US2920442A

US2920442A - Ornamental chain with links having an upset joint having a stone receiving recess

Info

Publication number: US2920442A
Application number: US599440A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter R Kunzmann; Siegfried K Kunzmann
Original assignee: KUNZMANN CHAIN Co
Current assignee: KUNZMANN CHAIN Co
Priority date: 1956-07-23
Filing date: 1956-07-23
Publication date: 1960-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 1977-01-12

Description

Jan. 12, 1960 w. R. KUNZMANN ETAL 2,920,442

ORNAMENTAL CHAIN WITH LINKS HAVING AN UPSET JOINT HAVING A STONE RECEIVING RECESS Filed Julyvzs, 195e JNVENToRs.

mi i United States Patent f ice I Walter R. Kunzmann and Siegfried K. Kunzmann, Cranston, RJ., assignors to Kunzmann Chain Company, Providence, RJ., a corporation of Rhode Island Application July 23, 1956, Serial No. 599,440 s Claims. (ci. ssi- 80) This, invention relates to ornamental chains in general, and to ornamental chains with inset stones in particular. Y

Settings for stones in prior ornamental chains, and especially in mass-produced chains, are provided by forming blanked sheet-metal chain links or parts thereof into socket-like receptacles or providing them with projeeting prongs, or both. As a result, these chain links have little, if any, ornamental appearance themselves, but serve primarily as mere holders for the stones which, in turn, are relied on to lend the chain the desiredornamental appearance. Accordingly, these prior chains have a pronounced mono-.ornamental appearance created primarily by the stones themselves and littleaffected by the chain links.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chainpwithV inset stones of which the chain links themselves have av highly ornamental appearanceV distinct from, yet tastefully blending with, the ornamental appearance of the stones, thereby not only lending the chain an overall appearance which is no longer mono-ornamental as heretofore, but also immeasurably enhancing the possibilities of major as well as minor variations in the overall design and appearance of the chain.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a chain of this type of which the links may be formed exclusively from ywire stock and concatenated, by hand or vautomatic machinery, and may be provided with settings for stones by simple deformation of a part of each link which does not in the least afectthe ornamental appearance of the rest of the link, thereby not only making available for chains of this type the many different ornamental designs and appearances of wire-formed links and also vbringing the stones into closest possible proximity to the exposed ornamental link parts for optimum blending of their respective ornamental appearances, but also achieving the formation f the stone settings in the links without any sheet-metal or other special parts therein and in an exceedingly simple manner which is highly conducive to eilicient mass production of the chain and hardly adds to the low cost of the original link formation'and concatenation so that the overall cost of the chain with the inset stones remains exceedingly low.

It is a further object of the present invention to pro- Y vide a chain of this type in which the aforementioned Wire-forrned links have. interhooked wire lengths which for the formation of stone settings are deformed by compression into such tight mutual interlock as. to form substantiallyuninterrupted socket surfaces which accurately iit the stones, thereby not only affording a maximum area between lthe links and stones Vfor the attachment of the latter'to the former, preferably by cementing, but also reenforcing the settings so that they will never give despite their interhooked wire origin and, hence, retain the stones most securely for the longest time and even if the chain should accidentally be tensioned or twisted excessively. 1

Another object of the present invention isto provide Patented Jan. l2, 19,60

a chain of this type in which the aforementioned interhooked wire lengths of the links are so deformed by compression as to leave impressions of distinct depth therein, of which the bottoms are substantially continuous and accurately t the bottoms of stones intended therefor and the upstanding rims thereof are sharply defined in the otherwise non-compressed remainders of these wire lengths and receive the stones also in accurately fitted fashion, thereby not only bringing the stones into closest possible proximity to the exposed ornamental link parts for optimum blending of their respective ornamental appearances, as aforementioned, and without any interruption in the continuity of the overall ornamental design or appearance of the chain by the Well-hidden settings of the stones thereof, butv also further enhancing the firm mount ofthe stones in their settings, whether by cementing or otherwise.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a chain of this type in which the aforementioned interhooked wire lengths of the links for the stone settings are at opposite ends thereof anked by other Wire lengths of the same links in the form of closed loops which are of such dimensions as to permit their concatenation for connection of the individual links into a chain having the requisite flexibility for comfortable and appealing Wear.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a chain of this type in which the bottoms of the aforementioned stone settings in the links thereof may, simultaneously with the formation of the settings by a power-driven punch or ram, be provided With shallow depressions, thereby assuring the retention in these depressions of distinct layers of a suitable cement which cannot possibly be squeezed therefrom on pressing the stones in place and, hence, will act to secure the latter in their settings with optimum firmness.

I Another object of the present invention is to devise a method of producing, and especially mass-producing, a chain of this type with great eiciency and at a cost which is exceedingly low.

Other objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

g Fig. l is a fragmentary perspective View of a chain embodying the present invention;

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are fragmentary top, sideand bottom views, respectively, of the same chain;

Figs. 5 and 6 are sections through the same chain taken substantially on the lines 5-5 and 6 6, respectively, of

Fig. 2;

Fig. 6Aris an enlarged section through the chain, similar to the section of Fig. 6, but with the ornament omitted from the sectioned link of the chain;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary top View of the chain prior to its finish-formation into that of Figs. l and 2; Figs. 8 and 9 are sections through the partly-finished chain of Fig. 7 as taken on the lines 8-8 and 9-9 thereof, respectively;

Fig. l() illustrates an apparatus performing an intermediate step in the formation of the chain in accordance with a certain method;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section through the apparatus as taken on the line 11-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the partly linished vchain immediately after being performed on by the apparatus of Fig. l0;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a link of a chainembodyng the present invention ina modified manner;

Fig. 14 is a transverse section through the same link shown in Fig. 13; and

Fig. l5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a link of a chain embodying the present invention in a further modified manner.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. l to 6 thereof, the reference numeral 2t) designates an exemplary ornamental chain having concatenated ornamental links 22 with inset ornaments, in this instance stones 24. It is characteristic of the present invention that the settings 26 for the stones 24- in the links 22 (Figs. 5 and 6) are provided directly in intermediate link portions that are formed by hooked wire lengths which prior to the formation of the settings therein are interhooked in a common plane.

Fig. 7 shows the exemplary chain 20 prior to formation of the settings 26 in the links 22 thereof. Thus, each link 22 has an intermediate portion or length of which at least a part 27 thereof is formed by hooked wire lengths 23 and 30 that are interhooked in a common plane x-x (Fig. 8). In the present example, each link 22 is formed throughout of wire stock, presently of two wires w and w, of which w' forms the top hook 23, then continues as an end loop 32 and nally terminates as a hook 34 underneath and offset from the top hook 23 (Figs. 7, 8 and 4), while wire w forms the other top hook 30, then continues as the other end loop 36 and finally terminates as a hook 38 beneath and offset from the top hook 39. The links 22 may successively be formed, by hand or automatic machinery, and in the course of their formation be interlinked with each other at their

adjacent end loops

32 and 36. Further, the opposite end loops or

bights

32 and 36 of the generally U- shaped wires w and w of each link 22 are, in the present instance, twisted or Curbed (Fig. l) for their continuity with the respective top and

bottom hooks

2S, 34 and 36, 3S. Moreover, the

opposite end loops

32 and 36 of each link 22 are twisted or curbed in opposite directions so that the interlinked end loops will, on ordinary wear of the chain, compel the links into orderly and sightly disposition in the same plane (Fig. l). However, the

end loops

32 and 36 of each link are so dimensioned that despite their concatenation with the end loops of the adjacent links all links may move relative to each other with suicient freedom to lend the chain adequate ilexibility for comfortable and appealing wear.

The instant exemplary chain (Fig. 7), which may be conventional in every respect, is highly ornamental in its own right and is demonstrative of the many possible ornamental designs and appearances of chains made up of links that are formed exclusively from wire stock.

As mentioned earlier, the settings for the stones in the various links of a chain are, in accordance with the present invention, provided directly in intermediate link portions formed by hooked wire lengths which are interhooked in a common plane. :in the chain shown, of which the exemplary links 22 are formed throughout of wire stock, the settings 26 in these links are formed, on the same side or face of the chain, in the link parts 27, and more particularly in the previously designated top interhooked wire lengths 23 and 30 thereof. To this end, the top interhooked Wire lengths 28 and 3i) of each link 22 are in part deformed by compression from opposite sides of the plane x-x (Fig. 8) into such tight mutual interlock as to form a depression therein (setting 26) with a substantially continuous bottom surface 40 (see also Fig. l2).

While the partial deformation by compression of the link parts 27 for the formation of the stone settings 26 therein may be achieved in various ways, as by driving a hand punch partly into the top interhooked

wire lengths

28 and 36 of each link, this is preferably and advantageously achieved with the aid of a power-operated punch 42 (Figs. l0 and ll) and in accordance with a certain method. Thus, insofar as the method is concerned, this involves the steps of backing each link 22 with its intermediate part 27 planewise against a surface and constraining it at its opposite sides or edges against planewise expansion, and thereupon forcing a punch with the same surface configuration as that of the stone bottom partly into the top interhooked

wire lengths

28 and 30 to form the setting 26. To carry out this method, the chain 26 is placed with its bottom face 44 against the bottom or backing surface 46 of a longitudinal groove 48 in a block or support 50 (Fig. ll), while the opposite side walls 52 of the groove 4S flank the chain (Fig. 1l) and are in suiciently close proximity thereto substantially to restrain the same against planewise expansion laterally of its longitudinal extent. Cooperating with the block Si) is the punch 42 the end surface 56 of which is of the same configuration as the bottom of each stone intended for the chain. In the present instance, the bottom of each stone is flat and of oval outline, wherefore the end surface 56 of the punch 42 is similarly formed. The punch 42 may suitably be carried by a powerdriven ram 58 under manual or suitable automatic control.

The chain 2i) may, by hand or any suitable automatic means, be indexed in the groove or channel 48 in the block 50, toward the left in Fig. l0, in such steps as to bring the top interhooked

Wire lengths

28 and 30 of successive links 22 to station A in which the former are in operative alignment with the punch 42, while the latter will during successive intermittent stops of the chain descend and form the settings 26 in the operatively aligned links, the latter then preferably being backed against a hardened steel wear plate 66 in the block 50.

In thus descending by power operation on the operatively aligned link 22a (Figs. l0 and ll), the end surface 56 of the punch will first contact an inner part of the top interhooked

wire lengths

28 and 36 of the link and impress an outline of the setting or depression 26 therein which on continued descent of the punch will be carried to its ultimate desired depth. The compression to which the intermediate link part 27 is thus subjected by the punch 42 has the effect of forcing the top interhooked wire lengths 23 and 30 within the confines of the formed setting 26 into such tight mutual interlock that the bottom 40 of the latter is to all pracical intents and purposes a continuous surface (Figs. 6A and l2) against which the bottom surface of an inserted stone will fit quite accurately (Figs. 5 and 6). The compression to which the intermediate link part 27 is subjected by the punch 42 has the further effect of forcing also the bottom

interhooked wire lengths

34 and 38 into tight mutual interlock with each other and also attening them so that their bottom surface 64 is substantially flat and continuous (Fig. 4).

The setting 26 thus formed in the link 22a is also sharply defined in the remaining non-deformed marginal portions 66 ofthe top

interhooked wire lengths

28 and 30, so much so that a stone placed in the setting completely occupies the latter, wherefore highly pleasing continuity in the individual ornamental appearances of the link and inserted stone and, hence, optimum blending of their individual ornamental appearances into an exceedingly appealing overall pattern or design, are achieved. This is due primarily to the restraint against lateral expansion imposed on the link, in the present instance, by the opposite side walls 52 of the groove 48 in the block 50 (Fig. ll) and the ensuing sharply defined penetration of the sharp edge 68 of the punch 42 into the top

interhooked Wire lengths

28 and 30.

In forming the setting 26 in the link 22a of sufficient depth (Fig. l2), the depression thereof may continue peripherally throughout the top

interhooked wire lengths

28 and 30 and thus leave the non-deformed marginal portions 66 thereof to form a highly pleasing immediate background which frames an inserted stone peripherally throughout (Fig. 2).

After formation of the setting 26 in the link 22a, the

therein bythe latter in the manner previously described in connection with link 22a. This is repeated until all the links of the chain are provided with settings for stones.

A convenient and eflcient arrangement is to lead the chain 22 on its emergence from an automatic chainforming machine directly onto the block 50 and into the groove 48 which conveniently may be formed by spaced rails or bars 70 on top of the block, suitable chain indexing mechanism being preferably interposed between the machine and station A on the block to effect and control proper advance of successive chain links into operative alignment with the punch 42. The chain, after formation of the settings in successive links thereof, may then leave the block 50 and advantageously be permitted to descend by gravity into a lower receptacle in which it may collect. In thus permitting the gravity descent of the chain from the block 50, the length thereof in the block is most likely kept suciently taut to be stripped from the punch 42 on each ascent of the latter after a setting formation. However, a special stripper or strippers may be resorted to if desired or necessary.

After the links 22 of the chain 20 are thus formed with the settings 26, the stones 24 may be forced into the latter, preferably after first applying a suitable cement either to the settings or to the stones, or both, for secure retention of the latter in the former.

If cement is relied on to secure the stones in their settings, or to securethem more firmly therein than could be achieved with a mere presst, the bottom surface 40 of the setting 26 in each link may advantageously be provided with relatively shallow depressions 72 to serve as receptacles for cement c (Fig. 13) which thus cannot be squeezed from the setting on forcing the stone 24 thereinto and, hence, will assuredly remain in the setting and form an effective and enduring bond between the latter and the inserted stone. The shallow depressions 72 in the bottom of the setting 26 may readily be formed by a system of narrow and low

transverse rib formations

74 and 76 thereon (Fig. 13 and 14) which may readily be impressed therein by projections (not shown) on the end surface 56 of the punch 42.

While in the described exemplary chain 20 the bottoms of the inserted stones 24 are ilat and the bottoms of their settings 26 are accordingly flat, it is, of course, fully within the purview of the present invention to provide the inserted stones with bottom surfaces which are other than tlat and to form the bottoms of their settings accordingly. Thus, Fig. shows a chain link 22 with an exemplary spherical stone 76 for which a semispherical setting 78 is provided in the link.

It follows from the preceding that the instant exemplary chain achieves all of the aforementioned objectives. Thus, the chain links themselves may have a highly ornamental appearance distinct from, yet tastefully blending with, the ornamental appearance of the stones. Also, by virtue of the formation of the links of the exemplary chain exclusively from wire stock and the formation of the settings therein by mere deformation of sharply defined wire portions thereof which does not in the least affect the ornamental appearance of the remaining non-deformed wire portions thereof, many different typical and other ornamental designs and appearances of wire-formed links are made available for stone-adorned chains, and the stones are brought into closest possible proximity to the exposed ornamental link parts for optimum blending of and continuity between their respective ornamental appearances. Furthermore, the described formation of the stone settings in the chain links is achieved without any sheet metal parts 6 therein and in an exceedingly simple mannerwhich is highly conducive to eicient mass production of the chain and hardly adds to the low cost of the original link formation and concatenation so that the overall cost of the chain with the inset stones remains exceedingly low. Moreover, the formation of thev stone settings by deformation on compression of interhooked wire lengths offthe links into such tight mutual interlock as to form substantially uninterrupted setting surfaces which accurately lit the stones, not only affords a maximum contact area between the linksV and stones for the attachment of the latter to the former, but also reenforces the settings so that they will never give despite their interhooked Wire on'gin and, hence, retain the stones most securely for the longest time and even if the chain should be accidentally tensioned or twisted excessively. Also, if it is desired to provide the bottoms of the settings with shallow depressions for secure retention of a bonding cement and, hence, secure attachment of stones in the settings by cementing, the aforementioned tight mutual interlock of the interhooked wire lengths and ensuing continuity of the bottom surfaces of the settings is highly desirable and advantageous in that they prevent the leakage of the cement from the settings in the rst place.

The invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth with departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended tovbe embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

l. A link for a chain, comprising two U-shaped wire portions with the legs of each of said portions extending in a lengthwise direction toward each other and in overlapping superimposed relation, each leg of each U- portion being doubled back upon itself in hook form with vthe hooks of the legs of each portion being superimposed and interlocking in tight engagement with the hooks of the other of said U-portions, the wire at the bight of each of said U-portions being uniform in cross section and curbed, and the hooks at the mid-portion of the link and inside a vsubstantially continuous margin of them being flattened so as to be in tight mutual interlock within said margin and formed inside the latter and at one face of the link with a depression having a substantially continuous bottom surface and substantially continuous upstanding rim and being' adapted as a fitting mount for an ornament.

2. A link for a chain, comprising two U-shaped Wire portions with the legs of each of said portions extending in a lengthwise direction toward each other and in overlapping superimposed relation, each leg of each U-portion being doubled back upon itself in hook from with the hooks of the legs of each portion being superimposed and interlocking in tight'engagement with the hooks of the other of said U-portions, the wire at the bight of each of said U-portions being uniform in cross section and curbed, and the hooks at the mid-portion of the link and inside a substantially continuous margin of them being flattened so as to be in tight mutual interlock within said margin and formed inside the latter and at one face of the link with a depression having a substantially continuous bottom surface and substantially continuous upstanding rim and being adapted as a fitting setting for an ornament, and with said continuous bottom surface having a plurality of shallow depressions therein for retaining cement.

3. A link for a chain, comprising two U-shaped wire portions with the legs of each of said portions extending in a lengthwise direction toward each other and in overlapping superimposed relation, each leg of each U-portion being doubled back upon itself in hook form with the hooks of the legs of each portion being superimposed and interlocking in tight engagement With the hooks of the other of said U-portions, the Wire at the bight of each of said U-portions being uniform in cross section and curbed, and the hooks at the mid-portion of the link and inside a substantially continuous margin of them 5 being attened so as to be in tight mutual interlock within said margin and formed inside the latter and at one face of the link with a depression having a substantially continuous bottom surface and substantially continuous upstanding rim and an ornamental stone ttedly re- 10 ceived and secured in said depression.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Lederer Dec. 11, Williams May 3, Breul Aug. 6, Dover Jan. 27, Andrews Jan. 3, Jaeger July 7,