EP1988794B1 - Circular piece of jewellery comprising indexed rotating rings and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of jewellery and a method for the production thereof, based on simple, competitive, reproducible technology, without using additional parts or any special tools for a rapid and simple assembly, enabling at least one indexed position to be created between rotating rings which can be adjacently arranged or superposed, the number of said rings being unlimited. Said circular piece of jewellery (1) comprises an inner ring (2) and three adjacent external rings (3-5) which are freely mounted in a coaxial manner on the inner ring (2) in order to rotate in relation to each other. The edges of the external rings (3-5) are provided with indexing means (7) for fixing the external rings in at least one indexed position. Said indexing means (7) consist of indexing notches (71) provided in the central ring (4) and indexing fingers (71) provided in the other rings (3, 5). Each indexing finger (71) is provided at the end of a flexible tongue (72) machined directly in the ring so that it is mobile between a projecting position in which it is housed in an indexing notch (70) and locks the relative position of the rings (3-5), and a retracted position in which it enables a relative rotation of said rings (3-5).

Description

Technical area :

The present invention relates to a circular jewel with indexed rotating rings such as a ring, an alliance, a bracelet, a pendant, a fashion accessory or the like, comprising at least one inner ring and at least one outer ring, freely mounted coaxial to rotate relative to each other about their common axis, said jewel comprising indexing means for indexing the relative position of the rings relative to each other, in particular for the purpose of modifying the design formed by decorative elements carried by said rings, such as stones, engravings, etc., these indexing means comprising at least one indexing finger in a contact zone of at least one of said rings and at at least one indexing notch in the other contact zone of said adjacent ring oriented towards said first ring, said indexing finger being movable between a projecting position in which it is housed in said indexing notch and verr orlet the relative position of said rings, and a retracted position in which it allows a relative rotation of these rings. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing this type of jewel.

Prior art:

This type of jewel provided with indexing means of the position of the rings relative to each other is not common. There are some solutions based on ball and spring systems as in the publication US 5,873,265 . There are also other solutions based on spring blades mounted between the rings and cooperating with indexing notches as in the publications FR2693880 , EP1132017 and WO2006 / 026887 . These solutions all require a very large number of parts to assemble, since the springs, the balls, the blades spring are patches. These solutions are therefore very complex and expensive to implement. The assembly of these parts requires specific tools to maintain the elements spring during assembly. The integration of such mechanisms makes the jewel bulky and unsightly. Finally, the term "precious metals" includes all the parts of the mechanism, such as balls, spring elements, which enter the weight of the piece of jewelry and its price.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to solve this problem by proposing a jewel and its nesting process based on a simple technology, competitive, reproducible, without adding a part, offering a quick and simple assembly, without special tools, to create one or more positions indexed between the rings, the number of assembled rings being not limited, offering great freedom of alternative embodiments, the invention having the advantage of not penalizing the volume or the aesthetics of the jewel, this jewel can be entirely made of precious metals.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a circular jewel of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the indexing finger is formed on a flexible tongue forming a single piece with said first ring and arranged to retract under the action a rotational force applied to at least one of said rings greater than the resilient strength of said flexible tongue.

The indexing means may comprise several indexing notches arranged to define several indexed positions. Similarly, they may comprise at least two indexing fingers arranged at a distance and each carried by a flexible tongue. Depending on the shape of the jewel, these indexing means may be formed in the corresponding diameters of said rings or in the corresponding flanks of these rings. If the jewel has an inner ring and several outer rings juxtaposed, these indexing means may be formed in the corresponding flanks of at least two of said outer rings. If the jewel has an inner ring on which are mounted several superimposed rings, these indexing means may be formed in the corresponding flanks of at least two of said superposed rings.

In the preferred embodiment, the flexible tongue is cut into a contact zone of at least one of said rings so as to be movable between its projecting and retracted positions towards the adjacent ring, and comprises an outer protuberance format indexing finger, and the indexing notch is cut in the other contact zone of said adjacent ring oriented towards said first ring, the index finger and the indexing notch having a complementary curved profile.

The object is also achieved by a method of manufacturing the circular jewel as described above, in which said rings are made separately by removal of material by machining said indexing means in the mass, they are assembled freely coaxially. one in the other and we lock the assembly of these rings to make it unmountable, which avoids the use of complementary parts and greatly simplifies the assembly of the jewel.

Brief description of the drawings:

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un bijou selon l'invention sous la forme d'une bague comportant trois anneaux tournants,
• les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues en coupe partielle et totale du bijou selon les lignes AA et BB de la figure 1, et les figures 2C et 2D sont des vues en coupe partielle et totale du bijou selon les lignes CC et DD de la figure 2B,
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en perspective et en coupe partielle d'un premier anneau extérieur du bijou de la figure 1, et les figures 3C et 3D sont des vues en coupe totale et partielle de cet anneau selon les lignes CC et DD de la figure 3B, et
• les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues en perspective et en coupe partielle d'un second anneau extérieur du bijou de la figure 1, et la figure 4C est une vue en coupe partielle de cet anneau selon la ligne CC de la figure 4B.

The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a top view of a jewel according to the invention in the form of a ring comprising three rotating rings,
• the Figures 2A and 2B are views in partial and total section of the jewel along lines AA and BB of the figure 1 , and the Figures 2C and 2D are views in partial and total section of the jewel along the lines CC and DD of the Figure 2B ,
• the Figures 3A and 3B are views in perspective and in partial section of a first outer ring of the jewel of the figure 1 , and the Figures 3C and 3D are views in total and partial section of this ring along the lines CC and DD of the figure 3B , and
• the Figures 4A and 4B are views in perspective and in partial section of a second outer ring of the jewel of the figure 1 , and the figure 4C is a partial sectional view of this ring along the line CC of the Figure 4B .

Illustrations of the invention and best way to achieve it:

With reference to the figures, the jewel 1 circular indexed rotating rings according to the invention is illustrated by a ring having an inner ring 2 carrying three outer rings 3, 4, 5 juxtaposed, these rings being mounted freely coaxially to turn the one relative to the other around their common axis. Each outer ring 3-5 carries a crimped stone 6 and, depending on the relative position of the outer rings 3-5 between them, these stones 6 can be aligned parallel to the axis of the ring, offset and aligned diagonally (see Fig. 1 ) or offset by forming a V, in order to create different patterns with the same jewel 1. The object of the invention is to integrate indexing means 7 between these three outer rings 3-5 to position them together in a chosen pattern, the assembly formed by these three rings 3-5 remaining mobile in rotation around the inner ring 2 so as to retain the pattern.

This example is not limiting being that the jewel 1 circular according to the invention can be a bracelet, a pendant, a fashion accessory or the like, made of precious metals or fantasy. Similarly, the number of outer rings can be one, two or more than three. These rings can be juxtaposed as in the example of the ring or superimposed for example for a pendant. In this case, the jewel 1 comprises an inner ring 2, an outer ring 3 and one or more intermediate rings, these different rings being rotatable relative to each other, the inner ring 2 can be fixed or also free to rotate.

The inner ring 2 is designed to carry and guide in rotation the outer rings 3-5 by a play of operation and to ensure their axial retention. It comprises for this purpose cylindrical bearing surfaces 20 and two end stops 21, 22, at least one being formed of a foldable lip 22 deformable between an initial state in which it is open and allows the mounting of the outer rings 3 5 on the inner ring 2 and a final final state in which it is folded and makes this assembly indémontable. This inner ring 2 can be made differently in respect of its functions.

In the illustrated example, the indexing means 7 are provided in the contact areas between the outer rings 3-5 and more particularly in their sides or lateral sides as in the illustrated example. If the jewel 1 has only one outer ring 3, the indexing means 7 are provided between the outer ring 3 and the inner ring 2, in particular in the contact zone between at least one of its flanks and one of the end stops 21, 22. These indexing means 7 can also be provided on the inner and outer diameters of the rings 2, 3, especially if the jewel 1 has overlapping rings.

These indexing means 7 comprise, in the contact zone between the rings 3-5, at least one indexing notch 70 integral with one of the rings and at least one indexing finger 71 integral with the other ring, this indexing finger 71 being movable between a projecting position in the contact zone, in which it is housed in the indexing notch 70 and locks the relative position of the rings, and a retracted position of the contact zone, in which it allows a relative rotation of these rings 3-5.

In the example shown, the central outer ring 4 has on its flanks indexing notches 70 and the outer rings 3, 5 disposed on either side of the central outer ring 4 comprise indexing fingers 71 The reverse configuration can also be considered. The indexing means 7 may also be limited to two outer rings 3 and 4 or 4 and 5, depending on the desired result.

With particular reference to Figures 4A-C , the central outer ring 4 has, in each of its flanks, several indexing notches 70 regularly distributed on its circumference. It has ten on each flank, arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of this ring. Each indexing notch 70 is formed of a notch of curved shape, for example circular, open axially in the direction of the adjacent ring 3, 5. This number of indexing notches 70 is not limiting and allows to define several indexed positions. This central outer ring 4 has cylindrical bearing surfaces 40 on either side of relief recesses 41.

The Figures 3A-D illustrate an outer ring 3 adjacent to the central outer ring 4, identical and symmetrical to the outer ring 5. This outer ring 3 comprises at least one indexing finger 71 and, in this example, two indexing fingers 71 diametrically opposed. Each indexing finger 71 is formed of a protuberance of curved shape, for example circular, axially oriented towards the adjacent ring 4 and complementary to that of the indexing notches 70. Each indexing finger 71 is formed on a flexible tongue 72 secured to the outer ring 3 and cut into the mass to form a single piece with said ring 3. This flexible tongue 72 is separated from the rest of the ring 3 by a slot 73 and makes it possible to return the indexing finger 71 movable between its protruding and retracted positions, the projecting position corresponding to the rest position of the flexible tongue 72 and the retracted position corresponding to its compressed position. This compressed position is obtained under the action of a relative rotational force applied to the adjacent rings 3 and 4 greater than the elastic resistance of the flexible tongue 72, the indexing finger 71 moving relative to the indexing notch 70 by depressing the flexible tongue 72. The resilient strength of the flexible tongue 72 is determined by its length. By playing on this length, we can modify the indexing force between the rings 3-5. The two flexible tongues 72 are arranged symmetrically and oriented in opposite directions so as to allow rotation of the rings 3-5 in both directions of rotation. Of course, the number of flexible tongues 72 is not limiting and may be greater than two depending on the size of the jewel 1, for example in the case of a bracelet.

This outer ring 3 like the outer ring 5 has cylindrical bearing surfaces 30, 50 provided on either side of lightening recesses 31, 51. The number of indexing fingers 71 is not limited to two, and may be one or greater than two depending on the desired result and the diameter of the rings.

These indexing means 7 are completely invisible in the jewel 1 and allow to change as desired the pattern created by the decorations provided on the outer rings 3-5 rotating, these decorations may be drawings but also inscriptions. It is enough for this purpose to turn a ring 3-5 relative to the other by forcing slightly to overcome the indexing force and retract the indexing fingers 71 so as to change indexing notch 70 and thus change the position of indexing between the rings 3-5.

Possibilities of industrial application:

1. a) on réalise les anneaux intérieur 2 et extérieurs 3-5 séparément avec leurs moyens d'indexage intégrés, par enlèvement de matière, en usinant dans la masse les crans d'indexage 70 et les languettes flexibles 72 avec leur doigt d'indexage 71, les portées cylindriques 20-50 et les évidements d'allègement 21-51, ainsi que les logements pour les pierres 6,
2. b) on assemble les anneaux extérieurs 3-5 sur l'anneau intérieur 2 par emboîtement axial, en positionnant les anneaux extérieurs 3-5 l'un par rapport à l'autre de sorte que les doigts d'indexage 71 se logent dans des crans d'indexage 70,
3. c) puis on verrouille l'assemblage de ces anneaux 2-5 pour le rendre indémontable.

The method of manufacturing the circular ring jewel 1 according to the invention comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) the inner rings 2 and outer 3-5 are made separately with their indexing means integrated, by removal of material, by machining in the mass the indexing notches 70 and the flexible tongues 72 with their indexing finger 71 , the cylindrical bearing surfaces 20-50 and the relief recesses 21-51, as well as the housing for the stones 6,
2. b) assembling the outer rings 3-5 on the inner ring 2 by axial interlocking, positioning the outer rings 3-5 relative to each other so that the indexing fingers 71 are housed in indexing notches 70,
3. c) then we lock the assembly of these rings 2-5 to make it indémontable.

This embodiment of the indexing means 7 considerably simplifies their implementation and extends their application to a wide range of jewelry at competitive costs. It allows multiple combinations ranging from an indexed outer ring on an inner ring to a plurality of outer rings indexed to each other on an inner ring, which rings may be adjacent and / or superimposed. The indexing means 7 being directly machined in the rings, they do not require any additional part, no specific assembly and can be made of precious metals. The assembly is thus greatly simplified and does not require any special tools for holding the spring elements. The indexing force is adjustable as a function of the length of the flexible tongues 72. even, the number of indexed positions is adjustable according to the number of indexing notches 70. These indexing means 7 are locked in the rest position of the flexible tongues 72, so there is no risk of fatigue. The machining of indexing notches 70 is feasible in a single operation on numerically controlled machines and does not require recovery. Putting several indexed rings side by side enables complex patterns to be created. These indexing means 7 being applicable to the rotating rings retain the pattern while allowing rotation of all the rings.

It is clear from this description that the invention achieves the goals. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described but extends to any modification and variation obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. Circular piece of jewellery (1) comprising indexed rotating rings such as a ring, a wedding ring, a bracelet, a pendant, a fashion accessory or similar, comprising at least one internal ring (2) and at least one external ring (3-5), mounted coaxially and freely so as to rotate with respect to each other around their common axis, said piece of jewellery comprising indexing means (7) that allow to index the position of the rings (2-5) with respect to each other, said indexing means (7) comprising at least one indexing finger (71) in a contact area of at least one of said rings and at least one indexing notch (70) in the other contact area of said adjacent ring oriented towards said first ring, said indexing finger being able to move between a protruding position, in which it is located in said indexing notch (70) and locks the relative position of said rings (2-5), and a retracted position in which it allows a relative rotation of these rings (2-5), characterised in that said indexing finger (71) is arranged on a flexible blade (72) forming one single part with said first ring and arranged so as to retract under the action of a rotational force exerted on at least one of said rings (2-5) exceeding the elastic resistance of said flexible blade (72).
2. Piece of jewellery according to claim 1, characterised in that said indexing means (7) comprise several indexing notches (70) arranged to define several indexed positions.
3. Piece of jewellery according to claim 1, characterised in that said indexing means (7) comprise at least two indexing fingers (71) arranged at a distance of each other and located each on a flexible blade (72).
4. Piece of jewellery according to claim 1, characterised in that said indexing means (7) are arranged in the corresponding diameters of said rings.
5. Piece of jewellery according to claim 1, characterised in that said indexing means (7) are arranged in the corresponding sides of said rings (2-5).
6. Piece of jewellery according to claim 5, comprising an internal ring (2) and several juxtaposed external rings (3-5), characterised in that said indexing means (7) are arranged in the corresponding sides of at least two of said rings.
7. Piece of jewellery according to claim 4, comprising an internal ring (2) on which several superimposed rings are mounted, characterised in that said indexing means (7) are arranged in the corresponding diameters of at least two of said rings.
8. Piece of jewellery according to claim 1, characterised in that said flexible blade (72) is machined in a contact area of at least one first ring so as to be able to move between its protruding and retracted positions in direction of the adjacent ring, and comprises an external protuberance that forms said indexing finger (71), and in that said indexing notch (70) is machined in the other contact area of said adjacent ring (4) oriented towards the first ring bearing said indexing finger (71).
9. Piece of jewellery according to claim 8, characterised in that said indexing finger (71) and said indexing notch (70) have a complementary curved profile.
10. Piece of jewellery according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that said rings (2-5) comprise lightening recesses (21-51).
11. Method for the production of a circular piece of jewellery (1) according to any of the previous claims, in which said rings (2-5) are manufactured separately by cutting, machining said indexing means (7) from bulk, they are assembled freely coaxially in each other and the assembly of these rings is locked to make it impossible to dismount.

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