Animated decorative object

EP4743831A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-20PRECIFLEX SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PRECIFLEX SA
Filing Date
2024-07-12
Publication Date
2026-05-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current decorative objects lack the ability to produce diverse and dynamic aesthetic effects across various orientations and user interactions, with limited variability in patterns and animations.

Method used

A decorative object comprising movable elements within a capsule with adjustable distances between glass panes, allowing elements to move freely and be controlled by user movements, featuring deflector elements and a thermal compensation device to prevent bubble formation, enabling diverse animations and aesthetic effects regardless of orientation.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a wide range of animations and dynamic decorations that adapt to different orientations and user interactions, enhancing aesthetic experience through controlled movement of elements within a capsule.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative object (1) comprising two panes arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another, so as to provide an interstitial volume (13) in which mobile elements (30) are free to move, and deflector elements (20) designed to deflect the trajectory of these mobile elements in the interstitial volume (13).
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Description

Decorative animated object Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative object, in particular a watch glass comprising movable elements suitable for producing aesthetic or decorative effects. In particular, the decorative object according to the present invention forms a capsule in which movable elements can move freely and / or randomly, throughout the capsule or limited to dedicated spaces. State of the art

[0002] Document WO2020245786 describes a decorative capsule comprising a liquid in which decorative elements can move freely. The encapsulation of liquids is accompanied by a thermal compensation device capable of preventing the appearance of air bubbles in the liquid. Documents US2022183428 A1 and W02020201993 A1 describe a decorative object comprising mobiles moving between two panes, and deflectors for deflecting their trajectory. Document WO 2017060767 A1 describes a decorative object comprising immiscible liquids and mobiles in suspension.

[0003] Other documents such as EP3414108 describe solutions for channeling decorative elements so as to temporarily form a specific decorative pattern, which can appear or disappear depending on the movements of the decorative object. In this case, the ornamental patterns can appear when the decorative object is in a suitable position, in this case in a horizontal position.

[0004] There is nevertheless room for developing solutions to produce different and / or more diverse decorative patterns. Brief summary of the invention

[0005] An aim of the present invention is to propose an alternative decorative object. In particular, it is a question of proposing a decorative object making it possible to produce at least partly random patterns and / or animations by means of movable elements. Another aim of the present invention is to propose a decorative object capable of producing an aesthetic effect regardless of its orientation in space, or an aesthetic effect for several of its possible orientations in space, or different aesthetic effects depending on its orientation in space.

[0006] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a decorative object capable of producing an aesthetic effect in interaction with the movements of its user, in which the movements of the mobile elements can be oriented, modulated and / or controlled by the user.

[0007] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a decorative object capable of producing a dynamic aesthetic effect by means of mobile elements.

[0008] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the decorative object which is the subject of the main claim and detailed in the claims which depend on it.

[0009] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of producing a greater variety of animations and / or dynamic decorations. It also has the advantage of allowing different aesthetic or ornamental effects depending on several orientations of the decorative object. Brief description of the figures

[0010] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the following figures: • Figure 1: Schematic view from above and along two side sections of a decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 2: Schematic perspective view of a decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d: Details of a part of the decorative object according to different embodiments of the present invention, • Figure 4a: Details of a part of the decorative object according to another embodiment of the present invention, • Figures 4b, 4c: Schematic cross-sectional view of the decorative object according to another embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 4d: Schematic perspective view from above of the decorative object according to another embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 5: Enlarged cross-sectional view of the decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 6a: Schematic view from above and along two side sections of a decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6b: Enlarged details of a cross-sectional view of the decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figures 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e: Schematic examples of some profiles, in cross-section of the decorative object according to different embodiments. • Figure 8: Schematic representation seen from above of an object or accessory comprising a decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention. • Figure 9: Schematic representation side view of a decorative object according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 10: Schematic representation seen from above of an object or accessory comprising a decorative object according to another embodiment of the present invention. • Figure 11: Schematic representation seen from above of an object or accessory comprising a decorative object according to another embodiment of the present invention. • Figure 12: Schematic representation seen from above of an object or accessory comprising several decorative objects according to an embodiment of the present invention. Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0011] With reference to Figure 1, the decorative object 1 according to the present description comprises an upper glass 11 and a lower glass 12 arranged at a distance from and facing each other. Each of the upper and lower glass panes has an internal surface, oriented towards the interior of the decorative object 1 and an external surface oriented towards the exterior of the decorative object 1. In particular, the upper glass 11 comprises an upper internal surface 112 and an upper external surface 111. The lower glass 12 comprises a lower internal surface 122 and a lower external surface 121. The upper 11 and lower 12 glass panes may be held together by a ring 10 or any similar element. They may for example be glued or welded onto a metal ring 10. Seals 101, 102 may be provided at the junction of the glass panes and the ring 10 on which they are fixed.

[0012] The two-dimensional shape, i.e. according to a plane, of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses is not limited. They may be circular, or ovoid, or have angles, such as, for example, a square or rectangular shape. The two-dimensional dimensions such as the diameter of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses may be identical. This is not, however, a prerequisite for the purposes of the present description. One of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses may be smaller or larger than the other, provided that they can be assembled to each other in a sealed manner, for example by means of the ring 10.

[0013] Concerning the three-dimensional aspects, that is to say according to the thickness of the glasses, the thicknesses of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses may be identical or different. For example, the thickness of the upper 11 glass may be greater than that of the lower 12 glass, less exposed to possible impacts. Alternatively, one of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses or both may have a curved shape. Preferably, the lower glass remains flat. Alternatively or in addition, the edges of the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses may be beveled.

[0014] The material from which the upper 11 and lower 12 glasses are made is adapted according to the needs and may be different from one glass to another. The material of the glasses may be chosen from sapphire, borosilicate, fused silica, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, quartz, crystalline glass, transparent ceramic or a combination of several of these materials. Preferably, the upper 11 and lower 12 panes are both transparent or translucent. Alternatively, only the upper pane is transparent or translucent and the lower pane is opaque. It is understood that the upper pane remains transparent or translucent in all cases so as to leave the decorative elements it protects visible.

[0015] For the purposes of this description, the terms "upper" and "lower" as well as the homologous terms must be understood according to their usual meaning. They are used for the sake of clarity to distinguish the two glasses. In this case, the upper glass is superimposed on the lower glass and placed above the lower glass under normal or dedicated conditions of use of the decorative object. In the case where the decorative object 1 is integrated into a timepiece, the lower glass 12 corresponds to the glass placed inside the timepiece, for example directly above the dial.

[0016] The lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces are arranged at a distance H from each other, so as to provide an interstitial volume 13, suitable for containing a liquid 130 (see figure 5). The distance H is adapted to the needs, it can be constant of the order of 0.3 millimeters to 5 millimeters or 10 millimeters or 15 millimeters or more, for example 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5 or 1.8 millimeters. According to one embodiment, the distance H separating the lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces is non-uniform. It can for example increase from the edges of the interstitial volume 13 towards the center. This is particularly the case when the upper internal surface 112 is concave, for example if the upper glass 11 is curved.Other arrangements may of course correspond to a variable distance H between the two lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces, including a lower concave or convex internal surface 122 or comprising a relief such as waves or recesses, an upper concave or convex internal surface 112 or comprising a relief such as waves or recesses. According to a particular arrangement, the distance H may vary continuously over the width L of the interstitial volume 13. or a fraction thereof. In this case, it can increase or decrease over a sector or over the entire interstitial volume 13. The variation of the distance H can alternatively be progressive but not rectilinear, which can be the case when one or both of the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces adopt a concave or convex profile.

[0017] The interstitial volume 13 thus provided is then adapted to the type of effects to be produced, to the dimensions of the mobile elements 30 or to other parameters. In the case where the distance H varies, whether progressively in a linear or non-linear manner, or alternatively as in the case of wavelets or other reliefs, the dimension of the mobile elements 30 can be adapted to allow their movement to be staggered between the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces. The smaller mobile elements 30 are thus capable of passing through the sectors of the decorative object where the distance H is the smallest, while the larger mobile elements will be retained between the upper and lower internal surfaces.

[0018] According to one embodiment, two or more distances H1, H2, H3...Hn are determined. The different distances H can be chosen in decreasing manner, for example, so that H1 is greater than H2, itself greater than H3, greater than Hn (H1>H2>H3>Hn).

[0019] The interstitial volume 13 extends over a width L (figure 5) which represents of the order of 50% to 95% of the total width of the decorative object 1. Preferably, the interstitial volume 13 occupies the central part of the decorative object 1. Alternatively, the interstitial volume 13 can be limited to a localized portion of the decorative object 1, for example off-center or corresponding to a half or a fraction of the decorative object 1.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the lower internal surface 122 is preferably flat.

[0021] . According to a particular embodiment, the lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces are both flat and parallel. The upper external surface 111 may also be flat. It may alternatively be curved, either from one edge of the glass to the other, or locally, so as to produce a magnifying glass effect.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces are both planar and non-parallel. The lower internal surface 122 may be oblique while the upper internal surface 112 is horizontal, or conversely the lower internal surface 122 may be horizontal while the upper internal surface 112 is oblique, or both the lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces are oblique along different planes.

[0023] The upper glass 11 is transparent so as to leave the interstitial volume 13 visible from the outside of the object 1. It can be completely colorless. Alternatively, it can be slightly tinted, either completely or locally, nevertheless leaving the interstitial volume 13 visible in transparency. The lower external surface 121 is preferably flat. The refractive indices of one or other of the upper and lower glass are independently chosen, depending on their material and the needs. They can be for example 1.4714, 1.4587, 1.7682, or take other values. The refractive indices are here measured at a wavelength of 589.3-nm at a temperature of the order of 20°C to 25°C.

[0024] The lower glass 12 is preferably colorless and transparent. According to one embodiment, the decorative object 1 is associated or integrated with a timepiece, preferably a timepiece intended to be worn by a user such as a wristwatch. The decorative object 1 can in this case surmount the dial so as to superimpose on the dial an aesthetic effect, an animation or any other ornament according to the present description. Alternatively, the object can be associated or integrated with the bottom of a timepiece, thus making it possible to visualize a part of the movement and to superimpose thereon one of the ornamental effects object of the present description. Alternatively, the decorative object 1 according to the present description can be sufficient in itself and worn as jewelry such as a brooch or a bracelet. Alternatively, the decorative object 1 according to the present description can be integrated or associated with other everyday objects such as a writing instrument, a handbag, a belt, an earring or other fashion accessories. Depending on the applications, the lower glass 12 can be opaque or partially opaque. According to certain embodiments, the lower glass can be reflective, like a mirror, on all or part of its surface.

[0025] The decorative object according to the present description comprises at least one movable element 30 arranged in the interstitial volume 13. It preferably comprises several movable elements that can move freely in the interstitial volume 13. The movement of the movable elements 30 results from movements induced in the decorative object by a user. Such a movement may comprise an inclination from a horizontal orientation of the upper 11 and lower 12 glass panels to an oblique or vertical orientation. The movable elements 30 then move by sedimentation through the liquid 130 which fills the interstitial volume 13. The movements of the object 1 may comprise shaking, overturning, horizontal or vertical translations or a combination of several of these components.Generally speaking, the decorative object 1 according to the present description is intended to be worn by a user and consequently adopts the movements of the user which may result from his gestures or his movements.

[0026] The shapes, dimensions and colors of the movable elements 30 are chosen according to the effects to be produced. The movable elements 30 have a dimension d, less than the distance H which separates the lower 12 and upper 11 glass. The movable elements 30 may have a dimension d between 10% and 90% of the distance H, or of the order of 15% or 20% or 50% or 80% of the distance H. The distance H corresponds here to the constant distance where appropriate or to the largest of the distances H1, H2, H3, Hn possibly present in the decorative object 1 described here.

[0027] The dimension d of the mobile elements 30 described here does not exclude the possibility that they may include other larger dimensions as long as they remain mobile in the interstitial volume 13. For example, a mobile element 30 may have a height corresponding to its dimension d and a width greater than its height.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the mobile elements 30 all have the same dimensions d.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the mobile elements may group together several types of mobile elements 30 having distinct dimensions. The mobile elements 30 may for example comprise a first group of mobile elements of small dimension, such as 10% to 20% of the distance H, a second group of mobile elements of medium dimension such as 25% to 35% of the distance H, and / or a third group of mobile elements of larger dimension such as 50% to 90% of the distance H. Other categories or ranges of values ​​may of course be selected.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the decorative object according to the present invention comprises several distance values ​​H1, H2, H3... Hn and two or more types of movable elements 30 of dimension d1, d2, d3... dn. The dimensions d1, d2, d3, dn can be chosen for example in decreasing manner, so that the movable elements of dimension d1 are larger than those of dimension d2, themselves larger than those of dimension d3 and that dn, i.e. d1 > d2> d3 > dn). The dimensions d1, d2, d3, dn can be chosen so that the dimension d1 is greater than the second largest height, for example H1. Thus the movable elements 30 of dimension d1 are free to move in the interstitial volume with the exception of places of height H2 or less.

[0031] Such a design is applicable for discrete staggered distances H. Thus, during the movement of the mobile elements 30, a scattering of these mobile elements occurs depending on the distances H which are on their path, the smallest mobile elements 30 being able to cross a larger portion of the interstitial volume than the largest.

[0032] This design is also applicable in the case of a continuous progressive variation of the distance H.

[0033] The mobile elements 30 can thus accumulate according to their dimension d at locations of the decorative object 1 characterized by the distance H which separates the lower 122 and upper 112 internal surfaces.

[0034] The movable elements 30 may take the form of balls or spheroidal grains capable of rolling on the internal surfaces 112, 122. Alternatively, the movable elements 30 may take the form of angular particles, such as cubic or rectangular in shape, or mixed or non-geometric shapes.

[0035] Alternatively or in addition, the nature and / or material of the movable elements 30 may be chosen as required. The movable elements 30 may comprise diamonds or precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum or metal oxides such as zirconium oxide or other ornamentations. The movable elements 30 are preferably non-deformable solid objects. The movable elements 30 may alternatively comprise or be made of transparent materials of the glass or borosilicate type. Their refractive index may thus be chosen according to the effect to be produced. The refractive index of such movable objects 30 may be chosen so as to remain significantly different from one or other of the refractive indices of the liquid 130 of the upper 11, lower 12 glass panes and / or the deflector elements 20 described below.In this case, the moving elements 30 are easily identifiable relative to their environment. The refractive index of the moving elements or of a part of them may be, for example, of the order of that of the liquid 130.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the mobile elements 30 or a portion of them have a refractive index identical or similar to one or more of the surrounding elements, including the liquid 130, the upper 11, lower 12 glass panes and the deflector elements 20. In this way, the mobile elements 30 or a portion of them can remain invisible to the user. According to one embodiment, the dimension d of the mobile elements 30 is correlated to their refractive index. For example, the mobile elements of larger dimension d can have a refractive index which makes them invisible or almost invisible. In this way, they can influence the movement of the other mobile elements 30, visible and smaller, in a random manner.

[0037] According to one embodiment, one or more or all of the movable elements 30 comprises or is made of two or more materials with different refractive indices. Such movable elements can be described as composites. At least one of these materials has a refractive index identical or similar to one or more of the surrounding elements, including the liquid 130, the upper 11, lower 12 glass panes and the deflector elements 20, while the other materials of the composite movable elements have refractive indices significantly different from the surrounding elements, including the liquid 130, the upper 11, lower 12 glass panes and the deflector elements 20. Such composite movable elements 30 therefore have parts that remain invisible to the user and other visible parts. According to one embodiment, the dimension d of the movable elements 30 is correlated to their composite or mono-material constitution.For example, the movable elements of larger dimension d can be composite, of which only a portion remains invisible or almost invisible to a user due to its refractive index. In this way, the composite movable elements 30 can influence the movement of the other movable elements 30, visible and smaller, in a random manner.

[0038] The refractive index of the moving elements 30 may be independently correlated to parameters other than their dimension. It may for example be correlated to their density or their three-dimensional shape. The moving elements 30 may further or alternatively be selected according to their density, which may condition their speed of movement in the interstitial volume 13. According to one embodiment, the decorative object 1 comprises several moving elements 30, one or more of whose characteristics, such as their density, their three-dimensional shape, their refractive index or their dimension d, differ from each other. Their movements and visibilities may thus be differentiated for the same movement of the decorative object 1, producing a particular aesthetic effect. In this case, the animation produced results at least in part from the staggered sedimentation of the moving elements 30.The colors of the various mobile elements 30 can further be adapted to produce color gradients according to the sedimentation rates. Those skilled in the art understand the multiple ornamentation possibilities offered by the present description.

[0039] It is understood that when the moving elements or a part of the moving elements have the same refractive index as the liquid in which they are immersed, these moving elements or their relevant parts are rendered invisible by any observer. It is also understood that when the moving elements are immersed in two immiscible fluids with different refractive indices, they may be visible in one of the two fluids and invisible in the second fluid. The two fluids may refer to immiscible liquids. Alternatively, the two fluids may refer to the combination of a gas and a liquid.

[0040] Although a controlled amount of gas can be considered within the decorative object, the liquids present in the interstitial volume are preferably free of gas, or at least of gas bubbles. The presence of gas bubbles could indeed make visible elements that are supposed to remain invisible within the liquid.

[0041] The viscosity of the liquid 130 disposed in the interstitial volume 13 is adapted to produce an aesthetic animation. A liquid that is too fluid leads to too rapid sedimentation of the mobile elements 30 and also limits any possible differences in sedimentation if necessary. A liquid that is too viscous, on the other hand, makes the mobile elements 30 too insensitive to the movements of the decorative object 1.

[0042] The refractive index of the liquid 130 is chosen so as to make it possible to distinguish all or part of the moving elements 30 from the outside through the upper glass 11. The refractive index of the liquid may be close to or identical to that of one of the upper glass 11 and lower glass 12.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the liquid 130 comprises one or more silicone oils such as those mentioned in document WO2022243969, incorporated by reference. The liquid 130 may comprise, for example, one or more polymers among polydimethylsiloxanes, phenylmethylsiloxanes, homo or copolymers of alkyl or phenyl siloxane, copolymers of diphenyl siloxanes and dimethylsiloxanes, phenylmethylsiloxane and dimethylsiloxane, which may or may not be functionalized by organic chains such as fluorocarbons.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the liquid 130 comprises one or more mineral oils, for example of the alkane type, linear or branched, which may or may not be functionalized by organic chains such as, for example, fluorocarbons.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the liquid 130 comprises one or more glycols, which may or may not be supplemented with water.

[0046] The refractive index of such a liquid 130 may be, for example, between 1.3 and 1.6, such as 1.41 at a temperature of 25°C for a wavelength of 589.3nm.

[0047] The viscosity of the liquid 130 is preferably between 1 cSt and 1000 cSt. It may be, for example, of the order of 1 cSt to 200 cSt.

[0048] The relative density of the mobile elements 30 and the liquid 130 can be adapted according to the aesthetic effects to be produced. A mobile element 30 can for example be of the same density as the liquid 130 in which it is immersed, or have a small difference in density with the liquid 130, such as less than 10% or 5% or 1% so as to slow down the sedimentation rates. Conversely, a mobile element 30 of significantly greater density than that of the liquid 130 will sediment more quickly. The mobile elements 30 of different densities can be immersed in a liquid 130 of given density so as to differentiate the sedimentation rates and thus produce a characteristic aesthetic effect.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the mobile elements 30 are composite, as described above, in which the different materials that they comprise are of different densities and diametrically opposed so as to create a pendulum effect during their sedimentation.

[0050] The liquid 130 may designate a single homogeneous liquid or a combination of two immiscible liquids. The two immiscible liquids are preferably of different or significantly different densities so as to organize themselves according to the orientation of the decorative object, the denser of the two liquids being placed in a lower position relative to the less dense. The two liquids may have identical, similar or significantly different refractive indices. Thus, the mobile objects 30 may appear or disappear in one or the other of the liquids of which they have the same refractive index. Alternatively or in addition, the liquids may have an identical or different color and / or degree of transparency. Thus, the mobile elements 30 present in the interstitial space 13 may change appearance or disappear in the liquid.

[0051] When immiscible, liquids are distinguished from each other by at least one of their properties such as density, color, transparency or refractive index.

[0052] The description of a two-liquid embodiment does not exclude providing more than two liquids such as three or four immiscible liquids in the same interstitial space.

[0053] Alternatively or in addition, when the deflector elements 20 are arranged so as to compartmentalize the interstitial space, more than two liquids can be introduced into one or more of the compartments thus arranged. Under these conditions, the deflector element(s) 20 responsible for such a partition of the interstitial volume 13 are integral with the two upper 112 or lower 122 internal surfaces so as to ensure sealing between the compartments of the interstitial volume 13. The parts thus compartmentalized are non-communicating.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, compartments may be in fluid communication, so as to maintain the movable elements 30 or a portion thereof, within the assigned compartments, while allowing the liquid 130 to pass freely from one compartment to another. The interstitial volume 13 may be filled with a single liquid for these purposes, although immiscible liquids may also be considered.

[0055] The decorative object according to the present description further comprises at least one deflector element 20 arranged in the interstitial volume 13. Such a deflector element 20 contributes to deflecting the movable elements 30 in their movements. Figures 3A, 3b, 3c, 3d give some non-limiting examples of arrangement of deflector elements 20. The deflector elements 20 comprise a deflector portion 201 comprising at least one shape selected from a straight shape, a curved shape, an inverted double curve or "spline", a branched shape, a circular shape, an ovoid shape, an angular shape or a combination of such shapes. The shape of the deflector element, or of its deflector portion essentially designates its two-dimensional appearance depending on its length, in particular when it is perceived through one or other of the windows. They extend between the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces. A deflector element 20 may extend over a portion of the interstitial volume representing for example 1 / 10, 1 / 20, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 1 / 2 or 2 / 3 of the length L. (fig.5) Alternatively, the deflecting portion 201 of a deflector element 20 may extend across the entire interstitial volume, i.e. 100% of the length L. Figure 3a shows an example in which 3 curved deflector elements 20 extend from one edge to the other of the interstitial volume, thus dividing it into 3 separate compartments. Figure 3b shows an example with 3 deflector elements of different shapes, one extending over a fraction of the length L, the other over the entire length L and the third forming an enclosed space within the interstitial volume 13.Figure 3c shows an example of a deflector element 20 forming a geometric pattern. Figure 3d shows an example where several of the deflector elements described above are combined.

[0056] A deflector element 20 according to the present description has a height h suitable for deflecting at least a portion of the movable elements 30 in their movement. The movement of the movable elements 30 is understood here as their translation component over a width L of the decorative object 1. The vertical movements, that is to say those varying the distance of the movable object 30 relative to the lower and upper internal surfaces are here considered negligible or not perceived by the user.

[0057] Each of the deflector elements 20 may have a specific height independent of that of the other deflector elements 20. The height h may be between 10% and 100% of the distance H at a given location. It may be, for example, between 40% and 90% of the distance H or selected from any intermediate value such as 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of the distance H.

[0058] According to one embodiment, all the deflector elements 20 have the same height h. According to another embodiment, the elements deflectors 20 comprise a set of deflector elements of low height h, such as 10 to 30% of the distance H and a set of deflector elements of height h between 50% and 80% or 100% of the distance H. Thus, the different deflector elements 20 can act as a sieve allowing the mobile elements 30 having a dimension d less than a threshold value or a part of them to pass through, such as 20% or 30% of the distance H, and deflecting the mobile elements of larger dimension. In this way, crossed movements of the mobile elements 30 can be initiated, where the smallest mobile elements 30 move according to the force of gravity and where the largest are deflected by the deflector elements 20 in oblique directions or retained at different levels. The height h of a deflector element 20 can be constant over the entire deflecting portion 201.Alternatively, the height h of a deflector element 20 may vary continuously or not between its two ends. It is understood that any variation in the height h, the shapes, the lengths and the number of the deflector elements 20 is possible.

[0059] The length defining a deflector element 20 according to the present description designates the longest dimension of the deflector element considered from one of its ends to its opposite end.

[0060] Preferably, the height h of the deflector element(s) of the present description differs from their thickness, which is preferably less than the height h. This means that the deflector elements 20 described here are essentially in the form of a blade whose length substantially runs along one or more of the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces, and the height h is oriented orthogonally to these surfaces. In other words, the deflector element(s) of the present invention are oriented so that their thickness is opposite or in contact with one or more of the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces. The term orthogonally can here be understood as forming a right angle or at 90°. This does not exclude a certain tolerance of the order of 2° to 5° so that the orientation of the height h of the deflector element(s) 20 is perceived as being generally vertical, the ice being considered horizontal or generally horizontal.

[0061] According to a particular embodiment, the height h of the deflector elements 20 corresponds to the distance H which separates the upper 11 and lower 12 windows. In this case, the deflector elements 20 can consolidate the assembly of the windows. In the case where the deflector elements 20 pass through the entire interstitial volume 13, the liquid 130 can be compartmentalized as well as the mobile elements 13. According to one embodiment, one or more deflector elements 20 have a height h equal to the distance H and extend over the length L of the interstitial volume 13 so as to compartmentalize the interstitial volume 13. Different liquids and / or mobile elements 30 can be arranged within the compartments.

[0062] According to an embodiment illustrated by figures 4b, 4c and 4d, a deflector element 20 may be secured to one or other of the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces. The deflector element 20 may for example be glued or welded to the surface of one of the windows 11, 12 or to the two opposite internal surfaces. In the case of gluing, the refractive index of the glue is chosen so as to make the gluing invisible or substantially invisible. A single coating may be used on the surface of the corresponding window so as to make the gluing invisible or substantially invisible. Such a deflector element 20 is thus secured to one or both windows over at least a portion of its length, preferably over its entire length, in particular if it is rigid from one end to the other. Alternatively, it may be glued to one or both windows only over its rigid portion if it comprises one or more flexible portions.

[0063] A deflector element according to the present disclosure is preferably rigid along its entire length. Alternatively, a deflector element according to the present invention may be rigid along a portion of its length, such as a portion of 30 to 95% of its length, for example, 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% of its length. The remainder of the deflector element is flexible. In this way, such a deflector may produce a deflection movement of the mobile elements differentiated according to whether the mobile elements are deflected by the rigid portion or the flexible portion of the deflector. The decorative object according to the present invention may contain one or more deflector elements provided with such a flexible portion, regardless of the presence or absence of other types of deflector elements described herein. Such deflector elements 20 provided with a flexible portion and a rigid portion, may have a constant height h over their entire length. Alternatively, the height h may be different on their rigid portion and their flexible portion. Preferably, the flexible portion corresponds to one end of the deflector element 20. Alternatively, a flexible portion is arranged at each of the ends of the deflector element 20, the intermediate portion being rigid. Other configurations may nevertheless be envisaged.When such a deflector element 20 is integral with one or more of the upper 112 and lower 122 internal surfaces, only the rigid portion is integral with the corresponding surface, so as to leave the flexible portion(s) free.

[0064] According to an embodiment illustrated for example by Figure 4a, the decorative object 1 according to the present description comprises at least one peripheral element 21, delimiting the interstitial volume 13 or a part of the interstitial volume 13. The peripheral element 21 can for example be joined to the ring 10 on which the upper 11 and lower 12 glass panels are assembled. Alternatively, the peripheral element 21 can serve as a spacer on which the upper 11 and lower 12 glass panels are assembled. In other words, the peripheral element can act as a ring. The peripheral element(s) 21 can comprise one or more orifices or channels 210 allowing the liquid 130 to communicate with a space connected to the interstitial volume 13, comprising for example a thermal compensation device 40 or channels for filling 15 or draining 16 the liquid 130.The height of a peripheral element 21 may be equal to that of the deflector elements 20 or different. A peripheral element 21 may for example be thicker or thinner than the associated deflector elements 20. The deflector elements 20 may be designed integrally with a peripheral element 21, for example by 3D printing or by ablation of material in a single part. Alternatively, the deflector elements 20 may be associated or combined with their corresponding peripheral element 21. Figure 4a illustrates an example where the deflector elements 20 comprise a deflector portion 201 and an attachment point 200 allowing them to be combined with the peripheral element 21. The assembly of a deflector element 20 with the corresponding peripheral element 21 may be done for example by embedding or gluing or welding or any other suitable technique. This arrangement has the advantage of combining several materials. For example, the peripheral element 21 may be made of a different material from the corresponding deflector elements 20.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the deflector elements 20 are combined with the corresponding peripheral element 21 by means of a flexible or articulated attachment point. The attachment point can for this purpose take a spherical or cylindrical shape embedded in the peripheral element with sufficient play to allow rotation of the deflector portion 201.

[0066] The presence of a peripheral element 21 does not exclude that certain deflector elements 20 associated with the peripheral element 21 are also integral with one of the upper 112 or lower 122 internal surfaces or at least in contact with one or both of these surfaces. The presence of a peripheral element 21 also does not exclude the presence of other deflector elements 20 independent of the peripheral element 21 and integral with one of the upper 112 or lower 122 internal surfaces.

[0067] The refractive index of the deflector elements 20 or of a part of them may be identical or close to that of the liquid 130 and / or of one or both of the upper 11 and lower 12 glass. In this case, the deflector elements 20 remain invisible or at least discreet for an observer.

[0068] One or more of the deflector elements 20 may consist of several articulated pieces. The different pieces are made of the same material or of distinct materials having one or more properties such as refractive index, color and density that differ. For example, a deflector element 20 may comprise two, three or more articulated segments of distinct refractive indices, at least one of the segments having a refractive index identical or similar to one or more of the surrounding elements, including the liquid 130 and the upper 11 and lower 12 glass panes, thus being able to be invisible or almost invisible to an observer.

[0069] Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the deflector elements 20 may be made of, or comprise, several materials having one or more of the properties such as refractive index, color and density that differ. Thus, certain portions of the same deflector may become invisible in the liquid 130 of which they have the same refractive index or of which they have the same color.

[0070] Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the deflector elements 20 may comprise at least one visible decorative element. Such a decorative element may be fixed rigidly, flexibly, semi-flexibly or with mechanical play. It may for example be set, glued or welded onto the corresponding deflector element. It may alternatively be combined therewith by means of a flexible link or an articulated rigid link. Such a decorative element may take the form of a precious or semi-precious stone, a diamond or a figurative or non-figurative representation. When arranged on a deflector element 20 or at least one of its segments made invisible according to the present description, the decorative elements appear to float in the interstitial volume 13 without visible fixation for an observer.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the refractive index of the liquid 130 and the refractive index of the deflectors 20 are adapted to be identical or almost identical over a suitable wavelength range, so as to so that the deflectors 20 are made invisible or almost invisible to an observer. The refractive indices of the deflector elements can thus be between 1.3 and 1.6 and correspond to those of the liquids mentioned above and in document WO2022243969. The refractive index of the deflector elements differs from that of the liquid and / or the lower and upper glass by less than 10%, or by less than 5%, preferably by less than 3%.

[0072] Alternatively, the refractive index of the deflector elements 20 or of a portion of them is significantly different from that of the liquid 130 and / or of one or both of the upper 11 and lower 12 glass panes so as to remain visible from the outside. They thus contribute to the aesthetic effect by providing permanent ornamentation acting as a deflector for the mobile elements 30.

[0073] The mobile elements 30 adopt disparate and unpredictable trajectories when the decorative object is set in motion, in particular by the gestures or movement of the person carrying it. These surprising effects are increased due to the visibility or invisibility of certain elements, such as the deflector elements or some of the mobile elements. The movement of the mobile elements nevertheless obeys the law of gravity and can therefore be controlled at least partially by the user.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the deflector elements 20 are organized so as to create a path, which may be of the maze type. The user can thus use it for distraction or entertainment.

[0075] The decorative object 1 further comprises a thermal compensation device 40. Any suitable thermal compensation device may be envisaged, such as those described in document WO2020245786. It may for example comprise an elastic or semi-flexible peripheral membrane, elastic or flexible window assembly seals, an expansion chamber provided with a gas, or a combination of several of these devices. According to an advantageous variant, one or more of the deflector elements 20 or their peripheral element 21, where appropriate, may comprise or be made of such a porous material. Alternatively or in addition, the compensation device may comprise one or more channels communicating with one or more thermal expansion chambers. The channel(s) may for example be arranged in a peripheral element 21 or delimited by a peripheral element 21 where appropriate.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the thermal compensation device 40 comprises a flexible membrane arranged between the upper 11 and lower 12 panes so as to provide a liquid-free compartment within the interstitial volume 13. In this way, the expansion of the liquid(s) 130 can be compensated by the deformation of the membrane towards the liquid-free compartment. The membrane is sufficiently elastic to accommodate variations in the volume of the liquid in a suitable temperature range, typically from -30°C to +90°C, or from -20°C to 80°C, or up to 70°C as required. Such a membrane is impermeable to the liquids present in the decorative object 1. The membrane can be arranged appropriately between the panes, for example parallel to the lower pane and close to the lower pane. The compartment thus provided between the lower pane and the membrane makes it possible to dampen the expansion of the liquids.Nearby typically means a distance of the order of a millimeter or a fraction of a millimeter such that. 1 / 2, 1 / 10 e , or some 10 e of millimeters. Such a membrane may extend over the entire width of the interstitial volume or only over a fraction, in particular if the lower glass has a concave shape. In this case, a membrane may be located at the concave shape. Alternatively, the membrane may be arranged in an angle between one of the glass panes and the peripheral element if applicable. Alternatively, the membrane may be arranged between the lower and upper glass panes, for example in a peripheral position. Several membranes, identical or different, may also be considered depending on requirements. According to a particular arrangement, a membrane as described here may be arranged between two detectors. The membrane(s) are of preferably transparent to light. They can be, for example, made of elastically deformable polymer material.

[0077] According to an example illustrated by figures 6a and 6b, the thermal compensation device 40 comprises a thermal expansion channel 401 in communication with the interstitial volume 13 and a thermal expansion chamber 402. The thermal expansion chamber 402 is provided with a flexible membrane 400 comprising a flexible thermal expansion portion 405, capable of containing the variations in volume of the liquid 130 and a sealing portion 404 capable of maintaining the sealing of the decorative object 1.

[0078] The thermal compensation device 40 makes it possible to prevent the appearance of bubbles within the liquid 130. In other words, it makes it possible to guarantee that the interstitial volume 13 is completely filled with liquid.

[0079] In some cases, thermal compensation is ensured by the presence in the liquid 130 of a gas bubble visible to the observer, the gas bubble absorbing the variations in volume of the liquid 130 depending on the ambient temperature. Such a solution is easy and inexpensive to implement, however it is considered unsightly in most cases.

[0080] The decorative object according to the present invention may constitute an independent fluidic capsule that can be integrated into another object 7 (figure 8), typically a portable object such as a fashion accessory, a piece of jewelry or a watch. Thus, the moving elements are set in motion by changes in orientation of the capsule relative to gravity and / or by accelerations applied to the fluidic capsule by the wearer, the movement being influenced by the viscosity of the liquid, the weight and shape of the moving elements, as well as the presence and shape of deflectors. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the decorative object 1 comprises an external surface 5 suitable for fitting into a housing or a support 6, which can be fixed on the object 7. The external surface 5 can for example constitute the ring 10 mentioned above.

[0081] The capsule may be fixedly integrated into another object. Alternatively, it may be integrated therein so as to retain one or more degrees of freedom of movement, such as free rotation on an axis oriented parallel to the glass, or transverse to the glass, translation in a plane or a combination of several such degrees of freedom. According to one embodiment, the fluidic capsule may be mounted so as to have freedom of rotation orthogonal to the glass and present an unbalance 8 (figure 9). Thus the movement of the mobile elements may be made even more unexpected for the observer since the deflectors are not always in the same place.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the support 6 can be pivotally mounted on an axis (not shown). Alternatively or in addition, the support 6 can include an unbalanced mass 8 or be made of two materials of different densities so as to act as an unbalanced mass.

[0083] In another particular embodiment, the fluidic capsule 1 of the present invention is installed in an object such as those described above, typically a portable object such as a fashion accessory, a piece of jewelry or a watch, so as to have one or more degrees of freedom of movement and to be able to be mechanically driven according to one or more of these degrees of freedom. In this case, the decorative object 1 according to the present invention comprises or is combined with a mechanical fixing and driving device. Figure 10 illustrates an example in which the external surface 5 of the decorative object 1 is adapted to be embedded in, or fixed to, a toothed wheel 90, which can be driven by a drive pinion 91. Alternatively, the external surface 5 itself comprises suitable teeth allowing it to be driven by one or more drive pinions 91.The decorative object can in this case be mounted on an axle so that it can rotate under the effect of the drive pinion 91 or be held by holding rollers 92. Tl

[0084] The fluidic capsule 1 of the present invention may take the general shape of a disc, be mounted with a degree of freedom in rotation about its central axis and be driven in rotation by a toothing installed on its periphery or by any mechanical drive system as well known in watchmaking. Figure 11 illustrates an example in which the decorative object 1 is fixedly mounted on a rotation axis (not shown) comprising a drive system such as a pinion or a wheel 93. The drive system may be actuated by a drive pinion 91 or any suitable means. The drive pinion 91 is thus arranged in a plane different from that of the decorative object 1. The decorative object 1 may be designed so as to be transparent, at least over a portion of its surface, to allow the drive system to be seen. Alternatively, the drive system remains invisible, being for example masked by an opaque background of the decorative object 1.In this way the orientation of the capsule can be defined by a mechanism, for example by a mechanism connected to a time base, which makes it possible to give a relative indication of time thanks to the orientation of the capsule. By relative indication of time we mean the indication of hours, minutes, seconds, date, moon phase, tide, month, day / night, etc.

[0085] According to an embodiment illustrated by Figure 12, several decorative objects 1 can be arranged within an object or accessory 7 in a movable manner. Several of the decorative objects 1 can be driven for example by a single drive pinion 91, which can be central relative to the decorative objects 1. Alternatively or in addition, the different decorative objects 1 can interact with a common peripheral toothed wheel 94. According to a particular arrangement, the decorative objects 1 comprise on their external surface 5, or are associated with, a toothing, which meshes with both a drive pinion 91 and a peripheral toothed wheel 94, so as to move the decorative objects 1 within the object or accessory 7.

[0086] The external surface 5 described above is understood to be capable of cooperating with a complementary surface arranged on an object or accessory 7, so as to maintain the decorative object 1 on the object or accessory. 7 and / or to set it in motion. The external surface 5 and the complementary surface may thus be smooth, include reliefs such as gear teeth or any other suitable element.

[0087] The drive pinion 91, toothed wheel 94 and drive system mentioned above may constitute or interact with a watch movement.

[0088] The presence of movable decorative objects does not exclude the presence of other decorative objects 1 arranged in a fixed manner within the same object or accessory 7.

[0089] The present invention explicitly covers any object or accessory 7 comprising one or more decorative objects 1 according to the present description, whether fixed and / or mobile and / or mechanically driven. The object or accessory 7 particularly designates a watch.

[0090] The various embodiments are not intended to be mutually exclusive. They may indeed be combined or associated in whole or in part as required. Reference numbers used in the figures Decorative object Ring, 102 Seals Top ice Upper internal surface Upper outer surface Lower ice Lower internal surface Lower external surface Interstitial volume Filling channel Cork Drainage channel Deflector element Anchor point Deflector portion Peripheral element Canal Moving elements Thermal compensation device Flexible membrane Thermal expansion channel Thermal expansion chamber Sealing portion Thermal expansion portion External surface Support Object Clumsy Gear wheel Drive pinion Holding rollers 93 Wheel 94 Peripheral gear wheel

Claims

Claims 1. Decorative object (1) comprising: - an upper glass (11) provided with an upper internal surface (112), a lower glass (12) provided with a lower internal surface (122), the lower (122) and upper (112) internal surfaces being arranged opposite each other at a distance (H) from each other, so as to provide an interstitial volume (13), suitable for containing a liquid (130) over a width (L) of the decorative object (1), the glass panes being assembled in a sealed manner, - at least one liquid (130) completely filling said interstitial volume (13), - one or more mobile elements (30) free to move in said interstitial volume (13), and - one or more deflector elements (20) each extending in said interstitial volume (13) over a distance of between 10% and 100% of the width (L) and adapted to deflect or guide the trajectory of the movable element(s) (30) in the interstitial volume (13), 2. Object according to claim 1, in which said one or more deflector elements (20) have the general shape of a blade running along said upper internal (112) and lower internal (122) surfaces, and of height (h) oriented orthogonally to said upper internal (112) and lower internal (122) surfaces, said deflector element(s) being rigid over at least 30% of their length.

3. Object according to one of claims 1 and 2, said distance (H) being constant over the entire width (L), or variable over at least a portion of the width (L).

4. Object according to one of claims 1 to 3, said distance (H) comprising two or more distances (H 1 ), (H2), (H3), (Hn) 5. Object according to one of claims 1 to 4, said one or more deflector elements (20) being in contact or integral with one or both of the upper (111) and lower (112) internal surfaces.

6. Object according to one of claims 1 to 5, said one or more deflector elements (20) comprising a shape selected from a straight shape, a curved shape, a branched shape, an angular shape, a circular shape, an ovoid shape, a spline shape or a combination of such shapes.

7. Object according to one of claims 1 to 6, said one or more deflector elements (20) having a height (h) less than or equal to the distance (H), or representing a fraction between 10% and 90% of the distance (H).

8. Object according to one of claims 1 to 7, said one or more deflector elements (20) comprising at least two groups of deflector elements (20) of different and / or variable heights (h) between 10% and 90% of the distance (H).

9. Object according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the height (h) of said one or more deflector elements (20) is determined independently of the other deflector elements of the object.

10. Object according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the height (h) of one or more of said deflector elements varies between their two ends.

11. Object according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which one or more of said deflector elements have a height (h) equal to the distance (H) and are arranged so as to compartmentalize the interstitial volume (13) into two parts or more than two non-communicating parts.

12. Object according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which one or more of said deflector elements have a height (h) less than the distance (H) and are arranged so as to compartmentalize the interstitial volume (13) into two parts or more than two parts in fluid communication, and adapted to maintain said one or more movable elements (30) within said parts.

13. Object according to one of claims 1 to 12, the refractive index of said one or more deflector elements (20) or of a part of them being different from the refractive index of said liquid (130) and / or of one or both of the upper (11) and lower (12) glass.

14. Object according to one of claims 1 to 12, the refractive index of said one or more deflector elements (20) or of a part of them being identical or similar to the refractive index of said liquid (130) and / or of one or both of the upper (11) and lower (12) glass.

15. Object according to one of claims 1 to 14, said one or more mobile elements (30) having a dimension (d) between 10% and 90% of the distance (H).

16. Object according to one of claims 1 to 15, said one or more mobile elements (30) comprising or being made up of several distinct materials of which one or more of the properties among the density, the color and the refractive index differ from one to the other, so as to form a composite.

17. Object according to claim 16, the refractive index of one of said several distinct materials being identical or similar to the refractive index of the liquid (130) and / or of one of the upper (11) and lower (12) glass panes, and / or of the deflector elements (20).

18. Object according to one of claims 1 to 17, said liquid (130) comprising two or more liquids.

19. An object according to claim 18, wherein two of the liquids are immiscible.

20. An object according to claim 19, wherein the two immiscible liquids have the same refractive index.

21. Object according to one of claims 19 and 20, the immiscible liquids differing from each other by at least one of their properties among the refractive index, the density, the color and the transparency.

22. Object according to one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a thermal compensation device (40).

23. Object according to claim 22, said thermal compensation device comprising a thermal expansion channel (401) in communication with the interstitial volume (13) and a thermal expansion chamber (402), which is provided with a flexible membrane (400) comprising a portion (404) capable of maintaining the sealing of said decorative object (1) and a flexible portion (405) capable of containing the variations in volume of the liquid (130).

24. Object according to one of claims 1 to 23, said decorative object further comprising at least one peripheral element (21) arranged between the upper (11) and lower (12) glass, said one or more elements deflectors (20) being combined or integrated with said at least one peripheral element (21).

25. Object according to claim 24, said one or more deflector elements (20) comprising a deflector portion (201) and being secured to said at least one peripheral element (21) by an attachment point (200).

26. Object according to one of claims 24 and 25, said one or more deflector elements (20) being an integral part of said at least one peripheral element (21).

27. Object according to one of claims 25 and 26, said attachment point being flexible or articulated.

28. Object according to one of claims 24 to 27, said one or more deflector elements (20) comprising several segments articulated together and / or comprising several distinct materials so as to form a composite, the refractive index of at least one of said segments and / or materials being identical or similar to the refractive index of said liquid (130) and / or of one or both of the upper (11) and lower (12) glass panes.

29. Object according to one of claims 1 to 28, comprising an external surface (5) adapted to cooperate with a complementary surface of an object (7) so as to hold it on said object (7) and / or to set it in motion on said object (7).

30. Accessory comprising a decorative object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 29, said accessory being a timepiece, a piece of jewelry, a piece of jewelry, a writing instrument, a handbag, a belt, an earring or a fashion accessory.