Chain – staple – and horseshoe making – Chains – Ornamental
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-02
2001-04-10
Jones, David (Department: 3725)
Chain, staple, and horseshoe making
Chains
Ornamental
C059S082000, C063S004000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212869
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a link assembly for a link bracelet or other jewelry item, and more particularly to a jewelry link assembly having an improved physical appearance.
Conventional link bracelets typically use three types of link elements. These prior art link elements are referred to as a hook type, H link, and pin type; the latter requires the use of a pin across the entire link. In all of these designs, it is necessary to solder or laser heat the outside surface of the link element—this normally produces a visible joint marking on the finished link, which is visually unattractive.
In addition, both hook type and H links are disadvantageous since it is difficult to achieve a tight fit between links; alignment is also difficult.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a link assembly for a link bracelet which overcomes these prior art deficiencies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a link assembly for a link bracelet or other jewelry item is provided. The link assembly includes a first link member formed with a male link element at one end and a second link member formed with a female link element at one end that is designed for pivotally and matingly engaging with the male link element of the first link member. The male link element is constructed with a first bore formed therethrough and the female element has second and third bores formed therethrough. The second and third bores are disposed on opposite sides and are axially aligned with the first bore when the two link elements are matingly engaged.
Significantly, the male link element is formed with an access opening for enabling access to the first bore. In order to couple the first link member to the second link member, a pair of specially sized pins are inserted through the opening and received within the first bore. One of the pins is slidably positioned so that it is disposed through the first bore and into the second bore. The other of the pins is slidably positioned so that it is disposed between the first bore and the third bore. These pins are then welded in place.
In accordance with the invention, the second and third bores of the female link element do not extend all the way through the respective side walls of the second link member. As a result, when the two pins are placed in position such that they extend between the first and second bore and the first and third bore respectively, they are not visible from either side of the link assembly, creating a far more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In the preferred embodiment, the first link member and second link member have the same design. Thus, one end of the link member is formed with the male link element and the second end of the link member is formed with the female link element. In assembly, a plurality of link members may be pivotally linked with each other by engaging the female link element of one member with the male link element of a corresponding link member.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved link assembly for a link bracelet or other jewelry item.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved link assembly in which the pin elements used for connecting corresponding links are not visible.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an improved link assembly that is easier to use when assembling a link bracelet or other jewelry item.
Still other objects of the invention will in part be obvious, and in part be apparent from the following description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1173427 (1916-02-01), Heyman
patent: 1443512 (1923-01-01), Veigel
patent: 1843555 (1932-02-01), Goldblatt
patent: 5347498 (1994-09-01), Loth et al.
Gottlieb Rackman & Reisman P.C.
Jones David
Sandberg & Sikorski Diamond Corp.
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