Clasp

Abstract

A clasp which has a primary body and a secondary body couples an elongated member. A bore has a groove within the primary body. A rod has a leg coupled to the secondary body and slidably engages the groove. A shaped locking channel is coupled to the groove. The leg engages with the shaped locking channel for coupling and decoupling the primary body with the secondary body.

Claims

1. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member, comprising: a primary body extending between a primary proximal end and a primary distal end; a bore defining a bore wall within said primary body extending from a bore proximal end and a bore distal end; said bore distal end commensurate with said primary distal end; a groove within said bore wall extending from a first proximal end and a first distal end; said first distal end commensurate to said primary distal end; a curved locking channel within said bore wall and coupled to said first proximal end of said move; a pin coupled to said bore proximal end and extending within said bore; said pin and said bore wall defining an annular channel; said primary proximal end of said primary body coupled to the first end the elongated member; a secondary body extending between a secondary proximal end and a secondary distal end; a rod defining a rod wall extending from a rod proximal end and a rod distal end; said rod proximal end coupled to said secondary distal end; a leg extending from said rod wall adjacent to said rod distal end; a pin bore within said rod for defining an annular shaft; said secondary proximal end of said secondary body coupled to the second end of the elongated member; said pin inserting into said pin bore and said annular shaft slidably engaging within said annular channel during coupling and decoupling said primary body with said secondary body for aligning said primary body relative to said secondary body; said leg slidably engaging within said groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and positioning said leg adjacent to said curved locking channel; said leg slidably engaging within said curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body with said secondary body for coupling said primary body with said secondary body; said leg slidably disengaging within said curved locking channel upon converging said primary body with said secondary body for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body; said leg slidably engaging within said groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and withdrawing said leg from said groove for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body; said annular channel receiving said annular shaft during engaging of said leg with said groove and said leg with said curved locking channel.

2. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pin extends between a pin proximal end and a pin distal end; said pin distal end positioned to the exterior of said primary distal end for defining an alignment head; said pin bore extending between a pin bore proximal end and a pin bore distal end; said pin bore proximal end positioned within said secondary body for receiving said alignment head within said pin bore; and said alignment ad inserted to said pin bore for aligning said bore relative to said rod.

3. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 1, further including a second groove within said bore wall extending from a second proximal end and a second distal end; said second distal end commensurate to said primary distal end; a second curved locking channel coupled to said second proximal end of said second groove; a second leg extending from said rod wall adjacent to said rod distal end; said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and positioning said second leg adjacent to said second curved locking channel; said second leg slidably engaging within second curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body with said secondary body for coupling said primary body with said secondary body; said second leg slidably disengaging within said second curved locking channel upon converging said primly body with said secondary body for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body; and said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and withdrawing second leg from said second groove for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body.

4. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 3, wherein said groove includes a first spiral groove; and said second groove includes a second spiral groove.

5. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 3, wherein said curved locking channel includes a first general J-shaped locking channel; and said second curved locking channel includes a second general J-shaped locking channel.

6. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 3, further including a spring within said annular channel; and said spring being compressed between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said spiral groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second spiral groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body; said spring applying an expansion force between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during, said leg slidably engaging within said curved locking channel and said second leg slidably engaging within said second curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body relative to said secondary body; said expansion force maintaining said leg within said first curved locking channel and said second leg within said second curved locking channel for preventing inadvertent separation of said primary body and said secondary body; said spring being compressed between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably disengaging within said first curved locking channel and said second leg slidably disengaging within said second curved locking channel upon converging said primary body with said secondary body; and said spring applying said expansion force between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body.

7. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 3, further including a spring within said annular channel; and said spring being compressed between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said spiral groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second spiral groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body; said spring applying an expansion force between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during, said leg slidably engaging within said curved locking channel and said second leg slidably engaging within said second curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body relative to said secondary body; said expansion force maintaining said leg within said first curved locking channel and said second leg within said second curved locking channel for preventing inadvertent separation of said primary body and said secondary body; said spring being compressed between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably disengaging within said first curved locking channel and said second leg slidably disengaging within said second curved locking channel upon converging said primary body with said secondary, body; said spring applying said expansion force between said bore proximal end and said rod distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body; a spring retainer coupled to said bore wall and approximate to said bore proximal end; and said spring retainer maintaining said spring within said bore during separation of said primary body and said secondary body.

8. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member as set forth in claim 3, further including a spring within said pin bore; and said spring being compressed between said pin bore proximal end and said pin distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body; said spring applying an expansion force between said pin bore proximal end and said pin distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said curved locking channel and said second leg slidably engaging within said second curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body relative to said secondary body; said expansion force maintaining said leg within said first curved locking channel and said second leg within said second curved locking channel for preventing inadvertent separation of said primary body and said secondary body; said spring being compressed between said pin bore proximal end and said pin distal end during said leg slidably disengaging within said first curved locking channel and said second leg slidably disengaging within said second curved locking channel upon converging said primary body with said secondary body; said spring applying said expansion force between said pin bore proximal end and said pin distal end during said leg slidably engaging within said groove and said second leg slidably engaging within said second groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body; a spring retainer coupled to said a pin bore wall and approximate to said pin bore proximal end; and said spring retainer maintaining said spring within said pin bore during separation of said primary body and said secondary body.

9. A clasp for coupling a first end and a second end of an elongated member, comprising: a primary body extending between a primary proximal end and a primary distal end; a bore defining a bore wall within said primary body extending from a bore proximal end and a bore distal end; said bore distal end commensurate with said primary distal end; a groove within said bore wall extending from a first proximal end and a first distal end; said first distal end commensurate to said primary distal end; a curved locking channel within said bore wall and coupled to said first proximal end of said groove; a pin coupled to said bore proximal end and extending within said bore; said pin and said bore wall defining an annular channel; said primary proximal end of said primary body coupled to the first end the elongated member; a secondary body extending between a secondary proximal end and a secondary distal end; a rod defining a rod wall extending from a rod proximal end and a rod distal end; said rod proximal end coupled to said secondary distal end; a leg extending from said rod wall adjacent to said rod distal end; a pin bore within said rod for defining an annular shaft; said secondary proximal end of said secondary body coupled to the second end of the elongated member; said pin inserting into said pin bore and said annular shaft slidably engaging within said annular channel during coupling and decoupling said primary body with said secondary body for aligning said primary body relative to said secondary body; said leg slidably engaging within said groove during converging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and positioning said leg adjacent to said curved locking channel; said leg slidably engaging within said curved locking channel upon diverging said primary body with said secondary body for coupling said primary body with said secondary body; said leg slidably disengaging within said curved locking channel upon converging said primary body with said secondary body for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body; said leg slidably engaging within said groove during diverging and rotating said primary body relative to said secondary body and withdrawing said leg from said groove for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body; said curved locking channel includes a first general J-shaped locking channel within said bore wall; and said first general J-shaped locking channel defining a first recessed inset relative to said groove for requiring diverging said primary body with said secondary body for coupling said primary body with said secondary body and converging said primary body with said secondary body for decoupling said primary body with said secondary body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front upper isometric view of a clasp incorporating the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

(8) FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;

(9) FIG. 8 is a front view of a primary body in FIG. 3;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 8;

(11) FIG. 10 is a view along line 10-10 in FIG. 8;

(12) FIG. 11 is a view along line 11-11 in FIG. 8;

(13) FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 8;

(14) FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line 13-13 in FIG. 9;

(15) FIG. 14 is a sectional view along line 14-14 in FIG. 8;

(16) FIG. 15 is a sectional view along line 15-15 in FIG. 11;

(17) FIG. 16 is a front view of a secondary body in FIG. 3;

(18) FIG. 17 is a top view of FIG. 16;

(19) FIG. 18 is a rear view of FIG. 16;

(20) FIG. 19 is a view along line 19-19 in FIG. 16;

(21) FIG. 20 is a view along line 20-20 in FIG. 16;

(22) FIG. 21 is a sectional view along line 21-21 in FIG. 16;

(23) FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating a spring applying an expansion force for maintaining a first leg within a first general J shaped locking channel and a second leg within a second general J shaped locking channel and preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body and the secondary body;

(24) FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 illustrating the primary body and the secondary body converging and compressing the spring for disengaging the first leg slidably disengaging within the first general J shaped locking channel and the second leg slidably disengaging within the second general J shaped locking channel upon converging the primary body with the secondary body;

(25) FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 23 illustrating the first leg being removed from the first general J shaped locking channel and the second leg being removed from the second general J shaped locking channel upon rotating the primary body relative to the secondary body;

(26) FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 illustrating the first leg slidably engaging within a first spiral groove and the second leg slidably engaging within a second spiral groove during diverging and rotating the primary body relative to the secondary body;

(27) FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 illustrating the first leg further slidably engaging within the first spiral groove and the second leg further slidably engaging within the second spiral groove during diverging and rotating the primary body relative to the secondary body;

(28) FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 26 illustrating the first leg being removed from the first spiral groove and the second leg being removed from the second spiral groove for decoupling the primary body from the secondary body;

(29) FIG. 28 is a view of FIG. 3 illustrating the clasp is coupling a necklace around a neck of an individual;

(30) FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of FIG. 28 illustrating the individual grasping the clasp for converging the primary body with the secondary body for decoupling the primary body with the secondary body;

(31) FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 illustrating the primary body decoupled from the secondary body;

(32) FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating a reinforcing cap coupled to a rod of the secondary body;

(33) FIG. 32 is a sectional view along line 32-32 in FIG. 31;

(34) FIG. 33 is a front upper isometric view of a second clasp incorporating the present invention;

(35) FIG. 34 is an exploded view of FIG. 33;

(36) FIG. 35 is a front view of FIG. 33;

(37) FIG. 36 is a sectional view along line 36-36 in FIG. 35;

(38) FIG. 37 is a sectional view along line 37-37 in FIG. 35;

(39) FIG. 38 is a sectional view along line 38-38 in FIG. 35;

(40) FIG. 39 is a sectional view along line 39-39 in FIG. 35;

(41) FIG. 40 is a front view of a primary body in FIG. 33;

(42) FIG. 41 is a top view of FIG. 40;

(43) FIG. 42 is a view along line 42-42 in FIG. 40;

(44) FIG. 43 is a view along line 43-43 in FIG. 40;

(45) FIG. 44 is a sectional view along line 44-44 in FIG. 40;

(46) FIG. 45 is a sectional view along line 45-45 in FIG. 41;

(47) FIG. 46 is a sectional view along line 46-46 in FIG. 41;

(48) FIG. 47 is a front view of a secondary body in FIG. 33;

(49) FIG. 48 is a top view of FIG. 47;

(50) FIG. 49 is a rear view of FIG. 47;

(51) FIG. 50 is a view along line 50-50 in FIG. 47;

(52) FIG. 51 is a view along line 51-51 in FIG. 47;

(53) FIG. 52 is a sectional view along line 52-52 in FIG. 47;

(54) FIG. 53 is a view similar to FIG. 36 illustrating a spring positioned within the secondary body and applying an expansion force for maintaining a first leg within a first general J shaped locking channel and a second leg within a second general J shaped locking channel and preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body and the secondary body;

(55) FIG. 54 is a view similar to FIG. 53 illustrating the primary body and the secondary body converging and compressing the spring for disengaging the first leg slidably disengaging within the first general J shaped locking channel and the second leg slidably disengaging within the second general J shaped locking channel upon converging the primary body with the secondary body;

(56) FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54 illustrating the first leg slidably engaging within a first spiral groove and the second leg slidably engaging within a second spiral groove during diverging and rotating the primary body relative to the secondary body;

(57) FIG. 56 is a view similar to FIG. 36 illustrating a spring positioned within the primary body and applying an expansion force for maintaining a first leg within a first general J shaped locking channel and a second leg within a second general J shaped locking channel and preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body and the secondary body;

(58) FIG. 57 is a view similar to FIG. 56 illustrating the primary body and the secondary body converging and compressing the spring for disengaging the first leg slidably disengaging within the first general J shaped locking channel and the second leg slidably disengaging within the second general J shaped locking channel upon converging the primary body with the secondary body; and

(59) FIG. 58 is a view similar to FIG. 57 illustrating the first leg slidably engaging within a first spiral groove and the second leg slidably engaging within a second spiral groove during diverging and rotating the primary body relative to the secondary body.

(60) Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

(61) FIGS. 1-58 are various views of a clasp 10 for coupling a first end 12 and a second end 14 of an elongated member 16. The elongated member 16 may include a piece of jewelry 20 such as a necklace 22 worn on the neck 32 of a human 30 or a bracelet 24 worn on the wrist 34 of the human 30. Alternatively, the elongated member 16 may include a rope 40, a cable 42 or a chain 44.

(62) FIGS. 1-58 illustrates a clasp 10 comprises a primary body 50 extending between a primary proximal end 52 and a primary distal end 54. A bore 60 defining a bore wall 62 is within the primary body 50 and extends from a bore proximal end 64 and a bore distal end 66. The bore distal end 66 is commensurate with the primary distal end 54.

(63) A groove 70 is within the bore wall 62 and extends from a first proximal end 72 and a first distal end 74. The first distal end 74 is commensurate to the primary distal end 54. A curved locking channel 80 or a shaped locking channel 84 is coupled to the first proximal end 72 of the groove 70. The primary proximal end 52 of the primary body 50 is coupled to the first end 12 the elongated member 16.

(64) A secondary body 100 extends between a secondary proximal end 102 and a secondary distal end 104. A rod 110 defining a rod wall 112 extends from a rod proximal end 114 and a rod distal end 116. The rod proximal end 114 is coupled to the secondary distal end 104.

(65) A leg 120 extends from the rod wall 112 adjacent to the rod distal end 116. The secondary proximal end 102 of the secondary body 100 is coupled to the second end 14 of the elongated member 16. The leg 120 slidably engages within the groove 70 during converging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 and positions the leg 120 adjacent the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84. The leg 120 slidably engages within the curved locking channel 80 or the first shaped locking channel 84 upon diverging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 for coupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The leg 120 slidably disengages within the curved locking channel 80 or the first shaped locking channel 84 upon converging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 for decoupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The leg 120 slidably engages within the groove 70 during diverging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 and withdrawing the leg 120 from the groove 70 for decoupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100.

(66) Preferably, the primary body 50 further includes a second groove 130 within the bore wall 62 extending from a second proximal end 132 and a second distal end 134. The second distal end 134 is commensurate to the primary distal end 54. A second curved locking channel 140 or a second shaped locking channel 144 is coupled to the second proximal end 132 of the second groove 130. A second leg 122 extends from the rod wall 112 adjacent to the rod distal end 116. The second leg 112 slidably engages within the second groove 130 during converging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 and positions the second leg 122 adjacent to the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144. The second leg 122 slidably engages within second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon diverging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 for coupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The second leg 112 slidably disengages within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon converging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 for decoupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The second leg 122 slidably engages within the second groove 130 during diverging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 and withdrawing second leg 122 from the second groove 130 for decoupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100.

(67) The groove 70 preferably includes a first spiral groove 76 and the second groove 130 includes a second spiral groove 136. The curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 may include a first general J-shaped locking channel 82. Similarly, the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 may includes a second general J-shaped locking channel 142.

(68) A spring 150 is within the bore 60 and compresses between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the spiral groove 76 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second spiral groove 136 during converging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies an expansion force between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon diverging the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The expansion force maintains the leg 120 within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 for preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100. The spring 150 is compressed between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably disengaging within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably disengaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon converging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies an expansion force between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the groove 70 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second groove 130 during diverging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100.

(69) A spring retainer 152 may be coupled to the bore wall 62 and approximate to the bore proximal end 64. The spring retainer 152 maintains the spring 150 within the bore 60 during separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100.

(70) The leg 120 includes a front half surface 160 and a rear half surface 164. The front half surface 160 of the leg 120 may include a first general C-shape 162. The rear half surface 164 of the leg 120 may include a first general V-shape 166. The second leg 122 includes a front half surface 170 and a rear half surface 174. The front half surface 170 of the second leg 122 may include a second general C-shape 172. The rear half surface 174 of the second leg 122 may include a second general V-shape 176.

(71) Preferably, the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 includes a first general V-shape wall 180 for receiving the first general V-shape 166 and assisting in preventing displacement of the leg 120 relative to the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 during coupling of the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. In addition, the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 preferably includes a second general V-shape wall 182 for receiving the second general V-shape 176 and assisting in preventing displacement of the second leg 122 relative to the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 during coupling of the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100.

(72) The curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 may include a first upper entrance wall 190 opposing a first lower entrance wall 192 and a first guide wall 194 adjacent to a first terminal wall 196. The first general V-shape wall 180 is positioned between the first upper entrance wall 190 and the first terminal wall 196. The first guide wall 194, the first terminal wall 196 and the first general V-shape wall 180 define a first locking chamber 198 for preventing the inadvertent removal of the first leg 120 from the first locking chamber 198.

(73) The first lower entrance wall 192 may include a first accurate wall 200 for promoting the leg 120 to be channeled into the first locking chamber 198. The first upper entrance wall 190 and the first general V-shape wall 180 define a first upper intersection 202 and a first upper angle 204 there between. The first lower entrance wall 192 and the first guide wall 194 define a first lower intersection 206 and a first lower angle 208 there between. The first guide wall 194 and the first terminal wall 196 define a first main intersection 210 and a first main angle 212 there between.

(74) The first lower intersection 206 preferably defines a first interior offset 214 into the first locking chamber 198 relative to the first upper intersection 202 for preventing the inadvertent removal of the first leg 120 from the first locking chamber 198. The first general V-shape wall 180 may define a first recessed inset 216 relative to the first upper intersection 202. The first recessed inset 216 further prevents the inadvertent removal of the first leg 120 from the first locking chamber 198.

(75) The first upper angle 204 may include a first reflex angle 220. The first lower angle 208 may include a first primary obtuse angle 222. The first main angle 212 may include a first secondary obtuse angle 224. The first reflex angle 220, the first primary obtuse angle 222 and the first secondary obtuse angle 224 promote the first leg 120 to be channeled into the first general V-shape wall 180.

(76) Similarly, the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 may include a second upper entrance wall 230 opposing a second lower entrance wall 232 and a second guide wall 234 adjacent to a second terminal wall 236. The second general V-shape wall 182 is positioned between the second upper entrance wall 230 and the second terminal wall 236. The second guide wall 234, the second terminal wall 236 and the second general V-shape wall 182 define a second locking chamber 238 for preventing the inadvertent removal of the second leg 122 from the second locking chamber 238.

(77) The second lower entrance wall 232 may include a second accurate wall 240 for promoting the second leg 122 to be channeled into the second locking chamber 238. The second upper entrance wall 230 and the second general V-shape wall 182 define a second upper intersection 242 and a second upper angle 244 there between. The second lower entrance wall 232 and the second guide wall 234 define a second lower intersection 246 and a second lower angle 248 there between. The second guide wall 234 and the second terminal wall 236 define a second main intersection 250 and a second main angle 252 there between. The second lower intersection 246 may define a second interior offset 254 into the second locking chamber 238 relative to the second upper intersection 242 for preventing the inadvertent removal of the second leg 122 from the second locking chamber 238.

(78) The second general V-shape wall 182 may define a second recessed inset 256 relative to the second upper intersection 242. The second recessed inset 256 prevents the inadvertent removal of the second leg 122 from the second locking chamber 238. The second upper angle 244 may include a second reflex angle 260. The second lower angle 248 may include a second primary obtuse angle 262. The second main angle 252 may include a second secondary obtuse angle 264. The second reflex angle 260, the second primary obtuse angle 262 and the second secondary obtuse angle 264 promote the second leg 122 to be channeled into the second general V-shape wall 182.

(79) The primary body 50 includes a primary grasping area 56 for handling the primary body 50. The secondary body 100 includes a secondary grasping area 106 for handling the secondary body 100. The proximal end 52 of the primary body 50 includes a primary eyelet 58 for coupling with the first end 12 of the elongated member 16. The proximal end 102 of the secondary body 100 includes a secondary eyelet 108 for coupling with the second end 14 of the elongated member 16.

(80) The clasp 10 may further include a first tapering groove 270 extending from the distal end 54 of the primary body 50 to the groove 70. Similarly, a second tapering groove 272 extends from the distal end 54 of the primary body 50 to the second groove 130. The first tapering groove 270 receives the leg 120 and the second tapering groove 272 receives the second leg 122 for channeling the leg 120 and the second leg 122 into the first groove 70 and the second groove 130 respectively upon converging and the rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100.

(81) The clasp 10 may further include a reinforcing cap 280 coupled to the rod distal end 116 for preventing wear between the spring 150 and the rod 110.

(82) FIGS. 33-58 illustrate a second embodiment of the clasp 10. The clasp 10 in FIGS. 33-58 includes a pin 302 coupled to the bore proximal end 64 and extending within the bore 60. The pin 302 and the bore wall 62 define an annular channel 304. A pin bore 310 is within the rod 110 for defining an annular shaft 312. The pin 302 is inserted into the pin bore 310 and the annular shaft 312 slidably engaging within the annular channel 304 during coupling and decoupling the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 for aligning the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100.

(83) The pin 302 extends between a pin proximal end 306 and a pin distal end 308. Preferably, the pin distal end 308 is positioned to the exterior of the primary distal end 54 for defining an alignment head 309. The pin bore 310 extends between a pin bore proximal end 314 and a pin bore distal end 316. The pin bore proximal end 314 is positioned within the secondary body 100 for receiving the alignment head 309 within the pin bore 310. The alignment head 309 is inserted to the pin bore 310 for aligning the bore 60 relative to the rod 110.

(84) As shown in FIGS. 56-58, the spring 150 is positioned within the annular channel 304. The spring 150 is compressed between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the spiral groove 76 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second spiral groove 136 during converging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies an expansion force between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon diverging the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The expansion force maintains the leg 120 within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 for preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100. The spring 150 is compressed between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably disengaging within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably disengaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon converging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies the expansion force between the bore proximal end 64 and the rod distal end 116 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the groove 70 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second groove 130 during diverging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100.

(85) The spring retainer 152 is coupled to the bore wall 62 and approximate to the bore proximal end 64. The spring retainer 152 maintains the spring 150 within the bore 60 during separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100.

(86) As shown in FIGS. 56-58, the spring 150 is positioned within the pin bore 310. The spring 150 is compressed between the pin bore proximal end 314 and the pin distal end 308 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the groove 70 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second groove 122 during converging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies an expansion force between the pin bore proximal end 314 and the pin distal end 308 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon diverging the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100. The expansion force maintains the leg 120 within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 for preventing inadvertent separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100. The spring 150 is compressed between the pin bore proximal end 314 and the pin distal end 308 during the leg 120 slidably disengaging within the first curved locking channel 80 or the shaped locking channel 84 and the second leg 122 slidably disengaging within the second curved locking channel 140 or the second shaped locking channel 144 upon converging the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100. The spring 150 applies the expansion force between the pin bore proximal end 314 and the pin distal end 308 during the leg 120 slidably engaging within the groove 70 and the second leg 122 slidably engaging within the second groove 130 during diverging and rotating the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100.

(87) A spring retainer 152 is coupled to a pin bore wall 318 and approximate to the pin bore proximal end 314. The spring retainer 152 maintains the spring 150 within the pin bore 310 during separation of the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100.

(88) The clasp 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-58 may be constructed of only three individual parts, namely the primary body 50, the secondary body 100 and the spring 150. The primary body 50, the secondary body 100 and the spring 150 may be constructed from a metallic, polymeric or combination thereof. Furthermore, the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100 may be constructed by a lower composition and an upper composition. More specifically, a lower composition may include a less expensive, more abundant and/or a filler material and the upper composition may include a more expensive, less abundant and/or more ornate material. For example, the lower composition may be constructed of an aluminum, steel, low purity gold, polymeric material or other materials and the upper composition may be constructed of a silver, platinum, rhodium, palladium, high purity gold or other precious metals. The primary body 50, the secondary body 100 and the spring 150 may be constructed from an injection molding process, a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), laser deposition or other processes.

(89) The clasp 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-58 is shown to be constructed of a first groove 70 and a second groove 130. However, the clasp 10 may be constructed of only a single groove 70 within the primary body 50. The clasp 10 may further be constructed of a first groove 70, a second groove 130 and a third groove for more easily positioning the rod 110 within the bore 60. The first groove 70, the second groove 130 and the possible third groove may either include a clockwise rotation for a counterclockwise rotation. The rotational displacement of the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 in order to transition the first leg 120 and the second leg 122 between the bore distal end 66 and the bore proximal end 64 may be varied depending upon the angular configuration of the first groove 70 and the angular configuration of the second groove 130. The rotational displacement of the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 may be between 45 and 270. Preferably the rotational displacement of the primary body 50 relative to the secondary body 100 may be between 90 and 180. The clasp of 10 permits a user to coupled the primary body 50 with the secondary body 100 by merely utilizing two fingers to compress the primary body 50 and the secondary body 100 together.

(90) In an alternative embodiment to the clasp 10, the dimensions of the primary body 50 and the dimensions of the secondary body 100 are such that they first friction coupling. Furthermore, the dimensions between the secondary distal end 104 and the first leg 120 and the second leg 122 are only slightly greater than the dimensions between the primary distal end 54 and the first shaped locking channel 84 and the second shaped locking channel 144 for providing a second friction coupling. The first friction coupling and the second friction coupling permit the elimination of the spring 150.

(91) The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.