CH700663B1

CH700663B1 - Ornament article.

Info

Publication number: CH700663B1
Application number: CH4682009A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Massimiliano Bonoli
Original assignee: Hublot Sa Genève
Priority date: 2009-03-25
Filing date: 2009-03-25
Publication date: 2014-04-15
Also published as: CH700663B9; CH700663A1; WO2010108297A1

Abstract

An ornamental article (1) comprising a main structure (2) in which a decorative element (3) partially visible from outside the structure is housed, a joint (4) associating the decorative element (3) (2), so that the latter are traversed by at least one axis of rotation (4a) which at least this articulation (4) has, and an attachment means (5) Ornament (1) in a position known as immobilization. The attachment means is integral with either the decorative element (3) or the structure (2). In the immobilized position, the articulation (4) is of the type allowing either a rotation of the structure (2) around the decorative element (3) or a pivoting of the latter on itself according to a plurality of Intersecting planes.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ornamental article providing a decorative element with a function of circular permutation of the various surfaces which it presents.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to jewelry pieces and in particular refers to the use of these parts as cufflinks, pendants, brooches, rings, earrings or hairpin or tie.

Since such parts may be relatively expensive, it may be advisable to be able to modify the effect they produce by simply substituting the central decorative element of the jewel and retaining the general structure which supports it.

By this means, it becomes possible to adapt the color of the decorative element according to the environment in which the ornamental article is worn. Typically, the color or nature of the decorative element may be adapted to match the color or style of a garment. With this feature, it is then advantageously possible to reduce the number of articles without limiting the number of effects and the variety of styles desired.

To this end, document US 2002/011232 proposes an ornamental article in which the decorative element is removable so that it can be turned over or changed by another decorative element while maintaining the same structure Intended for its support. To this end, the decorative element consists of a piece which can be separated from the structure of the jewel, against a magnetic force enabling the two members to be joined. The main disadvantage of this piece of jewelery is that nothing prevents the complete separation of the two organs. Thus, the decorative element, of a generally significant value, can inadvertently escape from the fingers of the person making the change of the element. By falling, the latter can be damaged, even run and lost without being able to find it.

[0006] WO 01/65963 describes another ornamental article which prevents any unexpected loss of its reversible decorative element. This element is mounted on an axis of rotation materialized by a small shaft whose ends rest on the edges of the structure which supports it. By this way, the jewelery article can selectively make one of the two opposite faces of the decorative element visible by rotating it about half a turn around the rotation shaft. A system of mechanical locking by balls and springs makes it possible to hold the decorative element in one of its two possible positions. The disadvantage of this type of article lies in the fact that only two positions can be adopted by the decorative element, which limits to the maximum the number of different effects that such a jewel can present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing an ornamental article with a circular permutation functionality applied to the decorative element so as to enable the latter to be able to adopt a plurality of positions which can Each reveal a different visual aspect.

To this end, the subject of the invention is an ornamental article comprising a main structure in which is housed a decorative element partially visible from outside the structure. A joint associates the decorative element with this structure in such a way that these two latter members are traversed by the axis of rotation which at least this articulation presents. The device further comprises a hooking means for holding the ornamental article in a so-called immobilization position. This attachment means is made integral with either the decorative element or the structure. In the immobilized position, the articulation is of the type allowing a rotation of the structure around the decorative element, respectively a pivoting of the decorative element on itself along a plurality of intersecting planes.

[0009] Preferably, the main structure advantageously constitutes a cage for the decorative element thus being better protected therefrom.

[0010] In addition, a positioning means, formed for example by at least one pair of magnets, makes it possible to immobilize the decorative element with respect to the main structure which supports it.

[0011] Also, a locking means, preferably a mechanical one, makes it possible to prevent any relative movement of the decorative element with respect to this same structure.

[0012] According to the preferred embodiment, the attachment means is made integral with the structure by means of a cylindrical joint. Also, the articulation associating the decorative element with the main structure is a joint of the type allowing a pivoting of this decorative element around its center of rotation in a plurality of non-coplanar directions, preferably in all directions of space. The locking means is obtained by the hooking means itself which, by virtue of its cylindrical articulation, can serve as a stop and be positioned in direct proximity to the decorative element.

According to another embodiment, the attachment means is made integral with the decorative element and the articulation associating the decorative element with the main structure is a cylindrical articulation that allows a rotation of the structure around Of the decorative element.

By virtue of the object of the present invention, the visual appearance of the ornamental article can be modified according to the different relative positions that the decorative element may adopt relative to the main structure. Advantageously, the number of these positions may be greater than two and offer so many different aspects.

According to the preferred embodiment, the decorative element can pivot on itself in all the directions of the space, which gives the object of the invention a remarkable technical peculiarity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages and specificities will appear in the light of the description which follows and which refers to various embodiments of the subject of the present invention, taken in non-limiting manner and illustrated schematically and by way of non- For example by the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the object of the invention shown in the form of a cufflink in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the object of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 but in which the object of the invention is illustrated in the so-called tipping or intermediate position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the object of the invention in the form of a sleeve button according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the object of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view along line VII - VII of FIG. 6.

The object which will be described in detail with reference to these figures, discloses the invention in an embodiment which is that of a cufflink. It will be understood that such an embodiment is only an application, taken here by way of example, and that the present invention could therefore also find another use, as already suggested above.

[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, these represent an ornamental article 1, seen respectively in elevation and in plan, in an embodiment in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. This article comprises a main structure 2 in which are housed a decorative element 3 partially visible from the outside of the structure, a hinge 4 illustrated by lines of axes and a hooking means 5 which is intended to hold the decorative element 3, Article 1 in a so-called immobilization position. The structure 2 corresponds to the mounting or the housing in which the decorative element 3 takes place. The latter may comprise one or more precious stones of different aspects and thus constitute the most valuable element of the ornamental article.

The articulation 4 associates the decorative element 3 with the structure 2 so that these two constituent parts of the subject of the invention are traversed by at least one axis of rotation 4a that at least has this articulation .

As will be seen later, this articulation may allow several axes of rotation 4a, 4a ', each passing simultaneously through the structure 2 and the decorative element 3.

The so-called position of immobilization of the ornamental article 1 corresponds to that in which the object of the invention is maintained in its normal or current use. Thus, this position is typically that adopted by the ornamental article when it is naturally grasped by its hooking means 5 by the fingers of the hand. This position is also that adopted by this article when, in a use for which it is intended, it retains or is retained by the sleeves of a liner. This holding is conventionally obtained via the head 51 of the attachment means. The latter is connected, generally in a pivoting manner,

[0022] According to the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the opposite end of the rod 52 is fitted into a seat 53 which is itself mounted to rotate about a preferably cylindrical hinge 55. Thus, the attachment means 5 is made integral with the structure 2 by means of the cylindrical joint. The latter allows relative tilting of these two parts, so as to be able to pass the ornamental article from a so-called locking or closing position, illustrated in FIG. 3, to a so-called tilting or opening position illustrated in FIG. 4. These two positions correspond to two different states that can be taken by the ornamental article when it is held by its attachment means in its immobilized position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate better how the decorative element 3 is held rotationally movable in the structure 2 by means of the articulation 4. The latter constitutes a connecting means which associates these two elements, One to the other. This articulation is of the type allowing a pivoting of the decorative element 3 on itself along a plurality of intersecting planes, that is to say in different directions which are not necessarily opposite. To do this and as best seen in FIG. 4, the structure 2 integrates a housing 21 whose internal walls 22 are at least partially concave. This concavity gives the structure 2 a cage shape in which the decorative element 3 can pivot without being able to escape from it. For this purpose,

[0024] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the decorative element 3 has at least one circular cross-section through which at least one axis of rotation passes, in this case the axes 4a and 4a 'which illustrate the articulation 4 in FIG. 2. Moreover, it will also be noted that the decorative element 3 is writable in an imaginary sphere (not shown) whose diameter corresponds to that of the circular shape mentioned above.

In other words, the pivoting axes 4a, 4a 'of the decorative element are situated in the same plane. The latter is shown schematically in FIG. 3 by the horizontal axis line 4a and its extent within the decorative element corresponds to the diameter of the imaginary sphere in which this element can be inscribed. The vertical axis line 4b illustrated in this same figure corresponds to an axis of marginal rotation of the decorative element. In fact, disposed perpendicularly to the plane schematically represented by the horizontal axis line 4a, it does not allow any reversal of the decorative element such that it can invert its lower and upper faces, but allows only one rotation of this element On itself in the foregoing plan.

Advantageously, the object of the invention comprises a positioning means 6 allowing relative immobilization of the decorative element 3 with respect to the structure 2. As is well illustrated on the vertical section of the ornamental article 1 , The positioning means 6 is of the magnetic type and consists of two or even several pairs of magnets 62-63, 62-63 ', in particular of permanent magnets. The magnets 62, 62 'are arranged in the inner wall 22 of the housing 21 within the main structure, while the magnets 63, 63' are disposed in correspondence in the decorative element 3. A gap is provided between the magnets Of each pair, in order to avoid any friction between them. Also, each pair of magnets is arranged so that opposite polarities can in all cases face each other.

[0027] In FIG. 3, it will also be noted that the various pairs of magnets are all situated in the plane which comprises the axis of rotation 4a that has at least the articulation 4. It is in fact in this plane that the decorative element 3 finds Its usual resting position, according to any of the surfaces which it can adopt as the principal apparent surface.

As a variant, it would of course be possible to replace these magnets by a friction or nesting device so that the positioning means 6 is of the mechanical type. Such a means could for example be obtained by means of a lug pivoting between two positions or by means of one or more balls which could be pushed back into their housing against a force exerted by means Elastic material such as a spring.

Advantageously, the ornamental article 1 comprises a locking means 7 preventing any relative movement of the decorative element 3 with respect to the structure 2, about the axis of rotation 4a, Articulation 4.

[0030] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, this locking means 7 is constituted by the hooking means 5 which, via the cylindrical hinge 55, can be positioned in close proximity to the decorative element 3. In other words, It will be mentioned that the locking means 7 is constituted in this case by the relative rocking of the structure against the attachment means. As a stop, the latter prevents the overturning of the decorative element around its center of rotation.

[0031] The operation of the locking means 7 is illustrated by the two comparative states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This last figure shows the cuff button in an open position. In this position, the structure 2 is tilted around the cylindrical joint 55 in order to create the necessary clearance for the pivoting of the decorative element 3 which is illustrated in an intermediate position, being pivoted about the arrow 11.

It will also be noted that the axes of rotation of the articulation 4, in particular the axes 4a, 4a 'illustrated in FIG. 2, are in this case immaterial because no tree, pivot or ball makes it possible to define them. However, it would be possible to imagine materializing these axes by balls mounted at the interface of the decorative element and the structure, for example instead of the pairs of magnets 62-63, 62'63 '. Such balls could be pushed in a slight depression arranged in correspondence to the surface 31 of the decorative element by an elastic element seated opposite each other in the internal wall 22 of the main structure. By this means, such a mechanism would allow the decorative element to pivot in its structure, for example along two perpendicular axes 4a, 4a '.

It will also be noted that the decorative element, as illustrated in the appended figures, has a substantially flattened shape. However, this element could also take the form of a ball or a sphere while allowing pivoting in all the directions of the space without having to change the main structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, these show the object of the invention in an embodiment made according to another embodiment. Since the aim and the main technical effects sought are the same in the two embodiments, the numbering of the various essential structural elements has therefore been retained.

In these figures, it can be seen that the end of the rod 52 (the end opposite that terminated by the head 51) is attached to the decorative element 3 so that this element is made integral with the attachment means 5. To do this,

Claims

The decorative element may either be assembled with the attachment means 5, for example by relating the free end of the rod 52 against the lower face of the decorative element, or form with it an integral member. [0036] In this embodiment, the decorative element is preferably protected by the main structure. The latter constitutes for this element a cage made from an upper part 23 connected by a plurality of columns 25 to a lower part 24. Each of these columns can be tapped and held to the two corresponding parts by fixing screws 26. As best seen in FIG. 7, the articulation 4 which associates or binds the decorative element to the main structure is a cylindrical joint. It allows rotation of the structure around the decorative element along the axis of rotation 4a. In the present case, this articulation consists of the bearing formed by the intersection of the rod 52 with the lower part 24 of the main structure. As a result, it will be noted that the axis of rotation 4a is an immaterial axis. However, it would also be possible to materialize this axis, for example by means of a small shaft or pivot provided between the decorative element 3 and the upper part 23. In order for the decorative element to be partially visible from the part The latter comprises at least one slot 27, in this case two slots, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. By means of at least one opening or window opening onto the decorative element, A portion or a sector of the latter can be made visible through the upper part of the structure. Thus, by rotating the latter around the decorative element along axis 4a, light 27 successively allows different portions of the decorative element to be perceived. Thanks to the positioning means 6, the lumen 27 can be immobilized opposite to any of the portions of the decorative element. In FIG. 7, it will also be noted that the different pairs of magnets are preferably arranged in the upper and lower parts of the structure. As a variant, the arrangement of these pairs of magnets could of course be limited to only one of these parts. [0041] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, The latter does not disclose any locking means 7 preventing any relative movement around the axis of rotation 4a of the decorative element 3 with respect to the structure 2. However, such a locking means could be added, for example In the form of a locking finger capable of being inserted permanently into a plurality of holes formed in a circle in the corresponding face of the decorative element through the lower part 24 in which it could be housed. Preferably, the structure 2 has a substantially circular overall shape. However, it will be understood that the latter may as well adopt a completely different form. According to the use or the destination of the object of the invention, the attachment means 5 may be different from that which has been described above. It could be adapted to the particular function for which the object of the invention will be intended, so as to be constituted, for example, by a closure or assembly member (of the snap-fastener type) Insertion (pin, pin), suspension (loop, ring) or pinching. claims

1. An ornamental article (1) comprising a main structure (2) in which a decorative element (3) partially visible from outside the structure is housed, a joint (4) associating the decorative element (3) To the main structure (2) in such a way that the decorative element and the structure are traversed by at least one axis of rotation (4a) which at least this articulation (4) has, and an attachment means (5) Which is integral with either the decorative element (3) or the main structure (2) for holding the ornamental article (1) in a so-called immobilisation position, characterized in that in this position , Said articulation (4) being of the type allowing either rotation of the main structure (2) around the decorative element (3), respectively,Or a pivoting of the latter on itself along a plurality of intersecting planes.

2. Ornamental article according to claim 1, characterized in that the main structure (2) constitutes a cage for the decorative element (3).

3. Ornamental article according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a positioning means (6) enabling the decorative element (3) to be immobilized relative to the main structure (2).

4. An ornamental article according to claim 3, characterized in that the positioning means (6) is of the magnetic type.

5. An ornamental article according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a locking means (7) preventing any relative movement, about said axis of rotation (4a), of the decorative element (3) with respect to The structure (2).

6. An ornamental article according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means (5) and constituted by a closing, insertion, suspension or pinching member.

7. An ornamental article according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking means (7) is constituted by the attachment means (5) which, joined to the main structure (2) A cylindrical joint (55), can be positioned in close proximity to the decorative element (3).

8. An ornamental article according to claim 1, wherein the decorative element is writable in a sphere and has at least one circular cross-section through which said axis of rotation passes and whose diameter Corresponds to that of the sphere.

9. An ornamental article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a cufflink, a pin, a ring, a pendant, An earring, a hairpin or a tie.