EP4459382A1 - Decorative object - Google Patents

Abstract

Decorative object (1) comprising:
- a first plate (3);
- a second plate (5) fixed to said first plate (3), said second plate (5) being at least partially transparent;
- a plurality of pockets (7, 7a) located in at least one of said plates (3, 5) and/or between said plates (3, 5);
- at least one movable element (11) located in each of at least some of said pockets (7, 7a).

According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of said pockets (7a) have two inner corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3) providing at least two stable positions for a corresponding movable element (11) located in said corresponding pocket (7a), said stable positions being defined for at least two orientations of said decorative object (1) when the latter is oriented with respect to the gravity vector such that said corresponding movable element (11) is located in one of said corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3).

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking and jewelry. It concerns, more particularly, a decorative object such as a watch glass, a watch dial or a piece of jewelry.

State of the art

The document EP3414108 describes a decorative object, in particular a watch glass, consisting of two glass panes secured to each other. A hollow pattern is formed in the lower glass pane opposite the upper glass pane and is filled with a liquid and a quantity of balls suspended in the liquid. Depending on the orientation of the gravity vector, the balls can move under the effect of gravity in the hollow, to follow its shape and show its geometry.

The document WO2020/070667 reveals a large number of embodiments of decorative objects in which movable elements can be moved by various means.

The aim of the invention is to provide decorative objects with a variable, unexpected, particular and attractive appearance.

Disclosure of the invention

• une première plaque ;
• une deuxième plaque fixée à ladite première plaque, ladite deuxième plaque étant au moins partiellement transparente ;
• une pluralité de poches situées dans au moins l'une desdites plaques et/ou entre lesdites plaques ;
• au moins un élément mobile situé dans chacune d'au moins certaines desdites poches.

More specifically, and according to a first variant, the invention relates to a decorative object according to a first independent claim. This decorative object comprises:

• a first plate;
• a second plate attached to said first plate, said second plate being at least partially transparent;
• a plurality of pockets located in at least one of said plates and/or between said plates;
• at least one movable element located in each of at least some of said pockets.

According to this aspect of the invention, at least some of said pockets have two interior corners, rounded or pointed, providing at least two stable positions for a corresponding movable element located in said corresponding pocket, said stable positions being defined for at least two orientations of said decorative object when the latter is oriented with respect to the gravity vector such that said corresponding movable element is located in one of said corners.

The visual appearance of the decorative object varies accordingly depending on its orientation relative to the gravity vector, the positions of at least some of the moving elements being constant for certain orientations.

• des creusures formées dans ladite première plaque et/ou dans ladite deuxième plaque ; et/ou
• des ouvertures traversantes prévues dans une plaque intermédiaire située entre ladite première plaque et ladite deuxième plaque.

Said pockets can be defined by:

• recesses formed in said first plate and/or in said second plate; and/or
• through openings provided in an intermediate plate located between said first plate and said second plate.

Advantageously, at least some of said stable positions are substantially the same for at least some of said pockets, such that the corresponding movable elements adopt a stable position simultaneously, depending on the orientation of the object relative to the gravity vector. In other words, said corners may have similar orientations in the plane of the object for the pockets concerned. However, the orientations may alternatively be different.

Advantageously, said moving elements are balls.

Advantageously, said gap is filled with a liquid, preferably of a dark color or having a refractive index which is substantially the same as at least said second plate.

• une première plaque ;
• une deuxième plaque située substantiellement parallèle à ladite première plaque de telle sorte à définir un interstice entre lesdites plaques, ladite deuxième plaque étant au moins partiellement transparente.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a decorative object comprising:

• a first plate;
• a second plate located substantially parallel to said first plate so as to define a gap between said plates, said second plate being at least partially transparent.

• un système actionneur situé dans ledit interstice et agencé pour définir une poche de volume variable, ledit système actionneur étant agencé pour évoluer entre un premier état, dans lequel le volume de ladite poche est un maximum, et entre un deuxième état, dans lequel le volume de ladite poche est un minimum ;
• une pluralité d'éléments mobiles, tels que des billes, situés dans ladite poche, la quantité d'éléments mobiles étant choisie de telle sorte que, lorsque ledit système actionneur se trouve dans son premier état, la quantité desdits éléments mobiles est insuffisante pour qu'ils remplissent ladite poche, et que, lorsque ledit système actionneur se trouve dans son deuxième état, lesdits éléments mobiles remplissent substantiellement ladite poche.

According to this aspect of the invention, said decorative object comprises:

• an actuator system located in said gap and arranged to define a pocket of variable volume, said actuator system being arranged to evolve between a first state, in which the volume of said pocket is a maximum, and between a second state, in which the volume of said pocket is a minimum;
• a plurality of movable elements, such as balls, located in said pocket, the quantity of movable elements being chosen such that, when said actuator system is in its first state, the quantity of said movable elements is insufficient for them to fill said pocket, and that, when said actuator system is in its second state, said movable elements substantially fill said pocket.

By operating the actuator system, the arrangement of the movable elements in said pocket can be varied, thus modifying the appearance of said decorative object.

Advantageously, said second plate comprises a hollow which is located opposite said second plate and defines a face of said pocket. This hollow will be filled with mobile elements when said actuator system is in its second state, and their distribution can be predetermined by the shape chosen for said hollow.

Advantageously, said mechanical actuator comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted arms arranged to move between predetermined positions to define said first state and said second state. These arms may, for example, define a clamp or an iris mechanism, may have any number of stable positions, the transition between states may be discrete (i.e. by jumps) or continuous.

Alternatively, said actuator system may comprise a hydraulic membrane or a piston.

Advantageously, said gap is filled with a dark-colored liquid, and/or having substantially the same refractive index as at least said second plate, as well as, where appropriate, said levers if they are made at least partially of transparent material. In this way, the movable elements can be hidden when the actuator system is in its first state and the second plate is oriented upwards, i.e. opposite the gravity vector.

• - une matrice d'éléments mobiles articulés les uns aux autres, cette matrice pouvant être triangulaire, carrée, hexagonale ou similaire, et pouvant être complète ou présentant des interstices ;
• - une pluralité d'actionneurs, tels que des cames, agencés pour déplacer au moins certains desdits éléments mobiles.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a decorative object comprising

• - a matrix of movable elements articulated to each other, this matrix being able to be triangular, square, hexagonal or similar, and being able to be complete or having interstices;
• - a plurality of actuators, such as cams, arranged to move at least some of said movable elements.

Each movable element comprises a first plate superimposed on a second plate and connected to the latter via a plurality (typically at least three) of elongated connecting elements, which may be substantially rigid or flexible.

By these means, the appearance of the decorative object can be varied via the actuators.

Advantageously, each movable element is linked to a corresponding cooperation element, linked to an adjacent movable element by interlacing adjacent connecting elements comprised by said adjacent movable elements, but the use of links or other additional links is also possible.

Advantageously, each of said elongated connecting elements is of helical shape.

Advantageously, each moving element is a single piece.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figures 1a à 1d sont des vues schématiques en coupe de variantes d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un élément décoratif selon l'invention ;
• Figures 2a à 2c sont des vues schématiques en plan du premier mode de réalisation selon trois orientations différentes ;
• Figures 3a et 3b sont des vues en coupe d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un élément décoratif selon l'invention ;
• Figures 4a et 4b illustrent, en vues isométriques, l'actuateur du deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• Figures 4c et 4d illustrent, en vues côté sous, l'actuateur du deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• Figures 5a, 5b et 5c illustrent un troisième mode de réalisation selon l'invention respectivement en vue isométrique côté sus, vue isométrique côté sous, et coupe latérale ; et
• Figures 5d et 5e sont des vues agrandies de parties des figures 5c et 5a respectivement.

Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figures 1a to 1d are schematic sectional views of variants of a first embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention;
• Figures 2a to 2c are schematic plan views of the first embodiment in three different orientations;
• Figures 3a and 3b are sectional views of a second embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention;
• Figures 4a and 4b illustrate, in isometric views, the actuator of the second embodiment;
• Figures 4c and 4d illustrate, in side views below, the actuator of the second embodiment;
• Figures 5a, 5b And 5c illustrate a third embodiment according to the invention respectively in isometric view from above, isometric view from below, and side section; and
• Figures 5d and 5e are enlarged views of parts of the Figures 5c And 5a respectively.

Embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 ad And 2 ac illustrate a first embodiment of a decorative object 1 according to the invention.

The decorative object is formed of a first plate 3 secured to a second plate 5, which is at least partially transparent and is intended to be located opposite a user, a plurality of pockets 7 being provided between the two plates 3, 5. These pockets 7 can be formed in several ways.

In the variant of the figure 1a , the pockets 7 are formed by hollows 7b in the face of the second plate 5 which are located opposite the first plate 3. In that of the figure 1b , each plate 3, 5 is hollowed out on its face which is opposite the other so that the hollows 7b in each plate 3, 5 form the pockets 7. In that of the figure 1c , it is the first plate 3 which is hollowed out on its face which is opposite the second plate 5. Finally, in the variant of the figure 1d , none of the plates 3, 5 are hollowed out, the pockets 7 being defined by through openings provided in an intermediate plate 9 located between the plates 3, 5. Of course, these variants can be combined in any way that makes technical sense, the depths and shapes of the hollows can be chosen at will etc.

In the Figures 1a-d , each pocket 7 houses a mobile element 11, here a ball 11, but it is possible that only some of the latter house one and/or house several.

Each of the plates 3, 5 may, for example, be made of borosilicate glass, crystalline glass, fused silica, crown glass, flint glass, quartz, transparent ceramic, sapphire, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane. The first plate 3, which is intended to be located further away from the observer, may also be made of opaque material, such as a metal, polymer or the like. The pockets 7 may be filled with a fluid, for example having a refractive index that is similar to that of one or the other (or both) of the plates 3, 5.

THE Figures 2a-c illustrate such a decorative object 1 in plan views, held vertically, that is to say with the plane of the object 1 substantially parallel to the gravity vector, which is directed towards the bottom of the page, in three different angular orientations around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the decorative object 1.

At least some of the pockets 7, several of which have been indicated with the reference signs 7a, have a shape chosen so as to give the corresponding balls 11 at least two stable positions. By "stable position" it is understood that the ball remains substantially immobile during a rotation of at least ± 10°, preferably at least ± 20°, about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the object 1 when the latter is pivoted. For this purpose, polygonal shapes, shapes having lobes, corners or the like, shapes which define sharp or rounded interior corners (for example those indicated with the reference signs 7a1, 7a2 and 7a3) in which the balls can be positioned under the effect of gravity. The other pockets 7 can take any shape.

Therefore, by rotating the decorative object 1 relative to the gravity vector, its appearance can be modified, as clearly follows from an appreciation of the Figures 2a , 2b and 2c .

The decorative object 1 may be part of a piece of jewelry or jewelry, or a timepiece. In the latter case, the decorative object 1 may act as a glass or a dial, and may be fixed relative to the caseband or be pivotally mounted relative to the latter under the effect of gravity, a drive source integrated into the piece, an operating member (crown, rotating bezel, rotating back), an oscillating weight or the like.

THE Figures 3a, 3b , 4a, 4b , 4c and 4d illustrate a second embodiment of a decorative object 1 according to the invention. Characteristics which are equivalent to those of the Figures 1a to 2c have the same reference signs to facilitate reading.

This embodiment comprises a first plate 3 and a second plate 5, which is at least partially transparent and is intended to be located opposite a user. These two plates 3, 5 are arranged parallel to each other, so as to define between them a gap comprising a pocket 7 of variable volume. The second plate 5 has a hollow 7b on its face which is opposite the first plate 3, which is centered on the plates 3, 5, but this is not obligatory.

The volume of the pocket 7 is varied by means of an actuator system 13, which takes the form of an “iris” or “diaphragm” type mechanism located in the gap between the two plates 3, 5. This actuator system comprises a plurality of levers 15 pivotally mounted on the plate 3 by means of studs 16, which take place in holes provided for this purpose, according to an arrangement which is rotationally symmetrical, the levers 15 being adapted to occupy substantially the entire thickness between the plates 3, 5, and thus to vary the volume of the pocket 7 when they evolve between a first state, open (as illustrated in the Figures 3a , 4a And 4c ) and a second closed state (as illustrated in the Figures 3b , 4b And 4d ). This evolution is controlled by a relative rotation between the plate 3 and an outer ring 18, on which first ends of support rockers 17 are pivoted, the second ends of the latter being pivotally connected near the distal ends of the levers 15 by means of connecting pins 17a. This relative rotation can, for example, be obtained by means of a rotating bezel, a rotating back, a crown, a pusher, a target or any other suitable operating member which is kinematically connected to the plate 3 or to the outer ring 18, the other being fixed.

The variable volume pocket 7 houses a plurality of movable elements 11, again balls 11, the quantity being chosen such that, in the first state of the actuator system 13, the balls 11 do not fill the pocket 7, while in the second state, the pocket 7 is filled and the balls 11 are forced into the recess 7b, the configuration of the latter and of the levers 15 being chosen such that the balls 11 cannot escape from the pocket 7, and the shape of the recess 7b being chosen to obtain the desired distribution of movable elements 11.

The pocket 7, as well as the entire gap between the two plates 3, 5, may be filled with liquid, in the same way as mentioned for the pockets of the first embodiment. This liquid may also, for example, be dark in color in order to hide the balls 11 in the first state of the actuator system 13, such that they are only visible when the latter is in its second state, in which the balls 11 are forced against the inner surface of the recess 7b. Alternatively, the liquid may have a refractive index that is substantially the same as that of the plate 5 and/or the arms 15 and/or flip-flops 17, these elements thus being at least partially constructed of transparent material.

As regards the suitable materials for the two plates 3, 5, the same considerations, as mentioned above in the context of the first embodiment, also apply.

• une membrane hydraulique élastique ;
• une pince formée par au moins deux leviers 15 agencés de manière ad hoc ;
• un piston agencé pour pouvoir réduire le volume de la poche 7 en se déplaçant perpendiculairement aux plaques 3, 5.

Other forms of actuator system 13 are also possible, such as:

• an elastic hydraulic membrane;
• a clamp formed by at least two levers 15 arranged ad hoc;
• a piston arranged to be able to reduce the volume of the pocket 7 by moving perpendicular to the plates 3, 5.

Again, the decorative object 1 may be part of a piece of jewelry or jewelry, or a timepiece. In the latter case, the decorative object 1 may act as a dial, and may be fixed relative to the caseband, an operating member (crown, rotating bezel, rotating back) being provided to control the actuator system 13.

THE Figures 5a to 5e illustrate a third embodiment of a part of a decorative element 1 according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the movable elements 11 each comprise a first plate 12 superimposed on a second plate 23, four connecting elements 19 connecting them to each other. In the illustrated variant, the connecting elements 19 each have a helical shape, but this is not obligatory, and rectilinear, bent or similar shapes are also possible.

The movable elements 11 are arranged so as to form a matrix or a network and are connected to each other in an articulated manner, so as to allow relative movement with respect to each other under the effect of an actuator system 13 comprising a plurality of actuators 21 associated with at least some of the movable elements 11.

The articulated connection between the movable elements 11 can be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by means of flexible blades (flexures), additional links connecting one connecting element 19 to another movable element 11 of the adjacent connecting element 19 or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, each second plate 23 is arranged to cooperate with a corresponding actuator 21, here an actuation cam 21 a plurality of which are mounted on axes 25 which can be rotated by an electric motor, a watch mechanism or manually by manipulating an operating member such as a crown, a rotating bezel or back, a target or the like. In order to create patterns via the positions of the movable elements 11, at least some of the cams 21 are angularly offset relative to at least some of the others, this pattern varying with the movements of the cams 21.

A restoring force may be provided in an ad hoc manner, such as by gravity, by elastic elements or by making the connections between the movable elements 11 elastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the articulated connection between the plates 11 is obtained as will be described later.

The connecting elements 19 each have a helical shape, and are distributed equally around each first plate 12 and each second plate 23 such that a connecting element 19 of a movable element 11 is intertwined with a connecting element 19 of an adjacent movable element 11 (if present). The connecting elements 19 are thus “linked arms”, and this cooperation between connecting elements 19 ensures the articulation between the movable elements 11 to form the matrix and, in the case where they are elastic, provide a restoring force serving to hold the second plates 23 against their respective cams.

Of course, other forms of actuators 21 are also possible, such as for example a plurality of independent pistons, one or more objects (plates, balls, sculptures, etc.) arranged to be moved according to a direction parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the die to move the movable elements, etc.

The movable elements 11 are advantageously monobloc, that is to say each made of a single tenon, without discontinuity of material, and can be manufactured by additive manufacturing (3D printing). Depending on the material chosen as well as the dimensions of the connecting elements 19, the latter can be substantially rigid or flexible.

The matrix of movable elements 11 is square in the embodiment of the figures. However, it is also possible to arrange them in a triangular or hexagonal matrix, the number of flexible elements 19 being adapted accordingly (i.e. three in the case of a triangular matrix or six in the case of a hexagonal matrix). Furthermore, the matrix may have interstices instead of being complete, and the first plates 12 may be arranged to have a relief topography, whether positive or negative, bump or hollow.

The assembly of plates 11, flexures 19 and cooperating elements is connected to a frame (not shown) in any suitable manner and protected by glass (not shown) so that this assembly acts as a dial of a watch or forms part of a piece of jewelry.

Although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, modifications thereto are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (19)

Decorative object (1) comprising: - a first plate (3); - a second plate (5) fixed to said first plate (3), said second plate (5) being at least partially transparent; - a plurality of pockets (7, 7a) located in at least one of said plates (3, 5) and/or between said plates (3, 5); - at least one movable element (11) located in each of at least some of said pockets (7, 7a); characterized in that at least some of said pockets (7a) have two inner corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3) providing at least two stable positions for a corresponding movable element (11) located in said corresponding pocket (7a), said stable positions being defined for at least two orientations of said decorative object (1) when the latter is oriented with respect to the gravity vector such that said corresponding movable element (11) is located in one of said corners (7a1, 7a2, 7a3). Decorative object (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said pockets (7) are defined by: - recesses (7b) formed in said first plate (3) and/or in said second plate (5); and/or - through openings provided in an intermediate plate (9) located between said first plate (3) and said second plate (5). Decorative object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of said stable positions are substantially the same for at least some of said pockets (7a). Decorative object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said stable positions are stable for a rotation of at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, of the decorative object (1) around an axis perpendicular to the plane of said plates (3, 5) when the gravity vector is aligned with said plane. Decorative object (1) comprising: - a first plate (3); - a second plate (5) located substantially parallel to said first plate (3) so as to define a gap between said plates, said second plate (5) being at least partially transparent; characterized in that said decorative object comprises: - an actuator system (13) located in said gap and arranged to define a pocket (7) of variable volume, said actuator system (13) being arranged to evolve between a first state, in which the volume of said pocket (7) is a maximum, and a second state, in which the volume of said pocket (7) is a minimum; - a plurality of movable elements (11) located in said pocket (7), the quantity of movable elements (11) being chosen such that, when said actuator system (13) is in its first state, the quantity of said movable elements (11) is insufficient for the latter to fill said pocket (7), and that, when said actuator system (13) is in its second state, said movable elements (11) substantially fill said pocket (7). Decorative object (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said second plate (5) comprises a hollow (7b) which is located opposite said second plate (5) and defines a face of said pocket (7). Decorative object (1) according to one of claims 5 and 6, wherein said mechanical actuator (13) comprises a plurality of arms (15) pivotally mounted and arranged to move between predetermined positions to define said first state and said second state. Decorative object (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said arms (15) define a clamp or an iris mechanism. Decorative object (1) according to one of claims 5 and 6, in which said actuator system comprises a hydraulic membrane or a piston. Decorative object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which said interstice is filled with a liquid, preferably of a dark color or having a refractive index which is substantially the same as at least said second plate (5) Decorative object according to claim 10 as dependent on claim 7, in which the arms (15) are at least partially transparent and have substantially the same refractive index as said liquid. Decorative object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which said movable elements (11) are balls. Decorative object (1) comprising: - a matrix of movable elements (11) articulated to each other; - a plurality of actuators (21) arranged to move at least some of said movable elements (11), wherein said movable elements each comprise a first plate (12) superimposed on a second plate (23), said plates (12; 23) of each movable element (11) being connected to each other by means of a plurality of elongated connecting elements (19). Decorative object (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each movable element (11) is linked to an adjacent movable element (11) by interlacing adjacent connecting elements (19) comprised by said adjacent movable elements (11). Decorative object (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each of said connecting elements (19) is of helical shape. Decorative object according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which said actuators are cams. Decorative object according to one of claims 13 to 16, in which each movable element (11) is in one piece. Piece of jewelry or jewelry comprising a decorative object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17. Timepiece comprising a decorative object (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

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