WO2020178806A1 - Chaîne et fermoir de bracelet amélioré et procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Chaîne et fermoir de bracelet amélioré et procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020178806A1
WO2020178806A1 PCT/IB2020/053830 IB2020053830W WO2020178806A1 WO 2020178806 A1 WO2020178806 A1 WO 2020178806A1 IB 2020053830 W IB2020053830 W IB 2020053830W WO 2020178806 A1 WO2020178806 A1 WO 2020178806A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
clasp
female
male
clasp portion
arcuate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/053830
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Schilling
Alexandra Lavranos
David Concepcion
Original Assignee
LXL Group Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US29/688,993 external-priority patent/USD942885S1/en
Application filed by LXL Group Inc. filed Critical LXL Group Inc.
Publication of WO2020178806A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020178806A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A44C5/2076—Fasteners for straps, chains or the like for open straps, chains or the like with the two ends of the strap or chain abutting each other or sliding in the main plane or a plane parallel to the main plane of these two ends

Definitions

  • the present inventive disclosure pertains to an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet (e.g., a Cuban-link bracelet, a Figaro-link bracelet, a Franco-link bracelet, etc.) and its clasp (that is, a dedicated mechanical-connector device).
  • Such sturdy-chain-linked bracelets are heavy and unwieldy to deal with (that is, to don, remove, and/or store) when they are comprised of loose, disconnected chain links.
  • such a heavy-duty bracelet requires an enhanced clasp that can remain closed despite being subjected to relatively high stresses from the weight of a heavy chain being moved around by the wearer of such a bracelet. What is needed is a heavy-duty bracelet that is designed to be easier and more stable to wear and use.
  • the aforementioned dedicated mechanical-connector device typically referred to as a “jewelry clasp,” or “jewelry fastener,” is the mechanism that allows a bracelet to easily be put on and taken off without causing any damage. Some fasteners are meant to be hidden and/or rotated out of sight, while others are a key element to the design.
  • Such jewelry clasps employed by most bracelets usually take the form of any of the following: Ball Clasp (also known as a bead clasp) : A ball clasp is a round, spherical jewelry fastener that is sometimes adorned with gemstones or texturing. A ball clasp typically has an “eye” extending form the “ball” in which a bent hook coupler can engage.
  • Barrel Clasp A barrel clasp is a small barrel or torpedo-shaped closure that fastens two ends together through a screw, box, or hook-insert mechanism. While this type of jewelry clasp generally provides more security than a ball clasp, a barrel clasp can be unsightly.
  • Fishhook Clasp A fishhook clasp is a delicate fastener that involves a hook inserted into an encasing and is commonly used for lightweight necklaces and bracelets and can be relatively easily decoupled; that is, the coupling is somewhat insecure.
  • Hook Clasp A hook clasp uses an easy hook-on, hook-off motion, wherein a curved piece at the bottom of the hook catches onto a loop or circle to hold it in place. This type of coupling can be easily inadvertently uncoupled.
  • Lobster Clasp A lobster clasp is named after the pinching style of the hook, which resembles a lobster claw, which engages a loop or circle. Its lever is exercised to open the clasp in order to open the clasp and the lever is released to close the clasp. Many view this type of clasp as unsightly, especially when a necklace or bracelet rotates such that the lobster clasp is visible.
  • Swivel Clasp A swivel clasp is a variant of a lobster clasp in that it can swivel 360 degrees at its base.
  • Push-Button Clasp A push-button clasp has a female receptacle and a male member that "clicks" into the female receptacle. The mechanism relies on a lever or button that must be pushed to release the clasp. This type of clasp usually does not match well with the balance of the jewelry item, especially when a necklace or bracelet rotates such that the push-button clasp is visible.
  • Springring Clasp A springring clasp is a hollow circular metal fastener with a spring opening that keeps the clasp closed.
  • Buckle Clasp A buckle clasp is sometimes used as a clasp for leather or material bracelets.
  • a buckle clasp features the same mechanism as a classic belt buckle, wherein the buckle straps one end through a loop and secures it with a hinged prong that inserts into a hole and rests against a metal frame. This specialized clasp is generally inappropriate aesthetically for most applications for necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
  • Ladder Clasp A ladder clasp is an old-fashioned fastener often used for wristwatches.
  • slide Clasp secures closure with two bars, each having one or more eyelets for attaching to chains, cords, or the like, wherein one of the bars slides into the other, which has a slot to allow the eyelet(s) of the interior bar to extend outside of the interlocked bars.
  • This type of clasp is very specialized and is relatively large and intended for thick necklaces with more than one chain, cord, strand, etc.
  • Magnetic Clasp A magnetic clasp relies on a magnet to hold ends of the necklace, bracelet, or anklet together, allowing for easy-on, easy-off closure. However, depending on the strength of the magnets, this type of clasp may lack the level of security that many users desire.
  • Toggle Clasp A toggle clasp is a two-piece jewelry fastener that closes when a t-shaped or decorative bar is threaded through a circular loop. This stylized clasp type often serves as the centerpiece of a design for specialized jewelry items and is not intended to be hidden from view.
  • the aforementioned (and other) prior-art clasp arrangements are not necessarily space filling, but in many designs, they have voids and/or hollow areas. Such voids or hollow areas can lead to the misalignment of moving parts and might not provide an overall elegant geometric shape, but instead can give rise to a shape with openings or hollows that can make a clasp more difficult for a user as well as one that is less appealing in its general look and feel for a user.
  • most prior-art clasp arrangements have overall shapes that are not cylindrical but are instead rectangular or made up of other flat faces.
  • Each of the aforementioned clasp types has securement issues and/or is unsightly with respect to the balance of a sturdy chain-linked bracelet.
  • the present disclosure is intended to disclose an improved type of clasp (and associated applications) that address both of these issues.
  • the disclosures described herein pertain to an improved sturdy-chain-linked bracelet (e.g., a Cuban-link bracelet, a Figaro-link bracelet, a Franco-link bracelet, etc.) and its clasp that is more durable and easier to don, remove and store.
  • the improved bracelet is hinged at the rear (at a location opposite the clasp) and includes an improved clasp-type device for connecting two ends of the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet.
  • the improved jewelry clasp provides for both easy and secure coupling of the two ends of the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet, while providing a decorative “hiding” of the clasp.
  • the improved jewelry clasp can appear as just one of several ingots/charms that the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet may contain.
  • FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a closeup side-latch view the improved clasp device for an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet, shown with the clasp cover closed upon the clasp base, with the clasp fully engaged/locked.
  • FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a closeup end view of the improved clasp device housing for an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet, shown with the clasp cover closed, but with the clasp tongue-receiving cavity in the clasp base shown empty (that is, the tongue is not shown inserted).
  • FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a closeup bottom isometric view of the improved clasp device housing for an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet, shown with the clasp cover open, but with the clasp tongue-receiving cavity in the clasp base shown empty (that is, the tongue is not shown inserted).
  • the inventive disclosures described herein pertains to an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet (e.g., a Cuban-link bracelet, a Figaro-link bracelet, a Franco-link bracelet, etc.) and its clasp that is more durable and easier to don, remove, and store.
  • the improved bracelet is hinged at a point diametrically opposite the clasp and includes an improved clasp-type device for connecting two ends of the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet.
  • the improved jewelry clasp provides for both easy and secure coupling of the two ends of the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet, while providing a decorative concealment of the clasp.
  • the improved jewelry clasp can appear as just one of several ingots/charms that the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet may contain.
  • wrap-around personal-adornment item or “wrap-around jewelry item,” as used in this specification, drawings, and the appended claims, are each intended to be a generic reference to any kind of necklace, bracelet, or anklet that a person may wear.
  • Cuban-link bracelet includes a type of jewelry chain that have been popularized by the American Hip-Hop culture, starting in the 1970s. Such chains are characterized by typically being sturdy and of fairly heavy gauge metal, with an interlocking link pattern. Cuban-links commonly, but not necessarily, are made with a diamond-cut pattern.
  • Figaro-link bracelet refers to a type of heavy-chain jewelry wherein the link pattern consists of two or three links of the same size (and typically circular) followed by one elongated/oval link. They are usually worn by men and are often adorned with pendants such as crosses and medallions.
  • Franco-link bracelet refers to a type of heavy-chain jewelry wherein the multiple chains, each of which uses a “curb” pattern (that is, the links interlock with each other when laid flat), are laid against each other and interweaved with each other to form the Franco-link chain.
  • This Section is directed generally to an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet (e.g., a Cuban-link bracelet, a Figaro-link bracelet, a Franco-link bracelet, etc.) and its clasp that is more-durable and easier to don, remove, and store.
  • an improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet e.g., a Cuban-link bracelet, a Figaro-link bracelet, a Franco-link bracelet, etc.
  • its clasp that is more-durable and easier to don, remove, and store.
  • the improved bracelet 1 includes an improved clasp-type device 5, 10 for connecting two ends of the improved sturdy-chain-linked bracelet 1 .
  • the improved clasp 5, 10 provides for both easy and secure coupling of the two ends of the improved sturdy-chain-linked bracelet 1 , while providing a decorative concealment of the clasp within the clasp’s housing 10, 10A .
  • the improved jewelry clasp 5, 10 can appear as just one of several ingots/charms 15A that the improved sturdy chain-linked bracelet 1 may contain.
  • the bracelet is a Cuban-link-and-ingot chain 15, 15A that is welded into a rigid form and can be shaped to fit any number of wrist sizes.
  • the improved bracelet 1 includes a hinge 20 that allows the improved bracelet 1 to open and close around a user’s wrist; for example, when a user is putting on the improved bracelet 1 or when a user is taking off the improved bracelet 1 .
  • This feature is especially important when the improved bracelet 1 is comprised of a Cuban-link-and-ingot chain 15, 15A that is welded into a rigid form.
  • the hinge 20 is designed such that it is not immediately noticeable when the improved bracelet 1 is in a closed position; in particular, when the improved bracelet 1 is being worn by a user. In the closed position, the hinge 20 is designed to be difficult to see amongst the bracelet chain 15 .
  • the hinge 20 may be equidistant and at an odd link-interval between two ingots 15A on the improved bracelet 1 ; however, in other variations the location of the hinge 20 need only be positioned such that the improved bracelet 1 can be easily donned and removed from a user’s wrist.
  • the clasp 5, 10 for the improved bracelet 1 has a male connector (or “tongue”) 5 , which is rotatably coupled 5B to the bracelet chain 15 , and a female connector (receiving pocket) 5A within the clasp housing 10, 10A to connect the bracelet in a closed position.
  • the clasp-housing cover/flange 10A is connected to the clasp-housing base 10 via hinge 10D and is held in a closed position via an interference fit between a latch nib 10B and its associated receiving cavity/notch 10C within the clasp-housing base 10 .
  • the interior side of the clasp-housing cover 10A has a protruding latch-security prong/nib 10F (typically soldered or welded on) that is sized and positioned to fit within a mating opening 10E in the clasp-housing base 10 (when the clasp-housing cover 10A is closed) and also sized to interlock with a hole 5C disposed within the inserted clasp tongue 5 .
  • This latch-security prong 10F feature combined with the clasp-housing cover latch assembly 10B, 10C , provides enhanced security of the engaged clasp 5, 10 .
  • the clasp housing base and cover 10, 10A can be the same shape and size as other ingots or charms contained on the improved bracelet 1 , but need not be so.
  • a user To engage and secure the improved clasp 5, 10 , a user fully inserts the tongue 5 into the receiving pocket 5A in the clasp-housing base 10 , then closes the clasp-housing cover 10A over the clasp-housing base 10 such that the latch nib 10B and its associated receiving cavity/notch 10C are engaged and such that the latch-security prong 10F is fully engaged into the mating opening 10E in the clasp-housing base 10 and also into the hole 5C disposed within the inserted clasp tongue 5 . To decouple the clasp 5, 10 , a user fully opens the clasp-housing cover 10A and pulls-out the tongue 5 .
  • the item 1 comprises a rigid first arcuate portion being the right-hand half of Fig. 1A.
  • the item 1 also comprises a rigid second arcuate portion being the left-hand half of Fig. 1A.
  • the first arcuate portion has a first end and a second end and the second arcuate portion has a first end and a second end. It is the first ends that connect to the hinge 20 . It is the second ends that connect to the clasps 5, 10 .
  • the female clasp portion comprising a main body 10 and a cover 10A hinged thereto.
  • the cylindrical design elements 15A each have a respective diameter and a respective thickness, and in each case the respective diameter is greater than the respective thickness.
  • the cylindrical design elements are substantially all of the same thickness and substantially the same diameter. This might mean the thicknesses are all within about five percent of each other and the diameters are all within about five percent of each other. This might mean the thicknesses are all within about two percent of each other and the diameters are all within about two percent of each other.
  • each cylindrical design element is oriented with a flat face toward the human body. As may be seen most clearly in Fig.
  • the male clasp portion 5 is springy so as to snap-fit removably when its distal end is inserted fully into a recess ( 5A in Figs. 2E and 2F ) in the main body of the female clasp portion.
  • the male clasp portion 5 has a hole 5C at a location along its length.
  • the main body of the female portion has a hole 10E (Fig. 2F) at a location aligning with the hole 5C of the male clasp portion when the male clasp portion is inserted fully into the recess in the main body of the female clasp portion.
  • the cover of the female clasp portion has a tongue 10F sized and positioned to be able to penetrate into the hole 10E in the female portion and into the hole 5C in the male portion.
  • the male clasp portion and the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion each have a shape, and the shapes of the male clasp portion and the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion together define a cylindrical design element that closely mimics the cylindrical design elements 15A. These portions do this in part by being space filling, nearly completely filling the volume of the cylindrical diameter and thickness of the other design elements.
  • the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion define a nib 10B ( Fig. 2E) tending to hold the cover shut when it is shut.
  • the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are, along most of their lengths other than at the cylindrical design elements and at the hinge and at the clasp, shaped to present an illusion of being composed of links of flexible chain. This may be seen for example in Fig. 1D.
  • the hinge 20 is shaped to conceal itself to look like the links of the flexible chain.
  • the cylindrical design elements along the first arcuate length, and the cylindrical design elements along the second arcuate length, and the cylindrical design element defined by the shapes of the male clasp portion and the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion all of approximately the same diameter and are all of approximately the same thickness.
  • Fig. 1D for example, the cylindrical design elements along the first arcuate length, and the cylindrical design elements along the second arcuate length, and the cylindrical design element defined by the shapes of the male clasp portion and the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion all of approximately the same diameter and are all of approximately the same thickness.
  • the item has a circumference
  • the cylindrical design elements along the first arcuate length, and the cylindrical design elements along the second arcuate length, and the cylindrical design element defined by the shapes of the male clasp portion and the main body of the female clasp portion and the cover of the female clasp portion together comprise an odd number of cylindrical design elements, in this case five such elements, and the item may be further characterized in that the cylindrical design elements are spaced approximately equidistantly around the circumference of the item. It is also to be seen in Fig. 1D that the hinge is diametrically opposite the clasp.
  • the steps to be carried out may include the following: the second ends of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are separated; optionally, a part of a human body is encircled by the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion; the second ends of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are brought together; the male clasp portion is inserted into the main body of the female clasp portion whereby it snap-fits thereto; and the cover of the female clasp portion is closed, whereby the tongue penetrates first into the hole of the female portion and thereafter into the hole of the male portion.
  • Still other steps that may be carried out may include the following: the cover of the female clasp portion is opened, whereby the tongue is withdrawn first from the hole of the male portion and thereafter from the hole of the female portion; the male clasp portion is squeezed so as to release it from its snap-fit in the main body of the female clasp portion; the male clasp portion is withdrawn therefrom; the second ends of the first arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion are separated, and optionally, the item is withdrawn from a part of a human body.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un bracelet lié à une chaîne robuste amélioré (par exemple, un bracelet à maillon cubain, un bracelet à maillon Figaro, un bracelet à maillon Franco, etc.) et son fermoir qui est plus durable et plus facile à mettre, à retirer et à ranger. Le bracelet amélioré est articulé à l'arrière et comprend un dispositif de type fermoir amélioré pour relier deux extrémités du bracelet à chaîne robuste amélioré. Le fermoir bijou amélioré permet une liaison à la fois facile et sûre des deux extrémités du bracelet lié à une chaîne robuste, tout en fournissant un « masquage » décoratif du fermoir. Dans des variantes, le fermoir bijou amélioré peut apparaître sous la forme d'un(e) seul(e) lingot/breloque parmi plusieurs lingots/breloques que le bracelet lié à une chaîne robuste peut contenir.
PCT/IB2020/053830 2019-04-24 2020-04-23 Chaîne et fermoir de bracelet amélioré et procédés d'utilisation WO2020178806A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962838167P 2019-04-24 2019-04-24
US62/838,167 2019-04-24
US29/688,993 2019-04-25
US29/688,993 USD942885S1 (en) 2019-04-25 2019-04-25 Combined bracelet and clasp

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WO2020178806A1 true WO2020178806A1 (fr) 2020-09-10

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD951129S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-05-10 Venus by Maria Tash, Inc. Lobster clasp

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4055057A (en) * 1976-07-06 1977-10-25 Kolman Anita M Coupling device for the opposed ends of bracelets
US5435047A (en) * 1994-02-09 1995-07-25 Colpo & Zilio Srl Lock for bracelets, necklaces and the like
KR200417916Y1 (ko) * 2006-03-18 2006-06-02 이재흥 목걸이 체결구조
KR20100112867A (ko) * 2009-04-10 2010-10-20 백경학 원터치 로킹장치
KR101569111B1 (ko) * 2015-03-03 2015-11-13 (주)렉스다이아몬드 착탈이 용이한 장신구용 체결장치

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4055057A (en) * 1976-07-06 1977-10-25 Kolman Anita M Coupling device for the opposed ends of bracelets
US5435047A (en) * 1994-02-09 1995-07-25 Colpo & Zilio Srl Lock for bracelets, necklaces and the like
KR200417916Y1 (ko) * 2006-03-18 2006-06-02 이재흥 목걸이 체결구조
KR20100112867A (ko) * 2009-04-10 2010-10-20 백경학 원터치 로킹장치
KR101569111B1 (ko) * 2015-03-03 2015-11-13 (주)렉스다이아몬드 착탈이 용이한 장신구용 체결장치

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD951129S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2022-05-10 Venus by Maria Tash, Inc. Lobster clasp
USD993073S1 (en) 2020-06-16 2023-07-25 Venus by Maria Tash, Inc. Lobster clasp

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