Clasp

Abstract

A clasp for a watch strap or belt is described, which includes one plug part and one socket part able to be joined together by inserting the plug part into the socket part with latches provided on the plug part corresponding to catches provided on the socket part so that it provides a secure connection, the plug and socket parts being able to be disconnected from each other by applying pressure to releasing protrusions provided on the plug part and the socket part that yield force necessary to overcome friction created by the latches provided on the plug part thus disconnecting the plug part from the socket part. Springs are used to bias the latches into a latched position, which bias may be overcome by applying pressure to the releasing protrusions.

Claims

1. A clasp for connecting two strands, comprising: a plug part, the plug part including at least one latch, the at least one latch being biased by at least one spring; and a socket part, the socket part including at least one catch, the at least one catch configured to releasably connect the plug part to the socket part by engaging and disengaging the at least one latch, the socket part including an outer surface; wherein the at least one latch moves along the outer surface of the socket part during engagement with the at least one catch against the bias of the at least one spring.

2. A clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug and socket parts are made of a material with resilient elastic properties.

3. A clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug socket parts are manufactured using 3D printing.

3. A clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug and socket parts each include a strand connector.

5. A clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug part includes a semicircular latch and a triangular latch, and the socket part includes a semicircular catch configured to engage the semicircular latch and tapered catch configured to engage the triangular latch.

6. A clasp according to claim 2, wherein the plug part includes a sinuous spring connected to the semicircular latch, and a flat spring connected to the triangular latch, and wherein both the sinuous spring and the flat spring are manufactured integral to, and in one piece, with the plug part.

7. A clasp according to claim 2, wherein surfaces of the socket part allow for resilient compression of the springs connected to latches on the plug part, when the plug part is inserted into the socket part, and wherein the catches provided on the socket part allow for decompression of the springs when the plug part is fully inserted into the socket part, thereby locking the latches against the catches.

8. A clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug part includes at least one releasing protrusion connected to the at least one latch, and wherein the plug part is disconnected from the socket part by applying force to the at least one releasing protrusion, thereby disengaging the at least one latch from the at least one catch.

9. The clasp according to claim 8, wherein the at least one releasing protrusion includes a surface at an angle to the direction of movement of the at least one latch, thereby providing leverage for engaging and disengaging the at least one latch.

10. The clasp according to claim 1, wherein the plug part includes at least one protruding arm, and wherein the socket part has at least one socket component configured to snugly receive the at least one protruding arm.

11. The clasp according to claim 10, wherein the at least one protruding arm includes at least one angular alignment guide, and wherein the at least one socket component includes at least one angular groove, the at least one angular groove receiving the at least one angular alignment guide.

12. The clasp according to claim 10, wherein the at least one protruding arm is solid in cross-section.

13. The clasp according to claim 10, wherein the socket part, other than the at least one socket component, is solid in cross-section.

14. A clasp for connecting two strands, comprising: a plug part, the plug part including a semicircular latch and a triangular latch, the latches each being biased by at least one spring; and a socket part, the socket part including a semicircular catch configured to engage the semicircular latch and a tapered catch configured to engage the triangular latch, the catches configured to releasably connect the plug part to the socket part by engaging and disengaging the latches.

15. A clasp according to claim 14, wherein the plug part includes a sinuous spring connected to the semicircular latch, and a flat spring connected to the triangular latch, and wherein both the sinuous spring and the flat spring are manufactured integral to, and in one piece, with the plug part.

16. A clasp according to claim 15, wherein surfaces of the socket part allow for resilient compression of the springs connected to the latches on the plug part, when the plug part is inserted into the socket part, and wherein the catches provided on the socket part allow for decompression of the springs when the plug part is fully inserted into the socket part, thereby locking the latches against the catches.

17. A clasp according to claim 14, wherein the plug part includes at least one releasing protrusion connected to each latch, and wherein the plug part is disconnected from the socket part by applying force to the releasing protrusions, thereby disengaging the latches from the catches.

18. The clasp according to claim 17, wherein the releasing protrusions include a surface at an angle to the direction of movement of the latches, thereby providing leverage for engaging and disengaging the latches.

19. The clasp according to claim 14, wherein the plug part includes at least one protruding arm, and wherein the socket part has at least one socket component configured to snugly receive the at least one protruding arm.

20. A clasp for connecting two strands, comprising: a plug part, the plug part including a semicircular latch and a triangular latch, the latches each being biased by at least one spring, wherein a sinuous spring is connected to the semicircular latch, and wherein a flat spring is connected to the triangular latch, and wherein both the sinuous spring and the flat spring are manufactured integral to, and in one piece, with the plug part, wherein the plug part includes at least one releasing protrusion connected to each latch, and wherein the plug part is disconnected from the socket part by applying force to the releasing protrusions, thereby disengaging the latches from the catches, wherein the releasing protrusions include a surface at an angle to the direction of movement of the latches, thereby providing leverage for engaging and disengaging the latches; and a socket part, the socket part including a semicircular catch configured to engage the semicircular latch and a tapered catch configured to engage the triangular latch, the catches configured to releasably connect the plug part to the socket part by engaging and disengaging the latches, and wherein surfaces of the socket part allow for resilient compression of the springs connected to the latches on the plug part, when the plug part is inserted into the socket part, and wherein the catches provided on the socket part allow for decompression of the springs when the plug part is fully inserted into the socket part, thereby locking the latches against the catches, and wherein the plug part includes at least one protruding arm, and the socket part has at least one socket component configured to snugly receive the at least one protruding arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the plug and socket parts which together form the clasp.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the clasp in the open position.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the clasp in the closed position.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the connected clasp along line III, as identified in FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows the starting position for connecting the clasp and the motion of the plug part required for connection identified by the bold arrow.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a midpoint position in connecting the clasp with the motion of the plug part identified by the bold arrow.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows the clasp in the final position after completing the work of connecting the clasp.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows the starting position for disconnecting the clasp and the direction of force required to disconnect the clasp indicated by the bold arrows.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a midpoint position in disconnecting the clasp with the direction of continued force required to disconnect the clasp indicated by the bold arrows.

[0025] FIG. 10 shows the clasp in the final position after completing the work of disconnecting the clasp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a clasp representing the present invention generally identified and designated as a whole by numeral 1, made up of a plug part 2 and a socket part 3 and is connected by inserting the plug part 2 into the socket part 3. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cross section along E, through both the plug part 2 and the socket part 3 when in the connected position. Both the plug part 2 and the socket part 3 can be made from metal, plastic, wood or any other type of material that is relatively rigid in sufficient thickness, but with resilient elastic properties, if sufficiently thin. Example strands in the form of links are shown for context with dotted lines in FIG. 2 but are not a part of the clasp.

[0027] As identified in FIGS. 1 through 4, the plug part 2 has an overall generally rectangular shape inclusive of a protruding cantilevered arm 4, a semicircular latch 5, a triangular latch 6, a sinuous spring 7, a flat spring 8, a releasing protrusion 9, and a strand connector 10. The cantilevered arm 4 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed in cross section, as in FIG. 4, except for triangular alignment guides 11 and 12 arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal sides. The cantilevered arm 4 is also solid in cross section, such that the cantilevered arm 4 is relatively rigid so as to reduce the chance of breakage and to provide a more substantial foundation for the insertion of the cantilevered arm 4 into the socket component 13. The alignment guides 11 and 12 are tapered and shaped in equal and opposite dimensions as triangular grooves 19 and 20 in the socket component 13 of the socket part 3, to allow for ease of alignment when connecting the plug part 2 with the socket part 3. The semicircular shape of latch 5 is beneficial in that it automatically compresses sinuous spring 7 as the plug part is inserted into socket part 3. Similar tapering in latch 6 creates a bending motion in spring 8 as the bottom of the socket part 22 presses against latch 6 during clasp 1 assembly. As will be discussed further below, the pressure applied to springs 7 and 8 yield beneficial friction that provides for a reliable connection between the plug part 2 and socket part 3 when connected. The releasing protrusion 9 includes a ribbed surface for grip, allowing the user to more easily apply pressure against spring 8 to disconnect the clasp.

[0028] The strand connector 10 can include a socket where a pin may be inserted (not shown) for facilitating the connection of a link, or looped piece of fabric or rope. The present invention is not limited by the current shape of the strand connector 10 as shown in the referenced drawings and can be modified in numerous ways to allow for the connection various types of strands, whether made of interlocking links, or flexible materials such as rope or fabric.

[0029] The socket part 3 as identified in FIGS. 1 through 4 is also generally rectangular in shape and includes a socket component 13, a semicircular catch 14, a tapered catch 15, a releasing protrusion 16, and a strand connector 17. The socket component 13 has a tapered entry 21 which aids in guiding the cantilevered arm 4, which also has tapering on its distal end 22, thereby facilitating the smooth entry of the cantilevered arm 4 into the socketed component 13. The socketed component 13 is shaped in equal and opposite dimensions as the cantilevered arm 4 of the plug part 2 and acts as a cavity to receive the cantilevered arm 4 as the clasp is connected. The socket component 13 includes triangular grooves 19 and 20 which are shaped in equal and opposite dimensions as alignment guides 11 and 12 and aid in of alignment when connecting the plug part 2 with the socket part 3. Other than the socket component 13, the socket part 3 is solid in cross-section, thus making the socket part 3 less subject to fatigue and breaking after multiple engagements and disengagements of the clasp 1. The semicircular catch 14 includes a tapered leading edge 18 which applies pressure against the semicircular latch 5 as the clasp is connected, thereby depressing the sinuous spring 7 downwardly. The bottom side of the socket part 3, as well the tapered catch 15, apply similar pressure to latch 6 as the clasp is connected. Releasing protrusion 16 of the socket part 3, similar to releasing protrusion 9, includes a ribbed surface for grip whereby the user will apply pressure to disconnect the clasp. In the preferred embodiment, the releasing protrusions 9 and 16 include an angled surface at 45 degrees from the direction of movement of the latches 5 and 6 from their engagement and disengagement directions, thereby providing advantageous leverage against the springs 7 and 8. One advantage of the use of a triangular latch 6, flat spring 8 and tapered catch 15 is that the latch 6 rides on the outside of the plug part 2 and thus does not require an internal alignment to engage and catch. Also similar to strand connector 10, strand connector 17 of the socket part 3 includes a socket where a pin may be inserted to facilitate the connection of a link, or a piece of fabric or rope. This strand connector is also not limited by the current shape as displayed in the referenced drawings and can be modified as previously explained with regard to strand connector 10.

[0030] Springs 7 and 8 that exist as a part of the plug part 3 function by allowing for resilient deformation created due to pressure applied by the socket part 4 as explained in the previous paragraph. This resilient deformation creates pressure between the latches 5 and 6 of the plug part 2 and the catches 14 and 15 of the socket part 3, thereby locking the clasp 1 in the closed position when connected. Once the clasp 1 is fully connected spring 8 becomes decompressed and returns to its unbiased original position which locks latch 6 of the plug part 2 against catch 15 of the socket part 3. Similarly catch 14 allows for partial decompression of spring 7 to a partially unbiased position and locks latch 5 against catch 14.

[0031] To connect the clasp the user will first place the plug part 2 and the socket part 3 on an equal plane as shown in FIG. 5. The cantilevered arm 4 of the plug part 2 should be generally aligned with the socketed component 13 of the socket part 3. The user will then move the plug part 2 towards the socket part 3 in the direction indicated by the bold arrow in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6. once the plug part comes into contact with the socket part 3 the cantilevered arm 4 naturally inserts itself into the socketed component 13 through aid from alignment guides 11 and 12 and grooves 19 and 20. At this point the socket part 3, specifically the tapered surface 18 and the bottom surface 22, applies pressure against latches 5 and 6, thereby compressing springs 7 and 8. The user will continue to move the plug part 2 towards the socket part 3 as identified by the bold arrow in FIG. 6. until the cantilevered arm 4 is fully inserted into the socket component 13. In FIG. 7 the cantilevered arm 4 is fully inserted, springs 7 and 8 are decompressed (spring 7 is partially decompressed; spring 8 is fully decompressed) and catches 5 and 6 are locked in place via friction applied to catches 14 and 15.

[0032] To disconnect the clasp the user will begin with the connected parts as shown in FIG. 8 and will apply pressure to releasing protrusions 9 and 16, in the direction indicated by the bold arrows. The pressure applied to the releasing protrusions 9 and 16 is translated through the structure of the plug and socket parts 2 and 3 and results in equal pressure being applied to the lateral surface of latch 5 and the medial surface of latch 6. The user will increase the pressure applied to the releasing protrusions 9 and 16 until the translated force applied to the latches 5 and 6 is such that the springs 7 and 8 begin to compress due to the tapered surfaces of catches 14 and 15. FIG. 9 shows the springs 7 and 8 in a compressed state as the user continues to apply force to the releasing protrusions 9 and 16.

[0033] Once the plug and socket parts 1 and 2 are separated sufficient that latch 5 comes into contact with tapered surface 18, spring 7 will fully decompress. At this point the remaining work of disconnecting the clasp will happen automatically. The sudden release of pressure in spring 7 applied through catch 5 against tapered surface 18 will overcome any remaining friction between the plug 2 and socket parts 3 and each will spring apart in an expeditious manner per the bold double ended arrow in FIG. 10.

[0034] Alternative embodiments are contemplated within the overall scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, rather than having different latching mechanisms as shown in FIGS. 1-10, the latching mechanisms could be mirrored on opposite sides of the clasp, such that there are two tapering latches 6, flat springs 8, releasing protrusions 9, and tapered catches 15 on opposite sides of the plug 2 and socket 3 parts, configured as mirror images of one another. Similarly, the latching mechanisms could also be mirrored so that there are two semicircular latches 5, sinuous springs 7, and semicircular catch 14 on opposite sides of the plug 2 and socket 3 parts.

[0035] The foregoing description with attached drawings is only illustrative of possible embodiments of the described clasp, and should only be construed as such. Many other specific embodiments are possible that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than the foregoing description. Any and all modifications which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the following claims are to be considered within their scope.