EP1731052B1 - Necklace or bracelet with regularly spaced links on a flexible strand - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a necklace or a bracelet with links regularly spaced on a flexible link.

The object of the present invention is to provide a fancy article having a pleasant appearance, easily modifiable to adapt to fashion trends, low cost and easy to adjust in size.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Various devices, especially in the field of watchmaking, allow to assemble a set of decorative elements on a flexible link, for example to form a watch strap or a necklace. Links are then arranged in different variants to form a more or less rigid articulated assembly.

In the technical field various devices relate to links articulated on each other to form a bracelet or a collar but these devices based on the principle of the articulation of the links between them do not allow to space said links along the chain. because of the necessary juxtaposition of the elements.

A bracelet consisting of links connected together by means of pins is known, there are also links in the form of a frame, as described in the document FR 1 603 836 and several examples of this design of making necklaces or bracelets in which the links are arranged relative to each other by means of connecting pieces and joints more or less sophisticated.

The complexity of this type of articulation being at the origin of many problems during the use has been envisaged the use of one or more flexible links, which generally cross the links, to try to solve this difficulty. Such systems are described for example in the documents CH 490 827 and CH 482,420 .

In the field of jewelery, it is well known to use a link passing through the decorative elements or the jewels and to simply thread these one after the other. Such an arrangement leads, when the elements are not in sufficient number, that is to say not juxtaposed, unevenly distributed empty spaces and an inelegant set when wearing the necklace or bracelet by the user.

The document EP 0 799 587 is an example of decorative elements reported on a chain. Each decorative element has two parts that are screwed to each other leaving a gap for receiving a decoration. When both parts are screwed, one is deformed by the other to crush the chain. Thus, the decorative element becomes fixed along the chain.

The maintenance of the decorative elements on the flexible link is essential when a configuration of chain with preservation of empty spaces is desired, that is to say in the situation in which the links or the decorative elements are not juxtaposed to form a continuous set. Such an arrangement may be desired when the decorative elements are bulky or when, for example, the covering of the links changes from one element to another.

A first problem to be solved thus consists in the possibility of arranging the links along a collar or a bracelet in a discontinuous manner with the possibility of maintaining said links in predefined positions.

It is also known to arrange on a flexible link elements articulated with respect to each other in a complex manner with each other, for example by interlocking, as described in the document FR 0363630 .

It has also been presented bracelets in which one or more flexible links cross links and are held by pinching or deformation of the element itself, as illustrated in the patent CH 515 005 .

The document EP 167 891 relating to a wristwatch comprising a plurality of elements articulated with respect to each other, and wherein the links comprise two longitudinal channels allowing the passage of the flexible links, has an assembly and holding design similar to that mentioned above .

Fixing decorative elements on a flexible link by means of clamping screws passing through said elements has also been described, such a device allows the perfect freedom of movement of the links relative to each other but employs small parts in large numbers , difficult to assemble industrially.

The document US 4,237,702 A describes a necklace formed of links threaded on a flexible link.

The study of the prior art shows that several devices make it possible to solve this known problem of the spacing of the links or the decorative elements along the flexible link, however the systems usually have the major disadvantage of making it difficult, if not impossible, replacing the assembled elements and complicating both the adjustment of the length of the assembly and the positioning of the individual elements longitudinally.

From an aesthetic point of view mastery of the sequence and location of elements is frequently sought, for example necklaces in jewelry. It may for example be considered to place a juxtaposed set of pearls, then an empty space, a black pearl, an empty space, another jewel, and again a set of pearls, to constitute original sequences.

A second problem is therefore the realization of a set whose individual elements are easy to arrange, and in particular by maintaining the possibility free spaces along the necklace or bracelet, between the links, while ensuring the immobilization of said links in the position which is conferred to them.

In the known technique allowing the manufacture of bracelets or necklaces the various attempts to solve the preceding problems have led to complex and often delicate solutions of implementation, a third problem arises, economic one, for large production. series of these bracelets or necklaces.It is indeed decisive to produce technically simple links for cost prices as low as possible.

Currently in the field of jewelry or horiogerie dressings covering the parts or assemblies made are difficult to change. A fourth problem is related to the ease of replacement of the trim elements worn by the links to adapt to the fashion and convenience of users, whether it can be executed by users or during manufacturing.

Said skins and the articulated set of links on a flexible link must also meet the necessary criteria of strength and durability during prolonged use of the necklace or bracelet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore consists of a necklace or bracelet with links and a flexible link is intended to solve these major difficulties.

For this purpose each link consists of a set of parts comprising at least two plugs crossed by a channel to receive the link and a decorative trim element held between the heads of the plugs, said plugs comprising, on the one hand, means for assembling their feet preferably without exerting mechanical stresses on the ornamental decorative element, on the other hand locking means at the junction of their feet to immobilize each link at a chosen point of the link.

The plugs can be assembled by means of complementary male and female parts provided in their feet. They can also be assembled by means of a rigid intermediate tube surrounding their foot, said tube being itself surrounded by the decorative trim element or constituting said decorative element.

The locking means may be constituted by a particular arrangement at the feet, or by interposition of an insert exerting a compressive effect on the link or allowing instead an expansion of an elastomeric portion of the link.

• Les maillons peuvent être positionnés à volonté le long du lien souple formant support, et notamment avec des espaces laissés libres, sans risque de coulissement. Différents habillages portés par les maillons peuvent ainsi être disposés avec un espacement régulier sans interposition d'une pièce intermédiaire.
• Les maillons n'étant pas articulés les uns avec les autres, le bracelet ou le collier dispose d'une grande flexibilité.
• En raison de la grande facilité de verrouillage et de déverrouillage des maillons ceux-ci peuvent être ajustés en nombre et en positionnement de façon aisée.
• La fabrication des différents éléments constitutifs des maillons et l'assemblage du bracelet ou du collier sont réalisables pour un prix de revient modique, ce qui conduit à prendre essentiellement en compte, pour le coût global payé par le client, le coût de l'habillage.
• La grande facilité d'assemblage et de modification d'un ensemble de maillons autorise des modifications de l'habillage en fonction de la mode ou des goûts des utilisateurs, il peut même être envisagé que lesdits utilisateurs fabriquent des bracelets ou des colliers à convenance après acquisition des éléments constitutifs des maillons et d'habillages variés.

A bracelet or a collar according to the invention has many advantages over the known prior art:

• The links can be positioned at will along the flexible link forming support, and in particular with spaces left free, without risk of sliding. Different dressings carried by the links can thus be arranged with a regular spacing without interposition of an intermediate piece.
• The links are not articulated with each other, the bracelet or collar has great flexibility.
• Because of the great ease of locking and unlocking links they can be adjusted in number and positioning easily.
• The manufacture of the various components of the links and the assembly of the bracelet or necklace are feasible for a low cost, which leads to take into account, for the overall cost paid by the customer, the cost of dressing .
• The great ease of assembly and modification of a set of links allows modifications of the dressing depending on the fashion or tastes of users, it may even be envisaged that said users manufacture bracelets or necklaces after convenience after acquisition of the constituent elements of the links and various cladding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble d'un collier selon l'invention;
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un maillon selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• La figure 2A montre d'autres moyens de blocage du maillon représenté à la figure 2;
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'un maillon selon une variante du premier mode de réalisation;
• Les figures 4A et 4B montrent différentes formes de liens souples utilisables selon l'invention;
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'un maillon selon une deuxième variante du premier mode de réalisation, et
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'un maillon selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description of various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is an overview of a collar according to the invention;
• The figure 2 is a sectional view of a link according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• The Figure 2A shows other means of blocking the link represented in the figure 2 ;
• The figure 3 is a sectional view of a link according to a variant of the first embodiment;
• The Figures 4A and 4B show different forms of flexible links that can be used according to the invention;
• The figure 5 is a sectional view of a link according to a second variant of the first embodiment, and
• The figure 6 is a sectional view of a link according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figure 1 has a collar comprising links 1 arranged on a flexible link 2, closed by a clasp 5. In this example the links are contiguous by an angle but it can be considered in the context of the invention to place the links more apart from each other.

The Figures 2 to 5 allow to describe in greater detail various variants of a first embodiment concerning in particular a first link assembly means 1 on a flexible link 2.

In the remainder of the description, the term "flexible link" means any link that can withstand a certain curvature to form without breaking a collar or a bracelet having a clasp 5.

As can be seen from the first variant shown in figure 2 , the link 1 is formed of only three parts, namely two plugs 3, 4, comprising heads 3a, 4a, of upper section to the feet 3b, 4b, crossed by a channel 7 allowing the passage of the link 2 to friction grease or Bearings formed between the heads 3a, 4a and the feet 3b, 4b of the two plugs 3, 4, which have a T-shape, allow to maintain a decorative element of dressing 9 when the plugs 3,4 are rendered secured by the feet 3b, 4b. In this first embodiment, the feet 3b, 4b are designed with complementary parts male 13 and female 14.

The complementary male 13 and female 14 parts are assembled in a known manner in their overlapping areas for example by gluing, driving, clipping, screwing or by a bayonet device. Hunting is the preferred embodiment, because the manufacture of plugs 3, 4 is simpler and more economical, while allowing possible disassembly to replace a decorative trim element 9 with another.

In this first variant, the blocking means simply consist of a space 16 formed in the bottom of the female part 14 and having a section slightly greater than the section of the channel 7 for the passage of a flexible link 2 represented in FIGS. Figures 4A and 4B .

The Figure 4A shows a first embodiment of the link 2 which comprises a non-deformable core 2a, for example steel on which has been reported by overmolding balls 11a elastomer. These balls 11a of elastomer can be compressed in the channel 7 and resume their expansion in the space 16 to block a link 1.

The Figure 4B shows a second embodiment of the link 2 which then comprises a deformable core 2b in which one comes by crushing form "pellets" 11b which extend beyond the section of the link 2. These pellets can, as previously be compressed in the channel 7 and resume their expansion in the space 16.

It is also possible to use a flexible link 2 having no bulge 11a or crush deformation 11b, provided that said link has a deformable outer sheath. The locking means of the links 1 on the link 2 are then those represented in the Figure 2A . As can be seen, the channel 7 of the female plug 4 has near its inner end a narrowing 17 which makes it possible to pinch the link 2. Equally, the narrowing 17 can be provided near the inner end of the plug 3. It is even possible to provide a narrowing 17 near the ends of the two plugs 3, 4, which would help strengthen or even replace the assembly means of the two plugs which could then be assembled simply by greasy friction.

Referring now to the figure 3 there is shown a variant of the first embodiment which comprises one more piece. It can be seen that the space 16 between the bottom of the female part 14 and the end of the male part 13 makes it possible to house an insert 6. The insert 6 comprises, in the axis of the channels 7, a through-passage 8 having in its substantially median portion a recess 18. The recess 18 has the same function as the space 16 in the previously described embodiment and makes it possible to block the links on links of the type of those represented in FIGS. Figures 4A and 4B . The insert 6, which will not be visible once the assembled link, can for example be manufactured by injection molding of a rigid plastic material. It can also be made of a deformable plastic material. In this case, the channels 7 may have a section substantially equal to that of the overmoulded portions 11a or deformed 11b of the link 2, and the through passage 8 may have a slightly smaller cross section to allow a forced passage to the recess 18.

The figure 5 represents another variant in which the insert 6, made of a deformable material such as an elastomer has a narrowing 10 less than the section of the link 2. This embodiment allows the user to choose the spacing he wish between each link 1.

Referring now to the figure 6 another embodiment is shown which differs from those previously described in that the two plugs 3, 4 are completely identical, and in that the assembly forming a link comprises an additional piece of assembly, namely a tube rigid 15 which surrounds the feet 3b, 4b being secured to them by the previously described means. The decorative covering element 9 is mounted to rubbing against said tube, that is to say without mechanical stress on said covering element, especially when it is made of a fragile material, such as ceramic or glass. When the covering element 9 is made of a material capable of withstanding mechanical stresses, in particular assembly constraints, it can form a single piece with the tube 15. The feet 3b, 4b have a length such that they form with the inner walls of the tube 15 a space 16 inside which is disposed an insert 6. In the example shown, it is a compressive insert, that is to say having a passage 8 through a smaller section than the section of the link 2. It is obvious, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to adapt the variants of the first embodiment to this second embodiment.

Although this second embodiment is the one with the largest number of parts, it corresponds to a preferred embodiment, in particular because the two plugs being identical, the manufacture does not require more different parts, and the assembly of the different parts is facilitated.

• les différents éléments constitutifs d'un maillon 1 sont glissés sur le lien souple 2 dans l'ordre adapté, l'insert étant positionné à l'endroit choisi pour le maillon.
• Le bouchon 3 est engagé complètement dans le tube rigide d'assemblage 15 afin de l'obturer.
• L'élément décoratif 9 est enfilé sur le tube rigide.
• Le bouchon 4 est appuyé contre l'insert 6.
• Les deux ensembles précédents sont emboîtés de manière à ce que l'insert 6 reste positionné au milieu du maillon, et notamment sur la partie comprenant le renflement ou le rétrécissement, selon les variantes envisagées. L'emboîtement des différents éléments entraîne un pincement du lien souple et l'immobilization du maillon, ou permet au contraire l'encliquetage dans l'insert.

According to the invention, and for the two embodiments and according to the variants presented, each link can be assembled before mounting on the link, or on the contrary be set up element by element in the following manner, taking the second mode as an example:

• the various constituent elements of a link 1 are slid on the flexible link 2 in the appropriate order, the insert being positioned at the location chosen for the link.
• The plug 3 is fully engaged in the rigid assembly tube 15 in order to seal it.
• The decorative element 9 is threaded onto the rigid tube.
• The plug 4 is pressed against the insert 6.
• The two previous assemblies are nested so that the insert 6 remains positioned in the middle of the link, and in particular on the part comprising the bulge or the narrowing, according to the variants envisaged. The interlocking of the various elements causes a nip of the flexible link and the immobilization of the link, or allows on the contrary snapping into the insert.

When the links must be replaced or arranged differently it is sufficient to separate the two plugs to clear the central part of the locking of the link on the flexible link.

Several other variants may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular one of the plugs may comprise on its inner face a deformable portion. This deformable part may for example be linked to the structure of the plug or formed with a complementary material added.

Various forms of plugs have been presented in the description of the invention, there are many other variants with more or less complex conformations allowing multiple interlocking inside the rigid assembly tube.

In the same way, the materials used to form the plugs can be very varied, but they will preferably be chosen according to their aesthetics and their cost. Thus, for example, it can be imagined the use of transparent plastic containing iridescent or pearlescent inclusions in the form of flakes, stoppers coated with a paint, gold or silver, and a multitude of optical effects in complements of the dressing itself.

It is also possible to provide flexible links with other reliefs than those previously described, it may for example be envisaged the use of small heat-shrinkable tubes set up at the user's choice and forming cylindrical extra thicknesses usable for positioning links, in place of the previously described bulges. A wide variety of materials can be used.

The dimensions of the links may be more or less important depending on the trim worn and the aesthetic appearance desired for the necklace or bracelet Without going beyond the framework of finventivn the diameter of the hunting sheath and its length may vary in a large extent.

The links represented in the various variants exhibited are preferably cylindrical; however, it is quite conceivable to manufacture a collar or a bracelet with links of ovoid, spherical, polygonal or other shape, according to the principle described in the invention.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented by way of examples, but it also includes all the technical equivalents as well as their combinations.

Claims (9)

1. Necklace or bracelet formed of links (1) threaded onto and positioned at fixed spaced on a flexible connecting member (2) including bulges (11 a) regularly spaced, characterized in that each link (1) is formed by an assembly of parts (3, 4, 6, 9, 15) including at least two caps (3, 4) each provided with a channel (7) respectively passing through the heads (3a, 4a) and feet (3b, 4b) thereof for the passage of the connecting member (2) and a decorative part (9), said caps (3, 4) including, on the one hand, means for assembling (13, 14; 15) their feet (3b, 4b) to hold said decorative part (9) between their heads (3a, 4a), and on the other hand, locking means (6, 16) at the junction of the their feet (3b, 4b) forming a larger section (16, 18) than the section of said channel (7) for receiving one of said bulges (11 a) of the connecting member (2) in order to immobilise each link at said regularly spaced bulges (11 a) of the connecting member (2).
2. Necklace or bracelet according to claim 1, characterized in that locking means comprise an insert (6) housed between said caps and including a through passage (8) and forming said larger section (18) than the section of the channel (7).
3. Necklace or bracelet formed of links (1) threaded onto and positioned at fixed spaced on a flexible connecting member (2) including narrow portions (11 b) regularly spaced, characterized in that each link (1) is formed by an assembly of parts (3, 4, 6, 9, 15) including at least two caps (3, 4) each provided with a channel (7) respectively passing through the heads (3a, 4a) and feet (3b, 4b) thereof for the passage of the connecting member (2) and a decorative part (9), said caps (3, 4) including, on the one hand, means for assembling (13, 14; 15) their feet (3b, 4b) to hold said decorative part (9) between their heads (3a, 4a), and on the other hand, locking means (6, 16) at the junction of the their feet (3b, 4b) forming a narrower section (10, 17) than the section of said channel (7) for receiving one of said narrow portions (11b) of the connecting member (2) in order to immobilise each link at said regularly spaced narrow portions (11b) of the connecting member (2).
4. Necklace or bracelet according to claim 3, characterized in that locking means comprise an insert (6) housed between said caps and including a through passage (8) and forming said narrower section (10) than the section of the channel (7).
5. Necklace or bracelet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly means consist of complementary male (13) and female (14) parts, said male part being formed by a narrow portion of the foot (3a) and said female part by a complementary recess.
6. Necklace or bracelet according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the caps (3, 4) are identical with the feet (3b, 4b) thereof secured by means of a rigid insert tube (15).
7. Necklace or bracelet according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the assembly means (13, 14; 15) enable the caps (3, 4) to be secured for example by bonding, driving in, snap fit, screwing or by a bayonet device.
8. Necklace or bracelet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative part (9) is made of a brittle material such as ceramic or glass, and in that said element is assembled with friction on the assembly means (13, 14, 15).
9. Necklace or bracelet according to claim 6, characterized in that the tube (15) and the decorative part (9) form a single piece able to support mechanical stress.

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