Adjustable bracelet and method of adjustment

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6470708
  • Patent Number
    6,470,708
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, June 22, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 29, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Browne; Lynne H.
    • Peavey; Enoch
    Agents
    • Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
Abstract
An identification bracelet which is adjustable so as to allow the user to continue to use the bracelet even if his wrist size changes is provided. The present invention comprises a chain and a clasp. The clasp, which provides a panel for engraving a name or message, may be opened so that the chain may be adjusted to make the bracelet larger or smaller. The clasp provides a plurality of anchor locations so that numerous different sizes of bracelet may be made. The clasp is generally made in two sections which are rotatably connected so that they may pivot apart, to provide access to the anchor locations, and pivot together to lock the end of the chain within the clasp. The clasp may subsequently be pivoted open again to adjust the size of the chain or for removal of the bracelet.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention concerns a novel identification-type bracelet which may be adjusted to fit wrists of varying sizes.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Identification-type bracelets are a very popular type of jewelry, worn by men, women and children. Typically, an identification bracelet includes an elongated panel, generally made of precious metal, or plated with a precious metal, onto which a name or message may be engraved. Further, identification bracelets, in the form of Medic Alert® bracelets and others, are also used to speak for a wearer when the wearer cannot speak for himself. For example, persons having a disabling condition or medical allergies may wear identification bracelets so that in case of difficulties, in which the person is unable to communicate, medical help may be administered correctly. Also, a young child may be given a bracelet so that the child may be returned home if lost.




Identification bracelets generally also comprise a chain, or other supporting means such as a strap, used to hold the elongated panel on the wearer's wrist. Typically the chain or strap is made of the same material as the elongated panel and is of a fixed length. Such chains generally are broken apart, with one part of the chain attached to each end of the elongated panel. The identification bracelet generally also comprises a clasp, generally having one part of the clasp on each of the free ends of the chain, for fixing the ends of the chain together on the wearer's wrist. Generally, identification bracelets are worn loosely on the wrist, allowing the engraved panel to float to different positions, so as to be comfortable for the wearer and to lessen wear on the engraved panel.




Because of the name or message on the elongated panel, and the ceremony often associated with giving such a bracelet to a child or young adult, identification bracelets often have more meaning, and sentimental value, than other types of jewelry. Often times these types of bracelets are given to a child to celebrate a special occasion or accomplishment, and, unfortunately, the child eventually outgrows the bracelet. Once outgrown, these bracelets become unwearable keepsakes or are misplaced and maybe forgotten. Further, a busy lifestyle may distract the wearer of a medical type bracelet from ordering a replacement when the bracelet becomes tight; leading to non-use of this crucial informative device.




Often times, because of the special significance of the bracelet, the bracelet is worn long after the bracelet no longer comfortably fits the wearer such that it becomes tight on the wrist. The tight fit may cause stress on the chain and clasp elements of the bracelet and may cause extra wear on the elongated panel (which, as noted above, is designed to be worn loosely on the wrist). Such wear may cause deterioration of the panel, including wear on the inscribed portion (both when the inscribed portion is inadvertently inverted and rubs against the wearer's skin and as a result of the panel not being able to float away from outside contact due to the tight fit). Strain on the chain and/or clasp may lead to the breaking of the chain and the subsequent loss of the bracelet.




It would be desirable to have a bracelet that could be worn by a child, or by a person who has a small wrist diameter, and then adjusted, as the diameter of owner's wrist changes, so that the bracelet may, potentially be worn throughout the owner's life.




It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an identification bracelet that is adjustable such that it maybe worn by the owner as a child and throughout the owner's life.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bracelet which may be adjusted so that the bracelet may fit comfortably whether the diameter of ones wrist increases or decreases.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bracelet that fits all sizes without needing special fitting by a jeweler or other skilled technician.




Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In accordance with the present invention an adjustable bracelet is provided. The bracelet comprises a clasp having a top section and a bottom section, each comprising a first end and a second end. The top section of the bracelet being removably attachable to the bottom section. The bracelet further comprises a chain, having a first and a second end, the first end being attached to the clasp and the second end of the chain comprising an anchor.




The bottom section of the clasp further comprises a plurality of anchor attachments, such that when the top section is removed the anchor may be first releasably attached in the bottom section to a first attachment and may subsequently be releasably attached to another of the attachments, so as to adjust the length of the bracelet. The attachment of the anchor chain within the clasp forms a bracelet when the top and bottom sections are subsequently attached together and the anchor is thereby held onto an anchor point.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base of the clasp is a rectangular box having a base, at least two parallel walls and an open top. The anchor is a toggle bar and the anchor points are a series of generally parallel pairs of heads soldered onto the bottom section of the clasp. The heads generally extend from the base of the bottom section to generally the height of the parallel walls of the bottom section. The toggle bar may be placed adjacent one pair of heads such that the toggle bar is held against the pair of heads, generally perpendicularly to the walls of the base section, with the chain extending, generally axially with the walls, between the remaining pairs and out of the clasp. The top section of the clasp may then be attached to the bottom section, such that the top section is placed adjacent to the walls and generally the pairs of heads, so as to provide a compartment for the toggle bar and prevent it from rising above the heads. In this manner the toggle bar is held inside the clasp. When a change in size is desired, the top of the clasp may be opened and the toggle bar may be moved adjacent to another pair of heads; the top of the clasp may then be replaced, once again restraining the toggle bar in its new position.




In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top and bottom of the clasp are rotatably connected together by a hinge at a first end of the clasp. Generally, the first end of the chain will be attached near the hinge portion of the clasp and the second end of the chain, comprising an anchor, may hang freely. It will be noted that with one end of the two parts of the clasp rotatably connected, the other ends will pivot relative to each other. Locking means, such as friction fit teeth, or a hasp and knob may be provided to releasably attach the second ends of the clasp parts together, holding the anchor in place within the clasp as described above.




In order to provide a more finished appearance to the bracelet of the present invention, the preferred embodiment provides walls along all four sides of the clasp, with the walls, on the top and bottom portions opposed to the hinge having openings to allow the chain to extend neatly therefrom.




A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of an identification bracelet made in accordance with the present invention, in a first closed position.





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the bracelet of

FIG. 1

in a second, open position.





FIG. 3

is another perspective view of the bracelet of FIG.


2


.





FIG. 4

is another perspective view of the bracelet of FIG.


2


.





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bracelet of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 6

is another perspective view of the bracelet of FIG.


5


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT




Referring to the drawings, a bracelet


10


having a clasp


12


and a chain


14


is provided. Clasp


12


comprises a top portion


16


and a bottom portion


18


. Top portion


16


generally comprises an engraving panel


19


(FIG.


1


), friction fit attachment teeth


20


and top front wall


21


. A hinge


23


rotatably connects top portion


16


and bottom portion


18


together, such that top portion


16


maybe pivoted open to reveal the interior


24


of bottom portion


18


. It is to be understood that top portion


16


and bottom portion


18


may be constructed such that they may be completely separated from each other and maybe joined together, at both ends, in a friction fit or by other mechanical, magnetic or other means, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Bottom portion


18


further comprises side walls


26


and


28


, a back wall


30


and a front wall


32


. Front wall


32


defines an opening


33


allowing clearance for chain


14


as described below. The combination of top front wall


21


and attachment teeth


20


defines an opening


22


which also allows clearance for chain


14


.




A plurality of anchor stops


34


are provided in bottom portion


18


. In the preferred embodiment, anchor stops


34


are provided in pairs and are spaced apart to allow the placement of chain


14


between any pair of anchor stops


34


. In the illustrative embodiment, anchor stops


34


are as tall as side walls


26


and


28


, such that when top


16


is pivoted down onto bottom


18


top


16


is in close proximity to the tops of anchor stops


34


. In this manner, as further described below, the closing of clasp


12


locks chain


14


within clasp


12


, establishing a specific size for bracelet


10


. It is to be understood that anchor stops may be made such that the tops of the anchor stops


34


do not reach the tops of walls


26


and


28


, if adjustments are made to the top


16


, such as adding counter stops (not shown) to top


16


or making the inner area of top


16


thicker such that top


16


may extend down to the tops of anchor stops


34


. Such adjustments, and others, to clasp


12


are contemplated and are within the novel scope of the present invention.




In the illustrative embodiment, chain


14


is attached, by any conventional means including soldering or welding, to the outside of back wall


30


, at one end, and to a toggle


36


at the other end. Toggle


36


is generally a cylindrical pin having a length along its main cylindrical axis such that toggle


36


spans the distance between a pair of anchor stops


34


such that toggle


36


may not be pulled from anchor stops


34


once toggle


36


is placed within clasp


12


. As may be seen in

FIGS. 3 and 4

, a user of the present invention may move toggle


36


, inside of clasp


12


to any desired set of anchor points, so as to adjust the length of bracelet


10


.




In the use of bracelet


10


, a user may pull the top front wall


21


of bracelet


10


such that attachment teeth


20


, on top portion


16


, are released from their friction fit against front wall


32


of bottom portion


18


. It is to be understood that while a friction fit is shown and described, the attachment of top portion


16


to bottom portion


18


may be made in any number of well known ways, including the use of mechanical locking means or magnets, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Once released from bottom portion


18


, top portion


16


may be pivoted, about hinge


23


, such that top portion


16


is separated from bottom


18


, allowing access to the interior of clasp


12


.




The interior of clasp


12


comprises a series of anchor points


34


which may engage toggle


36


such that chain


14


is held in clasp


12


. The series of anchor points allows bracelet


10


to be adjusted in size to fit a wide variety of wrist sizes. Upon the selection of the appropriate anchor points


34


, and the placement of toggle


36


adjacent the back side


34




b


of the anchor points, top portion


16


may be pivoted downward so as to engage bottom portion


18


locking the portions of clasp


12


together. Chain


14


may then extend through openings


22


and


33


defined on the respective front walls


21


and


32


, of top portion


16


and bottom portion


18


.




Removal and placement of bracelet


10


about the wrist may be accomplished in this manner, utilizing the identification portion


12


of the bracelet as a clasp. Further, a change in wrist size may be compensated for by placing toggle


36


adjacent a different set of anchor points


34


.




It is to be understood that top portion


16


and bottom portion


18


of clasp


12


may be joined, at both ends, by a variety of different means, all well known in the art (including, locks, magnets and combinations of these and hinges) without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.




Further, as shown in

FIGS. 5 and 6

, other types of anchor stops


44


and anchors


52


may be used to produce an adjustable bracelet of the present invention. In

FIGS. 5 and 6

, a bracelet


40


, having a clasp


42


, is provided with a plurality of anchor stops


44


, generally shown as pegs


44


, within a clasp bottom portion


48


. A chain


50


having a loop


52


is provided and is attached to bottom portion


48


in a manner previously described. Loop


52


may be placed on an appropriate peg


44


to provide a comfortable length for bracelet


40


and a top portion


54


may then be closed down upon bottom portion


48


, as previously described. As noted previously concerning anchor stops


34


of

FIGS. 2

,


3


and


4


, it is contemplated that the tops of pegs


44


will be proximate to the top portion


54


of clasp


42


, such that loop


52


may not free itself from within clasp


42


.




Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. An adjustable bracelet comprising:a clasp, having a top section and a bottom section, said top and bottom sections each comprising a first end and a second end, said top section being removably attachable to said bottom section; a chain, having a first end and a second end, said first end of said chain being attached to said clasp, said second end of said chain comprising an anchor, said anchor comprising a ring; said bottom section of said clasp comprising a plurality of anchor attachments, said plurality of anchor attachments comprising spaced apart pegs, such that said bracelet is adjustable by first releasably attaching said ring to one of said pegs in said bottom section when said top section is removed, and subsequently attaching said ring to another of said pegs to adjust the length of said bracelet, such that said clasp and chain form a bracelet when said top and bottom sections are subsequently attached together.
  • 2. The adjustable bracelet of claim 1, wherein said top and bottom sections are rotatably attached at said first ends such that said top and bottom sections may be pivoted apart at said second ends.
  • 3. The adjustable bracelet of claim 2, wherein said top and bottom sections are rotatably attached by a hinge.
  • 4. The adjustable bracelet of claim 1, wherein said anchor attachments are a plurality of generally parallel placed, spaced apart, pairs of heads extending inwardly from both sides of the bottom section and the anchor is a horizontal bar.
  • 5. The adjustable bracelet of claim 4, wherein said anchor is a toggle of a sufficient length to exceed the space between said heads.
  • 6. An adjustable bracelet comprising:a clasp, having a top section and a bottom section, said top and bottom sections each comprising a first end and a second end, said top section being removably attachable to said bottom section; a chain, having a first end and a second end, said first end of said chain being attached to said clasp, said second end of said chain comprising an anchor; said bottom section of said clasp having a plurality of spaced apart anchor attachments extending upward from the inside bottom wall of said bottom section and inwardly towards the center of said bottom section such that said anchor can be first releasably attached in said bottom section to a first anchor attachment, when said top section is removed, and can subsequently be removably attached to another of said anchor attachments, so as to adjust the length of said bracelet, such that said clasp and chain form a bracelet when said top and bottom sections are subsequently attached together.
  • 7. The adjustable bracelet of claim 6, wherein said top and bottom sections are rotatably attached at said first ends such that said top and bottom sections can be pivoted apart at said second ends.
  • 8. The adjustable bracelet of claim 7, wherein said top and bottom sections are rotatably attached by a hinge.
  • 9. The adjustable bracelet of claim 6, wherein said anchor attachments are a plurality of generally parallel placed, spaced apart, pairs of heads.
  • 10. The adjustable bracelet of claim 9, wherein said anchor is a toggle of a sufficient length to exceed the space between said heads.
US Referenced Citations (5)
Number Name Date Kind
2586758 Kerr Feb 1952 A
3372500 Claude Mar 1968 A
D284176 Battersby Jun 1986 S
4611368 Battersby Sep 1986 A
5927577 Braun Jul 1999 A