ORNAMENTAL ARTICLE AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING METHOD

Abstract

Ornamental article and corresponding manufacturing process. Ornamental article (1) comprising a decorative object (2), a support (3) carrying the decorative object (2) and a fastening interface (4) for attaching said decorative object (2) to the support (3), characterized in that it comprises an annular groove (5) formed in said decorative object (2) and surrounding a solid portion (2A) of said decorative object (2), said fastening interface (4) comprising a cylindrical insert (6) having a shape conjugate to that of said groove (6), said insert (6) being inserted into said groove (5). Ornamental articles. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ORNAMENTAL ARTICLE AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING METHOD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of ornamental and decorative articles, such as body adornment articles such as those in the field of jewelry, goldsmithing, silversmithing or clothing accessories.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to an ornamental article comprising a decorative object, a support for the decorative object, and a fastening interface for attaching said decorative object to the support. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an ornamental article.

[0003] It is known, particularly in the field of jewelry, to fix ornamental objects (for example precious stones) to a support which itself forms, for example, a bracelet, a necklace, a ring, or even a belt or a brooch.

[0004] To this end, setting, which can be achieved using prongs, is a known method. Setting, particularly with prongs, is a reliable and proven method, but it does have some drawbacks. First, the prongs are visible and may be perceived as unsightly in some cases. Furthermore, while prong setting is well-suited to cut stones, which exhibit a certain geometric regularity, it is difficult, if not impossible, to implement for a rough, uncut mineral, which has an irregular shape. In addition, setting does not allow a user to easily and at will separate the decorative object (precious stone or other) from the setting (bracelet, ring, etc.).However, such a removable fastening feature is particularly sought after in the field of costume jewelry, which offers customizable pieces designed to allow for the removable attachment of various personalization accessories to a base (for example, a bracelet). Traditional prong setting systems are unsuitable for such an application due to their irreversible nature.

[0005] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new ornamental article with a decorative object attached to a support, the design of which allows a particularly reliable, robust and discreet attachment of said decorative object to the support.

[0006] Another object assigned to the invention aims to propose a new ornamental article presenting a completely original appearance while being of particularly simple and resistant construction.

[0007] Another objective assigned to the invention is to propose a new ornamental article of particularly compact and robust construction.

[0008] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new ornamental article that is particularly light and easy and quick to manufacture.

[0009] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new ornamental article whose design allows for easy and at-will personalization of the article by the end user.

[0010] Another object assigned to the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process allowing to obtain in an easy and quick way, at a controlled cost, a particularly robust and aesthetic ornamental article.

[0011] Another object assigned to the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process for an ornamental article which is particularly well suited to industrial manufacturing.

[0012] The objects assigned to the invention are reached by means of an ornamental article comprising a decorative object, a support carrying the decorative object and a fastening interface for attaching said decorative object to the support, characterized in that it comprises an annular groove formed in said decorative object and surrounding a solid portion of said decorative object, said fastening interface comprising a cylindrical insert of shape conjugate to that of said groove, said insert being introduced into said groove.

[0013] The objects assigned to the invention also include a method for manufacturing an ornamental article characterized in that it comprises: - a step (a) of creating an annular groove in a decorative object, such that said groove surrounds a solid portion of said decorative object, - a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying a fastening interface comprising a cylindrical insert with a shape conjugate to that of said groove, - a step (c) of fixing said fixing interface to said decorative object, during which said insert is introduced into said groove, - and a step (d) of fixing said fixing interface to a support.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will be further detailed upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which:

[0015] [Fig-1] illustrates, according to a schematic cross-sectional view, an example of the realization of a ornamental article conforming to the invention.

[0016] [Fig.2] corresponds to [Fig.1] in exploded view.

[0017] [Fig.3] illustrates, according to a view from below, the decorative object of the ornamental article of figures 1 and 2.

[0018] [Fig.4] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, the fixing interface of the ornamental article of figures 1 and 2.

[0019] The invention relates to an ornamental article 1, which is intended to produce an effect decorative, aesthetic. For example, the ornamental article 1 according to the invention constitutes a body adornment, which is advantageously intended to be worn by a user, for example, around a part of their body. In this preferred embodiment, which corresponds to the figures, the ornamental article 1 advantageously constitutes a piece of jewelry, and for example, a piece of jewelry selected from the following group: bracelet, watch strap, ring, necklace, earrings, piercing, or brooch. The invention is not, however, limited to a body adornment, and the ornamental article 1 may alternatively be intended to adorn, or constitute: - an item of clothing or a fashion accessory (belt, suspenders, snap fastener, cufflinks, shoes, eyeglass frames, headwear, hair clip, accessories for additional hair extensions...), or - a piece of furniture (furniture, curtain, curtain tieback, tablecloth...), - a leather good (handbag, purse...), - a storage item (box, jewelry box...), - a religious object (rosary...), - a weapon (revolver, pistol, rifle, knives or sword...) - a kitchen utensil (cutlery such as knives, forks, spoons...).

[0020] In order to fulfill its ornamental function, said ornamental article 1 comprises a decorative object 2, intended to give the ornamental article 1 a specific aesthetic character. The decorative object 2 is advantageously formed by a three-dimensional element, for example, a solid, solid element. The decorative object 2 preferably has a solid character and is, for example, formed by a mineral element, and even more preferably by an uncut mineral element, that is to say, one having an irregular, rough shape. Said mineral element is advantageously natural, but the invention also relates to artificial, synthetic minerals. The invention is, of course, not limited to the implementation of a decorative object 2 formed by a mineral element, and it is alternatively possible to use an element made of plastic, metal, or composite material, for example, without departing from the scope of the invention.Decorative object 2 can also be formed from a cut and / or faceted element (mineral or otherwise), for example, a cut stone with facets. However, using an uncut mineral element, preferably natural, allows for a completely original appearance of ornamental item 1, without sacrificing its robustness and aesthetic appeal, thanks to the implementation of a specific fastening method which will be described in more detail below.

[0021] The ornamental article 1 according to the invention also comprises a support 3 which carries the decorative object 2. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the ornamental article 1 forms a body adornment, and preferably a In this case, the support 3 is advantageously formed by an annular or pseudo-annular shaped element designed to locally encircle the user's body. The support 3 is, for example, a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or an earring, although this list is not exhaustive. The support 3 may be formed by a solid, rigid body, for example, made of metal. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the support 3 could be more flexible and / or made of different materials, some rigid and others flexible, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] The ornamental article 1 further comprises a fastening interface 4 for attaching the decorative object 2 to the support 3. Preferably, the fastening interface 4 is separate from both the decorative object 2 and the support 3. However, it is conceivable that the fastening interface 4 may be integral with the support 3, without departing from the scope of the invention. The fastening interface 4 thus allows the decorative object 2 to be mechanically connected to the support 3, and preferably immobilizes the decorative object 2 on and against the support 3, with the fastening interface 4 advantageously interposed between the decorative object 2 and the support 3, as illustrated in the figures.The fixing interface 4 is thus advantageously masked by the decorative object 2, whose section is preferably greater than the section of the fixing interface 4, as illustrated in the figures, so that the fixing interface 4 does not extend laterally beyond the decorative object 2.

[0023] As illustrated in the figures, the ornamental article 1 comprises a groove 5 formed in the decorative object 2, on its surface. This groove 5 is annular, that is to say, it extends along a profile that closes upon itself, for example, in the form of a curve or a closed loop. Advantageously, the annular groove 5 is not through-hole, that is to say, it extends from an opening on the surface of the decorative object 2, deep within the latter, without, however, passing completely through said decorative object 2, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures. In other words, the groove 5 advantageously corresponds to a notch in the form of a closed loop formed on the surface of the decorative object 2, preferably at the level of a solid portion of said decorative object 2.The groove 5 thus advantageously extends along an annular profile and preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section, with an inner lateral wall 5A and an outer lateral wall 5B parallel to each other, said inner lateral walls 5A and outer lateral walls 5B being connected by a base 5C which is preferably flat and extends perpendicularly to said inner lateral walls 5A and outer lateral walls 5B. The annular groove 5 advantageously encloses a solid portion 2A of said decorative object 2. For example, as illustrated in the figures, said solid portion 2A enclosed by the groove 5 forms a substantially cylindrical wall which constitutes said inner lateral wall. 5A.

[0024] According to the invention, the fastening interface 4 comprises a cylindrical insert 6 of a shape conjugate to that of the groove 5, the insert 6 being inserted into the groove 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], in order to ensure a mechanical connection between the decorative object 2 and the fixing interface 4. The insert 6 and the groove 5 therefore preferably have conjugate shapes and dimensions, so that the groove 5 and insert 6 are complementary, which allows the (preferably fitted) insertion of the insert 6 into the groove 5. The use of such an assembly makes it possible to obtain, thanks to the large contact surface between the insert 6 and the decorative object 2 provided by the combination of an annular groove 5 and a cylindrical insert 6, a particularly robust and discreet assembly. In particular, the implementation of such an assembly with an annular groove and a cylindrical insert makes it possible to overcome irregularities in the shape of the decorative object 2.This assembly also minimizes the weakening of the decorative object 2, thus ensuring its durability and allowing for subsequent handling. The invention thus provides a compact sub-assembly, formed by the assembly of the insert 6 and the decorative object 2, which preserves the mechanical strength of the decorative object 2.

[0025] Preferably, the cylindrical insert 6 is press-fitted into the groove 5, thereby mechanically securing the insert 6 within the groove 5. In other words, the insert 6 is pressed, in a precise manner, into the groove 5, so as to come into clamping and / or frictional contact with one or both of the inner lateral walls 5A and outer lateral walls 5B, which ensures that the insert 6 and the decorative object 2, within which the groove 5 is formed, are securely fastened.In this preferred embodiment, the decorative object 2 and the cylindrical insert 6 are attached to each other by a purely mechanical assembly. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the cylindrical insert 6 be glued to the decorative object 2. According to a variant, the insert 6 can simply be freely slid into the groove 5, without being forced in, the assembly of the insert 6 and the decorative object 2 being achieved solely by gluing, for example by means of adhesive pads deposited within the groove 5 to connect the insert 6 to at least one of the inner side wall 5A, outer side wall 5B and base 5C.According to an alternative variant, which combines mechanical assembly and gluing, the cylindrical insert 6 is forced into the groove 5 to ensure a mechanical link between the decorative object 2 and the insert 6, this mechanical link being completed by the addition of glue (preferably within the groove 5 at least) to further glue the insert 6 to the decorative object 2.

[0026] In a particularly preferred manner, the groove 5 is circular, in which case the insert 6 has a cylindrical shape with a circular guiding curve. The use of Such a circular profile, for both the groove 5 and the insert 6, is particularly advantageous because it allows for simple machining of the groove 5, for example, using a hollow drill bit. The circular shape also provides an excellent compromise between the contact surface of the insert 6 with the decorative object 2 and the volume occupied by the groove 5. This circular shape thus allows for a fixing interface 4 which, while being particularly compact, is capable of being fixed particularly effectively and durably to the decorative object 2. However, the use of a circular profile for the groove 5 and the cylindrical insert 6 is not the only option under the invention.Alternatively, it is possible, for example, that the annular groove 5 has a polygonal, oval or other profile, with the insert 6 having a cylindrical shape whose guiding curve is preferably conjugate to the profile of the groove 5.

[0027] Advantageously, the fastening interface 4 comprises a plate 7 from which the cylindrical insert 6 rises. The plate 7 comprises, for example, a plate, preferably discoidal, from and around the periphery of which rises a skirt forming the cylindrical insert 6. The plate 7 is advantageously fixed to the support 3, for example, in a removable and reversible manner, by means of a mechanical assembly (screwing, clipping, or other). Alternatively, the plate 7 may be formed from the same material as the support 3, in which case the plate 7 and the support 3 form a single, unified piece. The fastening interface 4 is thus, in an advantageous embodiment, in the form of a single, unified piece (illustrated in [Fig. 4]) having a shape of revolution about a central axis X-X'.

[0028] In order to reversibly fix the plate 7 to the support 3, the fixing interface 4 advantageously comprises a male fixing element 8 extending from said plate 7 and advantageously attached to it, or possibly formed from it. Preferably, said male fixing element 8 extends from said plate 7 opposite said cylindrical insert 6. The plate 7 is thus interposed between, on the one hand, the cylindrical insert 6 extending from the plate 7 on one side thereof, and, on the other hand, the male fixing element 8 extending from the plate 7 on the other side thereof. The support 3 is advantageously provided with a female fixing element 9 intended to cooperate, according to any known principle (screwing, clipping, etc.), with said male fixing element 8 to attach the fixing interface 4 to the support 3.Preferably, the male fixing element 8 includes a threaded rod 8A, while the female fixing element 9 includes a complementary tapped hole 9A, the threaded rod 8A being advantageously intended to be screwed into the tapped hole 9A to secure the support 3 on the one hand and the subassembly formed by the decorative object 2 and the fixing interface 4 on the other. To ensure reliable securing of the subassembly formed by... interface 4 and decorative object 2 to support 3, the thread advantageously implemented at the level of threaded rod 8A has a fine pitch, for example less than or equal to 20 microns.

[0029] Using a removable attachment for the interface 4 to the support 3 advantageously allows the decorative item 1 to be customized. A user simply needs to unscrew (or unclip) the interface 4 to separate the support 3 from the sub-assembly formed by the interface 4 and the decorative object 2, and then screw (or clip) on another interface 4 / decorative object 2 sub-assembly which, for example, has a different aesthetic appearance.

[0030] Of course, the invention is not limited to a removable method of attaching the interface 4 to the support 3. Nor is the invention limited, when a removable attachment is used, to the use of screw fastening. Alternatively, it is perfectly conceivable, for example, that the male fastening element 8 and the female fastening element 9 be provided with complementary magnetic means, or with complementary mechanical fastening means employing, for example, elastic deformation, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also perfectly conceivable that the interface 4 be provided with the female fastening element 9 and that the support 3 be provided with the male fastening element 8, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] The invention also relates, as such, to a method for manufacturing an ornamental article 1, which article preferably conforms to the invention. Consequently, the preceding description relating to the ornamental article 1 is applicable to the manufacturing method according to the invention. Conversely, the following description relating to the manufacturing method according to the invention also applies to the ornamental article 1.

[0032] The manufacturing process according to the invention comprises a step (a) of forming an annular groove 5 in a decorative object 2, such that said groove 5 surrounds a solid portion 2A of said decorative object 2. For example, the groove 5 is formed after the decorative object 2 has been manufactured or supplied. In this embodiment, the step (a) of forming the annular groove 5 advantageously includes a machining operation using suitable tooling (for example, a milling cutter or a hollow drill bit). Preferably, as previously explained, the groove 5 is advantageously circular. In this case, during the step (a) of forming the annular groove 5, said groove 5 is formed, for example, using a hollow drill bit so that said groove 5 is circular. Such a hollow drill bit is conventionally in the form of a toothed ring allowing for an annular recess.Such a hollow drill bit allows for a "core drilling" type cut, it being understood, however, that the solid portion 2A is intended to remain in place and not be separated from the rest of the decorative object 2. Of course, . In this particular embodiment, the material of the decorative object 2 has sufficient consistency and hardness to allow its annular drilling with such a hollow drill bit, without causing crumbling or uncontrolled deterioration of the decorative object 2. However, the invention is not limited to machining the annular groove 5. For example, it is alternatively possible for the groove 5 to be formed during the manufacture of the decorative object 2, by molding or 3D printing. Advantageously, the groove 5 is formed in the decorative object 2 to a depth of between 3 and 10 mm.

[0033] The manufacturing process according to the invention also includes a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying a fastening interface 4, said fastening interface 4 comprising a cylindrical insert 6 of a shape conjugate to that of said groove 5. The manufacturing interface 4 is, for example, in the form of a single piece, preferably metallic or plastic, advantageously obtained by machining, molding, 3D printing or any other suitable technique.

[0034] Advantageously, the method further comprises a step (c) of attaching the attachment interface 4 to the decorative object 2, during which the insert 6 is inserted into the groove 5. Thus, during this step (c), the insert 6 is pressed, preferably by force, into the groove 5, which allows, possibly in conjunction with the application of adhesive, the attachment interface 4 to be fixed to the decorative object 2. The adhesive can be applied to the groove 5 but also between the plate 7 and the solid portion 2A. The adhesive will, of course, be chosen according to the nature of the materials that respectively constitute the insert 6, the plate 7, and the decorative object 2.

[0035] Finally, the method according to the invention includes a step (d) of fixing the fixing interface 4 to a support 3. The fixing step (d) in question may consist, for example, of assembling the interface 4 to the support 3 by screwing.

[0036] In conclusion, the invention makes it possible to fix, preferably in a reversible manner, all types of decorative accessories, in particular of a mineral nature, to any support, in an extremely reliable, discreet and robust manner.

Claims

Demands

1. Ornamental article (1) comprising a decorative object (2), a support (3) carrying the decorative object (2) and a fixing interface (4) for attaching said decorative object (2) to the support (3), characterized in that said decorative object (2) has a solid character, said ornamental article (1) comprising an annular groove (5) formed in said decorative object (2) and surrounding a solid portion (2A) of said decorative object (2), said fixing interface (4) comprising a cylindrical insert (6) having a shape conjugate to that of said groove (6), said insert (6) being introduced into said groove (5).

2. Ornamental article (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said groove (5) is circular.

3. Ornamental article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said decorative object (2) is formed by an uncut mineral element.

4. Ornamental article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said fixing interface (4) comprises a plate (7) from which rises said cylindrical insert (6), said plate (7) being fixed to said support (3), or made of material with the latter.

5. Ornamental article (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said fixing interface (4) comprises a male fixing element (8) extending from said plate (7), opposite said cylindrical insert (6), said support (3) being provided with a female fixing element (9) intended to cooperate with said male fixing element (8) to attach said fixing interface (4) to said support (3).

6. Ornamental article (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said male fastening element (8) includes a threaded rod (8A).

7. Ornamental article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said cylindrical insert (6) is force-inserted into said groove (5).

8. Ornamental article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said cylindrical insert (6) is glued to said decorative object (2).

9. An ornamental article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it forms an article of body adornment, said support (3) being formed, for example, by a shaped element ring or pseudo-ring such as a bracelet, ring, necklace or earring.

10. A method for manufacturing an ornamental article (1) characterized in that it comprises: - a step (a) of making an annular groove (5) in a decorative object (2), such that said groove (5) surrounds a solid portion (2A) of said decorative object (2), said decorative object (2) having a solid character, - a step (b) of manufacturing or supplying a fastening interface (4) comprising a cylindrical insert (6) of a shape conjugate to that of said groove (5), - a step (c) of fixing said interface (4) for fixing said decorative object, during which said insert (6) is introduced into said groove (5), - and a step (d) of fixing said interface (4) to a support (3).

11. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim characterized in that during step (a) of making the annular groove (5), said groove (5) is made by means of a hollow drill so that said groove (5) is circular.

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