Assembly of modules for a bracelet

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) for a jewelry item, such as a bracelet (2). Each module (10, 20, 30) of said assembly comprises a lower part (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321, 331), an upper part (112, 122, 212, 222, 312, 322, 332), at least one coupling member (113, 123, 213, 223, 313) arranged on the lower or upper part, said coupling member comprising an arm ending in a protruding head, and at least one housing (125, 215, 225, 315, 325, 335) arranged in the lower or upper part.The module assembly according to the invention comprises, among said modules, a first and a second module arranged such that said first module receives in its housing the head of the coupling member of said second module, and such that the upper part of the first module is mounted on the lower part of the first module by means of a sliding connection (218a, 218b, 228a, 228b; 318a, 318b, 328a, 328b) and held in position by a locking element (25; 35), the head of the coupling member of said second module thus being retained in the housing of said first module. The invention also relates to a modular part of a jewelry item such as a bracelet comprising such a module assembly.The invention further relates to a bracelet comprising at least one non-removable bracelet part, at least two modular bracelet parts according to the invention connected to said non-removable part or to two of said non-removable parts and a clasp in two parts which can be coupled to each other and uncoupled from each other as well as a wristwatch comprising such a bracelet.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly of modules for a jewelry item, typically for a bracelet, in particular a watch bracelet, said modules being easily assembled and disassembled, for example to adjust the length of the bracelet or for aesthetic reasons, for example to give it an original shape.

[0002] We already know of a number of bracelet constructions, which include elements to be assembled.

[0003] For example, US patent 5,687,586 describes interconnectable jewelry modules for constructing a piece of jewelry, such as a bracelet, comprising several modules assembled together. Such an assembly system has the advantage of connecting modules without soldering. However, this system has the disadvantage that each module is complex and comprises numerous components. Furthermore, it uses a snap-fit ​​fastening system that is irreversible without damaging the components, typically the shaft or the flanges of the slot that receives the shaft.

[0004] One aim of the invention is to propose an assembly of elements which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages, that is to say an assembly comprising elements of simple structure, which can be assembled together to form a piece of jewelry, typically a bracelet, and this in a reversible manner, that is to say allowing disassembly without breakage.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a module assembly for a piece of jewelry, typically a bracelet such as a watch strap, in which each module comprises a lower portion, an upper portion, at least one coupling member arranged on the lower or upper portion, said coupling member comprising an arm terminating in a protruding head, and at least one housing arranged in the lower or upper portion. The assembly comprises a first and a second module arranged such that said first module receives the head of the coupling member of said second module in its housing. Furthermore, the upper portion of the first module is mounted on the lower portion of this first module by means of a sliding connection and held in position by a locking element, the head of the coupling member of said second module thus being retained in the housing of said first module.

[0006] The coupling element of each of said modules is preferably arranged on the lower part of said module.

[0007] The housing for each of said modules is preferably arranged in the lower part of said module.

[0008] Preferably, each of said modules includes, at the entrance of said housing, a constriction, the constriction of said first module being crossed by the arm of the coupling element of said second module.

[0009] Advantageously, each of said lower part and said upper part of each of the first and second modules includes at least one opening, for example a slot, a hole, or a notch, and said locking element is a pin or a screw passing at least partially through said openings to prevent relative sliding of the upper part with respect to the lower part.

[0010] Alternatively, the locking element can be a deformable element elastically carried by either the lower or upper part and capable of clipping onto the other of the lower or upper part to prevent relative sliding of the upper part with respect to the lower part.

[0011] Preferably, the assembly according to the invention comprises a third module including a locking protrusion arranged to lock the locking element of the first module in the position in which it prevents the relative sliding of the upper part of this module with respect to its lower part.

[0012] Advantageously, said third module also comprises a lower part, an upper part, at least one coupling member arranged on the lower part or on the upper part, said coupling member comprising an arm ending in a protruding head, and at least one housing arranged in the lower part or in the upper part.

[0013] Preferably, each of said first, second, and third modules typically comprises a first three-dimensional element and a second three-dimensional element placed side by side, with a rigid link connecting a lateral face of the first three-dimensional element to a lateral face of the second three-dimensional element. Each of said three-dimensional elements includes a said coupling member and a said housing, said assembly being arranged such that the housing of the first three-dimensional element of said first module receives the head of the coupling member of the second three-dimensional element of said second module, and the housing of the second three-dimensional element of said first module receives the head of the coupling member of the first three-dimensional element of a fourth module, said heads being retained in said housings.

[0014] In particular embodiments of the invention, each of the first, second and third modules comprises q three-dimensional elements, with q an integer greater than or equal to 2, joined together by a lateral face, each three-dimensional element comprising a said housing, a said coupling member, and a said constriction.

[0015] The three-dimensional elements according to the invention typically have a prismatic or spherical shape. They preferably have a rectangular prism shape, for example a cube shape.

[0016] The invention also relates to a modular part of a jewelry item such as a bracelet comprising an assembly of modules as defined above. Preferably, said modular part comprises n parallel rows of p modules, with n an integer greater than or equal to 1 and p an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0017] The modular part according to the invention typically extends in a longitudinal direction defined by an axis A1. The rows of modules forming said modular part typically extend in a direction parallel to an axis A2 which extends perpendicularly to the axis A1.

[0018] The invention also relates to a bracelet comprising at least one non-removable bracelet portion, at least two modular bracelet portions according to the invention connected to said non-removable portion or to two of said non-removable portions, and a clasp comprising two coupling and uncoupling parts. Each of said two parts of the clasp typically comprises a base, a cover, and housings arranged in its base or in its cover and enclosing the heads of the coupling elements of one of said two modular parts.

[0019] The bracelet according to the invention typically comprises connecting structures for linking the non-removable parts to the modular parts. Each connecting structure typically includes means for connecting to a non-removable part on the one hand and means for connecting to a modular part on the other hand, said means for connecting to a modular part comprising coupling elements identical to those of the modules of the modular parts and received in the housings of the first row of modules.

[0020] Finally, the invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a strap as mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 represents a watch whose strap comprises modular parts including an assembly of modules according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; figures 2a et 2b are views respectively from above and below of a modular part of the bracelet illustrated in the figure 1 highlighting the different tiers of modules that make up this modular section; the figures 3a et 3b are identical to figures 2a et 2b and allow for highlighting the different modules constituting a row of said modular part; the figure 4 is a schematic top view of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b showing the connections between the modules and allowing each module to be assigned coordinates based on its position in the modular part of the bracelet. figure 5a is a top perspective view of an input module of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b comprising a lower part and an upper part assembled together; the figure 5b is a top view of the lower part of the input module of the figure 5a ; there figure 5c is a top view of the upper part of the input module of the figure 5a ; there figure 6a is a perspective, top view of an intermediate module type module of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b comprising a lower part and an upper part assembled together; the figure 6b is a top view of the lower part of the intermediate module of the figure 6a ; there figure 6c is a top view of the upper part of the intermediate module of the figure 6a ; there figure 7a is a perspective, top view of a module of the output module type of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b comprising a lower part and an upper part assembled together; the figure 7b is a top view of the lower part of the output module of the figure 7a ; there figure 7c is a top view of the upper part of the output module of the figure 7a ; there figure 7d is a perspective, top view of an output module of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b in which the lower and upper parts are disassembled; the figure 7e is a perspective view, from below, of an output module of the modular part illustrated in figures 2a à 3b in which the lower and upper parts are disassembled; the figures 8a à 8l These are successive views of the modular section during the assembly of the third row of modules; the figure 9 is a perspective view of the modular section once the third row of modules is in place; the figure 10a is a perspective view from below of a part of the watch illustrated in the figure 1 including a clasp and modular parts; the figure 10b is a bottom view of the watch part illustrated in the figure 10a ; there figure 10c is a top view of the watch part illustrated in the figure 10a ; there figure 10d is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the watch part illustrated in figures 10a et 10b .

[0022] There figure 1 illustrates a watch 1 whose bracelet 2 includes non-removable parts 3, modular parts 4 and a clasp 5.

[0023] Each adjustable part 4 is inserted between a fixed part 3 and a part of the clasp 5 of the bracelet 2, and allows the bracelet 2 to be lengthened or shortened along an axis A1 located in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet 2, to adapt it to the size of the wearer's wrist. The axis A1, illustrated in figures 1 And 2a, defines the direction of the bracelet length 2. We could have only one modular part 4 on one side of the clasp, but it is nevertheless preferable, especially with a watch strap or a strap with a particular pattern, to keep the lengths close or equal on both sides of the watch head or pattern, so that the latter remains in an area located in the middle of the strap.

[0024] The modular parts 4 are composed of modules 10, 20, and 30 assembled together, forming a modular construction. Each module is a set of two or three three-dimensional elements joined together by at least one face. In the example shown, and without limitation, these three-dimensional elements are cube-shaped and will therefore be referred to as such.

[0025] The modules are assembled in rows, each row extending across the width of bracelet 2, that is, along an axis A2 perpendicular to the axis A1 described previously. Successive rows are therefore arranged parallel to one another. Modules with different shapes may allow assembly along a different direction, which may or may not be perpendicular to that of axis A1.

[0026] THE figures 2a et 2b illustrate a first modular part 4 of bracelet 2 comprising three complete rows of modules. These rows, noted r 1 , r 2 and r 3 were assembled successively and in that order.

[0027] Each row of modular section 4 includes: an input module 10 or beginning of row module; three intermediate modules 20 or middle of row modules; and an output module 30 or end of row module.

[0028] THE figures 3a et 3b allow us to identify these different types of modules on the rs rank.

[0029] There figure 4 is a schematic view of the aforementioned modular part 4 allowing to see the links between modules 10, 20, 30 and allowing to assign to each module 10, 20, 30 coordinates according to its position in the modular part 4 of the bracelet 2.

[0030] The modular part 4 typically comprises n ranks of p modules, where n and p are integers, n being greater than or equal to 1 and p being greater than or equal to 2. The p modules can thus be designated according to their position p₁, p₂, ..., pp and according to their rank r₁, r₂, ..., rn using coordinates in the format (px; ry). (px; ry) denotes the module arranged at position px and rank ry (with x and y being integers, ranging from 1 to 1). p respectively 2 to n ).

[0031] In the example shown, n =3 and p=5. Thus, each module of the modular part 4 can be designated by its position p1, p2, p3, p4 or p5 and by its rank r1, r2 or r3.

[0032] As previously mentioned, modules 10, 20, and 30 of modular section 4 comprise two or three cubes. A given module includes q cubes, with q an integer equal to 2 or 3 in the example. cq designates the qth cube (from left to right in top view) of the module under consideration and allows one to designate a particular cube of a module. Thus, with reference to the figure 4 , c 1 (p 1 ; r 1 ) denotes the first cube of module 10 located at position p 1 and rank r 1 and c 2 (p 4 ; r 3 ) denotes the second cube of module 20 located at position p 4 and rank r 3 .

[0033] THE figures 5a à 7e specifically illustrate the different types of modules 10, 20, 30 of the modular part 4 of the bracelet 2.

[0034] THE figures 8a à 8l These are successive views of the modular portion 4 of the bracelet 2 during its assembly, more precisely during the assembly of row r 3 onto row r 2.

[0035] With reference to figures 5a à 5c , each input module 10 comprises a first 11 and a second 12 cubes rigidly connected to each other by means of a rigid link 13, 14.

[0036] Each of the cubes 11, 12 includes a base 111; 121 surmounted by a lid 112; 122. The bases 111, 121 of the first and second cubes are rigidly connected to each other by means of a rigid link 13, such as a rod or a weld portion, depending on the desired spacing between the cubes, and together form the lower part of the input module 10. The lids 112, 122 of the first and second cubes are also rigidly connected to each other by means of a similar rigid link 14 and together form the upper part of the input module 10. The lower part 111, 13, 121 is integral with the upper part 112, 14, 122. In this example, these are separate parts (machined separately for machinability reasons) that are irreversibly fixed, typically welded, but they could also be a single piece or be reversibly joined by screwing. example.

[0037] The lid 112 of the first cube 11 includes a coupling member consisting of a leg 113 comprising an arm ending in a protruding hook-shaped head and extending in a plane parallel to the underside of the cube 11.

[0038] The lid 122 of the second cube 12 includes a coupling member consisting of a leg 123 comprising an arm ending in a protruding head in the shape of a double hook (butterfly-shaped) and extending in a plane parallel to the underside of the cube 12;

[0039] Base 121 of the second cube 12 comprises: a housing 125 intended to accommodate the head of a coupling element typically coming from the first cube 11 of the input module 10 of the preceding row; a constriction 126 at the entrance of the housing 125; and a blocking bead 127 arranged on the face of the second cube 12 opposite to that connected to the first cube 11 by the rigid link 13.

[0040] Each of the lids 112, 122, is preferably open at the top and includes a bezel in which a decorative gemstone is fixed; said gemstone is partially set within the associated cube 11, 12. The underside of the second cube 12 includes an opening 1211 to allow, among other things, light to pass through said gemstone.

[0041] Each of the covers 112, 122 also includes a stop, for example in the form of a stud with a triangular cross-section 114, 124 surmounting the arm of the leg 113, 123 which it covers.

[0042] With reference to figures 4 And 8a , the assembly of the input module (p 1 ; r 3 ) on the bracelet 2 is done with the input module (p 1 ; r 2 ) of the previous row.

[0043] Regardless of their rank, all the input modules 10 of the modular part 4 are identical and bear the same reference signs.

[0044] As illustrated in figures 8a et 8b The head of the leg 113 of the first cube 11 of the module (p1; r2) is inserted into the slot 125 of the second cube 12 of the module (p1; r3). ​​Given the hooked shape of the leg 113's head, the insertion is made at an angle, and then the module (p1; r3) is rotated to position cube c2 (p1; r3) against cubes c1 (p1; r2) and c1 (p2; r2). This is called a bayonet fitting because it involves pushing the leg 113 in, then rotating it. This fitting has the advantage of requiring no screws.

[0045] The locking bead 127 of cube c2 (p1; r3) is dimensioned to bear against the face of the adjacent cube c1 (p2; r2). It thus locks a pin 25 in holes 219a, 219b of cube c1 (p2; r2). This is explained in more detail later in the description.

[0046] The upper faces of the lids 112 and 122 of cubes c1 (p1; r3) and c2 (p1; r3) align with the upper face of the lid 212 of cube c1 (p2; r2). Furthermore, the face of cube c2 (p1; r3) opposite the face bearing the tab 123 rests almost against the stop 114 of cube c1 (p1; r2). The length of the stop 114 determines the minimum gap between cubes c2 (p1; r3) and c1 (p1; r2). The length of the tab 113 is sufficient to allow a slight play, ensuring some flexibility between the modules. The triangular shape of this stop 114 serves an aesthetic purpose. Indeed, it allows the arm of leg 113, which carries the thinner hook, to be seen from above by positioning a vertex of the triangle on a median of the cube's face. The same applies to all the stops 114, 124, 214, 224, and 314 of the modular part 4.

[0047] With reference to figures 6a à 6c Each intermediate module 20 comprises a first 21 and a second 22 cube. Each cube 21, 22 comprises a base 211; 221 surmounted by a lid 212; 222. The bases 211, 221 of the first and second cubes are rigidly connected to each other by means of a rigid link 23 and together form the lower part of the intermediate module 20. The lids 212, 222 of the first and second cubes are also rigidly connected to each other by means of a rigid link 24 and together form the upper part of the intermediate module 20.

[0048] The upper part 212, 24, 222 of the intermediate module 20 is designed to be able to be made integral with the lower part 211, 23, 221 by means of tabs 218a, 228a and grooves 218b, 228b forming slides.

[0049] The base 211 of the first cube 21 comprises: a coupling member consisting of a leg 213 comprising an arm ending in a protruding head in the form of a double hook (butterfly-shaped) extending in a plane parallel to the underside of the first cube 21; a housing 215 intended to receive the head of the coupling member of the second cube 12, 22 of the module 10, 20 of the same rank arranged in the previous position; a constriction 216 at the entrance of the housing 215; a tab 218a forming a first part of the slide associated with the base of the intermediate module 20; and a hole 219a arranged on the side of the first cube 21 opposite to that connected to the first cube 22 by the rigid link 23.

[0050] The base 221 of the second cube 22 comprises: a coupling member consisting of a leg 223 comprising an arm ending in a protruding head in the form of a double hook (butterfly-shaped) extending in a plane parallel to the underside of the second cube 22; a housing 225 for receiving a leg-type head forming a double hook, typically from the first cube 21 of an intermediate module 20 of the preceding row; a constriction 226 at the entrance of the housing 225; a tab 228a forming a second part of the slide associated with the base of the intermediate module 20; and a locking bead 227 arranged on the face of the second cube 22 opposite to that connected to the first cube 21 by the rigid link 23.

[0051] Each of the lids 212, 222, is preferably open at the top and includes a bezel in which a decorative gemstone is fixed, said gemstone partially passing through the associated cube 21, 22. The underside of each cube 21, 22 includes an opening 2111, 2211 to allow, among other things, light to pass through said gemstone.

[0052] The opening 2111 of each intermediate module has, in addition to letting light penetrate into the gemstone of its first cube, the advantage of allowing the passage of a tool to push the pin 25 out of the holes 219a, 219b during disassembly.

[0053] Each of the lids 212, 222 also includes a triangular stop 214, 224 surmounting the arm of the leg 213, 223 of the base 211, 221 which it covers.

[0054] Regardless of their rank, all intermediate modules 20 of modular part 4 are identical and bear the same reference signs.

[0055] As illustrated in figures 8c à 8g For the assembly of the first intermediate module 20 of the third row (p 2; rs), the bases 211 and 221 of this module (p 2; r 3) are positioned to accommodate, respectively, the coupling elements 123 of the second cube 12 of the input module 10 of this row (p 1; r 3) and 213 of the first cube 21 of the first intermediate module 20 of the preceding row (p 2; r 2) in their respective housings 215 and 225. The lower part, including the bases 211 and 221, is installed from below.

[0056] For locking, the upper part comprising the set of covers 212, 222 of the first c1 (p2; r3) and second c2 (p2; r3) cubes is put in place. Each of said covers 212, 222 includes a groove 218b, 228b (clearly visible at the figure 8e ). The upper part is placed on the lower part by sliding the tabs 218a; 228a into the grooves 218b, 228b until the upper faces of the lids 212, 222 of the first c 1 (p 2; r 3) and second c 2 (p 2; r 3) cubes of the intermediate module (p 2; r 3) are aligned with the upper face of the lid 212 of the cube c 1 (p 3; r 2). The rear faces of the lids 212, 222 of the first c 1 (p 2 ; r 3 ) and second c 2 (p 2 ; r 3 ) cubes are then almost in contact with the stops 124, 214 of the lids of the cubes c 2 (p 1 ; r 3 ) and c 1 (p 2 ; r 2 ) from which they receive the coupling elements 123, 213. They may come into contact during the bending of the mesh of the modular part 4 of the bracelet 2. The rest of the time a slight play at this level allows relative flexibility to the articulation between the cubes.

[0057] The cover 212 of cube c1 (p2; r3) includes a slot 219b which aligns with the hole 219a when the cover 212 is in place on the base 211. The assembly is arranged so that a pin 25 can pass through the hole 219a and open into the slot 219b, thus locking the upper part to the lower part and preventing relative sliding between them. This allows the entry module 10 of the third row (p1; r3) and the first intermediate module 20 of the second row (p2; r2) to be assembled with the first intermediate module of the third row (p2; r3) of the bracelet 2.

[0058] The locking bead 227 of the base 221 of cube c 2 (p 2 ; r 3 ) is positioned against the pin 25 of cube c 1 (p 3 ; r 2 ) to lock the upper part of this cube onto the associated lower part.

[0059] The assembly of the intermediate modules (p 3 ; r 3 ) and (p 4 ; r 3 ) of the third row of the modular part 4 continues in a similar way, step by step.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the housing 215 of the base 211 of cube c1 (p3; r3) receives the head of the coupling member 223 of cube c2 (p2; r3), and the housing 225 of the base 221 of cube c2 (p3; r3) receives the head of the coupling member 213 of cube c1 (p3; r2). The upper part of the module (p3; r3) is put in place and then locked by the insertion of a pin 25. The locking bead 227 of the base 221 of cube c2 (p3; r3) is positioned against the pin 25 of cube c1 (p4; r2) to lock the upper part of the module (p4; r2) onto the associated lower part.

[0061] Then, the housing 215 of the base 211 of cube c 1 (p 4; r 3) receives the head of the coupling member 223 of cube c 2 (p 3; r 3) and the housing 225 of the base 221 of cube c 2 (p 4; r 3) receives the head of the coupling member 213 of cube c 1 (p 4; r 2). The upper part of the module (p 3; r 3) is put in place and then locked by the insertion of a pin 25. The locking bead 227 of the base 221 of cube c 2 (p 4; r 3) is positioned against a screw 35 of cube c 1 (p 5; r 2).

[0062] Once the third intermediate module (p4; r3) is in place, we obtain the structure illustrated in the figure 8h .

[0063] With reference to figures 7a And 7eEach output module 30 comprises a first 31, a second 32, and a third 33 cube. Each of the cubes 31, 32, 33 comprises a base 311, 321, 331 surmounted by a lid 312, 322, 332. The bases 311, 321, 331 of said three cubes are rigidly connected, the first 311 to the second 321 and the second 321 to the third 331 by means of rigid links, respectively 33a and 33b, and together form the lower part of the output module 30. The lids 312, 322 of the first and second cubes and 322, 332 of the second and third cubes are also rigidly connected to each other by means of rigid links, respectively 34a and 34b. Together they form the upper part of the output module 30

[0064] The upper part comprising all the covers 312, 322, 332 can be made integral with the lower part comprising all the bases 311, 321, 331 by means of grooves and tongues forming slides (this is detailed later).

[0065] The base 311 of the first cube 31 comprises: a coupling member consisting of a leg 313 comprising an arm ending in a protruding head forming a double hook (butterfly-shaped) extending in a plane parallel to the underside of the first cube 31; a housing 315 for receiving the head of the coupling member of the second cube 22 of the module of the same rank arranged in the previous position; a constriction 316 at the entrance of the housing 315; a tab 318a forming a first part of the slide associated with the set of sockets of the output module 30

[0066] The base 321 of the second cube 32 comprises: a housing 325 intended to accommodate the coupling element of the first cube 31 of the output module 30 of the previous row; a constriction 326 at the entrance of the housing 325; a tab 328a forming a second part of the slide associated with the set of bases of the output module 30; and a locking bead 327 arranged on the face of the second cube 32 opposite to that connected to the first cube 31 by the rigid link 33a.

[0067] The base 331 of the third cube 32 comprises: a drilling 339a arranged on the side of the first cube 21 opposite to that connected to the first cube 22 by the rigid link 23.

[0068] Each of the lids 312, 322, 332 is preferably open at the top and includes a bezel in which a decorative gemstone is fixed, said gemstone partially passing through the associated cube 31, 32, 33. The underside of each of the first 31 and second 32 cubes includes an opening 3111, 3211 to allow, among other things, light to pass through said gemstone.

[0069] The cover 312 also includes a triangular stop 314 that mounts above the arm of the leg 313 of the base 311 it covers. In the illustrated example, the assembly comprising the leg 313 and the triangular stop 314 is a free part, but it could also be welded to the base 311 or to the cover 321 of the first cube 31 after being machined.

[0070] Regardless of their rank, all output modules 30 of the modular part 4 are identical and bear the same reference signs.

[0071] As illustrated in figures 8i à 9 For mounting the output module 30 of the third row (p 5; r 3), the bases 311 and 321 of this module (p 5; r 3) are positioned to accommodate, respectively, the heads of the coupling elements 223 of the second cube 22 of the intermediate module 20 of this row c 2 (p 4; r 3) and 313 of the first cube 31 of the output module 30 of the preceding row (p 5; r 2) in their respective housings 315 and 325. The lower part, comprising the bases 311, 321, and 331, is installed from below.

[0072] The upper part, comprising all the lids 312, 322, 332 of the first c 1 (p 5; r 3) and second c 2 (p 5; r 3) cubes, is put in place. The first 312 and second 322 lids each have a groove 318b, 328b. The upper part is put in place on the lower part by sliding the tabs 318a; 328a into the grooves 318b; 328b until the upper faces of the lids 312, 322 of the first c 1 (p 5; r 3) and second c 2 (p 5; r 3) cubes of the module (p 5; r 3) are aligned with the upper face of the cube c 3 (p 5; r 2). The rear faces of the first c 1 (p 5 ; r 3 ) and second c 2 (p 5 ; r 3 ) cubes of the module (p 5 ; r 3 ) are then almost in contact with the triangular stops 224, 314 of the cubes c 2 (p 4 ; r 3 ) and c 1 (p 5 ; r 2 ) from which they respectively receive the coupling members 223, 313.

[0073] The cover 332 of cube c 3 (p 5; r 3 ) includes a hole 339b which is positioned in alignment with hole 339a when the cover 332 is in place on the base 331. The whole is arranged so that a screw 35 can pass through hole 339a to emerge in hole 339b so as to lock the upper part of the module (p 5; r 3 ) on the lower part of this module (p 5; r 3 ) preventing relative sliding between these two parts.

[0074] Drilling 339b includes a tapping corresponding to that of screw 35. figure 8l illustrates this.

[0075] This allows the intermediate module 20 of the third rank (p 4 ; r 3 ) and the first output module 30 of the second rank (p 5 ; r 2 ) to be assembled with the output module 30 of the third rank (p 5 ; r 3 ).

[0076] The locking bead 327 of the base 321 of cube c 2 (p 5; r 3 ) is positioned against the screw head of cube c 3 (p 5; r 2 ) to hide it.

[0077] This results in a complete row, the assembly of which is secured by screw 35.

[0078] The modular section 4 of the illustrated bracelet 2 comprises three rows. Row r 3 is therefore the last row.

[0079] In the illustrated example, row r 3 is "finished" by means of part of a clasp 5, schematically illustrated in the figure 1 and in more detail at figures 10a à 10d .

[0080] The clasp 5 comprises two parts that can be coupled to and uncoupled from each other to open and close the bracelet 2. Each of these parts includes a base 51 and a cover 52. The base 51 includes several recesses 53 for receiving the heads of the coupling members 113 of cube c1 (p1; rs), 213 of cubes c1 (p2; rs), c1 (p3; r3) and c1 (p4; r3), and 313 of cube c1 (p5; r3). ​​Each of the recesses 53 includes a constriction at its entrance.

[0081] Once the heads of the coupling members 113, 213, 313 are in the aforementioned housings, the cover 52 of the clasp 5 is positioned and then screwed onto the base by means of screws 55. The coupling members 113, 213, 313 are sandwiched in the housings 53, 54, between base 51 and cover 52 and are held there by the constrictions.

[0082] It is possible to change the number of rows of modules in the modular section 4 between the fixed section 3 and the clasp 5 to adjust the length of the bracelet 2. Each row is mounted on the previous one in the same way as described in reference to the figures 8a à 8l .

[0083] Each modular part 4 is connected to a non-removable part 3 via a connecting structure 6, illustrated in the figure 1 , which constitutes a starting point for the assembly of the first row r 1 of the modular part 4. It is from this starting point that the installation of modules constituting the modular part 4 of the bracelet 2 is possible because it allows the introduction of cubes carrying coupling elements such as those of modules 10, 20, 30 which can be housed in the housings 125, 215, 225, 315, 325 of modules 10, 20, 30 of the first row r 1 of the modular part 4. The coupling elements provided by the connection structure 6 are typically identical to those of modules 10, 20, 30 of the modular part 4 and arranged in the same way.

[0084] Obviously, the connecting structure 6 could have a different shape as long as it allows the connection of a first row of modules 10, 20, 30 like the row r 1 illustrated in the figures.

[0085] Generally, after the first intermediate module 20 of a given rank, each new intermediate module 20 put in place is linked: by its first cube to the coupling element of the second cube of the module preceding it in the row being assembled; and by its second cube to the coupling element of the first cube of the module of the preceding row

[0086] This can be summarized as follows. For the implementation of an intermediate module 20 (pa; rb): cube c 1 (pa ; rb ) receives the head of the coupling member of cube c 2 (p a-1 ; rb ) ; and cube c 2 (pa ; rb ) receives the head of the coupling member of cube c 1 (pa ; r b-1 )

[0087] The upper part of this intermediate module (pa; rb) is then placed on the lower part of this module by engaging the tabs 218a, 228a of the covers 212, 222 in the grooves 218b, 228b of the bases 211, 221, and then a pin 25 is inserted. This pin 25 passes through the hole 219a in the base of cube c 1 (pa; rb) and terminates in the slot 219b in the cover 212 of this cube c 1 (pa; rb).

[0088] Cube c 2 (pa ; rb ) blocks pin 25 of intermediate module (p a+1 ; r b-1 ).

[0089] The first row, row r 1, is assembled on the connecting structure 6 in exactly the same way that row r 2 is assembled on row r 1 and row r 3 is assembled on row r 2.

[0090] The preceding description focuses on describing a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features that have just been described, such as for example the number of modules in a row, the number of rows in a modular part or the shape of the different modules.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the modules are made up of three-dimensional elements, generally in the shape of cubes. Alternatively, they can take the form of other types of prisms, preferably right prisms, whose base is not necessarily square (for example, octagonal). These are preferably right prisms with six faces. Alternatively, the three-dimensional elements constituting the modules can take the general form of cylinders or spheres.

[0092] Variations in the height of the three-dimensional elements within the rows can create a rippling effect in the mesh. This is indeed the case in the example illustrated in the figures, where some "cubes," typically the second cubes 12, 22, 32, are taller than the others 11, 21, 31, 33.

[0093] The upper face of elements 11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32, 33 can, instead of being set, be enameled, lacquered, or decorated by means of marquetry or openwork.

[0094] The modules can be colored differently from one another depending on the material they are made of. They may typically be composed of different alloys or feature different stones. They may not have any stones, in which case the lids are solid, and may have various surface treatments or colors.

[0095] The dimensions and gaps between the elements depend, among other things, on the length and shape of the coupling devices of the different modules, as well as the depths of the housings that receive these coupling devices. They can be adapted.

[0096] The locking ridges 127, 227, 327 are beveled, as can be seen in the figure 8h (for case 227). This allows the bracelet to be flexible enough to wrap around the wrist.

[0097] As previously mentioned, the modular part 4 of the bracelet includes n ranks of p modules. The number n The number of ranks is infinite.

[0098] The number of modules per rank is at least two. Each rank has at least one input module and one output module. And between the two, an unlimited number of intermediate modules, preferably at least one intermediate module, preferably at least two intermediate modules.

[0099] The modules are locked together mainly by means of pins 25 and screws 35. It is entirely possible to use only screws or only pins or other fastening systems to lock the sliding of the covers on the bases of the modules, such as clipping the covers for example.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the coupling elements 213 and 223 are fixed to the lower parts. Alternatively, they could be fixed to the upper parts, like those 123 of the second set of cubes in the input modules. The same applies to the housings intended to receive the heads of the coupling elements.

[0101] We could also imagine stiffening certain modules together, for example, in modular part 4, stiffening together all the intermediate modules of the same row.

[0102] The connections formed by the coupling elements in the housings can be of different kinds, typically pivots, ball joints or any other complex connections as long as they limit the translations between two modules.

[0103] In variations of the invention, special modules, inserts, and / or locking links can be integrated to create a break in the pattern. In this way, it is possible to stop a section of the stitch, create a hole, double the stitch, or regroup it, typically for aesthetic reasons, for example, to give it an original shape.

[0104] Furthermore, the orientation of the modules relative to the longitudinal axis (A1) along which the bracelet extends can vary. It is 45° in the example.

[0105] The modules are typically made by machining. They can alternatively be made by 3D printing, molding or other means.

Claims

1. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) for a jewelry item, such as a bracelet (2), characterized in that Each of said modules (10, 20, 30) comprises a lower part (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321, 331), an upper part (112, 122, 212, 222, 312, 322, 332), at least one coupling member (113, 123, 213, 223, 313) arranged on the lower or upper part, said coupling member comprising an arm terminating in a protruding head, and at least one housing (125, 215, 225, 315, 325, 335) arranged in the lower or upper part, said assembly being also characterized in that Among said modules, it comprises a first and a second module arranged so that said first module receives in its housing the head of the coupling element of said second module, and in thatthe upper part of the first module is mounted on the lower part of the first module by means of a sliding link (218a, 218b, 228a, 228b ; 318a, 318b, 328a, 328b) and held in position by a locking element (25 ; 35), the head of the coupling member of said second module being thus retained in the housing of said first module.

2. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element of each of said modules (10, 20, 30) is arranged on the lower part (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321, 331) of said module.

3. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing of each of the said modules (10, 20, 30) is arranged in the lower part (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321, 331) of said module (10, 20, 30).

4. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatEach of the modules (10, 20, 30) includes, at the entrance of said dwelling (125, 215, 225, 315, 325) a constriction (126, 216, 226, 316, 326), and in that the constriction of the first module being crossed by the arm of the coupling organ of said second module.

5. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of said lower part (211, 221, 311, 321, 331) and of said upper part (212, 222, 312, 322, 332) of each of the first and second modules (20, 30) comprises at least one opening (219a, 219b, 319a, 319b) and in that said locking element is a pin (25) or a screw (35) passing at least partially through said openings (219a, 219b, 319a, 319b) to prevent relative sliding of the upper part with respect to the lower part.

6. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 5, characterized in thatit includes a third module (10; 20; 30) comprising a blocking protuberance (127; 227; 327) arranged so as to block the locking element (25; 35) of said first module in the position in which it prevents the relative sliding of the upper part of this module (20; 30) with respect to its lower part.

7. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 6, characterized in that said third module (20; 30) comprises a lower part (211, 221; 311, 321, 331), an upper part (212, 222; 312, 322, 332), at least one coupling member (213, 223; 313) arranged on the lower or upper part, said coupling member comprising an arm ending in a protruding head, and at least one housing (215, 225; 315, 325) arranged in the lower or upper part.

8. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 7, characterized in thatEach of said first, second and third modules (20) comprises a first three-dimensional element (21) and a second three-dimensional element (22) juxtaposed, a rigid link (23, 24) connecting a lateral face of the first three-dimensional element (21) to a lateral face of the second three-dimensional element (22), each of said three-dimensional elements (21, 22) comprising a said coupling member (213, 223) and a said housing (215, 225), said assembly being arranged so that the housing (215) of the first three-dimensional element (21) of said first module receives the head of the coupling member (223) of the second three-dimensional element (22) of said second module and the housing of the second three-dimensional element (22) of said first module receives the head of the coupling member (213) of the first three-dimensional element (21) of a fourth module, said heads being retained in said housings (215, 225).

9. Assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to claim 7, characterized in that Each of the said first, second and third modules (20) comprises q three-dimensional elements (21, 22), with q an integer greater than or equal to 2, joined together by a lateral face, each three-dimensional element comprising a said housing (215, 225), a said coupling member (213, 223), and a said constriction (216, 226).

10. Modular part (4) of a jewellery article such as a bracelet comprising an assembly of modules (10, 20, 30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Modular part (4) according to claim 10, characterized in that It comprises n parallel ranks of p modules (10, 20, 30), with n an integer greater than or equal to 1 and p an integer greater than or equal to 2.

12. Bracelet (2) characterized in thatit comprises at least one non-removable bracelet part (3), at least two modular bracelet parts (4) according to claim 10 or 11 connected to said non-removable part (3) or to two of said non-removable parts (3) and a clasp (5) in two parts coupleable to each other and uncoupleable from each other, each of said two parts of the clasp (5) comprising a base (51), a cover (52), and housings (53, 54) arranged in its base (51) or in its cover (52) and respectively enclosing heads of the coupling members (113, 213, 313) of one of said two modular parts (4).

13. Bracelet according to claim 12, characterized in that It includes connecting structures (6) allowing the non-removable parts (3) to be connected to the modular parts (4).

14. Bracelet according to claim 13, characterized in thatEach connection structure (6) includes means of connection to a non-removable part (3) on the one hand and means of connection to a modular part (4) on the other hand, said means of connection to a modular part (4) comprising coupling elements, identical to those of the modules of the modular parts (4), and received in the housings (125, 215, 225, 315, 325) of the first row of modules (10, 20, 30).

15. Wristwatch comprising a bracelet according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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