EP3618662B1 - Clasp for jewellery item - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to devices for fastening articles of jewelry and jewelry, and in particular a universal clasp for earrings.

State of the art

The conventional clasp system for earring, called "ALPA", as it is represented in the Figure 1A , is widely used in most countries. It consists of a clasp 2 equipped with round pellets 6 or 7 millimeters in diameter comprising two wings 3 and 4 on the sides, spring-mounted, and a transverse rod 1 with a notch in which the system is blocked. By pressing on these two fins 3 and 4, the system opens and makes it possible to release the rod 1. The system is very thin, 2 millimeters, which makes it very difficult to handle the mechanism, and in particular for an entire category of people likely to appreciate the wearing of articles and jewellery.

US 2013/298603 describes an earring holder assembly comprising an earring post having a locking groove, a body, a handle and a spring. The spring is mounted on the handle, which is fitted inside the body so that the spring presses at one end against the handle and at the other end against the body. Together the handle and the body maintain an opening to receive the earring post, the handle maintaining a locking ridge within the opening. The spring biases the locking ridge toward the center of the opening. When the handle is depressed against spring pressure, the handle pivots, moving the locking ridge away from the center of the opening, allowing the earring post to be inserted into the opening. When the handle depression is released, the spring bias brings back the locking ridge toward the center of the opening, engaging the jamb locking groove.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to facilitate and improve the use and handling of the clasp system for jewelery items and more particularly for earrings, while ensuring reliable security of the latter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal fastening device for an item of jewelry, and in particular a clasp for an earring offering a larger pressure surface and a more ergonomic grip.

A third object of the present invention consists in proposing an earring clasp which is easy to handle, even for people of respectable age, and which remains inexpensive to manufacture.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide an earring clasp which is compatible with the rods of ALPA locking systems, in order to offer a more secure alternative solution for earrings and jewelry already existing.

• un corps de base ayant une base horizontale percée en son centre d'un orifice destiné à recevoir une tige crantée, le corps de base comportant un cylindre de guidage vertical, une première et seconde branches supports (120) comportant chacun, en leur partie inférieure, un alésage destiné à recevoir une goupille d'assemblage et d'articulation;
• une première mâchoire comportant deux pattes dotées chacune d'un alésage configuré pour venir en alignement avec les alésages des branches supports ;
• une seconde mâchoire comportant deux pattes dotées chacune d'un alésage configuré pour venir en alignement avec les alésage des branches supports ainsi que ceux de la première mâchoire, et matérialiser une articulation XX'.

The invention achieves these aims by means of a clasp for an article of jewelery or jewelery which comprises:

• a base body having a horizontal base pierced in its center with an orifice intended to receive a toothed rod, the base body comprising a vertical guide cylinder, a first and second support branches (120) each comprising, in their lower part , a bore intended to receive an assembly and articulation pin;
• a first jaw comprising two lugs each provided with a bore configured to come into alignment with the bores of the support branches;
• a second jaw comprising two lugs each provided with a bore configured to come into alignment with the bores of the support branches as well as those of the first jaw, and materialize a joint XX'.

The first and second jaw edges have a slightly convex profile and are configured to cooperate with the sides of the support branches of the base body in order to allow a slight rotation of the two jaws around the axis of alignment of the
bores and implement a locking mechanism with a toothed rod

In a particular embodiment, the base body comprises, above the bores of the first and second branches, a horizontal reinforcing beam connecting the support branches to the guide cylinder. Preferably, the horizontal reinforcing beam comprises a vertical pin disposed between the guide tube and the support branch and which is configured to receive a return spring intended for the locking mechanism.

In a particular embodiment, the return spring is a spiral spring provided with two ends presenting an angle comprised between 70° and 110° and, preferably, equal to 85.5°.

Preferably, the first jaw has a first guide groove for guiding a first end of the return spring and, similarly, the second jaw has a second guide groove for guiding a second end of the return spring.

Thus, the guide at the bottom of the two grooves of the ends of the spiral spring provide an effective return force allowing the jaws to return to their initial position when the pressure exerted on them ceases.

In a particular embodiment, the ends of the spiral spring are curved so as to facilitate their sliding in the guide grooves.

Preferably, the first jaw comprises a first bearing surface and, fixed to the latter, a first locking blade having a thickness corresponding to the notching of a rod (1). Similarly, the second jaw has a second bearing surface allowing the support and the fixing by welding of a second locking blade of the same thickness.

Preferably, the first and second locking blades have the shape of a U and are positioned relative to each other so as to configure a central space which can be enlarged with the pressure of a finger exerted on the jaws, causing them to rotate slightly.

In a particular embodiment, the first and second jaws have the shape of a duckbill comprising, on the outer surface, a surface profile making it possible to increase the impression of pressure at the user's fingers. Preferably, a notch may be placed on the outer surface of these jaws.

In a particular embodiment, the first jaw has a gap between said first and second leg equal to D, and in that said second jaw (300) has a gap between said first and second leg equal to d, with d<D .

Preferably, the base body comprises, at the level of the guide cylinder, a recess making it possible to facilitate the positioning of the spiral spring on its pin.

In a particular embodiment, the guide cylinder and the first and second blades are configured to allow the insertion of a rod conforming to the ALPA (registered trademark) standard.

Description of the drawings

• La figure 1A illustre le système de fermoir conventionnel pour boucle d'oreille dit « ALPA ».
• Les figures 1B et 1C sont deux vues perspectives, respectivement avant et arrière, d'un mode de réalisation d'un fermoir conforme à la présente invention.
• Les figures 2A et 2B illustrent plus particulièrement une vue de face et une vue de dessus du corps de base 100.
• Les figures 2C, 3A et 3B illustrent trois vues en perspective permettant de montrer les détails des éléments structurels du corps de base 100.
• La figure 4A est une vue de dessus de la mâchoire 200.
• Les figures 4B et 4C sont deux vues perspectives montrant des détails de la mâchoire 200.
• Les Figures 5A et 5B illustrent respectivement deux vues en perspective des mâchoires 200 et 300 .
• La figure 6A illustre le détail du ressort à spirale
• Les figures 6B à 6F illustrent successivement cinq phases de montage du mécanisme de fermoir.
• La figure 7 est une première vue éclatée en perspective des différents constituants du fermoir.
• La figure 8 est une vue de côté des différents constituants du fermoir.
• La figure 9 est une seconde vue éclatée en perspective des différents constituants du fermoir.
• La figure 10 est une troisième vue éclatée en perspective des différents constituants du fermoir.
• Les figures 11A , 11B, 11C et 11D montrent différentes perspectives du dispositif assemblé.
• Les figures 12A et 12B montrent deux coupes du dispositif en position « ouvert » permettant le dégagement de la broche 1.
• Les figures 13A et 13B illustrent deux coupes de dispositif en position « fermé », montrant le verrouillage de la broche ou tige 1, assurant la sécurité du fermoir.

Other characteristics, object and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description and the drawings below, given solely by way of non-limiting examples. On the attached drawings:

• The Figure 1A illustrates the conventional “ALPA” earring clasp system.
• The figures 1B and 1C are two perspective views, respectively front and rear, of an embodiment of a clasp according to the present invention.
• The figures 2A and 2B more particularly illustrate a front view and a top view of the base body 100.
• The figure 2C , 3A and 3B illustrate three perspective views to show the details of the structural elements of the base body 100.
• The figure 4A is a top view of jaw 200.
• The figures 4B and 4C are two perspective views showing details of Jaw 200.
• The Figures 5A and 5B illustrate two perspective views of the jaws 200 and 300 respectively.
• The Figure 6A illustrates the detail of the spiral spring
• The figures 6B to 6F successively illustrate five assembly phases of the clasp mechanism.
• The figure 7 is a first exploded view in perspective of the different components of the clasp.
• The figure 8 is a side view of the various components of the clasp.
• The figure 9 is a second exploded perspective view of the different components of the clasp.
• The figure 10 is a third exploded perspective view of the different components of the clasp.
• The Figures 11A, 11B , 11C and 11D show different perspectives of the assembled device.
• The figures 12A and 12B show two sections of the device in the "open" position allowing release of pin 1.
• The figures 13A and 13B illustrate two sections of the device in the "closed" position, showing the locking of the pin or rod 1, ensuring the safety of the clasp.

Description of a preferred embodiment

The figures 1B and 1C show two perspective views, respectively front and rear, showing the exterior presentation of an improved clasp providing secure and highly reliable locking for a brooch or rod 1 which may moreover be a brooch originally designed for an "ALPA" clasp system (trademark).

In this respect, as will be seen in more detail below, the invention proposes an alternative solution for a pair of earrings already equipped with an ALPA type system, with a view to replacing them with a more secure clasp.

As we see in the figures 1B and 1C , the invention consists of a base body 100 comprising a slightly rounded base 101 to allow pleasant contact with the ear and provided in its center with an orifice 102 intended to receive a pin or rod 1 which may be a ALPA type post or any other ear stud. As is known, an ALPA type rod has a notch which is based on a groove corresponding to a circular recess allowing the rod to be locked. The base body 100 comprises two support branches 110 and 120 each provided in their lower part with an orifice (resp. 111, 121) to allow the insertion of a pin 800 (illustrated in the figure 7 , 9 and 10 ) realizing a joint allowing a possible slight rotation of two lateral bodies or jaws, respectively 200 and 300, allowing the locking of the spindle or rod 1 to be carried out.

The figures 2A and 2B show a front view and a top view of the base body 100, while the figure 2C , 3A and 3B more particularly illustrate three perspective views making it possible to show the detail of the structural elements of the base body 100.

The base body 100 comprises, in addition to the two support branches 110 and 120, respectively left and right, a guide cylinder 102 which is arranged in the center of the base body 100 and which is intended to serve as a housing for receive brooch or rod 1 of an article of jewelry or jewelry. As seen on the figure 2A in particular, the guide cylinder 102 materializes a vertical axis YY'. It should be noted that it fulfills a dual function of stabilizing and reinforcing the upper 1 in order to mechanically protect the latter against excessive bending.

In a preferred embodiment, the base body 100 further comprises a horizontal reinforcing beam 103 connecting the two support branches 110 and 120 to the guide cylinder in order to stiffen the entire structure. The horizontal reinforcing beam 103 comprises a vertical pin 104 placed in the middle of the space existing between the guide tube 102 and the support branch 120. This pin 104 will be intended, as will be seen later, for the positioning of a 400 coil spring (shown in figure 6 , 6C , 6D , 7-10 ).

The Figures 2A, 2B, 2C , 3A and 3B also illustrate the positioning, in the lower part of the support branches 110 and 120, of the orifices 111 and 121 materializing a second horizontal axis XX' which will be used to receive an assembly and articulation pin 800, as shown in the views exploded perspectives 7, 9 and 10 which will be described below. In a particular embodiment, the guide tube 102 is also drilled on both sides in order to allow the insertion of the pin 800.

It is also noted that the upper part of each of the support branches 110 and 120 comprises a hooking system allowing the fixing of a flange or a retaining plate 700 intended to close off the entire mechanism, once its assembly completed.

We will now describe the detail of the structure of the jaws 200 and 300 which constitute important elements of the device. Each of the jaws 200 and 300 has a generally semicircular shape, designed to encompass the entire functional mechanism but also to offer the user a greater pressure surface for the implementation of the mechanism, going well beyond the small surface area of the fins of the conventional ALPA system.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the jaws 200 or 300 has the shape of a duckbill coming to be assembled on the joint XX' of the base body 100. As can be seen in the figure 11 , the edges of the jaws 200 and 300 have a slightly convex profile and configured to cooperate with the sides of the support branches 110 and 120, in order to allow a slight rotation around the axis XX'.

The figure 4A shows a top view of jaw 200, while the figures 4B and 4C illustrate two perspective views of this same jaw 200. This jaw 200 comprises, in its lower part, two lugs 210 and 220 each provided with a bore 211 and 221 adapted for the passage of the pin 800, in order to allow the assembly of the jaw 200 around the axis XX' of the Figure 3B . The jaw further comprises, disposed above the lugs 210 and 220, a guide groove 230 which will serve, as will be seen later, to guide one end of the spiral spring 400.

Arranged above the groove 230, the jaw 200 comprises a first support surface 250 allowing the support of a first blade 500 (illustrated in figure 7 ) fixed via a pin 250, as well as a second contact surface 260 intended for the support of a flange or cover 700 also illustrated in figure 7 .

In a particular embodiment, the blade 500 is fixed to the first bearing surface 250 by welding at the level of the pin 250.

The jaw 300 has a structure similar to that of the jaw 200, as is clearly apparent from the figures 5A and 5B illustrating, in perspective, the two jaws positioned facing each other. It is thus observed that the jaw 300 also comprises two legs 310 and 320 each provided with a bore (resp. 311, 321) for the passage of the pin 800, but also with a guide groove 330, as well as two support surfaces 340 and 360 intended to serve as a support respectively for a second blade 600 (fixed via a pivot 350) and for the flange or cover 700.

It will be observed, as clearly appears on the figures 5A and 5B , that the only difference in structure between the jaws 200 and 300 lies in the gap between the two legs 210-220 (resp. 310-320). The jaw 200 has a spacing D between the two tabs 210/220 which is greater than the spacing d between the tabs 310/320 of the jaw 300.

This difference in spacing d and D is calculated to allow the positioning of the bores under the beam 103 of the base body 100 and, finally, the assembly of the joint XX' by the alignment of all the bores 111, 121, 212, 221, 312, 321 and 121.

The Figure 6A illustrates the detail of the profile of the spiral spring 400, intended to be positioned on the pin 104 of the beam 103 of the base body 100. Note, as is visible on the figures 2B and 2C , that a slight circular recess can be provided on the circumference of the guide cylinder 102 for the purpose of providing sufficient space between the outer contour of this cylinder and the pin 104.

In a particular embodiment, the spiral spring 400 comprises two branches forming between them an angle comprised between 70° and 110° and, preferably, equal to 85.5°, and each of the branches having a curved terminal end making it possible to ensure a flexible sliding at the bottom of the sliding grooves 230 and 330. Preferably, the ends of the branches have, as shown in the Figure 6A , an angle of about 20°.

The figures 6B to 6F illustrate five successive phases of assembly of the clasp device.

In a first phase, as can be seen in the figure 6B , the jaw 200 is brought closer to the base body 100 in order to align the bores 111-121 of the base body with the bores 211 and 221 of the jaw 200, leaving a free spacing of D between the two bores 211 and 221.

In a second phase, illustrated in the Fig. 6C , the return spring 400 is positioned on the pin 104 of the base body 100.

Then, in a third phase, illustrated in the figure 6D , the second jaw 300 is brought closer to the base body 100, in order to engage the two tabs 310 and 320 inside the available space D left by the tabs 210 and 220 of the jaw 200.

When the spring is positioned so that each of its ends is housed in the corresponding guide groove (230, 330) of the corresponding jaw, the joint XX' is assembled by inserting the pin 800 - visible in the figure 7 , 9 and 10 - in alignment with bores 111, 121, 212, 221, 312, 321 and 121.

This pin 800 can then be welded at its ends 111 and 121 and a final drilling at the level of the guide tube 120 will release the internal volume of the latter from the central part of the pin 800, in order to allow the insertion of a rod or pin 1.

We then come, in a fourth phase, to insert two locking blades, respectively 500 and 600, so as to constitute the locking element of the device. For this purpose, a set of two U-shaped blades is used, and having an outline in correspondence with the bearing surfaces 240 and 340 of the jaws 200 and 300. The blade 500 (resp. 600) has an orifice allowing to fix it on the pin 250 (resp. 350) of the bearing surface 240 (resp. 350) of the jaw 200 (resp. 300).

Once correctly positioned on their respective 250/350 pins, as shown in the figure 6F , the U-shaped profiles of the two blades 500 and 600 engage one in the other releasing a central space allowing the locking of the locking notch of the rod.

In fact, when one comes to press with two fingers on the external surface of the jaws 200 and 300, one comes to bring the two axes of pins 250 and 350 closer to one another. The blades 500-600 being fixed to these same pins, the central spacing then widens, which makes it possible to clear the throat of the spindle or the notch of the rod 1, as illustrated in the sections of the figures 12A and 12B .

As soon as the pressure on the jaws 200 and 300 is released, the return spring 400 exerts a return force which then pushes the pins 250 and 350 away, which then leads to a return to the initial position, as illustrated in the cuts of figures 13A and 13B .

Thus, the device allows, very efficiently and with great safety, a locking of a rod provided with one or more locking notches.

Once the device has been assembled, it can be closed by means of a cover or a flange 700. In a particular embodiment, the cover 700 comprises, in its center as illustrated in the figures 7-10 , a boss allowing to come into abutment on the blades 500 and 600.

In a particular embodiment, it is also observed that the guide cylinder 102 comprises, in its upper part, a slightly rounded shape to facilitate the respective movements of the blades 500 and 600, resulting from the rotation of the jaws 200 and 300.

Thanks to this arrangement, the result is great flexibility of movement of the jaws around the joint XX'.

The clasp is intended, as we have seen, to be associated with a pin or a rod of the toothed type, that is to say comprising at least a groove making it possible to produce, by combination with the blades of the device, a safe and effective lock assembly.

Finally, to facilitate the use of the device as much as possible, each of the two jaws 200 and 300 comprise, at their outer surface, a roughness configured to provide improved grip feel for a user, thereby further facilitating operation of the locking mechanism. When the latter presses the two jaws 200 and 300 by grasping them by the notched part of the latter, the two jaws pivot slightly around the axis XX'. The blades 500 and 600 welded to the jaws 200 and 300 deviate from the notched rod, which makes it possible to clear the groove or the notch of the rod to tighten the system, or to remove it completely.

When the user releases the pressure exerted on the jaws 200 and 300, the spring 400 exerts a return force, making it possible to bring the blades 500 and 600 welded to the jaws 200 and 300 closer together, to the adjustment rod 1 and fixes the clasp.

Claims (11)

1. A clasp device for a jewelry article comprising:

   - a base body (100) having a horizontal base (101) pierced at its center with an orifice (102) for receiving a notched rod (1), said base body (100) comprising a vertical guide cylinder (102) and a first support leg (110) and a second support leg (120), wherein the first support leg has in its lower part a first bore (111) intended to receive a horizontal assembly and hinge pin (800), wherein the second support leg (120) has in its lower part a second bore (121) for receiving said assembly and hinge pin (800);

   - a first jaw (200) having a first leg (210) having a third bore (211) and a second leg (220) having a fourth bore (221), said third and fourth bores being configured to come in alignment with said first and second bores (111, 121);

   - a second jaw (300) having a first leg (310) having a fifth bore (311) and a second leg (320) having a sixth bore (321), said fifth (311) and sixth (321) bores being configured to come in alignment with said first and second bores (111, 121);

   wherein edges of said first and second jaws (200; 300) have a slightly convex profile and configured to cooperate with sides of said support legs (110, 120) to allow a slight rotation about an alignment axis of the bores for a purpose of implementing a locking mechanism of a notched rod.
2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the base body (100) comprises, above said first and second bores (111, 121) a horizontal reinforcing beam (103) connecting said support legs (110, 120) to said guide cylinder (120), wherein said reinforcing beam (103) has a vertical pin (104) disposed in a middle of a space between said guide cylinder (102) and the support leg (120), said vertical pin (104) being configured to receive a spiral return spring (400) for the locking mechanism.
3. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that said spiral return spring (400) has two ends having an angle of between 70° and 110° and preferably equal to 85.5°, and

   wherein said first jaw (200) has a first guide groove (230) for guiding a first end of said spiral return spring (400);

   wherein said second jaw (300) has a second guide groove (330) for guiding a second end of said spiral spring (400);

   wherein guiding said first and second ends of said spiral return spring (400) provides the restoring force of the jaws to their initial position when a pressure on said jaws is released.
4. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the ends of said spring are curved so as to facilitate their sliding in said first (230) and second (330) guide grooves.
5. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that

   said first jaw (200) has a first bearing surface (250) and fixed thereto, a first locking blade (500) having a thickness which corresponds to said notched rod (1); and

   said second jaw (300) has a second bearing surface (350) and fixed thereto, a second locking blade (600) having a thickness which corresponds to said notched rod (1);

   wherein said first and second locking blades are U-shaped and are positioned relative to one another so as to form a central space which can be enlarged when exerting a pressure will cause rotation of said first and second jaws (200, 300).
6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second jaws (200, 300) have the shape of a duckbill comprising, on its outer surface, a surface profile making it possible to increase a user's feeling of a pressure exerted by his fingers.
7. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that it comprises a cover (700) abutting on said first and second blades, wherein said cover closes the device.
8. Device according to claim 5 characterized in that said guide cylinder (102) comprises, in its upper part, a slightly rounded shape so as to facilitate respective movements of said first and second blades (500, 600) when said first and second jaws (200, 300) slightly rotate.
9. Device according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first jaw comprises a spacing between said first and second legs equal to D, and in that said second jaw (300) has a spacing between said first and second legs equal to d, with d <D.
10. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said base body (100) comprises, at its guide cylinder (102), a recess at the level of the vertical pin so as to facilitate an introduction of a spiral return spring ( 400).
11. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said guide cylinder (102) and a first and second blades (500, 600) are configured to allow an insertion of a pin.

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