US3490227A

US3490227A - Expandable bracelet

Info

Publication number: US3490227A
Application number: US683957A
Authority: US
Inventors: Leonard Kian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1967-11-17
Filing date: 1967-11-17
Publication date: 1970-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 1987-01-20

Description

EXPANDABLE BRACELET Filed Nov. 17, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1N VENTOR. [50 1 6 20 K/AZV BY $1M KIAN EXPANDABLE BRACELET 2 Sheets-g 2 Filed Nov. 17

l N VENTOR. (Ea/9E0 Ar/au United States Patent m US. Cl. 59-79 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A watch band having upper and lower series of link members disposed in transverse fashion such that each of the upper members overlies three of the lower members. Each of the lower members has a series of three eyelets protruding from its surface, which eyelets pass through sutable apertures in the upper members at the lower series-upper series contact areas. The series are retained together by a plurality of flexible spring pins passed through the protruding apertures parallel to each of the upper link members. The individual members are covered by a cap to provide the necessary decorative finish, the cap being openable from the side to permit removal or insertion of the pins and, thus, adjustment of the band or bracelet.

BACKGROUND This invention relates to expandable bracelets suitable for retaining a watch or the like on the wearers wrist and, more particularly, to such bracelets of the so-called scissor or cross type wherein the upper and lower link members are positioned transversely with respect to each other and pivotably aflixed together.

In the past number of years, a multitude of variou approaches have been proposed in the art of the fabrication of expandable bracelets suitable for utilization in retaining watches on the wearers wrist and the like. The vast majority of these proposals may be divided into two district groups, one of which is the so-called scissor or cross type of band and it is this type to which this invention pertains.

In the fabrication of the scissor or cross-type bracelet, series of upper and lower link members are provided. The upper members are positioned transversely with respect to the lower member such that, ordinarily, an upper member overlies three of the individual lower members and is pivotably afiixed thereto at the various points of contact. It is necessary, of course, too incorporate some type of resilient member within the pivotable connections to cause the band to retract when it has been expanded. It is desirable, also, that the characteristics of the band or bracelet be such that individual links may be removed or added in order to accommodate its size to a particular wearers Wrist. The band, additionally, must be of generally sturdy construction to prevent it from failing during use and, yet present an attractive appearance.

Bands of the type described are generally fabricated by connecting the upper and lower members with a series of rivets, some provision usually being made for adjusting the band length at a specified segment thereof. Resiliency may be provided, for example, by incorporating generally circular springs in to the central link junctions. The springs have straight end pieces which overlap and are affixed to upper and lower links causing them to twist when the band is expanded. In use, such bands often suffer from rivet failure, spring fatigue and the like. Repeated length adjustments, additionally, may cause the band to fail at the adjustment segment thereof because of metal fatigue.

3,490,227 Patented Jan. 20, 1970 Ice OBJECTS AND SPECIFICATION It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an expandable bracelet which is not subject to the disadvantages outlined above.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a bracelet of the type described which contains a relatively small number of differing components, each of which may be fabricated with relative ease and at small expense.

It is an object of this invention to provide a bracelet of the type described wherein the spring elements may be replaced easily, should they become fatigued, thus eliminating the necessity of purchasing a completely new bracelet.

It is an object of this invention to provide a band which may be easily adjusted or otherwise serviced by a jeweler or salesperson without fear of incorrect reassembly, the loss of parts and the like.

It is an object of this invention to provide a band which is of sturdy construction, not being subject to breakage despite the rigor of the wearers activities.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a band of the type described which may be so fabricated as to present a pleasing outward appearance.

These as well as other objects of this invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of a typical upper link member;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the upper link member;

FIG. 3 is a side-elevational view of a typical lower link member;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lower link member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a siutable flex spring pin for use in the assembly;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a band segment in its retracted state, the caps being removed for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the band segment shown in FIG. 6 in its expanded state;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a band segment in its retracted state;

FIG. 9 s a perspective view of a typical cap; and

FIG. 10 is a side-elevational view, partially in cross section, of a single link segment.

Briefly, this invention comprises an expandable bracelet having a first series of link members normally positioned in generally abutting, side-by-side relationship. Overlying the first series of link members in transverse fashion is a second series of link members also normally positioned in generally abutting, side-by-side relationship. Each of the members of the second series contacts at least two separate of the members in the first series because of their transverse positioning. Protruding eyelet means are provided on the members of one of the series at at least some of the contact points with the members of the other series. Eyelet means receiving apertures are provided on those members of the other of said series at said contact points having said eyelet means positioned thereat. The apertures receive the eyelet means such tha portions of said eyelet means on the non-first-series-contacting surfaces of said other series are exposed. Flex spring members are provided passing through the exposed portions of these eyelet means for flexing when the series are subjected to an expand force.

Referring now to the figures, a preferred embodiment of this invention will be illustrated in detail. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a typical upper link member, designated generally by the reference numeral 10, for utilization in the assembly which is the subject of this invention. The

link is rectangular and generally flat in cross section. Disposed along its length at suitable locations are a series of eyelet-receiving apertures designated by the reference numerals 11a, 11b and 11c.

The lower link member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 3. and 4. It is also fabricated from generally flat sheet stock and, in the embodiment shown, takes the overall configuration of a pair of rectangular islands connected by a diagonal member. Into the surface of the lower link member 20 there are formed a series of three protruding eyelets designated by the reference numerals 21a- 21b and 21c. As illustrated in the drawings, eyelets 21 may be formed by merely punching the link 20 from the opposite side shown in FIG. 4 to cut and expand the metal into the protruding configuration illustrated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a typical flex spring pin 30 suitable for utilization is the assembly. As shown, it comprises a shank section 31 and a generally T-shaped shoulder section 32 formed by overlapping the stock. The spring 30 may be fabricated from any suitable resilient material having the flexible and structural qualities to be described hereinafter. Merely by Way of example, spring steel stock may be utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, the initial assembly step is performed by laying a plurality of the lower link members 20a through 20g in side-by-side, generally abutting relationship. Over the lower link members 20 are placed a plurality of upper link members 10a through 10g. As illustrated, the upper and lower members are positioned transversely with respect to one another such that each of the apertures in a single upper link member 10 pivotably receives an eyelet 21 from each of three different lower link members 20. Thus, for example, aperture 11a on link 10c receives eyelet 21a on link d; aperture 11b on link 100 receives eyelet 21b on link 20c; and, aperture 11c on link member 100 receives eyelet 21c on link member 20b.

Depending upon the design of the particular band, it may be desirable to space the lower link members 20 slightly with respect to one another to add flexibility to the finished product while permitting the upper link members 10 to retain their abutting relationship. Thus, the term generally abutting as used throughout this specification and the claims appended hereto is descriptive merely of the side-by-side relationship of the various components when the bracelet is in its relaxed state and is not to be read as requiring that adjacent members actually be touching.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 8, the distance of protrusion of the eyelets 21 beyond the surface of the link members 20 is such that portions of them pass completely through the upper link members 10 and are exposed during the overlaying process. Through the eX- posed portions of the apertures, preferably from each side of the band as illustrated, is passed one of the T-shaped spring pins or members 30. The shank sections 31 of the members are sufiiciently long to pass through the end and middle eyelets associated with each particular upper link member.

Prior to proceeding with the description of the constructions of the band, attention is called to FIG. 7

wherein a band segment is shown in its expanded form.

From this figure, it will be noted that as the band is expanded, the individual eyelets rotate pivotably with respect to the particular upper link member with which they are associated. This rotation causes the spring members to flex in the areas indicated generally by the reference numeral 33 and, due to the resilient spring qualities, the band will return to its original retracted state when the expanding force is terminated. It is, therefore, necessary that the protruding portions of the eyelets grasp link section 31 of the spring rather tightly to prevent rotational play between the two components and it may be necessary to form the middle eyelets 21b 4- and, consequently, their receiving apertures 11b slightly larger than the apertures 11a and 110.

Bendability about the wearers wrist, as well as twistability along the length of the band, is provided by forming the apertures 11 slightly larger than the eyelets 21 Which they are to receive. Additionally, the height of the upstanding eyelets 21 will aifect the properties of the band. It is necessary, therefore, to scale these components such that the desired flexibility will be present in the finished product. This, of course, can be readily accomplished by those skilled in the art once the overall measurements have been decided upon.

The flex spring members or pins 30 function, additionally, to retain the upper and lower link members in their assembled configuration by preventing the eyelets 21 from pulling out of the apertures 11. Thus, individual segments of the band may be disassembled for replacement or adjustment by merely removing the spring pins 30 retaining that particular segment together.

It is necessary, of course, that a cap member be provided to conceal the functional components of the band. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the cap member functions, additionally, to retain the T-shaped spring members 30 within the eyelets 21 and, thus, the upper and lower series of link members together. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a suitable cap or shell, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, comprises a decorative surface portion 41 of approximately identical size as the upper link members 10. Cap 40 has depending side flanges 42 and depending end flanges 43. A series of conventional tabs 44 are provided on the side flanges and, as is well-known in the art, the caps are aflixed to their respective upper link members 10 by merely bending over the tabs 44 which, if desirable, may be provided with suitable receiving recesses in the lower surfaces of the upper links 10.

As shown best in FIG. 10, when the end flanges 43 are in their closed position, any attempt by the T-shaped springs to slide from engagement with eyelets 21 will merely result in the abutment of the shoulder section 32 against the interior surface of end flange 43. It is necessary, thus, that the section 34 of the spring extending past the middle eyelet 21b in each link be of suflicient length so as not to have slid free of the retaining eyelet 21b prior to the abutment of shoulder 32 against the interior of the flange 43.

If, on the other hand, it becomes desirable to adjust the band, it is necessary merely to raise the end flanges 43 on the particular segment of the band at which the adjustment is to take place and remove the spring pins 30 with a pair of tweezers or the like. After a suitable number of links have been removed, replaced or added, the T-shaped springs 30 may be pushed back through the eyelets 21 from each side of the band and the end flanges 43 folded back downwardly to retain them in that position.

Depending upon the particular type of construction utilized, it will be desirable in all probability to provide also a covering cap for the lower link members 20. Such may be accomplished easily, as is well-known in the art, by merely forming a cap such as that indicated at 50in the general configuration of the lower link members 20 and aflixing it thereto by means of suitable tabs such as indicated at 44 in FIG. 9.

As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, many types of link configurations may be utilized to employ the concepts of this invention. Merely by way of example, the lower link members 20 might be parallelogram in shape rather than of the configuration shown. Similarly, the positions of all or a portion of the eyelets and their pivotable receiving apertures might be reversed such that the springs were inserted beneath the lower link members as well as, or instead of, above the upper link members.

Thus, while a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments may be conceived and fabricated without departing from the spirit of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

I claim:

1. An expandable bracelet comprising:

a first series of link members normally positioned in generally abutting, side-by-side relationship;

a second series of link members also normally positioned in generally abutting, side-by-side relationship, said second series overlying said first series in transverse fashion such that each member of said second series contacts at least two separate members of said first series;

protruding eyelet means on the members of one of said series at at least some of the contact points with the members of the other of said series;

eyelet means receiving apertures on those members of the other of said series at said contact points having said eyelet means positioned thereat, said apertures pivotally receiving said eyelet means such that portions of said eyelet means protrude through the members of said other series and are exposed on the side of the members of said other series opposite from the members of said one series; and

spring means passing through the exposed portions of said eyelet means for locking the link members of said first and second series together and for flexing when said series are subjected to an expanding force.

2. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein each member of said second series contacts :at least three separate members of said first series; wherein each member of said first series has at least three spaced eyelet means protruding therefrom; and, wherein each member of said second series has at least three of said aperture means, each pivotably receiving an eyelet means protruding from different members of said first series.

3. The structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein one of said spring means passes through at least two of the eyelet means protruding through one member of said second series of link members and lies generally parallel thereto when said bracelet is unexpanded.

4. An expandable bracelet comprising:

a second series of link members also normally positioned in generally abutting, side-by-side relationship, said second series overlying said first series in transverse fashion such that each member of said second series contacts at least three separate members of said first series;

protruding eyelet means on the members of one of said series at each of the contact points with the members of the other of said series;

eyelet means receiving apertures on the members of the other of said series at said contact points, said apertures receiving said eyelet means such that portions of said eyelet means protrude through the members of said other series and are exposed on the side of the members of said other series opposite from the members of said one series; and

flex spring means passing through the exposed portions of said eyelet means for locking the link members of said first and second series together and for flexing when said series are subjected to an expanding force operative to move adjacent members of each series out of their generally abutting, side-by-side relationshi where by said series will resiliently return to their unexpanded states when said force is removed.

5. The bracelet as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said spring means passes through the exposed portions of at least two of said eyelet means.

6. The bracelet as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said spring means comprises an elongated shank section adapted to be snugly received by the exposed portions of said eyelet means and a shoulder section larger than the exposed portions of said eyelet means.

7. The bracelet as set forth in claim 6 wherein two such spring means are provided for receival by the eyelet means protruding through the apertures of each member of said other series, said two such spring means passing through the exposed eyelet means from opposite extremities of the members of said other series, the shank sections of both passing through one of the eyelet means.

8. The bracelet as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a cap members for each of said link members in said other series, said cap forming an elongated tunnel over each of said other members and including end flanges adapted to retain said spring means in engagement with said eyelet means.

9. The bracelet as set forth in claim 8 wherein said end flanges are openable to permit access to the tunnel for removal and insertion of said spring means.

10. An expandable bracelet comprising:

a first series of link members;

a second series of link members abutting said first series in transverse fashion such that each member of said second series contacts at least two of the members of said first series;

eyelet means protruding from the members of said first series at each of the contact points between the members of said first and second series;

aperture means in each of said second series at each of said contact points for pivotably receiving said eyelet means, said eyelet means passing through said aperture means; and

elongated flex spring means passing through selected of said eyelet means for locking the link members of said first and second series together and for flexing when said series are subjected to an expanding force whereby said series will resiliently return to their unexpanded state when said force is removed.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,371,765 3/1945 Levine 5979 2,787,116 4/ 1957 Anderson 59-79 2,755,617 7/1956 lhringer 59-79 FOREIGN PATENTS 616,433 1/1949 Great Britain.

CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner G. P. CROSBY, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 599l mg? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,49%227 Dated January z0 1970 Inventor) Leonard Kian It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, Line 8:

After "means" and before insert protruding from different of the members of said one series SIGNED KND I SEALED I JUL 2 8 1970 M) Amen:

Edmunmh mm: x. 8' Imuting Offioor Commissioner of RM