Modular jewelry article with cantilevered elements and slots

Abstract

The invention relates to a jewelry article comprising a plurality of mutually hinged link arms, provided with central and lateral seats for engagement of a connecting element having through holes or slots passing between two openings defined in two opposite surfaces of the link arm, lateral elements being provided to form two lateral longitudinal bands such that two or more specimens of said lateral elements belonging to the same lateral longitudinal band are in mutual contact in the limit contraction position, whereas said lateral elements translate to occupy at least part of the intermediate void zones that are formed between two hinging ends of two consecutive lateral connecting elements in the extended position of the jewelry article, wherein one or more of said through holes have a slotted shape.

Description

Modular jewelry article with cantilevered elements and slotsDESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a j ewel or j ewelry article which, without adding or removing components, can at any time be a charm ring adaptable to fingers of different sizes and can also serve as a bracelet, pendant, or earring, simply by performing a manual movement of extension or contraction that results in a change of the relative position between the elements constituting the j ewel or j ewelry article .

[0002] Jewelry items of this type are already known and are, for example, described in documents DE9100430 and EP1911366.

[0003] These documents describe j ewelry items that, by moving from a closed (or contracted) condition to an open (or extended) condition, vary the dimensions of the article itself .

[0004] However, such items suffer from the drawback that, in the open condition, they are fragile, i . e . , susceptible to deformation during use or to breakage in the event of impact .

[0005] Other known documents include GB983842 and FR1156937A. The j ewelry items described therein are extendable, modular j ewels composed of a plurality of modules that exhibit mutual differences (typically between two modules or link arms of a pair) such that the user can easily increase or reduce the number of modulesconstituting the finished j ewel . Furthermore, these two documents disclose link arms having a shape that develops in a plane and, within said plane, along a curvilinear longitudinal axis defined by two arm profiles so as to create pairs of link arms of generally mirror-symmetric shape which, when coupled together, form a module that can be connected to an identical module in a desired number of repetitions according to the final desired length of the j ewel .

[0006] It should be noted that in these two documents, the plates are not rectilinear : each element has a curved and inclined shape intersecting with the other; the overall structure forms a ribbon-like or S-shaped pattern, nonlinear and non-symmetric with respect to a longitudinal axis; the plates are not identical : the upper and lower elements alternate and cooperate in pairs but are not interchangeable .

[0007] The slots in GB983842 are elongated in shape, apparently formed by two equal semicircles, with an extension axis not coincident with a hypothetical longitudinal axis of the link arm, and the axes of said slots are parallel but not coincident . This arrangement of the slots, or more precisely, the arrangement of the slots on mutually non-coincident axes, appears necessary to allow insertion or removal of additional modules without specific tools : an aligned configuration of the two slots would make it impossible to align slots 14 with hooks 17, which is required for manual coupling / decoupling of the pairs of link arms .

[0008] It is also noted that pins 16 do not coincide with the centers of the slots but with offset points relative thereto, and the same pins are free to assume different positions within the slot, depending on external forcesacting on the ring, also in the same position of the assembled j ewelry.

[0009] This construction inevitably results in non-uniform friction between elements, torsional deformation during flexion, greater difficulty of control in contraction / expansion, and general looseness in the finished product .

[0010] Similar considerations apply to FR1156937A, with the only apparent difference being that the slots have different curvature radii in the opposing curved portions . This characteristic is evidently necessary to allow insertion of link arms provided with flanged-head pins into a specific insertion position and to prevent withdrawal when the j ewel when worn, i . e . , when the link arms are not in said insertion position.

[0011] Furthermore, such items exhibit the drawback that, in the open condition, they are fragile, i . e . , subj ect to deformation during use or to breakage upon impact . One reason for this fragility lies in the forces repeatedly exerted on the j ewel during extension / contraction movements, which translate into friction and tension between the ring elements and / or the articulation pins connecting them.

[0012] Although aesthetically pleasing in the closed condition, they are not equally satisfactory when open, either in aesthetic terms or in terms of resistance and the sensation produced upon contact with the wearer' s body.

[0013] Document US9486041, owned by the applicant, overcomes part of the above limitations with a j ewel consisting of a band of predetermined width comprising a plurality of modular elements and adjustable between a contracted condition and an extended condition, whereinsaid width also presents different values along the overall extension of the j ewelry article .

[0014] This provides a high aesthetic performance thanks to a gradual width increase and results in a j ewelry article that is both resistant and aesthetically pleasant in its various configurations .

[0015] The j ewelry article of the present invention can thus be made in a circumferential form, such as a ring or bracelet, or in an arcuate or linear form, such as a pendant or earring, by varying the size and number of elements that compose it, but always in accordance with the inventive concepts characterizing the invention.

[0016] A specific embodiment provides that the j ewelry article be produced by interconnecting an arbitrary number of link arms developing along a rectilinear longitudinally axis and mutually hinged in an oscillating manner around one or more hinging axes so that the j ewelry article is adjustable in any position between a limit contraction position and a limit extension position, each link arm defining a plurality of hinging zones comprising a seat for engagement of a connecting element, including a central hinging zone interposed between at least two further lateral hinging zones positioned toward the ends of the link arm. Preferably, the j ewelry article comprises a plurality of identical link arms, mutually articulated through suitable pins and calibrated during assembly at the factory, which cannot be subsequently disassembled except by using specific tools . Unlike the two known solutions mentioned above, in which the slots serve as removable couplings between modular j ewelry parts, the present invention is neither intended nor suitable for such a purpose, being designed for stable and permanent articulation between identical rectilinear link arms, withfixed pins and symmetrical kinematic slots .

[0017] The link arms may present a substantially flat surface constituting part of the fitting surface of the j ewel, i . e . , the surface intended to contact the wearer . Alternatively, said link arms may have an arcuate profile with a long radius measured in the thickness direction of the arm, orthogonal to both the rectilinear longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, as shown in the figures and described below. Furthermore, one or more support elements may be included for housing precious stones or other decorative elements such as bezels and / or prongs .

[0018] The applicant has subsequently observed that the currently known embodiments, for instance in IT202000030674, can be further improved, at least with respect to the possibility of setting precious stones into the structure of the j ewel and improving the wearing comfort and movements and thus the sensation experienced by the user, both upon contact with the skin and in interaction with clothing and / or hair .

[0019] Moreover, it has been observed that specific closed configurations, such as ring or bracelet forms, may present problems in the j ewel' s dynamic behavior during movement . Indeed, as stated, the article can be extended or contracted, and in closed forms, this corresponds to an increase or decrease in diameter, for example, transitioning from a ring to a bracelet .

[0020] In particular, some difficulty has been observed in the mutual movement of the link arms in closed configurations, such as a ring or similar, such that excessive effort by the user is required to vary the obj ect' s dimensions, resulting in reduced practicality and potential breakage during expansion / contraction or afterrepeated use .

[0021] From the analysis of the behavior of the link arms and the articulations between them that enable shape variation, it has been found that the change in mutual position of the link arms during the expansion (or contraction) phase in the three-dimensional space that arises when the j ewel has a circumferential shape causes each individual link arm to flex along its longitudinal axis . The link arms, generally of linear and substantially planar form, are thus forced to assume a curved or more curved shape — that is, a form changing from substantially flat to curved — which increases friction and, consequently, the contact forces between the components of the j ewel, making relative movement difficult and thus opposing the intended function of the mechanism, namely the ability of the j ewel to be moved by the user without excessive effort yet without undesirable looseness or backlash .

[0022] In particular, the Applicant has found that these frictional forces opposing movement are not uniformly distributed along each portion of the link arm but are greater in its longitudinal peripheral zones . This is attributed to the combined variation in curvature of each individual link arm that occurs simultaneously with the contraction / expansion of the j ewel in ring or bracelet form, which remains more pronounced in the peripheral regions of the link arms where greater relative displacement occurs between the slot of a first link arm and the slot of a second link arm superimposed on the said slot of the first link arm. These longitudinal zones correspond to the lateral bands mentioned above in document US9486041, which are further refined in the present invention as described in greater detail below.

[0023] The purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a variable-dimension j ewelry article that is resistant and aesthetically pleasing even in an open or extended condition, improving wearability, i . e . , making the fitting surfaces and / or the external surface of the j ewel more uniform, and providing a uniform contraction / expansion movement that is practical to operate, by means of suitable measures ensuring that it can be moved without excessive force, thus avoiding discomfort for the user and preventing joint fatigue through repeated use .

[0024] The j ewelry article of the invention can be made in a circumferential form such as a ring or bracelet, or in an arcuate or linear form such as a pendant or earring, by varying the dimensions and number of elements that compose it, but always in accordance with the inventive concepts characterizing the invention.

[0025] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a j ewelry article that does not interfere with clothing or epidermal elements to which it may be exposed.

[0026] A further purpose of the present invention is to improve the j ewel' s ability to integrate with precious stones of various shapes and types, decoupling the stone settings from the articulations involved in extension / contraction movement .

[0027] Another purpose of the invention is to make the j ewelry article adaptable to different users in terms of size and taste .

[0028] Another purpose of the invention is to achieve high aesthetic performance and to allow the use of gems of different dimensions .

[0029] The invention achieves these and further obj ects bymeans of a j ewelry article as claimed in the independent claim, while further characteristics and variants are defined in the dependent claims .

[0030] The configuration therefore provides that the lateral elements constitute a surface at least partially closing the interstices that arise in the various extended positions the j ewel may assume .

[0031] Furthermore, it is provided that at least some of the through holes used to connect two or more link arms by articulation pins are shaped as slots, i . e . , elongated openings, such as an oval, a rectangle with suitably rounded corners, or the path trace that a cylindrical pin moving along a portion of its traj ectory would leave in a plane orthogonal to the pin' s axis .

[0032] The j ewelry article comprises a plurality of modular elements articulated together so as to make the dimensions of the j ewelry article variable, allowing it to be worn, for example, both on the fingers and on the wrist .

[0033] As can be observed from the figures, extension of the obj ect causes a transverse narrowing and, according to the known forms, the creation of void zones between one link arm and another . The invention therefore provides that the lateral elements cover at least part of these void zones, thereby improving the wearability and comfort of the j ewel .

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, an annular band of predetermined width is formed, comprising a plurality of elongated modular elements, at least one of said modular elements being connected to at least two further modular elements by at least two connection points, the modular elements being articulated with one another about each connection point such that the j ewelry article isadjustable between a limit contraction condition and a limit extension condition and can assume and maintain any position between these two extremes .

[0035] Although the present description often refers to the interconnection of one modular element with three others, this is not limiting nor excludes other embodiments in which a single element can be connected to a greater number of elements . For example, the invention' s features are compatible with a variant in which each module cooperates with five connecting elements to interconnect with five other modules .

[0036] In the case of an annular band, "width" refers to the axial width, i . e . , measurable along the direction parallel to the ring' s fitting direction. Consequently, the longitudinal direction extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the width, or, in the case of an annular band, perpendicular to the fitting direction, i . e . , the circumferential direction. The extension or contraction movement occurs mainly along the longitudinal direction, implying circumferential extension in the case of a ring.

[0037] The modular elements are articulated together about radial axes at each connection point, i . e . , axes perpendicular to the fitting direction and at the same time perpendicular to the fitting surface, i . e . , the surface in contact with the wearer' s body.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one of said modular elements comprises at least three connection points for connection to three additional modular elements, the connection point being configured to connect said at least one modular element to another modular element and at least one intermediate portion interposed between a firstconnection point to a first additional modular element and a second connection point to a second additional modular element among said three connection points .

[0039] As may be better appreciated from the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, a plurality of modular elements, also referred to as link arms or levers, are interconnected to form a mesh structure with connecting elements articulating the link arms to obtain a variabledimension geometry. The figures illustrate the contracted and extended forms of a planar configuration of such adj acent link arms and also the closed ring / bracelet form.

[0040] Each single link arm has an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis B, with a transverse axis T orthogonal thereto (Figure 5) , defining with it a planar surface in which the link arm lies, along whose normal axis the arm thickness is measured.

[0041] Although link arms with an odd number of holes are common in j ewelry, the present invention also applies when the number of holes is even, so that the central hinging zone 11 may contain two central hinging seats .

[0042] In other variants, the dimension of the lateral element, in particular the axial width of the appendix extending beyond the connecting pin, may be different and preferably greater than the width of the link arm. This improves wearability by virtue of the greater contact surface and provides a more suitable seat for embedded or pronged ornaments made integrally with the lateral element .

[0043] The said lateral elements feature a substantially flat or slightly curved face directed toward the fitting surface, i . e . , the surface intended to be in contact with the wearer' s body of the j ewelry article .

[0044] In other embodiments, link arms with possible axialextensions may have a substantially flat surface constituting part of the fitting surface, improving comfort on the wearer' s skin and limiting sharp, protruding, or snagging parts .

[0045] The seats for engagement of a connecting element comprise through holes in one or more link arms, and the connecting elements comprise pins intended to engage in said through holes . At least part of these through holes have a slotted configuration to improve the j ewel' s movement both in terms of comfort and in terms of preventing breakage due to friction and misalignment arising with dimensional (and curvature) changes .

[0046] It is possible for the pins to be welded at one end to the modular elements arranged along a lower plane, i . e . , in the case of an annular band, those along the inner circumference, or to those along the upper plane, i . e . , along the outer circumference . Alternatively, one end of the pins may be riveted in position within the respective seat, to lock the pin without preventing oscillating motion around its axis, which allows the articulation of the j ewel for contraction or expansion. It is important to note that in the finished j ewelry article, the pins are fixed to the link arms in a stable configuration that allows the reciprocal rotation of the link arms but prevents the removal of the pins without the use of appropriate j eweler' s tools .

[0047] In a further embodiment, the lateral elements present at least one lower proj ection protruding toward the fitting surface, preferably oriented parallel to the hinging axis . In this way, a seat is defined to accommodate the link arm on the fitting side, preventing the arm and any protruding end of the pins from creating interference proj ections with the wearer' s body.

[0048] As mentioned, said connecting elements, preferably in the form of a pin arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the fitting surface, are welded and / or riveted and / or integrally formed with one or more link arms constituting the j ewelry article . This feature can also be combined with one or more of the other peculiar aspects of the invention.

[0049] Different variants may include one or more bezels for housing precious stones or other decorative elements, possibly located at one or more lateral elements . These bezels can accommodate precious stones or other decorative elements of mutually different shapes and dimensions among the lateral elements composing the j ewelry article .

[0050] These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of several exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figures la-ld, 2a-2d, 3a-3d, and 4a-4d respectively show four different embodiments, illustrating for each the extended condition, the contracted condition, and views of the fitting and exposed surfaces;- Figures le-lh, 2e-2h, 3e-3h, and 4e-4h respectively show, for the four previously mentioned embodiments, views of the individual modular elements repeated in the composition of the specific j ewelry article embodiment, views of the components forming each modular element, and a perspective view of the j ewel closed as a ring;- Figure 5 shows several possible shape variants of a link arm, represented in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional views;- Figure 6 shows two views of a plurality of five-hole link arms, respectively in the extended and contracted configurations ;- Figure 7 provides a conceptual representation of a ring / bracelet comprising two annular bands, each obtained by replication of five-hole link arms;- Figure 8 shows a portion of Figure 3 with a schematic representation of certain connecting elements;- Figure 9 shows a portion of the j ewel with prongs prepared to hold gemstones;- Figures 10 and 11 show a comparison between prior-art link arms and a link arm according to the invention.

[0051] A first embodiment of the invention is presented in Figures la to Ih. The reference numeral 1 designates the article made as an assembly of basic modules (link arms) that are repeated in a predetermined number so as to obtain the desired dimensions of the assembly. The composition is shown with a linear development, but it is provided, and preferred, that the ends of the composition 1 are joined so as to form a circular structure such as a ring or a bracelet as shown in Figure Ih.

[0052] In general, the basic modules or link arms are mutually hinged in an oscillating manner around one or more hinging axes 100 (Fig. If ) , 200 ( Fig. 2f ) , 300 (Fig. 3f ) , 400 (Fig. 4f ) , 500 (Fig. 8 ) , in such a way that the said j ewelry article 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 is adjustable in any position between a contracted limit position 201 and an extended limit position 202 (Fig . 6) , a central hinging area 51 / 51 ' being defined in each link arm, as shown in Figure 5 but applicable also to the j ewels and link arms of the other figures and embodiments discussed herein, said central hinging area 51 / 51 ' comprising at least one seat 510 / 510 ' for engagement of a connecting element 531 for connecting further parallel and adj acent link arms, said central hinging area 51 / 51 ' being interposed between atleast two further lateral hinging areas 52 / 52 ' and 53 / 53 ' located near the ends of the link arm along a longitudinal direction B thereof and in turn provided with lateral seats 520 / 520 ' and 530 / 530 ' for engagement of further connecting elements 532, 533, wherein said seats 51 / 51 ' , 52 / 52 ' , 53 / 53 ' for engagement of a connecting element comprise through holes 510 / 510 ' , 520 / 520 ' , 530, 530 ' or slots between two surfaces of the link arm, and wherein the said connecting elements comprise hinge pins intended to engage in said through holes .

[0053] The j ewelry article therefore has a wearing surface (Figures lb and Id) , namely the surface intended to be in contact with the body of the wearer, opposite to an outer or exposed or visible surface (Figures la and 1c) . Two lateral surfaces are also defined for the j ewelry article, and these surfaces may be mutually symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis according to the design choices, especially aimed at providing an aesthetic and fashionable appearance . Advantageously, the combination of the lateral elements with the slotted shape of the through holes makes it possible to improve and facilitate the contraction / extension movement that involves the displacement of the extensions to cover the void zones that are created when the j ewel is extended.

[0054] Two views of the exposed surface are presented in Figures la and 1c, while analogous views of the wearing surface are presented in Figures lb and Id.

[0055] Figures la and 1c, and likewise Figures lb and Id, show two possible states that the same j ewelry article can assume if simply subj ected to a manual force that contracts or extends it, thereby varying its axial length measured along axis X of Figure la and, inversely, varying its axial width measured orthogonally to said axis X . In the firstembodiment presented herein, as well as in the other embodiments described below, it can be observed that the exposed surfaces and the wearing surfaces are much more uniform and covering compared to analogous surfaces of j ewelry articles made in forms already known in the prior art, both in the central zone near axis X and in the zones of the two upper and lower lateral bands arranged along the two axes S2 and SI parallel to the central axis X .

[0056] The contraction and expansion movement occurs by oscillation of a certain number of first link arms 11 and second link arms 12 (Figure 1g) , hinged to each other about a central hinging axis X and also hinged about two lateral hinging axes X2 and X3 parallel to said central axis X, in such a way that each first link arm 11 is hinged to three further specimens of second link arm 12.

[0057] The hinging takes place by means of connecting elements formed as pins 13, 142, 152 which are housed in seats 122, 112, 121, 111, 123, 113. Each pin engages a first and a second link arm. In particular, the pin 13 occupies the central seats 112 and 122, the lateral pin 142 occupies seat 121, and the lateral pin 152 occupies seat 123, forming the module visible in Figures le and If . Pin 142, in addition to engaging seat 121, engages seat 111 of a first adj acent link arm 11 ' on the right, and pin 152, in addition to engaging seat 123, engages seat 113 of a first adj acent link arm 11" on the left, and the repetition of such hinging gives rise to the composite element as in Figures la, lb, 1c, Id.

[0058] For the correct functioning of the hinging mechanism, the number of seats defined in a single link arm is greater than two and, as already mentioned, can be either even or odd. The example shown in Figure 6 makes particular reference to five seats, each with a throughhole; however, the invention is applicable to a different number of such seats and the advantages are equally observable . Figure 5 shows other possible configurations of link arms with 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 holes . This configuration can also be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 .

[0059] The single link arm has an elongated shape and therefore is articulated along a longitudinal axis B, a transverse direction / axis T being also present, orthogonal to B (Figure 5) , which together define a planar surface in which the link arm lies, the thickness of the link arm being measured along the normal axis to said plane .

[0060] In comparison with the prior art disclosed in documents GB983842 and FR1156937A, as can be seen from Figures 10 and 11, these documents disclose non-rectilinear link arms, respectively a link arm 1001 for GB983842 and a link arm 1002 for FR1156937A, in which the slots extend along an axis neither coincident with nor parallel to the axis 1005 of the link arm.

[0061] According to the invention, the improved contraction / expansion movement made more comfortable for the user is achieved in accordance with the feature according to which the said through holes have a shape of the through opening that presents an oblong peripheral edge in one diametral direction and arranged along an elongation axis having predefined lengths and preferably mutually different between the different engagement seats present on each single link arm. An example of such a shape is shown in the zoom of Figure 5. The need to ensure an oscillatory movement between link arms primarily entails that the connecting elements have a circular shape compatible with the shape of the through holes . However, as stated, the Applicant has found that, in the case of aclosed ring or bracelet form, such a configuration results in an overall dynamic such that the force required to extend the j ewel from a position of maximum contraction to a position of maximum expansion is not constant but increases when approaching the position of maximum expansion, making the movement inconvenient for a user and consequently also the function of covering the interstices by the lateral elements that move during the expansion.

[0062] For the purpose of the technical problem to be solved, the obvious variation of the relative dimensions of the through hole and the connecting element associated with such through hole, while maintaining the same shape, does not solve the problem since two opposing requirements must be combined: to ensure a minimum holding force between link arms to prevent undesired expansions (as in a ring that must retain its shape when normally worn on a finger) and to allow the user, without any tool, to vary the dimensions with a moderate force .

[0063] Advantageously, the provision of at least some holes with an elongated shape makes it possible to limit the forces required for movement while at the same time ensuring that, in every state of extension, a minimum frictional force is present, sufficient to prevent undesired movements of the j ewel when worn.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the internal dimensions D of the individual holes, measured along the said elongation axis, vary according to a known progression, of linear or non-linear type, preferably increasing in the transition from the holes of said central seat to the holes of said lateral seat . In this respect, as can be seen from Figure 5, the dimension D increases from the central hole 510 ' to the laterally outermost hole 530 ' and similarly in the opposite direction from the central hole 510 ' to thelaterally outermost hole 520 ' . It is preferable, though not essential, that the central hole 510 ' (or the two central holes of the central hinging area when the total number of holes of a link arm is even) has a circular shape since it serves as a guide for the j ewel in the hinging movement during expansion or contraction. This configuration can also be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 .

[0065] Taking as reference the central hole 510 or 510 ' (in the case of link arms with an even number of holes, the midpoint between the two holes of the central area is used as reference) and consequently the consecutive holes arranged side by side on the same link arm toward the two ends 52 and 53 of the link arm, the invention proves particularly advantageous when the elongation of the holes is more pronounced for the lateral seats than for the central seat . A more elongated configuration for the lateral seats makes it possible to avoid the increase in friction in the portions of the link arm near such seats due to the deformation imposed on the link arm when the j ewel changes dimension. This measure has been determined after observing that the peripheral zones of two link arms interconnected by a common connecting element are more deformed than the central zones during reciprocal link arms movements and that the deformation of the two link arms occurs along different directions, resulting in greater friction toward the connecting element when the hole has a non-oblong shape . Also in this configuration, as already described, it is preferable that the central hole 510 ' (or the two central holes of the central hinging area when the number of holes is even) has a circular shape since it serves as a guide for the j ewel in the hinging movement during expansion or contraction. This configuration canalso be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0066] As a further consequence, the configuration of the holes as claimed herein has the effect of limiting the concavity of the surface of the ring / bracelet along a direction perpendicular to the wearing axis X .

[0067] According to a variant, the said elongated shape of the openings of the through holes is planar and of the type comprising two semicircles 541 and 542 facing each other on the concave side and having their respective centers arranged along the said elongation axis, the said semicircles being moreover connected by two joining lines each of which connects one free end of the first semicircle with the free end of the second semicircle facing said free end of the first semicircle . Such a shape is preferable to an elliptical shape since it more easily accommodates a cylindrical pin in all positions within the hole; preferably, the two semicircles have equal radii, and said radius is slightly greater than the radius of a pin acting as a connecting element, so that the cylindrical seat having the semicircle as its section can precisely accommodate the semi-portion of the pin housed in such seat . This configuration can also be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0068] Preferably, but not necessarily, said two joining lines have the shape of a segment 543, 544, that is, a portion of a straight line connecting said two free ends as claimed; alternatively, curved or skewed lines may be provided .

[0069] According to a further embodiment, the distance between the two midpoints of the elongation axis of two adj acent holes of a single link arm is constant . In this configuration, the holes have a sectional shape symmetricalwith respect to a central point that coincides with the midpoint of the elongation axis . For each hole, which may have a shape different from that of the adj acent hole on the same link arm, a midpoint is therefore identified, and the distance between the midpoints of two adj acent holes on the same link arm is constant . Alternatively, such distance between the midpoints of two holes may not be constant for at least a part of the holes of a link arm; the choice of the mutual distance can be made as a function of various physical parameters of the j ewel, such as for example the number of holes of each link arm, the thickness of the single link arm, the material used to make the j ewel, and other parameters determined experimentally during the prototyping phase of the j ewel itself and therefore repeatable when the product is industrialized. This configuration can also be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0070] According to other variants of the invention, the length D along the said elongation axis A of a hole is also defined as a function of the thickness of the link arm in which said hole is formed and / or of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the materials used for manufacturing the link arms, preferably as a function of the friction coefficient measured between two link arms in mutual contact when assembled to form the j ewelry article 1. The weighted choice makes it possible to balance the excessive wear of metals (typically soft ones) and to generate tolerances that compensate for axis inclination (warping, misalignment of the axis) in the various opening and closing positions of the j ewel . In some preferred embodiments, the internal length (D) of the slot exceeds the diameter of the connecting pin by a value proportional to the thickness (S) of the link arm in which it is formed,for example of an extent such as to allow a limited guided translation of the pin during the extension phase . As an indicative range, such value may correspond to an interval between about 1.5 and 2.5 times the thickness (S) of the link arm or to a difference between about 10 % and 50 % of the same thickness, depending on the hardness of the material used.

[0071] The choice of the D / S proportion is therefore made as a function of the hardness or friction coefficient of the material, so as to maintain a substantially uniform resistance to movement during the contraction and extension phases and to prevent friction peaks or localized wear .

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the j ewel comprises a first annular band 70 ' , made by uxtaposition of a known number of link arms 50 ' , and a second annular band 70 superimposed on said first annular band, said second annular band likewise consisting of a known number of link arms 50, said annular bands 70 and 70 ' being superimposed in such a way that, for each hole of each link arm, a hole of a link arm of the first annular band is coaxial with a corresponding hole of a link arm of the second annular band.

[0073] According to a further variant, the articulation or connecting pins 531, 532 and 533 are arranged along an axis 500 extending perpendicularly to the plane of the wearing surface and may be welded and / or riveted and / or made integrally with one or more of the link arms that constitute the j ewelry article . A similar configuration can also be adopted for the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 with reference to the respective pins / axes already mentioned. The finished j ewelry article will therefore have a plurality of pins stably fixed within the respective slots, allowing the reciprocal rotation of the two linkarms connected by said pins .

[0074] Although in the present detailed description reference is made to the interconnection of one modular element (link arm) with five further specimens thereof superimposed thereon, this is neither limiting nor precluding other embodiments in which a single element may be connected to a greater or lesser number of other elements . For example, the features of the invention and its implementation are perfectly compatible with a variant in which each specimen of link arm cooperates with three or more other elements, possibly in an even number .

[0075] The modular elements (link arms) are articulated to one another along radial axes 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 around each connection point, that is, axes perpendicular to the wearing direction and at the same time perpendicular to the wearing surface, i . e . , the surface in contact with the wearer' s body.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least one of said modular elements comprises at least three connection points for connection to three further modular elements, the connection point being configured to connect said at least one modular element to a further modular element and at least one intermediate portion interposed between a first connection point for connection to a first further modular element and a second connection point for connection to a second further modular element of said three connection points .

[0077] It is also possible to use one or more sliding or stiffening elements, such as washers, to adjust the holding force exerted between the hinged elements and consequently the force to be applied to modify the elongation configuration of the j ewelry article . However, suchelements are not essential to the operation and may be omitted without affecting the extension and / or contraction behavior .

[0078] A further characteristic aspect of the invention is implemented in the embodiment of Figures la-lh in the form of two lateral elements 141 and 151, which, as seen in Figure 1g, are made integrally with the already mentioned pins 142 and 152. The lateral elements 141 and 151 may, but need not necessarily, be mutually similar, and numerous variants are conceivable aimed at achieving different shapes, colors, dimensions, and, in general, aesthetic appearance . Moreover, it is possible that a first lateral element 141 is aesthetically different from a second element of a second module so as to create different aesthetic compositions but also functional ones, for example in the case of a ring for which it is desired to make thinner the surface in contact with the finger adj acent to the one wearing the ring and / or toward the palm of the hand.

[0079] The lateral elements 141 and 151 are arranged to form two lateral longitudinal bands SI and S2 as shown in Figure lb .

[0080] Although such lateral elements have no active role in supporting the reciprocal oscillation of the link arms, they perform translational movements concomitant with the movement of said link arms during the expansion and / or contraction phase, covering the interstitial zones 19 of the outer lateral bands that are created when the j ewel is extended (Figures 1c and Id) .

[0081] Thus, a construction is obtained that is aesthetically pleasing even in an extended condition and that improves wearability by making the wearing surfaceand / or the outer surface of the j ewel itself more uniform. This makes the j ewel more compact and comfortable to wear, with fewer catching or snagging points with parts of the epidermis ( for example hair formations) or fabric threads of garments .

[0082] Furthermore, the slotted shape of the holes, made by two semicircles of equal radius joined by straight portions, allows the rectilinear link arms to articulate with a controlled and regular movement, free from misalignments and irregular friction. Such motion control ensures that each pair of link arms maintains a stable relative position during the contraction and expansion phases of the j ewel .

[0083] The proj ecting lateral elements, integral with the link arms, exploit this regular movement to move synchronously and progressively cover the interstitial zones, maintaining a uniform and continuous wearing and outer surface .

[0084] The combination of these two features results in an overall technical effect of improved maintenance of the lateral elements in the correct functional position and increased overall comfort, since the controlled kinematics provided by the slotted holes ensures a stable and constant alignment of the lateral elements even in the maximum extension configurations .

[0085] The overall effect is greater wearability and mechanical stability, since the surface of the j ewel remains continuous and regular in contact with the skin, while the internal movement remains smooth and balanced. Such a result could not be achieved by either of the two features considered in isolation but arises from their functional cooperation, which jointly solves the technicalproblem of obtaining a j ewelry article adjustable in size that maintains smooth movement, structural compactness, and comfort in use .

[0086] According to a further embodiment, the outer connecting element has one or more concavities 144 and one or more convexities 143 arranged in the plane containing the link arm, such that in the contracted condition the edges of said concavities are each positioned in correspondence with the edges of said convexities belonging to an adj acent modular element, while in the extended condition the convexities 143 are positioned to cover at least partially the interstices 101 (Figure 1c) .

[0087] Moreover, as also visible in Figures la and lb, the lateral elements lend themselves to personalization by engraving, for example of single characters or words, as well as to supporting gemstones or other ornamental elements for setting in suitable mounts such as bezels 216 or prongs or another known type of mount, as visible in the different embodiment of Figure 3, the feature of which can be combined with this first embodiment .

[0088] The lateral elements 14 and 15 are preferably connected according to an orientation arranged along the longitudinal axis of the link arms; however, variants with different arrangements are possible, as shown in Figure If, in which the orientation of the element 151 is angularly offset from the axis passing through the three seats 121, 122, 123 of the second link arm 12.

[0089] In this embodiment, the two link arms 11 and 12 have similar shape and dimensions; the embodiments described below are constructive variants in which the lateral hinging elements are partially or entirely integrated with at least one of the link arms .

[0090] Figures 2a to 2h thus show a different realization of a j ewelry article extendable between an extended limit position and a contracted limit position, in which the single modular unit shown in Figures 2e and 2f is made by means of a link arm 22, possibly but not necessarily analogous to the second link arm 12 of the previous embodiment, and by a bridge element 21 that is hinged to the link arm 12 in the central seats 212 and 222 by pin 23, while pin 24 is used to connect the module with a second specimen of the same module by hinging it on the corresponding seats 211 and 221. A third specimen of module is connected by hinging to the first by pin 25 in seats 213 and 223.

[0091] The bridge element 21, as shown in Figure 2g, has three seats for housing the connecting elements, defined as through holes 211, 212, 213.

[0092] The bridge element 21 extends mainly along a longitudinal direction and at both ends terminates with corresponding lateral filling portions 214 and 215 not directly involved in the hinging with the link arms but intended to perform the translational movement representing one of the main features claimed by the invention .

[0093] The mutual movement between link arm 22 and bridge element 21 takes place as already described in the first embodiment . Likewise, the lateral filling portion can house customizations such as text strings, set or claw-mounted ornamental elements and / or other embellishments of the j ewel, for example by means of a bezel 216 visible in Figure 2c .

[0094] The bridge element 21 has a substantially flat surface 217 intended to constitute part of the wearingsurface of the j ewel, while the lateral portions 214 and 215 extend on the opposite face and orthogonally thereto . In this way, as visible in Figures 2e and 2f, a recessed area is provided to contain the link arm and limit the proj ection of the heads 231, 241, 251 of the pins 23, 24, 25 beyond the exposed profile of the lateral bands S2 and SI which are constituted by the lateral portions 214 and 215.

[0095] The hinging between bridge element, link arm, and pins may be facilitated, though not mandatory nor limiting for the purposes of the invention, by one or more friction control elements such as one or more washers .

[0096] Figures 3a to 3h show a further variant of the invention, in particular a form in which the bridge element 31 differs from the bridge element 21 in that the lateral filling elements extend both from the wearing face and from the exposed face, remaining equally orthogonal to said faces of the bridge element .

[0097] As evident from Figures 3e to 3g, the bridge element 31 takes on an "H"-shaped form, presenting the proj ections 316 and 317 as continuations of the respective proj ections 314 and 315. In this variant of the invention, the link arm 32 is positioned on the side of the wearing surface, while only the heads of pins 33, 34, and 35 are visible on the visible surface (Figures 3a, 3c) .

[0098] Finally, Figures 4a to 4h show a further embodiment of the invention in which the bridge element 41 incorporates the central connecting element 412 and the lateral connecting elements 411 and 413 with respective overhanging elements 414 and 415 acting to cover the interstitial surfaces that form when the j ewel is in the extended position and increase in size upon reaching thelimit extension. In addition to the absence of the independent pins characteristic of the other previously described embodiments, this variant is characterized by the presence of a second link arm 43 arranged to cover the three connecting elements of a single bridge and to protect a first link arm 42 hinged by a seat 422 to the bridge element and by the remaining two seats to two other specimens of the bridge element in the chain that composes the j ewelry article obj ect of the invention.

[0099] The superposition of a further link arm 43, operatively associated with the bridge element, contributes to creating a compact structure with high resistance to shocks and deformations and aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear, improving upon what is known in the prior art .

[0100] The embodiments shown are not the only ones, and the skilled person could, based on common general knowledge, vary the number and shape of the fixing points to the frame without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0101] The subj ect of the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the inventive concept expressed in the appended claims . All details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different depending on requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0102] Even though the subj ect has been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers used in the description and in the claims are used to improve the understanding of the invention and do not constitute any limitation to the claimed scope of protection .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A j ewelry article ( 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 ) comprising a plurality of link arms ( 11 , 12 ; 21 , 22 ; 31 , 32 ; 41 , 42 , 43 ; 50 ; 50 ’ ) mutually hinged in a stable manner so as to be oscillating around one or more hinging axes ( 100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 400 ; 500 ) arranged in parallel , such that said j ewelry article is adj ustable in any position between a limit contraction position ( 201 ) and a limit extension position ( 202 ) along a longitudinal axis (X ) ,wherein, in each link arm, a central hinging zone is defined comprising at least one central seat ( 51 ; 51 ' ) for engagement of a connecting element ( 13 ; 24 ; 34 ; 412 ; 531 ) , said central hinging zone being interposed between at least two further lateral hinging zones ( 52 , 53 ; 52 ' , 53 ' ) positioned near the ends of the link arm along a longitudinal direction (B ) of the link arm itsel f and in turn provided with lateral seats for engagement of further connecting elements ( 142 , 152 ; 23 , 25 ; 33 , 35 ; 411 , 413 ; 532 , 533 ) ,wherein said central and lateral seats for engagement of a connecting element comprise through holes or slots ( 112 , 122 ; 212 , 222 ; 312 , 322 ; 422 , 432 ; 510 , 510 ' ) ( 111 , 113 ; 121 , 123 ; 211 , 213 ; 221 , 223 ; 311 , 313 ; 321 , 323 ; 421 , 423 ; 431 , 433 ; 520 , 530 ; 520 ' , 530 ' ) passing through two opposite surfaces of the link arm, and wherein said connecting elements comprise articulation pins intended to engage in said through holes or slots ,and wherein lateral elements ( 141 , 151 ; 214 , 215 ; 314 , 315 , 316 , 317 ; 414 , 415 ) are provided, which extend outwardly from said lateral hinging zones in a direction opposite to said central hinging zone to form two lateral longitudinal bands ( S I , S2 ) of the j ewelry article , in such a way thattwo or more specimens of said lateral elements belonging to the same lateral longitudinal band are in mutual contact in the limit contraction position, with mutually facing surfaces oriented along the lateral longitudinal axes (SI, S2 ) of the j ewelry article, whereas said lateral elements translate to occupy at least part of the intermediate void zones ( 19; 29; 39; 49; 59) formed between two hinging ends of two consecutive lateral connecting elements as the j ewelry article translates toward the limit extension position (202 ) ,characterized in that one or more of said through holes have a slotted shape presenting an oblong peripheral edge along a diametral direction arranged along an elongation axis (A) , and the through openings have predefined lengths (D) , preferably mutually different among the different through holes present on each single link arm ( 11, 12 ; 21, 22 ; 31, 32 ; 41, 42, 43; 50; 50 ’ ) .

2. The j ewelry article according to claim 1, wherein the link arm extends rectilinearly along a rectilinear longitudinal direction (B) , and said elongation axis (A) , for at least one of said holes of a single link arm, is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the same link arm, said longitudinal axis being defined in accordance with said longitudinal direction of the link arm.

3. The j ewelry article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal dimensions of the holes (D) of a single link arm, measured along said elongation axis (A) , vary according to a known and predefined progression, of linear or non-linear type, with increasing values in thetransition from the central hinging hole ( 112, 122 ; 212, 222 ; 312, 322 ; 422, 432 ; 510, 510 ' ) to the lateral hinging holes ( 111, 113; 121, 123; 211, 213; 221, 223; 311, 313; 321, 323; 421, 423; 431, 433; 520, 530; 520 ’ , 530 ' ) .

4. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the planar shape of said openings is of the type comprising two semicircles (541, 542 ) facing each other on the concave side and having respective centers arranged along said elongation axis, said semicircles being further joined by two joining lines (543, 544 ) , each joining line connecting one free end of the first semicircle with the free end of the second semicircle facing said free end of the first semicircle .

5. The j ewelry article according to the preceding claim, wherein said two semicircles have equal curvature radii .

6. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the two midpoints of the elongation axes of two adj acent holes of a single link arm is constant, i . e . wherein the centers of each hole are equidistant from those of each adj acent hole .

7. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each link arm is rectilinear and symmetrical with respect to a central longitudinal axis, the link arms constituting said j ewelry article being identical to one another and arranged in mirror-symmetric pairs, and the rotation centers of the articulation pins being equidistant and coincident with the contour of therespective slots .

8. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each link arm comprises at least four hinging openings .

9. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the internal length (D) of a hole measured along said elongation axis (A) of the hole is greater than the diameter of the corresponding connecting pin by a value proportional to the thickness of the link arm in which it is formed, preferably between about 1.5 and 2.5 times said thickness, so as to allow a controlled partial translational movement of the pin within the slot during the extension or contraction phase of the j ewel, said value being proportional to the thickness of the link arm in which the slot is formed.

10. The j ewelry article according to the preceding claim, wherein said proportion between the internal length (D) of the slot and the thickness of the link arm is selected as a function of the hardness or friction coefficient of the material constituting the link arms, so as to maintain a substantially uniform resistance to movement during the extension and contraction phases and to avoid localized friction peaks that could impair the smoothness of the movement or cause premature wear .

11. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a first annular band (70 ' ) formed by juxtaposition of a known number of said linkarms, and a second annular band (70) superimposed on said first annular band (70 ' ) , said second annular band (70) likewise consisting of a known number of link arms, said annular bands being superimposed in such a way that, for each hole of each link arm, a hole of a link arm of the first annular band is coaxial with a corresponding hole of a link arm of the second annular band.

12. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lateral elements ( 141, 151 ; 214, 215; 314, 315, 316, 317 ; 414, 415) have a substantially flat or slightly curved face directed toward the wearing surface, i . e . the surface intended to be in contact with the wearer' s body of said j ewelry article .

13. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said lateral elements present one or more concavities ( 144 ) and one or more convexities ( 143) on their mutually facing surfaces, such that in the contraction condition the edges of said concavities are each positioned in correspondence with the edges of said convexities belonging to an ad acent modular element, whereas in the extension condition said convexities ( 143) are positioned to cover at least partially said intermediate void zones ( 19) .

14. The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting elements, in the form of articulation pins ( 13; 24 ; 34 ; 412 ; 531 ; 23, 25; 33, 35; 411, 413; 532, 533) arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the wearing surface, are welded and / or riveted and / or integrally formed with one or more of the link armsconstituting the j ewelry article .15 . The j ewelry article according to one or more of the preceding claims , wherein said connecting elements comprise dome-shaped heads ( 132 ; 231 , 241 , 251 ) and / or support elements ( 216 ; 417 ) for housing gemstones or other decorative elements such as bezels and / or prongs and / or other mounts , or else graphic engravings ( 103 ) .

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