INTERCHANGEABLE BAND COUPLING AND CLASP SYSTEM

Abstract

A coupling and clasp system includes: a first clasp portion; a second clasp portion configured for releasable engagement with the first clasp portion; and multiple bands, each band including a first end having a first band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the first clasp portion and a second end having a second band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the second clasp portion. The first clasp portion, second clasp portion, and multiple bands form a closed-loop wearable item when: the first band coupling of each band is retained by the first clasp portion; the second band coupling of each band is retained by the second clasp portion; and the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion. The multiple bands, configured to be selectively arranged by a user, vary by color, material, texture and mounted items.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to bracelets and bands. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a band coupling and clasp system for assembling, wearing, and customizing bracelets and other apparel items, for example, to don upon appendages in encircling fashion.

BACKGROUND

Previously available bracelets and other appendage apparel items do not permit convenient interchanging of decorative bands by the user. While some color varieties in apparel and accessories are available for example by way of watch bezels, phone covers, and reversible belts, truly varying the looks and styles of accessories typically requires purchasing many independent accessory platforms. Thus, varying one's accessory appearance while traveling or in the course of a day would require either carrying a great number of items or a return to one's wardrobe or collection of accessories and personal effects.

Trends in personal apparel and accessories often tend towards multiple layers of jewelry and accessories. Users must choose to purchase multiple items to create layered effects that they desire. This requires significant effort to clasp and unclasp multiple accessories to create the layered effect. Other accessory producers create combinations of strands that are permanently affixed in clasps. Users of such appendage apparel are limited by the combinations of strands, materials, colors, textures, and personal statements that are established by choices made at manufacturing and are not able to configure combination choices that reflect personal style, preferences and desired personal statements. Existing products limit the user's ability to customize a look that suits their personal taste in order to tell a story that is specific to their style, while still being able to quickly put it on and take it off.

Improvements are needed in coupling and clasp systems for bracelets and other apparel items to allow for many interchangeable preferences by a user.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In at least one embodiment, a coupling and clasp system includes: a first clasp portion; a second clasp portion configured for releasable engagement with the first clasp portion; and multiple bands, each band including a first end having a first band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the first clasp portion and a second end having a second band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the second clasp portion. The first clasp portion, second clasp portion, and multiple bands form a closed-loop wearable item when: the first band coupling of each band is retained by the first clasp portion; the second band coupling of each band is retained by the second clasp portion; and the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

In at least one example, the first clasp portion includes a first loading door having an open position, in which the first loading door permits loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings, and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings.

In at least one example, the second clasp portion includes a second loading door having an open position, in which the second loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings.

In at least one example, the first clasp portion includes a rail, and the second engagement side includes an engagement channel that receives the rail when the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

In at least one example, at least one magnet that aids in positioning the first and second clasp portions for easy sliding attachment engagement and also assists in maintaining engagement of the second clasp portion with the first clasp portion.

In at least one example, the first clasp portion has a first slot through which each band extends proximal the first end thereof when the first band coupling thereof is retained by the first clasp portion; and the second clasp portion has a second slot through which each band extends proximal the second end thereof when the second band coupling thereof is retained by the second clasp portion.

In at least one example, the first slot opens in a first direction, the second slot opens in a second direction and the first direction is opposite the second direction when the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

In at least one example, at least one of said multiple bands includes, between the first band coupling and second band coupling thereof, at least one decorative item.

In at least one example, the multiple bands are configured to be selectively arranged by a user.

In at least one example, the multiple bands include at least one first band and at least one second band different from the first band by at least one of: color; material; texture; number of layers; and mounted items.

In at least one embodiment, a coupling and clasp system includes: a first clasp portion having a first operable closure element and a first engagement side; a second clasp portion having a second operable closure element and a second engagement side, the second engagement side configured for releasable mutual engagement with the first engagement side of the first clasp element; multiple first band couplings each configured to be releasably received in the first clasp portion via the first operable closure element; and multiple second band couplings each configured to be releasably received in the second clasp portion via the second operable closure element.

In at least one example, the first operable closure element includes a first loading door hingedly connected to the first clasp portion, the first loading door being pivotable between an open position, in which the first loading door permits loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings, and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings.

In at least one example, the second operable closure element includes a second loading door hingedly connected to the second clasp portion, the second loading door being pivotable between an open position, in which the second loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings.

In at least one example, the first engagement side includes a protruding element; and the second engagement side includes a receiving feature that that receives the protruding element when the second engagement side is engaged with the first engagement side.

In at least one example, the protruding element includes a rail, and the receiving feature includes an engagement channel.

In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system further includes at least one magnet that aids in positioning the first and second clasp portions for easy sliding attachment engagement and also assists in maintaining releasable mutual engagement of the second engagement side with the first engagement side.

In at least one example, the protruding element includes a trapezoidally shaped rail.

In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system further includes multiple bands, and each first band coupling is connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said bands.

In at least one example: the first clasp portion has a slot that opens in a first direction opposite the first engagement side; the second clasp portion has a slot that opens in a second direction opposite the second engagement side; and the first direction is opposite the second direction when the first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.

In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system further includes multiple bands, wherein each first band coupling is connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said bands such that the coupling and clasp system forms an encircling apparel item when: the first band couplings are received in the first clasp portion; the second band couplings are received in the second clasp portion; and the first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling and clasp system according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the separable clasp of FIG. 1 unloaded of band couplings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clasp portions of FIG. 1 slid into a partially disengaged disposition.

FIG.4 is a perspective view of the forward end of the first portion of the separable clasp of FIG. 1 unloaded of band couplings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the forward end of the second portion of the separable clasp of FIG. 1 unloaded of band couplings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clasp system of FIG. 1 having uncoupled first and second clasp portions each with open doors, and with the second clasp portion loaded with the band couplings of five bands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling and clasp system 100, according to at least one embodiment, configured to releasably retain multiple apparel bands for decorative or other wearing purposes as shown for example in FIG. 6, which is further described below. The clasp system 100 includes a separable clasp 102 having separable first and second clasp portions 110 and 130, which are shown as mutually engaged in FIG. 1. At least the second clasp portion 130 is shown as loaded with band couplings 150.

The first clasp portion 110 has an operable closure element illustrated as a loading door 112, which is shown as closed in FIG. 1 for retaining any band couplings within the first clasp portion 110. The second clasp portion 130 has an operable closure element illustrated as a loading door 132, which is also shown as closed in FIG. 1 for retaining the band couplings 150 as shown. The operable closure elements illustrated as loading doors 112 and 132 are shown as open in FIG. 2 to permit loading and unloading of the clasp portions 110 and 130.

The first loading door 112 is hingedly connected to the first clasp portion 110 to permit pivoting rotation of the first loading door 112 between the closed position of FIG. 1 and the open position of FIG. 2. The second loading door 132 is hingedly connected to the second clasp portion 130 by to permit pivoting rotation of the second loading door 132 between the closed position of FIG. 1 and the open position of FIG. 2.

In these descriptions, forward refers to the longitudinal ends of the clasp 102 and its clasp portions 110 and 130 having the doors 112 and 132, whereas rearward end refers to their opposite longitudinal ends. Furthermore, these descriptions refer to upper and lower features with respect to the disposition of the clasp system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. It is understood that such relative terms are used here for convenience in these descriptions and that the clasp system 100 may be handled and used at any orientation preferred by a user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clasp system of FIG. 1 unloaded of band couplings. The first clasp portion 110 has an internal channel 114 to receive a column of band couplings 150 (FIGS. 1, 6). A slot 116 (FIG. 2) is open laterally and extends longitudinally from the forward end of the first clasp portion 110 toward the rearward end thereof. The slot 116 is defined between parallel longitudinally extending upper and lower rails 120 and 122. The upper rail 122 can be described as overhanging the internal channel 114 in the orientation of the first clasp portion 110 shown in FIG. 2, while the lower rail 122 is parallel to and spaced from the upper rail 120. The parallel rails 120 and 122 are spaced from each other to define the height of the slot 116, which prevents the band couplings 150, when loaded in the channel 114, from escaping through the slot 116. Thus, the door 112 must be opened to permit loading of the band couplings 150 into the channel 114 and closed to retain the band couplings.

The second clasp portion 130 can be similarly described. The second clasp portion 130 has an internal channel 134 to receive a column of band couplings 150 (FIGS. 1, 6). A slot 136 (FIG. 2) is open laterally and extends longitudinally from the forward end of the second clasp portion 130 toward the rearward end thereof. The slot 136 is defined between parallel longitudinally extending upper and lower rails 140 and 142. The upper rail 142 can be described as overhanging the internal channel 134 in the orientation of the second clasp portion 130 shown in FIG. 2, while the lower rail 140 is parallel to and spaced from the upper rail 142. The parallel rails 140 and 142 are spaced from each other to define the height of the slot 136, which prevents the band couplings 150, when loaded in the channel 134, from escaping through the slot 136. Thus, the door 132 must be opened to permit loading of the band couplings 150 into the channel 134 and closed to retain the band couplings.

A recessed area 104 in the illustrated upper surface of each clasp portion 110 and 130, opposite the doors 112 and 132, helps a user grasp either door edge to effect opening. In various embodiments, each clasp portion 110 and 130 includes a latch element that maintains closure of the respective door 112 and 132 until opening is forced by a user. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the clasp system 100, a respective protrusion 106 along a lateral portion of each door helps maintain door closure. Each protrusion 106 is received into a respective recessed area of its respective clasp portion 110 and 130 to keep the respective door 112 and 132 from opening so as to retain the band couplings when the internal channels 114 and 134 are loaded.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the separable clasp 102 of FIG. 1 with the first and second clasp portions 110 and 130 slid into a partially disengaged configuration. The first and second clasp portions 110 and 130 are shown separated from each other in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively. Each has a respective lateral engagement side 118 (FIGS. 4) and 138 (FIG. 5) for mutual engagement (FIG. 1) of the two clasp portion 110 and 130.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the forward end of the first clasp portion 110, described in the following as the male portion of the separable clasp 102 with reference to a laterally protruding element illustrated as a dove-tail rail 124. The dove-tail rail 124 is shown as trapezoidally shaped and extending longitudinally along the lateral engagement side 118 of the male clasp portion 110.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the forward end of the second clasp portion 130, described in the following as the female clasp portion 130 of the separable clasp 102 with reference to a receiving feature that accommodates the laterally protruding element of the male portion of the separable clasp 102. The receiving feature of the female clasp portion 130 is illustrated as an engagement channel 144 that extends along the lateral engagement side 138 of the female clasp portion 130 to receive and laterally retain the dove-tail rail 124 when the two clasp portions 110 and 130 are engaged.

As shown in FIG. 4, a magnetic bar 126 longitudinally extends forward from near the rearward end of the male clasp portion 110 along the lateral engagement side 118. In FIG. 5, a magnetic plate 146 longitudinally extends rearward from near the forward end of the female clasp portion 130 along the lateral engagement side 138. The magnetic elements 126 and 146 assist in establishing engagement of the clasp portions 110 and 130 by magnetic coupling. The magnetic elements automatically align the clasp portions so that the user can then slide the clasp portions into engagement on the wrist to engage the dovetail retention. The dovetail rail 124 and engagement channel 144 maintain engagement and retention. The magnetic elements provide assistance in aligning of the dovetail rail 124 and engagement channel 144 and assist in keeping the dovetail engagement from unintentionally sliding to an unengaged position once clasped.

As shown in FIG. 5, a rearward end wall of the female clasp portion 130 extends laterally from the lateral engagement side 138, defining a tab 148 that extends laterally across the rearward end of the channel 144. The laterally extending tab 148 is received in a corresponding relief area defined in the rearward end of the male clasp portion 110 when full engagement is achieved (FIGS. 1-2 and 6) by longitudinally sliding (FIG. 3) the dove-tail rail 124 of the male clasp portion 110 into the engagement channel 144 (FIG. 5) of the female clasp portion 130 to a full stop defined by the tab 148.

The magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements 126 and 146 with respective laterally adjacent portions of each clasp portions 110 and 130 maintain full engagement while wearing even during movement of an encircled appendage. In at least one embodiment, a hinge pin upon which the door 132 of the female clasp portion 130 hinges provides some interference to the unintended removal of the dove-tail rail 124 from the engagement channel 144. In FIG. 5, a hole 154 is shown for receiving the pin. Once inserted, a portion of the pin is exposed in the channel 144, such that it interferes slightly with the removal of the dove-tail rail 124 from the channel 144 when the clasp portions 110 and 130 are engaged. Such interference and the magnetic couplings can be overcome by light force when disengagement of the clasp portions 110 and 130 is intended. Other mutually engaging and locking arrangements between the clasp portions 110 and 130 are within the scope of these descriptions whether or not expressly described.

Regarding the first clasp portion 110, the slot 116 is open in a direction opposite the lateral engagement side 118, and, regarding the second clasp portion 130, the slot 136 is open in a direction opposite the lateral engagement side 138. Thus, when first and second clasp portions 110 and 130 are mutually engaged as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slots 116 and 136 open toward laterally opposite directions so as to releasably retain opposite ends of apparel bands in a looped configuration as suggested in FIG. 6 for use as a bracelet or other encircling apparel item.

Each band coupling 150 is illustrated (FIGS. 1 and 6) as a five-sided cup having an open laterally facing mouth 152 (FIG. 1). Edges of the band couplings 150 are illustrated as beveled to accommodate sliding movement into and from a clasp portion 110 or 130. In FIG. 1, five band couplings 150 are shown loaded into the second clasp portion 130. Similarly in FIG. 6, five band couplings 150 are shown in association with the first clasp portion 110. In the illustrated embodiments the internal channels of the clasp portions are sized to accommodate a column of up to five band couplings 150. Accordingly, five bands 170 are shown in FIG. 6. These descriptions and the drawings nonetheless relate to any number of band couplings being accommodated by the clasp portions.

To form a bracelet, appendage apparel, or other closed loop accessory, each terminal end of a band 170 (FIG. 6) is retained in the open mouth 152 of a respective band coupling 150 as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, first ends of the bands 170 are expressly shown as retained by respective band couplings 150 shown in association with the unloaded first clasp portion 110. Opposing second ends of the bands 170 are retained by respective band couplings loaded into the second clasp portion 130. Upon loading of the band couplings 150 at the first ends of the bands 170 into the first clasp portion 110, and closing of the doors 112 and 132, the band couplings 150 are retained within the clasp portions 110 and 130 and a multi-band bracelet of other appendage apparel is formed. The ends of the bands 170 may be retained by the band coupling 150 by adhesive, crimping, interference fit, or other fixing arrangements.

The multi-band bracelet, appendage apparel, or other closed-loop wearable item or accessory may thus be opened by disengaging the clasp portions 110 and 130 by sliding (FIG. 6) the two portion out of engagement and closed, for example around an appendage, by returning the clasp portions into engagement.

In FIG. 6, items are mounted upon some of the bands 170, representing decorative adornments, effects, or devices as desired. The items may include, as non-limiting examples, pendants, charms, keepsakes, beads, lockets and other elements. The items may provide, for example, graphical, symbolic, or text information of any type desired by a user. Any number of items may be mounted upon each band 170. The items may freely slide along the bands or may be permanently or tentatively fixed at any desired location. The bands 170 may have a variety of colors, materials, textures, layers, items or other variations as desired by a user for aesthetic purposes or comforting effect. The examples described here with regard to the items are non-limiting and are not exhaustive of all possible examples. The band couplings 150 and clasp portions 110 and 130 may also have decorative or informational effects such as text or graphics.

At any time, a user may prefer to exchange the order or selection of the bands 170 and may then open one or both of the doors 112 and 132 to unload and reload one or both of the clasp portions 110 and 130. Such loading and unloading operations may be conducted with the clasp portions 110 and 130 mutually engaged as shown in FIG. 1, or as disengaged as shown in FIG. 6. The bands 170 may be similar or different in appearance and construction. Each may or may not have thereon any items as described with reference to FIG. 6. The bands 170 may be generally parallel or may be braided, twisted, or relatively arranged in any desired fashion.

In various embodiment, the clasp portions 110 and 130 are constructed of metals or metal alloys. In at least one example, an alloy of aluminum and magnesium is used in construction. The edges may be deburred and outer finishes may be bead blasted.

In one embodiment, the clasp portions 110 and 130 are molded flat and then folded and brazed, tacked, or otherwise secured into the finished arrangement, allowing for a cost-efficient manufacturing method. The assembly may include machined folding lines for folding the clasp assembly into the finished arrangement. A recess for providing registration engagement with an end of the clasp assembly may be provided.

All descriptions of features regarding, materials, manufacturing, and use should be taken as exemplary and non-limiting. Furthermore, features shown and detailed throughout the drawings and these descriptions should be taken as cumulative and non-limiting.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coupling and clasp system comprising: a first clasp portion;a second clasp portion configured for releasable engagement with the first clasp portion; andmultiple bands, each band including a first end having a first band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the first clasp portion and a second end having a second band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the second clasp portion,wherein the first clasp portion, second clasp portion, and multiple bands form a closed-loop wearable item when: the first band coupling of each band is retained by the first clasp portion;the second band coupling of each band is retained by the second clasp portion; andthe second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

2. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein the first clasp portion comprises a first loading door having an open position, in which the first loading door permits loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings, and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings.

3. The coupling and clasp system of claim 2, wherein the second clasp portion comprises a second loading door having an open position, in which the second loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings.

4. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first clasp portion comprises a rail; andthe second engagement side comprises an engagement channel that receives the rail when the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

5. The coupling and clasp system of claim 4, further comprising at least one magnet that assists in aligning the second clasp portion with the first clasp portion for establishing engagement.

6. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first clasp portion has a first slot through which each band extends proximal the first end thereof when the first band coupling thereof is retained by the first clasp portion; andthe second clasp portion has a second slot through which each band extends proximal the second end thereof when the second band coupling thereof is retained by the second clasp portion.

7. The coupling and clasp system of claim 6, wherein: the first slot opens in a first direction;the second slot opens in a second direction; andthe first direction is opposite the second direction when the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.

8. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said multiple bands comprises, between the first band coupling and second band coupling thereof, at least one decorative item.

9. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein the multiple bands are configured to be selectively arranged by a user.

10. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein said multiple bands comprise at least one first band and at least one second band different from said first band by at least one of: color; material; texture; number of layers; and at least one mounted item.

11. A coupling and clasp system comprising: a first clasp portion having a first operable closure element and a first engagement side;a second clasp portion having a second operable closure element and a second engagement side, the second engagement side configured for releasable mutual engagement with the first engagement side of the first clasp element;multiple first band couplings each configured to be releasably received in the first clasp portion via the first operable closure element; andmultiple second band couplings each configured to be releasably received in the second clasp portion via the second operable closure element.

12. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein the first operable closure element comprises a first loading door hingedly connected to the first clasp portion, the first loading door being pivotable between an open position, in which the first loading door permits loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings, and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings.

13. The coupling and clasp system of claim 12, wherein the second operable closure element comprises a second loading door hingedly connected to the second clasp portion, the second loading door being pivotable between an open position, in which the second loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band couplings.

14. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein: the first engagement side comprises a protruding element; andthe second engagement side comprises a receiving feature that that receives the protruding element when the second engagement side is engaged with the first engagement side.

15. The coupling and clasp system of claim 14, wherein: the protruding element comprises a rail; andthe receiving feature comprises an engagement channel.

16. The coupling and clasp system of claim 15, further comprising at least one magnet that positions the rail to be slideably engaged with the engagement channel and assists in maintaining releasable mutual engagement of the second engagement side with the first engagement side.

17. The coupling and clasp system of claim 14, wherein the protruding element comprises a trapezoidally shaped rail.

18. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, further comprising multiple bands, and wherein each first band coupling is connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said bands.

19. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein: the first clasp portion has a slot that opens in a first direction opposite the first engagement side;the second clasp portion has a slot that opens in a second direction opposite the second engagement side; andthe first direction is opposite the second direction when the first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.

20. The coupling and clasp system of claim 19, further comprising multiple bands, wherein each first band coupling is connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said bands such that the coupling and clasp system forms an encircling apparel item when: the first band couplings are received in the first clasp portion;the second band couplings are received in the second clasp portion; andthe first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.