Expansible linkage and methods of making expansible linkages

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to expansible linkages for use in the manufacture of expansible bands such as wrist watchbands, identification bracelets, and other articles of jewelry, the sides of which when viewed from the top are provided with attractive configurations, for example, tapered from their ends toward their center portions or vice versa. It is also directed to novel methods of making such expansible linkages. The expansible linkage includes two rows of links and resilient means associated with the links for returning them from expanded to contracted positions. It also includes a series of ornamental top shells attached to the top links. The ends of the top shells extend outwardly from the ends of at least a majority of the top links. Solid inserts are positioned within the outwardly extending portions of the top shells and the outer ends of the combined top shells and inserts are machined to provide any desired configuration to the sides of the linkage when the linkage is viewed from the top. The method includes the steps of assembling an expansible linkage without top shells and fabricating a plurality of top shells, at least a majority of which are longer than the basic expansible linkage and which have hollow end portions. Other steps include fabricating a plurality of solid inserts and securing the inserts within the hollow end portions of the top shells. Other steps include attaching the combined top shells and inserts to the top links of the basic expansible linkage and then machining at least the majority of the outwardly extending ends of the combined top shells and inserts to provide the desired configurations to the sides of the linkage when it is viewed from the top.