HK1242924B - Portable decorative element comprising a fitting clamped under a cut metal sheet - Google Patents

Description

Contains accessories that clip under the cut metal plate for easy portability

The present invention relates to a decorative piece that is easy to carry and can have a plurality of elements having different appearances and/or made of different materials.

Modern sheet metal cutting methods can be used to produce a variety of fine cutouts from metals such as steel, brass, copper, aluminum, silver or gold, especially openings of different shapes for making jewelry or fashion accessories.

It is known that slightly flexible linings can be permanently affixed to the inner surface of a cut metal sheet, visible through openings in the sheet, in different appearances and in different colors to create an aesthetic decorative effect.

Precious materials, such as high-quality natural or synthetic fabrics or leathers, are preferably used for the inner lining. The rigid metal sheet then controls the overall shape of the trim and the wear-resistant exterior appearance, whether shiny, calendered or matte, while the inner lining forms a softer and warmer material, the nature, appearance and color of which contrast with the metal.

Bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces comprising cut metal plates for forming a rigid structure can thus be made into specific curves according to their function. For example, a bracelet having an opening can be made from a wound metal strip so that the wrist can be passed through in a suitable manner.

Other elements may be attached to the gusset, particularly to facilitate fastening or wearing, such as a cord or chain to go around the neck for a pendant, or a pin to secure a brooch to clothing.

For hand jewelry that comes into direct contact with the skin, such as bracelets, the softer the inner lining is, the better it feels on the skin.

However, a problem with this type of trim is that while the inner lining is permanently fixed to the metal sheet by various means to ensure good retention and cladding beneath the sheet, the lining cannot be replaced quickly and easily.

Furthermore, removing the lining often requires specialized tools, especially to remove fastening screws or rivets, and can damage parts of the component. Disassembly or reassembly can be slow and tedious if one wants to maintain an impeccable appearance and finish to justify its decorative function.

Although the trend is increasingly towards customizing fashion jewelry, it is not possible to quickly produce variations of the same jewelry or decorative piece by replacing the lining or decorative metal plates afterwards, for example to adapt them to the clothing being worn, the type of activity planned or the need for frequent updates to avoid wearing the same jewelry repeatedly.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art and to enable rapid reversible fixing of decorative inserts beneath a rigid structure of a decorative piece such as jewellery.

A reverse fastening is a fastening that can be made and removed manually without any tools. In contrast, a permanent fastening is a fastening that requires tools to make or remove (such as crimping, screwing, gluing, etc.). Therefore, for the purposes of this article, a fastening method that involves manual reverse fastening is referred to as a "reverse fastening method."

To achieve this, the present invention discloses a portable decorative element having a rigid structural member with a plurality of decorative openings on the back side through which a lining forming a panel is visible during use, the panel formed by the lining being elastically bendable, the decorative element being distinguished by a back side including a reverse fixing method capable of holding the lining in place and clamping the lining, pressing the lining into contact with the back side of the structure.

One advantage of the present trim is that the method of securing the lining by squeezing the lining laterally against the lining panel applies pressure to the lining panel to hold it in place to the structural member without play and, therefore, wear, and creates pressure that tends to push the lining panel outward, forcing it into contact with the back of the structural member as it bends to provide the desired aesthetic effect.

Fixing methods that do not meet these conditions are, for example, U-shaped guides, in which the lining must be slid. These slippages cause wear on the lining and do not provide for clamping it against the back of the structure, as the guides must be larger than the height of the lining to allow it to slide. If they are not, the fixation is irreversible, as multiple insertions and removals are not possible.

The adjective "lateral" refers to the application of pressure across the edges of the gusset.

The lining can be easily and quickly removed for removal and replacement with other linings without the use of tools and without damaging any components. This lining can also be used with other metal structures.

The portable decorative element according to the present invention may also include one or more of the following features, which may be combined with each other.

The rigid structural member can be made from cut sheet metal with decorative openings.

According to one embodiment, the back side comprises a plurality of transverse fins forming the edges of the load-bearing lining on the counter-fixing device. In this example, the transverse fins are conveniently formed by bending the edges of the structural metal sheet. These transverse fins are easy to manufacture.

For the purposes of this document, "transverse flaps" are flaps located at the edges of the rigid structure. These flaps can be separate or they can form a continuous edge, in which case they form a supporting bracket. These transverse flaps can be located on the sides or at the ends of the rigid structure.

According to another alternative or additional embodiment, the decorative element includes a plurality of pins for urging the lining material into the back of the structural element. The pins hold the lining material in place in various directions.

In this example, the pin preferably includes a substantially spherical head fixed to the back surface of the structural member, and the distance between the substantially spherical head and the back surface is such that the thickness of the lining material under the spherical head is compressed.

This compression forces the lining into contact with the back surface of the structural member.

Preferably, the lateral spacing of two counter-fixing means along the contour of the rear face of the structural element is smaller than the corresponding spacing on the lining, so that these counter-fixing means exert a lateral pressure.

In particular, the decorative element may be formed as a bracelet comprising a curved plate having an approximately circular shape and an opening through which the wrist can pass.

The bracelet preferably comprises two pins located on the back of the structure, close to each end of the sheet metal strip, and transverse wings on the sides of the strip form supports for the edges of the lining. The result is that the lining is firmly held in place in all directions while being able to be quickly removed.

Alternatively, the bracelet may comprise two flaps, called “end” flaps, located on the back of the structure, close to or located at each end of the rigid structure, with the transverse flaps on the end portions of the structure forming a support for the edge of the gusset.

The transverse end flaps may preferably include claw structures so that the thickness of the gusset beneath the claws is compressed.

In particular, the structural element can be formed as a disk element comprising a folded edge forming the counter-fixing means.

In particular, the lining may comprise two leather sides which constitute a material having good durability and at the same time a comfortable contact with the skin.

Preferably, the lining has two sides with different colors designed to be turned over alternately to face the structural element, so that by purchasing one lining, a decorative element with two different appearances can be quickly obtained.

According to the present invention, another object of the invention is a decorative lining designed to cooperate with counter-fixing means of a decorative element, notably comprising means for cooperating with the counter-fixing means.

Another object of the invention, according to the invention, is a decorative kit for decorative parts, comprising a plurality of previous decorative inserts, each having means for cooperating with counter-fixing means.

The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages will become clearer, on reading the description given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 shows a bracelet forming a decorative piece according to the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 show the metal plate and leather lining of the bracelet, which are separated from each other;

4 and 5 show respectively how the lining is fixed to the pin head and a cross-sectional view of a transverse fixing tab for said lining;

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the assembly of the bracelet;

Figures 7 and 8 show two variants of the ring according to the invention;

9a and 9b show an overall view and a detailed view, respectively, of an open collar according to the present invention;

10a and 10b show a front view and a side view, respectively, of an earring according to the present invention;

11 and 12 show an alternative to the bracelet of FIG. 1 and its leather lining, respectively, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 shows a bracelet comprising a rigid structure 2 formed from a cut strip of sheet metal, bent so as to form a loop with an opening through which the wrist can pass.

Other materials can be used to make rigid structural parts, such as wood or rigid polymers.

The opening 14 can be made by cutting, grinding, or by non-continuous edge-to-edge fixing of the components to leave a void space between the components. For example, the components can be welded to each other to obtain a rigid structure with an opening according to the present invention.

The lining 4 in contact with the inner side of the rigid structure 2 and its back side forms a rectangle, with long sides 6 adjusted to the edges of the metal plate and short sides 8 slightly shorter than the metal plate.

The gusset 4 forms a plate capable of elastic bending, fixed to the inside of the structure by two pins 10, each located on the centre line of the strip close to one of its ends, and two transverse flaps 12 each provided in the middle of a long side of the structure.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, the bracelet may comprise two transverse wings, called "end" wings, located on the back of the structure, close to or located at each end 8a of the metal sheet strip, and the transverse wings on the edge 6a of this strip forming a support for the edge of the lining. The transverse wings 15 may preferably comprise claw structures to keep the lining in a compressed state in terms of its thickness.

An example of a lining suitable for this embodiment is shown in FIG12 . The decorative lining 4a includes means for cooperating with the counter-fixing means of the structural member. In this example, the cooperating means are formed by cutouts 16a. Transverse flaps 15 engage these cutouts 16a to lock the lining laterally relative to the rigid structural member and apply pressure that tends to bend the lining and push it toward the metal structure, forcing it into contact with the back surface to provide the desired aesthetic effect. To achieve this, the distance D2 between the ends of the cutouts 16a is slightly greater than the corresponding distance between the transverse flaps 15 along the back surface of the rigid structural member 2.

More generally, the counter-fixing means (pin 10 and transverse fin 12, or transverse fin 15 and transverse fin 12) press the lining in the transverse direction of the plate: longitudinally along the centerline through the pin; and transversely along this centerline, connecting the transverse fins located on the edges of the rigid structure. They exert pressure on the lining, keeping it in contact with the structure without play and therefore without wear, and generate pressure that tends to bend the lining and push it against the metal structure, which forces it into contact with the back surface to provide the desired aesthetic effect.

The metal sheet of structural member 2 is approximately 1 to 2 mm thick, while the thickness of lining 4 may be no greater than approximately 4 mm. Leather should be thin, soft, and flexible, exhibiting elasticity and shape memory, allowing it to return to its original shape after bending. If desired, several pieces of leather can be stacked together to create a semi-rigid lining, for example, with an inner core approximately 1/10 mm thick.

FIG2 shows a metal sheet of a rigid structural member 2 cut from a metal strip, such as steel or brass, comprising a plurality of aligned openings 14 across its entire surface, the openings having a geometric profile that can occupy more than half of the total surface. The result is a clean, neat pattern that emphasizes the theme of forming a decorative metal strip. Other types of cutting can be used, such as cutting to form a font.

Cuts in the rigid structure 2 can also be combined with stamping or engraving on the metal sheet surface to create other decorative effects, such as lettering. The surface of the rigid structure 2 can be polished, calendered, or matte, and can include metals or coatings with good mechanical strength and resistance to oxidation and chemicals to maintain a wear-free, non-degrading appearance. In particular, coatings of gold, silver, ruthenium, palladium, or rhodium can be used.

FIG3 shows a gusset 4 formed into a generally rectangular strip with rounded corners, including a hole 16 near each end along the main axis of the strip. Alternatively, the bracelet may have a different number of pins 10, for example one or three. The bracelet need not necessarily have pins; the gusset 4 may be held solely by the transverse flaps 12 and/or 15, forced into contact with the inside of the curved rigid structure 2 by the elastic effect tending to return to its original shape.

FIG4 shows a pin 10 having a nearly spherical head 20 secured to a metal plate of a rigid structure 2 by means of a short rod 22 welded perpendicularly to the metal plate. For thin linings 4, the spherical head 20 alone can be secured directly to the metal plate of the rigid structure 2 without the need for a rod. The diameter of the hole 16 in the lining 4 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the head 20.

The gusset 4 is assembled by placing the hole 16 over the head 20 as shown in position A in the figure. The gusset is then lowered by pressing against the rigid structure 2 so as to tighten the material around the hole and enlarge the hole, and then supported on the metal plate in position B. The spherical shape of the head 20 facilitates its insertion into the hole 16, and the resulting curved surface does not injure the skin of the wrist.

The height of the head 20 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the lining 4 to achieve a constant vertical pressure on the lining, so that the lining is firmly in contact with the metal plate of the rigid structure 2. FIG5 shows that the transverse wing 12 of the rigid structure 2 forms a 90° bend, and the end 18 of the transverse wing 12 is slightly lower than the top layer of the lining 4 so that the end of the transverse wing 12 does not protrude from the top layer of the lining and the transverse wing 12 does not irritate the skin of the wrist or get caught on anything.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the assembly method for the bracelet.

FIG6 a first shows the gusset 4 being rolled out to form a curl, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rigid structure 2 ( FIG6 b ) beneath the gusset. The gusset 4 is then vertically lowered by sliding axially in the direction of arrow 30, sliding the gusset into the rigid structure 2 until it comes into contact with the transverse flap 12 located on the underside of the structure. At this point, the upper edge of the gusset 4 also passes the upper transverse flap 12. The gusset 4 is then adjusted between the two transverse flaps 12, forming a transverse orientation in both directions.

FIG6 c then shows the application of pressure F to the inside of the lining 4 at each pin 10 to engage the pin 10 in the hole of the lining. During manufacture, the distance D2 between the two holes 16 in the lining 4 along the curvature of the structural member is slightly greater than the clearance D1 between the two heads 20. This will provide a definite lateral pressure between the lining and the metal sheet, holding the lining in place and preventing movement.

In general, the invention preferably provides that the transverse spacing D1 between two counter-fixing means (pins 10 or transverse wings 15) along the back profile of the rigid structure 2 is smaller than the corresponding spacing D2 on the lining 4, in other words, the spacing D2 between the points where the counter-fixing means will engage with the lining 4 when the lining 4 is fixed and pressed against the back of the structure before installation, that is: the spacing D2 between the two holes 16 (see Figure 3) or the spacing D2 between the two transverse wings 15 (see Figure 11).

This is to apply lateral pressure to the lining through these counter-fixing means and force the lining into contact with the back of the structure.

Furthermore, the slight elastic shape memory of the lining 4 tends to separate the lining from the inside of the rigid structure 2, which increases the pressure forcing the lining into contact with the inside of the structure. The quick and easy installation of the lining 4 without tools ensures that the positioning remains effective over time.

The result is a bracelet with the bright, luminous appearance of the rigid structural element 2, which, due to its rigidity, takes on the general shape of a piece of jewelry, while the lining 4, visible through a plurality of openings 14, provides color and softness to embellish the bracelet. In particular, embossed leather can be chosen to give the jewelry a luxurious look. The combination of two different techniques—the metallic sheen of the embellished metal with cutouts and the sheen of the lining leather—results from the contrast of two different artisanal techniques, creating a uniquely modern aesthetic.

The lining 4 is removed simply by pulling up its ends to disengage the holes 16 from the head 20 and then disengaging the transverse flaps 12 by squeezing the curved portions so that the lining can be removed by sliding it transversely. It will be seen that no tools are required for disassembly and no part is altered or destroyed.

Preferably, the two faces of the reversible lining 4 are different colors, so that the same lining can be installed in one orientation or the other to obtain two different effects on the same piece of jewelry.

As a variation, the lining can be made by forming the surface of the lining 4 with other materials such as natural or synthetic fabrics or plastics. If desired, the laminate of materials can be made into a board comprising an elastic inner layer to control bending and provide shape memory.

The gusset 4 may also be made to protrude from the sides of the structure at various locations for visibility and to create a special aesthetic.

The lining 4 can be sold separately from the rigid structure 2 (e.g., a metal structure) to provide a wide variety of appearances and colors to reduce costs. The lining 4 can be removed to allow the rigid structure 2 to be worn on its own, creating additional variations. A decorative element can be preferably adapted to each rigid structure (e.g., a bracelet, pendant, ring, etc.), including a variety of linings with different aesthetics, each lining provided with means (e.g., hole 16 or cutout 16a) for mating with counter-fixing means (e.g., pin 10 and/or transverse flaps 12 and/or 15).

FIG7 shows a ring comprising a rigid structure 2 wound to a small diameter to adjust to the finger, in which openings 14 are made to form the decoration. Rows of small carvings 48 are formed by stamping, chemical cutting, or engraving the metal sheet to complete the jewelry. In particular, etching can be used to economically produce precise markings.

After being wound through elastic deformation, the lining material 4 forming the band is inserted into the ring's rigid structure 2. A plurality of cavities formed in the inner surface of the rigid structure 2, facing the lining material 4 and formed by punching, chemical cutting, or engraving over the entire surface of the lining material, form a retaining shell that applies pressure and locks to ensure that the lining material remains in place.

FIG8 shows a decorative ring with a finger ring 40 designed to be adjusted around a finger. The ring has a welded annular rigid structure 2, which includes a row of openings 14 at its center and a circular edge 42 around the ring, forming a continuous hem toward the ring. The lining 4 is formed from a leather disc and is inserted into a housing beneath the metal plate of the rigid structure 2 by means of a fitting. The ring with the finger ring 40 retains the lining within its housing so that the inlay is beneath the metal plate of the structure 2.

Figures 9a and 9b show an open necklace comprising a slightly convex crescent-shaped rigid structure 2, the tapered end of which exerts a strong constricting force to form a rounded inner contour forming a channel 46 that fits comfortably around a person's neck.

The rigid structure 2 comprises a plurality of rows of openings 14 and between these openings a plurality of rows of small-scale engravings 48, added decorative elements, made by stamping or etching the metal sheet. The result is thus a large metal structure 2 which is sufficiently rigid for this type of jewelry, made from a single piece of cut metal sheet.

The gusset 4 is urged into contact with the back of the rigid structure 2 by three pins which hold the gusset in place by forcing it into contact with the metal plate of the rigid structure 2. Figures 10a and 10b show an earring consisting of a flat rigid structure 2 connected by a chain 50 to an attachment pin 52.

The rigid structure 2 comprising rows of openings 14 has, around its periphery, transverse flaps 12 on the back side, forming points where the lining 4 is clamped laterally by engagement, in order to keep it in contact with the back side of the structure.

Claims (13)

1. A portable decorative piece having a rigid structural member (2) rolled into a ring having an opening through which a wrist can pass and two ends, the structural member (2) having a plurality of decorative openings (14), the back of the rigid structural member (2) having a lining in use, the lining forming a plate visible through the plurality of decorative openings, and the lining being an elastically curved lining (4), characterized in that: the back includes a reverse fixing device near each end of the rigid structural member (2) capable of holding the lining (4) in place and pressing the lining along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the lining, the reverse fixing device applying pressure to the lining and generating a pressure that tends to push the lining outward when the lining bends, causing the lining to contact the back of the structural member. 2. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid structural element (2) is made of a cut metal plate having a decorative opening (14). 3. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the back of the rigid structural element (2) includes transverse flaps (12, 15), the flaps forming a fixing device that applies pressure to the edge of the lining (4). 4. The decorative element as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: the transverse winglets (12, 15) are formed by bending the edge of the metal plate of the rigid structural element (2). 5. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the decorative element includes pins (10) for pressing the lining (4) onto the back of the rigid structural element (2). 6. The decorative piece as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: the pin (10) includes an approximately spherical head (20) fixed to the back side of the rigid structural member (2), the distance between the approximately spherical head and the back side such that the thickness of the lining under the spherical head is compressed. 7. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the lateral spacing (D1) between the two opposing fastening devices along the back profile of the rigid structural element (2) is smaller than the corresponding spacing (D2) on the lining (4), so as to apply lateral pressure to the lining by these fastening devices and force the lining to contact the back of the structural element. 8. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the decorative element includes two pins (10) located on the inner side of the rigid structural element (2) near each end of the rigid structural element (2), and a plurality of transverse flaps (12) forming support for the edge of the lining (4) on the side of the rigid structural element (2). 9. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: the decorative element includes two transverse flaps (15) disposed on the back of the rigid structure (2) at each end (8) of the rigid structure (2), and a plurality of transverse flaps (12) forming support for the edge of the lining (4) on the side of the rigid structure (2). 10. The decorative piece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lining (4) comprises two leather surfaces. 11. The decorative element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lining (4) comprises two sides of different colors intended to alternately rotate toward the structural element. 12. A decorative lining (4, 4a) designed to cooperate with a reverse fastening device of a decorative element as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: the decorative lining includes a device (16-16a) that cooperates with the reverse fastening device. 13. A decorative element for a decorative piece as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of decorative linings (4) as described in claim 12, each decorative lining (4) having a means (16-16a) that cooperates with the reverse fastening device.