US3587226A - Expansible linkage for use in making a watch band or similar article of jewelry - Google Patents

Expansible linkage for use in making a watch band or similar article of jewelry Download PDF

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Publication number
US3587226A
US3587226A US750560A US3587226DA US3587226A US 3587226 A US3587226 A US 3587226A US 750560 A US750560 A US 750560A US 3587226D A US3587226D A US 3587226DA US 3587226 A US3587226 A US 3587226A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
links
link
legs
spring
linkage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US750560A
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English (en)
Inventor
Kurt A Rieth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Textron Inc
Original Assignee
Textron Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Textron Inc filed Critical Textron Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3587226A publication Critical patent/US3587226A/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/04—Link constructions extensible
    • A44C5/08—Link constructions extensible having separate links
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
    • A44C5/02—Link constructions
    • A44C5/04—Link constructions extensible

Definitions

  • the expansible linkage includes two rows of hollow links staggered and positioned in two different planes, the links being coupled together by U-shaped connecting members having legs positioned in the links and resiliently biased by at least one flat spring supported in each of the links.
  • the outer portions of the spring engage the inner wall of the link and the central portion of the spring is shaped to resiliently urge the legs of the connecting members towards the outer wall of the link and away from a link of the other row of links.
  • one of the most satisfactory expansible linkages used in the expansion bracelet industry includes two rows of overlapping staggered links in which each link extends in a direction generally transverse to the length of the band, and interconnecting members having legs located within the links of the upper and lower rows which pivotally connect them to each other.
  • At least one flat spring is located within each link and extends from an intermediate portion of one wall of the link to engage the legs with an initial deflection. The initial deflection of all of the springs is sufficient normally to urge the links of the band to fully contracted position.
  • this invention has provided a new and improved linkage which not only facilitates the insertion of the legs of the connecting members into the links with greater manufacturing efficiency but in addition with the linkage construction provided by this invention, spring life is substantially increased by increasing the effective lengths of the springs without increasing the length of the links and the springs are easier to manufacture and maintain.
  • one object of this invention is to provide a new and improved expansible linkage which because of its construction may be easily and economically assembled without substantial need for disassembly and reassembly.
  • Another object is to provide a new and improved expansible linkage construction wherein a substantial improvement in spring life is obtained.
  • Yet another object is to provide a linkage construction which substantially insures that the connecting members will properly mate with both the top and bottom links of the linkage and the springs positioned therein during assembly thereof.
  • a still further object is to provide a linkage construction which may utilize springs which are easier to manufacture and maintain.
  • Yet another object is to provide a linkage in which the ends of the legs of the connecting members may be blunt or square rather than bevelled as is customary in the prior art.
  • the invention comprises using at least one flat spring in at least each link of one row of links each of said flat springs having its end portions supported by the inner wall of the link in which it is located, and its central portion shaped to resiliently urge the legs of the U-shaped connecting members towards the outer wall of said link.
  • the flat springs are of generally arcuate shape between their localities of engagement with the legs and their localities of engagement with the link wall from which they act.
  • FIG. l is a side view of a segment of a linkage embodying the present invention with the parts shown in a contracted position and partly in section, the section being taken along the line l-l ofFIG. 4;
  • FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. I but showing the links in an expanded position, the section being taken substantially along the line 2-2 of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 3 is a top view partially in section showing three of the links in a contracted position, the section being taken along the line 33 of FIG. 41;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of a bottom link, looking at its inner wall
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of a top shell which is adapted to be fitted over the top link;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the flat springs utilized according to this invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the connecting members utilized according to this invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing two alternate spring embodiments which may be utilized according to the invention.
  • the expansible linkage comprises a row of top links 11 and a row of bottom links 112 pivotally connected together by substantially U-shaped connecting members [3 having legs 13A, 133 coupled together by an endpiece 13C.
  • Each top link 11 has an ornamental shell 14 attached thereto by tabs 141A which are received in cutouts 11A of the top link (See FIGS. 5 and 7).
  • the links 11 of the top row of links are staggered with relation to bottom links 12 of the bottom row lengthwise of the linkage.
  • the links of both rows extend in a direction generally transverse to the length of the linkage when viewed from the top.
  • Top and bottom links 11 and 12 may be made from stainless steel or any other suitable material.
  • the top link is formed as shown in FIG. 5 and the bottom link is fonned as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the bottom link is formed with outwardly extending tabs 12A which during assembly of the linkage are bent upwardly to hold in and partially conceal the lower portions of the endpieces 13C of the interconnecting members.
  • the ornamental top shell 14 may be made from a blank of gold filled stock or stainless steel stock or any other suitable material. When assembled about the top link 11, its outer wall overlies the outer wall of the link, its depending side walls extend along the outside of the side walls of the link and the tabs 14A hold the top shell in this relationship with the link.
  • the top shell is also provided with end tabs 14B and in the final assembled linkage they serve to conceal the upper portions of the endpieces 13C of the interconnecting members.
  • the ornamental top shells may be-omitted and the top link formed with the desirable ornamental appearance without departing from this invention.
  • Each link of each row is pivotally connected with the two adjacent links of the adjacent row by means of four interconnecting members 13.
  • the legs 13A and 13B of the connecting members extend within the links in a direction generally transverse to the length of the linkage.
  • Two legs of two of the four connecting members are located within a link of a top row near one side thereof, the other leg of one of these connecting members is located within an adjacent link of the bottom row and the other leg of the other connecting member is located within an adjacent link in the bottom row.
  • the other two connecting members are located near the opposite side of the linkage and their legs are located within the links near the opposite side in the same manner.
  • the legs 13A of the connecting members in each top link are urged towards its outer wall 118 and the legs 13B of the connecting members in each bottom link are urged towards the outer wall 128 of the bottom link by flat springs 15.
  • the springs of the top and bottom links are bowed in opposite directions with respect to each other. Depressions 16 are formed in the interior surfaces of the inner walls MC and 12C of the top and bottom links which receive the ends of the springs for centrally locating the springs with respect to the links and the legs 13A and 13B of the connecting members. In this manner the springs 15 are centrally located such that the central portions of the springs will be correctly positioned to resiliently urge the legs 13A and 13B towards the outer walls of the links.
  • the springs 15 are of a substantially arcuate shape and do not have any bends formed therein so they are easier and cheaper to manufacture. Because the working or effective length of the spring is increased spring stress is decreased and the useful life of the spring is increased.
  • FIG. 10 two alternate spring constructions which may be used in accordance with the teachings of this invention are shown.
  • the spring is provided with two bends 20A and 208.
  • the ends of the spring 21 are provided with slight bends or flats 21A at the point where they rest upon the inner wall of the link.
  • depressions 16 are not formed in the interior surfaces of the walls 11C and 12C depressions may be provided if desired.
  • other shape springs may be utilized as long as their end portions rest upon the inner walls of the links and they function to urge the legs of the connecting members towards the outer walls of the links and they are generally of the shape disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 10.
  • connecting members having legs of different cross sections may be used, although a generally rectangular cross section is preferred.
  • the ends of the connecting members may be blunt or square rather than bevelled as shown in FIG. 9.
  • Connecting members may also be used in which the legs of opposite U-shaped members are connected together to form members of either C-shape or rectangular shape.
  • An expansible linkage comprising in combination two rows of overlapping staggered links, each of said links including outer and inner walls and openings near the sides, each link extending in a direction generally transverse to the length of the linkage, means for interconnecting each of the links of one row with two adjacent links of the other row, said interconnecting means comprising a first pair of U-shaped members, the legs of each U-shaped member being made of substantially rigid material and said legs being substantially parallel to each other at all times, the end of one leg of each of said U- shaped members extending into the opening near one side ofa link of one row and the ends of the other legs of said U-shaped members extending into the corresponding openings near the sides of adjacent links in the other row, a second pair of U-shaped members, the legs of each U- shaped member being made of substantially rigid material and said legs being substantially parallel to each other at all times, the end of one leg of each of said second pair of U-shaped members extending into the opening near the opposite side of said link of said one row and the ends of the
  • each spring is generally arcuate in shape and is bowed at its central portion.
  • each spring has at least one bend formed in its central portion.
  • An expansible linkage comprising in combination two rows of overlapping staggered links, each of said links including outer and inner walls and openings near the sides, each link extending in a direction generally transverse to the length of the linkage, means for interconnecting each of the links of one row with two adjacent links of the other row, said interconnecting means comprising a first pair of U-shaped members, the legs of each U-shaped member being made of substantially rigid material and sad legs being substantially parallel to each other at all times, the end of one leg of each of said U- shaped members extending into the opening near one side of a link of one row and the ends of the other legs of said U-shaped members extending into the corresponding openings near the sides of adjacent links of the other row, a second pair of U-shaped members, the legs of each U- shaped member being made of substantially rigid material and said legs being substantially parallel to each other at all times, the end of one leg of each of said second pair of U-shaped members extending into the opening near the opposite side of said link of said one row and the ends of
  • each spring is generally arcuate in shape and is bowed at its central portion.
  • each spring has at least one bend formed in its central portion.

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
US750560A 1968-08-06 1968-08-06 Expansible linkage for use in making a watch band or similar article of jewelry Expired - Lifetime US3587226A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US75056068A 1968-08-06 1968-08-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3587226A true US3587226A (en) 1971-06-28

Family

ID=25018339

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US750560A Expired - Lifetime US3587226A (en) 1968-08-06 1968-08-06 Expansible linkage for use in making a watch band or similar article of jewelry

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US3587226A (en, 2012)
AT (1) AT299590B (en, 2012)
BE (1) BE731326A (en, 2012)
CH (1) CH492416A (en, 2012)
DE (1) DE1900290C3 (en, 2012)
FR (1) FR1600653A (en, 2012)
GB (1) GB1202005A (en, 2012)
IE (1) IE32824B1 (en, 2012)
NL (1) NL6907569A (en, 2012)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3705490A (en) * 1971-05-28 1972-12-12 Textron Inc Expansible bracelet
USD248740S (en) 1976-04-05 1978-08-01 Brite Industries, Inc. Watchband
US5748571A (en) * 1992-05-20 1998-05-05 Textron Inc. Plastic top shell
US5845478A (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-12-08 Textron, Inc. Lens top shell
US6205622B1 (en) 1999-08-02 2001-03-27 Pera M. Odishoo Method and apparatus for holding paper currency and credit cards
US20060124674A1 (en) * 2004-12-13 2006-06-15 Chan Che W Watch band and the links used thereof
US9924766B2 (en) * 2015-09-17 2018-03-27 Apple Inc. Attachment mechanism for a wearable device
CN108013547A (zh) * 2017-12-30 2018-05-11 佛山市南海区同佳时五金制品有限公司 一种容易拆装的拆生表带及其使用该表带的手表
US10905967B1 (en) 2016-09-07 2021-02-02 Ezra Joseph Satok-Wolman Component based system for assembling geometric structures

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3705490A (en) * 1971-05-28 1972-12-12 Textron Inc Expansible bracelet
USD248740S (en) 1976-04-05 1978-08-01 Brite Industries, Inc. Watchband
US5748571A (en) * 1992-05-20 1998-05-05 Textron Inc. Plastic top shell
US5845478A (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-12-08 Textron, Inc. Lens top shell
US6205622B1 (en) 1999-08-02 2001-03-27 Pera M. Odishoo Method and apparatus for holding paper currency and credit cards
US20060124674A1 (en) * 2004-12-13 2006-06-15 Chan Che W Watch band and the links used thereof
US9924766B2 (en) * 2015-09-17 2018-03-27 Apple Inc. Attachment mechanism for a wearable device
US10905967B1 (en) 2016-09-07 2021-02-02 Ezra Joseph Satok-Wolman Component based system for assembling geometric structures
CN108013547A (zh) * 2017-12-30 2018-05-11 佛山市南海区同佳时五金制品有限公司 一种容易拆装的拆生表带及其使用该表带的手表

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1900290A1 (en, 2012) 1970-04-16
FR1600653A (en, 2012) 1970-07-27
CH492416A (fr) 1970-06-30
IE32824L (en) 1970-02-06
DE1900290B2 (de) 1973-07-12
AT299590B (de) 1972-06-26
BE731326A (en, 2012) 1969-10-10
NL6907569A (en, 2012) 1970-02-10
GB1202005A (en) 1970-08-12
IE32824B1 (en) 1973-12-12
DE1900290C3 (de) 1974-02-21

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