WO2018153420A1

WO2018153420A1 - Links and use thereof, such as for making jewellery or straps, bands or belts for use in clothing or accessories

Info

Publication number: WO2018153420A1
Application number: PCT/DK2018/050030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Søren Roed Pedersen; Christian Eckhardt-Hansen; Julie Sandlau
Original assignee: Aktieselskabet af 26. januar 2017
Priority date: 2017-02-22
Filing date: 2018-02-14
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: DK179284B1; DK201770133A1

Abstract

Links for making jewellery, such as bracelets, watch straps or necklaces, or for making straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags, and where the link is made from two segments, each segment having a front and a back. The back of the segments comprises at least two parallel rows of projections with a length 1, and where each projection has a through hole, in such a way that the through hole in the projections in each row is coaxial. The projections in each row are applied with a spacing corresponding to the length 1 of the projections, and the projections in a second row are axially displaced by the distance 1 relative to the projections in a first row. Thus, each projection in a second row is configured for a space in the first row. The links are produced by placing the backs of two segments against one another, so that the projections in a second row on a first segment are inserted in the spaces between the projections in a first row on a second segment to form a through hole.

Description

Links ami use thereof, such as for makin jewellery or straps, bauds or belts for use in clothing or accessories

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a link for making jewellery, such as bracelets, watch straps or necklaces, or for making straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags, where the link is made from two segments, each segment having a front and a back, where the back of the segments comprises at least two parallel rows of projections with a length 1, and where each projection has a through hole, where the projections in each row are applied with a spacing corresponding to the length 1 of the projections, and the projections in a second row are axially displaced by the distance 1 relative to the projections in a first row, and so that each projection in a second row is configured for a space in the first row.

The invention also relates to the use of the link in jeweller}' or for making straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags.

Background of the invention

Links are known for various purposes, for example jewellery, for example bracelets and necklaces, watch chains and the like.

Links of this type are most often designed with hinge elements along a lateral edge. On one lateral edge there are for example two female components, for example lengths of tube, which are applied with spacing between these female components. On the opposite lateral edge there is a corresponding female component with a length that makes it possible to insert this female component between the two female components on a second link and arrange them so that the holes through the female components are coaxial. Typically, this type of link is assembled by fitting a pin through these coaxial female components. Examples of links of this kind for watch chains and/or jewellery in the form of necklaces, bracelets and the like are presented for example in GB 1238083, CH 666994 A5, DE 8904193 Ul and US 2442546A. These types of links all have the disadvantage that the joint lies between the links and will therefore appear as an actual chain. Moreover, this type of link is not suitable for assembly with strings or threads, for example made of nylon, flax, cotton or similar fibre-based strings or leather, or for example metal threads or metal wires.

There are also chain links for jewellery and the like, where two halves of the link are squeezed together around an intermediate part, see for example KR 101466040 A. The two segments comprise a hole and an opposite pin respectively, and the link is assembled with an interference fit, where the pin(s) for one segment is/are inserted in a hole in the second segment. Finally there is jeweller}' where links, in particular beads, are pulled on a thread made of fibrous materials, leather or metal or are bound together with thread made of metal for example.

There is also jewellery where links or beads are integrated in a tied band, which is made of a thread of leather, or fibrous material, for example cotton thread, nylon thread or similar, also called macrame, see for example USD 681498S.

Aim of the invention

The aim of the invention is to produce a link for jewellery, such as bracelets or necklaces, for use in watch chains or to form part of clothing or accessories, for example belts, handles and/or straps or decoration on for example bags or clothing.

Another aim of the invention is to produce links that are simple to produce and/or simple to assemble from two segments,

Another aim of the invention is to produce segments for links that are very flexible in use, as it is possible to assemble the links with other links in several ways. Another aim of the invention is to produce segments for links that are very flexible in use, as it is possible to assemble the segments for links from identical segments or from segments that are different, for example with different decorations and/or made of different materials,

Description of the invention

These aims are achieved by producing a link of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that each projection has a through hole, in that the through hole in the projections in each row is coaxial, and in that the links are produced by placing the backs of two segments against one another, so that the projections in the second row on the first segment are inserted in the spaces between the projections in the first row on the second segment to form a continuous coaxial hole.

This gives a link that is easy to assemble. Moreover, a link is obtained that can be assembled in such a way that the fronts and backs of the links are different or identical depending on what look is desired for the finished product. Moreover, the segments can be produced easily and cheaply, and can be mass-produced for purposes requiring large volumes. Moreover, it is possible to adapt a piece of jeweller}', for example a bracelet or a necklace, according to the purchaser's requirements, so that the customer chooses the desired links, which are then mounted in the piece of jewellery, for example by stringing on a thread, band or string or by binding the links together with thread, string or band, for example by tying the links into a bracelet or a necklace. Alternatively the links may form part of a belt or a strap or a handle for a bag or a strap that can form part of an item of clothing.

The projections with the through holes on the back of the links are, as mentioned above, applied in at least two parallel rows of projections. As the projections in each row are applied displaced relative to the projections in the second row, the number of projections in the rows will preferably be different, so that the number of spaces between the projections in the first row corresponds to the number of projections in the second row. If for example there are two projections in the first row, there will be one projection in the second row. If there are three projections in the first row, there will be two projections in the second row, and so on. It is thus possible to make the links with two rows with 2-1 , 3-2, 4-3, 5-4 projections in the first and second rows, respectively.

The segments are preferably locked together by inserting a pin, a thread or a string through the through hole in the projections, which after assembling the segments are arranged extending from one another in at least two rows. The pin may be solid or hollow, so that it forms a tube. This technique can be used together with string/wire material that does not have a uniform material thickness. The two tubes may be inserted as a kind of lock and then either string or wire may be passed through the tubes.

By locking the segments together by inserting the pin through the hole in the projections, using an interference fit the segments are fixed relative to one another and cannot be separated again immediately.

It is possible to arrange more than two rows of projections. In this case it is important that the rows of projections are also placed in such a way that the rows engage in one another, when a second segment is turned through 180°, when two segments with identical backs are brought up against one another, so that the projections in one row fit into the spaces between the projections in a corresponding row on the second segment. Preferably the back of the segments comprises one or more tracks, which are preferably parallel to the rows of projections. When the segments are assembled to form links, these tracks will form a through hole through the link. The hole or holes can be used for stringing the link onto a thread, string or band by passing it through the hole. In this way the links can be assembled to form a longer chain, or they can be bound together with thread. It is also possible for the links to form part of a tied band, where the link is pulled onto the middle string or strings, around which the tied band is formed. It is possible, for example, to use metal threads or wires, see choice of material for the links given below, to bind the links together. Alternatively bands of textile or leather may be used, or strings made of fibre, for example nylon, polyester, cotton, flax, silk or mixtures thereof. Cords of silicone and rubber may also be used,

It is preferable for the segments to comprise a track along the edge of the back, such as lateral edges and preferably also the end edges, of the segments to form a longitudinal track in the sides or lateral faces of the link and preferably also in the end faces of the link, when the two segments are assembled to form a link.

These tracks thus lie in the same plane as the plane of the backs in the assembled link. The track on the outside of the links is used for taking up a band or a thread or a string, when the links are assembled into a chain by binding bands around and/or through the links, or for example are inserted in a tied band. It is possible, for example, to employ both chains and the tied band for use in a belt, a bracelet, a necklace, a handle or a strap on a bag or for similar uses.

The shape of the links may vary and a great many shapes are possible, as it is only necessary that two segments can be assembled to form a link, when one segment is turned through 180° relative to the second segment. Thus, the cross-section of the links may for example also be of rectangular, oval or circular cross-section or may for example be polygonal, for example with 6, 8, 10 sides or more. It is the shape of the back of the segments that is important to be able to assemble the segments into aesthetically acceptable links. The contour of the back of the segments will thus be identical when they are turned through 180° about the centre of the back. The three- dimensional shape of the links may vary with change in shape of the front and therefore is not limiting for assembly of the links. It is for example possible to make a spherical link with a hemispherical front of a circular segment. The size of the segments and hence the links may also be adapted to the particular purpose. Thus, it may be possible to produce larger links for use in belts or straps for example for bags, whereas links that will form part of a piece of jewellery will typically be smaller. The segments are preferably made in one piece. Segments produced in one piece, such as by casting, make production simple and cheap. Moreover, a large quantity of identical segments can be mass-produced quickly and cheaply. The segments can be produced from a great many possible materials, for example metals or metal alloys, such as steel, silver, gold, copper, titanium, bronze, white metal, platinum (platinum metal) and/or alloys thereof. Alternatively the segments may be produced from synthetic materials, such as plastics and/or combinations thereof. The segments may also be produced from ceramics, stone, gemstones, semiprecious stones, crystal or glass. Wood or 3D-printing materials may also be used for making the segments.

The front of the segments may be without decoration, or the front may be decorated. The decoration may for example comprise coatings with metals, stone, for example gemstones and semiprecious stones, pearls, embossed or painted patterns, colouring, for example with enamel, paint, coloured varnish, or films, which are glued on the front of the segments. It is of course also possible for any decoration on the front of the segments to comprise combinations of these possibilities. Finally, the invention relates to the use of links as described above for making jewellery, such as bracelets, watch straps or necklaces, for example by binding the links together with thread or string as described above, for example by having the links form part a tied band, also called a macrame band. The links may also be used for producing belts or straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags. For bags, the links may be used for producing straps, for example shoulder straps or handles on bags, for example by binding the links together with thread or string as described above.

Description of the drawings

The invention will be described in the following, referring to the drawings, where Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a link according to the invention, which is assembled from two segments,

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the two segments before assembly,

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the two segments before assembly, Fig. 4 shows the back of a segment according to the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the assembled link, and

Fig. 6 shows a tied bracelet, incorporating several links according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a link 1 according to the invention. In the figures shown, a square variant of the link is shown, but as already mentioned above, the links 1 may have other shapes. A link 1 consists of two segments 2a, 2b, which have a front 3 and a back 4, see for example Fig. 2.

The back 4 is identical on the segments 2a, 2b and can best be seen in Fig. 4. On the back, in the variant of the segments 2a, 2b shown, two rows 7a, 7b of prqjections 5 are arranged. In the first row 7b there are two projections 5, and in the second row 7a there is one projection 5, which is positioned opposite the space between the projections 5 in the first row 7a.

The projections 5 in the two rows 7a, 7b have the same length viewed in the longitudinal axis of the row. The spaces 5' between the projections 5 have essentially the same length as the projections 5, as it will be possible to insert the projections 5 on the first segment 2a in the space 5' on the second segment 2b, and vice versa.

The projections 5 all have a through hole 6, which extends through the projection in the longitudinal direction of the row 7. When the two segments 2a, 2b are assembled to form a link 1, all the holes 6 in the projections 5 in a row 7 will thus be coaxial and lie in the extension of one another.

This gives rise to a through hole 6, in which the fastening means 8 can be mounted. Fig. 2 shows two pins 8, which can be inserted through the holes 6, for example with an interference fit, so that the two segments 2a, 2b are secured to one another. As an alternative to the pins 8 shown, hollow pins or tubes may be used. The two tubes may be inserted as a kind of bolt, and then the type of string/wire selected is passed through the tubes.

Alternatively thread, string or the like may be passed through the holes 6 as described above to secure the segments 2a, 2b in respect of one another and optionally several links 1 may be bound together to form a chain.

The back 4 of the segment preferably also comprises one or more continuous tracks 9, which are preferably parallel to the rows 7a, 7b of projections 5. In the variant shown, these tracks 9 are placed along the centre line of the back 4 of the segment. When the segments 2a, 2b are assembled, the two tracks on each segment 2a, 2b will together define a through hole 9 through the link 1.

A link 1 is assembled by bringing the backs 4 of two segments 2a, 2b up against one another as shown in Fig. 2, after which fastening means, pins 8 in the example shown, are mounted in the holes 6.

The links may then be assembled to form a chain or the like. Fig. 6 shows an example of a product that may incorporate the links. Fiere the links are used as decoration in a tied bracelet 11. The bracelet is tied with strings 12, for example made of nylon or as described above, and the links are strung on the central string (not shown) by means of the central hole 9, Along the edges of the links there are the strings 12 in the edge track 10 on the links. This ensures that the links 1 remain correctly mounted in the bracelet 11 and cannot turn round on the central string (not shown). As a result the bracelet maintains its appearance even after long-term use.

Reference symbols

1. link

2. segments

a. second segment

b. first segment

3. front of segment

4. back of segment

5. projection

5', space between projections

6. through hole in projections

7. rows of projections a. fi rst row of proj ecti oris b. second row of projections pin

continuous track for central hole edge track

bracelet

string

Claims

CLA I S

1. Link (1) for making jewellery, such as bracelets, watch straps or necklaces, or for making straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags, where the link is made from two segments (2a, 2b), each segment having a front (3) and a back (4), where the back (4) of the segments (2a, 2b) comprises at least two parallel rows (7a, 7b) of projections (5) with a length 1, and where each projection (5) has a through hole (6), where the projections (5) in each row are applied with a spacing corresponding to the length 1 of the projections (5), and where the projections in a second row (7a) are axially displaced by the distance 1 in relation to the projections in a first row (7b), and in such a way that each projection in the second row (7a) is configured for a space (5') in the first row (7b), characterized in that

each projection (5) has a through hole (6), in that the through hole (6) in the projections (5) in each row (7a, 7b) is coaxial, and in that the links (1) are produced by placing the backs (4) of two segments (2a, 2b) against one another, so that the projections (5) in the second row (7a) on the first segment (2a) are inserted in the spaces (5') between the projections (5) in the first row (7b) on the second segment (2b) to form a continuous coaxial hole (6).

2. Link according to claim 1, characterized in that the segments are locked together by inserting a pin (8), a thread or a string through the through hole (6) in the projections (5).

3, Link according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the segments (2a, 2b) are locked together by inserting the pin (8) in the through hole (6) in the projections (5) with an interference fit.

4, Link according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the back (4) of the segment comprises one or more tracks (9), which are preferably parallel to the rows (7a, 7b) of the projections (5),

5, Link according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (2a, 2b) comprise a track (10) along the edge of the back, so that lateral edges and preferably also the end edges, of the segments form a longitudinal track in the sides or lateral faces of the link, and preferably also in the end faces of the link, when the two segments are assembled to form a link (1).

6. Link according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (2a, 2b) are formed in one piece, such as by casting,

7. Link according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (2a, 2b) are made of metal or metal alloy, such as steel, silver, gold, copper or alloys thereof or of synthetic materials, such as plastics and/or combinations thereof.

8. Use of a link (1) according to any one of claims 1-7 for making jewellery, such as bracelets (11), watch straps or necklaces, or for making straps, bands or the like, which form part of clothing, or which form part of clothing accessories, such as belts or bags.