GB2245950A - Chain links - Google Patents

Abstract

A toroidal link (1), for forming a chain with a plurality of other substantially identical links, is formed with a substantially Z- or S-shaped profile. In a preferred embodiment, the link has upper and lower loops (2, 3) lying in substantially parallel planes, with the closed part (4, 5) of the loops being remote from one another; each intermediate portion (6, 7) of the link is substantially coplanar with the normals to said planes over at least part of its length. <IMAGE>

Description

CHAIN LINKS The present invention relates to links for constructing a chain for jewellery.

Most chains, especially those which are decorative, require some means of closure when the links of which they are composed are assembled. This is usually done by fusion or soldering. Some links require intermediate rings which also have to be closed on assembly. These may enhance the design, but can detract from it, and the rings are often thin and easily opened, leading to breaking of the chain.

A system, therefore, which does not require intermediate rings, links or fusion, can save time and money and may improve the aesthetic qualities of the design.

According to the present invention, therefore, a toroidal link, for forming a chain with a plurality of other substantially identical links, is formed with a substantially S-shaped profile.

Using the links of the present invention, there is no need for intermediate rings, links or soldering. - Defining the shape of the link further, the link preferably has upper and lower loops lying in substantially parallel planes, with the closed part of the loops being remote from one another, each intermediate portion of the link being substantially parallel to the normals to said planes over at least part of its length.

Two examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of two engaged links of the first example; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second example of a link; and, Fig. 4 is a plan view of the link of Fig. 3.

In Figure 1, a link 1 has a generally S-shaped profile with an upper loop 2 and a lower loop 3. The upper and lower loops 2,3 generally lie in substantially parallel planes with their respective closed ends 4,5 being remote from each other and thus pointing in opposite directions.

The intermediate portions 6,7 are curved as shown.

Each intermediate portion 6,7 has a part 8,9,10,11 which is genaerally parallel to the normals to the planes in which the loops 2,3 lie.

The links are interengaged by passing one intermediate portion 6 of a first link 1 between the intermediate portions 6',7' of a second link 1' and pulling the first link 1 back. This causes the closed end 4 of the upper loop 2 of the first link 1 to engage the inner part of the vertical portion 11' of the second link 1', and causes the inner part of the vertical portions 8 of the first link 1 to engage the closed end 5' of the lower loop 3' of the second link 1'. A succession of substantially identical links can be interengaged in the same way and the chain finally closed by any of the many known conventional means.

Up and down movement of interengaged links is prevented by the abutment of adjacent upper loops 2,2' and lower loops 3,3'. Naturally, a certain amount of freedom in this movement can be provided according to taste.

Transverse movements may be prevented by "nipping " one or both upper and lower loops 2,3. However, if the links are used to form a necklace, this movement is prevented by the weight of the completed design.

Because the method of engagement between adjacent links involves the abutment of a horizontally disposed loop 2,3 with a vertical portion 8,9,10,11, some rotation about the normals to the planes of the loops 2,3 is allowed and this in turn allows the chain formed from the links to conform to the wearer's neck, wrist, ankle, etc.

The upper and lower loops 2,3 may be of the same length, in which case the resultant chain is substantially linear. Alternatively, the upper loops 2 may all be somewhat shorter than the lower loops 3, so that the resultant chain is curved, which is especially useful for a necklace, for example.

Other variations in the shape of the links are possible, and an example is shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this example, the link 1 is functionally identical to that shown in Figure 1, but the intermediate portions 6,7 are somewhat more angular compared to the rather curved form shown in Figures 1 and 2. The same basic principle of having substantially parallel upper and lower loops 2,3 with vertical parts 8,9,10,11 is used as before. In this example, as shown particularly clearly in Figure 4, the opposite sides 21,22 are of different lengths. The opposite sides 31,32 of the lower loop 3 are also correspondingly different, giving rise to a strikingly novel design.

Claims (7)

1. A toroidal link, for forming a chain with a plurality of other substantially identical links, formed with a substantially Z- or S-shaped profile.

2. A link according to claim 1, having upper and lower loops lying in substantially parallel planes, with the closed part of the loops being remote from one another, each intermediate portion of the link being substantially coplanar with the normals to said planes over at least part of its length.

3. A link according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper and lower loops are substantially the same length.

4. A link according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opposite sides of each of the upper and lower loops are of different lengths.

5. A link substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, or Figures 3 and 4, of the accompanying drawings.

6. A chain for jewellery, including a plurality of links according to any of claims 1 to 4.

7. A chain according to claim 6, wherein the links are substantially identical.