AU2015100199A4 - A device for creating a linked item - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a device (10) for creating an item consisting of a series of linked rubber hands. the device (10) comprising: a plurality of spaced apart pins (26) arranged in at least three equispaced rows (14). each row (14) being offset with respect to a neighboring row (14) and each pin (26) being configured to Facilitate mountiing o la rubber band thereon such that rubber bands can be arranged to extend between a pair of pins (26) in a row (14) and/or between a pair of pins (26) in neighboring rows (14) to lacilite linkage of said rubber hands. i/iai

Description

A DEVICE FOR CREATING A LINKED ITEM RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a divisional application of Australian Innovation Patent No. 2014 100532, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND This disclosure generally relates to method and device for creating a linked item. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method and device for creating a linked wearable item from elastic bands. Kits that include materials for making a uniquely colored bracelet or necklace have always enjoyed some popularity. However such kits usually just include the raw materials such as different colored threads and beads and rely on the individual's skill and talent to construct a usable and desirable item. Accordingly there is a need and desire for a kit that provides not only the materials for creating a unique wearable item, but also that simplifies construction to make it easy for people of many skill and artistic levels to successfully create a desirable and durable wearable item. SUMMARY A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example kit and device provides for creation of Brunnian link articles of complex configurations. Moreover, the example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a devic' for creating an item consisting of a series of linked rubber bands, the device comprising: a plurality of spaced apart pins arranged in at least three equispaced rows, each row being offset with respect to a neighbouring row and each pin being configured to facilitate mounting of a rubber band thereon such that rubber bands can be arranged to extend between a pair of pins in a row and/or between a pair of pins in neighbouring rows to facilitate linkage of said rubber bands. in one embodiment of the present invention, each row is offset such that the pins in each non neighbouring row are laterally aligned.

Each pin ol the device according to the first aspect of the present invention may have a top portion configured to retain the rubber band thereon and longitudinal groove provided in a surface thereof extending inward toward a centre of the pin to provide a clearance for accessing the rubber ha md remained thereon to facilitate mov ing ends of the ruher band between adjacent pins to link said rubber bands. The clearance provided by the longitudinal groove formed in each pin is conf igured to accommodate a hook member for grippinlg an end of the rubber hand located on the pin. Each of the plunlity of spaced apart pins may be orientated such that the surface of each pin Lipoll which the longitudinal groove is provided face a common direction. In an embodiment of the present invention. the example kit may include several pin bars that are supported in a desired spatial orientation by at least one base. The desired spatial orientation may be dependent on the desired link conFiguration of the completed article. The base and pill bars may be assembled in various conmbi nat ion and orieniations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Moreover. additional bases and pin bars can he added to fun her expand possible completed ait icle creation. In a form of this eibodi meant, each of the pinl bars may Inclide a flanged top portion for holding elastic bands in place and a front access groove. The front access groove may prox ide for a hook tool to be inserted below a top most elastic band such that a Inxner hand can be grasped and pulled over an adjacent band to form the BrunlLnian link. The disclosed kit may pro\ ide for many possible orientations of adjacent pins. and therefore different orientations of and designs for a completed linked article. These and other features disclosed hercin can he hest understood 'irom the foll ow ing specification and drawings, the following of \N hil is a brief description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure I is a perspective view of an example kit for creating a Brunian link article in accordance nx ith an clbodinill o tihe present invention: Figure 2 is schematic view of Brunnian fink articles: Figure 3 is a schematic viewv of a series of Brunnian links: Figure 4 is a peLrspectie x vie w of an example pin lar in accordance with ain cmbodimrent of the present invention: 2 Figure 5A is a perspective view of interfacing surfaces of an example base and the example pin bar in accordance with an embodimci of the present in veion: Eigure 5B is a perspective view of a pin har mounied to an example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invenltion; Figure 6 is a perspeelive view of one pin of the example pin bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is fron1 view of one example pin in accordance with an embodimcit of the present invention; I iguLIre 8 is side view of anl example pin inl accordance with an eibodimcnt of the present invention: Figu re 9 is a top view of an example pin in accordance wilh an embodiment of the present invention: Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example base in accordance wN ith an embodiment of the present invent ion: Figue I 0A is a perspecive view of another example base in accordance with an ebodimeni of lie present ilivenl ion: Eigure 11 is a bottom view of the example base in accordance with an embolimen of the present invention: Fig'e I I A is a bottom \ iew of ainoher example base in accordance wilh an embodiment of the present invention: igure 12 is an assembly view of several bases assembled to se2eml pin bars in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention: ligeic 13 is an asscmbl\ vicv of several pin bars mounted relative to each other in one desired special orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention: Figures 14A-C are prospect iv2c views of assembly steps fir creating a Brunnian linked article in accordance w ilh an embodiment of the presei nvention: Figure 15 is a plan viewx of an e example clip fim secirinig lnose ends of a Brunni an likely article in accordance with an ebodiiment of the piesem invention: 3 Figure 16 is perspective view illustrating elastic bands secured with the example clip in 2 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention Figure 17 is a perspective view of an example base template for holding pin hars in a desired special orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present in mention: in Figure 18 is a hottorn iew of the example base template in accordance with an embodiment V of the )rCsentl invention: Figure 19 is a perspective view of side by side attachment of two base templates in accordance with an embximent of the present invention: and Figure 20 is a perspective view of an end to end attachment of two base templates in accordance with an embodiment of the present inveltion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FiVgues 1. an example khit is indicated at 10 for creating Brunnian Iink items such as bracelets. necklaces and other wearable or decorative items shown in Figure 2. Referring to figure 3. a Brunnian link 20 is formed from a continuous looped structure wt it hout forming an actual knot. Several links are formed in a chain to form a circular r structure. The ends are then secured and a durable wearable item is created. In this example three closed looped elastic items 20 such as rubber hands are shown forming a single chain. Each link is formed by capturing ends 22 of one loop) structure with a mid portion 24 of anot her loop structure in series. Fach link depends on the previous s and subsequent links to maintain the desired shape and integrity. Removing one link 20 results in all of the links becoming loose Iron each other. Referring to Figure I. the example kit 10 includes a base 12 that supports pin bars 14 that each includes a plurality of pins 26 A hook lot 16 is Mluded tor grasping and moving hands from one pin 26 to another. A clip I8 receives ends of the comp l eted links to complete and secure the linked i li. One oi several pin bars 14 are mounted to several bases 12 as is shown Ito support the pin bars 14 and the corresponding pins 26 in a desired alignUmrent. In this ample. a center pii bar 14 is incremented one up from the two outermost pin bars 14. This alignment provides for creation of a desired linked item. In this example three bases 12 are utilired to support the pin bars 14 in a desired relative orientation. Referring io iures 4. 5A-B. with continued eLerence to Figure 1, the base 12 includes a C1 plurality of upx aid esiending cylinders 28 that are receir ed w ilhin a corrcspnding opening 4 to provide a base with any number of rows of and columns of cylinders 28 that provide varying motnling conlfigurat ions for the pin bars 14. Referring to Figures 12 and 14, the base 12 is outili/ed to set a desired lpateri and uni formi spacing between several pin bars 14. Accordingly. each of the bases 12 can engage one or several hin hars 14. The base 12 can engage and he receive three pin bars 14 longitudinally. and/or may be added to a side of a group of pin hars to add additional pin bars beyond the Wee provided for b) one base 12. Figure 12 illustrates a conliguration where three bases are supporting three pin bars 14 and two additional bases 12 are engaged to the current pin bars 14 with only one row such that two rows of cvlinders 28 extend laterally to receive additional pin bars 14. Figure 13 illustrates a configuration where five pin bars 14 are aligned side by side as provided by lie additional bases 12 extending laterally as shown in figure 12. As is appreciated. the extent to which additional bases and pin bars 14 can he added and the configurations possible are limited only be the desire of' the user of the disclosed kit. The addition of' pin bars 14 provides [or more tn uniquLte and intricate designs limited only by tlihe imagination of the user of the kit. As depicted in I igure 12 and Figure 13, irrespective of the manner in which the variolis parts of the kit 10 are assembled for use. lhe assembled arangemienit resuls in a device for creating a Brunnian link having a plurality of pins 26 arranged in rows for loading elastic bands tIlerchelween. In lie cibodi ments of the assembled device of Figure 12. lie device comprises three .) eqiuispaced rows ot pins w\ ith the middle row heing offset from each of its neighboring rows. In (he embodiment of the assembled device of Figure 13, the de ice comprises five 5) equispaced rows of pins n ith each nonl-neigboing row b ig arranged stich that (heir pins 26 are Iaterally aligned. Referring to Figures 14A-C. a method of forming a Brnian link as provided by the example kit inside\ tle initial step of Ioading elastic bands onto adjacent pins 26. In this exalple. beginning at Whe right most ends each rubber band are stretched over adjacent pins and held at (lie mid portion. A first elastic band 52 is placed between a firsi pair of adjacent pins 26 A second elastic hand 54 is then placed ovCr one end of the previously assembled first elastic band 52. and then a 1hird elastic band 56 and so on until We desired nuinber of rubber hands have been placed on corresponding pin bars 14. Note that inl thesee example only three elastic hands 52. 54. and 56 are shown for explanation purposes. how ever. in practice. many elastic hands would be utilied to prom ide tIle desired length of a comiipleled article (he the elastic hands 52. 54, and 58 arc placed on each of the pins 26, the hook 16 is 1iseried into the access groove 40) and miox ed dons ward pas( the lop mosi elas(ic bands 56. The hook 16 is then mo ved oLutward froill the groove inL a direction indicated by arrowx 58 a 6 sufficient distance to allow for one end of the elastic hand 54 to be caught inl the hook end. Further lifting pulls the captured end of the second cladIce hand 54 in the direction indicated by 60 up through the end of the third elastic band 56 for assembly on to another adjacent pin 26 as is shown in Figure 14B. The captured end is pulled up and over the flanged top 38 and pulled back onto the adjacent pin to forni a sigl lnk The captured end of the elastic band 54 is then released to engage the adjacent pin 26. This process is repeated until a chain of links a desired length is obtained. The example illustrated in Figures 14A. 14B and 14C ilIustrate a chain formed from a single row or links. The example base eimplate 12 can be arranged to support many pin bar I4 and therefore links can be frimed longitudinally and laterally across adjacent pin bar 14 to form a wide variety of link configurations and combi nations. Referring to Figures 15 and 16. once the link is created. the clip 18 is used to secure the ends such that tle fabicated chain of links does not come undone. The clip 18 is substantially C shaped with an inward facing ends 62 that trap ends of the elastic hands 64 within the inner area 6 1. Referring to Figures 17-2(. an example base template 66 is shown For holing six pin bars 14 in a desired orientation. Each or the example pin bars 14 incldes the opening 30 of a defined size and tile base template 66 includes a plurality of circular bosses 68 that are sized to provide a desired light interlerence bit with the openings 30 in the pin bar 14 such that the pin har 14 is retained in place within grooves 70 of the base template 66. The interference fit between the pin bar 14 and lie bosses of the base template 66 assure a positive mouling and securing of to the base to prevent separation during use and cost ructioni of a desired wearable tem. Refering to Figures 18. 19 and 2. the base template 66 includes first and second ends 72. 74 and first and second sides 76. 78 between the first and second ends 72, 74. The first end 72 includes a male join1 80 and the second end 74 includes a correspoindig eaIle joinMt N. The first side 76 includes a niale joint 82 and the second side 78 includes a female joint 80. The alternating sides pros ide for anachment of several base teiiplaies 66 to each other to provide extended capabili). Figure 19 illustrales 1wo base templates 66 connected to each other in a side-In-side configu ration b was of joirits 84. 'igure 20 illustraics two base templates 66 connected to each other in an end-to-end configuration by way of joint 84. As appreciated. any number ot base templates 66 caln he secu rcd to each other to form manr different dcsi red configrurations. 7 The diilicrent conligtriations provide for many options for creating difTerent shapes and configurations of wearable itelis. Accordingly. the example kit and method provide for the creation of many different combinations and configurations of Brunnian links for the creation of bracelets, necklaces. and other wearable items. Moreover. the example kit is expandable to further create and expand the capabilities of potential Brunnian link creations. Further. the example kit provides tor the creation of such links and items in an easy manner allowing persons oh varying skill levels to be successful in ceatil g uniILe wcarablc items, Although an example enibodinient has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art woulId recognize that certain nod ifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, tle follow ing claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this invention. Throughout the specification and clainis the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meatIning unless the contrary is eXIlreSSIy stated or the context requires otherwise, That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to inld icate the incIlusion of not only the listed components. steps or features that it directly references. but also oilher cotmponetts steps or featuIres not sIecifically listed, unless tlie contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. 8

Claims (5)

1. A device for creating an item consisting of a series of linked rubber bands, the device comprising: a plurality of spaced apart pins arranged in at least three equispaced rows, each row being offset with respect to a neighbouring row and each pin being configured to facilitate mounting of a rubber band thereon such that rubber bands can be arranged to extend between a pair of pins in a row and/or between a pair of pins in neighbouring rows to facilitate linkage of said rubber bands.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein each row is offset such that the pins in each non-neighbouring row are laterally aligned.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein each pin has a top portion flared outward and configured to retaining the rubber band thereon and a longitudinal groove provided in a surface thereof extending inward toward a centre of the pin to provide a clearance for accessing the rubber band retained thereon to facilitate moving ends of the rubber band between adjacent pins to link said rubber bands.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the clearance provided by the longitudinal groove formed in each pin is configured to accommodate a hook tool for gripping an end of the rubber band located on the pin.

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart pins are orientated such that the surface of each pin upon which the longitudinal groove is provided face a common direction. 9