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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         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.