Telescopic modular jewelry with slotted arms

Abstract

The present invention relates to a piece of jewelry (1) having a plurality of modular elements or arms (10, 10'), wherein the plurality of modular elements or arms (10, 10') are hinged to each other in a swing-like manner around one or more hinge axes (100), and each arm defines a central hinge region (11) having at least one seat (110) for engaging at least one connecting element (31) for connecting an additional arm. The central hinge region (11) is interposed between at least two lateral hinge regions (12, 13) located near both ends along the longitudinal direction (B) of the arm and further comprises lateral seats (120, 130) for engaging additional connecting elements (32, 33). The seats (11, 12, 13) for engaging the connecting elements (31, 32, 33) include holes or slots (110, 120, 130) between two openings formed on two opposing faces of the arm, the connecting elements include articulating pins designed to engage with the through holes, the through holes having peripheral edges extended in at least one diametrically along the extension axis (A), and the through holes preferably have different predetermined lengths (D) between the different seats (11, 12, 13) present on each arm (10, 10').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gemstone or jewelry that can always change its dimensions without adding or removing articles by changing the relative positions of its components by a simple operation of manually expanding and contracting by the wearer.

Background Art

[0002] This article can take various forms, such as an open shape or a closed shape, and can be used, for example, as an adjustable ring that fits fingers of different sizes, a bracelet, a pendant, or an earring. It can also be used as a decorative element or as a size-adjustable container, for example, as a napkin holder or a scarf holder.

[0003] This type of jewelry is already known at present and is described in, for example, German Utility Model No. 9100430 and European Patent Application Publication No. 191,1366.

[0004] These documents describe jewelry that changes its own dimensions by transitioning from a closed (or contracted) state to an open (or extended) state.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 9,486,041 owned by the applicant discloses jewelry composed of a strip member having a predetermined width, including a plurality of module elements, and adjustable between a contracted state and an extended state, and the width has different values over the length direction of the whole jewelry.

[0006] Thereby, a high aesthetic appearance can be obtained by gradually changing the dimensions, and even when the same jewelry takes various forms, it is possible to obtain jewelry that is durable and aesthetically excellent.

[0007] Therefore, the jewelry subject to the present invention can be in the form of annular shapes such as rings and bracelets, or in the form of arched or linear shapes such as pendants and earrings, and its dimensions and the number of components can be changed, but in either case it follows the inventive concept that characterizes the present invention.

[0008] The specific form of the jewelry consists of any number of arms interconnected and hinged together so as to be pivotable around one or more hinge axes, allowing the jewelry to be adjusted to any position between a limited contraction position and a limited extension position. Each arm has multiple hinge zones, including a central hinge zone containing a seat for engaging the connecting element, interposed between at least two lateral hinge zones located on the end side of the arm.

[0009] The arm may have a substantially flat surface that constitutes part of the surface of the jewelry as the surface that comes into contact with the wearer. Alternatively, the arm may have an arched cross-section along at least one direction. Furthermore, it may also include one or more support elements for housing gemstones or other decorative elements (such as settings and / or prongs).

[0010] The applicant has observed in the product development and improvement process that, in certain closed, annular forms such as rings and bracelets, problems arise in the dynamics of the jewelry during expansion and contraction when the joint supporting the movement has a structure in which multiple cylindrical pins are housed in a circular seat whose cross-section substantially coincides with the cross-section of the pins themselves. In fact, the jewelry is expandable or contractible, and therefore its diameter can be reduced or increased in a closed form, for example, it can be transformed from a ring to a bracelet.

[0011] In particular, difficulties have been observed in the mutual movement of the arms that make up the jewelry, especially when the jewelry is in a closed form, i.e., when it takes the shape of a ring. This requires the user to use excessive force when changing the size of the jewelry, resulting in a lack of practicality in use and potentially leading to damage during or after repeated extension and retraction operations.

[0012] Analysis of the behavior of the arms and joints between them that enable the shape change of jewelry revealed that when the jewelry takes an annular shape, each arm bends along its longitudinal axis as the relative position between the arms changes in three-dimensional space during the extension (or contraction) phase. Straight or nearly straight arms are thus forced into an arched or more arched shape, increasing friction between the arms and / or connecting elements, resulting in increased contact force between the components of the jewelry. This makes mutual movement between the arms difficult, hindering the mechanism's intended functionality of allowing the wearer to manipulate the jewelry without excessive force. This phenomenon is at least partially due to the combination of the difference in radii between the two overlapping annular bands formed by juxtaposing a predetermined number of arms, and the mutual diffusion motion of the arms, which are articulated to form the jewelry in a closed shape. Due to the increased friction, the force required to move the jewelry is not constant but changes depending on the contracted state. Therefore, in situations where it is desirable for the force required to change the dimensions of the jewelry to always be constant, its practical usability is reduced.

[0013] In particular, the applicant discovered that the frictional force resisting the aforementioned motion is not uniformly distributed throughout the entire arm, but is greater in the peripheral zone along the longitudinal direction. This phenomenon is due to a combination of the change in curvature of each arm that occurs when the jewelry contracts / expands in the form of a ring or bracelet, and the tendency for misalignment between the seats of two overlapping arms, resulting in increased resistance to the pin that fits into the seat.

[0014] In addition to its lack of practical usability, another observed limitation is excessive wear of the parts, resulting in a decline in quality over time. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0015] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide variable-size jewelry that is easy to use in both open and extended states, is durable, and does not impair aesthetics. Specifically, the object is to realize jewelry with an appropriate structure that allows for uniform and practical operation of contraction or extension, does not require excessive force to cause discomfort to the wearer, and does not damage the joints even with repeated use.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide jewelry that can be adapted to users who differ in terms of size and design.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to achieve high aesthetic appeal while also enabling the use of gemstones of different sizes.

[0018] The present invention achieves the aforementioned and other objectives by the jewelry described in the independent claim, and any further additional features or variations are subject to the dependent claims.

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows variations of the arm with different shapes, represented according to the first two-dimensional view and the second three-dimensional perspective view. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows two views of multiple five-hole arms, one in the extended state and the other in the retracted state. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a conceptual representation of a ring / bracelet containing two annular bands, each band formed by a replica of a five-hole arm. [Figure 3b] Figure 3b shows three different modifications of the present invention, and for each modification, it shows a comparison of two possible extended states of the same jewelry. The three modifications are distinguished by the arrangement of the slots in the arms, which differs in different arc portions. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a portion of Figure 3 and schematically represents several connecting elements. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a part of a piece of jewelry with prongs for setting gemstones. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] As also shown in the attached drawings, the jewelry 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of modular elements or arms 10, which are pivotably connected to each other around one or more hinge axes 100, and the jewelry 1 is adjustable to any position between a limit contraction position 201 and a limit extension position 202. Each arm is provided with a central hinge region 11, which has at least one central seat 110 and is capable of engaging at least one connecting element 31 for connecting additional arms 10'. The central hinge region 11 is located between at least two lateral hinge regions 12, 13 positioned near the end along the longitudinal direction B of the arm, and these lateral hinge regions 12, 13 are provided with lateral seats 120, 130 for engaging additional connecting elements 32, 33, respectively. The seats 11, 12, and 13 for engaging the connecting elements 31, 32, and 33 have through holes or slots 110, 120, and 130 between two opposing surfaces of the arm, and the connecting elements include articulated pins for engaging with the through holes.

[0022] As can be more clearly understood from the embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings, multiple modular elements, i.e., arms or levers 10, are interconnected by connecting elements 31, 32, and 33, and by movably connecting the arms 10, a mesh is formed that realizes a dimensionally variable shape. Figure 2 shows the contracted state 201 and the extended state 202 of multiple arms 10 arranged in a planar configuration.

[0023] Each arm has an elongated shape and thus extends along the longitudinal axis B. A transverse direction / transverse axis T extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis B. The longitudinal axis B and the transverse direction / transverse axis T define a plane in which the arm is located, and the thickness of the arm itself is measured along the normal direction of that plane.

[0024] In general, each arm is not necessarily limited to a strictly planar shape, and it is not excluded that it may have a shape formed on a curved surface. Preferably, it is curved along one or both of the longitudinal axis B and / or the transverse axis T.

[0025] In the field of jewelry, it is common to use an arm with an odd number of holes, but the present invention is also applicable to the case where the number of holes is even. Therefore, the central hinge region 11 may include two central hinge seats.

[0026] In the case of a closed-form jewelry (Figure 3), a pair of annular bands 20, 20' having a predetermined width are formed, and these are composed of a plurality of elongated arms or modular elements. At least one of these modular elements is connected to at least two additional modular elements via at least two connection points, and the modular elements are movably connected around each connection point, so that the jewelry can be adjusted between a limit contraction state 201 (Figure 2) and a limit extension state 202, and can take and maintain any position between these two limit positions.

[0027] Each arm includes a predetermined number of hinge regions 11, 12, 13 arranged along the longitudinal axis B, and these regions function as seats for receiving connection elements such as pins. Around this connection element, at least two arms 10, 10' are joined by a restraint that limits their relative movement and are swingable relative to each other.

[0028] To ensure proper operation of the joint mechanism, the number of seats provided on a single arm should be greater than two, and as already mentioned, this number may be even or odd. While the examples shown in Figures 2 and 4 specifically illustrate five seats, each having a through-hole, the present invention is applicable to a different number of seats, and the effects are similarly observed. Figure 1 shows arms with 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 holes. Generally, the effect of the present invention becomes more pronounced as the number of seats arranged along each individual arm increases.

[0029] The technical challenge of making the contraction / extension operation comfortable for the user is solved by featuring the shape of the through-hole. Specifically, the through-hole has an opening shape with a peripheral edge that extends in at least one diametrical direction along the extension axis, and its length is predetermined, preferably with different lengths set for each of the various engagement seats on each arm. Reference numeral 4 in Figure 1 shows an example of such a shape. The need to ensure oscillating motion between the arms requires, firstly, that the connecting element be circular to fit the shape of the through-hole. However, as mentioned above, the applicant found that in the case of closed jewelry such as rings and bracelets, the overall dynamics of the contraction / extension operation in this configuration are such that the force required to extend from the maximum contraction position to the maximum extension position is not constant, but increases as it approaches the maximum extension position. This makes the operation inconvenient for the user.

[0030] Regarding the technical challenges to be addressed, the problem cannot be solved by the obvious means of simply changing the relative dimensions of the through-hole and the connecting element corresponding to that through-hole. This is because two conflicting requirements must be reconciled. The first requirement is to ensure minimal resistance between the arms and prevent undesirable elongation, taking into account that a ring, which is typically worn on a finger, maintains its shape. The second requirement is that the dimensions can be changed with moderate force without the use of tools.

[0031] Preferably, by making at least some of the holes elongated, the force required for operation is reduced, while ensuring a minimum frictional force to prevent the attached jewelry from moving unintentionally in any elongated state.

[0032] In a modification of one embodiment, for at least one hole provided in the same arm, its extension axis A (Figure 1) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined based on the longitudinal direction of the arm itself. Thus, at least some of the holes have an elongated shape, i.e., a shape in which one dimension is larger than the other in a two-dimensional cross-section in the plane of the arm, and in this particular embodiment, the dominant dimension is formed along an extension axis that is parallel to or coincides with the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0033] In yet another modification, the internal dimension D of each hole, measured along the longitudinal axis B, changes according to a known linear or nonlinear progression, preferably increasing as one moves from the central seat hole to the lateral seat holes. In this regard, as shown in Figure 1, dimension D increases from the central hole 110' to the outermost lateral hole 130', and similarly increases from the central hole 110' to the opposite outermost lateral hole 120'. Preferably, though not required, the central hole 110' (or the two central holes in the central seat if the number of holes is even) has a circular shape and serves to guide the jewelry during joint movement when extending or contracting.

[0034] Accordingly, considering the continuous holes adjacent to each other on the same arm 10 toward both ends 12 and 13 from the central hole 110 or 110' (or, in the case of an even number of holes in an arm, the midpoint between two holes in the central seat), the present invention is particularly advantageous when the degree of elongation of the holes in the lateral seats is greater than that of the central seat. In fact, by employing an elongated shape due to the lateral seats, it is possible to avoid increased friction in the arm regions near these seats as a result of deformation applied to the arms when the jewelry changes dimensions.

[0035] This adjustment is defined as a result of the following observations: the peripheral zones of two arms connected to each other by a common connecting element deform more significantly during extension; the deformation of both arms occurs in different directions; and consequently, friction increases in the direction toward the connecting element when the hole is not in an elongated shape.

[0036] Furthermore, the extension of the base makes it possible to compensate for the misalignment that occurs between the overlapping bases of the two overlapping arms. This misalignment occurs because, as the jewelry extends, the longitudinal axes B of each of the two arms exhibit a variable and increasing inclination angle relative to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, in this configuration as well, as mentioned above, the central hole 110' (or the two central holes provided in the central seat when the number of holes is even) is preferably circular in shape in order to guide the jewelry during joint movement when extending or contracting.

[0038] Furthermore, as a result, the hole configuration described herein has the effect of suppressing indentation of the ring / bracelet surface in a direction perpendicular to the mounting axis.

[0039] This configuration is also known as the "dome shape" of a ring, and refers to a profile where the upper part, where gemstones and decorative elements can be placed, has a rounded, raised shape resembling the contour of a dome. This shape is often preferred because it gives a robust appearance, a comfortable fit, and a large surface area that allows for various processing and settings. In other words, this dome shape gives the cross-section of the jewelry a concave curvature in the circumferential direction, and as a result, the radius of the jewelry is slightly larger in the center or cross-section than at the periphery.

[0040] In contrast, the opposite aesthetic form can be described as a shape with a convex cross-section, resulting in the radius of the jewelry being slightly larger at the periphery than at the center.

[0041] The applicant observed that a drawback of conventional expandable jewelry is that, without correction, the cross-sectional shape of the jewelry changes, and the convex shape tends to be emphasized in the aforementioned sense, particularly near the maximum extension state. This undesirable effect can be corrected and controlled by slotting the setting as described herein. By appropriately selecting the shape of the slot, it is possible to make the cross-section flat or concave, or at least a shape with less convexity than when slotting is not performed, according to the design requirements of the ring designer.

[0042] In one modification, the elongated shape of the through-hole is planar and consists of two semicircles 41 and 42 facing each other on the concave side, with their centers aligned along the elongation axis A. Furthermore, these semicircles are connected by two connecting lines, each connecting the free end of the first semicircle to the free end of the second semicircle opposite the free end of the first semicircle. This shape is preferred because it can accommodate a cylindrical pin more easily than an elliptical shape. Preferably, the two semicircles have the same radius, which is set to be slightly larger than the radius of the pin acting as a connecting element, so that a cylindrical seat with a semicircular cross-section can accurately receive half of the pin housed in the seat.

[0043] Preferably, though not required, the two connecting lines may have the shape of a line segment 43, 44 or a part of a straight line connecting the two free ends as described in the claim. Alternatively, they may have a curved or oblique shape.

[0044] In yet another modification, the distance M between the midpoints along the extension axis A between two adjacent holes in a single arm is constant. In this configuration, each hole has a cross-sectional shape symmetrical with respect to a center point that coincides with the midpoint of the extension axis. Each hole may have a different shape from adjacent holes on the same arm, but a midpoint is identified for each hole, and the distance between the midpoints of adjacent holes on the same arm remains constant. Alternatively, the distance between the midpoints may not be constant for some holes on the arm. This choice of midpoint distance can be determined based on various physical conditions of the jewelry, such as the number of holes in each arm, the thickness of the single link / arm, the material of the jewelry, and other parameters experimented with during prototyping, and can be reproduced in production.

[0045] In another modification of the present invention, the length D of the hole along the extension axis A is defined according to the thickness of the arm in which the hole is formed and / or the physical and mechanical properties of the material used to manufacture the arm 10. Preferably, it is determined based on the coefficient of friction detected between the two arms assembled when forming the jewelry 1. Such a choice can balance excessive wear of generally softer metals and ensure tolerances to compensate for tilt and misalignment of the axis at various positions when the jewelry is open or closed.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the jewelry includes a first annular band 20' composed of a known number of arms 10' arranged side by side, and a second annular band 20 superimposed on the first annular band, the second annular band also composed of a known number of arms 10. Furthermore, the annular bands 20 and 20' are superimposed such that, for each hole in each arm, the holes in the arms of the first annular band are substantially coaxial with the corresponding holes in the arms of the second annular band.

[0047] As yet another variation, preferably in combination with the variation described above, at least some of the arms included in the first annular band (20') and at least some of the arms included in the second annular band (20) have the same configuration in terms of the arrangement and / or shape of the engagement seats present on the arms of both bands. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the same type of arms, defined by referring to the geometric shape of the engagement holes as described above, are repeatedly used in the configuration of two superimposed annular bands and articulated by appropriate pins to form an expandable and contractible structure of jewelry.

[0048] Such a configuration offers several advantages. For example, it limits the types of components involved, eliminates the need for hooks or other hinge configurations known in the prior art (e.g., UK Patent Application Publication No. 983842), avoiding those typically integrated into the arm of a band that comes into contact with the body, and allows for the use of a cylindrical shaft with a visible end on which a jewel can be placed, and a pin with a customizable head. This also makes it possible to construct an extremely precise mechanism that enables comfortable retraction / extension during use.

[0049] In yet another modification, the articulated pins or connecting pins 31, 32, 33 can be freely combined with many other embodiments of the present invention, and the articulated pins or connecting pins 31, 32, 33 can be positioned along an axis 100 perpendicular to the plane of the support surface and welded and / or riveted and / or formed integrally with one or more arms constituting the jewelry. According to this embodiment, if the connecting pin is integral with the radially inner arm, the slot is provided only on the radially outer arm. Conversely, if the connecting pin is integral with the radially outer arm, the slot is provided only on the radially inner arm.

[0050] While the detailed description herein refers to a modular element (arm) being superimposed and interconnected with five other identical specimens, this does not limit or prevent other embodiments in which a single element is connected to more or fewer other elements. For example, the characteristics and implementations of the present invention are fully compatible with modifications in which each arm specimen works in conjunction with three or more other elements (which may be an even number).

[0051] The modular arms are articulated with respect to each other along the hinge axis 100 at each connection point. That is, the hinge axis is perpendicular to the mounting direction and also perpendicular to the support surface, i.e., the surface that contacts the wearer's body.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the at least one modular element 10 has at least three connection points for connecting to three more modular elements, the connection points are capable of connecting the at least one modular element to yet another modular element, and the configuration includes at least one intermediate section interposed between the first connection point (for connecting to the first modular element) and the second connection point (for connecting to the second modular element).

[0053] Generally, at least some of the arms that make up the circumference of a closed piece of jewelry have slots in their engagement seats. In a modified example where slots are provided on all arms along the entire circumference, and the slot configuration is the same for all arms, the jewelry can achieve an expanded state with a larger radius while maintaining its original contracted shape. In contrast, differential expansion corresponding to a specific sector of the circumference of the jewelry can also be obtained due to the difference in frictional force between sectors with different slot configurations.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3b, in some modifications, the present invention specifies the construction of jewelry that includes multiple arc sectors with different arm slot configurations, thereby allowing the frictional force between the arms of each sector to change gradually, and consequently enabling the shape of the jewelry to change in stages when it is stretched.

[0055] In Figure 3b, 1 shows the jewelry in a contracted state, and 1' shows the same jewelry in at least a partially stretched state, allowing for a comparison of the shape changes obtained by combinations of arms with varying slot configurations in different circumferential sectors of the object. As mentioned above, slotting the arms reduces frictional force during stretching motion, and this advantage can be further utilized to change the shape the jewelry takes when it stretches or contracts by providing different slot configurations between each arm constituting at least one of the annular bands 20 and 20'.

[0056] In particular, the left portion of Figure 3b shows the extended state, and it can be seen that the arms belonging to the 90° and 270° sectors have wider slots than the arms belonging to the 0° and 180° sectors. In this case, a configuration with a gradual change in slots along the periphery is schematically shown, and other modifications, such as using only two types of slotted arms, are not excluded.

[0057] Similarly, the right-hand section shows two extended states, with no slots provided in the arms at the 0° and 180° positions. As a result, the jewelry extends horizontally but does not increase in dimensions vertically.

[0058] The central part of the object extends while generally maintaining its circumferential shape. However, it is useful to note that the displacement of the arms differs depending on the slot, and consequently, the distribution of the arms along the circumference also differs. This is advantageous, for example, when it is desirable to maintain the density of the exposed gemstone while not impairing the expandability of the product.

[0059] Different variations may include one or more prongs, settings, or similar components for holding gemstones or other decorative elements. These components are used to hold gemstones or other decorative elements even if their shapes and sizes differ from one another among the individual pieces that make up the jewelry.

[0060] Throughout this specification, similar reference numbers may be used to indicate similar elements.

[0061] Various side views of each embodiment are shown in the drawings, but unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0062] It will be readily apparent that the components of the embodiments described herein and shown in part in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

[0063] Therefore, the following description is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as shown in the drawings, but merely illustrates an example of a possible embodiment.

[0064] The present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without impairing its spirit or essential features.

[0065] The embodiments described herein are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0066] All modifications that fall within the intent of the claims and the scope of equivalents should be understood as being within the scope of the claims.

[0067] References to features, advantages, or similar expressions herein do not necessarily imply that all features or advantages are necessarily present in a single embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Rather, any expression referring to features or advantages means that any features, advantages, or specific characteristics described in relation to a particular embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Therefore, descriptions of features, advantages, and similar expressions throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics described in the present invention can be optionally combined in one or more embodiments as appropriate.

[0071] In some cases, additional features or advantages may be recognized in specific embodiments, and these may not be present in all embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Throughout this specification, any reference to “embodiments,” “modifications,” “execution,” or similar expressions means that certain features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to the embodiments shown are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Therefore, references to “embodiments,” “modifications,” and similar expressions throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0074] The components of the embodiments described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.

[0075] Therefore, the following detailed descriptions of the various embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this specification, but merely to illustrate some of the embodiments.

[0076] The present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without impairing its spirit or essential features.

[0077] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description.

[0078] The above description provides specific details of various embodiments. However, some embodiments may be implemented without all of these specific details.

[0079] In other cases, with an emphasis on brevity and clarity, only the minimum details necessary to understand the various embodiments of the invention may be described regarding the methods, processes, components, structures, and / or functions.

[0080] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the specific forms and arrangements of the components described and illustrated, but merely provides examples. Various modifications are conceivable and can be easily carried out by those skilled in the art, but this does not deviate from the scope of protection of the present invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A piece of jewelry (1) having a plurality of modular elements or arms (10, 10'), wherein the plurality of modular elements or arms (10, 10') are hinged to each other in a swing-like manner around one or more hinge axes (100), and the piece of jewelry (1) is adjustable to any position between a maximum contracted position and a maximum extended position, Each arm defines a central hinge region (11) having at least one central seat (110) for engaging at least one connecting element (31) with an additional arm, the central hinge region (11) interposed between at least two lateral hinge regions (12, 13) located near both ends along the longitudinal direction (B) of the arm, and each arm further comprises lateral seats for engaging additional connecting elements (32, 33), The seat for engaging the connecting elements (31, 32, 33) includes holes or slots (110, 120, 130) that pass through two openings formed on two opposing faces of the arm, and the connecting elements include articulating pins designed to engage with the passing holes (110, 120, 130). The through-holes (110, 120, 130) of at least one arm (10, 10') have peripheral edges that are extended in at least one diametrically along the extension axis (A), and the through-holes preferably have different predetermined lengths (D) between different hinge regions (11, 12, 13) present in each arm (10, 10'). Jewelry characterized by these features.

2. The extension axis (A) in at least one of the holes of a single arm is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the arm, and the longitudinal axis is defined along the longitudinal direction of the arm. The jewelry according to claim 1.

3. At least a portion of the arms (10, 10') has a total of four or more seats for engaging the connecting element, each of which has a hole through it. The jewelry according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The internal dimension (D) of the hole in a single arm is measured along the extension axis (A) and changes linearly or nonlinearly according to a known and predetermined progression, preferably taking an increasing value along the path from the hole in the central hinge region (11) to the holes in the lateral hinge regions (12, 13). A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The planar shape of the opening has two semicircles (41, 42) facing each other on the concave side, with their respective centers aligned along the extension axis (A). The semicircles are connected by two connecting lines, each of which connects the free end of the first semicircle to the free end of the second semicircle opposite the free end of the first semicircle. A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The two connecting lines have the shape of a line segment (43, 44) or a straight portion that connects the two free ends. The jewelry according to claim 5.

7. The distance between the midpoints of the extension axes (A) of two adjacent holes in a single arm is constant; that is, the center of each hole is equidistant from each adjacent hole. A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The length of the extension axis (A) of the hole is defined according to the thickness of the arm in which the hole is formed. Jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The length of the extension axis (A) of the hole is defined according to the physical and mechanical properties of the material used in the manufacture of the arm, preferably based on the coefficient of friction detected between the two arms that come into contact with each other when assembled to form the jewelry. A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A first annular band (20') is formed by juxtaposing a known number of arms (10'), A second annular band (20) superimposed on the first annular band (20'), Equipped with, The second annular band (20) is also composed of a known number of arms (10), The annular band is superimposed such that, with respect to each hole in each arm, the hole in the arm of the first annular band is coaxial with the corresponding hole in the arm of the second annular band. Jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. At least some of the arms included in the first annular band (20') and at least some of the arms included in the second annular band (20) have the same configuration with respect to the arrangement and / or shape of the engagement seats provided on the arms of the two annular bands (20, 20'). The jewelry according to claim 10.

12. The first annular band (20') and / or the second annular band (20) have one or more band sectors in the circumferential direction, and the configuration of the arms differs from one another with respect to the slotting of the engagement seats provided on the arms of the two bands (20, 20') between the multiple band sectors. The jewelry according to claim 10.

13. The articulated pins (31, 32, 33), which are positioned perpendicular to the plane of the support surface, are welded and / or riveted and / or integrally formed with one or more arms (10, 10') that constitute the jewelry. A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. At least a portion of the arm (10, 10') has a substantially flat surface that constitutes a portion of the support surface. A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Includes one or more support elements for housing gemstones or other decorative elements (50), A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The arm cannot be freely removed from the assembled jewel without using a tool to remove the connecting elements (31, 32, 33) that are engaged with the corresponding engagement seats (110, 120, 130). A piece of jewelry according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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