Jewelry pendant

Abstract

 A jewelry pendant (1) for showing off as a jewelry item and for carrying a paper scroll (10). The jewelry pendant (1) comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) with a closed end and an open end and defining an inner elongated space for receiving the paper scroll (10); a removable cap or plug (4) that is sized and shaped to close the open end when the cap or plug (4) is fitted to the elongated hollow cylindrical body (2), and a pin (6) configured for having the paper scroll (10) rolled thereon. The pin (6) is configured to be removably received in the elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) with or without the paper scroll (10) rolled thereon.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a jewelry pendant for and more particularly the disclosure relates to a jewelry pendant for carrying a paper scroll and for showing off as a jewelry item.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A large variety of jewelry pendants is known in the art. Jewelry pendants that have an additional function in addition to being esthetically pleasing have been s22uggested. One such a jewelry pendant is known from US 4,712,389, which discloses a jewelry pendant adapted to carry a fresh cut flower.

[0003] However, none of the known jewelry pendants are capable of carrying a paper scroll that could for example carry a personal message for the wearer of the jewelry pendant.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] On this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a jewelry pendant that overcomes or at least reduces the problem associated with the known jewelry pendants.

[0005] This object is achieved by providing a jewelry pendant for carrying a paper scroll, the jewelry pendant comprising: an elongated hollow cylindrical body with a closed end and an open end and defining an inner elongated space for receiving the paper scroll, a removable cap or plug that is sized and shaped to close the open end when the cap or plug is fitted to the elongated hollow cylindrical body, a pin configured for having the paper scroll rolled thereon, and the pin being configured to be removably received in the elongated hollow cylindrical body with or without the paper scroll rolled thereon.

[0006] By providing a jewelry pendant with a pin that is designed to carry a paper scroll rolled thereupon and that can be received in a sealed compartment in a jewelry pendant an esthetically pleasing, comfortable to wear pedant is provided that is suitable to securely carry a paper roll or scroll that may contain a personal message for the wearer, with the paper scroll being protected from humidity, light, etc. and the paper scroll still easy to access for the wearer of the jewelry pendant. The jewelry pendant may be worn by means of a chain or necklace or as part of a ring or bracelet.

[0007] In an embodiment the cap or plug sealingly closes the open end when the cap or plug is fitted to the elongated hollow cylindrical body. Alternatively, the pin is provided with a member for sealingly closing the open end when the pin is inserted into the hollow cylindrical body.

[0008] In an embodiment the pin is provided with a means for securing one end of the paper scroll to the pin to thereby facilitate rolling the paper scroll onto the pin and to ensure that the paper scroll does not disengage the pin when the pin is removed from the cylinder.

[0009] In an embodiment the means for securing one end of the paper scroll to the pin comprises a slit, preferably a slit in the pin, a clamp or a clip operably connected to the pin or a combination thereof. By providing a slit slightly longer that the width of the paper scroll, one end of the paper scroll can be inserted into the slit and a portion of the paper scroll protruding from the pin bend over and the remainder of the scroll rolled onto the pin and the protruding portion of the paper scroll and thereby secure the scroll to the pin and facilitating the start of rolling the paper scroll onto the pin.

[0010] In an embodiment the jewelry pedant is provided with one or more eyes or rings for suspending the jewelry pendant from a necklace or the like.

[0011] In an embodiment the pin is guided to be placed coaxially in the elongated hollow cylindrical body when it is inserted into the elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0012] In an embodiment one end of the pin is secured to the cap or plug and whereby the cap or plug forms a handle portion.

[0013] In an embodiment the pin projects from the cap or plug into the elongated hollow cylindrical body when the cap or plug is fitted to the elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0014] In an embodiment most of the length of the pin freely projects from the cap or plug when the cap or plug is not inserted into the elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0015] In an embodiment the pin has a distal end that is to be inserted into the elongated hollow cylindrical body and a proximal end that is connected to a handle portion.

[0016] In an embodiment the pin is provided with a disc at or near its distal end, the disc being sized and shaped to be slidingly movable in the elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0017] In an embodiment the pin is provided with a disc at or near its proximal end, the disc being sized and shaped to be slidingly movable in the elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0018] In an embodiment the elongated hollow cylindrical body is provided with one or more inwardly projecting pins near the closed end and the disk is provided with at least one recess for allowing the disk to pass the one or more inwardly projecting pins in one rotational position of the disk.

[0019] In an embodiment a seal, such as an O-ring is provided between said cap or plug and the elongated hollow cylindrical body for rendering the jewelry pendant water tight, or the fit between the cap or plug and the elongated hollow cylindrical body is tight enough to prevent ingress of water.

[0020] Thus, the jewelry pendant provides a hermetically sealed compartment for protective carrying of the paper scroll.

[0021] In an embodiment the elongated hollow cylindrical body defines a sealed compartment for containing said pin with our without a paper scroll when said cap or plug is fitted to said elongated hollow cylindrical body.

[0022] In an embodiment a cap or plug is releasably secured said elongated hollow cylindrical body by a snap fit connection.

[0023] Further objects, features, advantages and properties of the jewelry pendant according to the disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the following detailed portion of the description, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1, is front view of a jewelry pendant according to an example embodiment suspended from a necklace on a wearer,

Fig. 2, is a perspective view of the jewelry pendant of Fig. 1 with a plug and pin partially removed from an elongated cylindrical body,

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the plug and pin removed from the elongated cylindrical body and with a paper scroll rolled onto the pin,

Fig. 4 a sectional view through the jewelry pendant of Fig. 1 with the plug and pin partially removed as in Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is a side view of the jewelry pendant of Fig. 2,

Fig. 6 is a side view of the plug and pin removed from the elongated cylindrical body without a paper scroll on the pin,

Fig. 7 is a side view of the plug and pin removed from the elongated cylindrical body with a paper scroll on the pin,

Fig. 8 is a top view on the jewelry pendant of Fig. 1,

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a jewelry pedant according to another example embodiment,

Fig. 10 is a side view of the jewelry pendant of Fig. 9 with a cap in a removed position,

Fig. 11 is a side view of the jewelry pendant of Fig. 9 with the cap secured to the elongated cylindrical body,

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of a jewelry pendant according to yet another example embodiment with the cap removed from the elongated cylindrical body and the pin partially removed from the elongated cylindrical body, Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the jewelry pendant of

Fig. 12 with the cap secured to the elongated cylindrical body and the pin fully inserted into the elongated cylindrical body, and

Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the jewelry pendant of Fig. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] With reference to Figs. 1 to 8 there is shown a first example embodiment of a jewelry pendant 1 that includes an elongated hollow tubular or cylindrical member 2 and a plug 4, both preferably formed of precious metal such as silver or gold. Other substances appropriate for making such jewelry items could be used for the elongated hollow cylinder 2 and for the plug 4.

[0026] The cylinder 2 is provided with eyes 15 through which passes a chain or necklace 5 adapted to be removably secured around the neck of the wearer as shown in Fig. 1 to show it off as jewelry. The chain or necklace 5 could be any chain-like elongated flexible member designed to enhance the jewelry aspect of the jewelry pendant 1.

[0027] The cylinder 2 is a hollow rigid cylindrical member made of jewelry material and has a closed end, the bottom end and an open end, its top end. The eyes 15 are in an embodiment arranged close to the top end so as to ensure the correct balance in the jewelry pendant 1.

[0028] The plug 4 is formed as a handle and sized and shaped for a snug- or tight fit in the open end of the cylinder 2. The plug 4 is removably connected to the cylinder 2. The connection between the plug 4 and the cylinder 2 is in an embodiment a snap fit that allows a wearer to remove the plug 4 and place it back onto the cylinder 2. The snap fit connection mayinclude a resilient element (not shown) arranged on the cylinder 2 or on the plug 4. Alternatively to a snap fit an interference fit may be used for securing the plug 4 removably to the cylinder 2. In an embodiment the interference fit is established by the diameter of a reduced diameter area 11 of the plug 2 being slightly larger dimensioned than the diameter of the open end of the cylinder 2. The interference fit creates an appropriate level of friction between the plug 4 and the cylinder 4 for preventing inadvertent disengagement of the plug 4 and provides for a water proof seal between the plug 4 and the cylinder 2. Alternative forms of releasable attachment means can be used, such a threaded connections.

[0029] When the plug 4 is fitted to the open end of the cylinder 2 there is defined a compartment therein, preferably a hermetically sealed compartment. The compartment is adapted to receive a pin 6 with a small piece of paper 10 rolled thereon. The small roll, preferably a rectangular and oblong of paper 10 is hereafter referred to as a paper scroll 10. The compartment is also suitable for receiving the pin 6 without the paper scroll 10 rolled thereon.

[0030] The pin 6, preferably in the form of a cylindrical rod, is operatively connected to the plug 4 with the pin 6 projecting coaxially from the plug 4 so that the proximal end of the pin 6 is attached to the plug 4. The pin 6 is inserted into the interior of the cylinder 2 with the distal end of the pin 6 first. The pin 6 can have, but does not need to have, a round cross section, e.g. an oval cross-sectional shape is equally suitable and a polygonal cross sectional shape is suitable if creases in the paper scroll 10 are acceptable or desirable. The diameter or cross sectional dimension of the pin 6 is in an embodiment substantially less than the inner diameter of the cylinder 2 so as to provide space for the paper scroll 10 on the pin 2. The diameter or cross sectional dimension of the pin 6 should though not be extremely small so to ensure stability of the pin and progress of rolling up the paper scroll 10 at the start of the rolling up procedure. When the plug 4 is inserted in the open end of the cylinder 2 the pin is positioned coaxially inside the cylinder 2.

[0031] The pin 6 is in an embodiment of the same type of material as the cylinder 2 and the plug 4. The pin 6 is provided with a longitudinally extending slit 12 extending between the proximal end of the pin 6 and the distal end of the pin 6. The pin 6 is adapted to receive one end of the paper scroll 10 therein at the beginning of the rolling up procedure. The length of the slit 12 is at least slightly larger than the width of the paper scroll 10. The slit 12 serves to secure the paper scroll at the start of the rolling up procedure to facilitate the start of the rolling up procedure and the slit also ensures that the rolled up scroll is secured to the pin 6and does not inadvertently disengage therefrom, for example when the plug 4 is taken off the cylinder 2. Alternative means to secure the paper scroll 10 to the pin can be deployed, such as a clip or clamp or any combination of a slit, a clip and a clamp (not shown).

[0032] The quick release coupling of the plug 4 to the cylinder 2 allows the wearer to inspect the paper scroll 10 instantly and comfortably and equally allows prompt reintroduction of the pin 6 and the paper scroll 10 into the closed compartment inside the cylinder 2.

[0033] Figs. 9 to 11 show another example embodiment of the jewelry pendant 1 that is largely identical to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 8. However, instead of a plug 4 a cap 4 is removably secured over the upper open end of the cylinder 2. In this embodiment there is a single eye 16 at the top of the cap 4 for having a necklace 5 or the like inserted there through.

[0034] The pin 6 is in this embodiment not secured to the cap 4. A handle in the form of a knob 19 is secured to the proximal end of the pin 6. A disk 18 is secured to the pin 6 near its proximal end and a disc 13 is secured to the pin 6 near or at its distal end. Disk 13 is dimensioned for a slide fit inside the cylinder 2 so as to be able to guide the pin 6 in a coaxial position inside the cylinder 2. The disk 18 has a circumferentially disposed O-ring, such as a rubber ring or a silicon ring arranged thereon. The O-ring on the disk 18 is dimensioned such that there is a snug and water tight fit between the disk 18, the O-ring and the inner wall of the cylinder 2 when the pin 6 is fully inserted into the cylinder 2 so that a sealed compartment is created inside the cylinder 2. Disk 18 also ensures that the pin 6 is positioned coaxially in the cylinder 2.

[0035] Like in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 8 the pin 6 is provided with a slit 12, or with alternative means for securing the paper scroll 10 to the pin 6.

[0036] Disk 13 engages a helical wire spring 14 or other suitable resilient member that is disposed inside the cylinder 2 at the closed end of the cylinder 2. The pin 6 and the helical wire spring 14 are configured to urge the pin 6 in the upward direction when the pin 6 is in a range of positions between the position where the disk accurately engages the wire spring 14 to the position where the pin is fully inserted into the cylinder 2. When the cap 4 is secured over the cylinder 2 the cap 4 engages the knob 19 and presses the pin 6 against the force of the wire spring 15 fully into the cylinder 2.

[0037] Two bayonets 20 project inwardly from the inner wall of the cap 4. The bayonets 20 are adapted for engaging bayonet slots 21 that are provided at the open upper end of the cylinder 2 so that the upper end of the cylinder 2 forms a bayonet socket. The bayonet coupling secures the cap 4 after a small twist of the cap 4 relative to the cylinder 2 against the pressure of the wire spring 14. A small twist in the opposite direction releases the cap 4 from the cylinder 2 so that the wearer can easily access the pin 6 and inspect the paper scroll 10 and equally allows prompt reintroduction of the pin 6 and the paper scroll 10 into the closed compartment inside the cylinder 2.

[0038] Figs. 12 to 14 show another example embodiment of the jewelry pendant 1 that is largely identical to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 8. However, instead of a plug 4 a cap 4 that is shaped as a handle is removably secured over the upper open end of the cylinder 2. An O-ring or similar gasket or an interfering fit ensures that the interior of the cylinder 2 is sealed when the cap is placed over the open top of the cylinder 2. In this embodiment there is a single eye 16 at the top of the cap 4 for having a necklace 5 inserted there through.

[0039] The pin 6 is operatively connected to the cap 4 with the major part of the length of the pin 6 projecting from the cap 4 to provide access to pin 6 when the cap 4 is not secured to the cylinder 2 so that a paper scroll 10 can be rolled thereon or unrolled therefrom by a wearer of the jewelry pendant 1.

[0040] A disk 23 is secured to the pin 6 near or at its distal end. Disk 23 is dimensioned for a slide fit inside the cylinder 2 so as to be able to guide the pin 6 in a coaxial position inside the cylinder 2. The disk 23 is provided with two recesses in its outline (thus rendering it into a non-circular disk) for allowing the disk 23 to pass in one position (shown in Fig 14) two inwardly projecting pins 24 that are provided on the inner wall of the cylinder 2 near its closed bottom end. In other rotational positions of the disk 23 the disk cannot pass the pins 24.

[0041] When the pin 6 is inserted into the cylinder the disk 23 is position as shown in Fig. 14 and can pass the pins 24. Simultaneously, a helical wire spring 25 or other resilient means 25 that is provided inside the cap 4 is compressed by the upper end of the cylinder 2 engaging the helical wire spring 25. Before releasing the cap 4 the wearer rotates the cap 4 and thereby the disk 23 so that the disk 23 is prevented from being urged upward by the inwardly projecting pins 24. For releasing the cap 4 and removing the pin 6 from the cylinder 2 a simple twist of the cap 4 brings the disk 23 back to the position shown in Fig. 14 and allows the disk 23 to pass the pins 24 and the pin 6 to be retracted from the cylinder 2.

[0042] The jewelry pendant 1 has in all embodiments a size and weight that renders it suitable to be worn comfortably as a pedant from a necklace or the like.

[0043] The size of jewelry pendant 1 is preferably in a range with the length ranging from 30 to 120 mm, preferably 35 to 70 mm, the outer diameter ranging from 7 to 170 mm, preferably 9 to 140 mm. The weight of the jewelry pendant 1 preferably ranges from 2 to 20 gr, more preferably from 3 to 8 gram.

[0044] In all embodiments the pin 6 is an elongated cylindrical body with a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the interior of the elongated cylindrical body 2. The pin 6 has a length that is such that the distal end of the pin 6 is situated near the closed end of the elongated hollow cylindrical body 2 when the pin 6 is inserted in the elongated hollow cylindrical body 2. The paper scroll 10 can in an embodiment be made from regular office paper of from a specially durable or heavy duty paper.

[0045] Although the teaching of this application has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the teaching of this application.

[0046] The term "comprising" as used in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps. The term "a" or "an" as used in the claims does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A jewelry pendant (1) for carrying a paper scroll (10), said jewelry pendant (1) comprising:

an elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) with a closed end and an open end and defining an inner elongated space for receiving said paper scroll (10),

a removable cap or plug (4) that is sized and shaped to close said open end when said cap or plug (4) is fitted to said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2),

a pin (6) configured for having said paper scroll (10) rolled thereon, and

said pin (6) being configured to be removably received in said elongated hollow cylindrical body with or without said paper scroll (10) rolled thereon.

2. A jewelry pendant according to claim 1, wherein said cap or plug (4) sealingly closes said open end when said cap or plug (4) is fitted to said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2), or wherein said pin (6) is provided with a member (18) for sealingly closing said open end when said pin (6) is inserted into said hollow cylindrical body (2).

3. A jewelry pendant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said pin (6) is provided with a means for securing one end of said paper scroll (10) to said pin (6).

4. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 3, wherein said means for securing one end of said paper scroll (10) to said pin comprises a slit (12), preferably a slit in said pin, a clamp or a clip operably connected to said pin or a combination thereof.

5. A jewelry pendant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said jewelry pedant (1) is provided with one or more eyes or rings (15) for suspending said jewelry pendant (1) from a necklace (5) or the like.

6. A jewelry pendant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said pin (6) is guided to be placed coaxially in said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) when it is inserted into said elongated hollow cylindrical body.

7. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 5, wherein one end of said pin (6) is secured to said cap or plug (4) and whereby said cap or plug (4) forms a handle portion.

8. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said pin (6) projects from said cap or plug (4) into said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2), preferably concentrically therewith, when said cap or plug (4) is fitted to said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2).

9. A jewelry pendant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said pin (6) has a distal end that is to be inserted into said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) and a proximal end that is connected to a handle portion (4, 19) .

10. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 9, wherein said pin (6) is provided with a disc (13,23) at or near its distal end, said disc being sized and shaped to be slidingly movable in said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2).

11. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said pin (6) is provided with a disc (18) at or near its proximal end, said disc (18) being sized and shaped to be slidingly movable in said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2).

12. A jewelry pendant (1) according to claim 10 wherein said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) is provided with one or more inwardly projecting pins (24) near said closed end and said disk (23) is provided with at least one recess for allowing said disk (23) to pass said one or more inwardly projecting pins (24) in one rotational position of said disk (23).

13. A jewelry pendant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a seal, such as an O-ring is provided between said cap or plug (4) and said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) for rendering said pendant (1) water tight, or wherein the fit between said cap or plug (4) and said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) is tight enough to prevent ingress of water.

14. A j3, wherein said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) defines a sealed compartment for (2) containing said pin with our without a paper scroll when said cap or plug (4) is fitted to said elongated hollow cylindrical body.

15. A jewelry pendant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said cap or plug (4) is releasably secured said elongated hollow cylindrical body (2) by a snap fit connection.

Drawing