Patent Grant
10051929
This application claims priority to the French Patent Application Nos. 1600900 filed on Jun. 3, 2016, 16001279 filed on Aug. 30, 2016, and 1700140 filed on Feb. 8, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
The invention relates to a decorative object, such as an item of jewelry, comprising a body and a decorative element fastened in a reversible manner to the body.
A decorative object, such as an item of jewelry, generally has a body supporting the decorative element (s), such as crystals, gemstones, precious metal patterns, a watch, etc.
The body is generally shaped to be positioned on the user: it has for example a hoop shape for a ring or a wristlet shape for a bracelet.
Alternatively, the body may be shaped to be fastened on another object borne by the user, such as a bag. It is then possible to fasten the decorative element (s) on the bag.
The trend is to be able to personalise fashion accessories to adapt them, for example, to the clothes worn, to the types of activities planned, or to a need for frequent renewal so as not to repeat a same decoration. The simplest solution is to propose numerous variants of a same item of jewelry.
However, this introduces an important cost for users and an important consumption of raw material.
One objective of the invention is to propose a decorative object, such as an item of jewelry, comprising a body and a decorative element fastened in a reversible manner to the body, so as to be able to change easily (that is to say without a tool) the decorative element while conserving the same body.
This makes it possible to economise the raw material of the body, which enables the consumer to be able to acquire several decorative elements to assemble them to the body as a function of his or her desires at the time.
Another objective of the invention is to propose such a decorative object, while ensuring that the aesthetic of the item of jewelry is conserved, that is to say ensuring that the fastening system enables a regular, precise and immediate alignment of the decorative element on the item of jewelry (or more generally on the decorative object). In other words, the user does not have to be concerned with positioning when fastening the decorative element in order that it is in the position prescribed by the manufacturer.
Reversible fastening is taken to mean a fastening that can be done and undone without a tool. On the contrary, permanent fastening is taken to mean a fastening requiring a tool in order to be done or undone (crimping, screwing, bonding, etc.).
To this end, the invention relates to a decorative object, such as an item of jewelry, comprising a body and a decorative element fastened to the body, the decorative object comprising a system for reversibly fastening the decorative element on the body comprising:
a bearing surface being arranged, in fastening position, between the two locking studs, such that the stem forcibly bears against it when said stem is locked in fastening position by the means for reversibly locking the second locking stud.
According to particular embodiments:
The invention also relates to a decorative element for a preceding decorative object, the decorative element comprising a decorative part and a part for fastening to the decorative object, the fastening part comprising:
Alternatively, the decorative element may comprise a decorative part and a part for fastening to the decorative object, the fastening part comprising:
The invention also relates to a decorative kit for a preceding decorative object, which comprises at least two preceding decorative elements and each bearing different decorations.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling a decorative element of a preceding decorative object, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:
Other characteristics of the invention will be set forth in the description detailed hereafter, made with reference to the appended drawings, which represent, respectively:
The invention aims to propose a decorative object, such as the item of jewelry 1 illustrated in
This object 1 comprises a body 100 and a decorative element 200 fastened to the body in a reversible manner by a reversible fastening system of which a first embodiment is illustrated in
The part of the fastening system present on the decorative element 200 comprises:
The part of the fastening system present on the body 100 comprises:
In a general manner, according to the invention, the fastening system also comprises a bearing stud arranged between the two locking studs and aligned therewith, in fastening position (that is to say when the studs 210-220 of the decorative element are engaged in the orifices 110-120 of the body and when the stem 211 is in contact with the locking means 221).
In the embodiment illustrated in
In a complementary manner, the body 100 comprises an intermediate orifice 130 intended to receive the bearing stud 230, the intermediate orifice 130 being arranged between the two end orifices 110-120 and aligned therewith.
In fastening position, the stem is intended to bear forcibly on the bearing stud 230 when the stem is locked in fastening position by the means for reversibly locking 221 the second locking stud 220.
This is illustrated in
This assembly is also illustrated in
In
Then the user brings the decorative element 200 closer to the body 100, in the direction of the arrow F1, and engages the two locking studs 210-220 in the locking orifices 110-120 of the body 100 until the decorative element is against the body (
The locking studs 210-220 are thus suited to cooperating with the locking orifices of the body 100 of the decorative object in order to enable a very precise positioning, in use, of the decorative element on the body of the decorative object, while enabling an easy change of the decorative element.
The fastening position of the decorative element is thus precise because it is determined by the cooperation of the studs and the locking orifices.
It is thus possible, for example, to fasten in a reversible, precise and solid manner a brooch of gemstones on a support such as a ring or a bracelet. Also, it is possible to fasten in a reversible, precise and sure manner a watch on a support fastened to a bag.
The user then pivots the stem 211 in the direction of the arrow F2, towards the second locking stud 220 in such a way that it bears on the bearing stud 230.
Then, the user elastically deforms the stem 211 on the bearing stud 230 to engage the stem in the means for locking 221 the second locking stud 220. For example, the user slides the stem 211 into a locking slot borne by the locking stud 220. It is thus understood that “rigid stem” is taken to mean, according to the invention, that the stem can be elastically deformed by a user, without use of a tool, while providing a stress when said stem is deformed and in contact with the locking means 221.
Advantageously, the locking orifices have a shape complementary to the shape of the locking studs, and a dimension that is just superior in order to limit lateral play between the studs and the orifices.
Alternatively, or in combination, the intermediate orifice 130, when it is present, has a shape complementary to the shape of the bearing stud, and a dimension that is just superior in order to limit lateral play between the bearing stud and the intermediate orifice.
This enables a very precise reversible fastening in position of the decorative element on the body of the decorative object, while enabling an easy change of the decorative element.
The fastening position of the decorative element is thus precise because it is determined by the cooperation of the studs and the locking orifices.
In other words, the user does not have to be concerned with alignment when fastening the decorative element on the body of the decorative object in order that the decorative element is in the position prescribed by the manufacturer.
Preferably, the studs and the orifices have a cylindrical polyhedral shape (for example triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) and non-circular. In this way, the decorative element is translationally but also rotationally locked. The forcible fastening of the stem finally locks the decorative element on the body.
According to the invention, the bearing stud has a height H such that the stem 211 is elastically deformed on the bearing stud 230 when the stem 211 is engaged in the means for reversibly locking 221 the second locking stud 220.
In this way, the stem 211 has a curve of angle α. This curvature exerts a stress on the locking stud 220 and prevents the stem 211 from disengaging from the locking means 221.
In this embodiment, the stem 211 advantageously has a sufficient length so that its free end 211b bears (see
This forcible layout makes it possible to lock the decorative element on the body, without necessity of providing a return means, of spring type, at the level of the fastening of the stem on the first locking stud 210.
Moreover, the force is shifted nearer to the locking means than if the stem was pivotably mounted on a spring at the level of the first locking stud 210. The stress is thus greater and the risks of disengagement of the stem from the locking means 221 are reduced.
Advantageously, as illustrated in
The locking means 221a is constituted by a lateral rim directly in line under which the stem 211 is slid in order to be maintained by the stress exerted on the stem 211 by the bearing stud 230.
The locking means 221b is constituted by a lateral notch into which the stem 211 is slid in order to be maintained by the stress exerted on the stem 211 by the bearing stud 230.
The pivoting part 211c is advantageously produced by folding of the other end of the stem 211, in order to obtain:
This embodiment of the stem is particularly advantageous because it is both inexpensive and very practical.
It suffices to thread it into the transversal pivot hole 210a of the stud 210 of the locking segment 211c4, then to make it pivot to engage the segment of axis of rotation 211c3 in the transversal pivot hole 210a. In this position, the locking segment 211c4 and the lateral segment 211c2 prevent the stem 211 from coming free from the stud 210.
Since it is the bearing stud that generates the stress of the stem during locking, it is not necessary that the stem itself comprises an elastic return structure such as one or more spring loops.
According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in
Alternatively, the locking segment 211c4 may be non-coplanar with the remainder of the stem and sufficiently long to have a point of forcible contact against the body of the decorative object according to the invention when the stem 211 is forcibly engaged in the locking means 221.
A second embodiment is illustrated in
The bearing stud 140 is then arranged on the body 100, between the two locking orifices 110 and 120 and aligned therewith.
The other characteristics of the bearing stud 230 of the first embodiment described previously are also valid for the bearing stud 140 of the second embodiment: height to obtain stress locking of the stem 211 by the means for locking 221 the second locking stud 200, notch 232, etc.
This embodiment in which the bearing stud is on the body and not on the decorative element has the advantage of better pinning the decorative element 200 against the body 100. In a complementary manner, the stem 211 may advantageously have a sufficient length so that its free end 211b bears (see
In a complementary manner, as illustrated in
This embodiment of the stem 211 is also valid for the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
The invention also pertains to a decorative kit for a decorative object according to the invention, comprising at least two decorative elements 200 each bearing different decorations. The user may then choose to purchase this kit for his or her decorative object in order to change only the decorative element to have a different decoration, without having to change the whole of his or her decorative object (item of jewelry, for example), that is to say without having to repurchase the body of the decorative object.
Advantageously, the body, the decorative element, the stem and the studs are metal.
The part of the fastening system present on the decorative element 300 comprises:
In this embodiment, the rigid stem 311 is constituted of a strand bent back on itself, so as to form a loop 311a for reversibly fastening on the second locking stud 320 (the loop 311a is inserted forcibly and in a reversible manner under the ball 321).
The first locking stud 310 is constituted of two separate portions 310a, on each of which a free end 311b of the strand is pivotably fastened.
The part of the fastening system present on the body 400 comprises:
In this exemplary embodiment, the locking orifices 410-420 do not have a shape complementary to the shape of the locking studs 310-320. They simply enable the passage of the stem 311 and the locking studs 310-320 with a view to the locking of the decorative element on the body of the object.
In order to guarantee a precise fastening position of the decorative element, the bearing stud 330, integral with the decorative element 300, has a cylindrical polyhedral shape (for example triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) and thus non-circular. In a complementary manner, the body 400 comprises an intermediate orifice 430 of complementary shape (and thus not circular) and of dimension that is just superior in order to limit lateral play between the bearing stud 330 and the intermediate orifice 430.
This enables a very precise reversible fastening in position of the decorative element on the body of the decorative object, while enabling an easy change of the decorative element.
The fastening position of the decorative element is thus precise because it is determined by the cooperation of the bearing stud and the intermediate orifice.
In other words, the user does not have to be concerned with alignment when fastening the decorative element on the body of the decorative object in order that the decorative element is in the position prescribed by the manufacturer.
This variant illustrates the fact that the rigid stem 511 may comprise, between the free end 511a and the pivoting fastening part 511b, two elbows 511c-511d that are the reverse of each other to facilitate the fastening of the free end while ensuring the forcible bearing of the part 511e of the stem situated between the two elbows on the bearing stud 330.
Thanks to these two elbows, the stem is stressed just sufficiently to be elastically deformed when it is reversibly fastened to the second locking stud 321 and bearing on the bearing stud 330. Thus, when the stem is unfastened from the locking stud 321, it recovers its initial shape without residual deformation, which ensures over time the integrity of the stem and the efficiency of the fastening.
The relative position of the decorative element 300 on the body 400 is ensured by the polygonal shape (triangular, square, pentagonal, etc.) of the bearing stud 330 and its correct adjustment in the intermediate orifice 430.
Thus, in a general manner, according to the invention, the decorative element comprises a so-called decorative “outer” face, and a so-called “inner” face for fastening against the body, and the body comprises a so-called “outer” face on which the decorative element comes to bear, and a so-called “inner” face on the side of which the stem forcibly bears.
In the three preceding embodiments, the stem forcibly bears on a bearing surface borne by a bearing stud integral with the body, or on a bearing stud integral with the decorative element.
According to a fourth embodiment, illustrated in
To do so, the transversal pivot hole 610a of the stud 610, intended to receive in rotation the stem 611 and the means for locking 621 the second locking stud 620 are located, in fastening position, at a distance H1 from the bearing surface of the body, in such a way that the stem 611 elastically deforms while forcibly bearing on the bearing surface 740-741 when it is locked in fastening position by the means for reversibly locking 621 the second locking stud 620.
In this fourth embodiment, the locking studs may advantageously have a height less than or equal to the thickness of the body, such that they do not extend beyond the body in fastening position, and the stem 611 deforms elastically against the bearing surface 740 constituted, in the first variant illustrated in
This fourth embodiment is particularly advantageous when the inner face of the body is intended to enter into contact with the skin of the user. Only the stem 611 is projecting with respect to the inner face of the body 700.
In a second variant illustrated in
To facilitate the fastening while ensuring that the stem does not extend beyond the groove 741a, the latter may comprise at each end, that is to say at the edge of the locking orifice 710-720, a bevelled edge 741b and 741c.
The groove 741a is intended to receive the central part of the stem in such a way that the latter is flush, and the bevelled edges prevent the stem from bending too much when it is forcibly pressed against the bearing surface 741.
The presence of bevelled edges may also be provided in the variant illustrated in
The free end of the stem 611 advantageously has folds delimiting a fastening part 611a of the stem intended to cooperate with the fastening means 621 of the fastening stud 620 arranged (for example at a height H1) under the bearing surface 740-741, and a gripping part 611b intended to be seized by the user to fasten/unfasten the stem 611.
This fourth embodiment also advantageously provides the use of an intermediate stud 630 for translationally and rotationally locking, borne by the decorative element, and intended to be inserted into an intermediate orifice 730 (through orifice or not) borne by the body. This stud does not ensure any locking function of the stem, unlike the three embodiments described previously.
This stud is particularly useful in this embodiment, because the orifice 610 and 620 generally must have dimensions greater than that of the locking studs in order to leave the stem room to pivot and to press against the bearing surface 740-741 borne by the body without risking damaging the stem. These locking orifices thus cannot ensure a precise positioning of the decorative element.
To ensure this function, the intermediate orifice 730 has a cylindrical polyhedral shape (for example triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) and non-circular, complementary to the shape of the intermediate stud, and a dimension that is just superior in order to limit lateral play between the intermediate stud and the orifice. In this way, the decorative element is translationally but also rotationally locked with respect to the body 700. The forcible fastening of the stem finally locks the decorative element on the body.
This enables a very precise reversible fastening in position of the decorative element on the body of the decorative object, while enabling an easy change of the decorative element.
The fastening position of the decorative element is thus precise because it is determined by the cooperation of the intermediate stud and the intermediate orifice. In other words, the user does not have to be concerned with alignment when fastening the decorative element on the body of the decorative object in order that the decorative element is in the position prescribed by the manufacturer.
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.
The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.
The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 00900 | Jun 2016 | FR | national |
| 16 01279 | Aug 2016 | FR | national |
| 17 00140 | Feb 2017 | FR | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1396311 | Basley | Nov 1921 | A |
| 1660181 | Voskerchian | Feb 1928 | A |
| 5337583 | Giles | Aug 1994 | A |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170347762 A1 | Dec 2017 | US |
