Clasp system

Abstract

A clasp system for attaching two elements, comprising first and second parts (A, B) each having a body (10, 11) for attachment to a respective one of the elements. The first and second parts having a fastening means comprising first and second fastening portions (1, 6), the first part including the first fastening portion and the second part including the second fastening portion. The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are respectively configured for clipping engagement to fasten the first and second parts together. The unfastening comprises a relative twist movement of the first and second parts to unclip the first and second fastening portions. The first and second parts further comprise magnetic material (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged to pull the first and second parts together into the clipping engagement when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in a predetermined manner and spaced less than a predetermined maximum distance apart.

Claims

1. A clasp system for attaching two elements, comprising first and second parts each having a body for attachment to a respective one of the elements, the first and second parts having: a fastening means comprising first and second fastening portions, the first part including the first fastening portion and the second part including the second fastening portion, wherein the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are respectively configured for clipping engagement; a further fastening means comprising first and second further fastening portions, the first part including the second further fastening portion and the second part including the first further fastening portion, wherein the first further fastening portion and the second further fastening portion are respectively configured for clipping engagement; wherein the first part further comprises a pivot pin extending therefrom located between the first fastening portion and the second further fastening portion, the pivot pin having an axis; wherein the second part comprises a pivot pin recess therein, located between the second fastening portion and the first further fastening portion, the pivot pin recess being configured to receive the pivot pin, wherein the pivot pin and the pivot pin recess are respectively configured to permit angular movement of the pivot pin in the pivot pin recess about the axis; wherein the first and second fastening portions and the first and second further fastening portions are arranged so that the clipping engagement of the first and second fastening portions and the first and second further fastening portions is simultaneous and fastens the first part and the second part together; wherein unfastening comprises a relative twist movement of the first and second parts about the axis of the pivot pin to unclip the first and second fastening portions and the first and second further fastening portions; wherein the first and second parts further comprise magnetic material arranged to pull the first and second fastening portions and the first and second further fastening portions into the clipping engagement when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in a predetermined manner and spaced less than a predetermined maximum distance apart; wherein the magnetic material comprises: a first magnetic element located in the body of the first part between the first fastening portion and the pivot pin; a second magnetic element located in the first part between the second further fastening portion and the pivot pin; a third magnetic element located in the second part between the second fastening portion and the pivot pin recess; and a fourth magnetic element located in the second part between the first further fastening portion and the pivot pin recess; wherein the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element attract each other, the second magnetic element and the fourth magnetic element attract each other, the first magnetic element and the fourth magnetic element repel each other, and the second magnetic element and the third magnetic element repel each other.

2. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein the pivot pin is tapered to be narrower at an end thereof remote from the rest of the first part.

3. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material is also arranged to pull the pivot pin into the pivot pin recess when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in said predetermined manner and spaced less than said predetermined maximum distance apart.

4. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein the pivot pin is located substantially midway between the first fastening portion and the second further fastening portion, and the pivot pin recess is located substantially midway between the first further fastening portion and the second fastening portion, so that a twist action acts substantially equally on the fastening means and the further fastening means.

5. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein the unfastening of the first and second parts comprises the twist movement until each of the first fastening portion and the first further fastening portion have respectively exited the second fastening portion and the second further fastening portion.

6. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein the relative twist movement about the axis for release of the first and second parts is to a minimum angle about the axis.

7. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first fastening portion and the first further fastening portion each comprise a locking member extending from the respective body, the second fastening portion and the second further fastening portion each comprise a locking recess in the respective body, and the locking member and the locking recess of each of the fastening means and the further fastening means are configured for the clipping engagement when the locking member is located in the corresponding locking recess.

8. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second parts includes a facing portion, wherein the first fastening portion, the second further fastening portion, and the pivot pin are at the facing portion of the first part, and the first further fastening portion, the second fastening portion, and the pivot pin recess are at the facing portion of the second part, wherein, when the first and second parts are relatively oriented in the predetermined manner, the facing portions face and the corresponding parts are approximately aligned.

9. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein, when the first and second parts are fastened together, the fastening means and the further fastening means prevent parting movement of the first and second parts in opposing directions along the axis of the pivot pin.

10. The clasp system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second parts includes a visible indicator portion on an outer surface thereof, said indicator portions indicating where on the first and second parts to apply finger pressure to initiate the relative twist movement of the first and second parts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) For better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clasp system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when first and second sub-assemblies A, B of the clasp system are separated;

(3) FIG. 2A is a plan view of the clasp system shown in FIG. 1, with internal parts being shown illustratively with dashed lines;

(4) FIG. 2B is a sectional view through A-A in FIG. 2A;

(5) FIG. 2C is a sectional view through B-B in FIG. 2A;

(6) FIG. 3A is a plan view of the clasp system, when the two sub-assemblies A, B of the clasp system are separated and aligned for engagement;

(7) FIG. 3B is a sectional view through D-D in FIG. 3A, and also separately an illustrative diagram indicating the relative angles of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B in the view of FIG. 4A from an end perspective;

(8) FIG. 4A is a plan view of the clasp system of the embodiment;

(9) FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the clasp system through E-E in FIG. 4A, and also separately an illustrative diagram indicating the relative angles of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B in the view of FIG. 4A from an end perspective;

(10) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clasp system shown in FIG. 4A when the first and second sub-assemblies A, B;

(11) FIG. 6A is a plan view of the clasp system of the embodiment in further partial engagement;

(12) FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the clasp system, through F-F in FIG. 6A, and also separately an illustrative diagram indicating the relative angles of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B in the view of FIG. 6A from an end view;

(13) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the clasp system shown in FIG. 6A when the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are in the state of further partial engagement;

(14) FIG. 8A is a plan view of the clasp system of the embodiment, when the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are attached together;

(15) FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the clasp system, through G-G in FIG. 8A, and also separately an illustrative diagram indicating the relative angles of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B from an end perspective; and

(16) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clasp system shown in FIG. 8A when the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are fastened together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(17) Like reference numerals denote like parts throughout.

(18) In an embodiment of the invention, a clasp system comprises two sub-assemblies A, B that are separable and can be attached together. The clasp system is intended for use to attach ends of a strap around a wrist, although use of the embodiment or other embodiments is not limited to such. For example, the clasp system can be used to attach ends of a strap other than around a wrist. Also, the clasp system can be used to attach elements other than ends of a strap.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the clasp system comprises first and second sub-assemblies indicated at A and B, which are can be engaged together and are separable. A first sub-assembly comprises a first main body 10 and first and second magnets 2, 3. The second sub-assembly comprises a second main body 11 and third and fourth magnets 4, 5. Although not shown, each of the first and second main bodies 10, 11 includes an entry hole to which an end of a strap can be attached. Preferably, the entry hole follows the contour of the strap, facilitating the clasp system being small. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the length and width of the clasp system when the first and second sub-assemblies are engaged together is about 20 mm by 20 mm. Such dimensions render the clasp mechanism suitable for location on a lower portion of a wearer's wrist, where a watch clasp may conventionally be located. Such dimensions are also large enough so that sufficient purchase can easily be had to undo the clasp system. Notably, should in another embodiment the clasp be intended to fasten straps around a person's waist, dimensions of 50 mm by 50 mm are possible and may be more appropriate.

(20) The main bodies 10, 11 each have a respective elongate side face 10a, 11a. When the sub-assemblies A, B are engaged together, the side faces 10a, 10b are flush against each other. The second main body 11 has a pivot pin 9 of circular cross-section extending orthogonally from the side face 11a of the second main body 11. The first main body 10 has a pivot pin hole 14 of shape corresponding to the shape of the pivot pin 9 into which the pivot pin 9 extends when the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are engaged together. The pivot pin 9, together with other parts, prevents sliding movement of the main bodies 10, 11 along their side faces 10a, 11a, while also permitting relative twist movement of the two main bodies 10, 11 around the axis of the pivot pin. The pivot pin is about 6 mm long, although may be otherwise sized in variant embodiments.

(21) The pivot pin 9 is tapered. The amount of draft is about 10 degrees. In variant embodiments, an amount of draft of between 1 and 10 degrees may be provided. The tapering facilitates entry of the pivot pin 9 into the pivot hole 14. The pivot hole 14 is also tapered to correspond to the shape of the pivot pin 9, for tight engagement of the pivot pin 9 in the pivot hole 14. Both the edges of an end of the pivot pin 9 and the pivot hole 14 are also bevelled to ease engagement. Preferably the radius of the bevelling is at least 1 mm.

(22) The first and second main body 10, 11 also respectively include a first clip 1 and a second clip 8, and, respectively, first and second sockets 6, 7. The first clip 1 extends orthogonally from the side face 10a of the first main body 10 on a one side of the pivot hole 14, and the first socket 7 is located on the other side of the pivot hole 14. The second clip 8 extends orthogonally from the side face 11a of the second main body 11 on a one side of the pivot pin 9, located for engagement in the first socket 7. The second socket 6 is located on the other side of the pivot pin 9 to the second clip 8. The first and second clips 1, 8, the first and second sockets 6, 7 and the pivot pin 9 and the pivot hole 14 are respectively spaced so that (i) the pivot pin 9 and the pivot hole 14, (ii) the first clip 1 and the second socket 6, and (iii) the second clip 8 and the first socket 7, can be aligned and simultaneously engaged. The first and second clips 1, 8 require angular movement about the pivot axis to engage, and the capability of the pivot pin 9 to rotate in the pivot hole 14 allows this.

(23) The first magnet 2 is located in a first recess in the first main body 10 between the first clip 1 and the pivot hole 14, The second magnet 3 is located in a second recess in the first main body 10 between the first socket 7 and the pivot hole 14. The third magnet 4 is located in a third recess in the second main body 11 between the second socket 6 and the pivot pin 9. The fourth magnet 5 is located in a fourth recess in the second main body 11 between the second clip 8 and the pivot pin 9. The first magnet 2 and the third magnet 4 have unlike poles and so are attractive to each other. The second magnet 3 and the fourth magnet 5 also have unlike poles and so are attractive to each other. The first and second magnets 2, 3 have unlike poles and the third and fourth magnets 4, 5 have unlike poles. Thus, the magnets are paired. Notably, the first magnet 2 does not attract the fourth magnet 5 and the second magnet 3 does not attract the third magnet 4. Accordingly, when the first and second side faces 10a, 11a are spaced a predetermined maximum distance apart, the first and second clips 1, 8 are drawn to engage in their respective sockets 6, 7 and the pivot pin 9 is drawn into the pivot hole 14. If the sub-assemblies A, B are not appropriately disposed, the magnets 2, 3, 4, 5 act to turn the first and second sub assemblies angularly with respect to each other, moving them towards the appropriate disposition for the clips, sockets, pivot and pivot hole to engage. When the elements are appropriately aligned, and are approximately 5 mm from each other, the force of the magnets is sufficient as to pull the two sub-assemblies towards each other. The distance at which this occurs depends on the strength of the magnets and may be greater or lesser in variant embodiments. The magnets 2, 3, 4, 5 are permanently secured in their respective hole through a tight interference fit. In variant embodiments, the magnets may be otherwise secured, for example by means of adhesive or use of thread arrangement.

(24) Each of the first and second sockets 6, 7 has an open side, two opposing side walls 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b extending to define the open side, and a bridging wall bridging the two side walls. The two side walls and the bridging wall each extend to a bottom wall 18a, 18b. Each of the first and second sockets 6, 7 has a pair of engagement portion 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, each engagement portion extending from a respective side wall and also the bridging wall. Each engaging portion provides a ramp surface, having a slope extending from an edge of the bridging wall, the edge being at the corresponding side face 10a, 11a, and sloping into the socket. Each engaging portion 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b also has an abutment surface extending from the bridging wall to the end of the ramp surface within the respective socket, and defines a space between the ramps surface and the bottom of the socket.

(25) Each of the first and second clips 1, 8 has a head extending in a T-shape to provide a pair of ridges 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b. On each clip, one ridge projects generally away from the pivot pin axis and the other ridge projects generally towards the pivot pin axis. The ridges are sized to fit in the space between a corresponding abutment surface and the bottom of the corresponding socket. Each head is also bevelled to permit twist when in the corresponding socket.

(26) Each main body 10, 11 also includes an opening indicator 12, 13 to assist a user of the clasp system in pressing the appropriate places on the sub-assemblies A, B to enable the user to release the sub-assemblies from each other. In the Figures, each opening indicator is in the form of a dot, although other forms of opening indicator may be alternatively provided.

(27) Operation of the clasp system will now be described. In FIGS. 1, 2A to 2C, 3A and 3B, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are in a spaced configuration and are relatively oriented so that the first and second clips 1, 9 are aligned with their respective socket 6, 7 and the pivot pin 9 is aligned with the pivot pin socket 14. When the spacing of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B is less than a predetermined maximum spacing, for example 5 mm, the precise maximum spacing depending on the strength of the magnetic elements 2-5, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are drawn together. Usefully, the alignment of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B does not have to be precise. Since the pivot pin 9 is in the shape of a conical frustum, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are drawn together smoothly even if the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are only in approximate alignment. Also, the arrangement of like and unlike poles of the magnetic elements causes self-adjustment of the alignment, facilitating entry of the clips 1, 8 into the sockets 6, 7 and the pivot pin 9 into the pivot pin socket 14.

(28) The head of each of the first and second clips 1, 8 then abuts against a ramping surface of the corresponding engagement portion 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b as it enters the respective socket 6, 7. As the head moves along the ramp surface due to the action of the magnetic elements, each clip 1, 8 moves towards the open side of the socket 6, 7. This results in a relative twist movement of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B about the axis of the pivot pin 9. In FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are shown at a relative angle of about 3.5 degrees due to the twist movement. In FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are shown at a relative angle of about 10.5 degrees, which is the maximum twist angle that the action of the ramp surface on the heads causes. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the head includes chamfers, which permit angular movement of the head in the corresponding socket 6, 7. None of FIGS. 4A to 7 indicates a natural resting point of the clasping system. Rather, these figures provide snapshots of the fastening process.

(29) After reaching 10.5 degrees, the head of each of the first and second clips 1, 8 passes the engagement portion twists under the action of the magnets 2-5 so that each ridge 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b engages in the space between the bottom of the socket and the abutment surface of the engagement portion 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b. Accordingly, once the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are aligned they engage in a snap-fit manner under the action of the magnets 2-5.

(30) In FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9, the first and second sub-assemblies A, B are engaged. As shown in FIG. 8B, upper and lower surfaces of the first and second main bodies 10, 11 are respectively aligned. When so engaged, all outer surfaces are smooth. The side faces 10a, 11a of the first and second main bodies are flush against each other.

(31) To unfasten the clasp system to separate the first and second sub-assemblies A, B, finger pressure on approximately the marks 13, 14 causes an appropriate relative twisting movement. The twist action is in a single direction. In other words, pressing of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B towards wrist or other body part results in release. After the twisting movement results in the first and second sub-assemblies A, B twisting by at least 10.5 degrees about the pivot pin axis, the clips 1, 8 can be pulled from the sockets 6, 7 against the force exerted by the magnets.

(32) The clasp system described above can be made small and simple, yet highly effective and easy to fasten and release. It does not include any moving parts, but relies on magnetism and mechanical engagement to provide a clasping force.

(33) The main bodies 10, 11 may be produced in a moulding process. Apart from the magnetic elements, the parts may be formed of plastic in an injection moulding process. Alternatively, the parts may be cast from metal using a casting process or a metal injection moulding process. In the latter case, the magnets may be installed whilst the main bodies are still hot, such that the bodies will shrink over the magnets thereby to permanently secure them in place.

(34) In a preferred embodiment, the second main body 11 is made without the pivot pin 9, but made instead with a hole identical to the pivot hole 14. The pivot pin 9 is made separately in the form of a symmetrical double ended cone or conical frustum, with a pivot hole in each main body 10 being shaped to receive half of the pivot pin, and affixed in the hole. The pivot pin 9 may be permanently fixed in the hole by a tight inference fit or by means of adhesive. This permits, initially, the second main body 11 to be made identical to the first main body 10, resulting in economies in the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the pivot pin 9 may be integrally formed with the second main body 11.

(35) Where the pivot pin 9 is secured in the pivot pin recess and the magnetic elements 2-5 are secured by an interference fit, this may be aided by appropriate heating and cooling of the bodies of the first and second main bodies, advantageously including in a cooling part of the moulding process.

(36) Although not shown, the clasp system is intended for use as part of a device for attaching to a wrist, in which the device includes a means for transmitting information indicative of location of the device. For example, the device may include a GPS (Global Positioning System) locator and a transmitter for transmitting GPS coordinates to a base station. Accordingly, the location of the wearer of the device can be tracked. The wearer is able to remove the device, but the device will not detach accidentally.

(37) The clasp system is intended to join ends of a strap around a wrist, for example to enable attachment of a watch or other device. However, it will be appreciated that the clasp system has more general application as a fastener. The clasp system may be used where any device, article or ornamental item needs to be mounted or attached to the wrist or other parts of the body, such as to the ankle, neck or waist, or indeed other than on a person's body.

(38) It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the embodiments. For example, an angle of 10.5 degrees for release of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B is not essential. The angle is preferably between 25% and 50% of the height of the clasp assembly for a clasp for wrist mounting. Any less, and the clasp may be susceptible to accidental removal. If the angle required is greater than 50%, the clasp system may be difficult to remove when intended, since one or both of the first and second sub-assemblies A, B may have to be excessively pushed into a wearer's skin, resulting in discomfort.

(39) The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or step or combination of features and/or steps. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.