EP1799061B1 - Piece of jewellery comprising a hinged system linking two elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a piece of jewellery, comprising at least two elements, wherein said elements (1, 2, 3) are linked together by hinge means consisting of at least one single pin ball (4) interposed between at least two elements (1, 2), at least one of the two including an inner spherical seat (5) corresponding to the pin ball (4). The invention is characterized that the pin ball (4) is mounted in such a way in the inner spherical seat (5) that it allows each element (1 or 2) to pivot relative to the other (2 or 1) in all directions.

Description

The present invention relates to a jewelery article comprising a connecting system, articulated between two of its elements. The articulated linking system finds its application in all fashion accessories, matching the jewels (see GB-A-191411781 ).

In this type of product, a disadvantage, especially when it comes to chains, bracelets, necklaces, etc., lies in the fact that their links are articulated to each other, but in a limited way, which can not be avoided. the kink, always tedious and unsightly. This discomfort is accentuated when the kinking is reflected in the clasp.

We know by the patent EP 0 089 421 , a bracelet comprising at least two elements interconnected by hinge means constituted by cylindrical transverse pins interposed between two elements, which comprises a cylindrical transverse hole corresponding to the connecting cylinder. This arrangement does not allow pivoting of each piece relative to each other in all directions, which has disadvantages in terms of comfort and aesthetics.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, while increasing the possibilities of creation in products other than those mentioned above, such as pendants, earrings, rings, piercings, tie clips, cufflinks, key holders, watch cases associated with a bracelet, etc.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a jewelery article according to claim 1.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée de trois éléments identiques à assembler, par double rotule, l'élément central étant déjà formé.
• La figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un élément et d'une double rotule destinée à relier deux éléments successifs entre eux.
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée de trois éléments à assembler, dont celui central est un cadre de boîtier de montre.
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon la figure 3, après assemblage des éléments.
• La figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un bracelet formé de plusieurs éléments identiques, selon l'invention, associé à un fermoir représenté en coupe.
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une bague en deux parties formant un élément à associer à une double rotule, intégrant un décor réversible.
• Les figures 7 et 8 représentent en perspective, respectivement pendant et après assemblage, une bague ou bracelet en deux parties, formant un élément à associer à une double rotule intégrant un décor réversible, les rotules étant visibles depuis l'extérieur de l'élément.
• La figure 9 est une vue éclatée d'un élément en deux parties présentant un seul siège destiné à coopérer avec une simple rotule associée à un décor.
• La figure 10 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un élément en deux parties présentant un seul siège destiné à coopérer avec une simple rotule, associé à un décor et à une tige.
• La figure 11 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un élément en deux parties formant un pendentif présentant un seul siège, destiné à coopérer avec une simple rotule associée à une bélière.
• La figure 12 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un élément en deux parties présentant un seul siège et formant une bélière à associer avec une simple rotule prolongeant un pendentif.
• La figure 13 illustre une variante de réalisation d'un fermoir.

This description given by way of non-limiting example, will better understand how the invention can be made, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of three identical elements to be assembled by double ball joint, the central element being already formed.
• The figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an element and a double ball joint for connecting two successive elements to each other.
• The figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of three elements to be assembled, of which the central one is a watch case frame.
• The figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view according to the figure 3 , after assembly of the elements.
• The figure 5 is a perspective view of a bracelet formed of several identical elements, according to the invention, associated with a clasp shown in section.
• The figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a two-part ring forming an element to be associated with a double ball joint, incorporating a reversible decoration.
• The Figures 7 and 8 represent in perspective, respectively during and after assembly, a ring or bracelet in two parts, forming an element to be associated with a double ball joint incorporating a reversible decoration, the ball joints being visible from outside the element.
• The figure 9 is an exploded view of a two-part element having a single seat intended to cooperate with a simple ball joint associated with a decoration.
• The figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a two-part element having a single seat for cooperating with a single ball joint, associated with a decor and a rod.
• The figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a two-part element forming a pendant having a single seat, intended to cooperate with a simple ball joint associated with a bail.
• The figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a two-part element having a single seat and forming a bail to associate with a simple ball joint extending a pendant.
• The figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a clasp.

The connecting system between two elements according to a general view of the invention is characterized in that said elements are interconnected by means of articulation constituted by at least one simple ball joint (4) interposed between at least two elements (1 , 2), at least one of the two having an inner spherical seat (5) corresponding to the ball (4), so as to allow relative movement of said elements (1, 2) in all directions and relative to them -Same.

As shown particularly well by Figures 1 and 2 , the spherical seat of one of the elements (1) consists of two hemispherical concave impressions (5a, 5b) made at their ends to form two complementary half-shells (1a, 1b) connected to each other after insertion of the patella (4) the other element (2) by means of assembly.

The assembly means of the two half-shells (1a, 1b) forming the seat (5a, 5b) consist of cylindrical pins (6, 7) made on the joint plane of one of the half-shells (1a ) intended to cooperate by press fitting with corresponding blind holes (8, 9) made on the joint plane of the other half-shell (1b).

The assembly means of the half-shells (1a, 1b) forming the seat (5a, 5b) are constituted by an adhesive adapted to the materials of the half-shells.

Of course, the assembly of the two half-shells (1a, 1b) can be obtained by welding or by any other means.

In fact the means will be chosen according to whether the two half-shells forming an element is made of plastic or metal.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown on Figures 1 and 2 , the connection between two successive elements (1, 2) is effected by interposition of a double ball joint (4, 4) made at the ends of the same axis (10), each of said ball joints (4) being intended to cooperate freely with corresponding seats (5, 11) made at respective ends of two successive elements (1, 2) to be connected, each formed by two half-shells to be assembled (1a), (1b - 2a, 2b).

In fact, the same element (2) comprises at each of its ends seats (5, 11) intended to be respectively connected to two other opposite elements (1, 3) via two double ball joints (4-4). (see figure 1 ).

Thus, a plurality of identical elements (1, 2) or (3) are connected successively so as to form the links of a chain, a necklace, a bracelet, etc.

According to another exemplary embodiment represented on the Figures 3 and 4 between the ends of two identical elements (1, 3) forming links of a chain is interposed a distinctive element (12) constituting the case of a watch, which is made in two parts (12a, 12b) defining between they have a frame, each of these parts having at their ends opposed hemispherical impressions (5a, 11a - 5b, 11b) for forming two seats (5), (11), so as to connect said housing to the link members via two double ball joints (4-4).

According to another example of application of the invention, between the ends of two identical elements (1, 3), forming links of a chain, is interposed a distinctive element (13) constituting a clasp in two parts (13A, 13B) to be joined in closure, each of these parts being formed of two half-shells defining between them at one of their ends, a seat (11) or (5) intended to cooperate with one of the spherical ends of a double ball (4-4), its other spherical end being in articulated connection with a member (1) or (3) forming a link.

Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the invention if at the ends of the two parts of the clasp, not included a connecting sphere as shown in FIG. figure 5 but two retaining rings as illustrated in figure 13 .

According to an application variant represented on the Figures 6, 7 and 8 , respectively concerning a ring or a bracelet, the connection between two elements (14, 15) is effected by a double ball joint (4A-4A) integrally formed at the ends of a decorative element (14), which is intended to be inserted freely between the ends of the other element (15), constituting in particular a ring or an open rigid bracelet, made in two parts (15a, 15b) to be joined and forming at their ends seats (5, 11), intended for the double ball (4A-4A) of the decorative element (14), so that it can pivot freely and thus be reversible.

So it can be considered to create a front and back decor.

In fact, the mode of application to a ring according to the figure 6 and the method of application to a bracelet according to the Figures 7 and 8 are identical at the level of the reversibility of the decorative element.

According to the aforementioned examples of embodiment and application, one element is connected to another element by a double ball joint.

In a different way, but according to the same inventive concept, according to the modes of application of Figures 9, 10 , 11 and 12 , the connection between two successive elements is effected by interposition of a simple ball joint 4, made integral with the end of one of the elements (16, 17, 18, 19) and intended to cooperate freely or not, with a corresponding seat (5), obtained from two hemispherical impressions (5a, 5b) made on the two half-shells to be assembled forming the other element (20, 21, 22, 23), one or the other elements being a decorative element.

This is how according to the figure 9 it is a ring, according to the figure 10 it is a piercing, according to the Figures 11 and 12 these are pendants.

Finally and as some figures show, especially Figures 1, 2 and 8 , the impressions made on the element (s) to form a seat (5,11) for the ball (s) (4) have an open bottom, so as to make visible said ball joints.

Of course, as shown in the other figures, it is also possible to make the patella invisible.

Claims (11)

1. Jewellery article, comprising at least two elements, wherein the said elements (1, 2, 3) are connected to one another by articulation means constituted by at least one simple ball joint (4) which is interposed between at least two of the said elements (1, 2), at least one of the two comprising an inner spherical seat (5) which corresponds to the ball joint (4), whereas the fitting of the ball joint (4) in the inner spherical seat (5) is such that it permits pivoting of each element (1 or 2) relative to the other (2 or 1) in all directions, characterised in that the spherical seat of one of the elements (1) is constituted by two hemispherical concave recesses (5a, 5b) which are provided at the ends of the elements, in order to form two complementary half-shells (1a, 1b) which are connected to each other, after insertion of the ball joint (4), by assembly means.
2. Jewellery article according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for assembly of the two half-shells (1a, 1b) which form the seat (5a, 5b) are constituted by cylindrical pins (6, 7) which are provided on the joining plane of one of the half-shells (1a) which is designed to co-operate by being forced into corresponding blind holes (8, 9) provided in the joining plane of the other half-shell (1b).
3. Jewellery article according to claim 1, characterised in that the means for assembly of the two half-shells (1a, 1b) which form the seat (5a, 5b) are constituted by a glue which is suitable for the materials of the half-shells.
4. Jewellery article according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connection between two of the said successive elements (1, 2) is formed by interposition of a double ball joint (4-4) provided at the ends of a single shaft (19), each of the said ball joints (4) being designed to co-operate freely with corresponding seats (5, 11) provided at the respective ends of two successive elements (1, 2) to be connected, each formed by two half-shells (1a, 1b - 2a, 2b) to be assembled.
5. Jewellery article according to claim 4, characterised in that a single element (2) comprises at each of its ends seats (5, 11) which are designed to be connected respectively to two other opposite elements (1, 3) by means of two double ball joints (4-4).
6. Jewellery article according to claim 5, characterised in that a plurality of identical elements are connected in succession, so as to form the links of a chain.
7. Jewellery article according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that, between the ends of two identical elements (1, 3) that form links of a chain, a distinctive element (12) is interposed, which constitutes the case of a watch, and is made in two parts (12a, 12b) which define between one another a frame, each of these parts comprising at their opposite ends hemispherical recesses (5a, 11a - 5b, 11b) designed to form two seats (5, 11), so as to connect the said case to the elements which form links by means of two double ball joints (4-4).
8. Jewellery article according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that, between the ends of two identical elements (1, 3) which form links of a chain, a distinctive element (13) is interposed, which constitutes a clasp in two parts (13A, 13B) to be joined together when the clasp is closed, each of these parts being formed by two half-shells which define between one another, at one of their ends, a seat (11 or 5) which is designed to co-operate with one of the spherical ends of a double ball joint (4-4), its other spherical end being in articulated connection with an element (1 or 3) which forms a link.
9. Jewellery article according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connection between two elements (14, 15) is formed by a double ball joint (4A - 4A) that is rendered integral with the ends of a decorative element (14), which element is designed to be inserted freely between the ends of the other element (15), which in itself constitutes in particular a ring or an open rigid bracelet made in two parts (15a, 15b) to be connected, and which form at their ends seats (5, 11) which are destined for the double ball joint (4A - 4A) of the decorative element (14), so that the latter can pivot freely, and is therefore reversible.
10. Jewellery article according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connection between two elements (14, 15) is formed by interposition of a simple ball joint (4), which is integral with the end of one of the elements (16, 17, 18, 19), and is designed to co-operate freely, or not to co-operate, with a corresponding seat (5) obtained from two hemispherical recesses (5a, 5b) provided in the two half-shells to be assembled which form the other element (20, 21, 22, 23), one or the other of the elements being a decorative element.
11. Jewellery article according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the recesses which are provided in the element(s) for the purpose of forming a seat (5, 11) in the latter for the ball joint(s) (4) have an open base, so as to make the said ball joints visible.

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