BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional utility and features of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate the primary features of the preferred embodiment and numerous alternative embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a connector clasp known in the prior art, and specifically, of the lobster claw-type clasp;
FIG. 2 is a front or rear view of a safety clasp known in the prior art, and specifically, of the latch clasp variety having a figure-eight shape;
FIG. 3 is a front or rear view of a safety clasp known in the prior art, and specifically, of the latch clasp variety having a non-figure-eight shape;
FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a connector clasp of the present invention, the connector clasp including a safety clasp mounted outside of the primary clasp;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the connector clasp depicted in FIG. 4 illustrating one embodiment of the safety clasp utilized, a figure-eight shape latch clasp;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the connector clasp depicted in FIG. 4 illustrating another embodiment of the safety clasp utilized, a non-figure-eight shape latch clasp as an alternative to the latch clasp depicted in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a lobster-claw type clasp having a lever for moving or displacing the movable or displaceable element;
FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a lobster-claw type clasp having a single push button for moving or displacing the movable or displaceable element;
FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a lobster-claw type clasp having two push buttons for moving or displacing the movable or displaceable element;
FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a spring bolt clasp (or alternatively a bolt spring clasp) having a wing for moving or displacing the movable or displaceable element;
FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a spring hook having a returnably resilient and displaceable element;
FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of the connector clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the connector clasp comprising a carabiner having a movable and displaceable element, the element coupled to the carabiner via a hinge or spring;
FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the safety clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the safety clasp that may comprise either a figure-eight shape or a non-figure eight shape, and the receiver and safety clasp are frictionally impinged so that the receiver is aligned away from the free end of the safety latch, and closer to the middle of the safety latch;
FIG. 14 is a front view of another embodiment of the safety clasp that may be utilized in the present invention, the safety clasp that may comprise either a figure-eight shape or a non-figure eight shape, and either safety clasp having an aperture formed at the free end of the safety latch of the solid or predominantly solid body latch, and the receiver and safety clasp are frictionally impinged so that the receiver is aligned away from the free end of the safety latch, and closer to the middle of the safety latch;
FIG. 15 is a front view of a connector or clasp system comprising the connector clasp and safety clasp utilized in coupling two segments of an object or item, wherein the two segments are respective ends of the jewelry;
FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 15, wherein the two segments are intermediate segments of the jewelry;
FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 15, wherein the two segments are an end segment and an intermediate segment, respectively, of the jewelry;
FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 15, wherein the two segments are a lanyard and a ring or hoop.
FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 15, wherein the two segments are a post and a link of a cuff link set.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The detailed description set forth below is for exemplary embodiments and is intended to explain the present invention. It is to be understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
To better explain the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, the following words or phrases are used for describing various elements of the exemplary embodiments, including:
Claw-type clasp: depicted in FIG. 1, a clasp C having a body B and further having a curvilinear end in the form of a hook element H and a movable or displaceable element E communicating with the hook element H. The movable/displaceable element E is manipulated to provide ingress and egress to the area or region A inside of the hook element utilized to retain an object or item. The clasp C may include a means M (such as a lever) for moving or displacing element E. The claw-type clasp C may include the following clasps known in the various industry by specific labels, such as lobster claw type clasps, single or double push lock type clasps, snap bolts or bolt snaps (interchangeably used), snap hooks and carabiners, among other types of claps. The lobster claw type clasps may also include many variations, including standard lobster claws with or without jump rings, tear drop with or without jump rings, trigger clasp, lobster claw with swivel, infinity or figure-eight shaped lobster claw, oval cast clasp, dolphin shaped, heart shaped, among the many varieties available.
Safety or latch-type clasp: depicted in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, a clasp S utilizing a joint or hinge J for moving latch S that is coupled to a receiver R, usually a fixed ball or knob, opposite to and in spaced relationship to the hinge or point of rotation of the latch. Some examples of the latch-type clasp include a figure-eight F type latch clasp (so-named for its figure-eight shape) or non-figure-eight N type latch clasps. The narrowed portion or end of the latch-type clasp (at an end opposite the hinge or point of rotation) is frictionally impinged about the ball or knob.
Referring now to FIG. 4 through FIG. 13, one embodiment depicts a clasp or connector 10 comprising a connector clasp 12 and a safety clasp 14 coupled to the connector clasp 12. The connector clasp 12 comprises a body 120, a movable or displaceable element 122, and means 124 for moving or displacing the element 122. The safety clasp 14 comprises a pivotal clasp 140 and a receiver 142 for receiving and coupling with the clasp 140. The safety clasp 14 is mounted to the connector clasp 12 so that the safety clasp 14 is adjacent the element 122. Thus, the connector clasp 12, generally, and the element 122, specifically, functions as the primary means for retaining a portion of jewelry, a fixed ring, or other similar component used for securing objects or items, and the safety clasp 14, generally, and the clasp 140 and receiver 142, specifically, functions as the secondary means for retaining the portion retained by the element 122. The element 122 may be generally described as a selectively movable or displaceable element or member, or more specifically, a selectively movable or displaceable leg of the connector clasp 12.
The connector clasp 12 may comprise a variety of structures, including those depicted in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 through FIG. 12, respectively. Related variations generally include claw-type clasps, and further include a lobster-claw clasp 12a, a single push lock or double push lock clasp 12b, and a snap bolt (or alternatively named, a bolt snap) 12c. Each clasp 12a, 12b and 12c has a body 120, a movable or displaceable element 122, and means 124 for moving or displacing the element 122. In each clasp 12a, 12b and 12c, the body 120 has a hook or curvilinear segment that cooperates and complements the element 122 to form an enclosure (and may be further characterized as resulting in a void 130) that retains a portion of jewelry, a fixed ring, or other similar components used for securing objects or items. Means 124 for moving or displacing the element 122 may have a variety of structures and forms, including the lever 124a of clasp 12a, the single or double push lock 124b of clasp 12b, and the slidable wing 124c of clasp 12c, respectively.
Another variation of the claw-type clasp 12 described above includes a snap hook 12d comprising a body 120 and a movable or displaceable element 122 (see FIG. 11). The element 122 may be moved or displaced by the application of force onto the element 122. The element 122 may be returnably resilient. Another variation includes a carabiner 12e comprising a body 120 and a movable or displaceable element 122 (see FIG. 12). The element 122 of either clasp 12d or 12e may be returnably resilient, and may be configured so that the element 122 is coupled to the body 120 via an outwardly biased hinge 126 or other means for pivoting the element 122 to and from engagement with the hook or curvilinear portion of body 120. In all the variations noted, clasps 12a through 12e, the movable or displaceable element 122 may be manipulated so as to form an opening 128 that allows for ingress and egress of the object or item to be retained by the clasp 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d or 12e (into the void 130).
In the aforementioned embodiments of the claw-type clasp 12, including embodiments 12a through 12e, the safety clasp 14 (described in more detail below) is aligned externally adjacent to the element 122, so that the safety clasp 14 is the exterior or outer clasp and the claw clasp 12 is the interior or inner clasp. This alignment is particularly illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. It is also envisioned that the receiver 142 may be mounted at the hook element of the clasp 12 or at the base subjacent to the element 22.
The safety clasp 14 may be described as a latch-type clasp, generally, and may comprise a variety of structures, including a figure-eight type clasp 14a and a non-figure-eight type clasp 14b. As depicted in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 13, respectively, the figure-eight type clasp 14a is well-known in the art, and may be described using a number of labels, including a “figure-eight”, a “figure-of-eights”, or more generically as a spring clip or clasp, or as a safety clip or clasp since this clasp is usually employed as a secondary or safety clasp for the primary clasp device utilized. As depicted in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG. 13, respectively, the non-figure-eight type clasp 14b differs from the figure-eight type clasp 14a primarily based on the shape of the clasp 14b. Generally, the clasp 14a and/or 14b will have a wide end (at a hinge or hinges, for instance) and a narrow portion and/or end that will frictionally couple with the receiver 142 so that the clasp 14a or 14b frictionally impinges onto and is retained by the receiver 142. It is envisioned that the latch clasp 14 (and variations 14a and 14b) may comprise additional variations, including the frame-type depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, or a solid body type having an aperture 148 formed at the narrow portion and/or end for coupling with the receiver 142 (see FIG. 14). The aperture 148 may be integral to the narrow portion and/or end, so that the aperture 148 is defined by the narrow portion and/or end, or the aperture 148 may be formed on the underside of the latch clasp 14.
More specifically, the safety clasp 14 may comprise a latch clasp, the latch clasp comprising a receiver 142 coupled to the connector clasp 12. A joint 144 may be coupled to the connector clasp 12 spaced from the receiver 142. An arm 146 may be coupled to the joint 144 and selectively movable for coupling to the receiver 142 in the frictionally impinged manner described above, and aligning the arm 146 adjacent, and in some circumstances parallel, to the displaceable element or member 122 of clasp 12. The receiver 142 may have a variety of forms or shapes, including the general form of a projection or protrusion depending from the connector clasp 12 after coupling. More particularly, the projection or protrusion may have the form of a ball, knob, block or other geometric configuration that allows the receiver 142 to frictionally impinge and engage the narrow end of the clasp 14, and more particularly, the narrow portion and/or end of the arm 146 and the aperture 148 formed at the narrow portion and/or end of the arm 146. As is depicted in FIG. 13, the figure-eight clasp may frictionally impinge with the receiver 142 at a distance away from the free end (such as near the middle of the figure-eight), and the non-figure eight may as well, usually dictated by the circumference and diameter of the receiver 142. The joint 144 may comprise a variety of forms, including the use of any variety of hinge or hinges, or hinge-equivalent(s), that allows the clasp 14, and more particularly the arm 146, to selectively move between an open (non-engaged) position and a closed (engaged) position.
In another embodiment of the clasp or connector 10, and as depicted in FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a connector or clasp apparatus 10 for coupling two segments 5200a′ and 5200b′ of jewelry 5200′ is described. The clasp or connector apparatus 10 may comprise a connector clasp 12 coupled to one end segment 5200a″ or another end segment 5200b″ of the jewelry 5200′. The clasp or connector apparatus 10 may comprise a connector clasp 12 coupled to one intermediate segment 5200a′″ or another intermediate segment 5200b′″ of the jewelry 5200′. The connector clasp 12 may be manually openable for coupling to the remaining other segment 5200a′ or 5200b′, including coupling respective end segments together, respective intermediate segments together, or an end segment coupled to an intermediate segment. The connector clasp 12 is coupled to receiving or coupling means A latch clasp 14 may be coupled to the connector clasp 12 along an edge adjacent and external to the opening of connector clasp 12.
In another embodiment of the clasp or connector apparatus 10 for coupling a lanyard 5400 to a ring 5402 is described. The clasp or connector apparatus 10 comprises a connector clasp 12 coupled to an end of the lanyard 5400. The connector clasp 12 may be manually openable for coupling the lanyard 5400 to the ring 5402. A latch clasp 14 may be coupled to the connector clasp 12 along an edge adjacent and external to the opening of the connector clasp 12.
In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a clasp system 50 is described, the system 50 comprising a first object or item 52 and a second object or item 54. The first object or item 52 comprises a connector clasp 520. The second object or item 54 comprises means 540 for receiving and coupling with the connector clasp 520. The connector clasp 520 is openable for coupling the first object or item 52 to the receiving means 540 of the second object or item 54. A latch clasp 522 is coupled to the connector clasp 520 along an edge adjacent and external to the opening of the connector clasp 520. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first object or item 52 comprises a first segment 5200a of jewelry 5200′ and the second object or item 54 comprises a second segment 5200b of jewelry 5200′. The segments 5200a and 5200b may include coupling of two end segments, coupling of two intermediate segments, or the coupling of an end segment to an intermediate segment. The first segment 5200a may also comprise one of either the post or the link elements of a set of cuff links (as depicted in FIG. 19). In another aspect of this embodiment, the first object or item 52 comprises a lanyard 5400 and the second object or item 54 comprises a ring 5402. In another aspect of this embodiment, the first object or item 52 may comprise a variety of objects, such as a key ring or fob 5400′, a wallet, a business card case, and other similar objects and the second object or item 54 comprises a ring 5402.
Receiving means 540 may comprise a variety of apparatuses or devices, including varieties of a ring, a swivel, an end cap, and an eye-bolt, and further including substitutes or equivalents of a swivel and/or end cap utilized in an item of jewelry. Ring varieties may include circular hoops or loops or D-rings coupled to a fixed object by a separate device, or coupled to a fixed object by adhesive or weld. An eye-bolt or similar eyelet is also envisioned as one possible embodiment.
It is also envisioned that several methods of making, fabricating or manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments may be utilized. For instance, a method for making a clasp or connector may comprise the step of coupling a safety clasp 14 to a connector clasp 12 or the types and variations described above, wherein the safety clasp 14 may be adhered, soldered, welded or otherwise affixed to the connector clasp 12 in a manner consistent with the configurations described above.
It is further envisioned that another method of making a clasp or connector may comprise the steps of forming a connector clasp 12, forming a safety clasp 14, and then coupling the safety clasp 14 to the connector clasp 12. The safety clasp 14 may be coupled to the connector clasp 12 by adhering, soldering, welding or otherwise affixing to a portion or the connector clasp 12.
It is further envisioned that another method of making a clasp or connector may comprise the steps of acquiring a connector clasp and acquiring a safety clasp, which may be accomplished by making each clasp or by purchasing each clasp, or by making one of the clasps and purchasing one of the clasps. After acquiring the clasps, the safety clasp 14 is coupled to the connector clasp 12, which may be accomplished by adhering, soldering, welding or otherwise affixing the safety clasp 12 to the connector clasp 12.
Related to the aforementioned methods described above are various methods for making an item of jewelry. In one such method, a method for making an item of jewelry comprises the step of coupling a connector clasp 12 having a safety clasp 14 coupled thereto to a segment of the jewelry, wherein the segment may comprise an end or a segment intermediately disposed between the respective ends of the jewelry. In another embodiment, a method for making an item of jewelry comprises the steps of coupling a safety clasp 14 to a connector clasp 12, such as by adhering, soldering, welding or otherwise affixing the safety clasp 14 to the connector clasp 12 in a manner consistent with the configuration(s) described above, and coupling the connector clasp 12 to an end of the jewelry. Other related methods include the forming of one or more clasps 12 and 14, and coupling the safety clasp 14 to the connector clasp 12 in a manner consistent with the methods described above. Another related method includes the acquisition of one or more of the clasps 12 and/or 14, and coupling the safety clasp 14 to the connector clasp 12 in a manner consistent with the methods described above.
It is envisioned that a number of materials, separately or in combination, may be suitable for use with one or more of the elements described and claimed in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. For jewelry, gold, silver, platinum and other precious and valuable metals may be used for one or more of the elements of each embodiment described. For non-jewelry items, it is envisioned that metal, plastic and other suitably durable materials may be used therewith.
While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of several embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures.
Patent Application
20080022498
