Patent Publication Number: US-9888749-B1

Title: Accessory

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an accessory, such as a pendant or broach, or a ring, bracelet or the like, which allows a gem to swing. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In recent years, various decorative items have been proposed having a construction such that, when a gem such as a diamond is worn, it is supported so that the table, in other words, top flat surface of the gem faces forward as it swings with the movement of the wearer. 
     Decorative items such as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-226462 (see Patent Literature 1) are known as prior art, wherein an engagement section in which a frame member and a decorative object of a decorative item engage, has a first ring section provided on the left side, in the left-right direction that is orthogonal to the up-down direction with respect to the center of the decorative object, a second ring section provided on the right side of the center of the decorative object, a third ring section provided on the first ring section side of the frame member, which is connected to the first ring section, and a fourth ring section provided on the second ring section side of the frame member, which is connected to the second ring section. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-226462 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, since the decorative object in the decorative item is held by the pair of connected rings, the movement is sometimes awkward and it is sometimes difficult to obtain a decorative item of uniform quality. 
     The present invention was devised with the aim of solving these inconveniences, and its object is to obtain an accessory of uniform quality with smooth movement of the decorative member. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     Specifically, the accessory of the invention comprises an accessory frame body having a pair of bearing recesses positioned at a prescribed spacing, and a decorative member held in a swingable state across the region between the bearing recesses of the accessory frame body, the decorative member extending in the horizontal direction after curving upward at a prescribed location, and having swinging arm sections protruding to both sides, with downwardly-pointing pivoting support shafts, formed at their free ends with only the pivoting support shafts of the swinging arm sections engaging with the bearing recesses formed in the accessory frame body, thereby attaching the decorative member to the accessory frame body in a freely swingable state. 
     Another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the center of gravity of the decorative member is located further downward than the tips of the pivoting support shafts. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the pivoting support shafts have their tips slanting outward so that the top ends of the support shafts do not contact with the bearing recesses formed in the accessory frame body. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the accessory frame body that holds the swinging arm sections has the bearing recesses has the bearing recesses for housing the swinging arm sections. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the accessory frame body that holds the swinging arm sections has openings formed in the bearing recesses through which the swinging arm sections are inserted, and further comprising two outward rounded-shaped stoppers for sealing the openings and which are provided in a detachable state in a horizontal direction from outside and in a detachable state in a vertical direction from a beneath side to the openings when the state of the swinging arm sections are set therein. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the accessory frame body that holds the swinging arm sections has holding cylinders mounted in the bearing recesses, in which openings are formed through which the swinging arm sections are inserted, the openings being sealed by cylindrical stoppers that are mounted on the holding cylinders when the swinging arm sections are set. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that it comprises an accessory frame body having a pair of bearing recesses positioned at a prescribed spacing from each other, 
     a decorative member held on the accessory frame body, 
     suspension members at the end of the decorative member, the suspension members including the swinging arm sections on which upwardly-pointing pivoting support shafts are formed in a protruding state on both sides thereof, 
     the pivoting support shafts of the swinging arm sections engaging with the bearing recesses positioned in the accessory frame body, wherein the accessory frame body includes the decorative member attached to the suspension members in a freely swingable state. 
     More another feature of the accessory of the invention is that the suspension members comprise a spacer to hold the spacing from the body, formed turning downward after extending toward the rear from the back side, and have an accessory frame body comprising a decorative member, reliably attached with a freely swingable state on the suspension members. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     The accessory with the decorative member of the invention attached in a swingable state as described above, extends in the horizontal direction after curving upward at a prescribed location, and at the extended ends, has protruding on both sides of the decorative member, swinging arm sections formed with downwardly-pointing pivoting support shafts, the pivoting support shafts of the swinging arm sections engaging with the bearing recesses formed in the accessory frame body, thereby attaching the decorative member to the accessory frame body in a freely swingable state. 
     Such a state makes to form an accessory to be obtained of uniform quality with smooth movement of the decorative member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified front view of a first example of the accessory of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified side view of the same. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the accessory frame body and decorative member when disassembled. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the state of the decorative member attached to the accessory frame member. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a modification of the first example of the accessory of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified side view of a bearing recess of the same. 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified side view of a second example of the accessory of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified side view showing a third example of the accessory of the invention, in a state with the decorative member about to be attached to the holding cylinder. 
         FIG. 11  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified side view showing the state of the decorative member attached to the holding cylinder. 
         FIG. 13  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 14  is a simplified side view showing the closed state of the opening upon turning the cylindrical stopper on the holding cylinder. 
         FIG. 15  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 16  is a simplified perspective view of a fourth example of the accessory of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a simplified perspective view as seen from the back side of the same. 
         FIG. 18  is a simplified longitudinal sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional rear view of the same. 
         FIG. 20  is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the same, cut in the horizontal direction. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the swinging arm sections protruding to both sides of the decorative member are about to be attached to the bearing recesses formed in the accessory frame body. 
         FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the swinging arm sections are fitted into the bearing recesses and are about to be rotated downward. 
         FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the cylindrical stopper is turned to close the opening. 
         FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where attachment of the swinging arm sections protruding to both sides of the decorative member to the bearing recesses formed in the accessory frame body has been completed. 
         FIG. 25  is a simplified front view of a fifth example of the accessory of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a simplified rear view of the same. 
         FIG. 27  is a simplified plan view of the same. 
         FIG. 28  is a simplified longitudinal sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 29  is a simplified perspective view of the same. 
         FIG. 30  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the same. 
         FIG. 31  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the swinging arm sections are about to be attached to the bearing recesses formed in the decorative member. 
         FIG. 32  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the swinging arm sections are fitted into the bearing recesses and are about to be rotated upward. 
         FIG. 33  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the state where the swinging arm sections have been attached to the bearing recesses formed in the decorative member. 
         FIG. 34  is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a modification of the fifth example of the accessory of the invention, showing the state where the swinging arm sections have behind them a spacer attached that maintains spacing with the body. 
         FIG. 35  is a simplified front view showing the swinging arm sections. 
         FIG. 36  is a simplified side view of the same. 
         FIG. 37  is a simplified longitudinal sectional view of the same. 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of the spacer. 
         FIG. 39  is a rear view of the spacer. 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of the spacer. 
         FIG. 41  is a longitudinal sectional view of the spacer. 
         FIG. 42  is a front view showing the state where the spacer has been fitted into the suspension member. 
         FIG. 43  is a rear view showing the state where the spacer has been fitted into the suspension member. 
         FIG. 44  is a side view showing the state where the spacer has been fitted into the suspension member. 
         FIG. 45  is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state where the spacer has been fitted into the suspension member. 
         FIG. 46  is a front view showing the state where the spacer-fitted suspension member has been attached to the accessory frame body. 
         FIG. 47  is a rear view showing the state where the spacer-fitted suspension member has been attached to the accessory frame body. 
         FIG. 48  is a side view showing the state where the spacer-fitted suspension member has been attached to the accessory frame body. 
         FIG. 49  is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state where the spacer-fitted suspension member has been attached to the accessory frame body. 
         FIG. 50  is a side view showing the state where a chain has been attached to the accessory. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the accessory of the invention will now be explained using a pendant as an example of the accessory. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5 , the accessory  11  comprising the pendant top of this example comprises an accessory frame body  12  with a pair of bearing recesses situated at a prescribed spacing, and a decorative member  14  engaged with a gem  14   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in a swingable state across branched arm sections  13 ,  13  of the accessory frame body  12 . 
     The decorative member  14  extends in the horizontal direction after curving upward at a prescribed location, and at the extended ends, swinging arm sections  15 , on which downwardly-pointing pivoting support shafts  16  have been formed, protrude to both sides. 
     From the disassembled state shown in  FIG. 4  to the fitted state shown in  FIG. 5 , the swinging arm sections  15  are oriented so that the pivoting support shafts  16  of the swinging arm sections  15  engage with the bearing recesses  21  formed in the accessory frame body  12 , thereby holding the decorative member  14  in the accessory frame body  12  in a freely swingable state. 
     In the accessory  11  of this example, the center of gravity of the decorative member  14  is located further downward than the tips of the pivoting support shafts  16 . Therefore, the gem  14   a  of the decorative member  14  swings in a stable state without spinning. 
     Also, the pivoting support shafts  16  have their tips slanting outward so that the top ends of the support shafts  16  do not contact with the inner walls of the bearing recesses  21  formed in the accessory frame body  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5 . 
     Consequently, the swinging arm sections  15  supported by the pivoting support shafts  16  can swing without excessive force in the bearing recesses  21 . 
     In the accessory  11  of this example, the accessory frame body  12  that holds the swinging arm sections  15  is continuously formed with the swinging arm sections  15  of the decorative member  14  housed inside the bearing recesses  21 . 
     For this accessory  11 , the following means may be employed to integrally form the accessory frame body  12  and the decorative member  14 . 
     1) The branched arm sections  13 ,  13  of the accessory frame body  12  may spread outward in the directions of the arrows A 1  in  FIG. 3 , and force applied for closing in the inward direction of the arrows A 1  after the swinging arm sections  15  of the decorative member  14  have been housed in the bearing recesses  21 . 
     2) Openings may be provided on at least one side of each of the bearing recesses  21 , with outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   a  being provided that are detachable in the horizontal direction, and the swinging arm sections  15  of the decorative member  14  can be fitted into the bearing recesses  21  when the outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   a  have been removed in the outward direction of the arrow A 2 , after which the outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   a  may be fitted in the inward direction of the arrow A 2 . 
     3) Openings may be provided on at least one side of each of the bearing recesses  21 , with outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   b  being provided that are detachable in the vertical direction, and the swinging arm sections  15  of the decorative member  14  can be fitted into the bearing recesses  21  when the outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   b  have been removed in the downward direction of the arrow A 3 , after which the outwardly round-shaped stoppers  21   b  may be fitted in the upward direction of the arrow A 3 . 
     A modification of the first example of the accessory of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
     In this modified example as well, the accessory  11  comprises an accessory frame body  12  having a branched structure, and a decorative member  14  engaged with a gem  14   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in a swingable state across branched arm sections  13 ,  13  of the accessory frame body  12 . 
     However, in this example, the bearing recesses  21  provided in the accessory frame body  12  each are provided with a first recess  21   c  having a circular cross-section at the top, and an arc-shaped second recess  21   d  at the bottom, that encloses the lower half of the first recess  21   a  that has a circular cross-section. 
     With this construction, it is possible to fit the pivoting support shaft  16  portions of the swinging arm sections  15  of the decorative member  14  into the first recesses  21   c  with circular cross-sections in the bearing recesses  21 , and also the curved portions  15   a  of the swinging arm sections  15  in the arc-shaped second recesses  21   d , thereby providing an accessory with an improved decorative property. 
     Next, a second example of the accessory of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . 
     In this example as well, the accessory  31  comprises an accessory frame body  32  having a branched structure, and decorative member  34  engaged with a gem  34   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in a swingable state across branched arm sections  33 ,  33  of the accessory frame body  32 . 
     However, in this example, the accessory frame body  32  has a hollow structure, the bearing recesses  41  being formed in the accessory frame body  32  into prescribed shapes by press working or the like. Naturally, the pivoting support shafts  36  of the swinging arm sections  35  of the decorative member  34  are fitted into the bearing recesses  41 . 
     By thus giving the accessory frame body  32  a hollow structure, it is possible to significantly reduce cost while also reducing the weight. 
     A third example of the accessory of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 10  to  FIG. 15 . 
     In this example as well, the accessory  51  comprises an accessory frame body  52  having a branched structure, and a decorative member  54  engaged with a gem  54   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in a swingable state across branched arm sections  53 ,  53  of the accessory frame body  52 . 
     However, in this example, a holding cylinder  62  having an opening  63  formed through which the swinging arm sections  55  are inserted, is attached to the bearing recesses  61  of the accessory frame body  52 . Numeral  64  is a cylindrical stopper having an opening  65  formed corresponding to the opening  63 . The accessory of this example is fitted and used in the following process. 
     1) First, as shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , the swinging arm sections  55  are inserted to the openings  63 ,  65  of the holding cylinders  62  and the cylindrical stopper  64 . 
     2) Next, as shown in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , the swinging arm sections  55  are set in the holding cylinders  62 . 
     3) In this state, as shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , turning the cylindrical stoppers  64  on the holding cylinders  62  causes the openings  63  of the holding cylinders  62  to shift away from the openings  65  of the cylindrical stoppers  64  and become closed off by the cylindrical stoppers  64 . 
     By performing this procedure, it is possible to conveniently and reliably attach and lock the swinging arm sections  55  of the decorative member  54  onto the bearing recesses  61  of the accessory frame body  52 . 
       FIG. 16  to  FIG. 24  show a fourth example of the accessory of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16  to  FIG. 20 , the accessory  71  comprising the pendant top of this example comprises an essentially ring-shaped accessory frame body  72  with a branched structure, and a decorative member  74  engaged with a gem  74   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in a swingable state across a ring-shaped branched arm sections  73  of the accessory frame body  72 . 
     The decorative member  74  extends in the horizontal direction after curving upward at a prescribed location, and at the extended ends, swinging arm sections  75  on which downwardly-pointing pivoting support shafts  76  have been formed protrude to both sides. 
     However, in this example, holding cylinders  82  having openings  83  formed through which the swinging arm sections  75  are inserted, are attached as the bearing recesses  81  of the accessory frame body  72 . Numeral  84  is a cylindrical stopper having an opening  85  formed corresponding to the opening  83 . The accessory of this example is fitted and used in the following process. 
     1) First, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the swinging arm sections  75  are inserted to the openings  83 ,  85  of the holding cylinders  82  and the cylindrical stopper  84 . 
     2) Next, the swinging arm sections  75  are set in the holding cylinders  82  as shown in  FIG. 22 , and the pivoting support shafts  76  are turned downward either by their own weight or by hand, as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     3) In this state, as shown in  FIG. 24 , turning the cylindrical stoppers  84  on the holding cylinders  82  causes the openings  83  of the holding cylinders  82  to shift away from the openings  85  of the cylindrical stoppers  84  and become closed off by the cylindrical stoppers  84 . 
     By performing this procedure, it is possible to conveniently and reliably attach and lock the swinging arm sections  75  of the decorative member  74  onto the bearing recesses  81  of the accessory frame body  72 . Naturally, an accessory with a more intricate decorative property may be provided so that the swinging arm sections  75  or the like are housed in the accessory frame body  72  and are not visible from the exterior. 
     Additionally in  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 24 , numeral  77  is a tubular balance weight for adjustment of the center of gravity of the gem  74   a  engaged with the decorative member  74 , such that changing the length of the balance weight  77  allows the center of gravity to be adjusted. 
       FIG. 25  to  FIG. 33  show a fifth example of the accessory of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25  to  FIG. 30 , the accessory  91  comprising the pendant top of this example comprises an accessory frame body  92  with a pair of bearing recesses  93 ,  93  situated at a prescribed spacing, and a decorative member  94  engaged with a gem  94   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in an integral state in the accessory frame body  92 . 
     The accessory frame body  92  comprising the decorative member  94  is suspended and swings on a suspension member  95  which comprises, at the top end, a suspension hole  96  through which a pendant chain (not shown) or the like is inserted, and which has swinging arm sections  97  of protruding state at the extended both sides with pivoting support shafts  98  formed pointing upward. 
     However, in this example, there are provided holders  101  each with a cylindrical cross-section, having guide grooves  102  through which the swinging arm sections  97  are inserted, thus serving as the bearing recesses  93 ,  93  of the accessory frame body  92 . The accessory of this example is fitted and used in the following process. 
     1) First, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the swinging arm sections  97  of the suspension member  95  are fitted through the guide grooves  102  of the holders  101 . 
     2) Next, the swinging arm sections  97  are set in the holders  101  as shown in  FIG. 32 , and the pivoting support shafts  98  are turned upward, as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     By performing this procedure, it is possible to conveniently and reliably attach and lock the swinging arm sections  97  of the suspension member  95  onto the bearing recesses  93 ,  93  of the accessory frame body  92 . Naturally, an accessory with a more intricate decorative property may be provided so that the swinging arm sections  97  or the like are housed in the accessory frame body  92  and are not visible from the exterior. 
       FIG. 34  to  FIG. 50  show a modification of the fifth example of the accessory of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 34 , the accessory  91  comprising the pendant top of this modified example comprises an accessory frame body  92  with a pair of bearing recesses  93 ,  93  situated at a prescribed spacing, and a decorative member  94  engaged with a gem  94   a  such as a diamond, for example, held in an integral state in the accessory frame body  92 . 
     The accessory frame body  92  comprising the decorative member  94  is suspended and swings on the suspension member  95 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 35  to  FIG. 37 , the suspension member  95  comprises, at the top end, a suspension hole  96  through which a ring attached to a pendant chain (not shown) is inserted, and which has swinging arm sections  97  of protruding state at the extended both sides with pivoting support shafts  98  formed pointing upward. 
     In  FIG. 38  to  FIG. 41 , numeral  99  is a spacer that serves to maintain a spacing with the body, being formed turning downward after extending toward the rear from above the suspension member  95 . The spacer  99  serves to allow the accessory frame body  92  comprising the decorative member  94  to be reliably attached in a freely swingable state, without the accessory frame body  92  contacting the body and having its movement blocked, when the accessory frame body  92  comprising the decorative member  94  is suspended on the suspension member  95 . 
     The spacer  99  has a U-shape, and one end thereof is connected and fixed to the suspension hole  96  provided at the top of the suspension member  95 , by means such as a swage, and it turns downward from the rear forming a bifurcated stabilizing strip  100 . 
       FIG. 42  to  FIG. 45  show the state in which the suspension member  95  and the spacer  99  have been fitted together. 
       FIG. 46  to  FIG. 50  show the state where the suspension member  95  with the spacer  99  fitted has been attached to the accessory frame body  92 . 
     With this construction, the pivoting support shafts  98  of the swinging arm sections  97  of the suspension member  95  may be held in the bearing recesses  93 ,  93  of the accessory frame body  92  without excessive force, and if a chain is attached as shown in  FIG. 50 , the gem  94   a  such as a diamond will be oriented with its table, in other words, top flat surface facing the front when worn, while the gem  94   a  can be supported in a swinging state in response to movement of the wearer. Naturally, an accessory with a more intricate decorative property may be provided so that the swinging arm sections  97  or the like are housed in the accessory frame body  92  and are not visible from the exterior. 
     When the suspension member  95  is attached, the swinging arm sections  97  of the suspension member  95  are inserted in the guide grooves  102  of the holders  101  through the guide grooves  102  of the holders  101 , and then the swinging arm sections  97  are set in the holders  101 , upon which the pivoting support shafts  98  can be set and locked by simply being pointed upward. 
     The widths of the open sections may be narrowed by swages or the like and closed with closing seals or the like, as a means of such locking, thereby helping to prevent the swinging arm sections  97  from falling out from the guide grooves  102 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     In the examples described above, a pendant was used for illustration of the accessory of the invention, but the invention is not limited to application for a pendant and may instead be applied for a bracelet or broach, earring or other accessory. 
     Moreover, although a diamond is shown as the gem in the examples, there is naturally no restriction to a diamond. 
     DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 
     
         
           11 : Accessory 
           12 : Accessory frame body 
           13 ,  13 : Branched arm sections 
           14 : Decorative member 
           14   a : Gem 
           15 : Swinging arm section 
           16 : Pivoting support shaft 
           21 : Bearing recess 
           21   a : outwardly round-shaped stopper 
           21   b : outwardly round-shaped stopper 
           21   c : First recess 
           21   d : Second recess 
           31 : Accessory 
           32 : Accessory frame body 
           33 ,  33 : Branched arm sections 
           34 : Decorative member 
           34   a : Gem 
           35 : Swinging arm section 
           36 : Pivoting support shaft 
           41 : Bearing recesses 
           51 : Accessory 
           52 : Accessory frame body 
           53 ,  53 : Branched arm sections 
           54 : Decorative member 
           54   a : Gem 
           61 : Bearing recess 
           62 : Holding cylinder 
           63 : Opening 
           64 : Cylindrical stopper 
           65 : Opening 
           71 : Accessory 
           72 : Accessory frame body 
           73 : Ring-shaped branched arm section 
           74 : Decorative member 
           74   a : Gem 
           75 : Swing arm 
           76 : Pivoting support shaft 
           77 : Balance weight 
           81 : Bearing recess 
           82 : Holding cylinder 
           83 : Opening 
           84 : Cylindrical stopper 
           85 : Opening 
           91 : Accessory 
           92 : Accessory frame body 
           93 ,  93 : Bearing recesses 
           94 : Decorative member 
           94   a : Gem 
           95 : Suspension member 
           96 : Suspension hole 
           97 : Swinging arm section 
           98 : Pivoting support shaft 
           99 : Spacer 
           100 : Stabilizing strip 
           101 : Holding cylinder 
           102 : Guide grooves