`
`EXHIBIT A
`
`EXHIBIT A
`
` 
`U.S. Patent No. 8,485,565
`US. Patent No. 8,485,565
`
`

`

`(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 8,485,565 B2
`
`Ng
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 16, 2013
`
`USOO8485565B2
`
`(54) BRUNNIAN LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`-
`.
`Inventor. Cheong Choon Ng, NOVI, MI (US)
`(76)
`(10 Notice:
`Subjecmo any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent 1s extended or adjusted under 35
`11.35. 154(1)) by 98 days.
`
`.
`(21) Appl'No“ 13/221638
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep.8, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2012/0112457 A1
`May 10, 2012
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/410,399, filed on Nov.
`5, 2010.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B65H 69/04
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC ............................................................ 289/17
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC .............. 289/2, 17, 16.5, 18.1; 273/281, 288,
`273/309
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`254,258 A 4
`2/ 1882 Barbour .......................... 28/1 49
`2/1882 Dimmick .....
`254,288 A *
`28/149
`
`24/ 131 C
`782,657 A *
`2/ 1905 Hubert
`.....
`
`1 373,232 2 :
`313(1); Eggfiifiw
`2%1342‘
`1,366,212 A *
`1/1921 Pollard
`54/129 B
`
`1,375,119 A *
`4/1921 Stephen
`24/129 C
`1,424,458 A *
`8/1922 Fleisher
`....... 28/140
`
`9/1926 Clisby ......................... 24/129 C
`1,599,040 A *
`
`1,994,659 A *
`3/1935 Mascarenhas ................. 289/1.2
`
`2,108,424 A *
`2/1938 Bakely ................ 28/150
`2,360,416 A * 10/1944 Gray ............ 28/150
`
`3/1955 Auran ......................... 66/4
`2,703,482 A ,,
`>l<
`
`3:223:33? 2 * 13/1325 £5553:f?f5?1-:
`::::: 32/151?
`
`..... 289/17
`3,476,423 A * 11/1969 Kentfield
`
`1/1972 Forby ........... 28/151
`3,636,987 A *
`6/1972 Burns .........
`3,672,679 A *
`273/260
`9/1972 Nielsen etal.
`......... 289/17
`3,688,357 A *
`
`4/1973 Hogg .......................... 24/129C
`3,728,762 A *
`
`(Continued)
`
`JP
`JP
`KR
`KR
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2003—520083
`7/2003
`2004-520910
`7/2004
`10-2001-0012609
`2/2001
`10-2006-0042108
`5/2006
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report & Written Opinion for PCT Application
`No. PCT/USZOl l/041553 mailed on Feb. 23, 2012.
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Shaun R Hurley
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Carlson, Gaskey & Olds,
`RC
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled
`over itselfto capture another closed loop to form a chain. The
`example kit provides for the successful creation of unique
`wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques
`and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired
`special orientation by at least one base. The desired special
`orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration
`of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be
`assembled in various combination and orientations to provide
`endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional
`bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible com-
`Pleted article creation
`
`18 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`

`

`US 8,485,565 B2
`
`Page2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,748,706 A *
`7/1973 Doye1 ............................. 28/150
`
`3,805,345 A *
`4/1974 Antos ..
`28/149
`4032179 A *
`289/16.5
`6/1977 Goss
`
`4’114’892 A ,,
`9/1978 Csoka
`273/265
`4’179’129 A ,1 12/1979 L00mis"w
`'273/272
`: 24/17R
`4:569:108 A >x<
`2/1986 Schwab
`
`. 273/243
`4,667,965 A *
`5/1987 Helms, Jr.
`* 11/1992 Nagamatsu .
`D330,668 s
`D8/71
`............
`. 606/148
`5,163,946 A * 11/1992 Li
`
`3/1994 Hudson etal.
`5,295,280 A *
`15/222
`. 434/211
`5,328,374 A *
`7/1994 Stevens
`
`. 273/246
`5,437,459 A *
`8/1995 Kirby
`5,459,905 A * 10/1995 Voyre ............................ 24/17B
`5,577,299 A * 11/1996 Thompson etal.
`......... 24/131C
`5,639,090 A *
`6/1997 Stevens ......................... 273/287
`
`
`2/1998 Markey etal..
`............. 15/229.11
`
`5,713,094 A **
`
`$333 gaff-”nan """
`" 289/17
`33%;: 2 *
`orlss ..
`.. 434/83
`,
`,
`,,
`
`9/2000 Lam?
`47/44
`“22359 A
`6,129,551 A * 10/2000 Martm ......
`434/200
`
`.. 434/81
`6,146,144 A * 11/2000 Fowleretal.
`1/2001 Jackson etal. ................ 606/148
`6,171,317 B1*
`6880364 Bl
`4/2005 Vldolln etal~
`6,923,026 B1*
`8/2005 Clarke ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 66/8
`6/2008 Vazquez Gastellu
`D570,923 S
`*
`D21/468
`
`7,909,609 132*
`3/2011 Molin
`434/188
`2009/0215013 A1*
`8/2009 Molin
`434/191
`
`2010/0019495 A1*
`1/2010 Oliveto .....
`. 289/1.5
`2011/0152946 A1*
`6/2011 Frigg etal.
`606/300
`.
`.
`* Clted by exammer
`
`

`

`US. Patent
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`Jul. 16, 2013
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`Sheet 1 of 10
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`US 8,485,565 B2
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`FIG.11B
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`US. Patent
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`US 8,485,565 B2
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`1
`BRUNNIAN LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
`
`This application claims priority to US. Provisional Appli-
`cation No. 61/410,399 filed on Nov. 5, 2010.
`
`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 indi-
`vidual’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 simplifies 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 in a
`
`desired manner. The example kit and device provides for
`creation of Brunnian link articles of complex configurations.
`Moreover, the example kit provides for the successful cre-
`ation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assem-
`bly techniques.
`The example kit includes several pin bars that are sup-
`ported in a desired spatial orientation by at least one base. The
`desired spatial orientation is dependent on the desired link
`configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars
`may be assembled in various combination and orientations to
`provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
`Moreover, additional bases and pin bars can be added to
`further expand possible completed article creation.
`Each of the pin bars includes a flanged top portion for
`holding elastic bands in place and a front access groove. The
`front access groove provides for a hook to be inserted below
`a top most elastic band such that a lower band can be grasped
`and pulled over an adjacent band to form the Brunnian link.
`The disclosed kit provides for many possible orientations of
`adjacent pins, and therefore different orientations of and
`designs for a completed linked article.
`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 perspective view of an example kit for creating
`a Brunnian link article.
`FIG. 2 is schematic view of Brunnian link articles.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a series of Brunnian links.
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example pin bar.
`FIG. 5A is a perspective view of interfacing surfaces of an
`example base and the example pin bar.
`FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a pin bar mounted to an
`example base.
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one pin of the example pin
`bar.
`
`2
`
`FIG. 7 is front view of one example pin.
`FIG. 8 is side view of an example pin.
`FIG. 9 is a top view ofan example pin.
`FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example base.
`FIG. 10B is a perspective view of another example base.
`FIG. 11A is a bottom view ofthe example base.
`FIG. 11B is a bottom view of another example base.
`FIG. 12 is an assembly view of several bases assembled to
`several pin bars.
`FIG. 13 is an assembly view of several pin bars mounted
`relative to each other in one desired special orientation.
`FIGS. 14A-C are perspective views of assembly steps for
`creating a Brunnian linked article.
`FIG. 15 is a plan view of an example clip for securing loose
`ends of a Brunnian linked article.
`
`FIG. 16 is perspective view illustrating elastic bands
`secured with the example clip.
`FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example base template
`for holding pin bars in a desired special orientation.
`FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the example base template.
`FIG. 19 is a perspective view of side by side attachment of
`two base templates.
`FIG. 20 is a perspective view ofan end to end attachment of
`two base templates.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Referring to FIG. 1, an example kit is indicated at 10 for
`creating Brunnian link items such as bracelets, necklaces and
`other wearable or decorative items shown in FIG. 2.
`
`30
`
`Referring to FIG. 3, a Brunnian link 20 is formed from a
`continuous looped structure without forming an actual knot.
`Several links are formed in a chain to form a circular struc-
`ture. The ends are then secured and a durable wearable item is
`
`created. In this example three closed looped elastic items 20
`such as rubber bands are shown forming a single chain. Each
`link is formed by capturing ends 22 of one loop structure with
`a mid portion 24 of another loop structure in series. Each link
`depends on the previous and subsequent links to maintain the
`desired shape and integrity. Removing one link 20 results in
`all of the links becoming loose from each other.
`Referring to FIG. 1, the example kit 10 includes a base 12
`that supports pin bars 14 that each includes a plurality of pins
`26. A hook tool 16 is included for grasping and moving bands
`from one pin 26 to another. A clip 18 receives ends of the
`completed links to complete and secure the linked item. One
`or several pin bars 14 are mounted to several bases 12 as is
`shown to support the pin bars 14 and the corresponding pins
`26 in a desired alignment. In this example, a center pin bar 14
`is incremented one up from the two outermost pin bars 14.
`This alignment provides for creation of a desired linked item.
`In this example three bases 12 are utilized to support the pin
`bars 14 in a desired relative orientation.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 4, 5A-B, with continued reference to
`FIG. 1, the base 12 includes a plurality of upward extending
`cylinders 28 that are received within a corresponding opening
`30 defined at the bottom of each pin 26 the pin bar 14. The
`cylinders 28 of the base 12 and the openings 30 receiving the
`cylinders 28 are mating features that define a slight interfer-
`ence fit to hold the pin bar 14 in place. Although three bases
`12 are shown in this example, more or less could be utilized to
`support additional numbers of pin bars 14.
`The base 12 includes tabs 32 disposed between the cylin-
`ders 28 that fit within corresponding slots 34 defined on the
`pin bar 14. The interface between the tabs 32 and slots 34
`provide alignment and maintain the upright orientation ofthe
`pin bars 14. Each of the pins 26 includes a front slot 36 that
`
`35
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`45
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`60
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`65
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`

`

`US 8,485,565 B2
`
`3
`receives a boss 38 defined between cylinders 28 of the base
`12. The front slot 34 and boss 38 interface further aligns and
`supports the pin bar 14 on the base 12.
`The pin bar 14 is an integral structure having the plurality
`of pins 28 defined in a single row. Each of the pins 28 are
`spaced an equal distanceA apart. Each ofthe pins 28 includes
`a flanged top 38 and a front access groove 40.
`Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, each pin 26 extends
`upward from a barportion 42 and include features for holding
`and spacing rubber bands. Each pin 26 includes the flanged
`top 38 that is flared outward to prevent errant release of a
`rubber band during creation of a link. The access groove 40 is
`a longitudinal groove that extends inward toward a center of
`the pin 26. The access groove 40 extends from the bar portion
`42 to an open end with the flanged top 38. The groove 40
`provides a clearance for insertion of the hook tool 16 (FIG. 1)
`utilized for moving ends of a rubber band between pins 32.
`Each of the pins 26 includes a bottom portion 44 that is
`flared outward from a diameter of a mid portion 46. The mid
`portion 46 of the pin 26 is where a rubber band is secured
`during assembly. The bottom portion 44 is flared outward to
`prevent the rubber band from slipping downward against the
`bar portion 42. The top and bottom flared portions 38, 44
`centers the rubber bands in the mid portion 46 to provide a
`desired alignment during assembly. The edges of the flange
`38 are rounded over to eliminate sharp edges or surfaces.
`Referring to FIGS. 10A and 11A, the example base 12
`includes three rows ofthree cylinders 28 that are spaced equal
`distance from each other. The tabs 32 and bosses 37 are
`
`received within corresponding slots 34 and 36 formed on the
`pin bar 14. A stabilizer 50 is disposed between each row of
`cylinders 28 to provide further lateral support for the pin bars
`14.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 10B and 11B, another example base 12'
`includes a three row of six cylinders 28 that are spaced an
`equal distance from each other. The additional cylinders 28
`provided by the larger example base 12' provide for mounting
`of additional pin bars 14 with the same number of bases 12'.
`As appreciated, it is within the contemplation of this disclo-
`sure to provide a base with any number of rows of and col-
`umns of cylinders 28 that provide varying mounting configu-
`rations for the pin bars 14.
`Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the base 12 is utilized to set
`a desired pattern and uniform spacing between several pin
`bars 14. Accordingly, each of the bases 12 can engage one or
`several bin bars 14. The base 12 can engage and be receive
`three pin bars 14 longitudinally, and/or may be added to a side
`of a group of pin bars to add additional pin bars beyond the
`three provided for by one base 12. FIG. 12 illustrates a con-
`figuration where three bases are supporting three pin bars 14
`and two additional bases 12 are engaged to the current pin
`bars 14 with only one row such that two rows of cylinders 28
`extend laterally to receive additional pin bars 14. FIG. 13
`illustrates a configuration where five pin bars 14 are aligned
`side by side as provided by the additional bases 12 extending
`laterally as shown in FIG. 12. As is appreciated, the extent to
`which additional bases and pin bars 14 can be added and the
`configurations possible are limited only be the desire of the
`user of the disclosed kit. The addition of pin bars 14 provides
`for more unique and intricate designs limited only by the
`imagination of the user of the kit.
`Referring to FIGS. 14A-C, a method of forming a Brun-
`nian link as provided by the example kit includes the initial
`step of loading elastic bands onto adjacent pins 26. In this
`example, beginning at the right most ends each rubber band
`are stretched over adjacent pins and held at the mid portion. A
`first elastic band 52 is placed between a first pair of adjacent
`
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`pins 26 A second elastic band 54 is then placed over one end
`of the previously assembled first elastic band 52, and then a
`third elastic band 56 and so on until the desired number of
`
`rubber bands have been placed on corresponding pin bars 14.
`Note that in these example only three elastic bands 52, 54, and
`56 are shown for explanation purposes, however, in practice,
`many elastic bands would be utilized to provide the desired
`length of a completed article.
`Once the elastic bands 52, 54, and 56 are placed on each of
`the pins 26, the hook 16 is inserted into the access groove 40
`and moved downward past the top most elastic bands 56. The
`hook 16 is then moved outward from the groove in a direction
`indicated by arrow 58 a suflicient distance to allow for one
`end ofthe elastic band 54 to be caught in the hook end. Further
`lifting pulls the captured end of the second elastic band 54 in
`the direction indicated by 60 up through the end of the third
`elastic band 56 for assembly on to another adjacent pin 26 as
`is shown in FIG. 14B. The captured end is pulled up and over
`the flanged top 38 and pulled back onto the adjacent pin to
`form a single link. The captured end of the elastic band 54 is
`then released to engage the adjacent pin 26. This process is
`repeated until a chain of links a desired length is obtained.
`The example illustrated in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illus-
`trate a chain formed from a single row of links. The example
`base template 12 can be arranged to support many pin bars 14
`and therefore links can be formed longitudinally and laterally
`across adjacent pin bar 14 to form a wide variety of link
`configurations and combinations.
`Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, once the link is created, the
`clip 18 is used to secure the ends such that the fabricated chain
`of links does not come undone. The clip 18 is substantially
`C-shaped with an inward facing ends 62 that trap ends of the
`elastic bands 64 within the inner area 61.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 17-20, an example base template 66 is
`shown for holding six pin bars 14 in a desired orientation.
`Each of the example pin bars 14 includes the opening 30 of a
`defined size and the base template 66 includes a plurality of
`circular bosses 68 that are sized to provide a desired tight
`interference fit with the openings 30 in the pin bar 14 such that
`the pin bar 14 is retained in place within grooves 70 of the
`base template 66. The interference fit between the pin bar 14
`and the bosses of the base template 66 assure a positive
`mounting and securing of to the base to prevent separation
`during use and construction of a desired wearable item.
`Referring to FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, the base template 66
`includes first and second ends 72, 74 and first and second
`sides 76, 78 between the first and second ends 72, 74. The first
`end 72 includes a male joint 80 and the second end 74
`includes a corresponding female joint 80. The first side 76
`includes a male joint 82 and the second side 78 includes a
`female joint 80. The alternating sides provide for attachment
`of several base templates 66 to each other to provide extended
`capability.
`FIG. 19 illustrates two base templates 66 connected to each
`other in a side-to-side configuration by way ofj oints 84. FIG.
`20 illustrates two base templates 66 connected to each other in
`an end-to-end configuration by way of joint 84. As appreci-
`ated, any number of base templates 66 can be secured to each
`other to form many different desired configurations. The dif-
`ferent configurations provide for many options for creating
`different shapes and configurations of wearable items.
`Accordingly, the example kit and method provide for the
`creation of many different combinations and configurations
`of Brunnian links for the creation ofbracelets, necklaces, and
`other wearable items. Moreover, the example kit is expand-
`able to further create and expand the capabilities of potential
`Brunnian link creations. Further, the example kit provides for
`
`

`

`US 8,485,565 B2
`
`5
`the creation of such links and items in an easy manner allow-
`ing persons ofvarying 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 cer-
`tain modifications would come within the scope of this dis-
`closure. For that reason, the following claims should be stud-
`ied to determine the scope and content of this invention.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A kit for creating an item consisting of a series of links,
`the device comprising:
`a base; and
`at least one pin bar supported on the base, the pin bar
`including a plurality of pins each including a top flared
`portion for holding a link in a desired orientation and an
`opening on a front side of each of the plurality of pins.
`2. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the pin bar and the
`base including corresponding mating features for securing
`the pin bar to the base.
`3. The kit as recited in claim 2, wherein the base includes a
`plurality of mating structures receivable within a mounting
`opening defined within each of the plurality of pins with an
`interface between each ofthe mating structures and mounting
`openings defining an interference fit.
`4. The kit as recited in claim 3, wherein each of the mating
`structures comprises upright extending cylinders and the
`mounting openings are round to receive a corresponding one
`of the cylinders.
`5. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality
`ofpins includes a bottom flared portion spaced apart from the
`top flared portion and a mid portion for holding a link.
`6. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the base comprises
`a plurality of bases for securing a plurality of pin bars in a
`desired relative special orientation for forming the series of
`links in a desired pattern.
`7. The kit as recited in claim 6, wherein the base comprises
`a key and each of the plurality of pin bars includes a corre-
`sponding slot for aligning each of the plurality of pin bars
`relative to the base and to others of the plurality of pin bars.
`8. The kit as recited in claim 1, including a hook adapted to
`extend into the access groove for capturing one end of a link.
`
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`6
`9. The kit as recited in claim 1, including a clip for securing
`ends of the series of links together.
`10. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the series of links
`comprises a series of elastic bands.
`11. The kit as recited in claim 1, wherein the series of links
`comprise a series of Brunnian links.
`12. A method ofcreating a linked item comprising the steps
`
`of:
`
`supporting at least one pin bar including a plurality of pins
`to a base to define a desired relative special relationship
`between at least two adjacent pins;
`assembling at least two elastic bands across adjacent pins;
`capturing one end of an elastic band and pulling the end
`over and onto an adjacent pin while engaged with
`another elastic band; and
`capturing and pulling subsequent ends over until a desired
`link length and configuration is obtained.
`13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein a second of
`the at least two elastic bands is placed atop one end ofthe first
`of the at least two elastic bands on a common pin.
`14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein capturing
`one end of the elastic band includes using a hook tool reach-
`ing into an access groove of the pin to extend below the top
`most elastic band and grasp a bottom elastic band with the
`hook tool.
`
`15. The method as recited in claim 12, including assem-
`bling a plurality of pin bars to a base to provide parallel rows
`of pins.
`16. The method as recited in claim 15, including the step of
`assembling the plurality of pin bars to a corresponding plu-
`rality of bases to define a desired pattern of pins.
`17. The method as recited in claim 15, including assem-
`bling a plurality elastic bands in a desired pattern to the
`plurality of pin bars including at least one elastic band that
`extends between pins of another pin bar.
`18. The method as recited in claim 15, including the step of
`inserting ends of the elastic bands into a clip to form the
`linked item.
`
`