CN108778036A - Suitable for connectors used in jewelry - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector suitable for use with jewelry is disclosed, the connector comprising a female part configured to reversibly mate with a male part.

Description

Suitable for connectors used in jewelry

related application

This application claims priority from UK Patent Application GB 1603687.3 filed 3 March 2016, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Field and Background of Invention

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly, to connectors suitable for use in jewelry.

It is well known that connectors are used in jewelry for a variety of purposes, including:

Reversibly secure piercing jewelry (e.g., earrings and studs) to the wearer's body; reversibly attach elongated wraparound jewelry (e.g., necklaces) when the jewelry is put on or removed from the wearer and bracelets); and reversibly associating a decorative element with a jewelry item (eg, a ring or a pendant's gemstones).

Many known connectors have disadvantages for use in jewellery, usually including one or more of the following: not secure or delicate enough, and thus fragile, thus risking undesired disengagement; vulgar and unsightly; and/or include relatively large amounts of less valuable materials such as base metals.

Summary of the invention

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to connectors suitable for use in jewelry, some of which have one or more advantages over known connectors for jewelry.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a connector suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:

a female part configured to reversibly mate with a male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is, the locking direction of the retaining pin is directed away from the male body) ,

The female part contains:

i. A hollow female body having walls defining an interior volume, the hollow female body having:

a perforation through the wall for receiving the retaining pin of the male part through the perforation into the interior volume, and

a button hole through the wall opposite said perforation providing fluid communication into the interior volume;

ii. a locking member configured to engage the retaining pin of the male part when the retaining pin of the male part is positioned through the perforation, thereby retaining the connection of the male part to the female part; and

iii. A button, accessible through a button hole and movable along an axis, having:

a locked state in which the locking part engages the retaining pin of the male part; and

A release state, in which the button is moved away from the button hole into the interior volume of the female body in a disengagement direction opposite to the locking direction, releases the retaining pin of the male part from the locking part, thereby allowing the male part to be separated from the female part.

In some embodiments, the connector further includes a male member including a male body and a retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is also provided a connector comprising two reversibly matable parts suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:

a. a male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is, the locking direction of the retaining pin is directed away from the male body); and

b. a female component configured to reversibly mate with a male component, the female component comprising:

i. A hollow female body having walls defining an interior volume, the hollow female body having:

a perforation through the wall through which a retaining pin for the male part is received into the interior volume, and

a button hole through the wall opposite said perforation providing fluid communication into the interior volume;

ii. a locking member configured to engage the retaining pin of the male part when the retaining pin of the male part is positioned through the perforation, thereby retaining the connection of the male part to the female part; and

iii. A button, accessible through a button hole and movable along an axis, having:

a locked state in which the locking part of the female part engages the retaining pin of the male part; and

A release state, in which the button is moved away from the button hole into the interior volume of the female body in a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction, releases the retaining pin from the locking part, thereby allowing the male part to be separated from the female part.

In some embodiments, the button rests against the inner surface of the button hole in the locked state.

In some embodiments, the retention pin is integrally formed with the male body. In some embodiments, the retention pin is secured to the male body.

In some embodiments, the retention pin is located near the center of the male body. In some embodiments, the retention pin is located off-center of the male body.

In some embodiments, the female body includes: a front cover having a perforation; and a grommet defining a button hole. In some such embodiments, the front cover and backing ring are reversibly attached to each other, such as by complementary threads known in the art of gold watches, whereas in some embodiments, the front cover and backing ring are fixedly attached to each other, such as welded together.

In some embodiments, when the male component is connected to the female component, the view of at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and axis) is obscured by a portion of the female component. In some such embodiments, the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body that is obstructed from view is no less than 90°, no less than 120°, no less than 180°, no less than 240°, and even no less than 270° section. In some such embodiments, the view of the seam perpendicular to the downward direction between the female body and the male body is substantially completely obscured by a portion of the female body when the male component is connected to the female component.

In some embodiments, the view of at least some portion of the seam between the female body and the male body perpendicular to the locking direction (and axis) is obscured by a portion of the male component when the male component is connected to the female component. In some such embodiments, the portion of the seam between the female body and the male body that is obstructed from view is no less than 90°, no less than 120°, no less than 180°, no less than 240°, and even no less than 270° section. In some such embodiments, the view perpendicular to the downward direction of the seam between the female body and the male body is substantially completely obscured by a portion of the male body when the male component is connected to the female component.

This partial or total coverage of the seam (whether by the male or female body) helps to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the possibility of prying open by inserting objects (accidental or not) into the seam Two parts to separate the connected male and female parts.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is configured such that substantially no tilting movement of the retaining pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible when the male component is connected to the female component. "Constructed" means that portions of the male and female parts are shaped, dimensioned and/or incorporate features such that substantially no tilting movement of the retaining pin relative to the perforation perpendicular to the axis is possible when the male part is connected to the female part of. In some embodiments, this configuration includes that the fit between the male and female components is sufficiently tight to prevent significant such tilting movement. In some embodiments, this configuration includes a tolerance between the male and female components that is sufficiently small to prevent significant such tilting motion. Preventing significant such tilting motion helps to reduce, if not completely eliminate, separation of connected male and female parts by applying force that does not pass through the button.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is configured such that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component is substantially unable to rotate about an axis relative to the female component. "Constructed" means that portions of the male and female components are shaped, sized and/or contain features such that when the male component is connected to the female component, the male component cannot rotate about an axis relative to the female component. For example, in some embodiments, such configurations include at least one of the male and female components including an anti-rotation feature such that when the male component is connected to the female component, the anti-rotation feature prevents the male component from rotating about the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, such configurations include that the periphery of the male body includes features that engage features of the female component to prevent rotation of the male body about the axis relative to the female body. In such embodiments, the male component and corresponding female component feature together an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the male component about the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, such configurations include that the perimeter of the female body includes features that engage features of the male component to prevent rotation of the male body about the axis relative to the female body. In such embodiments, the male component and corresponding female component feature together an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the male component about the axis relative to the female component.

In some such embodiments, the configuration comprises that at least one of the male component and the female component includes an anti-rotation pin configured to engage a hole in the other component when the male component is connected to the female component, Rotation of the male body relative to the female body about the axis is thereby prevented. In other words, at least one of the male and female parts includes an anti-rotation pin that is engageable with a hole in the other part when the male part is connected to the female part, thereby preventing rotation about the axis. In such embodiments, the combination of the anti-rotation pin and corresponding aperture is an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of the male component about the axis relative to the female component.

In some embodiments, the button extends no more than flush with the female body in the locking direction when the button is in the locked state.

In some embodiments, the retaining pin includes at least one feature configured to be engaged by the locking member, and the locking member is configured to engage the retaining pin when in the locked state by at least one of the at least one feature, that is, to retain the pin. The pin includes at least one feature engageable by the locking member, and the locking member is engageable by the at least one feature to retain the pin when in the locked state.

In some such embodiments, at least one such feature of the retention pin includes a protrusion on the retention pin. In some such embodiments, the locking member includes a feature configured to reversibly engage a protrusion of the retaining pin in the locked state, that is, the locking pin includes a feature that reversibly engages the protrusion of the retaining pin in the locked state .

In some such embodiments, at least one such feature of the retention pin includes a ridge on the retention pin having a dimension greater than a portion of the retention pin immediately above the ridge. As can be seen from the figure, "above" is in the disengagement direction opposite to the locking direction. In some such embodiments, the ridge is a circumferential ridge around the retention pin. In some such embodiments, a portion of the locking member is configured to contact the ridge when in the locked state, that is, the locking pin has a portion that contacts the ridge of the retaining pin in the locked state.

In some embodiments, the locking member includes a resilient member configured to bias the locking member to normally engage the retaining pin when the retaining pin is positioned through the perforation and the button is in the locked state, that is, the locking member includes a resilient member. A member that biases the locking member to generally engage the retaining pin when the retaining pin is positioned through the perforation and the button is in the locked state. In some such embodiments, the resilient member of the locking member comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer, such as silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the connector has no features that push the male component away from the female component in a disengagement direction.

In some embodiments, the button includes a portion that contacts the retaining pin when the button is moved away from the button aperture (ie, in the disengagement direction), thereby pushing the male component away from the female component in the disengagement direction.

In some such embodiments, the portion that contacts the retention pin when the button is moved away from the button aperture includes a push-peg. In some embodiments, the push pin is integrally formed with the button. In some embodiments, the push pin is attached to the button. In some such embodiments, the distal end of the push pin and the distal end of the retaining pin are configured to mate. In particular, "configured to mate" means that the two distal ends are shaped, sized and/or contain features such that they are mateable. In some embodiments, the distal end of the push bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin are configured to self-center when mated. In some such embodiments, a first of the distal end of the push bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin is convex, and a second of the distal end of the push bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin is concave. In some such embodiments, a first of the distal end of the push pin and the distal end of the retaining pin is a ball, and a second of the distal end of the push pin and the retaining pin is a corresponding socket.

In some embodiments, in the locked state, the distal end of the push bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin are separated by no more than 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the button includes a portion that contacts a portion of the locking member to move the portion of the locking member when the button is moved away from the button aperture (in the disengagement direction), and thereby at least partially engages the locking member. disengage from the retaining pin. In some such embodiments, when the button is moved away from the button aperture (in the disengagement direction), the moved portion of the locking member moves laterally in a direction perpendicular to the locking direction. In some embodiments, the portion of the button is a release pin that projects from the button in a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction. In some such embodiments, the release pin has a tapered distal end.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein also includes a resilient button bias that is biased to generally maintain the button in a locked state. In some such embodiments, the button biaser includes at least one of a spring and a polymer, especially an elastomer, such as silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, when the male and female components are interconnected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is flat; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is flat. That is, in some embodiments, when the male and female components are interconnected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of an item of jewelry for reversibly associating an element with the jewelry, for example, the connector is part of a pendant that allows a decorative element to be reversibly associated with the rest of the pendant.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of an item of wrapping jewelry for reversibly attaching ends of the wrapping jewelry, for example, as a connector for a chain lock of a necklace or hip chain.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of the pierced jewelry item for reversibly securing the pierced jewelry to the wearer's body. In some embodiments, the retention pin is configured to pass through body tissue when the pierced jewelry is worn, that is, the retention pin is adapted to pass through body tissue when the pierced jewelry is worn, in some embodiments the retention pin comprises One or more of suitable shape, suitable size and suitable surface texture and composition. For example, the connector used to secure the earring to the wearer enables the retention pin to be worn through the pierced lobe.

In some embodiments, when the male and female parts are interconnected: at least a portion of the male part facing the female part is flat and at least a part of the female part facing the male part is flat . In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is flat. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is flat.

In some embodiments, when the male and female components are interconnected: at least a portion of the male component facing the female component is curved; and at least a portion of the female component facing the male component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the male component facing the female component is curved. In some such embodiments, the entire portion of the female component facing the male component is curved.

In some instances, especially in priority documents, the term "translated" is used as a synonym for the term "moved".

In some instances, especially in priority documents, the term "downward direction" is used as a synonym for the term "locking direction".

In some instances, especially in priority documents, the term "direction opposite to the downward direction" is used as a synonym for the term "separating direction".

As stated above, a male part according to the teachings herein includes a male body and a retaining pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body, which is equivalent to a male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin pointing away from the male body defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body. The axis defines the locking direction.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

As used herein, the terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their grammatical variants are to be construed as specifying stated features, integers, steps or components but not excluding one or more The addition of an additional feature, integer, step, component or combination thereof. These terms include the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term "about", the term "about" is intended to indicate +/- 10%.

Brief description of the drawings

Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings makes apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the invention may be practiced. The drawings are for purposes of illustrative discussion and are not intended to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is required for a basic understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the drawings are not to scale.

In the attached picture:

Figures 1A-1F schematically depict a pendant comprising an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:

Figure 1A is a side view from the y-direction of the pendant, where the male and female parts are connected to each other;

Figure 1B is a side section of a male component viewed from the y direction;

Figure 1C is a top view of the male part seen from the z direction;

Figure 1D is a radial force spring constituting the locking part of the connector;

Figure 1E is a side section of the pendant viewed from the x-direction, with the male and female parts connected to each other; and

Figure 1F is a side section of the pendant viewed from the y-direction, where the male and female parts are connected to each other;

Figures 2A and 2B schematically depict a ring comprising an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein:

Figure 2A is a side section of a ring viewed in the y-direction with the male and female components connected to each other; and

Figure 2B is a top section of the ring, viewed from the z-direction, showing the locking components;

Figures 3A and 3B schematically depict a necklace comprising an embodiment of a connector as a jewelry chain lock according to the teachings herein:

Figure 3A is a side section of the connector viewed from the y-direction, wherein the male and female parts are connected to each other; and

Figure 3B is a top cross-section of the connector, viewed from the z-direction, showing the locking member;

Figure 4 schematically depicts a side section of an earring comprising an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the male part;

Figure 5 schematically depicts a side section of an earring comprising an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein having a decorative element on the female part;

Figure 6 schematically depicts a necklace comprising an embodiment of a connector as a jewelry chain lock according to the teachings herein, the necklace having a single male part and three female parts; and

Figure 7 schematically depicts a necklace comprising an embodiment of a connector as a jewelry chain lock according to the teachings herein, the necklace having three male parts and three female parts.

Description of Some Embodiments of the Invention

Some embodiments of the invention relate to connectors suitable for use with jewelry.

The principles, use and implementation of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and drawings. After careful reading of the description and drawings provided herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the teachings of the present invention without undue effort or experimentation. Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts and/or methods set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As discussed in the background above, there is a need for connectors in the field of jewelry, but many known connectors have disadvantages when used in jewelry, for example, one or more of the following: they are not secure enough or delicate enough, and therefore easy Damaged, thus risking undesired detachment; unsightly and unsightly; and/or containing relatively large quantities of less valuable materials, such as base metals.

Some embodiments taught herein relate to connectors suitable for use with jewelry, wherein some embodiments at least partially overcome at least some of the disadvantages of connectors known in the jewelry art. In particular, some embodiments of connectors in accordance with the teachings herein are one or more made substantially entirely of precious metals, especially gold; are resistant to damage and breakage; and are easily accessible even by persons with large hands ; safe in terms of preventing unwanted opening of the connector; and aesthetically pleasing.

According to an aspect of some embodiments taught herein, there is provided a female part suitable for a connector for jewelry, the female part configured to reversibly mate with a male part, the male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin, retaining The pin defines an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is, the locking direction that keeps the pin pointing away from the male part), the female part comprising:

i. A hollow female body having walls defining an interior volume, the hollow female body having:

a perforation through the wall for receiving the retaining pin of the male part through the perforation into the interior volume, and

a button hole through the wall opposite said perforation providing fluid communication into the interior volume;

ii. a locking member configured to engage the retaining pin of the male part when the retaining pin of the male part is positioned through the perforation, thereby retaining the connection of the male part to the female part; and

iii. A button, accessible through a button hole and movable along an axis, having:

the locked state, when the locking part engages the retaining pin of the male part; and

A release state, in which the button is moved away from the button hole into the interior volume in a disengagement direction opposite to the locking direction, releases the retaining pin of the male part from the locking part, allowing the male part to be separated from the female part.

According to an aspect of some embodiments taught herein, there is also provided a connector suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:

a female part configured to reversibly mate with a male part, the male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin, the retaining pin of the male body defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is, the locking direction of the retaining pin being away from the male Subject) points to,

The female part contains:

i. A hollow female body having walls defining an interior volume, the hollow female body having:

a perforation through the wall for receiving the retaining pin of the male part through the perforation into the interior volume, and

a button hole through the wall opposite said perforation providing fluid communication into the interior volume;

ii. a locking member configured to engage the retaining pin of the male part when the retaining pin of the male part is positioned through the perforation, thereby retaining the connection of the male part to the female part; and

iii. A button, accessible through a button hole and movable along an axis, having:

the locked state, when the locking part engages the retaining pin of the male part; and

A release state, in which the button is moved away from the button hole into the interior volume of the female body in a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction, releases the retaining pin of the male part from the locking part, thereby allowing the male part to be separated from the female part.

In some embodiments, the connector further includes a male component including a male body and a retention pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body.

According to an aspect of some embodiments taught herein, there is also provided a connector comprising two reversibly mateable parts suitable for use in jewelry, the connector comprising:

a. a male part comprising a male body and a retaining pin defining an axis and a locking direction away from the male body (that is, the locking direction of the retaining pin is directed away from the male body); and

b. a female component configured to reversibly mate with a male component, the female component comprising:

i. A hollow female body having walls defining an interior volume, the hollow female body having:

a perforation through the wall for receiving a retaining pin of the male part through the perforation into the interior volume, and

a button hole through the wall opposite said perforation providing fluid communication into the interior volume;

ii. a locking member configured to engage the retaining pin of the male part when the retaining pin of the male part is positioned through the perforation, thereby retaining the connection of the male part to the female part;

iii. A button, accessible through a button hole and movable along an axis, having:

a locked state in which the locking part of the female part engages the retaining pin of the male part; and

A release state, in which the button is moved away from the button hole into the interior volume of the female body in a disengagement direction opposite the locking direction, releases the retaining pin from the locking part, thereby allowing separation of the male part from the female part.

1A-1F schematically depict a pendant 10 incorporating an embodiment of a connector 12 according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 1A is a side view of the pendant 10 seen from the y-direction, wherein the male part 14 and the female part 16 are connected to each other.

FIG. 1B depicts a side section of the male component 14 viewed from the y-direction.

Figure 1C depicts a top view of the male part 14 seen from the z-direction.

FIG. 1D depicts the locking member 18 of the connector 12 , the radial force spring.

Figure IE depicts a side section of the pendant 10 viewed from the x-direction, with the male part 14 and the female part 16 connected to each other.

Figure IF depicts a side section of the pendant 10 viewed from the y-direction, with the male part 14 and the female part 16 connected to each other.

The male component 14 of the pendant 10 includes a male body 20 integrally formed with a retaining pin 22 defining a male axis 24 and a downward direction 26 away from the male body 20 . Opposite the retaining pin 22 is a decorative element 28 (pearl) fixed to the male body 20 . As shown in FIG. 1B , the retaining pin 22 includes a circumferential ridge 30 (that is, the ridge 30 describes a complete circle around the retaining pin 22 ) having a diameter immediately above the retaining pin 22 that is larger than the retaining pin 22 . part of the size. As discussed in more detail below, the ridge 30 is a feature of the locking member 18 configured to contact and thereby engage to keep the male member 14 and female member 16 interconnected when in the locked state.

The female component 16 is configured to reversibly mate with the male component 14 .

The female part 16 comprises a hollow female body 32 having a wall 34 defining an interior volume 36 with a perforation 38 through the wall 34 through which the retaining pin 22 for receiving the male part 14 enters. Internal volume 36, as shown in Figures 1E and 1F. Female body 32 also includes a button hole 40 through wall 34 opposite perforation 38 , providing fluid communication into interior volume 36 . In the connector 12 of the pendant 10 , the female body 32 includes a front cover 42 having a perforation 38 and a grommet 44 defining a button hole 40 . The front cover 42 also defines a larger portion of the side walls of the connector 12 of the pendant 10 . Front cover 42 and backing ring 44 are fixedly connected to each other by welding.

The locking member 18 of the connector 12 is a radial force spring, depicted separately in FIG. 1D , and held within the interior volume 36 of the fully assembled connector 12 in FIGS. 1E and 1F . As depicted in FIGS. 1E and 1D , locking member 18 is configured to engage retaining pin 22 when retaining pin 22 is positioned through aperture 38 , thereby retaining male member 14 coupled to female member 16 , as detailed below.

The female part 16 also includes a button 46 accessible through the button hole 40 and movable along the axis 24 . The button 46 has at least two states, a locked state and a released state.

When the button 46 is in the locked state (as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F ), the locking member 18 engages the retaining pin 22 . In particular, the connector 12 of the pendant 10 comprises a locking member 18, a stainless steel elastic radial force spring comprising an outer circular portion 48 and two parallel arms 50 each connected to the circle by a corresponding S-shaped portion 52. Shaped part 48. The outer circular portion 48 self-centers the locking member 18 when held within the interior volume 36 of the female body 32 by exerting an outward force against the wall 34 and also allows the locking member 18 to be placed within the front cover 42 It is held in place by flanges 54 . Specifically, the outer circular portion 48 and the ends of the parallel arms 50 rest on the flange 54 when the connector 12 is fully assembled. In connector 12, locking member 18 is substantially fully resilient and is configured to be self-biased to normally engage retaining pin 22 when retaining pin 22 is positioned through aperture 38 and button 46 is in the locked state. Specifically, the locking member 18 is configured such that when the button 46 is in the locked state and the retaining pin 22 is positioned through the aperture 38, the parallel arm 50 exerts an inward radial force on the retaining pin 22 directly above the spine 30, and the parallel arm 50 The corresponding bottom surface of the ridge is pressed against the ridge 30, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. The force exerted by the locking member 18 renders the retention pin 22 substantially immobile, thereby maintaining the connection of the male part 14 to the female part 16 .

As shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F , in the connector 12 of the pendant 10 , the button 46 extends a short distance in the downward direction 26 beyond flush with the bottom surface 56 of the female body 32 when the button 46 is in the locked state.

As shown in Figures 1E and 1F, in the connector 12 of the pendant 10, when the male part 14 and the female part 16 are connected to each other, most of the male part 14 facing the female part 16 is flat, and the female part 16 faces the male part Most of the 14 is flat. When two parts are connected to each other, the two facing flat parts touch and are parallel.

In the connector 12 of the pendant 10, the button 46 is generally held in a locked state by the force exerted by two stainless steel cylindrical coil springs 58. The coil springs 58 serve as resilient button biasers which are biased to normally Button 46 remains locked. More specifically, coil spring 58 is biased to generally maintain button 46 in a locked condition against inner surface 60 of button aperture 40 . Among other advantages, this abutment is aesthetically pleasing and prevents contamination of the interior volume 36 .

In some embodiments taught herein, such as in connector 12 of pendant 10, the resilient button biaser comprises at least one of a spring and a polymer. In some embodiments, elastic button biasers used to implement embodiments taught herein comprise or are made of a polymeric material (eg, rubber, silicone rubber). In some embodiments, a resilient button biaser used to implement embodiments taught herein includes or is made of metal. In some embodiments, a resilient button biaser used to implement embodiments taught herein comprises a spring or is essentially a spring, eg, a leaf spring, compression spring, compression coil spring, wave washer, stacked wave washer.

1E and FIG. 1F, in the connector 12 of the pendant 10, when the male part 14 is connected to the female part 16, the male body 20 is inserted into the female body 32 so that between the female body 32 and the male body 20 perpendicular to The view of the seam 62 in the downward direction 26 is substantially completely blocked by portions of the female body 32 .

The connector 12 of the pendant 10 is configured such that when the male part 14 is connected to the female part 16, tilting movement of the male part 14 relative to the female part 16 perpendicular to the axis 24 is substantially impossible. Specifically, the tolerance between the inner diameter of the perforation 38 and the outer diameter of the corresponding portion of the retaining pin 22, and the tolerance between the outer wall of the male body 20 and the wall of the void 64 in the female body 32 into which the male part 14 is inserted is sufficiently small (e.g., in some embodiments, no more than 0.5 mm, no more than 0.3 mm, and in some embodiments, no more than 0.2 mm) to prevent significant inclination of the male component 14 relative to the female component 16 perpendicular to the axis 24 Movements such as no more than ±6°, no more than ±3°, no more than ±2°, no more than ±1°, and even no more than ±0.5°.

The connector 12 of the pendant 10 is configured such that when the male part 14 is connected to the female part 16, the male part 14 cannot rotate about the axis 24, for example not more than ±15°, not more than ±10°, not more than ±6°, not more than More than ±4°, and not even more than ±2°.

As shown in Figure 1C, a first such anti-rotation feature is that the perimeter of the male body 20 is square and includes an apex 66 which is a feature that engages a feature of the female component 16 (the square into which the male body 20 is inserted is not depicted). vertex of gap 64), which together prevent male component 14 from rotating about axis 24 relative to female component 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1F , a second such anti-rotation feature is that the male component 14 includes an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage the female component 16 when the male component 14 is connected to the female component 16. The anti-rotation hole 70 in.

Separation of male and female parts

In FIGS. 1A , 1E and 1F , connector 12 is depicted with male part 14 and female part 16 interconnected with button 46 in a locked state and locking part 18 engaging retaining pin 22 .

To separate the male part 14 from the female part 16 , by applying a force in an upward direction 72 opposite to the downward direction 26 , the button 46 is moved to the released state, and the male part 14 is free to separate from the female part 16 . The button 46 moves away from the button aperture 40 in a direction 72 away from the inner surface 60 and into the interior volume 36 of the female body 32 . As a result, the retaining pin 22 is released from the locking part 18 , separating the male part 14 from the female part 16 .

More specifically, in the connector 12 of the pendant 10, the button 46 includes a portion, namely the push pin 74, which contacts the retaining pin 22 when the button 46 is moved away from the button hole 40 as described above, thereby moving in the downward direction 26. Pushing the male component 14 away from the female component 16 in the opposite direction 72 separates the male component 14 from the female component 16 . In the connector 12 of the pendant 10 , the push pin 74 is integrally formed with the button 46 . In some alternative embodiments, portions such as push pins are attached to corresponding buttons 46 . As shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F , the distal end of push pin 74 is a convex hemisphere, while the distal end of retaining pin 22 is a mating socket, so push pin 74 and retaining pin 22 are configured to fit and self-center when mated. , eliminating any chance of significant slippage and ensuring that the force transmitted to retaining pin 22 by push bolt 74 is along axis 24 .

In some alternative embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein, the push bolt and retaining pin are not configured to mate. In some alternative embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein, the push bolt and retaining pin, which are configured to mate, are not configured to be self-centering. In some embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein, the push and retaining pins, which are configured to mate and self-center, have different shapes than those discussed for connector 12 of pendant 10, e.g., the distal end of the retaining pin. The end is convex, while the distal end of the push bolt is concave. In some embodiments, mating shapes other than balls and sockets are used, eg, concave/convex conical sections, serrations, etc.

In the connector 12 of the pendant 10, the distal end of the push pin 74 contacts the distal end of the retention pin 22 when the male part 14 and the female part 16 are connected and the button 46 is in the locked state. This contact reduces variations in minute movements of the button 46 or male component 14 relative to the female body 32, providing the pendant 10 with a high quality aesthetic look and feel. In some embodiments, when the male part 14 and the female part 16 are connected and the button 46 is in the locked state, the distal end of the push bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin are separated by no more than 0.5 mm, no more than 0.3 mm, and even no more than 0.1 mm. mm.

Coordination of male and female parts

In order to engage the unconnected male part 14 and female part 16, the retaining pin 22 of the male part 14 passes through the perforation 38 in the direction 26, so that the distal end of the retaining pin 22 enters the interior volume 36 of the female body 32, while the button 46 is not along the direction 26. The upward direction 72 opposite the downward direction 26 is pushed. The distal end of the retaining pin 22 contacts the parallel arm 50 of the locking member 18 . As the male body 20 is advanced further in direction 26 relative to the female body 32 , the retaining pin 22 pushes the parallel arms 50 apart until the spine 30 passes through the parallel arms 50 . As spine 30 passes through parallel arm 50 , parallel arm 50 moves radially inward to contact retention pin 22 and the shaft of spine 30 , thereby engaging the retention pin and maintaining male component 14 coupled to female component 16 . When the male part 14 has reached its maximum degree of advancement, the distal end of the retaining pin 22 contacts and engages the push pin 74 . As a result, the button 46 is pressed against the inner surface 60 of the button hole 40 while preventing the spine 30 from moving away from the parallel arm 50 of the locking member 18 .

In the connector 12 of the pendant 10 , a retaining pin 22 is integrally formed with the male body 20 . In some alternative embodiments, the retaining pin is attached to the corresponding male body, either immovably, such as by welding, or removably, such as by a hinge, pin or shaft .

In the pendant 10, the locking member 18 is a single integral part that is substantially fully elastic and self-biasing. In some embodiments, the locking member comprises a plurality of discrete parts that together form the locking member. In some such embodiments, some components are elastic. In some such embodiments, some components are not elastic. In some embodiments, one, some, or all portions of the locking member are made of a polymer (eg, rubber, silicone rubber). In some embodiments, one, some or all portions of the locking member are made of metal. In some embodiments, one, some or all parts of the locking member are substantially springs, eg leaf springs, leaf springs, radial force springs.

Ring 76 is schematically depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B , and ring 76 includes an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, namely connector 78 . In FIG. 2A, the ring 76 is depicted in side section viewed from the y direction, where the male component 14 is connected to the female component 16, and in FIG. 2B, the ring 76 is depicted in a top section viewed from the z direction, showing The locking part 18 seen from the top is shown. Many components and workings of the connector 78 of the ring 76 are similar or similar to those of the connector 12 of the pendant 10 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 , but there are some notable differences.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a first notable difference is that, in the connector 75 of the ring 76, when the male part 14 is connected to the female part 16, the female body 32 is covered by the male body 20 so that there is a gap between the female body 32 and the male body. The view of the seam 62 between 20 perpendicular to the downward direction 26 is substantially completely blocked by the portion of the male body 32 .

Similar to connector 12 of pendant 10 , female body 32 of connector 78 includes front cover 42 having perforation 38 and grommet 44 defining button hole 40 . However, in contrast to the front cover 42 also defining a larger portion of the side wall of the female body 32 in the connector 12 of the pendant 10, as shown in FIG. 2A , the side wall of the female body 32 of the connector 78 of the ring 76 is substantially It is completely defined by the grommet 44 . Furthermore, unlike connector 12 of pendant 10 , in connector 78 of ring 76 , front cover 42 and back ring 44 are reversibly attached to each other by complementary threads, as is known in the field of gold watchmaking.

Another notable difference, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , is that the connector 78 of the ring 76 does not have the flange 54 surrounding the inner surface of the female body 36 like the connector 12 of the pendant 10 . Alternatively, the female body 32 of the connector 78 includes a support (support ring 80 ) integrally formed with the front cover 42 and protruding from the front cover 42 into the interior volume 36 of the female body 32 . The support ring 80 holds the locking member 18 in place within the interior volume 36 . Equally important, the support ring 80 prevents the parallel arms 50 of the locking member 18 from being pushed in the downward direction 26 when the retaining pin 22 passes through the through-hole 38 , thereby reinforcing the force with which the male part 14 remains connected to the female part 16 .

Another notable difference, as shown in Figure 2A, is that in the connector 78 of the ring 76, when the button 46 is in the locked state, the button 46 is flush with the bottom surface 56 of the female body 32, and thus in the downward direction 26. Extend no more than flush with the female body 32 .

Similar to connector 12 of pendant 10 , connector 78 of ring 80 is configured such that male component 14 cannot substantially rotate about axis 24 when male component 14 is connected to female component 16 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A , the female component 16 includes an anti-rotation pin 68 configured to engage an anti-rotation hole 70 in the male component 14 when the male component 14 is connected to the female component 16 .

Chain 82 is schematically depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B as a jewelry chain lock, chain 82 including connector 84 , an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein. In FIG. 3A , connector 84 is depicted in a side sectional view viewed from the y direction, with the male part 14 connected to the female part 16 , and in FIG. 3B the connector 84 is depicted in a top section viewed from the z direction. , shows the locking member 18 . Many components and operation of connector 84 of chain 82 are similar or similar to those of connectors 12 and 78 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively, but there are some notable differences.

A first notable difference is the structure of the locking member 18, the manner in which the locking member 18 is configured to engage the retaining pin 22 when in the locked state, and the mechanism by which the male and female parts 14, 16 are disengaged when in the released state.

In the connector 84 , the retaining pin 22 includes a protrusion 86 . The locking member 18 comprises two separate and separate parts, curved leaf springs 18 a and 18 b that contain a projection 88 that is complementary to the projection 86 of the retaining pin 22 . When retaining pin 22 is located within aperture 38 in the locked state, leaf springs 18a and 18b press against retaining pin 22 such that protrusion 88 cooperates with protrusion 86 on retaining pin 22, preventing release of male component 14 from female component 16.

In connector 84 , button 46 includes a portion, ie, release pin 90 , that protrudes from button 46 in a direction opposite to downward direction 26 . When the button 46 is moved away from the button hole 40 to the released state, the release pin 90 contacts a portion of the locking member 18 to move the portion of the locking member 18 and thereby at least partially disengage the locking member 18 from the retaining pin 22 . Specifically, in the connector 84, the release pin 90 is shaped such that when the button 46 is moved away from the button hole 40 to the released state, the distal end of the release pin 90 pushes the leaf spring 18a laterally in a direction perpendicular to the downward direction 26. and 18b. As a result, the protrusions 86 and 88 are separated, releasing the retaining pin 22 from the locking member 18 .

The release pin can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, such as in connector 84, the release pin has a tapered distal end (eg, conical, pointed, parabolic, wedge-shaped).

As shown in FIG. 3A , in connector 84 , release pin 90 additionally functions as push bolt 74 as described above, pushing the end of retaining pin 22 in upward direction 72 while releasing retaining pin 22 from locking member 18 .

Another notable difference concerns the button bias of connector 84, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. As discussed above, the connectors 12 and 78 each contain two coil springs 58 as button biasers to continuously apply force to keep the button 46 pressed against the inner surface 60 of the button hole 40 in the locked state. In contrast, connector 84 contains a single stacked wave washer spring 92 as a button biaser.

Another notable difference, as shown in Figure 3A, is the uneven contact surfaces of the male and female components. Specifically, in the connector 84, when the male part 14 and the female part 16 are connected to each other, most of the male part 14 facing the female part 16 is curved; and most of the female part 16 facing the male part 14 is curved.

An earring 94 is schematically depicted in FIG. 4 , comprising an embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein, connector 96 , and an earring 98 is schematically depicted in FIG. 5 , comprising a connection according to the teachings herein. An embodiment of the connector, connector 100, both are side sections. Many components and operation of connectors 96 and 100 are similar or similar to those of connectors 12, 78 and 84 discussed above, but there are some notable differences.

As is known in the art of earrings, earrings 94 and 98 are configured to be worn with male component 14 on one side of the earlobe, female component 16 on the other side of the earlobe, and retention pin 22 through and across the earlobe. Both earrings 94 and 98 are configured such that when the male part 14 is connected to the female part 16, tilting movement perpendicular to the axis 24 is substantially impossible, in particular by a male part from the female part 16 to the connected male part 16. The substantial length of the bore 38 provided by the extended neck 102 of the body 20, and the fact that the inner diameter of the bore 38 and the outer diameter of the retaining pin 22 are manufactured to exclude tolerances for substantial inclination. In the earrings 94 and 98, rotation of the male part 14 about the axis 24 relative to the female part 16 is possible and not excluded.

In earrings 94 , the male part 14 includes the decorative element 28 and is thus configured to be worn with the male part 14 on the outside of the earlobe.

In earrings 98 , the female component 16 includes the decorative element 28 and is thus configured to be worn with the female component 16 on the outside of the earlobe.

In earring 98 , trim cap 104 is welded and thereby rigidly secured to button 46 . To allow for such welding, the decorative cap 104 contains perforations 106 (only one depicted) which are also decorative. When the trim cap 104 is pushed in the opposite direction to the downward direction 26 , the button 46 is also pushed in the same direction, allowing the male component 14 to be separated from the female component 16 . In the earring 98 , the decorative cap 104 includes a wall 108 surrounding the female body 16 to at least partially conceal the mechanism of the connector 100 .

Connectors according to the teachings herein may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials using any suitable technique or combination of techniques familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Although any material may be used, an advantage of some embodiments taught herein is that substantially all parts of the connector are made of precious metals. In some such embodiments, substantially all components of the connector are made of a gold alloy comprising at least 33% gold (8 carats) by weight. In some such embodiments, substantially all parts of the connector are made of a gold alloy comprising no less than 33% by weight gold (9 karats), no less than 41.7% by weight gold (10 karats), ), not less than 50% by weight of gold (12 carats), not less than 58.3% by weight of gold (14 carats), not less than 66.7% by weight of gold (16 carats), not less than 75% by weight of gold ( 18 karats), no less than 83.3 weight percent gold (20 karats), and in some embodiments no less than 91.7 weight percent gold (22 karats).

In some embodiments, substantially all components are made of gold except for the resilient member of the locking component and/or the resilient button biaser, since resilient members made of gold are not typical. That is, in some embodiments one or more such elastic elements are made of elastic gold or alloys thereof, such as described in US 5,173,132.

As noted above, connectors according to the teachings herein may be fabricated using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. Prototypes of connectors were realized as parts of pendants and rings according to the teachings of this paper, except for gemstones and glass as decorative elements, the prototypes of connectors were basically entirely made of 16k gold using free-form fabrication (3D printing) , where only the elastic member of the locking part and the elastic button biaser are stainless steel springs.

Some embodiments of connectors according to the teachings herein are used as components of jewelry, allowing reversible connection of parts of such jewelry.

In some embodiments, such as pendant 10, a single jewelry item has one male component and one female component. In some embodiments, a single jewelry item has at least two male components. In some embodiments, a single jewelry item has at least two female components. In some embodiments, a single jewelry item has at least two male components and at least two female components. In some embodiments, multiple males and/or females for a single jewelry item allow jewelry to be worn in different ways depending on which of the multiple males and/or females is attached. Two examples of such implementations are discussed below.

Jewelry often includes decorative elements. Some jewelry includes reversibly attachable decorative elements to allow the wearer to change the decorative elements worn with the same jewelry item, for example to match the color of the decorative elements according to the clothing being worn.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is part of an item of jewelry for reversibly associating an element with jewelry (in some embodiments, a decorative element).

For example, in the pendant 10 depicted in FIG. 1 and the ring 76 shown in FIG. , the trim element 28 is easily replaceable in accordance with the teachings herein.

Wrap-around jewelry is jewelry that wraps around a part of the wearer's body, and in some cases has reversibly attachable ends. When the ends are separated and the jewelry is open, the jewelry is easily put on and removed from the wearer's body. When the ends are attached and the jewelry is in a closed curve around a part of the wearer's body, the jewelry is secure and will not fall out of the wearer. Typical wrapping jewelry with reversibly attachable ends include necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and hip chains. Wraparound jewelry is usually provided with a jewelry chain lock which allows secure reversible attachment of the ends.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is part of a wraparound jewelry item for reversibly attaching ends of the wraparound jewelry. In some such embodiments, such as chain 82 depicted in FIG. 3 , the embodiment of a connector according to the teachings herein is a jewelry chain lock. In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 3 , the connector comprises a single male component 14 and a single female component 16 , such as in chain 82 .

In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 6, the connector of a single jewelry item comprises at least two male parts 14 (in FIG. 6, three male parts 14a, 14b, and 14c) and at least one female part 16, which Each male component 14 is attached at various locations along the length of the jewelry.

In some embodiments such as depicted in FIG. 7, the connector includes at least two female parts 16 (in FIG. 7, three female parts 16a, 16b and 16c) and at least one male part 14 (in FIG. 7, three male parts 14a, 14b and 14c), the at least two female parts 16 are attached at different positions along the length of the jewelry.

Such an embodiment having multiple male and/or female parts along the length of the jewelry allows the diameter around the jewelry to be varied as desired by the wearer when worn.

Piercing jewelry is jewelry that passes through the body tissue of the wearer and includes jewelry such as earrings, nose rings, brow rings, navel rings, lip rings, tongue rings, nipple rings, genital rings, etc. In some embodiments, such as earrings 94 and 98, retention pin 22 of male component 14 is configured to pass through body tissue when pierced jewelry is worn. It is important to note that "ring" in this context is a synonym for pierced jewelry, rather than a geometric description, including shapes such as "barbell" jewelry.

In some embodiments, a connector according to the teachings herein is part of a pierced jewelry item for reversibly securing pierced jewelry to a wearer's body, such as earrings 94 and 98 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 , respectively.

It is to be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination, or as suitable to be provided in any other described embodiment of the invention. . Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment does not function without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Section headings are used herein to facilitate understanding of this specification and should not be construed as necessary limitations.

Claims (48)

1. a kind of connector being adapted for use in jewelry, including：

Female part, the female part are configured to include positive subjects with the reversible cooperation of male part, the male part And retaining pin, the retaining pin limit axis and the separate positive subjects in downward direction, the female part includes：

I. there is the wall for limiting internal capacity, the hollow negative main body to have for hollow negative main body, the hollow negative main body：

Perforation, the perforation is across the wall, for passing through the perforation to be received into the inside retaining pin of male part In volume, and

Button hole, the button hole pass through the wall on the opposite of the perforation, and the fluid provided into the internal capacity connects It is logical；

Ii. locking member, the locking member are configured to pass through the perforation fixed when the retaining pin of the male part The retaining pin that male part is engaged when position, to keep the male part to be connected to the female part；With

Iii. button, the button can be close by the button hole and can be moved along the axis, the button tool Have：

Lock-out state, wherein the retaining pin of locking member engagement male part；With

Release conditions, wherein the button is moved in the off-direction opposite with the locking direction far from the button hole In the internal capacity, the retaining pin of the male part is discharged from the locking member, to allow the male portion Part is detached with the female part.

2. connector according to claim 1, further includes：

Male part, the male part include positive subjects and retaining pin, and the retaining pin limits axis and far from the sun Property main body is in downward direction.

3. a kind of connector, the connector includes two components that can reversibly coordinate for being adapted for use in jewelry, the company Connecing device includes：

A. male part, the male part include positive subjects and retaining pin, and the retaining pin limits axis and far from described Positive subjects are in downward direction；With

B. female part, the female part be configured to include with the reversible cooperation of the male part, the female part：

I. there is the wall for limiting internal capacity, the hollow negative main body to have for hollow negative main body, the hollow negative main body：

Perforation, the perforation is across the wall, for passing through the perforation to be received into the retaining pin of the male part In the internal capacity, and

Button hole, the button hole pass through the wall on the opposite of the perforation, and the fluid provided into the internal capacity connects It is logical；

Ii. locking member, the locking member are configured to pass through the perforation fixed when the retaining pin of the male part The retaining pin that the male part is engaged when position, to keep the male part to be connected to the female part；With

Iii. button, the button can be close by the button hole and can be moved along the axis, the button tool Have：

Lock-out state, wherein the locking member engages the retaining pin of the male part；With

Release conditions, wherein the button in the off-direction opposite with the locking direction far from the button hole move into Enter in the internal capacity, the retaining pin of the male part is discharged from the locking member, allows the male part It is detached with the female part.

4. the connector according to any one of claim 2 to 3, wherein the retaining pin and positive subjects one Ground is formed.

5. the connector according to any one of claim 2 to 3, wherein the retaining pin is fixed to the positive subjects.

6. connector according to any one of claim 1 to 5, wherein it is described feminine gender main body include：

Protecgulum, the protecgulum have the perforation；With

Gasket ring, the gasket ring limit the button hole.

7. connector according to claim 6, wherein the protecgulum and the gasket ring are reversibly attached to each other.

8. connector according to claim 6, wherein the protecgulum and the gasket ring are fixedly attached to each other.

9. connector according to any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein when the male part is connected to the feminine gender When component, perpendicular at least some parts of the seam of the locking direction between the negative main body and the positive subjects The visual field blocked by a part for the negative main body.

10. connector according to claim 9, wherein when the male part is connected to the female part, in institute The visual field of the seam between negative main body and the positive subjects perpendicular to the locking direction is stated substantially completely by institute The part for stating negative main body is blocked.

11. connector according to any one of claim 1 to 9, wherein when the male part is connected to the feminine gender When component, perpendicular at least some parts of the seam of the locking direction between the negative main body and the positive subjects The visual field blocked by a part for the positive subjects.

12. connector according to claim 11, wherein when the male part is connected to the female part, It is described feminine gender main body and the positive subjects between perpendicular to the locking direction the seam the visual field substantially completely by A part for the positive subjects is blocked.

13. connector according to any one of claim 1 to 12, the connector is constructed such that the proper positive When component is connected to the female part, there is no the retaining pin relative to the perforated vertical inclining in the axis Tiltedly movement is possible.

14. connector according to claim 13, wherein the construction is included in the male part and the feminine gender portion Tolerance between part is sufficiently small to prevent the significant banking motion.

15. the connector according to any one of claim 1 to 14, the connector is constructed such that the proper positive When component is connected to the female part, the male part cannot be rotated around the axis relative to the female part.

16. connector according to claim 15, wherein the periphery of the positive subjects includes engaging the female part Feature feature to prevent the positive subjects from being rotated relative to the negative main body around the axis.

17. the connector according to any one of claim 15 to 16, wherein the periphery of the feminine gender main body includes engagement The feature of the feature of the male part is to prevent the positive subjects from being rotated relative to the negative main body around the axis.

18. the connector according to any one of claim 15 to 17, wherein the male part and the female part At least one of include anti-rotation pin, the anti-rotation pin is configured to be connected to the female part when the male part When engage hole in another component, to prevent the rotation around the axis.

19. the connector according to any one of claim 1 to 18, wherein when the button is in the lock-out state When, the button extends not more than on the locking direction to be flushed with the negative main body.

20. the connector according to any one of claim 1 to 19, the retaining pin includes being configured to by the locking At least one feature of component engagement, and the locking member be configured to when in the lock-out state by it is described extremely At least one of few feature engagement retaining pin.

21. connector according to claim 20, wherein at least one feature of the retaining pin includes the guarantor Hold the protrusion on pin.

22. connector according to claim 21, wherein the locking member includes being configured in the lock-out state The feature that the lower protrusion with the retaining pin reversibly coordinates.

23. the connector according to any one of claim 20 to 22, wherein at least one spy of the retaining pin Sign includes the spine in the retaining pin, and the spine has one above the spine more than the retaining pin Partial size.

24. connector according to claim 23, wherein the spine is the circumferential ridge around the retaining pin.

25. the connector according to any one of claim 23 to 24, wherein a part for the locking member is constructed At contacting the spine when in the lock-out state.

26. the connector according to any one of claim 1 to 25, the locking member includes elastic component, the bullet Property component be configured to when the retaining pin pass through the perforation position and the button be in the lock-out state when, bias The locking member is usually to engage the retaining pin.

27. connector according to claim 26, wherein the elastic component of the locking member includes spring and gathers Close at least one of object.

28. the connector according to any one of claim 1 to 27, wherein the button includes when the button is separate The part that the retaining pin is contacted when the button hole movement, to push the male part separate in the off-direction The female part.

29. connector according to claim 28, wherein when the button is moved far from the button hole described in contact The part of retaining pin includes pushing away bolt.

30. connector according to claim 29, wherein the bolt that pushes away is integrally formed with the button.

31. connector according to claim 29, wherein the bolt that pushes away is attached to the button.

32. the connector according to any one of claim 28 to 31, wherein the distal end for pushing away bolt and the retaining pin Distal end be configured to mate to.

33. connector according to claim 32, wherein the distal end for pushing away bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin are constructed At self-centering when engaged.

34. the connector according to any one of claim 32 to 33, wherein the distal end for pushing away bolt and the guarantor It is convex to hold first in the distal end of pin, and in the distal end for pushing away bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin Second be recessed.

35. the connector according to any one of claim 32 to 34, wherein the distal end for pushing away bolt and the guarantor It is ball to hold first in the distal end of pin, and in the distal end for pushing away bolt and the distal end of the retaining pin Second is corresponding pod.

36. the connector according to any one of claim 29 to 35, wherein described when in the lock-out state The distal end separation of the distal end and the retaining pin that push away bolt is no more than 0.5mm.

37. according to the connector described in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the button includes a part, is pressed when described When button is moved far from the button hole, the part of the button contacts a part for the locking member with the movement lock Determine the part of component, and thus to make the locking member be detached from the retaining pin at least partly.

38. according to the connector described in claim 37, wherein when the button is moved far from the button hole, the lock Determine being displaced sideways on the direction of the locking direction by the mobile part for component.

39. the connector according to any one of claim 37 to 38, wherein the part of the button is release Pin, the release pin protrude in the off-direction opposite with the locking direction from the button.

40. connector according to claim 39, the release pin has tapered distal end.

Further include elastic button bias box 41. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 0, the elasticity is pressed Button bias box is biased to that the button is usually maintained at the lock-out state.

42. connector according to claim 41, wherein the button bias box include in spring and polymer at least It is a kind of.

43. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 2, the connector is a part for jewelry article, is used In associated with the jewelry reversibly by element.

44. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 3, wherein the connector surround jewelry article A part, it is described around the end of jewelry for being reversibly attached.

45. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 4, wherein the connector is perforation jewelry article A part, the body for the perforation jewelry to be reversibly fixed to wearer.

46. connector according to claim 45, wherein the retaining pin is configured to be worn when the perforation jewelry When pass through bodily tissue.

47. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 6, wherein when the male part and the feminine gender portion When part is connected with each other：

At least part towards the female part of the male part is flat；And

At least part towards the male part of the female part is flat.

48. according to the connector described in any one of Claims 1-4 7, wherein when the male part and the feminine gender portion When part is connected with each other：

At least part towards the female part of the male part is bending；And

At least part towards the male part of the female part is bending.