Folding cuff link assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding cuff link assembly that maintains a flat shape when not in use. The assembly comprises a center element having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end each comprise a bore therethrough. A first element is pivotally attached to the first end of the center element and a second element is pivotally attached to the second end of the center element. A pin extending through each of the first element and the second element is provided for connecting the first and second elements to the bore. The first element and the second element are positioned flush with the center element when the assembly is not in use, and for easier insertion through the cuff holes. When the first element and the second element are each rotated 90 degrees, the cuff link assembly remains stationary in the cuff of the shirt.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a folding cuff link assembly that maintains a flat shape when not in use. The flat shape allows for easier insertion through cuff holes and for easier storage when the cuff links are not being worn.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,093,723 to Hone discloses a cuff link assembly having one rotating end. This end is spring loaded for holding the end in a locked position while being inserted through the cuffs of a shirt, or for holding the end in place when fastened to the cuffs of the shirt.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,069 to Marien discloses an extendable cuff link. In this case, the length of the cuff link can be enlarged for easier insertion through the cuff holes.

[0006] The above references describe various types of cuff links, however non of these references provide for the advantage of having a flat shape for easy insertion through the cuff holes, and for easier storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cuff link assembly that is flat when folded and not in use. Another object is to provide a cuff link that will securely fasten the cuff of a shirt.

[0008] These and other objects are accomplished by providing a folding cuff link assembly comprising a center element having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end each comprise a bore therethrough. A first element is pivotally attached to the first end of the center element and a second element is pivotally attached to the second end of the center element. A pin extending through each of the first element and the second element is provided for connecting the first and second elements to the bore disposed in the first end and the second end of the center element. This allows the first and second elements to rotate when fastening the cuff link to the shirt.

[0009] When the first element and the second element are in a position flush with the center element the assembly is flat in shape and can be easier stored or inserted through the cuff of the shirt. When the first element and the second element are each rotated 90 degrees, the cuff link assembly remains stationary in the cuff of the shirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0011] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cuff link assembly according to the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 in use in the cuff of a shirt;

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the cuff link assembly;

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cuff link assembly; and

[0020] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

[0021] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show a cuff link assembly 4 having a center element 10. Center element 10 contains a first end 12 and a second end 14. A first element 16 is pivotally attached to first end 12, and a second element 18 is pivotally attached to second end 14. To pivotally attach elements 16 and 18 a bore 20 is provided through first end 12, second end 14 and through first and second elements 16, 18. A pin 22 is disposed through first element 16 and second element 18 for connection with bore 20. This connection allows first element 16 and second element 18 to swivel about an axis of rotation for fastening the cuff link to a shirt. In this embodiment, first element 16 and second element 18 rotate 90 degrees (as shown in FIG. 4), forming a z-shape to hold the cuffs of a shirt together when assembly 4 is in use.

[0023] In operation, cuff link assembly 4 is inserted through shirt cuff openings 82 while in its flat position. First element 16 and second element 18 are then rotated 90 degrees to prevent cuffs so from becoming undone.

[0024] FIGS. 5-10 show two additional embodiments of the present invention. In this case, center element 10 contains a first set of arms 30, 30′ and a second set of arms 40, 40′. Each arm contains a bore 20, 20′, through which pin 22 connects. First set of arms 30, 30′ form a first element receiving area 50, and second set of arms 40, 40′ forms a second element receiving area 52. Areas 50 and 52 correspond to the shape of first and second elements 16, 18, respectively. First element 16 and second element 18 can be of any suitable shape, spherical and square are shown as examples. Elements 16, 18 are initially flush with center element 10 when they are positioned in their respective element areas 50 and 52. Elements 16 and 18 are then rotated around pin 22 to fasten cuff link assembly 4 to the shirt.

[0025] The cuff link assembly can be made of a variety of materials, such as gold, sterling silver, brass etc. In operation, one end of the cuff link is inserted through the cuff holes of a shirt when in its flat position. First element 16 and second element 18 are rotated 90 degrees such that the cuff link assembly will remain fastened to the cuffs of the shirt, preventing the cuffs from separating.

[0026] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cuff link assembly for use on shirt cuffs, comprising: a center element having a first end and a second end wherein the first end and the second end each comprise a bore therethrough; a first element pivotally attached to the first end of the center element; a second element pivotally attached to the second end of the center element; and a pin extending through each of the first element and the second element for attaching to said bore disposed in the first end and the second end; wherein the first element and the second element are flush with the center element when the assembly is not in use, and wherein when the first element and the second element are each rotated 90 degrees so that the cuff link assembly remains stationary in the cuff of the shirt.

2. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first element and the second element are square-shaped.

3. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first element and the second element are spherical in shape.

4. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end comprises a first set of arms forming a first element receiving area, and the second end comprises a second set of arms forming a second element receiving area, wherein each arm comprises a free end.

5. The cuff link assembly according to claim 4, wherein said first set of arms and said second set of arms each comprise a bore disposed at said free end for receiving the pin.

6. The cuff link assembly according to claim 4, wherein said first element receiving are corresponds to the shape of the first element, and said second element receiving area corresponds to the shape of the second element.

7. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is made of gold.

8. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is made of sterling silver.

9. The cuff link assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly is made of brass.

10. A method of using a cuff link assembly having a first element, a second element and a center element, for fastening the cuffs of a shirt, comprising the steps of: inserting the cuff link assembly while the first element and the second element are flush with the center element, through the cuffs of the shirt; and fastening the cuff link to the shirt cuffs by rotating the first element and the second element 90 degrees.