Locking Jump Ring

Abstract

A locking jump ring is an apparatus that is used to allow for connection of other chains or looped devices, particularly for the addition of decorative charms or ornaments to existing jewelry. The apparatus includes a U-shaped body, a first claw, a second claw, and a fastener. The first claw and the second claw are joined to the U-shaped body on opposing ends. The first claw and the second claw are oriented away from the U-shaped body, so that the first claw and the second claw point towards each other. The fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion. When the first claw and the second claw are pressed towards each other, the male portion engages with the female portion, locking the present invention into a closed configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lockable link, more particularly to a jump ring whose ends form a permanent connection once pressed together. A user of the present invention is able to form a link which can be connected to one or more chain links jump rings, charms, or other jewelry components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The chain is a useful apparatus for securing property, forming connections between objects and supporting loads. One of the most attractive aspects of chains is that the length of a chain can be modified by simply adding or removing a number of individual links. Unlike ropes and cords, no knots are needed to connect multiple chains. In such chains, a single link can be used to connect multiple chains together in a desired configuration. One drawback to this approach is that the ends of a chain link must be soldered, or otherwise fused, to provide the maximum connective strength. Generally, this requires additional tools and expertise. These resources may not be available in the field, and, therefore, it is difficult to maximize the strength of any link of chain formed in the field. Furthermore, links of chain are susceptible to damage and failure when subjected to substantial externally applied forces. Fatigue further limits the effectiveness of chains, as many connective chain link devices weaken over time due to constant applied pressure of charms and ornaments. The present invention is a Locking Jump Ring that addresses these concerns by providing a link capable of forming a permanent ad hoc connection to the links of one or more chains that can support the weight of one or more charms or decorative ornaments.

The present invention is manufactured as an open-ended loop with an integrated fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism is used to form a permanent connection between the ends of the open-ended loop. More specifically, one end of the present invention is manufactured with an anchor fastener which is intended to be inserted into an anchor receptacle positioned on the opposite end of the present invention. To insert the anchor fastener into the anchor receptacle, a user applies a force which moves the ends of the present invention together. The connection established by inserting the anchor fastener into the anchor receptacle is established such that any subsequently applied external forces applied from the weight of hanging ornaments or decorative charms only serve to more fixedly connect the two components.

In addition to the connection established between the anchor fastener and anchor receptacle, the geometry of the present invention facilitates the creation of a permanently-fused link. That is, the ends of the present invention are designed to apply compressive forces to the anchor fastener and anchor receptacle when subjected to externally applied gravitational forces. This compressive force prevents the ends of the present invention from becoming detached. The unique geometry of the present invention facilitates the creation of a seamless link with no perceivable breaks. In this way, any attached charms are able to slide about the present invention without catching on, or disengaging, its connected ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention in the detached configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a locking jump ring that is used to increase the length of a chain and to allow for connection of other chains or looped devices. The present invention is further configured to provide a smooth inner ring that will become stronger as tension due to gravitational effects on an attached charm is applied. The present invention comprises a U-shaped body 1, a first claw 5, a second claw 6, and a fastener 11, as seen in FIG. 1. The U-shaped body 1 is a curved rigid unit that is continuous with the first claw 5 and the second claw 6. The U-shaped body 1 allows the user to press either side of the U-shaped body 1 to move the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 closer together. The first claw 5 is an extrusion extending from the U-shaped body 1 that allows for engagement with the second claw 6. Similarly, the second claw 6 is an extrusion extending from the U-shaped body 1 that allows for engagement with the first claw 5. This arrangement of the first claw 5 relative to the second claw 6 allows for the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 to overlap during use. The fastener 11 is a connection mechanism that enables the first claw 5 to lock in place relative to the second claw 6, thus forming an internal loop. After placing the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 through the loops of external chains, the user can press the first claw 5 towards the second claw 6 to secure the first claw 5 in position relative to the second claw 6 by connecting the fastener 11. In doing so, the user effectively joins the chain links and decorative charms together about the present invention.

Furthermore, the U-shaped body 1 comprises a first leg 2, a second leg 3, and a web 4, as seen in FIG. 2. The web 4 is a section of rigid material that connects to both the first leg 2 and the second leg 3. The first leg 2 is the segment of the U-shaped body 1 that connects the web 4 to the first claw 5. In this way, the web 4 is positioned generally away from the first claw 5. The second leg 3 is the segment of the U-shaped body 1 that connects the web 4 to the second claw 6. In this way, the web 4 is positioned generally away from the second claw 6. The first claw 5 and the second claw 6 each comprise a free end 7, a fixed end 8, a concave side 9, and a convex side 10. The free end 7 is the tip of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6, opposite the fixed end 8. The free end 7 allows the user to add ornaments onto the present invention. The fixed end 8 is the segment of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 opposite the free end 7. This arrangement allows the fixed end 8 to secure to the first leg 2 and the second leg 3 of the U-shaped body 1. The concave side 9 of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 is the inside portion of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6. This arrangement allows chain links and ornaments contained within the present invention to join to the concave side 9 of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 upon closure and consequent activation of the fastener 11. The convex side 10 of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 is the outside portion of the first claw 5 and the second claw 6, opposite the concave side 9. In this way, the convex side 10 faces generally away from added charms and ornaments.

Furthermore, the fastener 11 comprises a male portion 12 and a female portion 13. The male portion 12 is a rounded protrusion extending perpendicularly away from the convex side 10 of the first claw 5. This arrangement allows the male portion 12 to couple with the female portion 13. The female portion 13 is a preferably dome-shaped cut into the concave side 9 of the second claw 6, between the second leg 3 and the free end 7 of the second claw 6. In this way, the female portion 13 is adapted to join to the male portion 12.

The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively extend chain links and add decorative charms and ornaments to them. The fixed end 8 of the first claw 5 is connected adjacent to the first leg 2, opposite the web 4. This arrangement ensures that the web 4 is arranged away from the first leg 2, and consequently, away from the first claw 5. The free end 7 of the first claw 5 is oriented towards the second leg 3. In this way, the free end 7 of the first claw 5 extends away from the first leg 2. The fixed end 8 of the second claw 6 is connected adjacent to the second leg 3, opposite the web 4. This arrangement ensures that the web 4 is arranged away from the second leg 3, and consequently, away from the second claw 6. Further, the free end 7 of the second claw 6 is oriented towards the first leg 2. In this way, the free end 7 of the second claw 6 extends away from the second leg 3. The arrangement of the free end 7 of the first claw 5 and the free end 7 of the second claw 6 results in the free end 7 of the first claw 5 and the free end 7 of the second claw 6 being oriented generally towards each other. The male portion 12 is connected adjacent to the convex side 10 of the first claw 5. This allows the male portion 12 to interact with the female portion 13. The female portion 13 traversing into the concave side 9 of the second claw 6. This arrangement allows the male portion 12 to interlock with the female portion 13.

In order to engage the male portion 12 to the female portion 13, the present invention benefits from friction-reducing components that allow the free end 7 of the first claw 5 to interact with the free end 7 of the second claw 6. To this end, the present invention further comprises a ramp 14, as seen in FIG. 3. The ramp 14 is an angled segment of the second claw 6 that slides along the male portion 12 when the user presses the first leg 2 towards the second leg 3. The ramp 14 is integrated into the concave side 9 of the second claw 6. This arrangement allows the male portion 12 to slide into position relative to the female portion 13. The ramp 14 is positioned in between the free end 7 of the second claw 6 and the female portion 13. In this way, the ramp 14 is optimally positioned for adjustment of the second claw 6 relative to the first claw 5.

To allow the male portion 12 and the female portion 13 to interact, the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 need to be offset from each other. To this end, a reference point 15 of the web 4 needs to be centrally positioned along the web 4. This allows the user to utilize the web 4 as a midpoint between the first claw 5 and the second claw 6. A first distance 16 between the reference point 15 and the free end 7 of the first claw 5 is less than a second distance 17 between the reference point 15 and the free end 7 of the second claw 6. This arrangement ensures that the first claw 5 is offset from the second claw 6.

The present invention may be in one of two configurations. In one configuration, the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 are in a detached configuration. This means that the male portion 12 is not engaged with the female portion 13, as seen in FIG. 4. The concave side 9 of the first claw 5 is positioned offset from the convex side 10 of the second claw 6. In this way, the present invention is prepared to accept new ornaments for connection to the chain links.

Alternatively, the first claw 5 and the second claw 6 are in an attached configuration. This allows secure containment of joined charms and chain links to the present invention. The female portion 13 is engaged to the male portion 12. This arrangement ensures that as forces are applied in opposing directions to the present invention, the fastener 11 strength improves, further securing the chain links and ornaments in place. The concave side 9 of the first claw 5 is pressed against the convex side 10 of the second claw 6. The concave side 9 of the first claw 5 interlocks with the convex side 10 of the second claw 6, further increasing frictional retention forces preventing the present invention from opening after closure. Furthermore, the concave side 9 of the second claw 6 is shaped to receive the convex side 10 of the first claw 5. This arrangement ensures that the first claw 5 is securely connected to the second claw 6. The concave side 9 of the first claw 5, an interior side of the first leg 2, an interior side of the second leg 3, and an interior side of the web 4 are shaped in a continuous closed looping surface. In this way, connected chain links and charms or ornaments interact smoothly with the inner loop of the present invention, without interference from any connective joints or pieces of the present invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A locking jump ring comprises: a U-shaped body;a first claw;a second claw;a fastener;the U-shaped body comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a web;the first claw and the second claw each comprise a free end, a fixed end, a concave side and a convex side;the fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion;the fixed end of the first claw being connected adjacent to the first leg, opposite the web;the free end of the first claw being oriented towards the second leg;the fixed end of the second claw being connected adjacent to the second leg, opposite the web;the free end of the second claw being oriented towards the first leg;the male portion being connected adjacent to the convex side of the first claw; andthe female portion traversing into the concave side of the second claw.

2. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a ramp;the ramp being integrated into the concave side of the second claw; andthe ramp being positioned in between the free end of the second claw and the female portion.

3. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a reference point of the web being centrally positioned along the web; anda first distance between the reference point and the free end of the first claw being less than a second distance between the reference point and the free end of the second claw.

4. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in a detached configuration; andthe concave side of the first claw being positioned offset from the convex side of the second claw.

5. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 1 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in an attached configuration;the female portion being engaged by the male portion; andthe concave side of the first claw being pressed against the convex side of the second claw.

6. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 5 comprises: the concave side of the second claw being shaped to receive the convex side of the first claw; andthe concave side of the first claw, an interior side of the first leg, an interior side of the second leg, and an interior side of the web being shaped in a continuous closed looping surface.

7. A locking jump ring comprises: a U-shaped body;a first claw;a second claw;a fastener;a ramp;the U-shaped body comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a web;the first claw and the second claw each comprise a free end, a fixed end, a concave side and a convex side;the fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion;the fixed end of the first claw being connected adjacent to the first leg, opposite the web;the free end of the first claw being oriented towards the second leg;the fixed end of the second claw being connected adjacent to the second leg, opposite the web;the free end of the second claw being oriented towards the first leg;the male portion being connected adjacent to the convex side of the first claw;the female portion traversing into the concave side of the second claw;the ramp being integrated into the concave side of the second claw; andthe ramp being positioned in between the free end of the second claw and the female portion.

8. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 7 comprises: a reference point of the web being centrally positioned along the web; anda first distance between the reference point and the free end of the first claw being less than a second distance between the reference point and the free end of the second claw.

9. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 7 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in a detached configuration; andthe concave side of the first claw being positioned offset from the convex side of the second claw.

10. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 7 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in an attached configuration;the female portion being engaged by the male portion; andthe concave side of the first claw being pressed against the convex side of the second claw.

11. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 10 comprises: the concave side of the second claw being shaped to receive the convex side of the first claw; andthe concave side of the first claw, an interior side of the first leg, an interior side of the second leg, and an interior side of the web being shaped in a continuous closed looping surface.

12. A locking jump ring comprises: a U-shaped body;a first claw;a second claw;a fastener;the U-shaped body comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a web;the first claw and the second claw each comprise a free end, a fixed end, a concave side and a convex side;the fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion;the fixed end of the first claw being connected adjacent to the first leg, opposite the web;the free end of the first claw being oriented towards the second leg;the fixed end of the second claw being connected adjacent to the second leg, opposite the web;the free end of the second claw being oriented towards the first leg;the male portion being connected adjacent to the convex side of the first claw;the female portion traversing into the concave side of the second claw;a reference point of the web being centrally positioned along the web; anda first distance between the reference point and the free end of the first claw being less than a second distance between the reference point and the free end of the second claw.

13. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a ramp;the ramp being integrated into the concave side of the second claw; andthe ramp being positioned in between the free end of the second claw and the female portion.

14. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 12 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in a detached configuration; andthe concave side of the first claw being positioned offset from the convex side of the second claw.

15. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 12 comprises: wherein the first claw and the second claw are in an attached configuration;the female portion being engaged by the male portion; andthe concave side of the first claw being pressed against the convex side of the second claw.

16. The locking jump ring as claimed in claim 15 comprises: the concave side of the second claw being shaped to receive the convex side of the first claw; andthe concave side of the first claw, an interior side of the first leg, an interior side of the second leg, and an interior side of the web being shaped in a continuous closed looping surface.