EP2127551A2

EP2127551A2 - Clasp for accessory

Info

Publication number: EP2127551A2
Application number: EP20090001793
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masahiro Hoshino
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-26
Filing date: 2009-02-09
Publication date: 2009-12-02
Also published as: JP2010005376A; JP5433296B2; CN101589870A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clasp for an accessory, including a clasp main body (1) having an aperture (11) in which a first coupling unit (12) is formed, and an insertion member (2) including a second coupling unit (25) which is to be inserted into the aperture and to be coupled to the first coupling unit in a removable fashion. The insertion member includes two components (21, 22) which are arranged parallel to an insertion direction of the insertion member. The components of the insertion member are joined together by a fixing unit (23) in such a way that the second coupling unit opens or closes, and the components are biased by a biasing unit (24) in a direction in which the second coupling unit closes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Generally, the present invention relates to clasps for accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a clasp which is assembled from a small number of components and which is configured to be connected/disconnected easily.

2. Description of the Related Art

A typical clasp for accessories (for example, chains, etc.) is shown in Figs. 15A to 15C. As shown in those figures, the clasp is equipped with a latching mechanism using an elastic member such as a coil spring (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication H9-182609 ).
The illustrated clasp 120 mainly includes a front case 112, a rear case 118 and a latched pin 113. One end of the latched pin 113 is coupled to a string 114 which connects multiple beads, and the other end thereof is spherical so as to be inserted into an insert hole 112b easily. In addition, the latched pin 113 has a cylindrical body on which a latched groove 113a is formed.
Referring to Figs. 15C and 15D, the front case 112 contains a receiving member 115 and a latching member 116 including a button 116b. The front case 112 and the rear case 118 house several components and their outer surfaces have patterns thereon as shown in Fig. 15A. To one side edge (left side in Fig. 15C) of the front case 112 an attachment ring 112a is coupled, while on the opposite side edge the insert hole 112b into which the latched pin 113 is to be inserted is formed. Furthermore, the upper edge of the front case 112 has an opening 112c into which the button 116b is embedded.
The receiving member 115 has a cylindrical, hollow shape and it is adapted to guide the insertion of the latched pin 113. The lower side of the receiving member 115 has a recess 115b in which a latching portion 116c of the latching member 116 is to fit.
The latching member 116 is formed by integrating the button 116b and a substantially U-shaped plate 116a and it is configured to fit into the latched groove 113a of the latched pin 113. The button 116b has a hollow shape and contains the coil spring 117, and it is movable vertically. When a user pushes down the button 116b with his/her finger, the coil spring 117 is compressed so that the latching member 116 is shifted downward. As a result, the latching member 116 comes off the latched groove 113a of the latched pin 113.
The rear case 118 is adapted to be attached to the front case 112, and it is provided with two notches in order to allow the movement of the button 116b and the receiving member 115.
The latching member 116 constantly undergoes upward force due to the biasing force from the coil spring 117 while the latching portion 116c is embedded into the recess 115b of the receiving member 115. However, once downward force is applied to the latching member 116, the U-shaped plate 116a is shifted downward against the biasing force from the coil spring 117. In response, the latching portion 116c is released from the recess 115b of the receiving member 115. As a result, the latched pin 113 is made removable.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2005-296523 discloses a necklace including beads and a clasp. This necklace is composed of the beads, a string that connects the beads, a receiving unit of which end is connected to the string, multiple spacers, the decorated clasp, and a latched tag that is formed on the rear surface of the clasp and that has a hook.
The above clasps have the following disadvantages.
The former clasp is composed of a large number of components. Therefore, the structure is complicated and a lot of time is required to assemble the components.
The latter clasp is difficult to connect/disconnect by using both hands of a user.
Moreover, in order to increase possible variations of the design of a clasp, the clasp of which the main body does not have any button is highly in demand.
Taking the above description into account, the present invention has been conceived. One object of the present invention is to provide a simple-structured clasp for an accessory. An additional object of the present invention is to provide a clasp for an accessory, by which both ends of the accessory can be connected/disconnected easily on purpose but are less prone to be disconnected accidentally. Another object of the present invention is to provide a clasp for an accessory which is not equipped with any button on its main body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a clasp for an accessory which comprises a clasp main body (1) having an aperture (11) in which a first coupling unit (12) is formed, and an insertion member (2) including a second coupling unit (25) which is to be inserted into the aperture and to be coupled to the first coupling unit in a removable fashion. Further, the insertion member comprises two components (21, 22) which are arranged parallel to an insertion direction of the insertion member. The components of the insertion member are joined together by a fixing unit (23) in such a way that the second coupling unit opens or closes, and the components are biased by a biasing means (24) in a direction in which the second coupling unit closes.
With this configuration, both of the clasp main body and the insertion member are made simple in structure. It is thus possible to assemble the clasp of the first aspect from a small number of components, thereby making the assembly time shorter than before.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to the first aspect, the first coupling unit of the clasp main body comprises a dome-shaped member (12a) and a stem (12b), and the stem extends from a bottom of the aperture and supports the dome-shaped member, the stem being thinner than dome-shaped member. In addition, the second coupling unit of the insertion member is configured to open when the insertion member comes into contact with the dome-shaped member and to pinch the stem by means of biasing force from the biasing means.
With the configuration of the second aspect, the clasp can connect both ends of an accessory merely by inserting the insertion member into the aperture of the clasp main body. Furthermore, the clasp can disconnect them simply by applying force to the insertion member against the biasing force. It is thus easy for a user to connect/disconnect the clasp. Moreover, since the insertion member meshes with the clasp main body, the clasp is less prone to be disconnected accidentally.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided, the clasp according to the first or second aspect in which the aperture of the clasp main body and the insertion member are circular in cross-section.
With the configuration of the third aspect, the insertion main body is allowed to be inserted into the aperture of the clasp at any given rotation angle. This enables the connection of the clasp to be made easier.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to the first or second aspect, the aperture (110) of the clasp main body (1000) extends in a tapered shape. In addition, the insertion member (2000) is configured such that an outer surface of the second coupling unit (250) fits in an inner surface of the aperture when the second coupling unit comes into contact with the first coupling unit.
With the configuration of the fourth aspect, the insertion member can be secured to the clasp main body firmly.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to the first aspect, the first coupling unit (120) has a rod shape and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion member. In addition, the second coupling unit is configured to pinch the first coupling unit.
With the configuration of the fifth aspect, the clasp can connect both ends of an accessory merely by inserting the insertion member into the aperture of the clasp main body. Furthermore, the clasp can disconnect them simply by applying force to the insertion member against the biasing force. It is therefore easy to connect/disconnect the clasp. Moreover, since the insertion member meshes with the clasp main body, the accessory is less prone to be disconnected accidentally.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to any of first to fifth claims, the insertion member (50) is provided with a container (26), and the biasing means is positioned inside this container.
With the configuration of the sixth aspect, some possible accidents in which the biasing unit catches the hair, finger or clothes of a user can be prevented.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to any of the first to sixth aspects, the insertion member (50) has a flange (27), and a circumferential surface of the clasp main body is flush with that of the flange while the second coupling unit of the insertion member is coupled to the first coupling unit of the clasp main body.
With the configuration of the seventh aspect, the appearance of the clasp is enhanced.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to any of the first to seventh aspects, the aperture of the clasp main body comprises a plurality of apertures, and the insertion member comprises two insertion members.
With the configuration of the eighth aspect, a user can change the orientation of the clasp by selecting desired two ones among the apertures into which the insertion members are to be inserted.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the clasp according to any of the first to eighth aspects, the insertion member (60) has at least one panel (28a, 28b), and the panel covers the whole of the clasp main body while the second coupling unit of the insertion member is coupled to the first coupling unit of the clasp main body.
With the configuration of the ninth aspect, the appearance of the clasp is enhanced.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, the clasp according to the ninth aspect, in which an outer surface of the panel has predetermined patterns entirely or partially.
With the configuration of the tenth aspect, the appearance of the clasp is made much better.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided, an accessory equipped with the clasp according to any of the first to tenth aspects.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in the accessory equipped with the clasp according to the eighth aspect, the clasp comprises a plurality of exchangeable type clasps, and the exchangeable type clasps have different outer shapes, patterns or colors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages hereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1A is a view depicting a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention while an insertion member and a clasp main body are separated from each other;
Fig. 1B is a view depicting the clasp according to the first embodiment while the insertion member is coupled to the clasp main body;
Fig. 2A is a view depicting the clasp main body of the clasp of the first embodiment;
Fig. 2B is a view depicting a cross-section of the clasp main body;
Fig. 2C is a view depicting the insertion member of the clasp of the first embodiment;
Fig. 2D is a view depicting a cross-section of the insertion member;
Fig. 3A is a view depicting a first member of the insertion member;
Fig. 3B is a view depicting a second member of the insertion member;
Fig. 4A is a view depicting another first member of the insertion member;
Fig. 4B is a view depicting another second member of the insertion member;
Fig. 5A is a view depicting a process for connecting the insertion member to the clasp main body;
Fig. 5B is a view depicting a process for connecting the insertion member to the clasp main body;
Fig. 5C is a view depicting a process for connecting the insertion member to the clasp main body;
Fig. 6A is a view depicting a process for disconnecting the insertion member from the clasp main body;
Fig. 6B is a view depicting a process for disconnecting the insertion member from the clasp main body;
Fig. 7A is a view depicting a clasp according to a first modification of the first embodiment while the insertion member and the clasp main body are separated from one another;
Fig. 7B is a view depicting the clasp according to the fist modification while the insertion member is coupled to the clasp main body;
Fig. 8 is a view depicting a clasp according to a second modification of the first embodiment;
Fig. 9A is a view depicting a clasp according to a third modification of the first embodiment;
Fig. 9B is a view depicting another clasp according to a third modification of the first embodiment;
Fig. 10A is a view depicting a clasp according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10B is a view depicting the clasp according to the second embodiment;
Fig. 11A is a view depicting a clasp according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11B is a view depicting the clasp according to the second embodiment;
Fig. 12A is a view depicting a clasp according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12B is another view depicting a clasp according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12C is further another view depicting a clasp according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a view depicting a clasp according to a first modification of a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a view depicting a clasp according to a second modification of a third embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 15 is a view depicting one example of a typical clasp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment]

With reference to Figs. 1A to 9B, a clasp according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
Referring to Fig. 1A, a clasp 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a clasp main body 1 and an insertion member 2. The clasp main body 1 is provided with an aperture 11, and in the aperture 11 a first coupling unit 12 is formed. The insertion member 2 is provided with a second coupling unit 25 that is adapted to be inserted into the aperture 11 and to mesh with the first coupling unit 12 in a removable fashion.
The clasp main body 1 is connected to a bead 3 through a ring 4, while the insertion member 2 is connected to a bead 3' through a ring 4'. Referring to Fig. 1B, the first coupling unit 12 of the clasp main body 1 and the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 are attached to each other, thereby constituting a joint of a necklace.
In this embodiment, the clasp 100 of Figs 1A and 1B is applied to the necklace composed of multiple beads. However, note that the clasp 100 is applicable to not only necklaces but also various accessories including wristbands, anklets and pendants.
Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the clasp main body 1 includes the aperture 11 having a uniform diameter, the first coupling unit 12 provided in the aperture 11, and the ring 4 coupled to the edge of the clasp main body 1.
The first coupling unit 12 includes a domed cap 12a and a stem 12b. The domed cap 12a is adapted to lead the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 to the interior of the aperture 11. The stem 12b extends from a bottom of the aperture 11 and it is thinner than the domed cap 12a. Furthermore, to the stem 12b the second coupling unit 25 is to be attached.
Referring to Figs. 2C and 2D, the insertion member 2 is configured to be inserted into the aperture 11 of the clasp main body 1. In addition, the insertion member 2 includes the second coupling unit 25 mainly composed of a first member 21 and a second member 22 which are arranged parallel to each other.
The first and second members 21 and 22 are joined together by a fixing unit 23 in such a way that they pivot on the fixing unit 23, that is, the second coupling unit 25 opens/closes. In addition, both members are urged by means of biasing force from a coil spring 24 in the direction in which the second coupling unit 25 closes.
Figs 3A and 3B show the first member 21 and the second member 22, respectively. Those members are equipped with protruding fixing portions 23a and 23b, respectively. Each of the fixing portions 23a and 23b has a via hole. By passing the fixing unit 23 through those via holes, both members are jointed together.
However, the structures of the first and second members 21 and 22 are not limited to those of Figs. 3A and 3B . Figs. 4A and 4B show another first member 31 and second member 32, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4A, the first member 21 has two projecting fixing portions 23c and 23d, each of which has a via hole. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 4B, the second member 22 has a projecting fixing portion 23e with a via hole. When the first and second members 31 and 32 are jointed, the fixing portion 23e of the second member 22 is embedded in a gap between the fixing portions 23c and 23d of the first member 21.
In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3A and 4A, the first member 21 or 31 is provided with walls 25C and defines an inner space 25a. Likewise, as shown in Figs. 3B and 4B, the second member 22 or 32 is provided with walls 25d and defines an inner space 25b.
Either of the first and second members 21 and 22 or 31 and 32 may include coil spring areas 26a and 26b for containing the coil spring 24, respectively, as necessary.
Once a user inserts the insertion member 2 into the aperture 11 of the clasp main body 1, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 comes into contact with the domed cap 12a of the clasp main body 1. In response, the second coupling unit 25 opens. When a user pushes the insertion member 2 toward the bottom of the aperture 11, the wall 25c of the second coupling unit 25 slides on the domed cap 12a. Finally, the second coupling unit 25 is attached to the stem 12b so that the insertion member 2 is connected to the clasp main body 1. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 pinches the stem 12b by means of the biasing force from the coil spring 24. While the insertion member 2 is connected to the clasp main body 1, the connection is maintained even if the insertion member 2 is pulled out from the clasp main body 1.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 again, the walls 25c and 25d of the first and second members 21 and 22 or 31 and 32, respectively, are inclined at a predetermined angle or vertically with respect to the insert direction. Accordingly, the inner spaces 25a and 25b can contain the first coupling unit 12.
As shown in Figs. 2B and 2D, it is preferable that both of the aperture 11 and the insertion member 2 are circular in cross-section. This is because the insertion member 2 can be inserted into the aperture 11 at any given rotation angle. However, note that their cross-sections are not limited to a circular shape.
Subsequent to the structure of the clasp 100, a process of connecting the clasp main body 1 and the insertion member 2 will be described below with reference to Figs. 5A to 5C.
First, as shown in Fig. 5A, a user inserts the insertion member 2 into the aperture 11 of the clasp main body 1.
Second, a user pushes the insertion member 2 toward the bottom of the aperture 11. Following this, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 comes into contact with the domed cap 12a of the first coupling unit 12, as shown in Fig. 5B. In response, the coil spring 24 of the insertion member 2 is compressed, and the second coupling unit 25 opens.
Third, while a user is pushing the insertion member 2, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 is sliding on the domed cap 12a.
Finally, the second coupling unit 25 is attached to the stem 12b as shown in Fig. 5C.
When the second coupling unit 25 reaches the stem 12b, the coil spring 24 returns to its initial shape so that the second coupling unit 25 closes. In this way, the second coupling unit 25 meshes with the stem 12b. In other words, the second coupling unit 25 pinches the stem 12b. As a result, the insertion member 2 is connected to the clasp main body 1.
With the structure that the walls 25c and 25d are inclined at a predetermined angle or vertically with respect to the insertion direction, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 is not detached from the stem 12b even when the insertion member 2 is pulled out in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Thus, the clasp main body 1 cannot be removed from the insertion member 2 easily.
In turn, with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B, description will be given below, of a process of disconnecting the insertion member 2 from the clasp main body 1.
First, referring to Fig. 6A, while the insertion member 2 is attached to the clasp main body 1, in other words, while the second coupling unit 25 pinches the first coupling unit 12, a user applies force to the first and second members 21 and 22 of the insertion member 2 in the direction of arrows of Fig. 6A.
In response, the coil spring 24 is compressed and the second coupling unit 25 opens.
Second, while the force is applied to the first and second members 21 and 22, a user pulls the insertion member 2 in the direction of an arrow of Fig. 6B. As a result, the insertion member 2 is detached from the clasp main body 1 so that the insertion member 2 is disconnected from the clasp main body 1.
As described above, the clasp 100 of the first embodiment is not equipped with a button on the clasp main body 1. This makes it possible to increase possible variations in the design of the clasp main body 1. Thus, a designer can determine the design of the clasp main body 1 without considering where a button is provided. Furthermore, the second coupling unit 25 of the insertion member 2 is caught by the domed cap 12a of the clasp main body 1 . Accordingly, even if the insertion member 2 is pulled out, it is not removed and is kept meshing with the clasp main body 1.
With reference to Figs. 7A and 7B, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

[First Modification of First Embodiment]

With reference to 7A and 7B, description will be given below, of a clasp 200 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. Referring to those figures, a clasp 200 according to a first modification of the first embodiment differs in structure from the clasp 100 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the clasp main body 1 and an insertion member 50 form a single body, and the coil spring 24 is positioned inside a coil spring area 26. Since other structures of the clasp 200 are similar to those of the clasp 100, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components and description thereof is omitted.
In this modification, an outer flange 27 is provided on the end of an insertion member 50. Because of this flange, when the insertion member 50 is connected to the clasp main body 1, the circumferential surfaces of the clasp main body 1 and of the insertion member 50 are flush with each other. Therefore, they can form the single body. In addition, upon disconnection, a user can hold the outer flange 27, thus making it easy to disconnect them. This structure is advantageous especially in the case where the clasp 200 is applied to small accessories, because the clasp 200 can be made more compact than the clasp 100.
The insertion member 50 of the clasp 200 defines the coil spring area 26, and the coil spring 24 is located inside the coil spring area 26. This enables the decrease in the risk in which the coil spring 24 catches hair of a user or the coil spring 24 is accidentally detached from the insertion member 50.
In the clasp 100 as well as the clasp 200, the clasp main body 1 and the insertion member 2 or 50 have the simple structure.
This leads to the compactness of the clasp 100 or 200. In addition, either of the clasps 100 or 200 can be connected/disconnected easily on purpose.

[Second Modification of First Embodiment]

With reference to Fig. 8, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a second modification of the first embodiment. Referring to this figure, a clasp 300 according to a second modification of the first embodiment includes an insertion member 60 that differs in structure from that of the clasp 100. Specifically, the insertion member 60 is equipped with a pair of decorative panels 28a and 28b. Those panels 28a and 28b are arranged opposite one another across the first and second members 21 and 22. The panels 28a and 28b may be secured to the first and second members 21 and 22 through screws, etc. Alternatively, both the panel 28a and the first member 21 and both the panel 28b and the second members 22 may be integrated, respectively. Each of the panels 28a and 28b may have a predetermined shape such as a square or triangle shape, and may possess prescribed patterns. While the insertion member 60 is connected to the clasp main body 1, the panels 28a and 28b cover the whole of the clasp main body 1. Thus, the panels 28a and 28b can function as a pendant head, so that the clasp 300 provides wider possible variations of the design than the clasp 100 does.

[Third Modification of First Embodiment]

With reference to Figs. 9A and 9B, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a third modification of the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 9A, a clasp 400 according to a third modification of the first embodiment has an insertion member 70a that differs in structure from the insertion member 2 of the clasp 100. The insertion member 70a includes rings 3a and 3b and a large-diameter ring 3c connected to the rings 3a and 3b. With this configuration, the center of the insertion member 70a is aligned with that of beads 3'.
On the other hand, referring to Fig. 10B, an insertion member 70b includes the rings 3a and 3b that are connected to the bead 3' through rings 3d and 3f, respectively. Similar to the configuration of Fig. 7A, the center of the insertion member 70b is aligned with that of beads 3'.

[Second Embodiment]

With reference to Figs 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
A clasp 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is different in coupling structure from the clasp 100 of the first embodiment.
As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, the clasp 500 mainly includes a clasp main body 1000 and an insertion member 2000. The clasp main body 1000 is provided with a taper-shaped aperture 110 and a rod-shaped first coupling unit 120 formed in the aperture 110. In addition, the insertion member 2000 is provided with a taper-shaped second coupling unit 250 formed to fit into the taper-shaped aperture 110. Since other features are similar to those of the clasp 100, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components and description thereof is omitted.
In order to connect the insertion member 2000 and the clasp main body 1000, a user simply inserts the insertion member 2000 into the aperture 110 of the clasp main body 1000. When the second coupling unit 250 of the insertion member 2000 comes into contact with the first coupling unit 120, the coil spring 240 is compressed and the second coupling unit 250 opens. In this state, when a user pushes the insertion member 2000 toward the bottom of the aperture 110, the first coupling unit 120 is put into a space between first and second members 210 and 220 of the insertion member 2000, as shown in Fig. 11B. At this time, the coil spring 240 expands, and the first coupling unit 120 and the second coupling unit 250 mesh with each other (see Figs 11A and 11B). Consequently, the insertion member 2000 is connected to the clasp main body 1000.
In order to disconnect the insertion member 2000 from the clasp main body 1000, a user simply pulls out the insertion member 2000 while applying force to the insertion member 2000 in the directions of arrows of Fig. 11B. In this state, the insertion member 2000 is pulled while the second coupling unit 250 of the insertion member 2000 opens. As a result, the second coupling unit 250 is removed from the first coupling unit 120 so that the insertion member 2000 is disconnected from the clasp main body 1000.
Similar to the clasp 100 of the first embodiment, the clasp 500 of the second embodiment is not provided with a button on the clasp main body 1000. Accordingly, its design provides wider possible variations. Thus, a designer can determine the design of the clasp main body 1000 without considering where a button is provided. Moreover, the insertion member 2000 houses the first coupling unit 120 in the space between the first and second members 210 and 220. Accordingly, even if the insertion member 2000 is pulled out, it is not removed and stays connected to the clasp main body 1.

[Third Embodiment]

Next, with reference to Figs. 12A to 12C, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figs. 12A and 12B, a clasp 600 of a third embodiment of the present invention includes a clasp main body 3000 that is provided with two apertures 310a and 310b on respective side edges, and the two insertion members 2 that are adapted to be inserted into the apertures 11a and 11b.
The apertures 310a and 310b of the clasp main body 3000 may be arranged relatively close to each other as shown in Fig. 12A, or relatively apart from each other as shown in Fig. 12B. Furthermore, the center of both apertures may not be aligned but shifted.
Note that in the third embodiment the number of the apertures in the clasp main body is not limited to two. Fig. 11C shows a clasp according to a variation of the third embodiment. A clasp 620 includes a clasp main body 3200 having four apertures 310c, 310d, 310e and 310f, and two of them are arranged on the side edges, respectively. In this case, the four insertion members 2 are necessary in correspondence with the four apertures 310c to 310f.
As described above, the clasp 600, 610 or 620 of the third embodiment includes the clasp main body 3000, 3100 or 3200 with the multiple apertures, and the multiple insertion members that are as many as the apertures, as shown in Figs. 11A to 11C.

[First Modification of Third Embodiment]

With reference to Fig. 13, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a first modification of the third embodiment. It is preferable that a clasp 700 according to a first modification of the third embodiment is applied to a pearl necklace, because its clasp main body 4000 is made of a pearl bead, as shown in Fig. 13.
The clasp 700 includes the clasp main body 4000 and two cup-shaped members 320a and 320b that have apertures 330a and 330b, and a first coupling units 340a and 340b provided in the apertures 330a and 330b, respectively. This clasp 700 can be assembled by attaching the cup-shaped members 320a and 320b to the clasp main body 4000 and inserting the first coupling unit 340a and 340b thereto. If the clasp 700 is applied to a necklace, then the appearance of this necklace appears natural, because the clasp main body 4000 is made of a pearl bead.

[Second Modification of Third Embodiment]

With reference to Fig. 14, description will be given below, of a clasp according to a second modification of the third embodiment.
A clasp 800 of a second modification of the third embodiment can be applied to necklaces and the like. Specifically, the clasp 800 includes a clasp main body 5000 of a predetermined shape, the two cup-shaped members 320a and 320b having the apertures 330a and 330b, and the first coupling units 340a and 340b in the apertures 330a and 330b, respectively.
In this modification, the clasp main body 5000 is of an exchangeable type. Multiple clasp main bodies 5000 having different shapes, patterns and colors are prepared beforehand. Then, a user can select desired one among the clasp main bodies 5000 and connect the insertion members 2 to the selected one. Accordingly, the clasp 800 of the second modification of the third embodiment possesses a wider variety of design than the clasp 600 of the third embodiment.
The clasp 800 can serve as a pendant head, as shown in Fig. 14.
The above description has been given on the premise that the clasp of the present invention is applied to accessories for jewelry. However, the application of clasp of the present invention is not limited to accessories of this type. Alternatively, the clasp of the present invention may be applied to accessories for portable phones, such as straps.
Description will be give below, of a case where the clasp 100 of the first embodiment (see Figs. 1A and 1B) is applied to an accessory for a portable phone. The body of the portable phone and the clasp main body 1 are integrated. In addition, the insertion member 2 has a strap at one end.
When a strap is coupled to a typical portable phone, then a user needs to pass the strap through a small via hole formed on the body of the portable phone. This work tends to be troublesome. However, when a strap is coupled to a portable phone to which the clasp 100 is applied, a user simply attaches the insertion member 2 to the clasp main body 1 in the portable phone. This work is much easier.
Since all of the above-described clasps do not need a connection button on its clasp main body, their design provides wider possible variations. In addition, due to the fact that the clasps are easy to connect/disconnect, they can be applied to accessories for various products.
Moreover, if the clasp main bodies of different types are applied to an accessory of a product, then a user can change the design of the product by exchanging the clasp main bodies.
Furthermore, although the clasp main body 5000 of the clasp 800 (see Fig. 14) has the two apertures, it may have more than two apertures. To give an example, when the clasp is applied to a pendant head, it is preferable that the clasp main body has a polygonal shape with more than two apertures on its vertexes With this configuration, the orientation of the pendant head can be varied merely by changing the apertures to which the insertion members 2 is to be connected.
All of the above-described clasps may be made of various materials. Examples of the materials include metal, leather, resin and combination thereof.

Claims

A clasp for an accessory, comprising a clasp main body (1) having an aperture (11) in which a first coupling unit (12) is formed, and an insertion member (2) including a second coupling unit (25) which is to be inserted into the aperture and to be coupled to the first coupling unit in a removable fashion,
wherein the insertion member comprises two components (21, 22) which are arranged parallel to an insertion direction of the insertion member, and
wherein the components of the insertion member are joined together by a fixing unit (23) in such a way that the second coupling unit opens or closes, and the components are biased by a biasing means (24) in a direction in which the second coupling unit closes.
The clasp according to claim 1,
wherein the first coupling unit of the clasp main body comprises a dome-shaped member (12a) and a stem (12b), and the stem extends from a bottom of the aperture and supports the dome-shaped member, the stem being thinner than dome-shaped member, and
wherein the second coupling unit of the insertion member is configured to open when the insertion member comes into contact with the dome-shaped member and to pinch the stem by means of biasing force from the biasing means.
The clasp according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the aperture of the clasp main body and the insertion member are circular in cross-section.
The clasp according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the aperture (110) of the clasp main body (1000) extends in a tapered shape, and
wherein the insertion member (2000) is configured such that an outer surface of the second coupling unit (250) fits in an inner surface of the aperture when the second coupling unit comes into contact with the first coupling unit.
The clasp according to claim 1,
wherein the first coupling unit (120) has a rod shape and extends perpendicular to the insertion direction of the insertion member, and
wherein the second coupling unit is configured to pinch the first coupling unit.
The clasp according to any of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the insertion member (50) is provided with a container (26), and the biasing means is positioned inside the container.
The clasp according to any of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the insertion member (50) has a flange (27), and a circumferential surface of the clasp main body is flush with that of the flange while the second coupling unit of the insertion member is coupled to the first coupling unit of the clasp main body.
The clasp according to any of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the aperture of the clasp main body comprises a plurality of apertures, and the insertion member comprises two insertion members.
The clasp according to any of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the insertion member (60) has at least one panel (28a, 28b), and the panel covers the whole of the clasp main body while the second coupling unit of the insertion member is coupled to the first coupling unit of the clasp main body.
The clasp according to claim 9,
wherein an outer surface of the panel has predetermined patterns entirely or partially.
An accessory equipped with the clasp according to any of claims 1 to 10.
The accessory equipped with the clasp according to claim 8,
wherein the clasp comprises a plurality of exchangeable type clasps, and the exchangeable type clasps have different outer shapes, patterns or colors.