EP4221536A1

EP4221536A1 - Wearable decorative element

Info

Publication number: EP4221536A1
Application number: EP21794960.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giampiero Borsari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2021-09-27
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-27
Also published as: US20230371660A1; EP4221536C0; WO2022070012A1; IT202000022999A1; EP4221536B1

Abstract

The wearable decorative element (1) comprises at least one ring-shaped elastic member (2), supporting a plurality of female elements (3), wherein each of the female elements (3) comprises a hollow body (30) extended between a first and a second through opening (32, 33) obtained between two lateral walls (34, 35) opposite each other for the passage and sliding of the elastic member (2), a plurality of male elements (4) adapted to allow the passage and sliding of the elastic member (2) therein, each of the male elements (4) inserting in a sliding manner at least partly inside one of the first through opening (32) and the second through opening (33) of one of the adjacent female elements (3) to vary the mutual distance between the female elements (3a, 3b) along a direction of sliding (S), wherein it comprises at least one block element (5) associated with one of either the female element (3) or the male element (4) transversely with respect to the direction of sliding (S) to limit the mutual sliding between the female elements (3) on the male elements (4) and to cover the elastic member when the distance between the adjacent female elements is maximum.

Description

WEARABLE DECORATIVE ELEMENT

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wearable decorative element, such as a bracelet, anklet, necklace, or other similar decorative articles.

Background Art

With particular reference to the goldsmith and costume jewellery sector, the use is well known of bracelets characterized by a high level of elegance and aesthetic value commonly referred to as “tennis” bracelets, which are generally provided with precious stones, such as e.g. diamonds, set along the entire length of the bracelet itself.

Among the different types of tennis bracelets there are the extensible bracelets, which are provided with a chain of bezels crossed and joined by an elastic member, such as e.g. a spring, shaped like a ring to allow the bracelet to be worn or removed simply by enlarging it.

When the bracelet is not being worn, the elastic member is unloaded and the bezels are brought into contact with each other, completely covering the elastic member itself for the entire length of the bracelet and preventing it from being seen from the outside. However, when the bracelet is enlarged to allow it to be worn, the elastic member is loaded and the bezels are spaced apart from each other, leaving the elastic member visible.

Additionally, even after the bracelet is worn, the elastic member may remain loaded and therefore visible, such as e.g. due to the size of the wearer's wrist not allowing it to fit snugly.

The fact that the elastic member remains visible gives the bracelet a poor aesthetic quality and compromises its elegance.

In addition, if the elastic member breaks, the bezels slide out of it, increasing the risk of losing them.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a wearable decorative element, in particular of the extensible type, capable of covering the elastic member even when the bracelet is enlarged giving the decorative element itself a high aesthetic value and increasing the elegance thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a wearable decorative element which is easily assembled and having a reduced number of components compared to known decorative elements.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a wearable decorative element which, in case of breakage of the elastic member, enables the bezels to be maintained associated together, thereby reducing the risk of the latter slipping out of the elastic member and being lost.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a wearable decorative element which allows the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a wearable decorative element, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet nonlimiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the decorative element according to the present invention,

Figure 2 and 3 are a perspective view from below of an embodiment of the female element and of the male element of the decorative element of Figure 1,

Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the female element and of the male element of Figure 2 in an enlarged configuration and home configuration, respectively,

Figure 6 and 7 are a perspective view of an embodiment of the female element and of the male element of the decorative element of Figure 1 , Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the block element.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to such figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a wearable decorative element. In detail, with reference to the example shown in Figure 1, the decorative element 1 is a bracelet. Other embodiments cannot however be ruled out, such as, e.g., a necklace, a ring.

In particular, the bracelet 1 shown in Figure 1 is of the extensible “tennis” type,

1.e., it can be worn by simply enlarging it.

For this purpose, the bracelet 1 comprises at least one elastic member 2, shaped like a ring, supporting a plurality of female elements 3, or also called bezels, intended to receive for example precious stones or gems such as diamonds or crystals.

In detail, the elastic member 2 extends along a substantially circular direction of development and the bezels 3 are threaded onto the elastic member 2 to cover it for substantially the entire length of the bracelet 1.

The elastic member 2 may be, e.g., a mechanical spring, preferably a cylindrical helix spring, or an element of elastic material, so that when subjected to a tension, the bracelet 1 undergoes an elastic deformation switching from a home configuration to an enlarged one.

In one or more embodiments, in an enlarged configuration, the elastic member

2, due to the tension force, may have a substantially oval shape.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 4 and 5, in the home configuration, the bezels 3 of the bracelet 1 are brought closer to each other and the bracelet 1 has a substantially circular shape of predefined radius to fit the wrist of a user. When the bracelet 1 is in an enlarged configuration, the radius of the bracelet 1 is greater than the radius in the home configuration and the bezels 3 are spaced apart from each other. In the case of decorative elements 1 of other type, such as e.g. necklaces, rings, and so forth, the decorative element 1 may have different shapes and sizes depending on their function.

With particular reference to Figures 2 to 8, each bezel 3 comprises a hollow body 30 extended between a first and a second through opening 32, 33 obtained on two lateral walls 34, 35 opposite each other for the passage and sliding of the elastic member 2.

In particular, the hollow body 30 has an overall parallelepiped shape wherein the first and second lateral walls 34, 35 are longitudinally opposed. The hollow body 30 also comprises two opposite walls 36, 37, upper and lower respectively.

Preferably, the walls 36, 37 are positioned opposite in a radial pattern, i.e., they are arranged in a distal and proximal position to the center of the bracelet 1, respectively.

Throughout the present disclosure and in the subsequent claims, three main directions are identified: the “radial” direction, parallel to the radius direction of the bracelet 1, the “longitudinal” direction, tangent to the direction of development of the bracelet 1, and the “transverse” direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and radial directions.

In particular, the bezel 3 extends by height along the radial direction, by length along the longitudinal direction and by width along the transverse direction.

For simplicity of description, in the context of the present disclosure and in the subsequent claims, the term “radial” is to be understood with reference to the direction parallel to the radius of the bracelet 1, i.e., the direction joining the center C of the bracelet 1 with each of the bezels 3.

Furthermore, it is specified that the term “longitudinal” relates to the direction of development of the bracelet 1 along the length thereof, and the term “transverse” relates to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y and to the radial direction X.

The first and second openings 32, 33 are communicating with the cavity 31 and are obtained longitudinally aligned on the first and second lateral walls 34, 35, respectively. Preferably, the openings 32, 33 have an oval or elliptical shape.

The elastic member 2 is inserted into the bezel 3 by means of the openings 32, 33 to pass through the cavity 31 of the hollow body 30 by supporting the bezel 3.

The bezel 3 may be made of metallic material, preferably precious and nonprecious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, zamak and resin.

Conveniently, the bezel 3 is provided with at least one setting seat 38, preferably formed on the upper wall 36, of at least one gemstone or precious stone, such as diamonds or crystals. The possibility cannot however be ruled out of a bezel 3 without a setting seat 38 and wherein a wall is arranged to receive a decorative motif, e.g. by enameling. In this regard, in one or more embodiments, the bezel 3 may be free of gemstones.

Preferably, the bracelet 1 comprises a number of bezels 3 threaded onto the elastic member 2 such that, in a home configuration, the bezels 3 are close together and the elastic member 2 is covered in its substantial entirety.

Advantageously, the bracelet 1 comprises a plurality of male elements 4 adapted to allow the passage and sliding of the elastic member 2 therein, each of the male elements 4 inserting in a sliding manner at least partly inside one of the first through opening 32 and the second through opening 33 of one of the adjacent bezels 3 to vary the mutual distance between the bezels 3 along a direction of sliding S.

Preferably, the male elements 4 have a hollow tubular shape of predefined length.

In particular, each male element 4 comprises a first and a second end portions 40, 41 wherein a first and a second opening 42, 43 are obtained for the passage and sliding of the elastic member 2.

Conveniently, the male elements 4 and the bezels 3 are alternated to receive the elastic member 2; that is, after having been associated with the elastic member 2, the first and second end portions 40, 41 of each male element 4 are adjacent to a first and a second bezel 3a, 3b, respectively. In this way, the male element 4 can connect the pair of bezels 3 a, 3b so that, in the enlarged configuration, the male element 4 covers the portion of the elastic member 2 arranged outside the bezels 3a, 3b.

To this end, as shown in the examples of Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, each male element 4 has a shape and size substantially complementary to the through openings 32, 33 of the bezel 3 to achieve a coupling by shape.

In particular, the second end portion 41 of the male element 4 is configured to be received by the first through opening 32 of the bezel 3 and to be internally housed in the cavity 31 of the hollow body 30. Preferably, in a cross-sectional view, the male element 4 has an oval or elliptical shape, complementary to the shape of the through opening 32 of the bezel 3, which is also oval or elliptical. Such a configuration makes it possible to avoid mutual rotation between the bezel 3 and the male element 4.

In one embodiment shown in Figures 6, 7, the elastic member 2 comprises a pair of springs 2a, 2b, or of elastic elements.

At the same time, in a version shown in Figures 6 and 7, each end portion 40, 41 of the male element 4 comprises a pair of through openings 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b adapted to receive the springs 2a, 2b.

In this version, advantageously, the first end portion 40 of the male element 4 is associated with the second opening 33 of the first adjacent bezel 3a and the second end portion 41 of said male element 4 is associated in a sliding manner with the first opening 32 of the second adjacent bezel 3b so that at least the second bezel 3b may at least partly slide the male element 4 to vary the mutual distance between the bezels 3 a, 3b.

In detail, the second end portion 41 of the male element 4 is inserted into the second bezel 3b through the first through opening 32 to be housed at least partly in the cavity 31, thus making a prismatic coupling wherein the second bezel 3b longitudinally slides the male element 4 close to or away from the first bezel 3a to switch from the home configuration to the enlarged configuration and vice versa.

In particular, in the home configuration, the bezels 3 are brought closer to each other substantially covering the entire male element 4; in the enlarged configuration, the bezels 3 are spaced apart from each other leaving the male element 4 partly visible.

According to the invention, the male element 4 comprises at least one block element 5 associated with one of either the bezel 3 or the male element 4 transversely with respect to the direction of sliding S to limit the mutual sliding between the bezels 3 on the male elements 4 to cover the elastic member 2 when the distance between the adjacent bezels 3 is maximum.

In particular, the block element 5 is adapted to constrain the bezel 3 to the male element 4 thus limiting the freedom of longitudinal movement thereof, and therefore the sliding thereof, on the male element 4 so that the maximum distance between the adjacent bezels 3a, 3b is substantially corresponding to the length of the male element 4.

In this way, in an enlarged configuration, the male element 4 remains partially housed in the cavity 31 of the bezel 3, which allows it to slide while substantially covering the elastic member 2 and hiding it from view.

In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the block element 5 comprises at least one pin 50 which can be coupled to the male element 4 and the bezel 3 to limit the shifting movement of the bezel 3 on the male element 4. Preferably, the pin 50 has an elongated tubular shape of a predefined diameter and length extending between two ends 50a, 50b.

Conveniently, the bezel 3 comprises at least one through hole 51 configured to receive one end 50a, 50b of the pin 50, and a seat 52 aligned and coaxial with the through hole 51 and configured to house the other end 50b, 50a of the pin 50.

In particular, the hole 51 is formed on one of either the lower wall 37 or the upper wall 36, and the seat 52 is formed on the other of either the lower wall 37 or the upper wall 36 of the hollow body 30. In particular, the seat 52 is obtained internally to the bezel 3; this means that the seat 52 is facing the cavity 31 and aligned with the hole 51 in a radial pattern.

In an embodiment shown in Figure 2, the seat 52 and the hole 51 are obtained on the upper wall 36 and the lower wall 37 respectively, of the bezel 3. In such a conformation, the hole 51 is, in use, facing the wrist or the skin of the user, thus remaining hidden from view; this configuration gives a greater aesthetic value compared to other configurations wherein the hole 51 could be obtained in different positions.

In an embodiment shown in Figure 8, the hole 51 is formed on the upper wall 36 and the seat 52 on the lower wall 37. Such a configuration, wherein the pin 50 is inserted into the bezel 3 from the upper wall 36 and is received in the lower wall 37, allows avoiding welding jobs at the lower wall 37, and thus the formation of any welding porosity. Moreover, such configuration makes it possible for the gemstone set in the upper wall 36 to cover any welding defects of the upper wall 36, thus speeding up execution times.

Preferably, the hole 51 and the seat 52 are formed in the proximity of the first through opening 32 of the hollow body 30.

Conveniently, the through hole 51 and the seat 52 have a shape and width complementary to those of the pin 50.

Preferably, the through hole 51 and the seat 52 have a circular shape with a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the pin 50.

Preferably, the pin 50 has a length substantially corresponding to the height of the cavity 31 of the bezel 3 so that, in use, it can pass through the cavity 31 in a radial pattern, extending from the hole 51 to the bottom of the seat 52. In particular, the seat 52 blocks the pin 50 in a position centered in the cavity 31 of the bezel 3 while maintaining the pin 50 in a substantially fixed position.

The male element 4 comprises at least one slot 53 that can be coupled to the pin 50 and configured to allow the male element 4 to slide with respect to the bezel 3.

In detail, the slot 53 is made passing through so that the pin 50 can pass through the male element 4.

Conveniently, in use, the slot 53 is aligned with the seat 52 and with the through hole 51 to facilitate the insertion of the pin 50. In particular, the slot 53 is configured to receive the pin 50 to make a prismatic coupling wherein the pin 50 may slide along the slot 53.

The slot 53 extends in length along the longitudinal direction and has a predefined length. In particular, the length of the slot 53 defines the freedom of sliding of the pin 50 along the slot 53 and, therefore, of the bezel 3 on the male element 4.

In detail, in order to make the coupling of the pin 50 with the bezel 3 and the male element 4, the second end portion 41 of the latter is inserted at least partly internally to the cavity 31 of the bezel 3 with the slot 53 arranged aligned, preferably aligned in a radial pattern, with the hole 51 and the seat 52 of the bezel 3. At this point, the pin 50 is inserted in the hole 51 and in the seat 52 passing through the slot 53.

In particular, the bezel 3 is inserted as far as the end 50b of the pin 50 is received as a stop by the seat 52. In this way, the pin 50 extends from the hole 51 to the seat 52 passing through the slot 53 and making the coupling by shape. In the event that the pin 50 having a greater length than the length of the cavity 31, the portion of pin 50 protruding from the hollow body 30 is cut during assembly of the element 1, so that the lower end 50a of the pin 50 is arranged flush with the lower wall 37, or upper wall 36, of the bezel 3.

In one embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the first end portion 40 of the male element 4 is locked together with the first bezel 3 a, and the second end portion 41 of the male element 4 is associated in a sliding manner with the second bezel 3b.

In particular, the first end portion 40 of the male element 4 and the bezel 3 operate in conjunction so that the second opening 33 of the first bezel 3 is in communication with the first opening 42 of the male element 4 to allow the passage of the elastic member 2.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the length of the male element 4 is substantially corresponding to the length of the cavity 31 of the bezel 3 so that, in the home configuration, the first and second bezels 3a, 3b can be brought closer to each other.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the slot 53 extends substantially along the entire length of the male element 4 so that the second bezel 3b may slide the male element 4 from a position close to the first bezel 3a, in the home configuration, to an away position, in the enlarged configuration, wherein the distance between the two bezels 3a, 3b is substantially corresponding to the length of the male element 4. In this way, the male element 4 remains arranged at least partly internally to the second bezel 3b.

In an alternative embodiment, the first end portion 40 of the male element 4 is associated in a sliding manner with the first bezel 3a and the second end portion 41 of the male element 4 is associated in a sliding manner with the second bezel 3b, according to the method explained above.

For this purpose, in the version shown in Figures 6 and 7, the bezel 3 comprises at least two through holes 51 and two seats 52, in use, arranged aligned and coaxial with the slot 53. In particular, one hole 51 and one seat 52 are formed in the proximity of the first opening 32 of the bezel 3 and the other hole 51 and the other seat 52 are formed in the proximity of the second opening 33. Conveniently, the slot 53 of the male element 4 extends along substantially the entire length of the male element 4 so that, in use, the slot 53 is at least partly housed internally to the first 3a and the second 3b bezels.

Conveniently, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, each male element 4 comprises at least two block elements 55 each coupleable to the slot 53.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the block elements 55 comprise an additional pin 58; this means that the pin elements 55, 58 are respectively inserted in the respective holes 51 and in the seats 52 passing through the slot 53.

In one or more embodiments, the male element 4 may comprise two slots 53a, 53b coupleable to the first pin 55 and to the second pin 58, respectively.

The slots 53 a, 53b are arranged in the proximity of the first end portion 40 and in the proximity of the second end portion 41, respectively.

After the male element 4 has been associated with both bezels 3a, 3b, the latter may slide the male element 4 between the home configuration, wherein the bezels 3a, 3b are close to each other and the male element 4 is partly housed internally to both bezels 3a, 3b, and the enlarged configuration, wherein the bezels 3a, 3b are arranged in the proximity of the end portions 40, 41 of the male element 4.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended object, and in particular the fact is emphasized that the female elements and the male elements of the decorative element are able to cover the elastic member both in the home configuration and in the enlarged configuration to give the decorative element a high aesthetic value and elegance.

Claims

1) Wearable decorative element (1) comprising at least one ring-shaped elastic member (2), supporting a plurality of female elements (3), wherein each of said female elements (3) comprises a hollow body (30) extended between a first and a second through opening (32, 33) obtained between two lateral walls (34, 35) opposite each other for the passage and sliding of said elastic member (2), a plurality of male elements (4) adapted to allow the passage and sliding of said elastic member (2) therein, each of said male elements (4) inserting in a sliding manner at least partly inside one of said first through opening (32) and said second through opening (33) of one of said adjacent female elements (3) to vary the mutual distance between said female elements (3 a, 3b) along a direction of sliding (S), characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one block element (5) associated with one of either said female element (3) or said male element (4) transversely with respect to said direction of sliding (S) to limit the mutual sliding between said female elements (3) on said male elements (4) and to cover said elastic member when the distance between said adjacent female elements is maximum.

2) Decorative element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said block element (5) comprises at least one pin (50) that can be coupled to said male element (4) and said female element (3).

3) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said female element (3) comprises at least one through hole (51) configured to receive one end (50a, 50b) of said pin (50), and a seat (52) aligned and coaxial with said through hole (51) and configured to accommodate the other end (50b, 50a) of said pin (50).

4) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said male element (4) comprises at least one slot (53) that can be coupled to said pin (50) and configured to allow said male element (4) to slide with respect to said female element (3). 5) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in use, said slot (53) is aligned with said seat (52) and with said through hole (51).

6) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each of said male elements (4) comprises a first and a second end portion (40, 41), wherein a first and a second opening (42, 43) are obtained.

7) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first end portion (40) of said male element (4) is associated with said second opening (33) of a first adjacent female element (3a) and said second end portion (41) of said male element (4) is associated in a sliding manner with said first opening (32) of a second adjacent female element (3 a) so that at least said second female element (3b) may slide at least partly on said male element (4) to vary the mutual distance between said female elements (3a, 3b).

8) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first end portion (40) of said male element (4) is locked together with said first female element (3a) and said second end portion (41) of said male element (4) is associated in a sliding manner with said second female element (3b).

9) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said pin (50) is inserted in said hole (51) and in said seat (52) passing through said slot (53).

10) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of claims 1-7, characterized by the fact that said first end portion (40) is associated in a sliding manner with said first female element (3 a) and said second end portion (41) is associated in a sliding manner with said second female element (3b).

11) Decorative element (1) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said male element (4) comprises at least one slot (53), and said female element (3) comprises at least two through holes (51) and two seats (52), in use, said through holes (51) and said seats (52) being arranged aligned and coaxial with said slot (53).

12) Decorative element (1) according to claims 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least two block elements (55), each inserted in at least said slot (53).

13) Decorative element (1) according to claims 10-12, characterized by the fact that said block elements (55) comprise an additional pin (58), said pin elements (55, 58) being respectively inserted in said holes (51) and in said seats (52) passing through said slot (53).

14) Decorative element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said hollow body (30) comprises two opposite walls (36, 37), upper and lower respectively, and by the fact that said hole (51) is obtained on one of either said lower wall (37) or said upper wall (36), and said seat (52) is obtained on the other of either said lower wall (37) or said upper wall (36), said seat (52) being obtained internally to said female element (3).

15) Decorative element according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said predefined maximum distance between said adjacent female elements (3a, 3b) is substantially corresponding to the length of said male element (4).