DEFORMABLE ANNULAR STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLES OF JEWELRY OR PERSONAL ADORNMENTS

Abstract

A deformable annular structure for jewellery articles or personal adornments, having first and second ends spaced apart and facing each other. A first connection element configured to defines the first end and a second connection element defines the second end. Modular elements are arranged side-by-side and in succession between the first and second connection elements to form the annular structure. The modular elements include a first facing surface with at least two projections and an opposing second facing surface with at least two cavities, each being configured to hold a projection of a respective adjacent modular element. At least two through holes are configured to connect the first and second facing surfaces and each through hole accommodates at least one respective elastic element.

Claims

1. Deformable annular structure for jewellery articles or personal adornments, in which a first end and a second end are defined, said first and second ends being arranged spaced apart and facing each other, the annular structure comprising: at least one first connection element configured to define, on its own portion, said first end of the deformable annular structure, and at least one second connection element configured to define, on its own portion, said second end of the deformable annular structure; a plurality of modular elements arranged side-by-side and in succession between said first connection element and said second connection element, to at least partially form said deformable annular structure, said plurality of modular elements comprising at least one pair of terminal modular elements; at least two elastic elements, each comprising a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein, each of said modular elements comprises: a first facing surface on which at least two projections are arranged; a second facing surface, opposite said first facing surface, which comprises at least two cavities, each cavity being configured to hold a projection of a respective adjacent modular element; at least two through holes configured to connect said first facing surface and said second facing surface, wherein each of said through holes is configured to accommodate at least one respective elastic element.

2. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein said connection elements are preferably shaped according to an elongated, substantially truncated-cone shape comprising a lower base surface and an upper base surface.

3. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein each connection element includes a lateral connection portion having a curvilinear profile, extending between said lower base surface and said upper base surface, connecting them together.

4. The deformable annular structure according to claim 3, wherein at least an inner portion of said lateral connection portion is formed by an arc of circumference having a radius between 5 mm and 9 mm.

5. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein said at least one pair of terminal modular elements comprises a first terminal modular element arranged in a position adjacent to the first connection element, and a second terminal modular element arranged in a position adjacent to the second connection element.

6. The deformable annular structure according to claim 5, wherein the first end portion of each elastic element is configured to be connected to the first terminal modular element and the second end portion of said elastic element is configured to be connected to the second terminal modular element.

7. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein said first facing surface and said second facing surface of modular elements are substantially planar, slightly inclined with respect to the main radial plane of symmetry R, according to directions converging with each other.

8. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein each modular element is configured according to a substantially parallelepiped shape, wherein two opposite faces consist in said first facing surface and in said second facing surface, respectively.

9. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein the first facing surface is inclined by an angle of between about 5 and about 45 to the main radial plane of symmetry R of the deformable annular structure, and the second facing surface is inclined by an angle of between about 5 and about 45 to the main radial plane of symmetry R of the deformable annular structure.

10. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein each modular element comprises two through-holes arranged side-by-side and two projections arranged side-by-side, said through-holes being radially inner arranged with respect to the position of the projections.

11. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein said projections have a rounded apex.

12. The deformable annular structure according to claim 3, wherein the first end portion of the elastic element is connected to the first terminal modular element and the second end portion is connected to the second terminal modular element by respective metal screws.

13. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, wherein the first connection element comprises at least two cavities formed on its own lower base surface and configured to accommodate respective projections extending from the first facing surface of the first terminal modular member, and the second connection element includes at least two cavities formed on its own lower base surface and configured to accommodate respective projections extending from the first facing surface of the second terminal modular member.

14. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, in which said elastic elements are made of titanium.

15. The deformable annular structure according to claim 1, in which said first and second elastic elements have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of indication and in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an annular element for jewellery articles or personal adornments, in a resting configuration, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective partial exploded view of the annular element of FIG. 1, in an operational opening configuration;

[0036] FIG. 3A is a schematic front perspective view on an enlarged scale of a first portion of the annular element of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 3B is a schematic rear perspective view of the portion of FIG. 3A;

[0038] FIG. 3C is a schematic front view of the portion of FIG. 3A;

[0039] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view on an enlarged scale of a second portion of the annular element of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 4B is a schematic lateral view of the portion of FIG. 4A;

[0041] FIG. 4C is a schematic front view of the portion of FIG. 4A;

[0042] FIG. 4D is a schematic top view of the portion of FIG. 4A;

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an annular element for jewellery articles or personal adornments, in a resting configuration, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 6A is a schematic front perspective view on an enlarged scale of a first portion of the annular element of FIG. 5; and

[0045] FIG. 6B is a schematic rear perspective view of the portion of FIG. 6A.

[0046] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] With reference to the accompanying figures, a deformable annulare structure for jewellery articles or personal adornments is denoted overall by 100.

[0048] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a deformable annular structure made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is referred to as 100.

[0049] The deformable annular structure 100 is an open structure, i.e., it comprises a main body with an arcuate shape, which is substantially developed according to a portion of the circumference between two mutually facing ends that are permanently spaced apart.

[0050] In detail, a first end 10 and a second end 20 are defined on the deformable annular structure 100, which, as mentioned above, are arranged spaced apart and facing each other.

[0051] Main radial plane of symmetry means the plane on which lies the diameter of the annular structure 100 passing through the point equidistant from the first end 10 and the second end 20 and with respect to which the annular structure 100 is divided into two symmetrically equal parts.

[0052] The deformable annular structure 100 includes a first connection element 30 which is configured to define, on its own portion, said first end 10 of the deformable annular structure 100; the structure 100 also includes a second connection element 30 which is configured to define, on its own portion, the second end 20 of the deformable annular structure 100 itself.

[0053] The connection elements 30 and 30, are preferably shaped according to an elongated, substantially truncated-cone shape comprising a lower base surface 31 and an upper base surface 32.

[0054] Each connecting element 30 also includes a lateral connecting portion 33, which extends between said lower base surface 31 and said upper base surface 32, connecting them together. According to a preferred embodiment, as shown for example in FIGS. 4A-4D, the lateral connecting portion 33 of each connecting element 30 has a curvilinear profile.

[0055] Preferably, at least an inner portion of the lateral connecting portion 33 has a profile according to a circumferential arc; according to a preferred form of realization said circumferential arc has a radius of curvature between 5 mm and 9 mm.

[0056] Preferably the upper base surface 32 is substantially planar and defines said first end 10 of the annular structure 100.

[0057] Preferably the bottom base surface 31 is substantially planar and defines said second end 20 of the annular structure 100.

[0058] The deformable annular structure 100 further comprises a plurality of modular elements 40, which are arranged side by side with each other and in succession between said first connection element 30 and said second connection element 30, to form at least partially said deformable annular structure 100.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown for example in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, each modular element 40 is configured according to a substantially parallelepiped shape, in which two opposing faces consist in reciprocal substantially planar facing surfaces, and the remaining surfaces are connected to each other constituting a continuous side profile.

[0060] In detail, said opposite faces of the modular element 40 identify a first facing surface 41 and a second facing surface 42, respectively; according to a preferred embodiment, the first facing surface 41 and the second facing surface 42 are substantially planar.

[0061] According to the invention, the first facing surface 41 and the second facing surface 42 are slightly inclined with respect to the main radial plane of symmetry R, according to directions converging with each other.

[0062] Preferably, the first facing surface 41 is inclined by an angle of between about 5 and about 45 to the main radial plane of symmetry R of the annular structure 100.

[0063] Preferably, the second facing surface 42 is inclined by an angle of between about 5 and about 45 to the main radial plane of symmetry R of the annular structure 100.

[0064] Preferably, the plurality of modular elements 40 includes at least one pair of terminal modular elements.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, a first terminal modular element 401 is arranged adjacent to the first connection element 30 and a second terminal modular element 402 is arranged adjacent to the second connection element 30.

[0066] Preferably, the first and second terminal modular elements are conformed similarly to the remaining modular elements 40 of said plurality of modular elements.

[0067] In this way, there is provide a deformable annular structure 100 that is aesthetically pleasing and economical to produce, as the shape and maximum number of components to be made is optimized.

[0068] According to the invention, each modular element 40 as well as each of the terminal modular elements 401, 402 comprises at least two through holes 80 configured to connect said first facing surface 41 and said second facing surface 42.

[0069] It is further provided that the deformable annular structure 100 is provided with elastic elements, configured to connect the modular elements 40 of said plurality together. In particular, each of said through holes 80 is configured to accommodate at least one respective elastic element.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 2, each modular element 40 includes two through holes 80 and the deformable annular structure 100 includes two elastic elements 50, each of which includes a first end portion 51 and a second end portion 52.

[0071] Specifically, for each elastic element provided by the invention, the first end portion 51 of the elastic element 50 is configured to be connected to the first terminal modular element 401, and the second end portion 52 of said elastic element is configured to be connected to the second terminal modular element 402.

[0072] Preferably, the first end portion 51 of the elastic element 50 is connected to the first terminal modular element 401 and the second end portion 52 is connected to the second terminal modular element 402 by respective metal screws.

[0073] In this way, a deformable annular structure 100 is advantageously obtained, which allows easy adjustment of the position of the elastic elements 50 as well as the modular elements 40, according to a range of sizes. It is also advantageously allowed to provide for any maintenance of the elements comprising the deformable annular structure 100 easily and quickly, ensuring their functionality over time.

[0074] Preferably, the elastic elements have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic elements 50 are made of titanium.

[0076] According to the invention, it is further provided that each modular element 40 of said plurality of modular elements includes at least two projections 60 arranged on the first facing surface 41.

[0077] Each modular element 40 also includes at least two cavities 70 formed on the second facing surface 42; in particular, each cavity 70 being configured to hold a projection 60 of a respective adjacent modular element 40.

[0078] This conformation is preferably also provided for the first terminal modular element 401 and the second terminal modular element 402.

[0079] According to a preferred form of realization, each modular element 40 comprises two through-holes 80 arranged side by side and two protrusions 60 arranged side by side; preferably the through-holes 80 are radially inner arranged with respect to the position of the projections 60.

[0080] According to this configuration, a simple and maximum-stability removable connection is made between adjacent modular elements 40.

[0081] According to a preferred configuration, the first connection element 30comprises at least two cavities 70 (not shown in the figures) formed on its own lower base surface 31 and configured to hold the respective projections 60 extending from the first facing surface of the first terminal modular element 401.

[0082] Similarly, the second connection element 30 includes at least two cavities 70 (not shown in the figures) formed on its own lower base surface 31 and configured to hold respective projections 60 extending from the first facing surface 41 of the second terminal modular element 402.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second connection elements 30, 30 are connected to the respective first and second terminal modular elements 401, 402 by bonding.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second connection elements 30, 30 are connected to the respective first and second terminal modular elements 401, 402 by welding.

[0085] In both cases, a firm and stable connection is made, as the connection area of the end portions of each elastic element 50 with the respective end modular elements is protected by the connecting elements and is thus preserved from wear or unintentional tampering.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the projections 60 have a rounded apex, so as to facilitate the mutual approach and insertion of each projection 60 into the respective cavity 70.

[0087] This configuration advantageously allows for a stable and secure removable connection between the elements comprising the deformable annular structure 100, while minimizing wear of the projections and cavities, due to the action of rubbing.

[0088] Preferably, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the elastic elements is between 80% and 95% of the minimum cross-sectional dimension of the through holes 80.

[0089] In this way, a stable and reliable connection between the modular elements 40 and the elastic elements 50 is ensured, while still allowing the latter to slide smoothly while using the deformable annular structure 100.

[0090] In the use of the deformable annular structure 100, part of the band (also known as shank) of a pre-existing annular structure is initially removed, and the head or basket, i.e., the part of the structure in which the valuable elements that characterize it are arranged, is positioned in juxtaposition with the first and second ends of the deformable annular structure 100.

[0091] In detail, the upper base surface 32 of the first and second connecting elements are, as mentioned, substantially planar and configured to be placed in contact with the ends of the pre-existing portion of the annular structure (i.e. the head or basket), realizing a structural continuity of the surfaces in juxtaposition.

[0092] These ends are then permanently connected to each other, such as by welding; in this way, the stem of the deformable annular structure is joined to the pre-existing portion of the annular structure.

[0093] According to the invention, the modular elements 40 are arranged in association with the elastic elements 50 so that each modular element can move relative to the respective modular elements adjacent, since all modular elements are free to slide on the elastic elements 50, which form a kind of guide that determines and limits the direction of movement of the elements connected thereof.

[0094] Due to the mechanical characteristics of the spring elements 50, the deformable annular structure 100 can be arranged in a variety of intermediate configurations between an initial resting configuration (as, for example, shown in FIG. 1) and in an operational opening configuration.

[0095] In particular, in the first resting configuration, the connection elements 30, 30, the modular elements 40 and the terminal modular elements 401, 402, are all arranged in mutual juxtaposition so as to define a minimum diameter of the deformable annular structure 100.

[0096] In this configuration, the elastic elements 50 are in the resting condition and the projections 60 are accommodated in respective cavities 70 so as to ensure the stability of the reciprocal position of the elements composing the deformable annular structure 100.

[0097] In the operational opening configuration (not shown in the figures), elastic elements 50 are in the maximum extension condition, and connection elements 30, 30, modular elements 40 and terminal modular elements 401, 402, are arranged spaced so as to define a maximum diameter of the deformable annular structure 100.

[0098] According to these features, it is possible to provide a deformable annular structure enable to conform to the exact dimensions of a user's body part, as it is possible to arrange the deformable annular structure 100 according to a plurality of possible configurations, diversified according to the inner diameter of the annular structure itself.

[0099] The deformable annular structure 100 allows a convenient an easy integration with a pre-existing annular structure, due to the conformation of the connection means 30, 30, which are shaped to fit a plurality of different types of bands or shanks.

[0100] In fact, it is possible both to make connection elements 30, 30 according to a variety of standard type sizes and, thanks to the elongated truncated conformation of these elements, to provide for an adaptation of their size-for example by filing or cutting operations-on the basis of the size of the pre-existing annular structure that one wishes to integrate.

[0101] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations all within the scope of the present invention as reflected in the appended claims.

[0102] For example, according to an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the profile of the modular elements can be conformed according to a substantially parallelepiped shape, in which all opposing faces consist in substantially planar surfaces.

[0103] In this way, the deformable annular structure, while retaining the technical characteristics of the preferred embodiments described in detail above, will have a square profile and therefore can be integrated with particular pre-existing structures having a shank structure with a similar section.

[0104] The deformable annular structure according to the invention is therefore highly versatile in that, while maintaining the technical characteristics that characterize its deformability and stability in the various configurations assumed, it allows a skilled in the art to provide for the appropriate conforming of the external profile of the modular elements so as to make them aesthetically homogeneous with the pre-existing annular structure that is to be integrated.

[0105] It is apparent and understood that the elements, features, and/or teachings set forth in each embodiment disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiment(s) the elements, features, and/or teachings are described in. Accordingly, it is apparent and understood that the elements, features, and/or teachings described in one embodiment may be applied to one or more of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0106] Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

[0107] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles a, an, the and said are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms comprising, including and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0108] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word about or approximately preceded the value of the value or range.

[0109] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.