Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a decorative element according to the preamble of patent claim  1 . 
         [0002]    Decorative elements are used today in many manners, thus in particular commercially and also privately for various decorative purposes. Thus, it is known in particular for Christmas stars and similar to attach wire pins through solder joints on a star formed base element, wherein pearls or similar decorative stones are lined up on the wire pins. This yields an individually configurable decorative element which can be used in many ways for various applications. 
         [0003]    It is the object of the invention to provide a decorative element which facilitates variability and simultaneously also facilitates stable anchoring of the pins or threads supporting the pearls. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, the decorative element shall also provide a good optically pleasing design or appearance and be suitable for many applications through its variability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to the invention a decorative element is provided with a base element configured as a support element with a number of wire-formed or thread-formed pins or also one or plural endless threads or wires for receiving ornamental elements or decorative elements, wherein the support element is configured in plural components, preferably in two components and thus configured from formed elements which are at least partially provided as a partial spherical elements or as partial rotational elements. 
         [0006]    Bore holes are distributed over a circumference of the sphere or the circumference of the rotational element, thus in particular in longitudinal rows which are preferably arranged parallel to one another. The bore holes are provided for receiving pins. Thus, the formed elements can be spherical shells or flat shell formed elements so that for example a sphere can be formed when connecting two spherical shells, however a semi spherical element is generated when connecting a spherical shell with a flat shell with a level base as a placement surface, wherein the semi spherical element forms a semi sphere and can be placed on a horizontal surface. 
         [0007]    Through the multi-component configuration of the element, in particular the two-shell configuration, a disengageable connection is feasible in a simple manner. This is useful in particular for a ball-formed element, in particular configured as a hollow element which is formed from two spherical shells or similar. These can be connected in a simple manner through a plug-in connection, a threaded connection or a bayonet closure. Also a threaded connection is advantageous, wherein the threaded connection is provided in sections over the entire circumference of the spherical shells. The multi-component arrangement and the disengageable configuration also increase variability because the formed element can be opened any time and the pins can be replaced or rearranged and attached, thus with the same length or with a different length. Thus, the pins or threads are run from the outside or the inside through bore holes that are distributed over the circumference of the ball shells and are preferably attached on the inside of the sphere through a pin button, a fold-over or a knot or a T-formed plug-in connection. Subsequently, the pearls can be lined up in any manner from the outside. At the free pin- or thread-end, the pearls are fixated through a knot, a fold, a ring or a thickening which is provided e.g. through upsetting. Optionally, in particular for a knotting of the threads or a fold-over of the pins for attachment at the inside of the sphere, the pearls can also be previously lined up on the pins or threads, thereafter the pins or threads are run from the outside through the bore hole and are then attached on the inside. In case the pin already has an attachment button at one end, running the pin through is performed from the inside of the sphere to the outside and subsequently the pearls or similar ornamental stones are threaded up from the outside. 
         [0008]    In case of flexible threads made from plastic material the threads or plastic pins are stiffened by the threaded-on pearls which are closely adjacent to one another, so that the threads extend more or less in a straight line from the spherical shell in outward direction. 
         [0009]    Instead of a wire pin or a thread also an endless thread can be used or also plural endless threads. In case of an endless thread the endless thread is inserted through a bore hole and attached therein as usual, thus through bending the wire over or through an applied crimping bead. On the section of the endless wire protruding outward beyond the spherical shell suitable decorative elements can be strung up. The protruding endless thread can then be bent into a loop. Optionally the free end can also be run inward through another bore hole and can thus be run outward through another bore hole forming additional loops and arranging decorative elements in rows. Also this yields broad variability. 
         [0010]    In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention one of the spherical shells has a greater spherical section than the other shell, wherein the dividing plane of both spherical shells represents a secant plane through a sphere. When both spherical shells are connected with one another through a plug connector, thus a plug protrusion that can be integrally formed at one of the spherical shells, the spherical shells complement one another in a flush manner to form a spherical element. This embodiment yields the option that a row of bore holes with offset bore holes extends in a center of the sphere, this means along a central plane through the sphere which extends through the center of the sphere. This yields an appealing appearance with a center row of bore holes, wherein the other rows of bore holes are arranged parallel thereto. Thus, it is useful when the bore holes of adjacent rows of bore holes are offset relative to one another and thus respectively preferably centered with the bore holes of an adjacent row. 
         [0011]    A plurality of bore holes is provided distributed over the ball or the spherical shell(s), wherein preferably each bore hole receives a pin, so that a large number of pins can be arranged distributed over the sphere or the spherical shell. When the pearls are then lined up on the pins or threads this yields a very decorative appearance. It is appreciated that pearls with different sizes and colors can be threaded onto the pins or threads in any manner. 
         [0012]    In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two spherical shells have different sizes, wherein it is not excluded that both spherical shells are also as identically sized halves. In that both spherical shells are divided into halves with unequal sizes this yields a respective displacement of the connection seam or joint of the connection from the central plane of the sphere, wherein in a simple manner, also a row of bore holes and thus respective pins or threads for lining up the pearls in the central plane of the sphere, this means centered exactly about the center axis, can be provided. The other rows of bore holes are then arranged in parallel to the central plane defined by the center row of bore holes, in particular arranged in an identical manner so that an even structure of the pins or threads and of the pearls arranged thereon is provided about the sphere. In the context of a uniform structure of this type, the bore holes are arranged for each series of bore holes with uniform circumferential distance. The bore holes of adjacent rows of bore holes can then be aligned offset from these bore holes or identical with these bore holes. Thus, it is helpful when adjacent rows of bore holes are arranged concentric with one another, which however is not mandatory. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the size of the sphere is in a diameter range of 1 to 10 cm, in particular 2 to 5 cm. Thus, bore holes with a number between 10 and 100, preferably 20 to 72, particularly preferably 34 to 60, can be provided per sphere. 
         [0014]    The pins are advantageously provided in the form of wires, in particular metal wires, in particular steel wires. The pins, however, can also be made from plastic material. Instead of stiff pins, also textile or plastic threads can be used, in particular nylon threads. Since the threads or pins are attached at the spherical shell, a self-acting stiffening of the threads is provided when the pearls are tightly spaced, so that the threads remain raised. Thus, it is advantageous overall when the pins or threads are arranged perpendicular to a plane contacting the respective bore hole in a tangential manner. 
         [0015]    The spherical shells themselves can be made from metal, in particular brass, or from plastic material. Furthermore, spherical shells can be colored or coated, in particular with gold-, silver- or copper-colored layer. The pins can either extend with identical length from the spherical shell in outward direction or with different lengths, wherein the pin size is in a range of 1 to 7 cm, preferably 1 to 5 cm, particularly preferably between 1.5 to 3.5 cm. The same applies for the thread length respectively computed extending from the outer spherical surface. 
         [0016]    The attachment of the pins is provided through a pinhead in the interior of the spherical shell, whose dimensions are larger than the dimensions of the bore hole. Alternatively, the pin can also be bent or upset in order to attach the pin at the spherical shell. In case of threads made from textile material or plastic material, the attachment is provided through knots or in that the threads have a T-formed head. The thread can then be threaded in through the T-piece. The T-head then fixates the thread in outward direction so that pearls are applied from the outside and the pearls can then be fixated through a knot connection. 
         [0017]    In case of a flat shell that is attachable at a spherical shell and that has a flat base various functional elements can be attached thereon which increases variability. Particularly suitable are an ear clip, a broach pin, an ear pin, hair clips, hair clamps, finger rings, hat pins, and similar. At spherical shells or at the flat shells also animal figures or Christmas angels can be attached, so that indefinite variability is provided. The invention is particularly suitable for an arts and crafts system, wherein the spherical shells and a flat shell are provided as base elements, which are connectable with one another, wherein the spherical shells are configured with respective bore holes for receiving pins, threads, or endless threads or endless wires. The flat shell can be used as stand element or for attaching functional elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Subsequently embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawing, wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective schematic view of a sphere formed from two spherical shells; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic partial view for illustrating a pin; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates an analogous alternative view of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a thread with a T-formed head piece for attachment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a spherical decorative element according to the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates a view of the sphere of  FIG. 5  in an open position of both spherical shells; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a spherical shell configured as a suspended element; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of a spherical shell configured as a standing decorative element or a table decorative element; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of another embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the invention configured as a napkin ring or table card holder; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment according to the invention configured as an ear clip; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of a pin. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates a spherical element  1  configured as a sphere which is formed from two shells  3  and  5 . Thus, the shell  3  is configured as a ball-formed scraper is configured slightly smaller than the spherical shell  5  also configured as a ball-formed scraper. The two shells  3  and  5  can either be connected with one another through an insertable connection or a threaded connection. For illustration purposes,  FIG. 1  illustrates a plug-in socket  7  which is sized smaller relative to the rest of the spherical shell  3 , wherein the spherical shell  3  is insertable into the spherical shell  5  through the plug-in socket. Therefore, the plug-in connection is a fitted connection which is fixated, however, also disengageable under tension. Alternatively, and this is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the connection of both shells  3  and  5  can be provided through a threaded connection. Thus, one or plural threads can be provided over the entire circumference of the socket  7  which is schematically indicated by the reference numeral  9 . Respective thread turns or a respective thread is then also provided in the edge portion of the spherical shell  5  as indicated at  11 . Instead of a circumferential thread turn, thread turns can also be provided in sections as apparent from  FIG. 1  for both spherical shells  3  and  5 . Alternatively the interconnection of both spherical shells can also be provided through one or plural bayonet closures which are not illustrated. 
         [0032]    It is apparent that each spherical shell is provided with a plurality of bore holes  13  which extend through the spherical shell. Thus, it is helpful that a row of bore holes is provided in the central plane of the sphere which is designated as  15 . The row of bore holes is also illustrated in dashed lines which only serve illustration purposes. In the illustrated embodiment, additional rows of bore holes are provided which are configured at a distance from the row of bore holes  15  that are configured centered in the center plane and which also include a number of bore holes  13  that are preferably arranged at uniform distances from another. However, it is not mandatory that the bore holes are arranged at uniform distances from one another; however an even structure is generated for an arrangement with even distances. Optionally, the bore holes of adjacent rows of bore holes can also be arranged offset from one another. 
         [0033]    Through these bore holes  13 , as described best with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a pin  17  is inserted. The pin  17  illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes a thickened head  19  at its inner end, wherein the thickened head has at least one dimension which is greater than the diameter of the associated bore hole  13 . Thus, the pin  17  is inserted from the inside to the outside through the bore hole  13  until the pinhead  19  contacts the inner surface of the spherical shell. Then, pearls  21  are lined up from the outside which can have identical sizes or completely different sizes and can have identical or different shapes. After the lineup of the pearls  21 , a fixation is provided at the protruding free-end of the pin  17  through forming an eyelet, wherein the eyelet  23  is apparent from  FIG. 2  and can also be used as a hanger for another row of pearls  25 . For better illustration, the pearls  21  are represented as transparent pearls so that the pin  17  is visible. This also applies for  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . 
         [0034]    In the embodiment, according to  FIG. 3 , mounting the pin is provided at the interior of the spherical shell through folding the pin over, wherein the fold-over is designated as  25 . Fixating the lined up pearls  21  is in turn provided through a fold-over  25  at the free end of the pin. The pin is configured as a metal wire, in particular as a steel pin. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  alternatively illustrates a plastic material thread made from nylon which is configured with a T-piece  27  for attachment at its lower end for insertion into a bore hole and attachment of the thread at the spherical shell. Subsequently, the pearls not illustrated in  FIG. 4 , are lined up and a fixation of the non-illustrated pearls is provided at the thread  29  through a knot  31 . 
         [0036]    The variability of the decorative element is rather large since the pins do not have to be provided in each bore hole, the pins or threads can be configured with different lengths and also a different number of pearls with different size and shape can be provided which is at the discretion of the user of the decorative element. It is helpful that the decorative element is configured in a very simple manner, can be opened and replaced with new pins or threads any time so that the design can be changed at will. The decorative element is suited in particular for arts and crafts and is therefore highly suitable in particular for school applications. The decorative element in do it yourself construction also appeals to all age groups and is also suitable for arts and crafts applications in assisted living facilities. It is advantageous that the same spherical element can be used for different decorative arrangements. This is caused by high variability, the simple assembly of the pins and threads and the simple lineup of the pearls and the simple opening and closing of the spherical element. A spherical element in the context of this application means that the element does not have to be a strictly geometrical sphere, though the sphere actually has exactly spherical shape in a preferred embodiment. 
         [0037]    The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is configured from two spherical shells  3 ,  5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6  one of the spherical shells, herein the spherical shell  5  is configured with a larger sphere section than the other spherical shell  3  according to  FIG. 6 . The spherical shell  5  like the embodiment according to  FIG. 1  has a plug in section  7  which is configured offset inward through a circumferential annular shoulder  30  relative to the larger sphere section. This plug in section represents a plug connector through which the spherical shell  5  can be attached at the other opposite spherical shell  3 . The spherical shell  3  certainly includes a respective receiving mechanism corresponding to the plug in recess  7 , thus as already described in a context with the embodiment according to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0038]    As apparent from  FIG. 6  for the right spherical shell  5  a thread section  31  is arranged on the plug in section  7 , wherein a second respective thread section is provided on an opposite side of the plug in section  7  which, however, is not evident from the drawing figure. Thus, two opposite thread sections  31  are provided for the illustrated embodiment at the plug in section  7 . Respective threaded grooves which correspond with these thread sections are configured at the opposite spherical shell  3 . The invention is certainly not limited to two thread sections which are only exemplary. Three or four or more thread sections can be distributed over the circumference which is eventually also a function of the size of the decorative element. 
         [0039]    Both spherical shells form a sphere in combination along a dividing plane  32  or a dividing line  32  which is eventually formed by the annular shoulder  30 . The dividing plane  32  represents a secant plane through the spherical element, this means that the dividing plane or the circumferential edges of the spherical shells which contact one another when assembling the shells are generated by an intersection of the sphere with a plane which goes through the sphere but not through the center of the sphere so that both spherical shells complement one another to form a sphere after connecting through the plug in section  7  and the thread sections. 
         [0040]    This embodiment has the option that a row  33  with bore holes is on a central plane after connecting both spherical shells, wherein the central plane intersects with the spherical element and extends through the center of the sphere as clearly apparent from  FIG. 5 . This means the dividing line  32  is offset to the right relative to a central plane through the sphere center so that the row  33  with offset bore holes  13  can be arranged along an intersection plane with the sphere which is formed by the central plane through the center of the sphere. 
         [0041]    As apparent from  FIGS. 5 and 6  additional rows of bore holes  34  and  36  are arranged on this sphere and thus in an arrangement that is parallel to the row of bore holes  33  and also to the row of bore holes of the opposite shell. The rows of bore holes  13  of adjacent rows of bore holes are thus offset from one another with parallel centers as apparent from the view of the right spherical shell in  FIG. 6 . This embodiment is useful but not the only one. Various embodiments are feasible. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  illustrates the spherical shell which is illustrated in  FIG. 6  on the left side and which can be used as a suspended decorative element. For this purpose the spherical shell  3  can be provided at the secant dividing line  32  for example with an inward oriented fold over which forms a suspension eyelet through which the spherical shell  3  can be suspended at a wall. 
         [0043]    The embodiment according to  FIG. 8  uses the spherical shell  5  that is apparent from  FIG. 6  as a standard element so that  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate that the individual spherical shells can also be used as separately standing decorative elements or suspended decorative elements. 
         [0044]    It is appreciated that also the embodiment according to these figures has pins or threads run through the bore hole  13  and the pins or threads are attached at a spherical shell as described already with reference to the embodiment according to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment in which a spherical shell  5 , thus the spherical shell illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  that is provided with a plug in section  7  is used. This spherical shell can be analogously connected with a shell element  40  with a flat base element  41 . Thus,  FIG. 9  illustrates the threaded groove in dashed lines on the left side which threaded groove interacts with the thread section  31  formed on the plug in section  7  for attaching both elements at one another. Connecting the shell formed component with the spherical shell  5  yields a decorative element which can be used on a horizontal surface as standing decorative element. This yields a semi sphere instead of a total sphere according to the illustration in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  illustrates variations of the embodiment according to  FIG. 9  in turn in a schematic view. Thus, a napkin ring  42  is attached at a base  41  of the shell  40  and thus in particular through a threaded bolt  43 . On the opposite side at the spherical shell  5  a pin  44  is run through the top most bore hole and attached at the spherical shell wherein the pin is bent into a spiral shape  46  in its upper most portion  45 , wherein the spiral shape  46  is used as a receiving element for table cards or name cards which are insertable therein. Alternatively, however, also other configurations are feasible in that for example the spherical shell  5  is integrally configured with the shell  40  as a receiver for a candle holder, wherein a candle holder only has to be attached at the spherical shell. For this purpose only a T-pin has to be inserted through the center bore hole in an upper portion of the spherical shell where a candle holder is then attached in a suitable manner. Thus, a pin run through at an upper end of the spherical shell can also be used as an insertion pin for inserting a candle, so that dedicated candle holders are not required. The remaining bore holes can then be used for receiving various decorative elements through the inserted pins. 
         [0047]    In the embodiment according to  FIG. 11  a known ear clip  47  is attached at the base  41  of the shell  40 , thus through a small plate  48  which is for example glued together with the base  41  of the shell  40  or can be attached in another suitable manner, thus screwed together. The shell  40  is then connected with a spherical shell  5  so that a piece of ear jewelry is provided which can be configured in any manner. Instead of an ear clip also ear plugs or hair clips, finger rings, hat pins and similar can be attached which shows the variability of the system. 
         [0048]    As stated regarding the embodiment according to  FIG. 11  instead of a hair clip also another functional element can be attached, in particular a broach pin can be soldered on or glued on so that the decorative element can be pinned to a garment. In the embodiment according to 
         [0049]      FIG. 11 , the illustrated small plate  48  can also be attached at the shell  40  through a central threaded connection as indicated in  FIG. 11 . Thus, different attachment options are conceivable that are within the skill of a person skilled in the art. 
         [0050]    Instead of pins or threads that are run through the bore holes also commercially available endless wires can be used which are run from an inside through one of the bore holes, wherein the beginning of the wire is fixated through annular bending or through attachment of a so called crimp bead. The endless wire that is run through is then formed in a loop or differently and can be decorated with decorative elements. Thus, the endless wire can also be run through other bore holes and can be pulled out again at another location, wherein in turn loop formation is feasible and decorative elements can be put on the wire. This yields a plurality of different decorative and design options. 
         [0051]    For example the spherical shells can also be used for curtain decorations. For a curtain tie down whose ends are often provided with commercially available tassels as a completion the ends can also be decorated with the two spherical halves. Thus small magnets provided with small individual bore holes can be attached in each of the half spheres in the cavities of the two half spheres. The half spheres in turn are attached at both ends of the curtain tie downs and are assembled through the magnetic effect until a voluntarily provided separation occurs and can thus be used as decorative curtain tie downs. 
         [0052]    The spherical shells or spherical elements with the pins, threads or endless wires can also be used in combination with plant assemblies. For example a plant assembly can be attached through pins at an approximately central portion of the spherical shell, whereas one or plural endless wires can be run through the adjacent bore holes that do not have to be used for the plant assembly and wherein a decorative effect is achieved through forming loops and stringing up decorative elements on the endless wires wherein the decorative effect adds to the appearance of the plant assembly. 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of a wire pin  50  with a circular cross section which includes a T formed attachment element at its lower end. Above the T-head a flat rectangular element  52  is produced through flattening the pin with circular cross section wherein the flat element has sharp edges  53  on both sides. The flat element with edges thus advantageously extends over a length which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the spherical shell. This can be for example a length of 4 mm. This yields sharp cutting edges on both sides of the flat element. This has the effect that the pin after loosely running the circular pin through the bore hole the pin is effectively anchored in the bore hole through the flat element with edges so that any movement of the pin attached in the spherical shell can be avoided in a simple manner. Thus, the diameter of the wire pin  50  is adapted to the diameters of the bore hole in the spherical shells so that the desired attachment in the bore hole is achieved through a pressed flat element  42  with edges. This yields a very simple and secure permanent fixation of the wire pins in the spherical shell.

Technology Category: 4