Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a secure yet easily adjustable link design for use in interconnected link jewelry and watches. A link for a bracelet is disclosed that allows for easy adjustment in the length of the bracelet, utilizing a bar and spring system. To remove a link from the bracelet, the links must be at approximately a right angle, force must be applied outwardly to the link with the spring from which a bar is to be removed, and the links easily separate. Similarly to couple links, the links must be at approximately a right angle. When the links are at approximately a right angle, the bar of the first link can enter the spring of the second link. When the links are at any other angle, the bar is secured in the spring and cannot be removed or dislodged. The disclosed bar and spring system allows for a secure yet easily adjustable link system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
     This application claims the benefits of the earlier filed U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 60/137,814 filed on Jun. 4, 1999, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes into this application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is directed to a link and link assembly for item of jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet, and more particularly to a link assembly for a bracelet having a new spring coupling assembly that facilitates easy coupling and uncoupling of links to attach a bracelet or to shorten and lengthen the bracelet without the need for special tools or expertise. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Interconnected links for jewelry-type bracelets and bands have been used for many years in the watch industry. The bracelet links can be connected by screw fittings where the screw holds the links together and acts as a pivot pin or other rotation point for the links. Numerous problems arise as a result of the connections between adjacent links when bracelets need to be lengthened or shortened. One disadvantage of the previously known devices is that the screws of such assemblies frequently loosen as a result of repeated pivoting, and may fall out, resulting in either loss of the watch or the need for repair. Another disadvantage of the previously known devices is that it is time consuming to make adjustments to the length of the bracelet. Another disadvantage of the previously known devices is that special tooling, and, likely, a trip to the jewelers, is required to adjust the length of the bracelet. Another disadvantage of the previously known devices is that because special tooling or a jeweler expertise is required to make the adjustment, the owner may not be able to make the adjustment at the time and place desired. Another disadvantage of the previously known devices is that because special tooling or a jeweler is required to make the adjustment, it may cost money every time an adjustment is made. 
     Instead of screws, some interconnected link bracelets use pins fitted into slots or bores in the links, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,026. Unlike the screw fittings, the pins usually do not have a tendency to loosen or fall out However, adjusting the bracelet length is still difficult, and the design otherwise suffers from all of the other disadvantages listed above. 
     Lastly, plastic bracelets have been made that snap together, relying on the ductility of the plastic to flex over plastic bar portions. These devices are limited in application to children&#39;s watches, toy bracelets and the like, since they lack the esthetic appeal, durability, and value of standard jewelry quality bracelets. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a secure yet easily adjustable bracelet link design for use in interconnected link jewelry and watches that overcomes all of the foregoing problems. One advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it does not require or utilize screw assemblies that may loosen or fall out as a result of repeated pivoting, and thus resulting in either loss of the bracelet or watch or the need for repair. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that adjustments to the length of the bracelet can be made quickly. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that there is no requirement for special tooling, or a trip to the jewelers to adjust the length of the bracelet. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that adjustments can be made at any time and place of convenience to the owner, without having to travel to a jeweler during business hours. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that there is no cost associated with making adjustments to the length. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device can be manufactured from any metal or other material chosen to provide the desired esthetic appeal, durability, and value. 
     Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a link for a bracelet that allows for easy attachment and detachment to an adjacent link of similar design is disclosed. The link has a central portion with a laterally disposed cavity. A slot connects the cavity to the external surface of the central portion. Two spaced apart outer portions are attached to one end of the central portion and are connected by a crossbar. A spring clip is located inside the cavity. The spring clip has a spring opening along its length positioned in alignment with the slot. In this position, the crossbar of an adjacent link may be pressed into the opening of the spring clip, causing it to expand for passage of the crossbar into the center of the spring clip. 
     In a more preferred embodiment, the crossbar has a long cross-sectional axis and a short cross-sectional axis with the long axis in approximately the same plane as the link. In the more preferred embodiment, the spring opening may be expanded to allow passage of the short axis, but expansion is limited to prevent passage of the long axis. In this preferred embodiment, to remove a link from the bracelet, two links are aligned at approximately a 90° (degree) angle, and a force is applied outwardly to the link, away from the cavity from which a crossbar is to be removed, and the links easily separate. The force must be sufficient to expand the spring clip beyond the width of the short axis of the crossbar. Similarly, to couple links, the links are aligned at approximately a 90° (degree) angle so that the crossbar of the first link can enter the cavity of the second link. When the links are at other angles, the crossbar is secured in the cavity and cannot be removed or dislodged. The present invention&#39;s crossbar and cavity system allows for a secure yet easily adjustable link system 
     In another preferred embodiment, a bracelet is disclosed having a first link and a second link. The first link has a central portion with a lateral cavity and a slot connecting the cavity to the external surface of the central portion. A spring clip is located inside the cavity. The spring clip has a spring opening along its length positioned in alignment with the slot. The second link has two outer portions connected by a crossbar. The crossbar of the second link may be pressed into the opening of the spring clip, causing it to expand for passage of the crossbar into the center of the spring clip. In a more preferred embodiment, the crossbar has a long cross-sectional axis and a short cross-sectional axis with the long axis in approximately the same plane as the outer portions. In the more preferred embodiment, the spring opening may be expanded to allow passage of the short axis, but expansion is limited to prevent passage of the long axis. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     To further aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings help illustrate specific features of the invention. The following is a brief description of the attached drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a spring member component of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a close-up of the relationship between the spring member and cavity shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of he first step in joining of links, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this step, the links to be joined are oriented at approximately a right angle. This aligns the short axis of the crossbar of the first link with the spring opening of the second link. 
     FIG. 5B is a close-up cross-sectional side view of the second step in joining of links, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this step, the links to be joined are oriented at approximately a right angle, and force has been applied to the first link to expand the spring opening a sufficient distance to allow insertion of the crossbar into the interior of the spring member. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the third step in joining of links, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, following the step of FIG.  5 B. In this view, the crossbar has pushed past the spring opening, after which time, the first link is then rotated out of right angle orientation with the second link. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the final step in joining of links, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the links are in the same plane. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the first step in joining of links, as also shown in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of the third step in joining of links, as also shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown connected in series to like sections to form a bracelet. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown connected in series to like sections and used in a watch application. 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of links of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown connected in series to like sections in combination with non-adjustable links of similar dimension and appearance to form a bracelet. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.  12 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for an easily adjustable link bracelet. This disclosure describes numerous specific details that include specific structures in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an easily adjustable link, such as might be used in a watch bracelet. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a link  100 . Link  100  has a central portion  102 . A first outer portion  104  and a second outer portion  106  are spaced apart and attached to one end of central portion  102 . In the preferred embodiment shown, central portion  102  and outer portions  104  and  106  lie in approximately the same plane. As can best be seen in FIG. 2, and also in FIG. 4, a cavity  110  is laterally disposed in central portion  102 . A slot  112  connects cavity  110  with the external surface of central portion  102 . In a preferred embodiment, slot  112  is further comprised of a first slot face  114  and an opposing second slot face  116 . In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, first slot face  114  and second slot face  116  form an included face angle  118 . In a still more preferred embodiment, face angle  118  is in the approximate range of between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees. In the most preferred embodiment, face angle  118  is approximately 80 degrees. 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, a crossbar  120  is attached between first outer portion  104  and second outer portion  106 . In a preferred embodiment, crossbar  120  is generally rectangular. In a more preferred embodiment shown in FIG.  1  and again in FIG.2, crossbar  120  is generally oblong. In another preferred embodiment that can best be seen in FIG. 2, crossbar  120  has a short cross-sectional axis  122  and a generally perpendicular long cross-sectional axis  124 . In a still more preferred embodiment, long axis  124  lies in a plane that is within about 20° degrees of parallel alignment with the plane of link  100 . In the most preferred embodiment, long axis  124  lies in a plane that is approximately parallel in alignment with the plane of link  100 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 1., in a preferred embodiment, a generally cylindrical spring clip  130  is located within cavity  110 . A longitudinal spring opening  132  extends the length of spring clip  130 . In a more preferred embodiment as best seen in FIG. 3, a first spring lip  134  and an opposing second spring lip  136  are formed along the edges of spring opening  132 . Spring lips  134  and  136  and positioned in alignment within slot  112 . In another preferred embodiment, spring clip  130  is made of a stainless steel material. For example, spring clip  130  has been successfully made of stainless steel at a thickness of 0.20 millimeters. 
     In a preferred embodiment, spring lips  134  and  136  form an external angular entry for receiving a crossbar substantially the same as crossbar  120 . In a more preferred embodiment that is best seen in FIG. 3, spring lips  134  and  136  form an included lip angle  138 . In a still more preferred embodiment, lip angle  138  is in the approximate range of between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees. In a still more preferred embodiment, lip angle  138  is approximately 70 degrees. In a still more preferred embodiment, lip angle  138  is in the approximate range of between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees less than face angle  118 . In the most preferred embodiment, lip angle  138  is approximately 10 degrees less than face angle  118 . In another preferred embodiment that is best seen in FIG. 3, first lip  134  is attached to spring clip  130  by a first inner radius  140 , and second lip  136  is attached to spring clip  130  by a second inner radius  142 . In a more preferred embodiment, first inner radius  140  and second inner radius  142  are approximately 0.3 millimeters. 
     In a preferred embodiment, expansion of spring opening  132  is limited by interference between the expanding cylindrical body of spring clip  130  and cavity  110 . In a more preferred embodiment, expansion of spring opening  132  is limited by interference between the spring clip  130  and slot  112 . In a still more preferred embodiment, expansion of spring opening  132  is limited by interference between the spring lips  134  and  136  and slot  112 . In a still more preferred embodiment that is best seen in FIG. 5B, the expansion of spring clip  130  is limited by interference of spring lips  134  and  136  with slot faces  114  and  116  respectively. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.  11 . In this preferred embodiment, the basic components of link  100  are located on opposing portions of a bracelet or watch for adjacent connection. A watch or other first bracelet section  200  has extending from it central portion  102 . Not clearly visible in FIG. 11, but included in first bracelet section  200  in the same general configuration and preferred embodiments as described above, are cavity  110 , slot  112 , first slot face  114 , second slot face  116 , face angle  118 , spring clip  130 , spring opening  132 , first lip  134 , second lip  136 . Also in this alternative preferred embodiment is a second bracelet section  300  opposing section  200 , and having the remaining design components of link  100 , including first outer portion  104 , and second outer portion  106 . Not clearly visible in FIG. 11, but included in second bracelet section  300  in the same general configuration and preferred embodiments as described above, are crossbar  120 , short axis  122 , and long axis  124 . In this configuration, it can be seen that the crossbar and spring system that has been described for link  100 , can be segregated to function identically as described above for latching or clasping together a watch or bracelet. Also from FIG. 11, it can be seen that the first disclosed embodiment and above disclosed alternative embodiment may be combined in a single bracelet, watch of other jewelry item. 
     Operation 
     The present invention provides link  100  that allows for easy addition or removal of extra link  100  members for adjustment of a bracelet or watchband to any desired length without the use of tools. In an alternative embodiment, the component design of link  100  may be used to create a latching clasp mechanism for a bracelet or watchband. 
     Link  100  as shown in FIG. 1 consists of central portion  102  attached between a first outer section  104  and a second outer section  106 . Central portion  102  has a generally cylindrical cavity  110  extending across its width. Slot  112  connects cavity  110  to the external surface of central portion  102 . Slot faces  114  and  116  form face angle  118  whose vertex is located inside cavity  110 . 
     As can be best seen in FIG. 4, spring clip  130  is generally cylindrical, and has opposing spring lips  134  and  136  defining lip angle  138  with a vertex at the same point as the vertex of face angle  118 . As seen in FIG.  1  and FIG. 2, spring member  130  sits snuggly inside cavity  110 . In this location, spring lips  134  and  136  are positioned between slot faces  114  and  116  so as to align spring opening  132  with slot  112 . In a preferred embodiment that is best seen in FIG. 4, lip angle  138  is less than face angle  118  so that between spring lips  134  and  136  and slot faces  114  and  116 , there is a clearance. This clearance allows for a slight expansion of spring opening  132 . At the same time, the expansion of spring opening  132  is limited by interference of spring lips  134  and  136  with slot faces  114  and  116 . 
     It should be appreciated that the same result can be obtained by equivalent means such as locating the vertex of a larger lip angle  138  slightly above the vertex of face angle  118 . 
     Outer sections  104  and  106  are connected by crossbar  120  on the end opposite to their connection to central portion  102 . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, crossbar  120  has a short cross-sectional axis  122  and a long cross-sectional axis  124 . 
     The connection of like sections of link  100  can be seen in stepwise procedure as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5A, and FIG.  6 . FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the first step in joining link  100  to a link  200  of the same general design. In this step, link  100  is oriented at approximately a right angle to link  200 . This aligns short axis  122  of crossbar  120  of link  100  with spring opening  132  of link  200 . 
     FIG. 5B is a close-up cross-sectional side view of the second step in joining of links, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this step, link  100  is placed in contact with link  200 . The point of contact between link  100  and link  200  is at the intersection of crossbar  120  with spring lips  134  and  136 . The angular relationship of first spring lip  134  to second spring lip  136  facilitates the centralized alignment of short axis  122  with spring opening  132 . As a slight opposing force is applied to link  100  in the direction of link  200 , and to link  200  in the direction of link  100 , spring opening  132  expands a sufficient distance to allow insertion of the crossbar  120  into the interior of spring member  130 . The angular relationship of first spring lip  134  to second spring lip  136 , in combination with the radiuses on the edges of crossbar  120 , create a horizontal component of force that expands spring opening  132 . 
     As can further be seen in FIG. 5B, expansion of spring opening  132  is limited by interference of spring lips  134  and  136  with slot faces  114  and  116  respectively. This design allows insertion and removal of crossbar  120  into spring clip  130  only when crossbar  120  is substantially oriented so as to engage short axis  122  with spring opening  132 . In this manner, adjacent links  100  and  200  cannot be connected or disconnected unless links  100  and  200  are so oriented. In a preferred embodiment, long axis  124  of crossbar  120  is in approximately the same plane as link  100 , thus requiring link  100  and link  200  to be in approximately perpendicular orientation to be successfully connected or disconnected. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the final step in joining of link  100  and link  200 , following the step of FIG.  5 B. In this view, crossbar  120  has been pushed past spring opening  132 , after which time, link  100  is rotated out of right angle orientation with link  200 . In this view, it can be seen that the orientation of link  100  to link  200  prohibits disconnection, since spring clip  130  cannot be expanded sufficiently to allow removal of crossbar  120  in this position. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the connected links  100  and  200 , showing the link  100  and link  200  in horizontal alignment. It is again clear in this view that the orientation of link  100  to link  200  prohibits disconnection, since spring clip  130  cannot be expanded sufficiently to allow removal of crossbar  120  in this position. 
     FIG.  8  and FIG. 9 are perspective side views of the first and final steps in joining of link  100  and link  200 , as was also shown in FIG.  5 A and FIG. 6 respectively. 
     Disconnection of the link  100  from link  200  is achieved by performance of the above-described steps of assembly in reverse order. Therefore, to disconnect link  100  form link  200 , link  100  must first be placed in approximately perpendicular orientation to link  200 . Referring back to FIG. 5B it can be seen that inner radius  140  and inner radius  142  will engage short axis  122  of crossbar  120  in a manner that 
     The point of contact between link  100  and link  200  is at the intersection of crossbar  120  and inner radii  140  and  142 . The relationship of first inner radius  140  to second inner radius  142  facilitates the centralized alignment of short axis  122  with spring opening  132 . As a slight opposing force is applied to link  100  away from link  200 , and to link  200  away from link  100 , spring opening  132  expands a sufficient distance to allow removal of the crossbar  120  from the interior of spring member  130 . The relationship of first inner radius  140  to second inner radius  142 , in combination with the radiuses on the edges of crossbar  120 , create a horizontal component of force that expands spring opening  132 , and allows removal of crossbar  120 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of multiple sections of link  100  connected in series to form a section or entire length of a bracelet. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in which the design components of link  100  are located on opposing portions of a bracelet or watch adjacent connection. In this alternative preferred embodiment, a watch or other first bracelet section  200  has extending from it central portion  102 , cavity  110 , slot  112 , first slot face  114 , second slot face  116 , face angle  118 , spring clip  130 , spring opening  132 , first lip  134 , second lip  136 . Also in this alternative preferred embodiment is a second bracelet section  300  opposing first section  200 , and having the remaining design components of link  100 , including first outer portion  104 , second outer portion  106 , crossbar  120 , short axis  122 , and long axis  124 . In this configuration, it can be seen that the crossbar and spring system that has been described for link  100 , can be segregated to function identically as described above for latching or clasping together a watch or bracelet. 
     In the first step of latching the bracelet of the alternative preferred embodiment, first section  200  is oriented at approximately a right angle to second section  300 . This aligns short axis  122  of crossbar  120  of first section  200  with spring opening  132  of second section  300 . 
     In the second step of latching the bracelet, first section  200  is placed in contact with second section  300 . The point of contact between first section  200  and second section  300  is at the intersection of crossbar  120  with spring lips  134  and  136 . The angular relationship of first spring lip  134  to second spring lip  136  facilitates the centralized alignment of short axis  122  with spring opening  132 . As a slight opposing force is applied to first section  200  in the direction of second section  300  and to second section  300  in the direction of first section  200 , spring opening  132  expands a sufficient distance to allow insertion of the crossbar  120  into the interior of the spring member  130 . In the final step in joining of first section  200  and second section  300 , first section  200  is rotated out of right angle orientation with second section  300 . 
     In this embodiment, interchangeable items of jewelry or interchangeable watches may be inserted within a bracelet without the need for special tools or expertise. 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown connected in series to like sections in combination with non-adjustable links of similar dimension and appearance to form a bracelet. FIG. 13 is a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.  12 . 
     To summarize, the disclosed invention is a link for a bracelet that allows for easy adjustment to the length of the bracelet without the need for special tools or expertise, utilizing a crossbar and spring system. An alternative embodiment of the disclosed invention also provides for easy adjacent connection of opposing jewelry and watch sections. The present invention provides a secure yet easily adjustable link design for use in interconnected link jewelry and watches. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification or practicing the disclosed invention. The specification and examples above are exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.