Lightweight omega chain and improved method of manufacture

• US 6,860,097 B2
• Filed: 04/03/2003
• Issued: 03/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Giuseppe A. Dal Monte
• Original Assignee: Giuseppe A. Dal Monte
• Inventors: Dal Monte, Giuseppe A.
• Primary Examiner(s): JONES, DAVID B
• Application Number:
  US10/407,317
• Publication Number:
  US 20040250527A1
• Time in Patent Office: 698 Days
• Field of Search: 59/80, 59/351, 59/791, 59/792, 59/78, 298/963, 298/964.11, 63/3
• US Class Current: 59/80
• CPC Class Codes: A44C 11/00 Watch chains; Ornamental chains fastening devices for watch or ornamental chains A44C5/18
• CPC Class Codes: A44C 5/025 with links threaded on a band
• CPC Class Codes: B21F 43/00 Making bands, e.g. bracelets, or wire making chains B21L; using looms D03D
• CPC Class Codes: B21L 1/02 by bending the ends of the workpieces to abut
• CPC Class Codes: B21L 11/005 Making ornamental chains B21L11/02 - B21L11/14 take precedence; ornamental chains A44C
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49591 Bracelet making

Abstract

A method of manufacturing jewelry and a chain article formed therefrom that results in a product substantially lighter than its solid counterpart. A length of wire mesh or woven wire type of “fabric” having a hollow seamed wire with a non-precious core of a width and length corresponding generally to the proportions of the jewelry chain to be created is provided. The non-precious core is then removed by one of many methods. Then, a series of hollow link sections are received on the length of wire mesh such that the interior surfaces of the links surround the mesh. The links are arranged in an end-to-end abutting relationship upon the mesh until the length of chain desired is reached. Alternatively, a spiral resembling a spring may be used. Upper and lower die members are brought into contact with the preformed chain and forced there against with a magnitude of pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to deform the links or spiral and bring the inner surfaces thereof into at least partial engagement with the mesh.

Claims

1. A lightweight decorative chain comprising:

a series of spirals having a cross-section;

a flexible mesh fabricated of woven hollow wire of a precious metal, said mesh extending through said cross-section of said spiral link segment.

2. The chain of claim 1 wherein said cross section is generally closed.

3. The chain of claim 1 wherein said cross section of said link segments is generally crescent shaped.

4. The chain of claim 1, wherein said series of spirals is fabricated of a continuous flat wire or thin plate.

5. The chain of claim 4 wherein the cross section is generally rectangular.

6. A chain as set forth in claim 5, wherein said link segments have gradually varying widths.