US2246221A

US2246221A - Metal strap construction

Info

Publication number: US2246221A
Application number: US343732A
Authority: US
Inventors: Prestinari Eugen; Haeffner Emil
Original assignee: GEMEX CO
Current assignee: GEMEX CO
Priority date: 1940-07-03
Filing date: 1940-07-03
Publication date: 1941-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 1958-06-17

Description

June 17, 1941. E. PRESTINARI mm. 2,245,221

METAL STRAP CONSTRUCTION 1 Filed July 3, 1940 i 1 I v Q E. /0 =1 =1 7 @5 151, 6 25 2611 '28 2 25c 'INVE TORS Z2 Eugen restinari *w'fifimmmnmmnn Q%m/ 6 42% v/ M vZ0 r 'ATTORNEYZ dicated in the following claims.

Patented June 17, 1941 2,246,221 METAL sraar CONSTRUCTION Eugen Prestlnari, Summit, and Emil Haeflner, Newark, N. J., assignors to Game: Company, Newark, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application July 3, 1940, Serial No. 343,732

6 Claims.

This invention relates to bracelet band construction.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a bracelet band construction which is simple, practical, and thoroughly durable. Another object is to provide a construction of the above character which may be manufactured from inexpensive materials without undue labor costs. A further object is to provide a construction of the above character in which the material is so disposed as to attain a high degree of strength without heavy construction. Another object is to provide a construction of the above character having a maximum of resistance to longitudinal strains, while, at the same time, being light, graceful, and pleasing in appearance, Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, as will be exemplified in the structure to be hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be in- In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown several of the various possible embodiments of my invention:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the core of one embodiment of my bracelet band during manufacture;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 1 of the core of another embodiment of Figure '7 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of Figure 6.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of certain features of this invention, it might here be pointed out that the need for a metal bracepast constructions, if this type of band. is made flexible enough to be comfortable when worn on let band, having the characteristics of leather or the like in so far as possible, has always been appreciated. However, attempts. to design a bracelet band of this character have been disappointing because of an apparent inability to achieve the desired characteristics without sacriflcing durability and quality. For example, in

the wrist, such flexibility is an indication of an inherent weakness in structure with resultant deterioration from use by wear, erosion, and other factors, Where the bracelet band is made strong enough to stand up in use, the stiffness thereof makes it uncomfortable for wear. Furthermore, bracelet bands of this type have presented many problems of manufacture, necessitating the use of expensive materials with high labor cost. Another object of this invention is to provide a construction for overcomingthe above-mentioned difficulties as well as many others. 1

Referring now to the drawing and to Figure 5 in particular, the bracelet band includes a core, generally indicated at In, covered by a wire wrapping l2, Core l0 comprises a series of metal elements which extend transversely of the band and are interlocked together along their longitudinal edges. After the core is formed, the wire wrapping I2 is wrapped transversely therearound.

Thi makes a band having a maximum of flexibility longitudinally of its length and results in the elimination of the difficulties referred to hereinabove.

In the construction of the type of core shown in Figure 3, a series of elements are first secured together in the manner shown in Figure 1. Each of the elements consists of a top portion and a pair of inwardly curving side walls, which form a pair of channels with the top portion extending longitudinally of the element, Thus, for example, element I3 includes top portion Ba and side walls l4 and I5 which form channels [3b and Be,

In assembly, there are two series of elements,

the top portions of each series facing outwardly from the core and extending transversely thereof while their side walls extend inwardly where they interlock to form the center of the core. As best seen in Figure 1, each element serves as a link between two elements on the opposite side of the core, the side walls of the first-mentioned element interlocking with the juxtaposed side walls of the two-last-mentioned elements. Thus, for

example, channels l3c'and lfib on elements l3 flatten the channel-shaped side walls of the elements so that the interlocking tongue portion of each channel is held between the tongue porflat external surfaces with a minimum of interstices therein. Furthermore, all of the elements are securely interlocked but are so connected that a maximum of flexibility is permitted lengthwise of the core.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 4 in which another embodiment of my invention is shown, the core comprises a series of tubular-shaped elements extending transversely thereof and having a cross section having the general shape of a flgure 8. One side of each element, or the bottom of the figure 8, is open and the other end. the top or head portion of the figure 8, is

preferably smaller than the lower portion and adapted to flt therein. Thus, each element consists of a head portion, a neck portion, and a pair of legs. For example, the element generally indicated at 25 comprises a head 25a, a neck portion 25b, and a pair of

legs

25c and 25d.

In assembly, the head portion of each element lies between the legs of the lower portion of one of its adjoining elements and its legs enclose the head portion of the other. As the distance between the ends of the legs is substantially the same as the width of the neck portion of the elements, all of the elements are transversely interlocked to their adjoining elements. Thus, for example, the head 25:: of element 25 lies between the

legs

25c and 25d of, element 25 which curve inwardly to grip the neck portion 26b of element 26. Likewise, the legs of element 26 interlock with the head portion 28a of element 28 to secure these elements together.

After the tubular elements are secured together in this manner, they are passed between pressure rollers. These flatten the sides of the lower portions of the elements which presses them into contact with and flattens the head portions lying therein. The ends of the legs are pressed downwardly into the neck portion of the element they contact, securely interlocking the elements together (Figure 4). core also there are a minimum of interstices left between the members comprising the core which is a material aid in overcoming the difliculties pointed out hereinabove.

After the cores shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been flattened to press their elements into secure interlocking relationship, a, wire wrapping I2 is applied thereto. This wrapping is preferably made of a metal wire of rectangular cross section 20 (Figures 5 and 7) but usually very thin. It is here shown much thicker for illustrative. purposes. This wire is wrapped tightly around the core transversely thereof, preferably with each turn abutting against theexposed edge of the preceding turn. This provides a practical and eflicientwrapping which forms two continuous flat surfaces for the band.

To set the wrappingflrmly in position and to press the wrapping into close contact with the core, the band is next passed between pressure rollers, which, in addition to applying pressure In this form of to the top and bottom of the band, bevels its edges 2| and 22 (Figures 611ml '1). The bevellng of the edges not only enhances the appearance of the band but also interlocks the turns of the wrapping with the edges of the core.

By reference to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that it is necessary for certain portions of each element to move outwardly from the top or bottom surfaces of the core in order to break its connection to the element to which it is attached. Thus, for example, to disconnect elements II and I! (Figure 3), the top portions 13a and Ho ,must be moved outwardly away from each other before they can be moved longitudinally of the band to break the interlocking connection. Likewise, referring to Figure 4, legs 25c and 15d must be moved outwardly away from each other to release their grip on the head and neck portions of element 26. Accordingly, when the wrapping I2 is applied to the band, it holds the elements in interlocked relationship, for they cannot become disconnected without movement of certain portions thereof transversely of the band, and this is prevented by the wrapping.

Thus, a bracelet has been disclosed which is of simple yet sturdy construction. A maximum of flexibility is provided longitudinally of the band by having the elements, interlocked transversely of the core, and because there are a minimum of interstices between the elements, the difliculties above referred to are overcome. It will thus be seen that I have provided a thoroughly practical and efllcient construction in which the several objects hereinabove mentioned, as well as many others, are accomplished.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above inventionand as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawing is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements extending transversely of said band, hook-shaped edges formed on said elements, said hook-shaped edges of each of said elements interlocking with the hook-shaped edges of its adjacent elements, and a wrapping covering said elements, said wrapping being the sole means to prevent movement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

2. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements extending transversely of said band, hook-shaped edges formed on said elements, said hook-shaped edges of each of said elements interlocking with the hook-shaped edges of its adjacent elements, said hook-shaped edges when in interlocked relationship having their interlocking portions extending longitudinally of said band, and a wrapping of metal lic wire wrapped around said elements transversely of said band and covering said elements, said wrapping being the sole means to prevent movement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

3. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements, each comprising a top wall and hook-shaped side walls, each of said side walls being interlocked with the side wall of an element having its top wall positioned on the opposite side of said band, said elements when in interlocked relationship forming a core for said bracelet band, the end portions of said hook-shaped side walls extending longitudinally of said band, and a wire wrapping completely covering said elements, said wire extending transversely of said band and interlocking with the edges of said core, said wrapping being the sole means to prevent movement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

4. In bracelet hand construction, in combination, a series of tubular-shaped elements extending transversely of said band, each comprising a head portion, a neck portion, and a pair of legs, the legs of each element extending around the head of an adjacent element and into its neck portion whereby said elements are interlocked together, and a metallic wrapping covering said elements. said wrapping being the means toprevent movement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

5. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of tubular-shaped elements, each comprising a head portion, a neck portion, and arpair .of legs, the legs of each element extending around the head of an adjacent element and into its neck portion whereby said elements are interlocked together, and a wrapping of metallic wire extending transversely around said elements, each turn abutting against the preceding turn, said wrapping holding the leg portions of each element in interlocking relationship with an adjacent element.

6. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements, each comprising a top wall and hookshaped side walls, each of said side-walls being interlocked with the side wall of an element having its top wall positioned on the opposite side of said band, said elements when in interlocked relationship forming a core for said bracelet band, and a wrapping extending around said core, said wrapping being the sole means to prevent movement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

EUGEN PRESTINARI.

EMIL HAEFFNER.