AU2015100201A4 - Brunnian link making device and kit - Google Patents

Brunnian link making device and kit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU2015100201A4
AU2015100201A4 AU2015100201A AU2015100201A AU2015100201A4 AU 2015100201 A4 AU2015100201 A4 AU 2015100201A4 AU 2015100201 A AU2015100201 A AU 2015100201A AU 2015100201 A AU2015100201 A AU 2015100201A AU 2015100201 A4 AU2015100201 A4 AU 2015100201A4
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
pin
pins
rubber band
base
rubber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU2015100201A
Inventor
Cheong Choon Ng
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NG CHEONG
Original Assignee
NG CHEONG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2014100533A external-priority patent/AU2014100533A4/en
Application filed by NG CHEONG filed Critical NG CHEONG
Priority to AU2015100201A priority Critical patent/AU2015100201A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2015100201A4 publication Critical patent/AU2015100201A4/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

There is disclosed a device (14) for creating an item consisting of a series of linked rubber bands, the device (14) comprising: a plurality of pins (26) arranged to facilitate mounting of a rubber band between an adjacent pair of pins (26), each pin (26) having a top portion (28) configured to retain the rubber bands thereon and a longitudinal groove (40) provided in a surface thereof extending inward toward a centre of the pin (26) to provide a clearance for accessing a rubber band retained thereon to facilitate moving ends of the rubber band between adjacent pins (26).

Description

BRUNNIAN LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a divisional application of Australian Innovation Patent No. 2014100533, 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 device for creating an item consisting of a series of linked rubber bands, the device comprising: a plurality of pins arranged to facilitate mounting of a rubber band between an adjacent pair of pins, each pin having a top portion configured to retain the rubber bands 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. In one embodiment of the present invention, each pin comprises a mid portion located between the top portion and base portion of the pin, wherein the mid portion is configured to receive the rubber band when the rubber band is mounted thereto.
The longitudinal groove may extend longitudinally from the top portion toward the base portion of the pin so as to extend at least partially into the mid portion of the pin, The clearance provide by longitudinal groove formed in each pin is configured to accommodate a hook tool for gripping a rubber band located on the mid portion of the pin. The plurality of pins may be arranged in a plurality of spaced apart and offset rows, with the spacing between pins in each row being substantially equal along a length of the row. Each pin may be orientated in the plurality of spaced apart and offset rows in a manner such that the surface of the pins on which the longitudinal grove is provided are each orientated in 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 pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Moreover, additional bases and pin bars can be added to further expand possible completed article creation. In a form of this embodiment, each of the pin bars may include a flanged top portion for holding elastic bands in place and a front access groove. The front access groove may provide for a hook tool to be inserted below a top most elastic band such that a lower band can be grasped and pulled over an adjacent band to form the Brunnian link. The disclosed kit may provide for many possible orientations of adjacent pins, and therefore different orientations of and designs for a completed linked article. These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example kit for creating a Brunnian link article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is schematic view of Brunnian link articles; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a series of Brunnian links; 2 Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example pin bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A is a perspective view of interfacing surfaces of an example base and the example pin bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is a perspective view of a pin bar mounted to an example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of one pin of the example pin bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is front view of one example pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is side view of an example pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a top view of an example pin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10A is a perspective view of another example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a bottom view of the example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 A is a bottom view of another example base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is an assembly view of several bases assembled to several pin bars in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is an assembly view 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 perspective views of assembly steps for creating a Brunnian linked article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 3 Figure 15 is a plan view of an example clip for securing loose ends of a Brunnian linked article in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is perspective view illustrating elastic bands secured with the example clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a perspective view of an example base template for holding pin bars in a desired special orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a bottom view of the example base template in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of side by side attachment of two base templates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view of an end to end attachment of two base templates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figures 1, an example kit is indicated at 10 for creating Brunnian link 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 without forming an actual knot. Several links are formed in a chain to form a circular 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 bands are shown forming a single chain. Each link is formed by capturing ends 22 of one loop structure with a mid portion 24 of another loop structure in series. Each link depends on the previous and subsequent links to maintain the desired shape and integrity. Removing one link 20 results in all of the links becoming loose from each other. Referring to Figure 1, the example kit 10 includes a base 12 that supports pin bars 14 that each includes a plurality of pins 26. A hook tool 16 is included for grasping and moving hands from one pin 26 to another. A clip 18 receives ends of the completed links to complete and secure the linked item. One or several pin bars 14 are mounted to several bases 12 as is shown to support the pin bars 14 and the corresponding pins 26 in a desired alignment. In this example, a center pin 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 utilized to support the pin bars 14 in a desired relative orientation. 4 Referring to Figures 4, 5A-B, with continued reference to Figure 1, the base 12 includes a plurality of upward extending cylinders 28 that are received within a corresponding opening 30 defined at the bottom of each pin 26 the pin bar 14. The cylinders 28 of the base 12 and the openings 30 receiving the cylinders 28 are mating features that define a slight interference fit to hold the pin bar 14 in place. Although three bases 12 are shown in this example, more or less could be utilized to support additional numbers of pin bars 14. The base 12 includes tabs 32 disposed between the cylinders 28 that fit within corresponding slots 34 defined on the pin bar 14. The interface between the tabs 32 and slots 34 provide alignment and maintain the upright orientation of the pin bars 14. Each of the pins 26 includes a front slot 36 that receives a boss 38 defined between cylinders 28 of the base 12. The front slot 34 and boss 38 interface further aligns and supports the pin bar 14 on the base 12. The pin bar 14 is an integral structure having the plurality of pins 28 defined in a single row. Each of the pins 28 are spaced an equal distance A apart. Each of the pins 28 includes a flanged top 38 and a front access groove 40. Referring to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, each pin 26 extends upward from a bar portion 42 and include features for holding and spacing rubber bands. Each pin 26 includes the flanged top 38 that is flared outward to prevent errant release of a rubber band during creation of a link. The access groove 40 is a longitudinal groove that extends inward toward a center of the pin 26. The access groove 40 extends from the bar portion 42 to an open end with the flanged top 38. The groove 40 provides a clearance for insertion of the hook tool 16 (Figure 1) utilized for moving ends of a rubber band between pins 32. Each of the pins 26 includes a bottom portion 44 that is flared outward from a diameter of a mid portion 46. The mid portion 46 of the pin 26 is where a rubber band is secured during assembly. The bottom portion 44 is flared outward to prevent the rubber band from slipping downward against the bar portion 42. The top and bottom flared portions 38, 44 centers the rubber bands in the mid portion 46 to provide a desired alignment during assembly. The edges of the flange 38 are rounded over to eliminate sharp edges or surfaces. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the example base 12 includes three rows of three cylinders 28 that are spaced equal distance from each other. The tabs 32 and bosses 37 are received within corresponding slots 34 and 36 formed on the pin bar 14. A stabilizer 50 is disposed between each row of cylinders 28 to provide further lateral support for the pin bars 14. Referring to Figures 1OA and 11 A, another example base 12' includes a three row of six cylinders 28 that are spaced an equal distance from each other. The additional cylinders 28 5 provided by the larger example base 12' provide for mounting of additional pin bars 14 with the same number of bases 12'. As appreciated, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure to provide a base with any number of rows of and columns of cylinders 28 that provide varying mounting configurations for the pin bars 14. Referring to Figures 12 and 14, the base 12 is utilized to set a desired pattern and uniform spacing between several pin bars 14. Accordingly, each of the bases 12 can engage one or several bin bars 14. The base 12 can engage and be receive three pin bars 14 longitudinally, and/or may be added to a side of a group of pin bars to add additional pin bars beyond the three provided for by one base 12. Figure 12 illustrates a configuration 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 cylinders 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 the additional bases 12 extending laterally as shown in figure 12. As is appreciated, the extent to which additional bases and pin bars 14 can be 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 for more unique and intricate designs limited only by the imagination of the user of the kit. As depicted in Figure 12 and Figure 13, irrespective of the manner in which the various parts of the kit 10 are assembled for use, the assembled arrangement results in a device for creating a Brunnian link having a plurality of pins 26 arranged in rows for loading elastic bands therebetween. Referring to Figures 14A-C, a method of forming a Brunnian link as provided by the example kit includes the initial step of loading elastic bands onto adjacent pins 26. In this example, beginning at the right most ends each rubber band are stretched over adjacent pins and held at the mid portion. A first elastic band 52 is placed between a first pair of adjacent pins 26 A second elastic band 54 is then placed over one end of the previously assembled first elastic band 52, and then a third elastic band 56 and so on until the desired number of rubber bands have been placed on corresponding pin bars 14. Note that in these example only three elastic bands 52, 54, and 56 are shown for explanation purposes, however, in practice, many elastic bands would be utilized to provide the desired length of a completed article. Once the elastic bands 52, 54, and 58 are placed on each of the pins 26, the hook 16 is inserted into the access groove 40 and moved downward past the top most elastic bands 56. The hook 16 is then moved outward from the groove in a direction indicated by arrow 58 a sufficient distance to allow for one end of the elastic band 54 to be caught in the hook end. Further lifting pulls the captured end of the second elastic band 54 in the direction indicated 6 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 form a single link. 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 illustrate a chain formed from a single row of links. The example base template 12 can be arranged to support many pin bars 14 and therefore links can be formed longitudinally and laterally across adjacent pin bar 14 to form a wide variety of link configurations and combinations. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, once the link is created, the clip 18 is used to secure the ends such that the fabricated 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 bands 64 within the inner area 61. Referring to Figures 17-20, an example base template 66 is shown for holding six pin bars 14 in a desired orientation. Each of the example pin bars 14 includes the opening 30 of a defined size and the base template 66 includes a plurality of circular bosses 68 that are sized to provide a desired tight interference fit with the openings 30 in the pin bar 14 such that the pin bar 14 is retained in place within grooves 70 of the base template 66. The interference fit between the pin bar 14 and the bosses of the base template 66 assure a positive mounting and securing of to the base to prevent separation during use and construction of a desired wearable item. Referring to Figures 18, 19 and 20, 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 joint 80 and the second end 74 includes a corresponding female joint 80. The first side 76 includes a male joint 82 and the second side 78 includes a female joint 80. The alternating sides provide for attachment of several base templates 66 to each other to provide extended capability. Figure 19 illustrates two base templates 66 connected to each other in a side-to-side configuration by way of joints 84. Figure 20 illustrates two base templates 66 connected to each other in an end-to-end configuration by way of joint 84. As appreciated, any number of base templates 66 can be secured to each other to form many different desired configurations. The different configurations provide for many options for creating different shapes and configurations of wearable items. 7 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 for the creation of such links and items in an easy manner allowing persons of varying skill levels to be successful in creating unique wearable items. Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this invention. Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the 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 pins arranged to facilitate mounting of a rubber band between an adjacent pairs of pins, each pin having a top portion configured to retain the rubber bands thereon and a longitudinal groove provided in a surface thereof extending inward toward a centre of the pin to provide a clearance for accessing a rubber band retained thereon to facilitate moving ends of the rubber band between adjacent pins.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein each pin comprises a mid portion located between the top portion and a base portion of the pin, wherein the mid portion is configured to receive the rubber band when the rubber band is mounted thereto.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal groove extends longitudinally from the top portion toward the base portion of the pin so as to extend at least partially into the mid portion of the pin.
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 mid portion of the pin.
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged in a plurality of spaced apart parallel and offset such that the surface of the pins on which the longitudinal groove is provided are each orientated in a common direction. 9
AU2015100201A 2010-11-05 2015-02-20 Brunnian link making device and kit Ceased AU2015100201A4 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2015100201A AU2015100201A4 (en) 2010-11-05 2015-02-20 Brunnian link making device and kit

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61/410,399 2010-11-05
AU2014100533A AU2014100533A4 (en) 2010-11-05 2014-05-21 Brunnian link making device and kit
AU2015100201A AU2015100201A4 (en) 2010-11-05 2015-02-20 Brunnian link making device and kit

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2014100533A Division AU2014100533A4 (en) 2010-11-05 2014-05-21 Brunnian link making device and kit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2015100201A4 true AU2015100201A4 (en) 2015-03-19

Family

ID=52672607

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2015100201A Ceased AU2015100201A4 (en) 2010-11-05 2015-02-20 Brunnian link making device and kit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2015100201A4 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11864637B2 (en) Brunnian link making device and kit
AU2015100198A4 (en) Method of creating a linked item
AU2015100201A4 (en) Brunnian link making device and kit
AU2014100533A4 (en) Brunnian link making device and kit
US20240122316A1 (en) Brunnian link making device and kit
AU2015100202A4 (en) Brunnian link making device and kit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FGI Letters patent sealed or granted (innovation patent)
MK21 Patent ceased section 101c(b)/section 143a(c)/reg. 9a.4 - examination under section 101b had not been carried out within the period prescribed