Patent Publication Number: US-4056928-A

Title: Detachable link-chain

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a link-chain which is composed of with their loops interengaging links which are interlocking. 
     The thus far known links consist of closed circular or oval links which are so-called &#34;closed forever&#34;, but this has the disadvantage that the assembling thereof is skilled labour which can only be done by the jeweller&#39;s smith. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has as its object to overcome the aforesaid disadvantage by providing a new type of link in the form of an 8 which is bent in the connecting portion between the loops so that the loops are situated in planes which are substantial parallel, and the smaller loop of one link going closely, with a tight sliding-fit, through the larger loop of another link when said loops are situated one over the other in one plane. In this manner the new link-chain is readily to be assembled by anyone, but it is not possible that the links get detached by themselves. If so desired the links are also readily to be detached again, however, by accurately aligning the respective loops again in the described manner. The links are thus &#34;ever open&#34;. 
     The invention also comprises an apparatus in the form of a bending-box which is to be used for forming the new links, and consists of two hingedly connected parts, and in which, when the box is open, an 8-shaped link can be laid, which then, when the box is snapped to, is bent in the desired shape. 
     The invention is described in more detail in the following specification with reference to the drawing, in which the invention is illustrated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 shows the new link before it is bent in its final shape; 
     FIG. 2 shows the bent link in plan view; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view thereof; 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a link-chain which is composed of such links. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the drawing is represented with 1 a link-chain which is assembled of links 2 in the form of an 8, of which in FIG. 1 the unbent original shape, and in FIGS. 2 and 3 the final bent shape is shown. 
     The larger loop 3 of a link fits closely, with a tight sliding-fit, over the smaller loop 4 of a subsequent link, when said loops are situated one over the other in one plane. 
     The so assembled link-chain is thus readily to be mounted and to be dismounted and is &#34;ever open&#34;, but cannot get detached of itself. One link snaps resiliently over another when assembling and disassembling the link-chain which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.