring of the beads. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The features and advantages of the various embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example multi-strand necklace, according to one embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate a front view of an example multi-strand connector in an open and closed configuration respectively, according to one embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of an example multi-strand connector, according to one embodiment; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-strand connector, according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example multi-strand necklace  100 . The necklace  100  includes a plurality of beaded strands  110 , multi-strand connectors  120 , chains  130 , and clasps  140 . The connectors  120  secure and hide the cord ends for each of the strands  110 , yet are configured so as to easily open to provide access to the cord ends for repair or restringing of the beaded strands  110 . The connectors  120  may also connect to the chains  130 . The chains  130  may also be connected to the clasps  140  so that the necklace  100  can be secured around ones neck. It should be noted that the chains  130  could be excluded and the clasps  140  could be directly connected to the connectors  120 . 
         [0013]      FIGS. 2A-B  illustrate a front view of an example multi-strand connector  200  (e.g.,  120  of  FIG. 1 ) in an open and closed configuration respectively. The connector  200  includes a first section  210  and a second section  220  pivotally connected to one another. The first section  210  may include holes  212  for allowing ends of cords  214  to pass therethrough and then be knotted (or crimped)  216  so as to secure the cords  214  thereto. The second section  220  may include holes (not illustrated) that allow a chain  222  to pass therethrough so as to secure the chain  222  thereto. While not illustrated, the connector  200  includes a mechanism for holding the first section  210  and the second section  220  together. When the connector  200  is closed the first section  210  and the knots  216  will be hidden from view. When the cords  214  are to be repaired or restrung the connector  200  may be open to provide access to the cord ends (knots)  216 . 
         [0014]    As illustrated, the second section  220  includes two holes and the chain  222  enters one hole and exits the other hole. The second section  220  is no way intended to be limited thereto. In fact, passing the chain  222  through the second section  220  as illustrated may result in imbalanced hanging of the connector  200  if the chain is not configured correctly (e.g., evenly distributed through the second section  220 ). Rather, any number of methods for securing the chain  222  to the second section  220  can be utilized without departing from the scope. For example, the second section  220  may include hooks (e.g., on an outer surface) that the chain  222  is connected to. A chain  222  may not be required and the second section  220  may include a clasp (or a clasp may be connected to a hook formed therein) that is used to connect to a clasp on the second section  220  of a connector  200  on other side of piece of jewelry. 
         [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of an example multi-strand connector  300  (e.g.,  120  of  FIG. 1 ). The connector  300  includes a first section  310 , a second section  320 , and a rod  330 . The first section  310  may include a bottom  312 , a first side  314 , and a second side  316 . The bottom  312  includes holes  313  for accepting the cords. The first side  314  may include a tube  315  for accepting the rod  330  in order to pivotally attach the first section  310  and the second section  320 . The tube  315  may be formed in the first side  314  or may be connected thereto. The second side  316  may include a stub  317  to be used to enable the first and second sections  310 ,  320  to be secured in a closed position. The stub  317  may be formed in the second side  316  or may be connected thereto. 
         [0016]    The second section  320  may include a top  322 , a front face  324 , a rear face  326  and a clasp  328 . The top  322  may include a loop  323  formed in or connected to an upper edge for connecting a chain, clasp or jump ring. The front and rear faces  324 ,  326  may each have a hole  325  formed therein in alignment with each other. The holes  325  may also be in alignment with the tube  315  so that the rod  330  can be placed through the holes  325  and the tube  315  to pivotally connect the first and second sections  310 ,  320 . The clasp  328  may be pivotally connected to the second section  320  (illustrated as being pivotally connected to the rear face  326 ) and be utilized to hook to the stub  317  to secure the first and second sections  310 ,  320  in a closed configuration. The front and rear faces  324 ,  326  may be identical (or at least be similar) so that the piece of jewelry can be worn in either direction. 
         [0017]    The connector  300  is in no way intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. Rather, numerous modifications can be made without departing from the current scope. For example, the clasp  328  could pivot from the front face  324  or the top  322 . The clasp  328  need not pivot, but may be stationary (act as a side wall) and flex over the stub  317  and then lock onto the stub  317 . The second section  320  may include a sidewall having a stub and the first section may include a clasp (pivoting or flexible) to connect to the stub. The stub  317  may be on an interior of the second side  316 . The locking mechanism is not limited to a stub and clasp but can be any type of locking mechanism that is now known or later discovered. For example, a pin (stationary or pivoting) and catch, a hook and loop, locking nubs, or magnets may be used to secure the first and second sections  310 ,  320 . 
         [0018]    The pivot point is not limited to the upper edge. Rather, the first section  310  could have the tube  315  formed in or connected to the bottom  312  and the holes  325  could be formed in lower edges of the front and back faces  324 ,  326  so that the pivoting was done from a lower edge. If the pivoting is done at the lower edge the first section  310  may exclude the first side  314  and the second section  320  may include a first side. The pivoting mechanism is not limited to the rod  330  being placed through the holes  325  and the tube  315  but can be any type of pivoting mechanism that is now known or later discovered. For example, the second section  320  could replace the holes  325  with knobs (possibly retractable) formed therein, or attached thereto, in alignment with the tube  315  and the knobs may engage with and rotate within the tube  315 . The first section  310  could replace the tube  315  with a rod (possibly with retractable ends) formed therein, or attached thereto, in alignment with the holes  325  and the rod may engage with and rotate within the holes  325 . The knobs/rod and hole configurations act as a sort of ball and socket arrangement for pivoting. Hinges could be connected to the first and second sections  310 ,  320  to provide the pivoting. 
         [0019]    The connector  300  need not pivot. Rather, the first and second sections  310 ,  320  may be removably connected to one another. That is, each side may have some type of connection mechanism (e.g., clasp/stub, hook/loop, magnets) that can either secure the two sections together or can allow the two sections to be taken apart. According to one embodiment, the first section  310  may include grooves formed therein and the second section  320  may include tracks formed therein in alignment with the groves (or vice versa). The connector  300  can be opened or closed by sliding the first section  310  into or out of the second section  320 . A lock mechanism may be utilized to secure the first and second sections  310 ,  320  together. 
         [0020]    The second section  320  is not limited to a single loop  323  formed in or connected to the top  322 . Rather, any number of loops can be utilized or no loops can be utilized. The top  322  may include one or more holes that can be used to secure a chain or clasp thereto. The chain or clasps may have a rod connected thereto that can be inserted into the hole vertically and then rotated horizontally so as to be secured within the hole. The chain or clasps may include a pin that is inserted through the hole and then bent or crimped so as to be secured within the hole. If multiple holes are used the chain may enter one hole and exist another as a way of securing the chain thereto. 
         [0021]    The connector  300  may exclude sides (or the sides may have holes formed therein) so that a chain may enter one side and exit the other side in order to secure the chain to the multi-strand connector  300 . Accordingly, the holes and/or loops  323  may not be required in the top  322 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-strand connector  400 . The connector  400  includes a main body  410  and a cover  440  pivotally connected thereto. The main body  410  includes a bottom  415  and a plurality of sidewalls  420  (3 sidewalls since the illustrated connector is triangular shaped—though only two sidewalls are visible). One of the sidewalls  420  includes holes  425  formed therein to receive the ends of the beaded strands. The main body  410  may include one or more loops  430  (or holes) formed therein for connecting to a chain or clasp. The cover  440  may pivot open to provide access to the cord ends for repair or restringing and may pivot closed when being worn. The cover  440  and body  410  may be pivotally connected using any pivoting mechanism now known or later discovered. The cover  440  may be secured shut (to the body  410 ) using any connection mechanism now known or later discovered. The cover  440  may be the front (side facing away from body when wearing) or back (side touching body when wearing) of the connector  400 . Alternatively, the sidewall  420  having the holes  425  formed therein may pivot away from the body  410  (act as the cover  440 ) to provide access to the cord ends (knots). 
         [0023]    The various connectors ( 120 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ) described herein may be made from precious or base metals and may be constructed using traditional metal smith or casting techniques. However, the connectors are not limited to a specific material make-up or construction technique. 
         [0024]    The connectors have been described specifically with respect to multi-strands but are not limited thereto. Rather, the various embodiments described herein could be applied to single strands. The connectors have been described with reference to necklaces but are not limited thereto. Rather, the connectors could be utilized for any type of beaded jewelry. In fact, the connectors need not be limited to beaded jewelry or jewelry at all but could be utilized with any device utilizing strands that have ends being tied where you may want the ends hidden but accessible. 
         [0025]    The connectors have been illustrated as either being rectangular ( FIGS. 1-3 ) or triangular ( FIG. 4 ) but are not limited thereto. Rather, the connectors may be any shape. The connectors have been illustrated where the bottom edge receiving the strands is flush (or substantially flush) with the front and back faces but is not limited thereto. Rather, the front (and possibly back) faces may extend past the bottom edge (the bottom edge may be recessed within the front and back faces). While not illustrated in any of the figures, the front face (and possibly the back face as well so that the piece of jewelry the connector is utilized in can be worn in either direction) of the connectors may be decorative (have designs formed therein) to increase the aesthetic look of the piece of jewelry. 
         [0026]    Although the disclosure has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that the disclosure is not limited thereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope. It is understood, therefore, that the scope is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof. Certain terminology was used herein to describe certain embodiments for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments described. 
         [0027]    Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0028]    The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.