Jewelry article

Abstract

A jewelry article is proposed comprising at least one transparent wall constituting an enclosure for receiving at least one gemstone or semi-precious stone, the gemstone or semi-precious stone being immersed in a substantially transparent liquid in the enclosure and being movable, and at least one component movable in the liquid and having the same refractive index as the liquid, the movable component immersed in the liquid being substantially optically indistinguishable. The enclosure is defined by two walls, the inner surfaces of which are preferably parallel to each other. The gemstone or semi-precious stone is inserted in the component to form a movable decorative element, the movable component immersed in the liquid being substantially optically indistinguishable and having an axis of rotation and two guide faces, the guide faces being respectively adjacent to the inner surfaces and allowing the movable decorative element to freely translate in the liquid and rotate about the axis of rotation within the enclosure.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application is the national phase application of international application PCT / IB2021 / 055585, filed on June 24, 2021, which claims priority to Swiss national application CH00861 / 20, filed on July 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to movable decorative elements for rotation and translation in jewelry (especially rings and pendants) and in utilitarian articles decorated with movable decorative elements (especially watches, eyeglass frames or luxury leather goods). Background Technology

[0004] When the user of a watch or piece of jewelry moves, the watch or piece moves, and the fluidity of the decorative elements within it provides a strong aesthetic effect and adds additional visual appeal, thus highlighting its value. It is known to place jewelry elements, such as gemstones or even gemstones set within round gemstones, around the dial of a watch or even above it in passageways or enclosed spaces, where these jewelry elements are movable and have at least one degree of freedom.

[0005] Furthermore, gemstones or semi-precious stones have been integrated into liquids. US1730257A describes an improvement to a composite gemstone comprising a group of numerous small gemstones immersed in a substantially transparent liquid within a substantially transparent shell, wherein the liquid separates the small gemstones as they begin to move within it. The improvement includes multiple substantially transparent spacers fused with the small gemstones and movable within the liquid, whose properties relative to the liquid make them substantially optically indistinguishable within it.

[0006] The applicant has strong expertise in realizing items including movable decorative elements and seeks to achieve entirely different technical effects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a jewelry article comprising a gemstone or semi-precious stone disposed in a movable part to form a movable decorative element in a liquid, such that the movement and rotation of the movable decorative element are slowed down so that these slow movements are visualized, like a slow-motion effect in a video.

[0008] According to the present invention, a jewelry article includes at least one transparent wall constituting a housing for receiving at least one gemstone or semi-precious stone, which is immersed in a substantially transparent liquid within the housing and is movable; and at least one component movable in the liquid and having the same refractive index as the liquid, the movable component immersed in the liquid being substantially optically indistinguishable. The housing is defined by two walls, the inner surfaces of which are preferably parallel to each other. The gemstone or semi-precious stone is inserted into the component to form a movable decorative element, the movable component immersed in the liquid being substantially optically indistinguishable and having a rotation axis and two guide surfaces, each adjacent to one of the inner surfaces, allowing the movable decorative element to translate freely and rotate freely about the rotation axis within the housing and in the liquid.

[0009] Through this invention, the movable decorative element disposed in the liquid can produce a special effect, slowing down the movement and rotation of the movable decorative element so as to make these slow movements visible, like a slow-motion video effect, which is achieved by accelerating the frame rate during shooting, thus slowing down the motion reproduced during projection.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gemstone or semi-precious stone is inserted into a movable component that forms a socket around the gemstone or semi-precious stone.

[0011] To make it invisible, each space between the interior of the movable component and the gemstone or semi-precious stone is filled with the liquid.

[0012] In one embodiment, the movable component is configured to receive a plurality of gemstones or semi-precious stones. According to this embodiment, it is a set of self-moving and rotating gemstones or semi-precious stones.

[0013] In this embodiment, the gemstone or semi-precious stone has a different density and is configured to adjust the direction of movement of the movable component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the movable component has a drag coefficient (Cx) in the liquid, which determines the movement of the movable decorative element.

[0015] To accelerate the slow rotation of the movable decorative element, the movable component includes fins disposed around its circumference. The socket has fins to facilitate rotation (rotational effect) during its translational movement, whereas the effect of a movable decorative element in a liquid typically slows down this rotational effect.

[0016] To amplify the optical effect, the movable decorative element can be configured to move within a corridor or along a path defined by protrusions or recesses on at least one of the walls. The walls formed by these protrusions or recesses can be invisible in the liquid, making the effect more spectacular because the decorative element cannot leave its perimeter or move along a path different from the defined path, and the wearer cannot see these invisible corridors or paths. For example, the protrusions or recesses can be glass, glycerin liquid, and a crystal of one of the two sapphire walls. In this embodiment, the movable decorative element thus moves only within confined boundaries, but appears to be able to move throughout the entire housing.

[0017] In another embodiment, the gemstone or semi-precious stone is held in the component by a plurality of arms extending above the body of the component and securing the gemstone or semi-precious stone. The arms have lateral openings between them and above the body of the component, the lateral openings allowing the sides of the gemstone or semi-precious stone located between the arms to come into direct contact with the liquid, and the guide surfaces are formed by the free ends of the arms in the form of separate contact areas spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the outer surface of the opening of the component.

[0018] In one embodiment, the decorative element may consist of a bottomless hollow cylinder and a gemstone or semi-precious stone.

[0019] The gemstone or semi-precious stone may be a gemstone, especially a diamond or semi-precious stone.

[0020] The movable decorative element consists of gemstones or semi-precious stones and correspondingly shaped components, such as cylindrical, oval, square, triangular, or asymmetrical shapes.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gap between the height of the movable decorative element and the opposite inner surface of the wall is 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the parallel inner surfaces of the wall are flat. However, in a variation, the parallel inner surfaces of the wall are curved.

[0023] The decorative products described in this invention can take the form of watches, writing instruments, jewelry, eyeglass frames, or high-quality leather products, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The features of the invention will become clearer by reading the description of several embodiments given only by way of completely non-limiting example and by referring to the schematic diagrams, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a watch is shown, in which four movable decorative elements immersed in liquid are inserted between two walls;

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a movable decorative element is shown, which can rotate and translate freely about an axis between two walls filled with liquid;

[0027] Figure 3a and 3b Both show cross-sectional views of a circular movable decorative element that can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid;

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a movable decorative element is shown, which comprises two gemstones and rotates and translates freely between two walls that are very close together and filled with liquid.

[0029] Figure 5 A top view of a fish-shaped movable component is shown, which can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid;

[0030] Figure 6 A perspective view of a cylindrical movable decorative element is shown, which can rotate and translate freely about an axis between two walls filled with liquid;

[0031] Figure 7 A partial top view of a watch is shown, which includes three movable decorative elements of different sizes, spaced apart from each other so that the jewels cannot touch, and which can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid;

[0032] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of two movable decorative elements is shown, which include two gemstones and can rotate and translate freely between two walls with a wide gap filled with liquid;

[0033] Figure 9 A top view of a heart-shaped movable decorative element is shown, which can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid;

[0034] Figure 10 and Figure 11 All show partial top views of a watch that includes movable decorative elements that can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid and are guided by invisible paths or corridors;

[0035] Figure 12 A side view of a movable decorative element is shown, the element comprising a central ring situated between the convex bottom of a component serving as a socket and the end of an arm; and

[0036] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of a movable decorative element is shown, which consists of a bottomless socket and a gemstone, and can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid. Detailed Implementation

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the watch, displayed in cross-section, includes a movement with a dial housed within a case comprising a central section enclosed on one side by a case back and on the other by a crystal 1. A second crystal 2 is disposed between the crystal 1 and the dial.

[0038] In this example, the inner surfaces of crystals 1 and 2 rest against a support surface on the inner surface of a component constituting the watch case, forming a free space of a defined height between them, which is filled with liquid 5. In this example, the inner surfaces of crystals 1 and 2 are strictly flat. In a variation not shown, the inner surfaces of crystals 1 and 2 may have slight curvature, formed by one or more radii of curvature around one or more curvature centers or curvature axes, particularly see the different cut surfaces described in EP0965071. In this case, the curvature of the two inner surfaces 1 and 2 is given to be strictly identical to each other, such that the height of the free space formed between them remains constant.

[0039] Preferably, the watch crystal 1 also includes a device (not shown) for compensating for the thermal expansion of the liquid 5, in order to compensate for temperature-related changes in liquid volume. This device can take various forms, such as a flexible membrane, as disclosed in patent application WO 2015 / 150910.

[0040] Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, the watch therefore includes two transparent walls 1, 2 forming a case 3, which is configured to receive four movable decorative elements 4, 6, which are immersed in and movable in a substantially transparent liquid 5 within the case 3. Each movable decorative element 4, 6 includes a socket 6 having substantially the same refractive index as the liquid 5, and the socket 6 immersed in the liquid 5 is substantially optically indistinguishable. In this example, the socket is made of glass, and the liquid is glycerin. Other combinations are also possible. Thus, the case 3 is defined by two transparent walls 1, 2, the inner surfaces 1a, 2a of which (see...) Figure 2 The sockets 6, which are immersed in the liquid 5, are parallel to each other. The socket 6 is substantially optically indistinguishable and includes a rotation axis and two guide surfaces 6a and 6b, which are respectively adjacent to the inner surface and allow each of the four movable decorative elements 4 and 6 to translate freely and rotate about the rotation axis within the housing 3 in the liquid.

[0041] Therefore, the decorative element, which can move in the liquid, can produce a deceleration effect during its rotation and movement.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, to make the socket completely invisible, each space between the interior 6c of the socket 6 and the gem 4 needs to contain liquid. In a variant not shown, an opening in the socket allows liquid to fill the space between the socket and the gem. In another variant not shown, by combining the socket and the gem so that the interior of the socket perfectly matches the shape of the gem, liquid can be avoided in the socket.

[0043] exist Figure 3a and 3b In the example shown, socket 6 is in the form of a ball. Figure 3a In the example, the interior of the sphere matches gem 4, and the sphere is, for example, cast or molded. Figure 3b In the example, the sphere is filled with liquid.

[0044] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, socket 6 is configured to receive multiple gems 4. The bottom of socket 6 is curved.

[0045] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the socket 6 is fish-shaped and includes multiple gems 4, each located within a miniature socket 6. In this example, the gems 4 have different densities and are configured to adjust the direction of movement of the socket. Therefore, utilizing gems 4 with different properties, such as those closer to the fish's head having a higher density, will facilitate the fish's "head-forward" movement and accelerate its rotation.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the movable decorative element is cylindrical. Other geometric shapes are also possible.

[0047] Figure 7 A partial top view of a watch is shown, comprising three movable decorative elements 4 and 6 of different sizes, which rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid. In this example, the sockets 6 are of different sizes and are not visible, preventing the jewels from contacting each other, thus creating a levitation effect. In a variation not shown, multiple movable decorative elements 4 and 6 may be associated with one or more sockets 6, where the sockets 6 do not include jewels and act as spacers and motion disruptors as the movable decorative elements 4 and 6 move, thus making the movement of the movable decorative elements 4 and 6 more spectacular through these mysterious displacements.

[0048] Figure 8Cross-sectional views of two movable decorative elements 4 and 6 are shown. The decorative elements include two gemstones 4 and can rotate and translate freely between two widely spaced walls 1 and 2 filled with liquid 5.

[0049] Figure 9 A top view is shown of a movable decorative element with a heart-shaped gemstone 4, which can rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid. In this example, the socket 6 has a drag coefficient Cx in the liquid, which determines the movement of the movable decorative element. Therefore, the shaped movable part can be designed such that its movement is affected by its drag coefficient Cx, so that the heart-shaped gemstone preferably points towards its tip after pivoting itself during its fall.

[0050] Figure 10 A partial top view of a watch is shown, which includes movable decorative elements 4, 6 that rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid and are guided by path 19.

[0051] Figure 11 A partial top view of a watch is shown, which includes movable decorative elements 4, 6 that rotate and translate freely between two walls filled with liquid and are guided by a corridor 20.

[0052] Finally, in the previous example, the movable decorative element is mounted in a bracket in the form of a small cylindrical socket, the outer surface of which is convex at the bottom. Figure 12 A side view of a movable decorative element is shown, comprising an intermediate ring situated between the convex bottom of a component serving as a receptacle and the ends of several arms 8 extending beyond the outer surface of the gemstone 4. This very open receptacle has the advantage that it is not necessary to hollow out the cylindrical receptacle to fill it with liquid.

[0053] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, to make the socket completely invisible, liquid is needed in every space between the socket 6 and the gem 4. Therefore, the bottomless cylindrical socket allows liquid to fill the space between the socket and the gem.

[0054] With this invention, each piece of jewelry includes decorative elements that can move in a liquid, and by giving the impression that a gemstone is slowly rotating in a vacuum, the jewelry can benefit from the beauty of a self-rotating gemstone, making its effect even more spectacular.

[0055] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples cited and described. For example, different types of inserts into the socket can be envisioned, such as diamonds, rubies, mother-of-pearl, metals, etc. Similarly, gemstones can be inserted into the socket using different techniques, such as engraving, grinding, casting, bonding, etc.

[0056] As stated above, this invention is not limited to watches, but is applicable to all kinds of articles, especially jewelry such as rings and pendants, as well as eyeglasses, and even pens or other writing instruments. It is also conceivable that articles featuring the movable decorative elements described in this invention could be associated with luxury leather goods such as handbags. Generally, these liquid-movable decorative elements can be applied to any practical article to provide it with an original aesthetic effect. In particular, several different types of decorative elements can be included in a single article to create a unique aesthetic effect.

Claims

1. A jewelry item, comprising: At least one transparent wall constitutes a housing for receiving at least one gemstone or semi-precious stone, which is immersed in a substantially transparent liquid within the housing and is movable; as well as At least one component that can move in the liquid and has the same refractive index as the liquid. The outer casing is defined by two walls with inner surfaces parallel to each other, and the gemstone or semi-precious stone is inserted into the component to form a movable decorative element. The component, immersed in the liquid, is substantially optically indistinguishable and has a rotation axis and two guide surfaces adjacent to the inner surfaces, allowing the movable decorative element to translate freely and rotate about the rotation axis within the outer casing in the liquid.

2. The jewelry article as described in claim 1, wherein, The gemstone or semi-precious stone is inserted into the component, which forms a socket around the gemstone or semi-precious stone.

3. The jewelry article as described in claim 1, wherein, There is at least one space filled with the liquid between the interior of the component and the gemstone or semi-precious stone.

4. The jewelry article as described in claim 1, wherein, The component is configured to receive multiple gemstones or semi-precious stones.

5. The jewelry article as described in claim 4, wherein, The gemstones or semi-precious stones have different densities and are configured to adjust the direction of movement of the components.

6. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The component has a drag coefficient in the liquid, which determines the movement of the movable decorative element.

7. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The component includes a wing, which is configured to accelerate the rotation of the movable decorative element.

8. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The movable decorative element is configured to move in a corridor or along a path defined by a protrusion or recess provided on at least one of the walls.

9. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The gemstone or semi-precious stone is held in the component by a plurality of arms that extend above the body of the component and secure the gemstone or semi-precious stone. The arms have lateral openings between them and above the body of the component, which allow the sides of the gemstone or semi-precious stone located between the arms to come into direct contact with the liquid. The guide surfaces are formed by the free ends of the arms in the form of separate contact areas that are spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the outer surface of the opening of the component.

10. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The gemstone or semi-precious stone mentioned is a diamond.

11. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The gemstone or semi-precious stone and the component have corresponding shapes, which are selected from cylindrical, oval, square, triangular or asymmetrical shapes.

12. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The gap between the height of the movable decorative element and the opposite inner surface of the wall is 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

13. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The parallel inner surfaces of the wall are flat.

14. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The parallel inner surfaces of the wall are curved.

15. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wall is made of sapphire or a material with a hardness comparable to that of sapphire.

16. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Both walls are transparent.

17. The jewelry article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the form is a watch, writing instrument, jewelry, eyeglass frame, or high-quality leather article.

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