Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Separable-fastener or required component thereof – With third detached member completing interlock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-29
2001-10-30
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Separable-fastener or required component thereof
With third detached member completing interlock
C024S375000, C024S376000, C024S599100, C024S599600, C024S600900
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308385
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a jewelry clasp for fastening necklaces and bracelets.
Jewelry clasps conventionally have a jump ring, or small ring, at the end of the necklace which is permanently secured to the clasp by soldering for example. The permanently attached jump ring is generally smaller than the detachable jump ring attached to the free end of the necklace. A problem with soldering the end of the necklace to the clasp is that if it breaks, the necklace has to be repaired by a jeweler, a time-consuming process.
Another problem with conventional clasps is that because of the size of the detachable jump ring at the free end of the necklace and the size of the clasp itself, pendants are permanently attached to the necklace. The detachable jump ring and the clasp are both too large to fit through the bale or loop through which the necklace extends. Thus, the pendant is not removable from the necklace unless the jump ring is removed or the chain breaks. The larger jump ring cannot be made smaller to alleviate this problem because the necklace would then become too difficult to fasten.
A jewelry clasp that allows for removing pendants from the necklace and is more easily repairable is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a jewelry clasp having first and second apertures which are selectively engaged by a latch aperture of a latch, allowing for access to both ends of the clasp.
In one form thereof, the present invention provides a jewelry clasp having a first clasp portion including a discontinuous periphery. The first clasp portion defines first and second apertures and first and second ends of the clasp. The jewelry clasp further includes a latch having a latch aperture in the periphery thereof. The latch is movably connected to the first clasp portion for selectively enabling alignment of the respective first and second apertures with the latch aperture. When the latch aperture is aligned with the first aperture a link can be attached to one end of the clasp and when the latch aperture is aligned with the second aperture a link can be attached to the second end of the clasp.
In a preferred form, the jewelry clasp further includes a spring for maintaning the latch in a position such that the latch aperture is not aligned with the first or second apertures. An actuator is provided to move or pivot the latch. The first clasp portion has a pin extending therefrom for retaining the spring which is V-shaped. The latch includes a slot where the pin is disposed. The slot guides the latch as it pivots. The jewelry clasp further comprises a second clasp portion. The latch is disposed between the first and second clasp portions.
In another form thereof, the present invention provides a jewelry clasp having a first clasp portion including a discontinuous periphery. The first clasp portion defines first and second apertures. The jewelry clasp further includes a latch having a latch aperture located i the periphery thereof. A pin extends from the first clasp portion. A spring is disposed in the latch such that the end of the spring is located adjacent the pin. An actuator is provided for moving the latch such that when the latch is moved, the spring is compressed. A latch aperture in the periphery of the latch aligns with respective first and second apertures in the periphery of the first clasp portion such that a link may be attached to one side of the clasp.
In a preferred form, the pin of the spring biasing is located on the outside of the spring so as to retain the spring. The spring biasing further includes a post located adjacent the inside surface of the spring, at the apex of the spring. The spring biasing further includes a spring aperture in the latch. The spring allows the latch to be self centered.
In another form thereof, the present invention provides a jewelry clasp having first and second clasp portions. Each of the first and second clasp portions include a discontinuous periphery defining first and second apertures in each the first and second clasp portions. A latch having a latch aperture in the periphery thereof is also provided. The latch further includes an actuator for moving the latch to align the latch aperture respectively with the first and second aperture so that a link may be attached to the clasp.
In a preferred form, the jewelry clasp further includes a spring operatively connected with the latch for self-centering the latch. A pin is attached to the first and second clasp portions so as to retain the spring. The spring compresses as the latch is moved by the actuator which pivots the latch.
The advantages of the jewelry clasp include the versatility of having both sides of the clasp accessible so that both ends of the necklace are free. One end of the necklace can have a smaller jump ring than the other so that pendants are removable from the necklace and interchangeable. If the clasp becomes damaged, the whole jewelry clasp can be replaced rather than having to be repaired.
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Baker & Daniels
Brittain James R.
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