Patent Publication Number: US-11019891-B2

Title: Device for forming Brunnian links

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure generally relates to method and device for creating a linked item. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method and device for creating a linked wearable item from elastic bands. 
     Kits that include materials for making a uniquely colored bracelet or necklace have always enjoyed some popularity. However, such kits usually just include the raw materials such as different colored threads and beads and rely on the individual&#39;s skill and talent to construct a usable and desirable item. Accordingly there is a need and desire for a kit that provides not only the materials for creating a unique wearable item, but also that eases construction to make it easy for people of many skill and artistic levels to successfully create a desirable and durable wearable item. 
     SUMMARY 
     A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links. The example device provides a means of holding elastic bands in place to create an item formed of Brunnian links. 
     Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. 
     These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an example linked article. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an example Brunnian link formed from elastic bands. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an example embodiment of a kit for forming a Brunnian linked article. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an example loom embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the example loom embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the example loom embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is another end view of the example loom embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portion of an example pin. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of two example looms being joined end to end. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two example looms joined end to end. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of two example looms joined end to end. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view two example looms being joined side by side. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of two example looms joined side by side. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of a portion of the two example looms joined side by side. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an opening in the example loom. 
         FIG. 16A  is a schematic view of one step in an example method of creating a linked article. 
         FIG. 16B  is a schematic view of another step of the example method of creating a linked article. 
         FIG. 16C  is a schematic view of another step of the example method of creating a linked article. 
         FIG. 16D  is a schematic view of another step of the example method of creating a linked article. 
         FIG. 16E  is a schematic view of another step of the example method of creating a linked article. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an example hook tool embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-section view of a portion of the example hook tool engaged with a top surface of a pin of the example loom. 
         FIG. 19A  is a schematic illustration of a step in assembling an example charm within a linked article. 
         FIG. 19B  is a schematic illustration of a step of assembling an elastic band within a linked article. 
         FIG. 20A  is a side view of an example elastic band mounted to an end of the example hook tool. 
         FIG. 20B  is a side view of the example charm mounted to an end of the example hook tool. 
         FIG. 21A  is a schematic view of elastic bands supported on adjacent pins of a loom for forming a Brunnian link. 
         FIG. 21B  is a schematic view of a charm being mounted to one of the pins for assembly in to a linked article. 
         FIG. 21C  is a schematic view of the charm mounted to one of the pins along with the elastic bands. 
         FIG. 21D  is a schematic view of a step in forming a Brunnian link from elastic bands to include a charm. 
         FIG. 21E  is a schematic view of another step in forming a Brunnian link from elastic bands including a charm. 
         FIG. 21F  is a schematic view of a further step in forming a Brunnian link from elastic bands including a charm. 
         FIG. 21G  is a schematic view illustrating a hook tool extending through an upper elastic band and the charm through a slot in a pin prior to grasping a lower band during formation of a Brunnian link. 
         FIG. 21H  is a schematic view of a hook tool moving outward from the slot in the pin to grasp a lower band. 
         FIG. 21I  is a schematic view of a hook tool grasping the lower elastic band and pulling the lower band upward through an upper elastic band and a charm. 
         FIG. 21J  is schematic view illustrating a Brunnian link including a charm. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an example bracelet formed with elastic bands formed into Brunnian links with a plurality of charms. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an example charm embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of several charms orientated relative to each other. 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of another charm embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is top view of an example clip embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a Brunnian link is formed from a continuous looped structure such as an elastic band  14  without forming an actual knot. Several elastic bands  14  are linked together with a Brunnian link  12  to form a chain  22 . The chain  22  can be fashioned to form a linked article such as a bracelet  10 . The ends of the series of elastic bands links are then secured with a clip  26  to complete a durable wearable item  10 . In this example, three closed looped elastic bands  14  are shown forming a single chain  22 . Capturing ends  16  of one elastic band  14  with a mid-portion  18  of another elastic band  14  forms each link  12 . Each link  12  depends on the previous and subsequent links  12  to maintain the desired linked article as shown. Although a bracelet  10  is shown by way of example, other articles can be formed utilizing different Brunnian link structures and are within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure. 
     The example bracelet  10  includes charms  25  that are assembled into the links  12  to provide an additional aesthetic variation to the completed bracelet. In this example, four charms  25  are secured within in links  12  between a single row of elastic bands  14 , however, other numbers, spacing and orientations of the example charms  25  are possible and within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , schematically shown is an example kit  20  for making a Brunnian linked that includes, among other possible things, a loom  28 , a hook tool  24  and a series of clips  26 . The kit further includes elastic bands  14  and charms  25 . The elastic bands  14  are mounted to pins  40  of the loom  28  in different orientations to enable formation of Brunnian links. The elastic bands  14  may be placed on the pins  40  in many different orientations and numbers to enable formation of different combinations of Brunnian links. The example charms  25  are shown by way of example and may be of any shape, color and size within the scope and contemplation of this disclosure. The clips  26  secure ends of the completed Brunnian linked item to prevent unraveling. 
     The example loom  28  includes a first end  30  spaced apart longitudinally from a second end  34 . The pins  40  are arranged in rows between the first end  30  and the second end  34 . In this disclosed example, the pins  40  are arranged in three rows between sides  32 . The pins  40  extend upward relative to a top surface  36 . At least one opening  48  is provided completely through the top surface  36  such that it is open to a bottom surface  38 . The openings  48  enable a linked item to extend downward through the top surface  36  during formation of a linked item according to one example embodiment of this disclosure. 
     In this disclosed example, the loom  28  is a single integral part. However, the loom  28  may be formed in different parts that are assembled together. Moreover, although three rows of pins  40  are shown by way of example, other numbers of rows are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the example loom  28  includes the plurality of pins  40  that are arranged in rows that extend from the first end  30  toward the second end  34 . In this example, there are three rows including a middle row  44 , a first side row  42  and a second side row  46 . The middle row  44  is offset relative to the first side row  42  and the second side row  46 . The offset of the middle row  44  is about half a distance  45  between pins  40  in a common row. It should be appreciated, that although the middle row  44  is offset relative to the side rows  42 ,  46 , the middle row  44  may be aligned or otherwise orientated relative to the side rows  42 ,  46  and remain within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. 
     The example openings  48  are disposed between at least four of the pins  40 . The at least four pins  40  include one pin  40  from each of the first side row  42  and the second side row  46  and two pins  40  in the middle row  44 . The example opening  48  further extends along the side of three pins  40  within each of the first side row  42  and the second side row  46  such that the opening is disposed between eight of the pins  40 . The opening  48  extends up to a location near each pin  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each of the pins  40  include a forward-facing slot  60 . The forward-facing direction is the direction toward the first end  30 . Moreover, each of the pins  40  has the slot  60  facing in a common direction. In this disclosed example, the common direction is toward the first end  30 . 
     Each of the pins  40  include a flange  56  that defines a top surface  58 . The slot  60  extends through the vertical length of the pin  40  and extends through the flange  56  and the top surface  58 . The flange  56  includes a tapered portion  74  that defines a transition from the top surface  58  to the slot  60 . The tapered portion  74  transitions the top surface  58  into an inner surface  73  of the slot  60 . The example pin  40  includes a shaft  54  that defines an outer surface onto which the elastic bands  14  are held when forming a Brunnian link. The shaft  54  includes a width  79 . The width  79  is the largest width of the shaft  54  measured on surfaces not including the slot  60 . The flange  58  holds the bands  14  in place as the bands are grasped, pulled and manipulated from one pin  40  to another during the formation of a Brunnian link. The example flange  58  extends about approximately ¾ of the pin  40  such that one band  14  is supported on at least some portion of the flange  58  when another band is pulled up and through. The pin  40  is generally cylindrical with the slot  60  interrupting the cylindrical shape facing the first end  30 . The flange  58  is also interrupted by the slot  60 . 
     The top surface  36  includes channels  100  adjacent each of the pins  40  that is not bounded on a forward-facing side by the opening  48 . Only a few of the channels  100  are indicated for clarity. The channels  100  are open to the slot  60  within each of the pins  40 . The channels  100  extend in a longitudinal direction toward the first end  30  from each of the pins  40 . The channels  100  enable a tool, such as the example hook  24 , to extend into the slot  60  below the top surface  36 . The slot  60  extends from the pin  40  below the top surface  36  to match a bottom surface of the channel  100 . 
     In this disclosed example embodiment, one of the pins  40  that surrounds the opening  48  includes the slot  60  that is open to the opening  48 . In this example, the pin  40  is within the middle row  44  includes the slot  60  that is open to the opening  48 . 
     The example opening  48  is irregularly shaped and bounded at each corner by a pin  40 . The shape of the opening  48  provides for an open space through the top surface  36  between at least two adjacent pins  40  to enable formed links to extend downward. Because links may extend downward through the opening  48 , a chain of link of any length may be formed independent of a longitudinal length of the loom  28 . 
     Each of the pins  40  is surrounded by a groove  62  around the cylindrical shaft  54 . The groove  62  extends through the top surface  36  an enables formation of the shaft  54  with a portion of the mold that extends upward past the bottom surface  38 . 
     The loom  28  can be attached to other looms in an end to end or side by side orientation. The example loom  28  includes tabs  50  and slots  52  on opposite sides and/or ends. The tap  50  is configured to fit within slots  52 . Additionally, the sides  32  each include a wavy configuration that aligns looms  28  and thereby the pins  40  on different looms with each other. In this disclosed example, the first end  30  includes a tab  50  and the second end  34  includes a slot  52 . In this example, one side  32  includes tabs  50  and the opposite side  32  includes slots  52 . The first end  30  also includes an alignment tab  35  that is received within a corresponding slot  37  disposed on the second end  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9, 10 and 11  with continued reference to  FIGS. 4-8 , a first loom  28 A is attachable to a second loom  28 B in an end to end manner to extend the rows  42 ,  44  and  46 . A first end  30  of the first loom  28 A is attached to a second end  34  of the second loom  28 B. The first end  30  includes the tab  50  and the end tabs  35 . In this disclosed example, the tab  50  is substantially T-shaped (Best shown in  FIG. 5 ) and fits within a correspondingly shaped slot  52 . The fit between the tabs  50  and the slot  52  holds the first and second looms  28 A and  28 B together. The end tab  35  on the first end  30  of the first loom  28 A fit into the slot  37  on the second end  34  of the second loom  28 B. The fit between the end tab  35  and the slot  37  provides for alignment and prevents movement in a side to side manner. The shape of the first end  30  and the shape of the second end  34  are also shaped in a manner to provide alignment and prevent side to side movement. 
     An interface  39  defined between the ends  30  and  34  uses the fit between the tab  50  and the slot  52  to maintain the relative orientation between looms  28 A,  28 B. The rows  42 ,  44  and  46  of pins  40  continue from the first loom  28 A to the second loom  28 B. The spacing at the interface  39  between pins  40  in the first loom  28 A and pins  40  in the second loom  28 B is substantially the same as pins within a common one of the first loom  28 A and the second loom  28 B. It should be appreciated that although two looms  28 A,  28 B are shown connected, that any number of looms may be attached together to increase the number of pins in each row  42 ,  44  and  46 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12, 13 and 14  with continued reference to  FIGS. 4-8 , the first loom  28 A is attachable to the second loom  28 B in a side-by-side manner as is shown in  FIG. 12 . One side  32  of the first loom  28 A includes slots  52  that receive tabs  50  on the second loom  28 B. The looms  28 A and  28 B are secured by the tabs  50  and slots  52  to expand the number of rows across. In this example, two looms  28 A and  28 B are attached in a side-by-side orientation to double the number of rows from three to six. In this example, the first loom  28 A includes side row  42 ′, middle row  44 ′ and side row  46 ′ and is offset relative to the second loom  28 B. The offset orientation sets one pin  40  within a side row  46  of the second loom  28 B relative to a pin  40  in a side row  42 ′ of the first loom  28 A. 
     It should be appreciated that additional looms  28  can be added either end-to-end as is shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , side-by-side as shown in  FIGS. 12-14  and/or any combination of end-to-end or side-by-side with any number of looms  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , with continued reference to  FIGS. 4-8 , the example loom  28  includes the opening  48  that enables linked articles to be feed down through the top surface  36 . Feeding linked elastic bands through the opening  48  enables formation of linked articles of different lengths independent of the number of pins  40 . In one disclosed method of forming a linked article, a first elastic band  14 A is stretched across a first pin  40 A and a second pin  40 B. The first pin  40 A and the second pin  40 B are an opposing sides of the opening  48  and are both within the middle row  44 . The elastic band  14 A may also be stretched across pins  40  in a direction transverse to the length of the loom  28 . A pin  40  within the first side row  42  and the second side row  46  disposed across the opening would be utilized. In this example, the pins  40 A and  40 B are utilized and a first elastic band  14 A is twisted into an X-shape between the pins. The X-shape assembly is used only for the first elastic band  14 A. Once the first elastic band  14 A is assembled, additional elastic bands are assembled across the same two pins  40 A-B. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16A-E , the example method continues with the addition of two additional elastic bands  14 B and  14 C. The two elastic bands  14 A and  14 B are placed atop the first elastic band  14 A as is shown in  FIG. 16A . 
     The first elastic band  14 A is then lifted off of the pins  40 A,  40 B and left to rest on the elastic bands  14 B and  14 C as is shown in  FIG. 16B . In the position shown in  FIG. 16B , the first elastic band  14 A is wrapped around both the second elastic band  14 B and  14 C. An additional elastic band  14 D is placed over the second and third elastic bands  14 B-C as is shown in  FIG. 16C . The lowermost band is then lifted from the pins and onto the other elastic bands and is schematically indicated in  FIG. 16C . 
     The second elastic band  14 B extends through the first elastic band  14 A and about the other elastic bands  14 C and  14 D as shown in  FIG. 16D . The process of adding an elastic band atop those on the pins  40 A-B and pulling the lowermost band over top is repeated as many times as necessary to create a sufficient number of links to provide the desired length of the linked article. In this example, the additional elastic bands are indicated as  14 N in  FIG. 16E  for forming the any links  12  needed to form the desired linked article. The number of elastic bands  14  can be varied to provide the desired length. Additionally, more than one elastic band can be added at each step to provide a different density and look of the completed article. 
     The completed links  12  extend downward through the opening  48  and therefore enable the links to be neatly formed throughout assembly. Additionally, the opening  48  provides additional access to the elastic bands during assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , an example hook tool  24  includes a hook  64  that extends from a first end of a barrel  66 . An end portion  68  is disposed on an opposite end of the barrel  66  relative to the hook  64 . The disclosed example hook tool  24  is integral part formed from common plastic material. Moreover, the example hook tool  24  may also include a metal hook  64  molded to or otherwise attached to the barrel  66 . 
     The end  68  includes an alignment pin  70  that extends outward relative to a taper  72 . The taper  72  provides a transition radially away from the pin  70  toward an outer diameter of the barrel  66 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the end  68  fits against the top surface  58  of the pins  40 . The pin  70  fits within the slot  60  and the taper  72  fits into the taper  74  of the pin  40 . The taper  72  and taper  74  are shaped in a manner to enable an outer diameter  75  to align with the width  77  of the flange  56  (Shown in  FIG. 6 ). Alignment of the outer surface of the flange  56  and the end  68  is used to assembly elastic articles such as elastic bands and charms to a pin individually instead of across adjacent ones of the pins  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 20A  with continued reference to  FIG. 18 , an elastic band  14  can be assembled within a Brunnian link to provide a different aesthetic design. The elastic band  14  is doubled over itself and placed over the end  68  of the hook tool  24  onto the barrel  66 . One or a plurality of bands  14  can be placed on the barrel  66  in preparation for assembly into the Brunnian linked item. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19B and 20B  with continued reference to  FIG. 18 , a charm  25  includes a mount portion  80  that is mountable onto the end  68  of the hook tool  24 . The mount portion  80  of the charm  25  is formed from an elastic material and is smaller than the diameter  75  of the end  68  such that stretching of the mount portion  80  is needed to insert the charm  25  past the end  68  and onto the barrel  66 . Many charms  25  can be held on the barrel  66  to aid in assembly to a pin  40  of the loom  28 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21A-21J  with continued reference to  FIGS. 19A and 20A , a method for assembling a charm  25  into a Brunnian linked item are schematically shown. The method includes assembling a first elastic band  14 A across a first pin  40 A and a second pin  40 B as shown in  FIG. 19A . A second elastic band  14 B is held on the second pin  40 B above the first elastic band  14 A and stretched onto a third pin  40 C. A third elastic band  14 C is disposed on the third pin  40 C over the second elastic band  14 C and stretched onto yet another pin  40  not shown. As appreciated, multiple elastic bands would be provided across the loom  28  to form multiple links  12  to form a completed linked article  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21B , the end  68  with a charm  25  loaded on the barrel  66  is placed atop one of the pins  40 . In this example, the end  68  is placed atop the second pin  40 A in the same manner shown in  FIG. 18 . The charm  25  is slid from the barrel  66  onto the pin  40 B to a position on the shaft  54 . In this example, the charm  25  is disposed on the shaft  54  above both the first and second elastic bands  14 A-B. Once the charm  25  is slide onto the pin  40 B, the end  68  can be moved away to leave the elastic bands  14 A-B and charm  25  in an orientation shown in  FIG. 21C . Additional elastic bands  14  and charms  25  maybe assembled to the loom  28  as desired to create the linked article  10 . 
     It should be appreciated that although the barrel  66  of the hook  24  may be used to install the charms  25  onto the pins  40 , the charms  25  and/or elastic bands may be placed directly onto each pin  40  without utilizing the barrel  66 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21D , with the elastic bands  14 A-C set on the pins  40 A-C assembly and formation of the Brunnian links can begin. The hook  64  is used to pull the third elastic band  14 C through another elastic band and back onto the third pin  40 C. The hook  64  may be moved downward through the slot  60  from the top surface  58  to grasp the lower most elastic band  14  B. In this position, the third elastic band  14 C has both ends on the third pin  40 C above the second elastic band. A middle portion of the third elastic band  14 C is engaged to another elastic band not shown in this Figure. The hook  64  grasps the second elastic band  14 B, pulls the second elastic band upward through the third elastic band  14 C and places onto the second pin  40 B as is shown in  FIG. 21E . A portion of the hook  64  extends into the slot  60  to aid in grasping the elastic band. The slot  60  in the pins  40  enable the hook tool  24  to extend down to the lowermost elastic band and pull the lower most elastic band back up and through the upper elastic bands and charms  25 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21F , the second elastic band  14 C is therefore positioned such that each end is on the second pin  40 B and its middle portion is held by the third elastic band  14 C. The charm  25  is disposed between the ends of the second elastic band  14 B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21G , the hook  64  is then moved to reach down through the each of the charm  25  and the second elastic band  14 B to grasp the first elastic band  14 A. The hook  64  in this disclosed embodiment extends through the slot  60  to aid in moving downward through the mount portion  80  of the charm  25  and inside the second elastic band  14 B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21H , the hook  64  is shown moved slightly out of the slot  60  and downward to grasp the first elastic band  14 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21I , the hook  64  is used to reach down through each of the charm  25  and the second elastic band  14 B to grasp the first elastic band  14 A. The hook  64  may be placed through the slot  60  to aid in moving downward through the mount portion  80  of the charm  25  and inside the second elastic band  14 B. The first elastic band  14 A is pulled upward through the each of the second elastic band  14 B and the charm  25 . The second elastic band  14 B remains on the second pin  40 B due to the flange  58  at the top of each pin. The slot  60  enables the hook  64  to extend through the upper elastic bands  14 B and the charm  25  and also aids in grasping the lower most band that in this example is the first elastic band  14 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21J , the part of the elastic band  14 A grasped by the hook  64  is placed onto the first pin  40 A. The first elastic band  14 A holds the charm  25  and a portion of the second elastic band  14 B until the remainder of the links are formed. 
     This method utilizing the end  68  enables the charms  25  to be integrated into the Brunnian links formed by the elastic bands. It should be appreciated, that although mounting of the charm  25  is shown by way of example, other circular features could also be assembled into the Brunnian links with this method. For example, rings, other elastic bands as show in  FIGS. 19A and 20A  and/or other objects with an inner opening could be assembled to the Brunnian links formed on the example loom  28  with the disclosed method and are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 , the charms  25  are shown integrated into each of the links  12  formed by the elastic bands  14  forming the completed linked article. The example charms  25  include the mount portion  78  with an inner open area  82  and a charm portion  76 . The inner open area  82  includes a diameter  88  ( FIG. 24 ) that corresponds with the width  75  of the pin shaft  79  and flange  77 . Corresponding width  88  is used to describe a diameter that is similar such that the mount portion  78  is held in place on the individual pin  40  during assembly. The charm portion  76  includes a decorative symbol, character, letter, number, or any other decorative feature. In this example, the charm portion  76  is a smile face. 
     The example mount portion  78  includes sides  80  that are flat and parallel to each other. The flat sides  80  enable adjacent charms  25  to be orientated relative to each other in an aligned manner as is shown in  FIG. 24 . The flat sides  80  are parallel to each other and spaced a distance  84  apart. In this example, the charm portion  76  includes a width  86  that is smaller than the width  84  of the mount portion  78 . The smaller width  76  of the charm portion  76  enables a spacing between the adjacent charm portions  76  while the mount portions  78  abut at the sides  80 . 
     The example inner area  82  includes flat portions that substantially follow the outline of the mount portion  78 . In this example, the mount portion  78  includes the flat sides  80  with a rounded top and bottom portions  102 . A length  85  of each of the flat sides  80  are equal in this example. Moreover, the length  85  of the flat sides  80  could be longer or shorter than the entire mount portion. The length  85  is provided for the flat sides  80  to provide alignment with an adjacent charm  25  and may be different sizes that provide the alignment function. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , another charm  104  is shown that includes a mount portion  106  with flat side  108  and a charm portion  110 . The inner area  110  is circular instead of conforming to the outer shape of the mount portion  106 . It should be appreciated, that other configurations and shapes of the mount portion  106  and inner area  112  could be utilized and are within the contemplation and scope of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , an example clip  26  for securing ends of a series of Brunnian links is shown. The clip  26  includes inner area  96  that is bounded by inward extending arm  90 . The arm  90  is spaced apart from a tab  92  to define an opening into the inner area  96 . Ends  98  of elastic bands  14  are deterred from slipping out of the inner area  96  by the inward extending arms  90 . The clip  26  includes an outward extending bump  95  on a back side that provides alignment relative to abutting ends of the series of links. 
     Accordingly, the example kit and method provide for the creation of many different combinations and configurations of Brunnian links for the creation of bracelets, necklaces, and other linked items. Moreover, the example kit is expandable to further create and expand the capabilities of potential Brunnian link creations. The example kit provides for the creation of such links and items in an easy manner allowing persons of varying skill levels to be successful in creating unique wearable items. 
     Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, no part of disclosure is intended, either explicitly or implicitly, as any disclaimer or narrowing of claim scope. The description of any one embodiment is not intended, either explicitly or implicitly, as limiting the plain and ordinary meaning set out in the following claims. The example embodiment is only one of many possible structures and methods that are properly within the scope of this disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and content of this disclosure.