Length Adjustable Clasp Assembly

Abstract

A clasp assembly that provides a length adjustment mechanism. The clasp assembly is constructed from two components that can be threaded together or apart from each other in order to adjust the length of the clasp assembly. A first component attaches to the first end of a strap, and has a threaded connector for attaching to a second component. The second component includes at least one clasp component to facilitate fastening to the second end of the strap, and has a threaded connector that mates with the first component's threaded connector counterpart. A length adjustment is achieved by rotating the second component relative to the first component to thread them together or apart. Changing the distance between the two components allows adjustment of the fastened length of the clasp assembly and strap for an improved fit.

Claims

1. A clasp assembly, comprising: a. a chape including a first threaded connector for coupling with a clasp component, a garment strap attachment means, said first threaded connector being integrated with said garment strap attachment means, b. said clasp component including a second threaded connector for coupling with said chape, a garment strap fastening means, said second threaded connector being integrated with said garment strap fastening means, c. said threaded connectors including mateable internally threaded cylindrical hole and externally threaded cylindrical rod, whereby clasp assembly length adjustment is achieved by threading said first threaded connector of said chape and said second threaded connector of said clasp component together or apart.

2. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said garment strap is a waist belt.

3. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said chape and said clasp component can be completely uncoupled for interchange of said clasp component with another clasp component.

4. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said garment strap attachment means of said chape covers a portion said garment strap, and said attachment means is at least partially exposed.

5. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said garment strap attachment means of said chape is enveloped by said garment strap, and said attachment means is at least partially concealed.

6. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said garment strap fastening means of said clasp component includes a frame-style buckle, whereby the free end of said garment strap, opposite the end attached to the chape, would pass through the open space within said frame-style buckle for fastening.

7. The clasp assembly of claim 6, wherein: a. said frame-style buckle includes at least one prong, said at least one prong being pivotally connected to said frame-style buckle, b. at least one hole sized to accommodate fastening of said at least one prong in the free end of said garment strap, c. a means to pass said at least one prong through said at least one hole for fastening.

8. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said garment strap fastening means includes a plate-style buckle, whereby the free end of said garment strap, opposite the end attached to the chape, would pass under said plate-style buckle for fastening.

9. The clasp assembly of claim 8, wherein: a. said plate-style buckle includes at least one prong, said at least one prong being attached to said plate-style buckle, b. at least one hole sized to accommodate fastening of said at least one prong in the free end of said garment strap, c. a means to pass said at least one prong through said at least one hole for fastening.

10. The clasp assembly of claim 1, wherein: a. said threaded connectors include a means to increase friction to prevent unintentional adjustment of said clasp assembly.

11. A clasp assembly, comprising: a. a chape including a first threaded connector for coupling with a clasp component, a wristwatch strap attachment means, said first threaded connector being integrated with said wristwatch strap attachment means, b. said clasp component including a second threaded connector for coupling with said chape, a wristwatch strap fastening means, said second threaded connector being integrated with said wristwatch strap fastening means, c. said threaded connectors including mateable internally threaded cylindrical hole and externally threaded cylindrical rod, whereby clasp assembly length adjustment is achieved by threading said first threaded connector of said chape and said second threaded connector of said clasp component together or apart.

12. The clasp assembly of claim 11, wherein: a. said wristwatch strap fastening means of said clasp component includes a frame-style buckle, whereby the free end of said wristwatch strap, opposite the end attached to the chape, would pass through the open space within said frame-style buckle for fastening.

13. The clasp assembly of claim 12, wherein: a. said frame-style buckle includes at least one prong, said at least one prong being pivotally connected to said frame-style buckle, b. at least one hole sized to accommodate fastening of said at least one prong in the free end of said wristwatch strap, c. a means to pass said at least one prong through said at least one hole for fastening.

14. The clasp assembly of claim 11, wherein: a. said wristwatch strap fastening means includes a plate-style buckle, whereby the free end of said wristwatch strap, opposite the end attached to the chape, would pass under said plate-style buckle for fastening.

15. The clasp assembly of claim 14, wherein: a. said plate-style buckle includes at least one prong, said at least one prong being connected to said plate-style buckle, b. at least one hole sized to accommodate fastening of said at least one prong in the free end of said wristwatch strap, c. a means to pass said at least one prong through said at least one hole for fastening.

16. The clasp assembly of claim 11, wherein: a. said wristwatch strap is constructed from interconnected links.

17. The clasp assembly of claim 16, wherein: a. the appearance of said chape is designed to substantially match the appearance of said interconnected links.

18. The clasp assembly of claim 11, wherein: a. said threaded connectors include a means to increase friction to prevent unintentional adjustment of said clasp assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a clasp component including a frame-style buckle, a single prong, and a cylinder with an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a chape.

[0011] FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of a clasp component including a frame-style buckle, two prongs, and an externally threaded cylindrical rod for coupling with a chape.

[0012] FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of a clasp component including a plate-style buckle, a single prong, and an externally threaded cylindrical rod.

[0013] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a chape including a securing bar and a cylinder with an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a clasp component.

[0014] FIG. 2B shows a cutaway view of a chape including a securing bar and a cylinder with an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a clasp component.

[0015] FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of a chape including an attachment plate and an externally threaded cylindrical rod for coupling with a clasp component.

[0016] FIG. 2D shows an embodiment of a chape including an attachment plate and an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a clasp component.

[0017] FIG. 3A shows a belt strap with an embodiment of a clasp assembly including a chape with external threads mating with a clasp component with internal threads.

[0018] FIG. 3B shows a belt strap with an embodiment of a clasp assembly including a chape with internal threads mating with a clasp component with external threads.

[0019] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of a link-style wristwatch strap including an end link serving as a chape with an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a clasp component.

[0020] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of a clasp component including a wristwatch link containing a fold-over clasp bar, and externally threaded cylindrical rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following will describe details of clasp assemblies that include a chape and clasp component that can be threaded together or apart to achieve a length adjustment of the assembly. Some examples of clasp components and chapes are provided first to aid in understanding the components before showing examples of clasp assemblies.

[0022] Figures are representative of functional parts and do not represent a specific style or design that must be used to construct a length adjustable clasp assembly. Figures are scaled to show details and are not intended to represent required part sizes.

[0023] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a clasp component that includes a frame-style buckle 10, a hinge 13 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10, a prong 11 that is fixed to hinge 13, a hinge 14 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10, a cylinder 12 that is fixed to hinge 14, and an internally threaded cylindrical hole 17 along the longitudinal axis of cylinder 12. In a complete clasp assembly, the threaded hole 17 would thread onto an externally threaded cylindrical rod of a chape (such as FIG. 2C). A length adjustment would be made by threading the chape and clasp component together or apart to change the overall length of the clasp assembly. The prong 11 would fasten through a hole in a strap (not shown) to secure the clasp and strap.

[0024] FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of a clasp component including a frame-style buckle 10 that is hinged on a rod 15 and can pivot relative to an externally threaded cylindrical rod 16. The threaded rod 16 is perpendicular to and fixed to rod 15. Each of two prongs 11 are fixed to one of two hinges 13 that pivot on rod 15, and the two prongs 11 can pivot relative to the buckle 10. In a complete clasp assembly, the threaded rod 16 would thread into a threaded hole of a chape (such as FIG. 2A). A length adjustment would be made by threading the chape and clasp component together or apart to change the overall length of the clasp assembly. The prongs 11 would fasten through holes in a strap (not shown) to secure the clasp and strap.

[0025] FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of a clasp component including a plate-style buckle 18 with attached prong 11, and both ends of U-shaped buckle wire 19 perpendicular to and attached to the buckle 18. An externally threaded cylindrical rod 16 is perpendicular to and fixed to a cylindrical tube hinge 13. The buckle wire 19 passes though the hinge 13 to allow the buckle 18 to pivot relative to the threaded rod 16. The threaded rod 16 would thread into a threaded hole of a chape (such as FIG. 2A).

[0026] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a chape that includes a securing bar 20 that is perpendicular to and fixed to cylinder 21, and an internally threaded cylindrical hole 25 along the longitudinal axis of cylinder 21. The chape would be enveloped and held in place by a strap (not shown) with the internally threaded cylindrical hole 25 accessible through a hole in the strap. In a complete clasp assembly, the clasp component (such as FIG. 1B) would thread into the threaded hole 25.

[0027] FIG. 2B shows a cutaway view of the FIG. 2A chape including a securing bar 20 that is fixed to cylinder 21, and an internally threaded cylindrical hole 25 in the cylinder 21. The internal threads may encompass the entirety of the cylindrical hole or just a portion of the cylindrical hole as shown.

[0028] FIG. 2C shows another embodiment of a chape including a U-shaped attachment plate 23 with two parallel side plates and an end plate, and externally threaded cylindrical rod 22 perpendicular to and fixed to the end plate of attachment plate 23. The side plates have aligned attachment holes 24. A strap (not shown) would be held between the side plates of the attachment plate 23 with fasteners through the attachment holes 24. A clasp component (such as FIG. 1A) would thread onto the threaded rod 22.

[0029] FIG. 2D shows another embodiment of a chape including a flat attachment plate 23, and internally threaded cylindrical hole 25. The attachment plate 23 having attachment holes 24. The chape would be enveloped by a strap (not shown) with the threaded hole 25 accessible through a hole in the strap, and fastened to the strap through the attachment holes 24. A clasp component (such as FIG. 1B) would thread into the threaded hole 25.

[0030] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a clasp assembly with an attached strap. A clasp component, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1A, including a frame-style buckle 10, a prong 11 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10, and a cylinder 12 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10, where cylinder 12 has an internally threaded cylindrical hole for coupling with a chape. A chape, similar to the one shown in FIG. 2C, including an externally threaded cylindrical rod 22 that is threaded to the clasp component's internally threaded counterpart in cylinder 12. An attachment plate 23 is attached to the first end of a strap 26 via fasteners 29, such as rivets or screws, through attachment holes similar to FIG. 2C attachment holes 24. Prior to the strap 26 being inserted through the open space within the buckle 10, the length of the clasp assembly is adjusted by rotating the clasp component relative to the chape to thread them together or apart, thereby adjusting the length of the buckle and strap. A prong 11 may be fastened through a hole 28 in the second end of the strap 26 to secure the clasp and strap.

[0031] FIG. 3B shows another embodiment of a clasp assembly with an attached strap. A clasp component, similar to the one shown in FIG. 1B, including a frame-style buckle 10, two prongs 11 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10, and an externally threaded cylindrical rod 16 that can pivot relative to the buckle 10. A chape, similar to the one shown in FIG. 2A, including a cylinder 21 with an internally threaded cylindrical hole that is threaded onto the clasp component's externally threaded counterpart 16. The first end of a strap 26 folds over the chape and envelopes it. Fasteners 29, such as rivets or screws, go through the two layers of the folded over strap 26 and hold the strap 26 tight against the chape to keep the chape in its proper location. A securing rod 20 prevents the chape from rotating when the clasp component is threaded into or out of the threaded hole of cylinder 21. The first end of the strap 26 has a hole (not shown) where it wraps over the opening of the threaded hole of cylinder 21 to allow the threaded rod 16 to pass through the strap 26 and into the threaded hole of cylinder 21. Prior to the strap 26 being inserted through the open space within the buckle 10, the length of the clasp assembly is adjusted by rotating the clasp component relative to the chape to thread them together or apart, thereby adjusting the length of the buckle and strap. Two prongs 11 may be fastened through holes 28 in the second end of strap 26 to secure the clasp and strap. A strap keeper 27 may be secured to the strap by fasteners 29 and used to hold excess length of the second end of strap in place.

[0032] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of a chape for a link-style wristwatch strap including interconnected links 43, link interconnection pins 44, and an end link 42 having an internally threaded cylindrical hole 41 for coupling with a clasp component. The interconnection pins 44 pass through aligned holes in links 43 and end link 42 to hold the chain of individual links together while allowing the strap to be flexible.

[0033] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of a clasp component for a link-style wristwatch strap including a link 46 containing a fold-over clasp bar 47, and externally threaded cylindrical rod 45. A fold-over clasp is a common type of clasp used with wristwatches. The fold-over clasp would be fixed to the opposing wristwatch strap (not shown) and would fasten to the clasp bar 47. The threaded rod 45 would thread into a threaded hole of a chape (such as FIG. 4A). A length adjustment would be made by threading the chape and clasp component together or apart prior to securing the fold-over clasp to the clasp bar 47. In this embodiment, it is shown that for some designs it may be preferred for a passive component to be threaded onto a chape that is connected to the first end of a strap, and the active component of a clasp to be attached to the second end of a strap.

[0034] Not all straps are contiguous, such as wristwatch straps that may be formed from two separate pieces. Also, some garment belt straps are two independent straps, such as ones that fasten on one end to pant belt loops instead of a single strap encircling the waist.

[0035] The style of a clasp or buckle may vary to meet a designer's preference as many styles may be designed in this way to have an adjustable length. Clasps may include prongs, snaps, magnets, hooks, claws, and others fastening devices.

[0036] A chape may attach to a strap in any functional manner, only a few examples are provided here. Exposed fasteners are not required. For example, screws from the back side of the chape may attach the strap. Alternatively, the chape may clamp onto, snap onto, hook onto, or slide onto a strap for attachment.

[0037] A garment strap may be designed to be reversible by rotating a clasp component 180-degrees relative to a chape, allowing the strap to be worn with the opposite side exposed. This would result in a change in the clasp length as well.

[0038] Multiple clasp components can be provided with a chape to provide interchangeable clasp component styles, such as different colors, materials, designs, sizes, shapes, and themes. Clasp components are changed by completely unthreading one clasp component from a chape and threading a different clasp component onto the chape.

[0039] A clasp component and chape may be designed to prevent completely unthreading from each other in order to prevent disassembly.

[0040] A strap or strap links may be made from any appropriate natural or synthetic material, such as leather, rubber, canvas, vinyl, fabric, elastic fabrics, metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, carbon fiber, composites, and others.

[0041] Components of a clasp assembly may be made from any appropriate material, such as metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, carbon fiber, composites, and others. Various components of a clasp assembly may be made from different materials.

[0042] Components of a clasp assembly may be made using any appropriate construction techniques, such as cast, milled, molded, 3D printed, forged, stamped, laser cut, and others. Various components of a clasp assembly may be made using different construction techniques.

[0043] The internally threaded cylindrical hole and externally threaded cylindrical rod mating counterparts may be fixed to either a clasp component or a chape of a clasp assembly as the design dictates. The length of the threaded counterparts may be determined based on a clasp assembly's design and desired length adjustment range. The threads may be course or fine to provide the desired adjustability.

[0044] Friction between the clasp component's and chape's threaded components may be enhanced to prevent unintentional adjustments. To achieve this, the threads may have tight tolerances, they may have a friction-enhancing coating, they may be knurled, a friction-enhancing insert may be used in the internally threaded cylindrical hole, or other appropriate methods may be used.

[0045] A friction-enhancing insert would deform elastically over the threads of the externally threaded cylindrical rod to create a radial compressive force. It may be a collar, ring, bushing, sleeve, lining, or other appropriate type of insert, and it may be made from any appropriate material, such as plastic, nylon, rubber, silicon, and others.

[0046] These embodiments show how a length adjustable clasp assembly comprising a chape and a clasp component that are threaded together can provide a simple and easy adjustment of the fastened length of the clasp assembly and strap for an improved fit.

[0047] Although example embodiments are described in detail here, it should be appreciated that other versions and methods of use are possible. The provided figures and examples are for purposes of illustration, and should not be construed as limitations on the scope. Various modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, including variations in shape, size, assembly, and clasp operation, and are deemed equivalent to those illustrated and described.