String of beads

Abstract

A string of beads with deformable connecting pieces (2) that extend between each pair of adjacent beads (1) and are secured to the beads (1), wherein the connecting pieces (2) are plastics threads or flexible wires.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a string of beads with deformable connecting pieces extending in each case between two adjacent beads, and secured to the beads.

[0002] Such strings are made up of a large number of bead-connecting piece units and can be produced in any desired lengths. The length is always a multiple of the bead-connecting piece unit. Another advantage of these strings of beads is that they do not have to be tied.

[0003] However, the join between beads and connecting pieces is problematic in the state of the art. A solution became known from GB 750 737, in which short, rigid connecting pieces with spherical ends engage positively in recesses of the adjacent beads. However, this kind of join becomes detached under the action of quite severe tensile loading, as a result of which the string of beads can be lost. Furthermore, the length of the rigid connecting pieces is limited, because otherwise the string of beads takes on a polygonal shape and no longer adapts itself elegantly round the wearer's neck.

[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,009 the connecting pieces all consist of a multilink chain, which is fixed on two adjacent points of the beads by means of intermediate pins. The connecting pieces in the form of a chain can in this way be made up in any length, but joining to the beads via intermediate pins involves a high production expense.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is therefore to offer a technologically simple variant of connecting pieces, wherein the connecting pieces at the same time ensure an elegant, circular course of the string.

[0006] This is achieved according to the invention in that the connecting pieces are plastics threads or flexible wires.

[0007] On the one hand, the plastics threads or flexible wires are sufficiently rigid to be inserted directly in openings in the beads, in order to be locked there. At the same time, both plastics threads and flexible wires have sufficient flexibility, so that the connecting pieces and therefore the string of beads as a whole rest optimally on the wearer's body.

[0008] Sufficient stiffness for insertion into the beads plus high flexibility are achieved in particular with nylon threads as connecting pieces.

[0009] From the standpoint of production technology, it is particularly simple if the connecting pieces are exclusively glued into the beads, UV adhesives having proved particularly suitable as the adhesive.

[0010] It is advantageous if the connecting pieces are glued to one another in the beads. Even if the glued joint between the connecting pieces and the respective bead comes apart, the direct joining of the connecting pieces still gives a closed string, which does not become lost. The only negative consequence is slipping of the beads relative to the connecting pieces.

[0011] Other features and details of the present invention can be seen from the following description of the drawings, where

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a representation of a string of beads according to the invention,

[0013] FIG. 2 shows detail A in FIG. 1 with cut beads, and

[0014] FIG. 3 shows detail A in FIG. 1 of a second variant.

[0015] The string of beads according to the invention consists, according to FIG. 1, of a large number of beads 1, with the term “bead” being broadly defined. It can refer both to real pearls, as well as glass or plastics beads, whose surface may or may not be processed, for example polished. The colour and shape of beads 1 is also independent of the object of the invention. In each case, connecting pieces 2 are arranged between the beads 1, and are locked in the contiguous beads 1. The string of beads is thus made up overall of a large number of bead-connecting piece units.

[0016] The locking of the connecting pieces 2 is shown in detail in FIG. 2.

[0017] The connecting pieces are either plastics threads or flexible wires. The use of nylon threads as connecting pieces 2 is preferred. Flexibility of the wires can also be achieved by spring-coiling of the wires.

[0018] The beads 1 have a through hole 3, with diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the connecting pieces 2 formed from nylon threads. Before inserting the connecting pieces 2, an adhesive 4 is placed in the through hole 3 of bead 1. Single-component adhesives, which harden under the action of UV light or heat, have proved suitable, and other adhesives are also suitable.

[0019] Then a connecting piece 2 is inserted from both sides into the through hole 3, with the connecting pieces 2 forming a butt joint with one another and with bead 1.

[0020] An alternative version is shown in FIG. 3, in which the bead 1 has two blind holes 5 instead of the through hole 3. A connecting piece 2 is glued into each of these blind holes 5 by means of the adhesive 4.

Claims

1. A string of beads with deformable connecting pieces that extend between each pair of adjacent beads and are secured to the beads, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) are plastics threads or flexible wires.

2. A string of beads according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) are nylon threads.

3. A string of beads according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) are glued into the beads (1).

4. A string of beads according to claim 3, characterized in that the adhesive is a UV adhesive.

5. A string of beads according to claim 1, characterized in that the beads (1) have through holes (3), in which the connecting pieces (2) are secured.

6. A string of beads according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) are glued to one another in the beads (1).

7. A string of beads according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting pieces (2) are glued together with a butt joint.