WO2008030194A2

WO2008030194A2 - A cuff link

Info

Publication number: WO2008030194A2
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fiona May Nicol; Hannah Martin
Original assignee: Armrevolution Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-08
Filing date: 2007-09-07
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: WO2008030194A3; SG141251A1

Abstract

A cuff link for use in releasably coupling a first and second section (X,Y) of a sleeve, the cuff link including a first and second retaining member (2,2'), wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members (2,2') includes an end that is adapted for insertion through holes disposed in the first and second sections of the sleeve (X,Y).

Description

A CUFF LINK

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of cuff links.

Background of the Invention

Cuff links are commonly used to couple first and second sections of a sleeve together and typically consist of a pair of retaining members disposed at opposite ends of a bridging member.

Unfortunately, some prior art cuff links that are available on the market have tended to be designed to primarily meet aesthetic considerations rather than practical considerations. Thus, whilst these prior art cuff links may look aesthetically pleasing, they may tend to be ill-suited for insertion through the holes in the sleeve sections.

it may be poorly-adapted for ease of user handling during its insertion through holes in the first and second sections of the sleeve.

In particular, prior art cuff links tend to provide only a limited gripping surface which makes it awkward for the user to hold the cuff link when maneuvering the cuff link through the sleeve holes.

Moreover, prior art cuff links are generally required to be held in a specific orientation and/or at a particular angle to enable effective insertion. This makes the task of inserting the cuff link through the holes in the first and second sleeve sections all the more tedious and time-consuming for the user. Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to alleviate at least one of the problems described above in relation to the prior art.

The present invention may involve several different broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides a cuff link for use in releasably coupling a first and second section of a sleeve, the cuff link including a first and second retaining member, wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members includes an end that is adapted for insertion through holes disposed in the first and second sleeve sections.

Preferably, the end includes at least one of a dome-shaped, triangular-shaped, tear-drop-shaped and trapezoidal-shaped cross- section.

Preferably, both the first and second retaining members may include a tapered end. Advantageously, the inclusion of a tapered end may assist in improving the ease of insertion of at least one of the first and/or second retaining members through the holes disposed in the first and second sections of the sleeve. It may be even more advantageous to have a tapered end disposed upon each of the first and second retaining members as this may provide the user with greater flexibility during insertion - that is, the user may not be limited to having to hold the cuff link in a particular orientation for insertion into the sleeve holes as there may now be provided multiple orientations and angles at which the present invention may effectively be held in use.

Preferably, the first and second retaining members may be substantially identical.

Typically, the present invention may also include a bridging member disposed between the first and second retaining members. Typically, the bridging member may include an elongate section. Advantageously, the elongate section may allow a user to more ergonomically grip the cuff link when attempting insertion of either of the first and/or second retaining members through the holes in the first and second sections of the sleeve. In contrast, prior art cuff links have tended to provide the user with minimal and/or poorly- positioned gripping surfaces to hold on to when maneuvering the cuff link through sleeve holes.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second retaining members may be movably adjustable relative to the bridging member. For instance, the first and/or second retaining member may be rotatable relative to the bridging member. Typically, the first and second retaining members may both be rotatable around a common axis. Typically a single pivot pin may couple the first retaining member, the bridging member and the second retaining member so that they may rotate in coaxial alignment with each other.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a single- piece of material. The present invention may also be integrally formed from a material such as metal or plastic. Typically, at least one of the first and second retaining members may be slidably movable along the bridging member. Advantageously, by allowing the first and second retaining members to slide relatively along the bridging member, this may assist in making the present invention compactable for ease of storage and/or transportation.

Also, in certain embodiments, both the first and second retaining members may be slidably movable along the bridging member. Typically the bridging member may be retractable relatively inwardly of a recess disposed on at least one of the first and/or second retaining members.

Typically, the present invention includes a biasing device adapted for biasing the at least first and/or second retaining member into a predetermined position relative to the bridging member. Typically, the bridging member may be biased so as to be retracted relatively inwardly of at least one of the first and/or second retaining members.

Typically the biasing device includes a coil spring. Typically, the biasing device may be housed within the recess of first and/or second retaining member.

Advantageously, in being able to either slide and rotate the position of the first and/or second retaining members relative to the bridging member, the present invention may provide improved flexibility to the user in convenientiy being able to insert the cuff iink through the sleeve holes in a plurality of effective orientations. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 depicts a side-elevated view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment in which first and second retaining members have been rotated relative to the bridging member;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a transparent top-view of the first embodiment;

Figure 5 shows the first embodiment in use in releasably coupling a first and second section of a sleeve;

Figure 6 depicts a front elevated view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of the second embodiment; Figure 8 shows the second embodiment in use in releasably coupling a first and second section of a sleeve;

- Figure 9 shows a front-end view of a third embodiment of the present invention disposed in a relatively compacted configuration;

Figure 10 shows a side-view of the second embodiment in the relatively compacted configuration;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment disposed in a relatively expanded configuration in which the first and second retaining members are slid outwardly of each other along the bridging member and are rotated away from each other around the bridging member;

Figure 12 shows an exploded and partially transparent view of the third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows the third embodiment in use in releasably coupling a first and second section of a sleeve.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1 to 5 depict a cuff link in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment includes first and second substantially identical retaining members (2,2'). The first and second retaining members (2,2') each include trapezoidal-shaped cross sections at first ends (2a,2a'), and, relatively smaller rectangular-shaped stems at second ends (2b,2b'). The first and second retaining members (2,2') each include substantially planar first and second sides (4).

The first and second retaining members (2,2') include cylindrically- shaped recesses (2c,2c') which may be adapted for receiving ends of a pivot pin (5). The recesses (2c,2c') may be extend through the stems (2b,2b') of the first and second retaining members (2,2').

A bridging member (3) is coupled between the first and second retaining members (2,2'). The bridging member (3) includes a rectangular block having a width and thickness which is approximately the same as that of the first and second retaining members (2,2').

The bridging member (3) includes a substantially cylindrically-shaped recess (6) which is adapted to accommodate the pivot pin (5) which extends from the first retaining member (2), through the bridging member (3) and into the second retaining member (2'). Whilst the pivot pin (5) is able to freely rotate within the bridging member (3), opposing ends of the pivot pin (5) are welded to the stems (2b,2b') of the first and second retaining members (2,2') so that when the pivot pin (5) rotates, the first and second retaining members (2,2') will rotate with it in unison. The first and second retaining members (2,2') are also welded to the pivot pin (5) in such a manner that they are in substantially planar alignment with each other at all times. The first and second retaining members (2,2') are pivotably coupled with the bridging member (3) in such a manner that their respective stems (2b,2b') abut against the bridging member (3) whilst the trapezoidal-shaped first ends (2a,2a') face outwardly away from the bridging member (3) and are adapted for use as leading edges for insertion through holes in the first and second sections of the sleeve.

Within the bridging member (3) a pair of recesses (3a) extend laterally with, and intersect the path of the pivot pin (5). Stubs (3b,3b') are received within each lateral recess (3a,3a') and are each spring-biased to move in a direction whereby the stubs (3b, 3b') are able to constantly abut against a surface region (5a) of the pivot pin (5). The stubs (3b, 3b') and retained in their respective lateral recesses (3a,3a') by screw pieces (3c,3c') that are screwed into placed within the lateral recesses (3a, 3a') behind the stubs (3b, 3b'.)

The surface region (5a) of the pivot pin (5) against which the stubs (3b, 3b') abut includes a square-shaped cross-section. In this regard, the stubs (3b,3b') are adapted to push against opposite sides of the square-shaped cross-section at various times during the rotation of the pivot pin (5). When the stubs (3b,3b') push squarely against any two opposite sides of the pivot pin (5), the pivot pin is able to be held stationary in that position until the user manually rotates the first pivot pin again (5).

Figure 5 shows the first embodiment in use. The first and second retaining members (2,2') are initially rotated into planar alignment with the bridging member (3) so as to streamline the cuff link for insertion through the holes of the first and second sections (X, Y) of the sleeve. The first retaining member (2) is then inserted through the hole of the first sleeve section and passed through the hole of the second section until the first retaining member (2) protrudes out of the second section. Thereafter, once threaded through, the first and second retaining members (2,2') are rotated in unison such that their planar surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the planar surface of the bridging member (3).

Figures 6 to 8 depict a second embodiment of the present invention including a first retaining member and a second retaining member (7,7') disposed on opposing ends of a bridging member (8).

The second embodiment is integrally formed form a single piece of metal alloy, plastic, or ceramic,and includes first and second substantially planar surfaces.

The first and second retaining members (7,7') are substantially identical in shape and dimensions and include dome-shaped cross sections which face outwardly away from the bridging member (8).

The bridging member (8) is slightly concave on a first and second edge (8a,8b).

Figure 8 shows the second embodiment in use. The curved contour of the first retaining member (7) lends itself to ease of insertion through the hole of the first sleeve section and thereafter, through the hole of the second sleeve section. In inserting the cuff link through the hoies, the cuff iink also provides a fiat gripping surface for a user to handily grip on to when manouvreing the cuff link through the holes.

Figures 9 to 13 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment includes first and second retaining members (9,9') which are each rotatably and siidably coupled to a bridging member (10). As shown in Fig. 11, the bridging member (10) includes a cylindrically-shaped rivet (10).

The first and second retaining members (9,9') are substantially identical in shape and dimension and each include planar surfaces (9a,9a') having tear-drop shaped cross-sections.

The first and second retaining members (9,9') are coupled to the bridging member (10) at their relatively wider first ends (9b,9b'). The planar surface (9a) of the first retaining member (9) is welded perpendicularly to a first end (10a) of the bridging member (10a) whilst the second end (10b) of the bridging member (10) includes a pair of stubs (10d) which extend radially outwardly from the bridging member (10) wherein the stubs (10d) are selectively engageable within at least one of two different slots (A₁B) in the recess (9c') at any given time so as to enable either opening or closing of the first and second retaining members (9,9') relative to each other.

When the first retaining member (9) is moved into a closed position with the second retaining member (9'), their respective planar surfaces (9a,9a') abut flush against each other, and, the outlines of their tear-drop shaped cross-sections line up neatly with each other.

The recess (9c') of the second retaining member (9') is adapted for accommodating the entire bridging member (10) when the first and second retaining members (9,9') are moved into a closed position.

The stubs (10d) disposed on the second end (10b) of the bridging member (10) prevent the second end of the bridging member from completely dislodging from the recess (9c¹). The second end (10b) of the bridging member (10) is surrounded by a coil spring (11) wherein a first end of the coil spring (11) abuts against the laterally extending stubs (1Od) and a second end of the coil spring (11) abuts against an inner rim of the recess (9c¹). In this manner, because the coil spring (11 ) pushes against the stubs (1Od), the first retaining member (9) will always be biased in a direction towards the second retaining member (9').

When the stubs (1Od) are manually positioned into the slot (A) the stubs (10d) are held stationary by the shape contour of the slot (A) until manually dislodged. When the stubs (10d) are in slot (A), the first retaining member (9) is pulled relatively tightly against the second retaining member (9') in a closed position as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Conversely, when the stubs (10d) are arranged into the slot B, again the stubs (1 Od) are held stationary by the shape contour of the slot (B) until manually dislodged. When the stubs (10d) are arranged into slot (B)₁ whilst the spring coil (11) still pulls the first retaining member (9) inwardly towards the second retaining member

(9'), the first retaining member (9) is at least able to extend relatively further away from the second retaining member (9¹) so that either of the first or second retaining members (9,9') can be separately threaded through the holes of the sleeve.

Thus, in use, the position of the first and second retaining members (9,9') relative to each other can be selectively adjusted by alternating the position of the stubs (1Od) between the slots (A) and (B), and, also by rotating the first and second retaining members (9,9') relative to each other around the bridging member (10).

In order to use the third embodiment, the stubs (10d) of the bridging member (10) would be moved into the position of slot (B) so that the first retaining member (9) can be slightly slid away from the second retaining member (9'). Thereafter, the first retaining member (9) is rotated out of alignment with the second retaining member (9') as represented in Fig. 11. The second ends (9d) of the first retaining member (9) can now serve as a leading edge with which to thread the holes of the first and second sleeve sections. Thereafter, once the first retaining member (9) has been threaded through the sleeve holes, the first retaining member (9) should be arranged back into the relatively closed position with the second retaining member (9') so that they will press against each other and therefore firmly couple the first and second sleeve sections together.

To do this, the first retaining member (9) is rotated back into alignment with the second retaining member (9') and then the bridging member (10) is adjusted so that the stubs (10d) are positioned to engage with the slot (A) whereby, the bridging member (10) is held retracted within the recess (9c¹). In this manner, the first and second retaining members (9,9') will press inwardly toward each other due to the biasing of the spring coil (11 ) and will firmly hold the sleeve sections together.

It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the dimensions of the first and/or second retaining members can be increased if necessary in order to reduce the occurrence of the first and/or second retaining members becoming dislodged through the holes in the sleeve sections of the sleeve during use.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cuff link for use in releasably coupling a first and second section of a sleeve, the cuff link including a first and second retaining member, wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members includes an end that is adapted for insertion through holes disposed in the first and second sections of the sleeve.

2. A cuff link wherein both the first and second retaining members include ends that are adapted for insertion through holes disposed in the first and second sections of the sleeve.

3. A cuff link as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the end includes a tapered end.

4. A cuff link as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the end includes at least one of a dome-shaped, triangular- shaped, tear-drop-shaped and trapezoidal-shaped cross-section.

5. A cuff link as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second retaining members are substantially identical.

6. A cuff link as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a bridging member disposed between the first and second retaining members.

7. A cuff link as claimed in claim 6 wherein the bridging member includes an elongate section adapted for gripping by a user's fingers.

8. A cuff link as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members are movably adjustable relative to the bridging member.

9. A cuff link as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members are rotatable relative to the bridging member.

10. A cuff link as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first and second retaining members are both rotatable around a common axis.

11. A cuff link as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the first and second retaining members is slidably movable along the bridging member.

12. A cuff link as claimed in claim 11 including a recess disposed in the first retaining member and wherein the bridging member is at least partially retractable relatively inwardly of the recess.

13. A cuff link as claimed in claim 11 or 12 including a biasing device adapted for biasing the first and second retaining members together.

14. A cuff link as claimed in claim 13 wherein the biasing device includes a spring.

15. A cuff link as claimed in claim 14 wherein the spring is housed within the recess of the first retaining member.

16. A cuff link as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second members are formed as a single piece.