US20080060172A1 - Magnetic jewelry clasp that is attachable and detachable to existing jewelry by the user - Google Patents
Magnetic jewelry clasp that is attachable and detachable to existing jewelry by the user Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080060172A1 US20080060172A1 US11/517,656 US51765606A US2008060172A1 US 20080060172 A1 US20080060172 A1 US 20080060172A1 US 51765606 A US51765606 A US 51765606A US 2008060172 A1 US2008060172 A1 US 2008060172A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- clasp
- housings
- fastener
- clasps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
- A44C5/18—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like
- A44C5/20—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44D—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES OR SLIDE FASTENERS, AND TO JEWELLERY, BRACELETS OR OTHER PERSONAL ADORNMENTS
- A44D2203/00—Fastening by use of magnets
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/34—Combined diverse multipart fasteners
- Y10T24/3484—Hook
- Y10T24/3485—Hook and hook
- Y10T24/3489—Hook and hook having securing means
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Abstract
Described herein are embodiments of fasteners that provide a secure, elegant attachment for jewelry and that are easily interchangeable between jewelry. For example, in one embodiment, a magnetic jewelry fastener is provided having two magnets secured respectively in two separate detachable housings. In another embodiment, individual clasps are rigidly connected to each of the housings, the clasps each having a displaceable member.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present disclosure relates to jewelry fasteners and, more particularly, to interchangeable magnetic jewelry fasteners.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Jewelry fasteners are used to connect portions of jewelry together for functional and aesthetic purposes. Spring rings, for example, are used to connect two ends of a single piece together to form a bracelet, necklace, or anklet. The spring ring can also be used to connect a charm, or other fob, to a bracelet, necklace, or anklet. The spring ring includes a portion that opens when a small lever is pushed backwards, causing the lever to slide along a circular ring. Once the portion of the ring is open, rings or loops may be inserted into the spring ring through the open portion. Upon releasing the lever, the lever slides back along the circular ring to close the portion that was open, thus enclosing the ring or loop that was inserted within the circular spring ring. The spring ring can provide some security when the lever is in the original position and the ring is intact. However, the ring can easily be bent or twisted, and the lever may not return properly causing an opening in the ring, through which the attached portion may slip.
- Spring rings and many other clasps are attached to jewelry by the use of either a jump ring or a split ring. A jump ring is a metal wire that is formed into the shape of a ring and soldered to preserve the integrity of the ring. A split ring is a metal wire that is formed into the shape of a tight coil similar to that used for car key chains. Jump rings and split rings are jewelry findings that are used to attach various portions of jewelry together. For example, a first jump ring is used to connect a spring ring to a first end of the jewelry, and a second jump ring is connected to the second end of the jewelry. During attachment of the two ends of the jewelry, the second jump ring is inserted into the opening of the spring ring when the lever is used to open the spring ring. A tag may also be used to connect the second end of the jewelry to the spring ring. A tag is a flat piece of metal or plastic that has two apertures, one of which is connected to the second jump ring and the other which may be advanced over the spring ring when the spring is open to secure the two ends of the jewelry together. The spring ring, jump rings, and tags form a linking chain, often consisting of four rings or more, from one end of the jewelry to the other.
- The cumbersome connection created by linking the spring ring with jump rings and/or tags can be unsightly when the jewelry appears different than the fasteners. This is especially true in the case of necklaces, when the fasteners often slip from the back of the wearer's neck to the front of the neck or chest.
- Spring rings can also be very difficult to operate. The spring rings include a lever that must be slid by a finger or fingernail along a length of the spring ring. Unfortunately, the spring rings are manufactured to be very small in order to conceal their unsightly appearance, which also reduces the size of the lever that is actuated. In order to actuate the lever, a person must take the spring ring in one hand and leverage one end of the spring ring against one finger while depressing the lever with the fingernail or finger (often the thumb). This can be a difficult process when the person attempting to actuate the spring ring has large fingers or when the person has manicured fingernails that can be ruined by the process. Furthermore, the space that is opened by depressing the lever is often very small, making it even more difficult to slip the jump ring, split ring, or tag therethrough to be attached.
- Lobster claw clasps are also used to connect two ends of jewelry together in a similar fashion to that of the spring rings. Lobster claw clasps include an attachment portion with a rotatable member. The clasps also include a small lever that is biased in one direction, which, when pressed and rotated downward, causes the rotatable member to rotate inward, thus exposing a portion of the attachment portion through which rings or loops may be inserted. Upon release of the lever, the rotatable member rotates back to the biased position. With the lever in the biased position, the rings or loops are enclosed in the attachment portion.
- Lobster claw clasps have many of the same issues as spring rings. For example, lobster claw clasps are also used with jump rings to permanently fix the lobster claw clasp to the jewelry. A jump ring is also often placed on the opposite end of the jewelry to provide a ring large enough for the lobster claw to grasp. While the lobster claw clasps are constructed to look somewhat nicer than the spring rings, the lobster claw clasps still use jump rings and can be unsightly when they fall to the front of the neck or chest. Additionally, while lobster claw clasps can be somewhat easier to operate than the spring ring clasps, the lobster claw clasps still include a very small lever that is pressed to open the clasp. Similar to the spring rings, a person must take the lobster claw clasp in one hand and leverage one end of the clasp against one finger while depressing the lever with the fingernail or finger. This can be problematic when an individual with large fingers or manicured nails attempts to open the clasp.
- Box clasps are also used to attach ends of jewelry. Box clasps are two-piece clasps in which a first piece is inserted within an aperture or slot of the second piece. The first piece includes a biased portion that locks the first piece in the second piece until the biased portion is pressed. Upon pressing the biased portion, the first piece is unlocked from the second piece, and the first piece can be withdrawn from the second piece. Box clasps can also include a safety guard that is rotated into place following the insertion of the first piece into the second piece. The safety guard is used to further secure the locked position of the first piece with respect to the second piece.
- Toggle clasps are also two-piece clasps that can be used on opposite ends of jewelry. The first piece is formed into a circle or other shape with an open center, and the second piece is formed as a thick bar. The second piece is connected to the jewelry in a middle portion such that when the bar is inserted through the open center of the first piece and rotated to sit across the open center, the bar is prevented from slipping through the open center and acts to reduce the likelihood that the two ends of the jewelry will become disconnected.
- These other clasps have further shortcomings. Box clasps can easily be disengaged inadvertently, and the box clasps can be difficult to operate when there is a safety guard. Toggle clasps do not provide sufficient security, as the bar can accidentally slip through the open center, causing the clasps to be disengaged and the jewelry to inadvertently fall. Other clasps, such as magnetic clasps, which are held together by a magnetic connection, can be inadvertently disengaged and utilize jump rings to connect to the jewelry. Some magnetic clasps use other clasps and jump rings to connect to the jewelry, creating a significant strand of interlinking rings and clasps to connect the jewelry. These long strands can be complicated, insecure, and unsightly.
- While there are several types of fasteners for connecting portions of jewelry, each of the above-described fasteners fail to provide an interchangeable, secure, and elegant fastener that is easy to use. Disclosed herein are embodiments of fasteners that provide a secure, elegant attachment for jewelry and that are easily interchangeable between jewelry without the use of jump rings or other clasps.
- In some embodiments, a magnetic jewelry fastener is provided having two magnets secured respectively in two separate detachable housings. In another embodiment, individual clasps are rigidly connected to each of the housings, the clasps each having a retractable, rotatable, or otherwise displaceable member. In one embodiment, the magnetic jewelry fasteners can be removed by grasping each of the individual clasps and twisting the clasps in opposite directions to disengage the magnetic housing from each other.
- In further embodiments, a magnetic jewelry fastener is provided having a magnetic coupling portion that has at least one member attached thereto that permits direct coupling with at least one end of a jewelry piece.
- In some embodiments, an interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener is provided having a housing with an interior portion and a magnet disposed therein and a clasp member rigidly attached to the housing. The clasp member further having a displaceable portion that can be manually actuated.
- In some embodiments, the magnet is proximate a coupling surface of the housing. In further embodiments, the magnet can comprise at least one of neodymium and samarium cobalt. The clasp can also be configured to create a discontinuity in the clasp when the displaceable portion is actuated or the clasp can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the clasp has a greater cross-sectional dimension than the housing.
- In some embodiments, a magnetic jewelry fastener is provided, the fastener comprising a first housing that is configured to house at least a portion of a first magnet. The first housing further comprises a first coupling surface that has a protrusion extending from the surface. The fastener also comprises a first clasp having a continuous portion. The first clasp is preferably rigidly coupled to the first housing and has an actuable member that, when actuated, creates a discontinuity in the continuous portion. A second housing is also provided, which is configured to house at least a portion of a second magnet. The second housing further comprises a second coupling surface that has a portion configured to receive the protrusion of the first coupling surface when the first coupling surface is coupled with the second coupling surface. The fastener also comprises a second clasp that has a continuous portion. The second clasp is preferably rigidly coupled to the second housing and has an actuable member that, when actuated, creates a discontinuity in the continuous portion.
- In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second clasps is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the housing. The axis can be generally normal to the surface in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, a cross-sectional dimension of the clasps is at least as large as a cross-sectional dimension of the housings. Lastly, the protrusion can be annular or another shape.
- In some embodiments, an interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener is provided including first and second housings. Each of the first and second housings have first and second magnets, and the first and second housings are further configured to be coupled at a location of the housings proximate the magnets. The fastener preferably also comprises first and second clasps, each rigidly coupled respectively to the first and second housings and configured to extend in substantially opposite directions when the first and second housings are coupled.
- In some embodiments, the first and second clasps can be rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the housing, and the clasps can have a cross-sectional dimension that is at least as large as a cross-sectional dimension of the housings. Some embodiments further comprise means for aligning the housings such that the first and second clasps extend in a preferred orientation when the housings are coupled. The clasps can also comprise a continuous portion that has an actuable member that creates, when actuated, a discontinuity in the continuous portion.
- The above Summary is provided for the purpose of providing a brief summary of several of the disclosed embodiments. However, this Summary is not intended to be a recitation of all the embodiments disclosed herein.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings of embodiments, which embodiments are intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic jewelry fastener in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the magnetic jewelry fastener illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of the magnetic jewelry fastener illustrated inFIG. 1 showing actuable portions of the fastener. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the magnetic jewelry fastener illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of the magnetic jewelry fastener illustrated inFIG. 1 showing two portions of the fastener disengaged. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate top views of the disengaged fastener illustrated inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a housing of the magnetic jewelry fastener taken along lines 8-8 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an interchangeablemagnetic jewelry fastener 20 in accordance with principles of the disclosure discussed herein. Thejewelry fastener 20 resolves several of the shortcomings of other jewelry fasteners. For example, thejewelry fastener 20 provides an interchangeable link for coupling two ends of jewelry. Thejewelry fastener 20 can easily be connected to both ends of a piece of jewelry in order to provide a fastener while using the jewelry. Thesame fastener 20 can later be disconnected from the first jewelry piece and connected to a second jewelry piece in order to couple two ends of the second jewelry piece together. Additionally, thejewelry fastener 20 provides a secure attachment of the two ends of the jewelry and alleviates concern by the wearer of lost or damaged jewelry due to an insecure fastener. Thejewelry fastener 20 is simple to use when attaching thefastener 20 to the two ends of the jewelry piece and in connecting thefastener 20 together. Thefastener 20, as described herein, also provides an elegant jewelry piece that can be worn concealed or exposed. These and many other advantages are described further and are apparent in the detailed description provided below. -
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an interchangeablemagnetic jewelry fastener 20 that preferably comprises twoportions housing 22. As used herein, the term housing is intended to be used in its ordinary sense and is used to refer at least to either or both of the twoportions portion fastener 20 is preferably coupled to arespective arm portion arm clasp 26 that is used to connect to one end of a jewelry piece. As depicted inFIG. 1 , theclasp 26 can comprise an elongated member that is configured to form an arcuate shape defining an eyelet oraperture 28. Theclasp 26 also preferably includes adisplaceable portion 30 that can be rotated or retracted to expose adiscontinuity 31 in the arcuately-shapedclasp 26. Thediscontinuity 31 defines a location where the body of theclasp 26 can be separated to attachably receive an end of a jewelry piece. - The
housing 22 can comprise twoportions FIG. 1 each comprise a hemisphere. Eachportion portions fastener 20 are preferably neodymium iron or samarium cobalt, although other ferrite magnets can also be used. In yet further embodiments, magnets other than ferrite magnets can also be used. The magnets are preferably inserted into theportions portions housing 22. - While the
housing 22 is depicted as comprising a sphere when coupled together, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the housing can comprise any number of shapes, sizes, or designs. For example, when the interchangeablemagnetic jewelry fastener 20 is attached to a string of pearls, it may be advantageous for thehousing 22 to comprise a shape, size, and color that is consistent with the pearls that are contained on the string. It may also be advantageous for the color, size, or shape to stand out from the jewelry piece such as would be the case if thejewelry fastener 20 were used with a necklace and thefastener 20 operated as a pendant or accent piece of the necklace. Accordingly, thehousing 22 can comprise other shapes, such as cubes, ovoids, cylinders, irregular, and so forth. Additionally, theportions housing 22 can have substantially identical configurations, such as that depicted in hemispherical configuration illustrated inFIG. 1 , or theportions portions portions -
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of thefastener 20. In some embodiments, thearms housing 22. For example, thearms portions housing 22 by a rivet or pin that permits rotation of therespective arm axis 32. In some embodiments, theaxis 32 is oriented such that it forms a perpendicular angle with respect to ahousing surface 34. In some embodiments, theaxis 32 is oriented such that it forms an angle less than or greater than 90° with respect to thehousing surface 34. For example, in some embodiments, theaxis 32 forms an angle with respect to thehousing surface 34 between about 60° and about 120°. In yet further embodiments, thearms housing 22 such that thearms housing 22. For example, thearms 22 can be soldered to eachrespective portion housing 22 or constructed as a unitary piece with theportions - The
arms portions arms axis 32. As used herein, the term rigid is intended to be used in its ordinary sense, meaning, without limitation, that the connection between thearms portions arms portions housing 22 prevents bending of thearms axis 32. Thus, thearms portions arms axis 32 or axial displacement of thearms portions arms portions arms portions arms portions arms axis 32 or limits axial displacement of thearms portions - As described above, and illustrated in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 2 , theclasp 26 comprises an arcuately-shaped member that defines an eyelet oraperture 28. In some embodiments, theclasp 26 can comprise other shapes. For example, the clasp can comprise triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal octagonal, decagonal, irregular, or other shapes. It may be advantageous for theclasp 26 to comprise a shape that corresponds to the jewelry piece to which the clasp is attached. For example, if the jewelry piece is a necklace comprising several triangular pieces, it may be advantageous for theclasp 26, as well as thehousing 22, to assume a triangular shape to blend in or to accent the existing shapes on the necklace. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thearms displaceable portion 30 in connection with theclasp 26. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3 , thedisplaceable portion 30 comprises a portion of theclasp 26 that is rotatable into the eyelet oraperture 28 formed by theclasp 26. Thedisplaceable portion 30, in the illustrated embodiment, is preferably biased outward by a spring or like mechanism at the base of theclasp 26. To move thedisplaceable portion 30, theportion 30 is pressed with a force greater than the biasing force. When the biasing force is overcome, thedisplaceable portion 30 moves inward toward the eyelet oraperture 28. This movement is depicted by thearrow 36 showing movement of thedisplaceable portion 30 into the eyelet oraperture 28. Thismovement 36 creates adiscontinuity 31 in theclasp 26 to permit attachment of the jewelry to which thefastener 20 is to be connected. For example, when thedisplaceable portion 30 is moved inward and thediscontinuity 31 is exposed in theclasp 26, an end of a jewelry piece may be connected to thefastener 20 by sliding theclasp 26 at the discontinuous portion through an eyelet at the end of the jewelry piece. Once the eyelet of the jewelry piece is over theclasp 26, thedisplaceable portion 30 may be released, allowing thedisplaceable portion 30 to return to its original configuration, as depicted inFIG. 2 . In this configuration, with theclasp 26 extending through the eyelet of the jewelry piece, thefastener 20 is securely coupled with the jewelry piece. - While the
clasp 26 is depicted inFIG. 3 as having adisplaceable portion 30 that moves inward into the eyelet oraperture 28, other configurations ofclasp 26 can be used in connection with thefastener 20. For example, clasps having a slideable member, such as is used in a spring ring, can be used to withdraw thedisplaceable portion 30 along a length of theclasp 26 thus exposing thediscontinuity 31, over which the eyelet of the jewelry may pass. In other embodiments, thedisplaceable portion 30 can be rotated out of plane with respect to theclasp 26 such that the movement is not into the eyelet oraperture 28. In yet further embodiments, thedisplaceable portion 30 may comprise the greater portion of the clasp, and the leg that is depicted inFIG. 3 as the displaceable portion can be the stationary member. Accordingly, the greater portion of the clasp may be movable with respect to the smaller clasp member. In some embodiments, theclasp 26 can be displaceable with respect to a portion of thearms housing 22 to expose thediscontinuity 31. For example, theclasp 26 can be axially displaceable with respect to a portion of thearms discontinuity 31 at the base of one of the clasp's 26 legs. - The
clasp 26 can be biased in a closed orientation such that when theclasp 26 is released, theclasp 26 returns to its original configuration, thus concealing thediscontinuity 31. Accordingly, in this embodiment, theclasp 26 can constitute thedisplaceable portion 30. As used herein, the term displaceable portion is intended to have its ordinary meaning and is intended to mean, without limitation, a portion that is able to be moved from a first position, orientation, or location, to at least a second position, orientation, or location. For example, thedisplaceable portion 30 is moved out of its first position, orientation, or location as depicted inFIG. 3 when it is moved inward as depicted by thearrows 36. In other embodiments, examples of which are described above, the displaceable portion can be moved out of plane along its length or in other ways that provide movement of thedisplaceable portion 30 from its original position, orientation, or location. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of thefastener 20 with the two portions coupled together. The twoportions housing junction 38. As depicted inFIG. 4 , thearms housing 22 and can be coplanar with respect to aplane 40 extending through botharms arms housing 22 along planes that are not coplanar. For example, thearms housing 22 in planes that intersect at an angle. In some embodiments, theplanes 40 intersect at an angle that is greater than about 90°, and in other embodiments, the planes intersect at an angle that is about 90° or less than about 90°. In some embodiments, the arms 24 reside inplanes 40 that intersect at an angle between about 120° and about 170°. -
FIG. 5 illustrates the separation of the twoportions fastener 20 as the twoportions arrows 42. With the twoportions fastener 20 are separated, coupling surfaces 44 are exposed on aninterior portion 46 of theportions interior portion 46 of thehousing 22 that engage one another when thehousings 22 are coupled together. In some embodiments, as depicted inFIG. 5 , aprotrusion 48 can extend from thecoupling surface 44 in theinterior portion 46 of one of theportions protrusion 48 can extend from thecoupling surface 44 of thesecond portion 22 b. A corresponding channel or other receiving surface can be provided on thecoupling surface 44 of thefirst portion 22 a. When the twoportions fastener 20 are coupled together, theprotrusion 48 extending from thecoupling surface 44 of thesecond portion 22 b is configured to extend in a mating relationship into the channel or other receiving surface of thecoupling surface 44 of thefirst portion 22 a. As theprotrusion 48 extends into the channel or other receiving surface, the twoportions - In some embodiments, disconnecting the two
portions fastener 20 can be achieved by placing the index fingers on atop side 50 of thearms bottom side 52 of thehousing 22 and by pulling thetop sides 50 downward while pressing forward with the thumb on thebottom side 52 of thehousing 22. As thetop sides 50 of thearms portions portions protrusion 48 from the channel or other receiving surface of thefirst portion 22 a. When the magnetic coupling between the twoportions protrusion 48 is withdrawn from the channel or other receiving surface, the twoportions fastener 20 can be moved apart as depicted by thearrows 42. - When the
arms housing 22, the twoportions fastener 20 can be disconnected by rotation of thearms arms portions portions portions arrows 42. - In order to reconnect the two
portions fastener 20, the twoportions portions housings 22 together in a way in which theprotrusion 48 on thefirst portion 22 a will automatically be seated into the channel or receiving surface on thesecond portion 22 b. With theprotrusion 48 extending into the channel or receiving surface and the magnetic coupling restored, the twoportions - In some embodiments, the connection between the
arms portions portions portions arms housings FIG. 5 , thearm 24 a is illustrated as being coupled to thefirst portion 22 a such that the overlappingportion 49 a will extend over a portion of thesecond portion 22 b when the twoportions arm 24 b is illustrated as being coupled to thesecond portion 22 b such that the overlappingportion 49 b of thearm 24 b will extend over a portion of thefirst portion 22 a when the twoportions portions portions portions portions portions - The overlapping
portions portions portions portion 22 a against the overlappingportion 22 b, which will substantially align the twoportions portion 22 a abutting the overlappingportion 22 b, the twoportions portions portions portions arms - With reference to
FIG. 6 , thefirst portion 22 a of the disconnected fastener is illustrated, exposing theinterior portion 46. Amagnet 54 is preferably included in theinterior portion 46, which is depicted inFIG. 6 as being generally centrally located in theinterior portion 46 of thehousing 22. Adjacent themagnet 54 is preferably a firstinterior coupling surface 56 that is concentrically located about themagnet 54. Theinterior portion 46 preferably also includes a firstperipheral coupling surface 58 extending about the periphery of theinterior portion 46. - In some embodiments, the first
peripheral coupling surface 58 is either higher or lower than the firstinterior coupling surface 56. In these embodiments, afirst transitioning surface 60 extends between the firstinterior coupling surface 56 and the firstperipheral coupling surface 58. Thefirst transitioning surface 60 can be an abrupt, stepwise transition between theother surfaces surface 60 can be a series of steps or even a ramp. Thefirst transitioning surface 60 is configured to provide an edge or shoulder that abuts a corresponding edge or shoulder on thesecond portion 22 b to reduce the likelihood of the twoportions portions -
FIG. 7 shows thesecond portion 22 b also exposing theinterior portion 46 of thehousing 22. Amagnet 54 is generally centrally located in theinterior portion 46 of thesecond portion 22 b, and adjacent themagnet 54, and preferably concentrically located about themagnet 54, is a secondinterior coupling surface 62. The secondinterior coupling surface 62 is preferably configured to engage or abut the firstinterior coupling surface 56 of thefirst portion 22 a when the twoportions interior portion 46 also preferably includes a secondperipheral coupling surface 64 extending about the periphery of theinterior portion 46 of thesecond portion 22 b. - In some embodiments, the second
peripheral coupling surface 64 is higher or lower than the secondinterior coupling surface 62. In such embodiments, asecond transitioning surface 66 is provided between the secondperipheral coupling surface 64 and the secondinterior coupling surface 62. Similar to thefirst transitioning surface 60, thesecond transitioning surface 66 can be an abrupt, stepwise transition between theother surfaces second transitioning surface 66 can be a series of steps or even a ramp. Preferably, the profile of thesecond transitioning surface 66 is similar to the profile of thefirst transitioning surface 60. When the twoportions surfaces portions - While the
magnets 54, the interior coupling surfaces 56, 62, the peripheral coupling surfaces 58, 64, and the transitioning surfaces 60, 66 are depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7 as having a circular or annular shape, other shapes can also be used. For example, the surfaces and magnets can be oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shapes. In some embodiments, theinterior portion 46 may have only one or two of the surfaces, and the surfaces can be oriented or positioned differently than depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7 . For example, in some embodiments, themagnets 54 may not be generally centrally located in thehousing 22. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of thehousing 22 in a coupled configuration.FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment in which the firstperipheral coupling surface 58 is higher than the firstinterior coupling surface 56. Extending between the firstperipheral coupling surface 58 and the firstinterior coupling surface 56 is thefirst transitioning surface 60. With the firstinterior coupling surface 56 in a recessed configuration with respect to the firstperipheral coupling surface 58, the firstinterior coupling surface 56 can comprise a channel or a receiving surface about or adjacent at least a portion of themagnet 54.FIG. 8 also illustrates the secondinterior coupling surface 62 having a higher profile than the secondperipheral coupling surface 64. Extending between the secondinterior coupling surface 62 and the secondperipheral coupling surface 64 is thesecond transitioning surface 66. The elevated secondinterior coupling surface 62, which can extend at least a portion about or adjacent thecorresponding magnet 54, constitutes a protrusion extending from thecoupling surface 44. As illustrated, the secondinternal coupling surface 62 constitutes a protrusion on thesecond portion 22 b that is configured to be received within the channel or receiving surface, which is the firstinterior coupling surface 56 of thefirst portion 22 a. When the twoportions - In some embodiments, the
magnets 54 can provide further interlocking mechanisms. For example, the firstinterior coupling surface 56 can be lower than a top surface of thecorresponding magnet 54. Additionally, the secondinterior coupling surface 62 can be higher than the top surface of itscorresponding magnet 54. In such configurations, the magnets may provide another interlocking mechanism when thehousings 22 are coupled together. In some embodiments, theportions portions portions - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 , in some embodiments the cross-sectional measurement of thehousing 22 is less than a cross-sectional measurement of theclasp 26. One advantage in having aclasp 26 that has a cross-sectional measurement greater than that of thehousing 22 is that theclasp 26 can provide a larger gripping surface that the user can utilize to engage and disengage the twoportions clasp 26 to separate the twoportions clasp 26, or a cross-sectional measurement of theclasp 26, is about the same as or slightly greater than the size, or cross-sectional measurement, of thehousing 22. In yet other embodiments, the size of theclasp 26 can be slightly less than the size of thehousing 22. When theclasp 26 is smaller than thehousing 22, the advantages described above can still be realized when theclasp 26 provides an adequate gripping surface. While an adequately-sized gripping surface may vary depending upon the size of the user's fingers, some embodiments can have aclasp 26 that extends from thehousing 22 between about ⅛ of an inch to about 1 inch. In other embodiments, the clasp is greater than about 1 inch, or theclasp 26 is less than about ⅛ of an inch. For example, in some embodiments theclasp 26 can extend about 2 inches or more from thehousing 22. In a preferred embodiment, theclasp 26 extends from thehousing 22 within a range of between about ¼ of an inch and about ¾ of an inch. In some embodiments, theclasp 26 extends about ½ of an inch from thehousing 22. - The two
portions respective portions fastener 20 when they are coupled together. In some embodiments, analignment portion 68 can be provided that serves to properly orient the twoportions FIG. 7 , analignment portion 68 is shown as a flat portion on one edge of theportions other portion portions Other alignment portions 68 can include a protrusion extending from thecoupling surface 44 of one of theportions coupling surface 44 of the other of the twoportions housings 22 cannot be achieved without the protrusion properly oriented in the receiving surface. In some embodiments, the protrusion is annularly shaped about the magnet and is received within an annular channel extending about the magnet of the other of the twoportions fastener 20 has been properly coupled together by tactile indication when the housings snap together in a preferred orientation. - The
arms member 70 that extends from itsrespective portion clasp 26. The reinforcingmember 70 can increase the rigidity of theclasp 26 with respect to itsrespective portion FIG. 7 , one embodiment of the reinforcingmember 70 can comprise a semi-cylindrical member that extends about a base of theclasp 26. The reinforcingmember 70 can also be configured to form a fluted column, or other ornate configuration, to increase the aesthetic properties of thefastener 20. - In some embodiments, the
coupling surface 44 of bothportions fastener 20. For example, theportions portions portions interior portions 46. In these embodiments, thefastener 20 will be easier to fasten and disconnect. For example, it may be easier for someone with arthritis to simply slide theportions fastener 20. - Although the present disclosure has been provided in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically described embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalence thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes. Therefore, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein described should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
Claims (23)
1. An interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener, comprising:
a housing having a portion comprising a magnet disposed therein; and
a clasp member rigidly attached to the housing, the clasp member comprising a displaceable portion that can be manually actuated.
2. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is located proximate to a coupling surface of the housing.
3. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises at least one of neodymium and samarium cobalt.
4. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 1 , wherein the clasp is configured to create a discontinuity in the clasp when the displaceable portion is actuated.
5. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 1 , wherein the clasp is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the housing.
6. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 1 , wherein the clasp has a greater cross-sectional dimension than the housing.
7. A magnetic jewelry fastener, comprising:
a first housing configured to house at least a portion of a first magnet, the first housing further comprising a first coupling surface;
a first clasp being coupled to the first housing, the first clasp comprising a continuous portion and a first actuable member configured such that, when actuated, the first actuable member creates a discontinuity in the continuous portion;
a second housing configured to house at least a portion of a second magnet, the second housing comprising a second coupling surface; and
a second clasp being coupled to the second housing, the second clasp comprising a continuous portion and a second actuable member configured such that, when actuated, the second actuable member creates a discontinuity in the continuous portion.
8. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 7 , wherein the first coupling surface comprises a protrusion extending from the surface and the second coupling surface comprises a portion configured to receive at least a portion of the first coupling surface in a mating relationship when the first housing is coupled with the second housing.
9. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 8 , wherein the protrusion is annular.
10. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 7 , wherein at least one of either the first clasp and the second clasp is ridigly coupled to the respective first housing or second housing.
11. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second clasps is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the respective first or second housing.
12. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 11 , wherein the axis is generally normal to the surface.
13. The magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 7 , wherein a cross-sectional dimension of at least one of the first and second clasps is at least as large as a cross-sectional dimension of the first or second housing.
14. An interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener, comprising:
first and second housings, each of said first and second housings comprising first and second magnets, said first and second housings further configured to be coupled at a location of the housings proximate to said magnets; and
first and second clasps, each rigidly coupled respectively to said first and second housings and configured to extend in substantially opposite directions when said first and second housings are coupled.
15. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the first and second clasps is rotatable about a longitudinal axis that is transverse to a surface of the first or second housing.
16. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , wherein a cross-sectional dimension of the clasps is at least as large as a cross-sectional dimension of the first or second housing.
17. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , further comprising means for aligning the first and second housings such that the first and second clasps extend in a preferred orientation when the first and second housings are coupled.
18. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , wherein the magnets comprise at least one of neodymium and samarium cobalt.
19. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , wherein the clasps comprise a continuous portion having an actuable member configured such that the actuable member creates, when actuated, a discontinuity in the continuous portion.
20. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 14 , wherein the coupling of the first and second housings comprises a magnetic coupling.
21. The interchangeable magnetic jewelry fastener of claim 20 , further comprising means for reinforcing the magnetic coupling.
22. A method for disconnecting a magnetic coupling of a magnetic jewelry fastener having a first and second housings, each of said first and second housings comprising first and second magnets, said first and second housings being configured to be coupled at a location of the housings proximate to said magnets, said magnetic jewelry fastener further having first and second clasps, at least one of said first and second clasps being rigidly coupled to at least one of said first and second housings, said method comprising gripping the first and second clasps, applying a force to rotate the first and second clasps in substantially opposite directions and to rotate at least one of the first and second housings with respect to the other of the first and second housings, pivoting at least a portion of the first housing on a portion of the second housing, and breaking a magnetic coupling between the magnets of the first and second housings.
23. A magnetic jewelry fastener, comprising:
a housing having a magnet disposed therein; and
clasp means rigidly attached to the housing for connecting said housing to an end of jewelry.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/517,656 US20080060172A1 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2006-09-08 | Magnetic jewelry clasp that is attachable and detachable to existing jewelry by the user |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/517,656 US20080060172A1 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2006-09-08 | Magnetic jewelry clasp that is attachable and detachable to existing jewelry by the user |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080060172A1 true US20080060172A1 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
Family
ID=39168097
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/517,656 Abandoned US20080060172A1 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2006-09-08 | Magnetic jewelry clasp that is attachable and detachable to existing jewelry by the user |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080060172A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2471866A (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2011-01-19 | Valerie Savary | Magnetic Clasp |
US20120279026A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-08 | Midas Chain, Inc. | Ornament lock with wide opening ornament clasp |
WO2012155915A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2012-11-22 | Pandora A/S | A piece of jewellery |
US20150216269A1 (en) * | 2014-02-03 | 2015-08-06 | Ef Designs, Ltd. | Magnetic jewelry clasp and method of using the same |
WO2016090119A1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-06-09 | Hb Concepts, Llc | Interchangeable matching decorated jewelry pendant halves |
US10121347B1 (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2018-11-06 | Patricia Jones | Bodily tracking assembly |
US10609990B2 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2020-04-07 | Apple Inc. | Magnetic actuated attachment mechanisms for electronic devices |
WO2021256609A1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | 황연호 | Connector for accessories that is attachable and detachable by single action |
GB2604038A (en) * | 2021-02-19 | 2022-08-24 | Upscale Pet Products | Magnetic quick-release connector for pet collars |
US11427286B2 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2022-08-30 | Cm Technologies, Inc. | Hull penetration assembly, components thereof and methods related thereto |
WO2023212606A3 (en) * | 2022-04-26 | 2023-12-07 | Nite Ize, Inc. | Systems and methods for a connection device with magnetic alignment of a lip and ridge |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB2471866A (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2011-01-19 | Valerie Savary | Magnetic Clasp |
US20120279026A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-08 | Midas Chain, Inc. | Ornament lock with wide opening ornament clasp |
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US20150216269A1 (en) * | 2014-02-03 | 2015-08-06 | Ef Designs, Ltd. | Magnetic jewelry clasp and method of using the same |
US10609990B2 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2020-04-07 | Apple Inc. | Magnetic actuated attachment mechanisms for electronic devices |
WO2016090119A1 (en) * | 2014-12-03 | 2016-06-09 | Hb Concepts, Llc | Interchangeable matching decorated jewelry pendant halves |
US10121347B1 (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2018-11-06 | Patricia Jones | Bodily tracking assembly |
US11427286B2 (en) * | 2019-05-17 | 2022-08-30 | Cm Technologies, Inc. | Hull penetration assembly, components thereof and methods related thereto |
WO2021256609A1 (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | 황연호 | Connector for accessories that is attachable and detachable by single action |
GB2604038A (en) * | 2021-02-19 | 2022-08-24 | Upscale Pet Products | Magnetic quick-release connector for pet collars |
US11638415B2 (en) | 2021-02-19 | 2023-05-02 | Upscale Pet Products LLC | Magnetic quick-release connector for pet collars |
WO2023212606A3 (en) * | 2022-04-26 | 2023-12-07 | Nite Ize, Inc. | Systems and methods for a connection device with magnetic alignment of a lip and ridge |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |