ORNAMENT

Technical field

This invention relates to an ornament.

The term ornament means an object which is worn to adorn the person. In general, the ornament is defined as jewellery when it is made using precious metals.

Background art

In the jewellery industry there are prior art ornaments in the form of chains which comprise at least one set of rings fitted into each other to form a continuous succession.

The chain is an ornamental object which is more commonly used as a bracelet or necklace since it is possible to hang respective charms or trinkets from each single ring.

However, the prior art ornamental chains have a predetermined use depending on the length of the chain itself.

In effect, the ornamental chains which have an extension such as to encircle the neck of the wearer can be used as necklaces, whilst the ornamental chains which have an extension such that wrap around the wrist of the wearer can be used as bracelets.

In this context, the wearer interested in several ornaments, each for the respective use, incurs relatively high costs equal to the sum of each single ornament, and this results in the need to have ornaments with limited costs. Disclosure of the invention

In this context, one aspect of this invention is that of providing an ornament comprising a plurality links connected to each other to allow the links to change from a first configuration, in particular defining a respective decorative item, to a second configuration, in particular defining a respective decorative item.

Advantageously, the mobility of the links makes a single ornamental chain which can be modified in such a way that it can be used as a bracelet, ring, earring or necklace, as the wearer wishes.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of this invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of an ornament as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an ornament having a configuration which can be modified according to this invention and in a first configuration, more specifically with a bracelet configuration;

- Figure 2 is a side schematic view of the ornament of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a scaled-up view of a detail of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side schematic view of the ornament of Figure 1 in a second configuration, more specifically with a ring configuration;

Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a first variant of the ornament of Figure 1 in a third configuration, more specifically with a necklace configuration;

Figure 5a is a schematic view of the ornament of Figure 5 being worn;

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a second variant of the ornament of Figure 1 in the third configuration, more specifically with a necklace configuration;

Figure 6a is a schematic view of the ornament of Figure 6 being worn;

Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a first variant of the ornament of Figure 1 in a fourth configuration, more specifically with an earring configuration; Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a second variant of the ornament of Figure 1 in the fourth configuration, more specifically with an earring configuration;

Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a third variant of the ornament of Figure 1 in the fourth configuration, more specifically with an earring configuration;

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to Figures 1 to 9, the numeral 1 denotes an ornament, in particular with a configuration which can be modified according to this invention.

The ornament 1 comprises a plurality of links 2 connected to each other. More specifically, the links 2 are connected to the adjacent link to define a succession 3 of links having a main axis of extension 3a.

The term link 2 means an annular element.

The link has a first and second face 15 and 16 opposite one another.

The first and second face 15 and 16 are connected to each other by an outer or side surface 17.

The first and second face 15 and 16 are connected to each other by an inner surface 18 defining the through section 2a of the link 2.

In the embodiment illustrated, the link 2 is an annular element with a substantially circular shape.

Alternatively, in an embodiment not illustrated, the link 2 may be an annular element with a polygonal or elliptical shape.

In a preferred embodiment there are an even number of links 2, in particular the ornament 1 has eight links.

In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, there are an odd number of links 2.

According to this invention, the ornament 1 comprises means 4 for reciprocal rotation of each link 2 relative to a respective link 2 consecutive to it in the above-mentioned succession 3, about at least one main axis of rotation 7a transversal to the axis of extension 3a of the succession 3. The ornament 1 has several pairs of links 2, each of which is defined by a first and a second link 5, 6, connected to the same reciprocal rotation means 4.

Each link 2, excluding the end links 2 of the ornament, is connected to the links 2 consecutive to it by means of respective reciprocal rotation means 4.

The reciprocal rotation means 4 allow the rotation of at least one of the two links 2 connected to them relative to each other.

More specifically, the main axis of rotation 7a is at right angles to the main axis 3a of extension of the succession 3.

In this way, the links 2 are connected to each other so as to change at least between a first configuration, in particular forming a respective decorative element, and a second configuration, in particular forming a respective decorative element.

The links 2 are connected to each other to allow the links 2 to change to a third configuration and preferably to a fourth configuration.

For example, the links 2 change between the first configuration, in particular with a bracelet configuration, illustrated in Figure 1 , wherein the links 2 are positioned in line with each other, and the second configuration, in particular with a ring configuration, illustrated in Figure 4, wherein the links 2 are superposed on each other, in particular each link 2 is superposed on a respective adjacent link 2.

Further, the links 2 change to a third configuration, in particular a necklace, illustrated in Figure 5, and preferably to a fourth configuration, in particular, an earring, illustrated in Figure 7.

To superpose a link 2 on the respective link 2 next to it, it rotates through at least 180° about the main axis of rotation 7a of the reciprocal rotation means 4.

Advantageously, the reciprocal rotation means 4 allow the extension of the succession 3 of links to be extended, in particular with respect to the main axis of extension 3a, in order to adapt the ornament 1 to a predetermined use, as will become clearer as this description continues.

The superposing of the links 2 following the rotation about the main axis of rotation 7a is meant both as a stacking of a link 2 relative to the link 2 next it, as shown in Figure 4, and as a superposing in layers or rows 4 of several links 2, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.

The term superposing or stacking means that the first face 15 of a link 2 faces the second face 16 of another link 2.

More specifically, in the second ring configuration illustrated in Figure 4, the first face 15 of each link 2 is in contact with the second face 16 of the link 2 adjacent to it and superposed.

In this configuration, the outer surfaces 17 of the links 2 are positioned alongside each other.

The reciprocal rotation means 4 comprise at least one element 7 for connecting a link 2 with the link 2 adjacent to it in the succession 3.

More specifically, according to the preferred embodiment, the reciprocal rotation means 4 comprise a single element 7 for connecting two respective links 2.

In other words, the ornament 1 comprises a plurality of connecting elements 7 located in an alternating manner with the respective links 2 connected to it to form a continuous succession 3, comprising at least one link 2 alternating with at least one connecting element 7.

Advantageously, the connecting element 7 is slidably coupled to the respective links 2 to which it is connected in such a way as to favour the rotation about the main axis of rotation 7a.

Each connecting element 7 has a respective main axis 7a of rotation, transversal to the main axis of extension 3a of the succession 3 and tangent to the links 2, as illustrated in Figure 1 .

In order to connect two adjacent links 2 in the succession 3, the connecting element 7 has a hole 8 for receiving at least one portion of the respective links 2. The receiving hole 8 has a through section which is larger than the size of the portions of the links 2 which are inserted therein.

With reference in particular to Figure 3, the term through section means the section considered along a plane containing the main axis of extension 3a of the succession 3 of links and transversal to the main axis of extension 3a.

It should also be noted that between the links 2 inserted in the hole 8 of the respective connecting element 7 there is a gap 9.

The gap 9 is a clearance between the links 2 which are not thus rigidly connected to each other.

The gap 9 advantageously makes it possible to obtain a complete superposing of the respective links 2, connected by the same connecting element 7, that is, the first face 15 of a link 2 is in contact with the second face 16 of the adjacent link 2 connected by the same connecting element 7.

In other words, if each link 2 is superposed with the adjacent link 2, they form a succession of links 2 which are coaxial with each other along a same main axis of extension 3a and whose respective first and second faces 15 and 16 are at right angles to the main axis of extension 3a.

The gap 9 allows the connecting element 7 to slide along the respective links 2 to which it is connected also when they are superposed or stacked, in such a way as to vary the position along the respective links 2.

Advantageously, the gap 9 allows the links 2 connected by the same connecting element 7 to move relative to each other whilst remaining positioned on the same plane, that is, keeping the respective first and second faces 15 and 16 on the same plane parallel to the main axis of extension 3a.

In other words, the gap 9 allows each link 2 to move around the link 2 to which it is connected by the same connecting element 7, describing a trajectory which replicates the shape of the link 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the trajectory described is a circular trajectory as the links are circular in shape.

The gap 9 allows the rotation of the links 2 connected by the same connecting element 7, also called the first and second link 5 and 6, about a secondary axis of rotation 9a at a right angle both to the main axis of extension 3a and the main axis of rotation 7a of each connecting element 7, as shown in Figure 2. With reference to Figure 1 , the secondary axis of rotation 9a leaves the sheet.

The hole 8 for receiving the respective first and second link 5 and 6 has one or more stretches T1 which mate with the profile of the links 2 inserted in it.

In this embodiment, since the links 2 have a substantially circular cross section, in a direction transversal to the main axis of extension 3a, the receiving hole 8 has two curvilinear stretches T1 , each designed to touch a respective portion of a link 2.

More specifically, the curvilinear stretches T1 define the ends of the connecting element 7.

The stretches T1 which mate with the profile of the links 2 are connected by means of respective stretches T2 which are substantially rectilinear, that is, extending along a direction parallel to the main axis of extension 3a of the succession 3.

Advantageously, the substantially rectilinear stretches T2 of the receiving hole 8 allow the first and second link 2 to be kept aligned with each other when they are superposed on each other, as shown in Figure 4.

The connecting elements 7 are preferably defined by rings, in particular with a substantially elliptical shape.

More generally speaking, the connecting elements 7 have a receiving hole 8 with an elongate cross section.

If the links 2 are aligned with each other and the respective first and second faces 15 and 16 lie on the same plane, the receiving hole 8 has a cross section elongated along a direction parallel to the main axis of extension 3a. If the links 2 are superposed, the receiving hole 8 of the same connecting element 7 has an elongate cross section along a direction at right angles to the plane of the respective superposed links 2, in particular with the lying plane of the first and second face 15 and 16.

It should be noted that, preferably, the dimensions of the connecting elements 7 are considerably smaller than the dimensions of the links 2. The links 2 have a through section 2a sufficient for the passage of at least one finger of the wearer of the ornament 1 .

In order to wear the ornament 1 it comprises fastening means 10 connected to at least one of the links 2 of the ornament 1 .

Preferably, the fastening means 10 are connected to the end links 2 of the ornament 1 .

Depending on the use of the ornament 1 , the fastening means 10 adopt different configurations.

In the embodiment illustrated, the fastening means 10 comprise a spring clip 12 and a fastening element 13 of the spring clip 12.

The spring clip 12 and the fastening element 13 are connected to a respective end link 2.

There is also the possibility that one of the end links 2 is itself the fastening element 13 of the spring clip 12.

The ornament 1 comprises at least one accessory element 1 1 connected to at least one of the links 2 of the ornament 1 or to the fastening means 10 of the ornament 1 .

In the third configuration of the ornament 1 , more specifically with the necklace configuration, the term accessory element 1 1 means an element for extending the ornament 1 in order to reach such a length as to encircle the neck of the wearer, as shown in Figures 5a and 6a.

In the fourth configuration of the ornament 1 , more specifically with the earring configuration, the term accessory element 1 1 means a coupling of the ornament 1 for use as an earring.

With reference in particular to Figures 1 to 3, the ornament 1 is shown in a first bracelet configuration.

In the first configuration, the links 2 are aligned along the main axis of extension 3a.

The term aligned means that the links 2 have the respective first and second faces 15 and 16 positioned on the same plane, in particular containing the axis 3a they extend parallel to it, and part of the outer surfaces 17 opposite each other.

The connecting elements 7 are positioned in a substantially median position of the respective links 2 to which they are connected.

The fastening means 10 are positioned at the end links 2, in particular at the first and the last link 2 of the succession 3.

The fastening means 10 of the first bracelet configuration comprise a spring clip 12 and a fastening element 13 of the spring clip 12 connected to a respective end link 2.

With reference in particular to Figure 4, the ornament 1 is shown in a second ring configuration. Advantageously, it is possible to modify the configuration of the ornament 1 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Starting from an end link 2 of the ornament 1 , a link 2 is superposed with the link 2 next to it and connected by the same connecting element 7, rotating one relative to the other about the main axis of extension 7a, until the first face 15 of a link 2 faces and is in contact with the second face 16 of the adjacent link 2.

The superposed links 2 are advantageously coaxial, along a main axis of extension 3a transversal to the links 2, so as to be worn as a ring.

In effect, as already mentioned, the size of the through section 2a of each link 2 is such as to allow the insertion of at least one finger of the wearer of the ornament 1 .

Since the connecting elements 7 are slidably coupled to the links 2 connected to it, the respective first and second link 5 and 6, it is possible to vary the position along the superposed links 2. In other words, in the second configuration of the links 2, the connecting elements 7 rotate about the main axis of extension 3a along at least one stretch of the respective links 2 connected to it.

The fastening means 10 of the ornament 1 are advantageous in order to stabilise the links 2 superposed in the second ring configuration.

The fastening means 10 of the second ring configuration comprise a spring clip 12 and a fastening element 13 of the spring clip 12 connected to a respective end link 2.

With reference in particular to Figures 5 and 6, the ornament 1 is shown in a third necklace configuration.

In this case, to change from the first to the third configuration it is necessary to connect to the ornament 1 the accessory element 1 1 which acts as a extension of the ornament 1 .

Advantageously, the fastening means 10 of the ornament 1 are used as elements for connecting the ornament 1 to the accessory element 1 1 .

In the first variant embodiment shown in Figure 5, the spring clip 12 and the fastening element 13 of the fastening means 10 are both connected to the accessory element 1 1.

The rotation of the links 2 about the secondary axis of rotation 9a makes it possible to keep the links 2 alongside each other aligned along a curvilinear pattern.

In the second variant embodiment shown in Figure 6, only the spring clip 12 of the fastening means 10 is connected to the accessory element 1 1 . In this variant embodiment, the links 2 are aligned along the main axis 3a of extension, in particular with a straight pattern.

According to an embodiment not illustrated, the ornament 1 may be a necklace, without the use of any accessory element 1 1 .

With reference in particular to Figures 7 to 9, the ornament 1 is shown in a second earring configuration.

In this case, the fastening means 10, or alternatively, one or more links 2 of the ornament, are connected to a accessory element 1 1 defined in particular by a coupling for an earring.

For example, the accessory element 1 1 may be connected to the spring clip 12 or, alternatively, the fastening element 13.

According to the first variant of the fourth configuration, the links 2 are aligned along the main axis 3a of extension, in particular with a straight pattern.

The connecting elements 7 are positioned in a substantially median position of the respective links 2 to which they are connected.

From the first variant of the fourth configuration it is possible to change to the second and/or to the third variant embodiment of the fourth earring configuration, in particular by rotating one or more links 2 about respective connecting elements 7.

With reference to Figure 8, the ornament 1 has a first and a second row 14 of links 2 partly superposed.

The row 14 of links means a portion of continuous succession 3 of the ornament 1 , the links 2 of which are adjacent to each other.

The first and the second row 14 of links 2 being defined by respective consecutive links 2.

In the second and third variant embodiment, the first and second row 14 are obtained by relative rotation of the links 2 with respect to a single connecting element 7. The first and second row 14 extend from the same connecting element 7.

In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the first and the second row 14 of links 2 are connected by a same link 2. In that case, the first and second row 14 are obtained by the sliding of the respective connecting elements 7 along the same link 2.

With reference to Figure 9, the ornament 1 has a first and a second row 14 of superposed links 2, wherein each first face 15 of a link 2 is in contact with a respective second face 16 of the link 2 superposed on it.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the superposing of the links 2 is given by the superposing of two adjacent links 2, connected by the same connecting element 7, and by the superposing of the remaining links 2, which are not adjacent to each other.

The reciprocal rotation means 4 also allow the links 2 to be intertwined with each other make bunch-like configurations of the ornament 1 , not illustrated.

Advantageously, the mobility of the links 2 allows the shape of the ornament 1 to be varied for being used alternatively as a bracelet, ring, necklace and earring.

Moreover, it is possible to personalise the ornament 1 even with a special configuration, such as, for example, the variants of the earring or the necklace.

Advantageously, the reciprocal rotation means 4 of each link 2 relative to a link 2 adjacent to it allows any of the above-mentioned configurations to be changed to another, as desired by the wearer.

This invention also relates to an ornamental kit comprising the ornament 1 as described and at least one accessory element 1 1 which can be connected to at least one of the links 2 of the ornament or to the fastening means 10 of the ornament 1 itself.

The kit may comprise as an accessory element 1 1 both a coupling for an earring and an element which acts as a extension of the ornament 1 for being used as a necklace or, alternatively, the coupling for an earring or the element which acts as an extension.