US3404440A

US3404440A - Jewelry attachment

Info

Publication number: US3404440A
Application number: US635507A
Authority: US
Inventors: Weiss Irving
Original assignee: LISNOW AND WEISS CO
Current assignee: LISNOW AND WEISS CO
Priority date: 1967-05-02
Filing date: 1967-05-02
Publication date: 1968-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 1985-10-08

Description

I. WEISS JEWELRY ATTACHMENT Filed May 2, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V P ow Oct. 8, 1968 WEISS JEWELRY ATTACHMENT Filed May 2, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q Ll.

lmmnlnlrunmlmnlln a 4% United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A clamp for attaching a flexible band, or strap, to a clasp which includes a housing having a bottom, side and end walls which form, therebetween, a cavity, the end Wall having a horizontal opening, a flexible band extending through said openinginto said cavity with one side of said band in engagement with said bottom wall, the opposite side of said band having a plurality of teeth, and a keeper pivotally connected at one of its ends intermediate said side walls, said keeper having a plurality of teeth extending upwardly into said cavity toward said bottom wall and in mating engagement with the teeth on said band, and means opposite the pivoted ends of said keeper for holding said keeper in position in said cavity and for locking the teeth on said keeper in mating engagement With the teeth on said band.

This invention relates to an attachment for connecting a flexible strap to a clasp and, more particularly, to such an attachment for connecting a flexible strap to a jewelry clasp.

On watch bands, bracelets, necklaces, and the like, where flexible bands, or straps, are employed, it is the customary practice to connect one end of the band, or strap, to a clasp member which, when the clasp is open, allows the watch, bracelet, necklace, or the like, to be placed on the wearer and, when the. clasp is closed, holds such 'watch, bracelet, necklace, or the like, in place on the wearer. When the clasp is open, the band is discontinuous and, when closed, "continuous.

The watch, bracelet, necklace, or the like, is secured by the clasp, that is, when the clasp is closed, the watch, etc. is held in place. If, by accident, the clasp is opened, the watch, bracelet, necklace, or the like, may be, and often is, lost. To prevent accidental opening of such clasps, various safety arrangements, such as double latches, are cus tomarily employed and these, when properly closed, are effective for securing the clasp against accidental opening.

The instant invention is not concerned with clasp latches but, rather, with the attachment of flexible bands to such latches. These attachments, although not opened and closed each time the band is put on, or taken off, are of as equal importance as the clasp for securing the band because, if the attachment fails while the band is being worn, the band, watch, bracelet, necklace, or the like, can fall off and be lost. Furthermore, if the band fails at the attachment, it can fall olf and be lost.

One of the objects of the instant invention is to provide an improved attachment for connecting the end of a flexible band to a clasp.

A further object is to provide such an attachment that is inexpensive and economical to produce.

Still a further object is to provide such an attachment that is attractive and will not detract from the over-all appearance of the band.

These, and other objects, will be more apparent from the following description and attached drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded view, in perspective, of the various elements of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the elements of FIGURE 1 with the elements assembled;

3,404,440 Patented Oct. 8, 1968 FIGURE 3 is a side view, in section, taken along line 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a side view, in section, along line 4--4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 55 of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a bottom view of the left hand element of FIGURE 3.

Referring to the drawing, there is shown a clasp, generally designated 2, having a body 4, and latches 6, 8. Latches 6, 8, are pivoted, at one of their ends, to body 4, by pin 10 which, at its opposite ends, is press-fitted, or soldered, in side walls 12, 14, of body 4 and, intermediate its end, rotatably supports latches 6, 8 for pivotal movement in body 4 into opened and closed positions. End wall 16 of body 4 has an outwardly projecting shoulder 16, which, when the latches are closed, is engaged by inwardly extending shoulder 18 on end Wall 20 of outer latch 6. Side walls 12, 14 of body 4 are cut-out at 22, 24, for purposes later described. Prongs 26, 28 extend downward from inner latch 8.

At one of its ends, body 4 is pivotally connected, by pin 30, to the end of the housing that, for purposes of con venience is referred to as the clamp and generally desig nated 32. At its ends, pin 30 is press-fitted, or soldered, in side walls 34, 36 of clamp housing 32,, extends through side walls 12, 14, of body 4, and through the opening between side walls 12, 14, for purposes later described.

A second clamp housing, generally designated 40, having side walls 42, 44, and end wall 46, makes up the other end of the clasp. Clamp housings 32, 40 are identical except that, in housing 32, side walls 34, 36 are open at their ends and are provided with holes for receiving pin 30, while, in housing 40, side walls 42, 44 are closed by end wall 46 and no holes are provided in the side walls. These differences may be accomplished, for purposes of production, by manufacturing both clamp housings in the configuration of housing 40 and, thereafter, removing end Wall 46 from one of the housings and drilling the holes for pin 30.

Because, except for the diflerences noted above, housings 32, 40 are identical, only housing 32 will be hereinafter described, it being understood, however, that the description applies equally to housing 40.

The end of housing 32, opposite pin end 30, has a wall having a rectangular opening 52, for receiving the end of flexible band 54, and an upper wall 56 which may be solid or, as shown, provided with an opening 58 extending through the wall. For aesthetic purposes, the edges of sides 34, 36 at the ends of upper wall 56 may be tapered, as at 60, 62, 64. Likewise, to conform to the curve of the unit, the top and bottom surfaces of side wall 34, 36 and upper wall 56 may be angularly disposed, one to the other.

Keeper 66, having along one of its surfaces a plurality of spaced teeth 68, is pivotally connected by pin between side walls 34, 36, pin 70 being press-fitted, or soldered, at its ends in the side walls and pivotally supports keeper 66 for pivotal movement about one of its ends between walls 34, 36 from a position as in FI GURES 1 and 3, where its free end projects downwardly from housing 32, to a position where keeper 66 is between side walls 34, 36, as in FIGURES 2 and 4. At its opposite end, keeper 66 has a pin receiving hole 72, which, when keeper 66 is between side walls 34, 36, receives pin for reasons that will be explained.

As best shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 6, one side of flexible band 54 has a plurality of spaced teeth 82, spaced to engage the spaces between teeth 68 of keeper 66 and to receive teeth 68 therebetween. Teeth 82 and 68 On band 54 and keeper 66, respectively, may be spaced equally or may be varied provided, however, that: the teeth on one 3 mate with the teeth on the other, for reasons that are obvious.

Teeth 82 on band 54 may be formed on the band, as the band is manufactured or may be stamped, or cut, after manufacture. Preferably, teeth 82 do not extend to the 4 edges of the band but are located in the center of the band so that the band edges are continuous and uniform. The length of teeth 68 on keeper 66 are of a length to receive teeth 82 and recesses 68, 68" are provided on keeper 66 along the opposite ends of teeth 68 to receive the continuous side edges of the band.

As is also best shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 6, band 54 has more teeth than are required to receive teeth 68 of keeper 66. These excess teeth, on band 54, allow the band, if necessary, to be shortened and are provided for purposes of convenience. By stamping or cutting the teeth in the band, after the band length has been determined, these excess teeth could be eliminated.

In assembling the clasp of FIGURE 1, pin 80 is removed and keeper 66 is pivoted on pin 70 so that its free end projects downwardly from the housing. The end of band 54 is inserted through opening 52 in end wall 50 until the end of the band contacts the pivoted end of keeper 66 and keeper 66 is then pivoted upward bringing teeth 68 on keeper 66 into mating engagement with teeth 82 on band 54. With the teeth in mating engagement, pin 80 is inserted through the pin receiving holes in side walls 34, 36 and pin receiving hole 72 in keeper 66, locking flexible band 54 in housing 32.

The inner side of upper wall 56 of housing 32 is smooth and forms a backing for flexible band 54 when keeper 66 is closed. The outer surface of band 54 in contact with the inner side of wall 56 can slide relative to the wall. Thus, as band 54 flexes, the outer surface of band 54 can move relative to the wall. This movement is not substantial but it does avoid stresses in the flexible band which, in clamps heretofore employed that grip both the inner and outer surface of the flexible band, have resulted in failure of the band where it is attached to the clamp.

As has been noted, upper wall 56 may be solid or provided with an opening, such as, the opening 58. Because the upper wall is a backing and is in sliding contact with the flexible band, it is not necessary for this wall to be solid. By providing an opening in the wall, which may be of any configuration, the surface of the band, at the opening, is exposed, substantially reducing the appearance of the size of the clamp which, in jewelry, is of particular advantage.

It is to be noted that, in assembling and disassembling the clasp clamp of the instant invention, only pin 80 is removed. Thus, the clamp is simple to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, when the clamp is assembled, there is no movement between pin 80 and the members. This is also of particular advantage because pin 80 does not become worn while the assembled clasp is in use. Because there is no wear, pin 80 will not fail, or break, while the assembly is in use which is often a source of failure where wear can occur.

The clamps 32, 40 of the instant invention can be used with a wide variety of clasps, the ends of the clamps in contact with and attaching to the clasp being modified, of course, to adapt the clamps to the clasp arrangement. The clasp arrangement that has been described in the foregoing description has been found to be suited for use with the clamps and has been illustrated and described for a better understanding of the clamp. Other clasps are also suitable for use with the clamp.

When the clamp of the instant invention is used with the clasp arrangement illustrated and described, after the flexible bands 54 have been inserted into and locked in housings 32, 40, the assembled band is placed on the wearer and secured in position by passing end wall 46 of clamp housing 40 over latches 6, 8 so that end wall 46 is in cutouts 22, 24 of clasp 2. Inner latch 8 is then closed so that prongs 26, 28 engage the opposite sides of pin 30. Outer latch 6 is then closed and inwardly extending shoulder 18 on end wall 20 of outer latch 6 passes over and is held closed by the outwardly projecting shoulder 16" on end wall 16 of body 4. To remove the band from the wearer, the outer latch 6 is opened, inner latch 8 is opened and end wall 46 of clasp 40 is lifted out of cut-outs 22, 24 and over latches 6, 8.

The terms and expressions which have been'employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A clamp for fixedly connecting one end of a flexible band to a jewelry article comprising, a first member havinga longitudinally extending upper wall, an end wall, and upwardly extendin side walls at either side of said upper wall, said upper, end and side walls forming, therebetween, there being a cavity for receiving the end of a flexible band, a second member pivoted at one of its ends to the side walls of said first member and movable from an open position wherein said second member projects outward from said cavity to a closed position wherein said second member is between the side walls of said first member and in said cavity, a plurality of upwardly extending teeth on said second member projecting into said cavity toward said upper wall and spaced longitudinally therealong for mating engagement with longitudinally spaced teeth on the end of a flexible band inserted into said cavity when said second member is in said closed position and means for locking said second member in said closed position in said first cavity, said teeth on said second member being formed in such a manner that the outer surface of the flexible band will contact the inner side of said upper wall when said second member is in closed position and will slide relative thereto when the band flexes during use.

2. A clamp for fixedly connecting one end of a flexible band to a jewelry article comprising, a first member having a longitudinally extending upper wall, an end wall, and upwardly extending side walls at either side of said upper wall, said upper, end and side walls forming, therebetween, there being a cavity for receiving the end of a flexible band, a second member pivoted at one of its ends to the side walls of said first member and movable from an open position wherein said second member projects outward from said cavity to a closed position wherein said second member is between the side walls of said first member and in said cavity, a plurality of upwardly extending teeth on said second member projecting into said cavity toward said upper wall and spaced longitudinally therealong for mating engagement with longitudinally spaced teeth on the end of a flexible band inserted into said cavity when said second member is in said closed position and a pin extending through said second member and through the side walls of said first member for locking said second member in said closed position in said first cavity, said teeth being formed in such a manner that the outer surface of the band will contact the inner side of said upper wall when said second member is in closed position and will slide relative thereto when the band flexes during use.

3. A clamp for fixedly connecting one end of a flexible band to a jewelry article comprising, a first member having a longitudinally extending upper wall, an end wall, and upwardly extending side walls at either side of said upper wall, said upper, end and side walls forming, therebetween, there being a cavity for receiving the end of a flexible band, a second member pivoted at one of its ends to the side walls of said first member and movable from an open position wherein said second member. projects outward from said cavity to a closed position wherein said second member is 'between the side walls of said first member and in said cavity, a plurality of upwardly extending teeth on said second member projecting into said cavity toward said upper wall and spaced longitudinally therealong for mating engagement with longitudinally spaced teeth on the end of a flexible band inserted into said cavity when said second member is in said closed position and a pin extending through said second member and through the side walls of said first member at the end of said first member adjacent said end wall for locking said second member in said closed position in said first member and a flexible band having one end in said cavity and extending outwardly therefrom, said band having one side in engagement with said upper wall and an opposite side in engagement with said second member, said side of said band in engagement with said second member having a plurality of teeth spaced longitudinally therealong and in mating engagement with said upwardly extending teeth on said second member, said teeth being formed in such a manner that the outer surface of said band will contact the inner side of said upper wall when said second member is in closed position and will slide relative thereto when the band flexes during use.

4. A clamp as recited in claim 3 in which said end wall has a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and said flexible band extends through said opening and into said cavity.

5. A clamp as recited in claim 3 in which said upper wall has an opening extending therethrough to expose, through said wall, a portion of the surface of said flexible band.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,775,174 9/ 1930 Roy 24265 X 2,044,869 6/1936 Alkin 24--265 2,412,812 12/ 1946 Karasik 2244.5 X 2,554,184 5/ 1951 Gerstenblith 24241 2,663,924 12/ 1953 Albrecht 24--265 FOREIGN PATENTS 351,976 4/1922 Germany. 959,594 3/1957 Germany.

DONALD A. GRIFFIN, Primary Examiner.