Jewelry Clasp

Abstract

A jewelry item comprising a plurality of individual, customizable strands utilizes a novel clasp for holding an end of each strand. This clasp includes stationary and movable closure elements; a housing for covering at least a portion of the closure; and a connection piece secured to the stationary closure element. The clasp is spring-biased towards its closed position. Pushing the connection piece towards the housing opens the clasp. The resulting clasp arrangement can be utilized with a multi-strand jewelry item.

Claims

1. A clasp, comprising: a housing, the housing having an outer wall, a first end defining a first recess, a second end defining a second recess, and a channel connecting the first recess to the second recess; a first loop portion, the first loop portion having a hook and a shaft extending from a first end of the hook, the hook forming at least half of a loop, the shaft including an elongated portion and a shaft end, the hook being disposed at least partially within the first recess, the elongated portion of the shaft extending slidably through the channel, and the shaft end being disposed within or adjacent to the second recess; a connection piece having a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the first connection portion being secured to the shaft end, the second connection portion comprising at least one of a component of a clasp or a connector for a strand; a second loop portion, the second loop portion being fixedly secured within the first recess of the housing, the first loop portion and second loop portion being structured to interface with each other to form a substantially closed loop; and the first loop portion moving between a closed position wherein the first loop portion interfaces with the second loop portion to form a closed loop, and an open position wherein a loop formed by the first loop portion and second loop portion is open, the first loop portion being spring-biased towards the closed position.

2. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the spring is disposed within the second recess of the housing.

3. The clasp according to claim 2, wherein: the second recess and the connector each define opposing surfaces; and the spring is disposed between the opposing surfaces.

4. The clasp according to claim 3, wherein the spring surrounds a portion of the shaft of the first loop portion.

5. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the first loop portion extends between about 60% to about 90% of a closed loop.

6. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the first loop portion is structured to move from the closed position to the open position upon the connection piece being moved towards the housing.

7. A multi-strand jewelry item, comprising: a first clasp and a second clasp, each of the first clasp and second clasp, comprising: a housing, the housing having an outer wall, a first end defining a first recess, a second end defining a second recess, and a channel connecting the first recess to the second recess; a first loop portion, the first loop portion having a hook and a shaft extending from a first end of the hook, the hook forming at least half of a loop, the shaft including an elongated portion and a shaft end, the hook being disposed at least partially within the first recess, the elongated portion of the shaft extending slidably through the channel, and the shaft end being disposed within or adjacent to the second recess; a connection piece having a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the first connection portion being secured to the shaft end, the second connection portion comprising at least one of a component of a clasp or a connector for a strand; a second loop portion, the second loop portion being fixedly secured within the first recess of the housing, the first loop portion and second loop portion being structured to interface with each other to form a substantially closed loop; and the first loop portion moving between a closed position wherein the first loop portion interfaces with the second loop portion to form a closed loop, and an open position wherein a loop formed by the first loop portion and second loop portion is open, the first loop portion being spring-biased towards the closed position; a plurality of strands, each strand having a pair of ends, each end having a generally loop-shaped connection thereon; and a third clasp, the third clasp having a first clasp element and a second clasp element, the first clasp element of the third clasp being secured to the connection piece of the first clasp, the second clasp element being secured to the connection piece of the second clasp; whereby a wearer may secure one or more of the plurality of strands to the first clasp and second clasp, and may secure the jewelry item to the wearer by fastening the third clasp.

8. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 7, wherein the spring of each clasp is disposed within the second recess of the housing.

9. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 8, wherein: the second recess of each clasp and the connector of each clasp each define opposing surfaces; and the spring of each clasp is disposed between the opposing surfaces.

10. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 9, wherein the spring of each clasp surrounds a portion of the shaft of the first loop portion of each clasp.

11. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 7, wherein the first loop portion of each clasp extends between about 60% to about 90% of a closed loop.

12. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 7, wherein the first loop portion of each clasp is structured to move from the closed position to the open position upon the connection piece being moved towards the housing.

13. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 7, wherein: the first clasp element of the third clasp comprises: a housing, the housing having an outer wall, a first end defining a first recess, a second end defining a second recess, and a channel connecting the first recess to the second recess; a first loop portion, the first loop portion having a hook and a shaft extending from a first end of the hook, the hook forming at least half of a loop, the shaft including an elongated portion and a shaft end, the hook being disposed at least partially within the first recess, the elongated portion of the shaft extending slidably through the channel, and the shaft end being disposed within or adjacent to the second recess; a connection piece having a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the first connection portion being secured to the shaft end, the second connection portion comprising at least one of a component of a clasp or a connector for a strand; a second loop portion, the second loop portion being fixedly secured within the first recess of the housing, the first loop portion and second loop portion being structured to interface with each other to form a substantially closed loop; and the first loop portion moving between a closed position wherein the first loop portion interfaces with the second loop portion to form a closed loop, and an open position wherein a loop formed by the first loop portion and second loop portion is open, the first loop portion being spring-biased towards the closed position; and the second clasp element of the third clasp is a loop that is structured to be secured within the first clasp element.

14. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 13, wherein the spring of the third clasp is disposed within the second recess of the housing.

15. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 14, wherein: the second recess of the third clasp and the connector of the third clasp each define opposing surfaces; and the spring of the third clasp is disposed between the opposing surfaces.

16. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 15, wherein the spring of the third clasp surrounds a portion of the shaft of the first loop portion of the third clasp.

17. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 13, wherein the first loop portion of the third clasp extends between about 60% to about 90% of a closed loop.

18. The multi-strand jewelry item according to claim 13, wherein the first loop portion of the third clasp is structured to move from the closed position to the open position upon the connection piece being moved towards the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one preferred embodiment of jewelry item showing multiple (two) individual strands and both versions of clasps therefor.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a top perspective close up showing the right side clasp and both separate strands from FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top, partial sectional view of a first end of clasp connector according to this invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top, partial sectional view of a second clasp end for use with this invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the clasp from FIG. 4 showing both a closed and open position therefor.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clasp from FIGS. 4 and 5 broken down into its component parts.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a close up view from the circled region of FIG. 6 showing an installation of the threaded clasp base, through its collar and into a threaded aperture in a corresponding clasp bar.

[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a jewelry clasp.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the jewelry clasp of FIG. 8, showing the clasp in its closed position.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the jewelry clasp of FIG. 8, showing the clasp in its open position.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a single strand jewelry item utilizing a clasp of FIG. 8.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a multi-strand jewelry item utilizing a pair of clasps of FIG. 8 to secure the interchangeable strands, and a conventional clasp to secure the jewelry item.

[0037] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a multi-strand jewelry item utilizing a pair of clasps of FIG. 8 to secure the interchangeable strands, and a third clasp of FIG. 8 to secure the jewelry item.

[0038] Like reference characters denote like elements throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1 through 4 show a first embodiment of jewelry item 10 which can be, without limitation, a bracelet, an ankle bracelet, a necklace, a watch band, a belly chain, or any similar jewelry item. Although the clasp disclosed herein is primarily intended for jewelry, it is not limited to use with jewelry, and could potentially be used with a belt or similar item.

[0040] More particularly, there is an item 10 comprised of several strands 12, 14 which can be customized for color, size, theme, etc., it being understood that such bead strands can be purchased after another's assembly or custom-made by (or for) the wearer/user. As used herein, a strand may be, without limitation, a bead strand; a chain; a strand holding precious or decorative stones, metals, or other decorative objects; a leather strap; a fabric strap; a cord; a flexible polymer; or any other decorative strand. Although the clasp disclosed herein is primarily directed towards jewelry, it is not limited to use for jewelry.

[0041] Each strand terminates in a closed loop 16 at a first end and a second (similarly sized and shaped) closed loop 18 at its opposite end. With such an arrangement, it is possible to position a plurality (at least two, maybe several more) of customized bead strands on the same end connector system (including clasps) though only two representative bead strands are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The closed loops 16, 18 allow a given set of strands to position “temporarily” on their respective clasp ends. Temporary, as used herein, is meant to indicate that any one strand may be fairly easily removed from the jewelry item 10 and replaced by one or more alternative bead strand arrangements (as the user sees fit for a given event and/or wardrobe color accent).

[0043] This configuration of bead strands is meant to compliment the novel arrangement of jewelry clasps used herewith. A first embodiment of clasp, element 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a first claw closure 22 into which closed loop ends 16 of the bead strands 12, 14 are fastened. This variety of claw closure most resembles a carabiner with a fixed top hook 24 and a spring loaded bar 26 at one side. To better operate the latter spring bar 26, a finger latch 28 is provided that can hold bar 26 “open” long enough for adding/removing strands before snapping closed.

[0044] Below the claw closure 22, there is positioned a cone-shaped collar component 30 that preferably resembles a partially-flattened bell with an upper opening 32 leading down to a connector base 34. Preferably, collar 30 joins to the jewelry item base component 40, via connector base 34 using a spring-like arrangement (better seen in the partial cross-sectional view at FIG. 5. Therein, it can be seen how the collar proper may be tugged downwardly, in the direction of arrow A, for exposing a workable portion of the underlying claw closure. It is not necessary for the collar 30 to cover the whole of claw closure 22 but, at a minimum, it would be ideal to at least cover finger latch 28 so that it won't necessarily catch on the hair, other jewelry and/or clothing of the jewelry item wearer at any given time.

[0045] For this first claw-collar configuration, the entire assembly terminates in its own jewelry item solid connecting loop component 40. It is shown as a standard circular element designed for easy interaction with its connecting bar component 42 at the opposite end of jewelry item 10. Alternate variations may replace connecting bar 42 with its own lobster claw variety and/or still other known main clasp embodiments.

[0046] In FIGS. 5 through 7, a first alternative claw closure 122 is shown. Therein, this variation has a combination of a stationary hook element 124 together with a spring loaded base 126 that can be pulled down in the direction of arrow A for loading and unloading bead strand 112, via its loop 116 onto hook element 124. The relative movement of the base 126 can be seen with the silhouetted hook element (in dashed lines). When the spring-loaded base is released, it rejoins with stationary hook 124 for holding bead strands thereon. All of the foregoing sit within an outer cover or collar component 130, and its uppermost opening 132 before terminating at its lower end 134 as a connection to main jewelry bar component 142.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a close up, exploded view from the circled area VII of FIG. 6. Therein, the hook element 124 to this claw closure alternative is emphasized showing its vertical stem 123 within protective collar 125 through which a threaded lower base 127 protrudes for connecting to a correspondingly threaded aperture 129 in connection bar component 142.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a clasp 144 is illustrated. The clasp 144 may be used in any application wherein a jewelry clasp would be used, but is particularly useful as a clasp for a multi-strand bracelet as described above. Referring primarily to FIG. 8, the clasp 144 includes a first loop portion 146 having a hook 148 and a shaft 150. The illustrated example of the hook 148 has a generally hook-shaped configuration, extending for at least half of a closed loop, with some examples extending between about 60% to about 90% of the way around a closed loop, and in the illustrated example extending about ¾ of the way around a closed loop. The tip 152 is shaped to abut a mating surface as described below, and in the illustrated example includes a cutout portion 154 and a narrow, extended portion 156. The end 158 of the shaft 150 is structured to be secured to a connection piece 160 as described below, and in the illustrated example is threaded. An elongated portion 162 extends between the end 158 and hook 148.

[0049] The connection piece 160 includes a first end 164 for securing to the end 158 of the shaft 150, and a second end 166 for securing to the remainder of a jewelry item, or perhaps another connection to another clasp in the case of a multi-strand jewelry item. The illustrated example of the first end 164 includes a shaft 168 defining a generally coaxial threaded hole 170 therethrough for receiving the threaded end 158 of the hook 148. The shaft 168 further defines a surface 172 disposed around the threaded hole 170. The second end 166 of the illustrated example is in the form of a ring which can be connected in a manner well known to those skilled in the art of jewelry to another portion of a jewelry item.

[0050] A housing 174 is disposed generally between the hook 146 and connection piece 160. The housing 174 includes an outer wall 176 which in the illustrated example is generally frustoconical, but which may alternatively be cylindrical, or may have an oblong, oval, rectangular, trapezoidal, or other tapered or non-tapered profile. The housing 174 defines a hook recess 178 and a connection recess 180. The illustrated example of the hook recess 178 is sufficiently large to receive at least about half of the hook 148 of the first loop portion 146. Other examples may receive less than half of the hook 148, or as much as all of the hook 148. The hook recess 178 includes a second loop portion 182 secured therein, or perhaps formed as a portion of the housing 174. The second loop portion 182 is structured to mate with the hook 148 of the first loop portion 146 to complete a substantially closed loop for retaining a connector on a strand. A substantially closed loop is defined as one that will securely retain the connection to be retained by the clasp, even if a complete closed loop is not entirely formed by the first loop portion 146 and second loop portion 182. Such a substantially closed loop may have a portion of the loop formed by the wall 176 of the housing 174. In the illustrated example, the second loop portion 182 extends around about ¼ of a circle, and includes a tip 184 having a cutout portion 186 and extended portion 188 that are structured to interface with the extended portion 156 and cutout portion 154, respectively, of the tip 152 of the first loop portion 146. Thus, when the first loop portion 146 and second loop portion 182 are brought together as described below, the connector of a strand is securely held within the ring formed by the first loop portion 146 and second loop portion 182 (and perhaps a portion of the wall 176 of the housing 174).

[0051] The hook recess 178 and connection recess 180 are connected by a passage 190, which is structured to receive the elongated portion 162 of the first loop portion 146 therethrough. The connection recess 180 includes a surface 192 therewithin. The connection recess 180 is structured to receive the first end 168 of the connection piece 160, as well as a spring 194. The spring 194 surrounds the elongated portion 162 of the first loop portion 146, and is disposed between the surface 172 of the connection piece 160 and the surface 192 of the connection recess 180. The spring 194 biases the connection piece 160 away from the housing 174, thus biasing the first loop portion 146 into the hook recess 178 and into engagement with the second loop portion 182, closing the clasp 144.

[0052] In use, the default position of the clasp 144 is the closed position of FIG. 9. To open the clasp 144, the housing 174 is pushed towards the connection piece 160 as shown in FIG. 10, thus moving the second loop portion 182 away from the stationary hook portion 146. Since the housing 174 is sufficiently large to contain a sizable portion of the stationary hook portion 146, it is easy to grasp. The connection piece 160 can also be sized so that it is easy to grasp. As another alternative, the connection piece 160 could be placed on a table or other convenient surface, and the housing 174 pushed towards that surface to open the clasp. The clasp 144 is therefore easy to open and close, even for individuals having limited dexterity and/or using their weak hand. Once the clasp is open, then a connection ring of a jewelry strand, or another clasp component such as the ring 202, may be fastened to or removed from the clasp 144.

[0053] The clasp 144 can be used in any application for which a different jewelry clasp could be used, for example, as the clasp 144 in the jewelry item 204 of FIG. 11 having a single strand 206. In FIG. 11, the clasp 144 secures the ring 208 in order to hold the jewelry item 204 on the wearer. Additionally, the clasp 144 is particularly suited for use with a multi-strand jewelry item such as a bracelet as described above, and as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13. In the jewelry item 210 of FIG. 12, a pair of clasps 144 are used to connect one or more desired jewelry strands 206 together, and another clasp, which in the illustrated example is a conventional clasp 212A, 212B is used to fasten the jewelry item 210 on the wearer. In other examples of a multi-strand jewelry item (FIG. 9) the clasp 144 is fastened by a standard jewelry chain link connection 196 to a generally perpendicular post 198. Similarly, an identical clasp 144 would be connected by a standard jewelry chain link connection such as the connection 196 to a ring 202. It is well known in the art of jewelry that the post 198 can be inserted into the ring 202 to fasten this type of prior art clasp. Although these examples of prior art clasps are illustrated, any prior art and/or presently available clasp may be substituted for the post 198 and ring 202 without departing from the invention.

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a multi-strand jewelry item 214. In the jewelry item 214, a pair of clasps 144 are used to connect one or more desired jewelry strands 206 together, and a third clasp 144 is used to fasten the jewelry item 210 on the wearer by connecting to a ring 216.

[0055] Using the above describes clasp arrangement, a single jewelry strand, or a desired plurality of jewelry strands, may be connected between a pair of clasps 144, with each of the clasps 144 being connected to another clasp element as described above. The resulting single-strand or multi strand jewelry item may be fastened or unfastened using the post 198 and ring 202, any other conventional clasp, or a third clasp 144. Any time the selection of strands included between the clasps 144 is desired to be changed, this can be accomplished by opening the clasps 144 as described above. The wearer may thus customize the wearer's bracelet as frequently or infrequently as the wearer wishes, with single strands, multiple strands, different sequences of strands, different combinations of different styles of strands, etc. with a wide variety of potential aesthetics being possible.

[0056] A variety of modifications to the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Thus, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The particular embodiments disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention. The appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, should be referenced to indicate the scope of the invention.