US2838906A - Toggle type linkage with detachable pivots - Google Patents

Description

. June 17, 1958 L. E. vALcouRT 2,838,906

TOGGLE TYPE LINKAGE WITH DETACHABLE PIVOTS Filed March 1, 1955 IN1/EN TOR.- LozljsE. Vala-our? States Patent O TOGGLE TYPE LINKAGE WITH DETACHABLE PIVOTS A Louis Edmond Valcourt, East Providence, R. I., assigner to Kestenman Bros. Mfg. Co., Providence, R. I., a corporation of Rhode Island Application March 1, 1955, Serial No.1491,453 3 Claims. (Cl. 59-79) This invention relates to articles of jewelry and more particularly to expansible metal bands or linkages for use in bracelets, chains or the like.

One object of the invention is to provide a metal band or linkage having articulated link-elements pivotally connected at their ends to adapt them to swing into open relationship in the manner of a lazy-tongs while normally being held contracted in abutting relationship by resilient means such as interior spring members.

A particular object of the invention is to provide means for releasably connecting the link-elements in series to adapt them to be disconnected for removing sections therefrom to reduce the length of a braceletror chain or for insertingv additional link-elements into the linkage to increase its length.

Another object is to provide connecting means which may be conveniently released and reconnected without the use of tools.-

Another object is to provide releasable connecting means for the link-elements which may be disconnected and reconnected without especial skill or expertness on the part of the operator.

Another object is to provide an improved construction in which the connecting means for the link-elements are secured by latching or locking means to prevent their accidental or unwarranted release. v

Another object is to provide an improved construction by which the link-elements are positively locked in connection without chance of release due to the ilexing, extension or other manipulation of the linkage when the bracelet or other article is worn.

Further objects of Vthe improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. l is a plan View of a linkage adapted for use as an expansible watch-band or bracelet; p

Fig. 2 is a greatly enlarged composite view showing the end links of a band or bracelet with an intermediate section removed therefrom by disconnection of the pivotal coupling means at the ends of the links;

Fig. 3 is arstill further enlarged sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of one of the upper linkelements and illustrating the coupling means between the ends of certain of the link-elements;

Fig. 4 is a similarly enlarged end view at the connectedl ends of two of the link-elements in a series showing the manually-releasable locking means for the coupling;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view showing the coupling means between two of the link-elements with the locking means released;

Fig. 6 is a similar view showing the locking means engaged;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view on line 7-'7 of Fig. 5 showing the coupling means released;

Fig. 8 is a similar sectional view onk line 8-8 of Fig. 6 showing the coupling means locked in engagement; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the manually-operable slidable latch or locking element for the coupling means at the ends of the link-elements.

A popular type of extensible watch-bracelet much in vogue at the present time consists in a series of crossing link-members pivoted together at their centers with their ends pivotally connected together to provide a linkage in the form of lazy-tongs with the members normally contractible by spring means contained within the links.

Heretofore it has been the usual practice to manufacture this type of bracelet, band, chain or linkage in different lengths adapted to iit wrists of different size without being too tight or too loose, but comfortable to wear. Due to the fact that watch-bracelets are frequently purchased separate from the watches, and in other cases bought for exchange with leather straps or the like already applied to the watches, it is necessary for the jeweler or other retailer to carry in stock several sizes of each type or design. it is therefore of considerable advantage to the jeweler or retailer to stock a type of bracelet which may be altered in length to ht dilerent wrists varying in size and heretofore attempts have been made to produce such a type of bracelet that could be shortened or lengthened as occasion required either by removing links or adding extra links thereto. However, in previous attempts to provide an adjustable bracelet or linkage of this character the releasable means for connecting the links have not always been of such construction as to insure permanency; that is, render the releasable connections between the links securely fastened to prevent dislocation or breaking apart. Watch-bracelets are subject to considerable tlexing under strain and it is essential that the connecting means between the ends of the links of a bracelet of the present type be particularly staunch and secure.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a linkage of the type indicated with improved pivotal connecting means lbetween the ends of the links secured by latching or locking devices that may be conveniently released manually but which will positively prevent accidental or unwarranted disconnection of the links. In general, the present improved connecting means comprises perforations or openings at the ends of certain of the links through which headed studs on adjacent links may be inserted with manually-operable latches adapted to be engaged with the headed studs to prevent their withdrawal from the openings in the links.

Referring to the drawing, the present improved band, bracelet or linkage may comprise a plurality of relatively narrow, overlying ycrossed bars or link-elements 2 pivoted together at their centers with their ends pivotally connected to adapt them to be contracted into substantially parallel abutting relationship as shown in Fig. 1. The mechanical parts of the linkage are usually enclosed and concealed in shells, so-called, which conform more or less to the shape of the link-elements and may be made of precious or semi-precious metal suitably ornamented on their upper display surfaces. In one form of such a construction the upper shells on the separate links 2 are crowned on the top and beveled along their edges as indicated in Figs. l and 4. Usually, the mechanical elements of the linkage are constructed as stampings of basemetal, for example `stainless steel, and one form of such elements or members of the linkage is illustrated in greatly enlarged plan view in Fig. 2.

The present linkage may be considered as comprising units of two crossing elements 4 and 5 pivotally connected at their centers, the bottom member 4 being in the shape of a relatively narrow flat bar having rounded ends and formed at its center, with an upstanding circular flange or hollow rivet 6 (Fig, 3). The upper crossmember or link-element is also constructed in the form of a substantially flat strip or bar, but preferably it is stamped out or struck up with Hat platform-like portions 7 and 8 at top and bottom providing offset bearing faces for certain of the parts. The bottom face of the lowermember 4 of the link-unit is covered by a thinner sheet-metal shell 10 anged upwardly at 11 to tt around its edges and formed with tabs 12 bent over from its sides to overlie its top face for securing the shell in place. The top of the upper member 5 is also covered by a shell 15 crowned on the top with beveled facets 16 and 17 on its sides and ends extending in downturned flanged portions 18 surrounding its marginal edges. A helical spring 20 enclosed within the hollow of the rivet 6 has two arms 21 and 22 projecting substantially radially therefrom; the lower arm 21 being disposed between the member 4 and the bottom shell 10 with its end engaging against the side flanges V18 thereof as shown most clearly at the left in Fig. 2. The upperrarm 22 of the spring 20 has its end engaged under a lug 23 folded over from the side of the member 5 as shown at the center in Fig. 2, It will thus be lobserved that the tension of the spring 20 in the hollow rivet 6 tends to swing the arms 21 and 22 toward each other and thereby cause each pair of link-elements 4 and 5 to swing about their pivotal axis in a direction to close them together similarly to the arms of a lazytongs. It will be understood that each link-unit comprising the pair of crossed members or arms 4 and 5 is connected at its ends to similar units in the series and the means for pivotally coupling the .link-unitsin the linkage constitutes a particular feature of the present invention. As before indicated, the present improved coupling means comprises headed studs 25 on one element of the linkunit engageable through openings at the ends of the link-element of an adjacent unit. As shown in Fig. 4, the shanks of the studs 25 may be fastened in suitable drilled holes 31 at the ends of the lower link-elements or bars 4 by riveting their ends over on the under side thereof, the opposite ends of said rivets being provided with at heads 32 anged outwardly around their shanks 33.

The shank 33 of the stud 25 at one end of each linkelement 4 extends through a hole 34 in one end of the link-element 5 which is of substantially the same diameter as the shank, see Fig. 3. The stud 25 at the opposite end of each link-element 4 is adapted to be inserted through the enlarged hole or opening 30 in an adjacent element 5, the opening being of generally ovate contour or egg-shaped to adapt its head 32 to pass through the larger end of said opening and its shank 3 3 of the stud to then be carried thereacross to engage in the smaller' end of the opening. Stated more specically, the openings 30 for receiving the releasable stud 25 extends laterally across the end of the element 5 with its axis at substantially right-angles to the longer sides thereof, the larger end of the opening having its circular edge of sucieut radius to adapt the head of the stud 25 to readily pass therethrough. On the other hand, the smaller circular end of the opening 30 is of a diameter to t closely around the shank 33 of the stud Z5 when the latter is moved laterally across the end of the element 5; and by locking the stud in this displaced relationship in the opening 30 its flanged head 32 will overlap the arcuate edge of the opening to prevent its withdrawal therefrom.

The means for locking the stud 25 in the smaller or narrower end of the opening 30 may consist in a slidable latch or locking bar 3S shown in perspective View in Fig. 9. The latch 35 may be stamped out from sheet-metal to provide a substantially rectangular body-portion 36 with its edge at one side recessed by an arcuate opening 37,Y

4 40 and 41 at either end thereof. The latch or locking bar 3S is extended at its opposite end in a portion bent over to provide a finger-grip 45 that may be engaged by the ngernail for manually sliding 4the bar. Below the finger-grip 4S the side of the bar 35 is cut away again in an arcuate edge 46 terminating in a straight edge 47.

The latch or locking bar 35 is slidably mounted on the end of the link-element 5, being held with its slotted end under a lug 49 bent over from the side of the linkelement. The opposite end or extension of the latch or bar 35 is slidably held in a slot St) in a plate-like portion 51 bent upwardly at right-angles to the face of the linkelement 5. By this method of mounting, the latch or locking bar 35 is adapted to slide longitudinally on the face of the link-element 5 across the opening 35, being limited in its motion by the shoulders 49 and 41 at the ends of the slot in its body portion 35 striking against the sides of the strap-like lug 49 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

After the head of the stud 2S has been inserted through the larger end of the opening 30 in the element 5 as shown in Fig. 5, the shank 33 of the stud may be positioned in the smaller end of the opening as shown in Fig. 6, whereafter the latch or locking member 35 is slid inwardly from the end of the link-element 5 until its shoulder 40 strikes against the side of the lug 49. By thus sliding the latch or locking bar 35 its straight edge 47 is caused to engage across the side of the shank 33 of the stud 25 to positively retain it in the smaller end of the opening 30 with its flanged head 32 overlapping the edge thereof to thereby prevent it from being withdrawn. By withdrawing the latch or locking bar 35 to the position shown in Fig. 5 and sliding the stud 25 to the larger end of the opening 30 its head 32 may be withdrawn axially therethrough to release the connection between the ends of the link-element 4 and 5. if desired, detent-rneans may be provided for holding the latch 35 in engagement with the side of the stud 25 to prevent the stud from accidental displacement, such means being shown in Figs. 5 and 6, as consisting in an indentation in the top of the lug 49 forming a projection or teat 52 on its under side engageable in a depression 53 in the top of the latch.

The method for disconnecting sections from the bracelet to reduce its length, whereafter the ends of the disconnected lengths may be reconnected; or for disconnecting sections of the linkage and inserting additional sections therein to increase the length of the bracelet, is described as follows:

By reason of the present improvement `a new article of jewelry may be produced which provides that the jeweler or'retailer is not obliged to stock watch-bands and bracelets in several lengths to fit wrists o'f different size. Previously, it has been the practice to carry watch-bands and bracelets in long, short and intermediate lengths; whereas, with the present improvement they may be manufactured in a single'length and adjusted by the jeweler or salesperson to shorten or lengthen them for the required size. Bracelets embodying the present invention and having a uniform length adapted to the size most generally required may be shortened by releasing the connecting means and removing a section or if a larger size is required, the end lengths of the linkage may be disconnected and an additional section inserted therebetween. For this purpose it is merely necessary to disconnect the link-elements at the approximate center of the band and by removing a short section reduce its whole length. If a larger size is required the link-elements are disconnected at approximately the center of the bracelet and an additional section of several interconnected links inserted between the separated lengths.

Referring to Fig. 2, bracelets may be manufactured of a length for the average size most generally required with the middle links embodying the present improvement of releasable connecting .means so that a section a may be removed for shortening it and an added link-section supplied for insertion thereinto when a larger size is required.

As shown in Fig. 2, openings 30 are provided in the link-elements 5 at the ends of the separated sections b, b with studs on the opposite elements 4 of these sections. The two end sections or lengths b, b' of the linkage may lbe initially connected with the intermediate insert-unit a by the studs 25 on the elements 4 secured'in the openings 30 of the elements 5 by the locking members 35. If desired, a separate intermediate section or unit such as a may lbe supplied with the bracelet so that the linkage may be further extended by attaching it to the end of one of the end lengths b and the end of the initial section a which is connected to the end of the other end b. Other l combinations between the longer and shorter sections of the linkage may be effected in the same way so that a wide range of adjustment is possible.

It will thus be observed that the link-elements may be assembled to form a bracelet of predetermined length with one .section detachable and one or more additional sections supplied for insertion when it is necessary to lengthen the bracelet. The band or 'bracelet may be adjusted in length vby the clerk or salesperson most conveniently and expeditiously without particular skill or expertness and without the use of tools. The invention thus provides that the jeweler or retailer is saved the expense of lcarrying a large assortment of bands and bracelets in different sizes. When an attachable insert is supplied with the band or bracelet it only slightly vincreases the cost of manufacture that is ordinarily not reflected in the retail price of the article. On the other hand, the customer receives a better litting article and the jeweler or retailer may offer a greater variety of bracelets as to design and price range without undue accumulation of stock. The present invention therefore provides an important improvement in the art of manufacturing Watchbands bracelets and similar jewelry.

While the improvement is herein shown and described as embodied in a preferred form of construction adapted for one particular bracelet design, it is to be understood that modifications may be made in the form and structure of the parts of the device and in -the design and ornamentation of the article produced thereby Without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

l. In an expansible bracelet linkage comprising togglelike units of upperand lower link-elements pivoted together at the center and pivotally connected-at their ends to the ends of corresponding units with ornamental sheetmetal shells covering the exposed faces of said link-elements and crimped around their edges, the combination therewith of improved means for disconnecting certain of said link-units to provide for shortening the length of the bracelet or inserting additional elements therein to lengthen it, an egg-shaped opening at the end of one linkelement and a headed stud having a reduced neck portion located at the end of an adjacent element, said egg-shaped opening having its larger end dimensioned topermit the head of said stud to pass therethrough and its smaller end shaped to closely surround the neck of said stud, a latchmember slidably mounted on the exposed face of said element having the opening to adapt it to slide thereacross, said latch-member formed with a circular recess at one end conforming to the contour of the larger end of said opening in the link-element, said latch-member also having a straight edge adjacent its recess yadapted to engage the neck of the stud under its head to lock it in place in the smaller end of said opening when said latch-member is slid across the opening, an aperture in said shell and manually-operable means on said latch-member accessible without removing the ornamental shell or disassembling other parts of the linkage whereby said latch may be engaged to slide it in one direction for releasing it from under the head of the stud to permit said head to pass through the opening and for sliding said latch-member in the opposite direction to engage it under the head of the stud to secure it against removal from the opening at the end of an adjacent link-element, said means comprising an extension extending through said aperture. y

2. In `an article of jewelry of the type indicated embodying a plurality of toggle-like link-units each having `a pair of links pivoted together at their centers, and having sheet metal shells covering the exposed faces of said link elements and extending around their edges, the combination of releasable means at the ends of said elements for connecting a plurality of units in a band or linkage comprising an opening at the end of one link-element of each unit and a headed stud at its opposite end, said opening being substantially egg-shaped in outline with its larger end' dimensioned to adapt the head of a stud to pass therethrough and its smaller end dimensioned to cause its edges to engage the reduced shank of said stud under its head to hold the unit in connection with other units of like construction, the combination of ya sheet-metal latchmember of generally rectangular shape having a semicircular opening in its side conforming to the circumference of the head of the stud to permit said head to pass therethrough, said latch-member having a straight edge extending from said opening along its side and adapted to engage the shank of the stud beneath its head to securely lock said stud against release from the opening in an adjacent link-element, and means for manually sliding said latch-member on the link-element on which it is mounted to engage its edge with the shank of a stud beneath the head thereof and to slide said latch-member in the opposite direction to register the semi-circular opening in its side with the head of the stud to adapt it to pass therethrough for disconnecting certain of the units from the linkage whereby to provide for shortening its length by rejoining the disconnected parts thereof or to lengthen the linkage by inserting extra units between said disconnected units and connecting them thereto in the manner described, said latch-member being mounted on the exposed face of its link element and having an end portion projecting through a slot in the shell on the link-element and formed to provide a finger-hold for manually sliding said latch-member.

3. In an expansible band or linkage as defined in claim 2, detent-means for said latching means comprising a detent-projection on the link-element carrying said latchmember constructed and arranged to releasably engage in a recess in said latch-member for preventing unwarranted movement thereof when said latch-member is in position with its edge engaging under the head of the stud to lock it against release from the opening in an adjacent linkelement. Y

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 463,455 Sample Nov. 17, 1891 587,950 Foster Aug. 10, 1897 2,249,086 MacIntosh July 15, 1941 2,344,455 Bertherman Mar. 14, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,621 Great Britain Sept. 19, 189,6

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