Necklace keeper

Abstract

A necklace keeper or clasp for securing a jewelry item and for receiving one or more charms. The clasp includes a support member constructed of a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring. A sliding lock pad engages with the top head piece and is normally biased to an extended position. A guide ring is providing having a channel for receiving a support ring and extending less than a full circle so as define a guide ring gap. The sliding lock pad has a lock position in which it engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and the guide ring; and has a release position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and the guide ring so that the respective supporting ring gap and guide ring gap each align.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to a necklace keeper or clasp. More particularly, the present invention relates to a necklace keeper or clasp that is simple in construction and easy to operate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a necklace keeper or clasp that can be used for securing ends of the necklace as well as for receiving one or more charms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of different clasps used with necklaces. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,276 to Pemberton. One form of clasp is referred to as a “lobster claw” clasp.

It has been found difficult to manipulate the conventional clasp and thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved keeper or clasp that is used with necklaces and that is simple in construction and easy to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of the present invention there is provided a necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item that is comprised of: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring; a sliding lock pad that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position; and a guide ring having a channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention including a spring that is disposed between the top head piece and the sliding lock pad; wherein the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring; further including a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring; wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring; wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides; wherein the sliding lock pad is comprised of a pair of spaced apart walls with the spring being disposed between the spaced apart walls; wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides, and in the locked position the sliding locking pad is disposed to extend below the top head piece; and wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring.

In accordance with another version of the present invention there is provided a necklace clasp for securing one or more charms to the necklace, comprising: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circumference so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring; a spring supported by the top head piece; a sliding lock pad that engages with a passage in the top head piece, and that is biased, by the spring, to an extended position; and a guide ring having a circumferential channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circumference so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align; said sliding locking pad, in the released position, allowing said rotation so that said sliding lock pad extends away from the top head piece.

In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring; further including a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring; wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the circumferential channel in the guide ring; wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides; wherein the sliding lock pad is comprised of a pair of spaced apart walls with the spring being disposed between the spaced apart walls; wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides, and in the locked position the sliding locking pad is disposed to extend below the top head piece; and wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the circumferential channel in the guide ring.

In accordance with still another version of the present invention there is provided a necklace clasp for securing one or more charms to the necklace using the clasp, said necklace clasp comprising: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circumference so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring; the support ring gap extending less than 180 degrees of the complete circumference of the support ring; a sliding lock pad that engages with a passage in the top head piece; a coil spring supported between spaced apart walls of the sliding lock pad; a guide ring having a circumferential channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circumference so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; the guide ring gap extending less than 180 degrees of the complete circumference of the guide ring; said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align; said sliding locking pad, in the released position, allowing said rotation so that said sliding lock pad extends toward the top head piece.

In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the top head piece has a passage in which the sliding locking pad resides, and in the locked position the sliding locking pad is disposed to extend below and a way from the top bead piece; and the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the circumferential channel in the guide ring.

In accordance with another version of the present invention there is provided a necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item comprising:

• • a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring;
  • a sliding lock pad that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position by means of a spring; and
  • a guide ring having a channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring;
  • said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align;
  • said support ring having a long arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on one side and a shorter arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on an opposite side thereof.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring: further including a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring; the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring; the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides; the sliding lock pad is comprised of a pair of spaced apart walls with the spring being disposed between the spaced apart walls; the top bead piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides, and in the locked position the sliding locking pad is disposed to extend below the top head piece; the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring; and the shorter arcuate leg terminates at a location that is less than 45 degrees of a center point of the clasp.

In accordance with another version of the present invention there is provided a necklace clasp for securing one or more charms to the necklace, comprising:

• • a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circumference so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring;
  • a spring supported by the top head piece;
  • a sliding lock pad that engages with a passage in the top head piece, and that is biased, by the spring, to an extended position; and
  • a guide ring having a circumferential channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circumference so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring;
  • said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align;
  • said sliding locking pad, in the released position, allowing said rotation so o that said sliding lock pad extends away from the top head piece;
  • said support ring having a long arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on one side and a shorter arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on an opposite side thereof.

In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring: a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring; the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the circumferential channel in the guide ring; the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides; and the shorter arcuate leg terminates at a location that is less than 45 degrees of a center point of the clasp.

In accordance with another version of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item in which the necklace clasp is comprised of: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring; a sliding lock pad that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position; a guide ring having a channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; and a spring that is disposed between the top head piece and the sliding lock pad; said method including the steps of: engaging the spring with a slot in the sliding lock pad;

• • engaging the sliding lock pad into an opening of a top head piece of the support ring so that the sliding lock piece is free to slide in the support ring;
  • engaging the support ring with an annular channel of the guide ring;
  • and enabling the rotation of the top head piece relative to the support ring in order to provide a slot between the support ring and the guide ring to receive a charm piece.

In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the spring is a coil spring and providing the top head piece with a post for supporting one end of the coil spring; wherein the step of engaging the support ring with an annular channel of the guide ring includes rotationally moving the support ring into the guide ring; wherein both the support ring and guide ring have an opening and aligning the openings by rotation of the top head piece in order to provide the slot to receive a charm; and wherein the sliding lock pad has a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the support ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosure. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the necklace clasp;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spring installation assembly or sliding lock pad;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the spring installation assembly or sliding lock pad;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the spring assembly or sliding lock pad engage with the support ring;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the support member;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged view from FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the support member and the guide ring;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the components as assembled;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 12 but with the sliding lock pad in an upper position:

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view like that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 with the sliding lock pad being rotated;

FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view with the clasp in an open position;

FIG. 16 is a front view with the clasp locked and supporting a charm;

FIG. 17 is a left side view;

FIG. 18 is a right side view;

FIG. 19 is a top view;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a first step in the method of the present invention of engaging the spring with the sliding lock pad;

FIG. 24 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention in which the sliding Jock pad is ready for engagement with the head of the support ring;

FIG. 25 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention where the sliding lock pad has been engaged with the top head piece;

FIG. 26 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention in which the support ring is rotationally engaged with the channel in the guide ring; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a final step in the method of the present invention with the entire clasp having been assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present clasp or keeper is shown at 10 in the drawings and can be used for supporting ends of a necklace 11. The keeper or clasp of the present invention is also usable for supporting one or more charms schematically illustrated in the drawings at 25.

Reference may now be made to FIGS. 1-10 for an illustration of the various components that comprise the keeper of the present invention. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 12-15 are helpful in illustrating the operation of the keeper of the present invention. Reference is also made to an alternate embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 21-27. FIGS. 23-27, in particular, are sequential diagrams that illustrate the method of assembly of the clasp.

In according with the present invention, there is provided a necklace keeper or clasp for securing one or more charms with the necklace. This necklace keeper or clasp is comprised of a support member 12 that is comprised of a support ring 14 that extends less than a full circumference so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring. The support member also includes a top head piece 15 that extends upwardly from the support ring 14. Reference may be made, for example, to FIGS. 2 and 6-10 for the construction of the support member.

The necklace keeper or clasp of the present invention also includes a spring 22 which in the illustrated embodiment is a coil spring. This is supported by the sliding lock pad 18 that engages with the passage 17 in the top head piece 15. For example, refer to FIG. 3 that illustrates the coil spring 22 disposed between spaced apart and parallel walls 24 that comprise the sliding lock pad 18. Refer also to FIGS. 5.9 that illustrate the positioning of the sliding lock pad 18 relative to the top head piece 15. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the coil spring at 22. There may be provided a post 16 for supporting the coil spring as illustrated in FIG. 9 and a holder 23 at the base of the sliding lock pad 18. The post 16 may be supported from either the top head piece 15 or from the sliding lock pad 18. The holder 23 preferably bridges between the walls 24.

Between the lock pad 18 and the head piece 15 there may be provided engagement surfaces so that the lock pad 18 can easily slide relative to the head piece 15. Indentations may also be provided between the lock pad 18 and the head piece 18 so that the movement is smooth. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the sliding lock pad in its extended position where it is biased away from the top head piece.

The necklace keeper or clasp of the present invention also includes a guide ring 20 having a circumferential channel or slot 21. The slot 21 has a U-shaped cross-section. Refer, for example, to FIG. 10 that illustrates in an exploded perspective view the guide ring 20 and the circumferential slot 21. The guide ring 20 extends less than a full circumference so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring. Again, refer in FIG. 10 to the gap G in the guide ring 20 and the gap S in the support ring 14.

The sliding lock pad 18 has a lock position in which the sliding lock pad 18 engages the support ring 14 to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring 14 and the guide ring 20. This lock position is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7-9 where the sliding lock pad 18 is in its lowermost position. Refer also to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 that shows the sliding lock pad 18 contacting the support ring 14 at C. In this position the support ring 14 and the guide ring maintain in a locked position.

The sliding lock pad 18 also has a release position so that there can be relative rotation between the support ring 14 and the guide ring 20. In that position the respective support and guide ring gaps S and G are aligned.

Reference may now be made to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 which shows the sliding lock pad 18 being moved upwardly in the direction of arrows A against the bias of the spring 22. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 illustrates the initiation of rotation between the support ring 14 and the guide ring 20. Finally, in FIG. 15 the respective gaps S and G align. In FIG. 15 the arrow C indicates the charm 25 being passed through the aligned gaps. Finally, the side elevation view of FIG. 16 illustrates the necklace keeper or clasp being returned to a locked position but with the charm 25 being secured.

FIG. 17 is a left side view. FIG. 18 is a right side view. FIG. 19 is a top view. FIG. 20 is a bottom view.

Reference is now made to an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 21-27. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 illustrates a first step in the method of the present invention of engaging the spring with the sliding lock pad. FIG. 24 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention in which the sliding lock pad is ready for engagement with the head of the support ring. FIG. 25 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention where the sliding lock pad has been engaged with the top head piece. FIG. 26 illustrates a next step in the method of the present invention in which the support ring is rotationally engaged with the channel in the guide ring. FIG. 27 illustrates a final step in the method of the present invention with the entire clasp having been assembled. It is noted that in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 22 the gap G is disposed on the left side of the clasp. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, it is illustrated on the right side of the clasp. Either of these arrangements are considered as falling within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item in which the necklace clasp is comprised of a support member 12 that includes a support ring 14 that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece 15 that extends upwardly from the support ring; a sliding lock pad 18 that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position; a guide ring 20 having a channel 24 for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; and a spring 22 that is disposed between the top head piece 15 and the sliding lock pad 18.

In FIG. 22 it is noted that the support ring 14 has a long arcuate leg 14A extending from the top head piece 15 on one side and a shorter arcuate leg 14B extending from the top head piece 15 on an opposite side. It has been discovered in accordance with the present invention that the shorter arcuate leg terminates at a location that is less than 45 degrees of a center point P of the clasp. This is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 22 by the angle D. In one embodiment this angle is 44 degrees but has been found to provide the optimum engagement between the support and guide rings when angle D is less than 45 degrees.

In accordance with the present invention, the method steps are as follow. The spring 22 is first engaged with a slot in the sliding lock pad 18. This is illustrated in FIG. 23. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the sliding lock pad is about to be engaged with the support ring 14. Next, in FIG. 25, the sliding lock pad 18 is illustrated as engaged with the support ring and in particular, with the top head piece 15. In this regard also refer to previous illustrations in FIGS. 2-6 relating to the first embodiment described herein.

FIG. 26 illustrates a next step in the method of assembly in which the support ring 14 is engaged with the channel 21 in the guide ring 20. This occurs by inserting an end of the guide ring through the gap in the support ring. This is a rotational motion.

The sliding lock pad is engaged in an opening of the top head piece of the support ring so that the sliding lock piece is free to slide in the support ring. As indicated previously, the support ring is then engaged within an annular channel in the guide ring. Once assembled this enables rotation of the top head piece relative to the support ring in order to provide a slot between the support ring and the guide ring to receive a charm piece. In this regard, FIG. 27 shows the final assembled position.

Reference Numbers

• • 10 Clasp
  • 11 necklace
  • 12 support member
  • 13 hole in top head piece
  • 14 support ring
  • 14A long arcuate leg
  • 14B shorter arcuate leg
  • 15 top head piece
  • 16 post for supporting the coil spring
  • 17 passage in top head piece
  • 18 sliding lock pad
  • 19 opening
  • 20 guide ring
  • 21 slot in the guide ring
  • 22 coil spring
  • 23 spring holder
  • 24 spaced apart walls
  • 25 charm

Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item comprising: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring;a sliding lock pad that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position by means of a spring; anda guide ring having a channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring;said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the guide ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align;said support ring having a long arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on one side and a shorter arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on an opposite side thereof.

2. The necklace clasp of claim 1 wherein the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring.

3. The necklace clasp of claim 2 further including a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring.

4. The necklace clasp of claim 3 wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring.

5. The necklace clasp of claim 4 wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides.

6. The necklace clasp of claim 1 wherein the sliding lock pad is comprised of a pair of spaced apart walls with the spring being disposed between the spaced apart walls.

7. The necklace clasp of claim 6 wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides, and in the locked position the sliding locking pad is disposed to extend below the top head piece.

8. The necklace clasp of claim 7 wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the channel in the guide ring.

9. The necklace clasp of claim 1 wherein the shorter arcuate leg terminates at a location that is less than 45 degrees of a center point of the clasp.

10. A necklace clasp for securing one or more charms to the necklace, comprising: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circumference so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring;a spring supported by the top head piece;a sliding lock pad that engages with a passage in the top head piece, and that is biased, by the spring, to an extended position; anda guide ring having a circumferential channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circumference so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring;said sliding lock pad having a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the guide ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align;said sliding lock pad, in the locked position, biased away from the top head piece;said support ring having a long arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on one side and a shorter arcuate leg extending from the top head piece on an opposite side thereof.

11. The necklace clasp of claim 10 wherein the spring is a coil spring and the top head piece includes a post for supporting one end of the coil spring.

12. The necklace clasp of claim 11 further including a holder for supporting an opposite end of the coil spring.

13. The necklace clasp of claim 12 wherein the guide ring has a U-shaped cross-section defining the circumferential channel in the guide ring.

14. The necklace clasp of claim 13 wherein the top head piece has a passage in which the coil spring resides.

15. The necklace clasp of claim 10 wherein the shorter arcuate leg terminates at a location that is less than 45 degrees of a center point of the clasp.

16. A method of assembling a necklace clasp for securing a jewelry item in which the necklace clasp is comprised of: a support member that includes a support ring that extends less than a full circle so as to define a support ring gap in the support ring, and a top head piece that extends upwardly from the support ring; a sliding lock pad that engages with the top head piece, and that is biased to an extended position; a guide ring having a channel for receiving the support ring, and extending less than a full circle so as to define a guide ring gap in the guide ring; and a spring that is disposed between the top head piece and the sliding lock pad; said method including the steps of: engaging the spring with a slot in the sliding lock pad;engaging the sliding lock pad into an opening of a top head piece of the support ring so that the sliding lock pad is free to slide in the top head piece;engaging the support ring with an annular channel of the guide ring;and enabling the rotation of the top head piece relative to the guide ring in order to provide a slot between the support ring and the guide ring to receive a charm piece.

17. The method of claim 16 including providing the spring as a coil spring and providing the top head piece with a post for supporting one end of the coil spring.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of engaging the support ring with an annular channel of the guide ring includes rotationally moving the support ring into the guide ring.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein both the support ring and guide ring have an opening and aligning the openings by rotation of the top head piece in order to provide the slot to receive a charm.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the sliding lock pad has a locked position in which the sliding lock pad engages the guide ring to inhibit relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring, and a released position in which there is relative rotation between the support ring and guide ring so that the respective support ring gap and guide ring gap align.