Abstract:
A jewelry class includes a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain and means for engaging a selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain within the receptacle. The jewelry clasp further includes a means for retaining the selected link of the chain in engagement with the means for engaging.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to the field of jewelry. More specifically, this invention relates to user methods and clasps for customizing the length of necklaces and bracelets.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Necklaces, bracelets and anklets constructed of chain have long been popular with jewelry wearers and therefore are sold in various standard lengths. Traditionally, wearers would purchase the necklace, bracelet or anklet chains according to these fixed lengths. This would often result in increased cost to the wearer due to the need to buy chains of various lengths for various purposes. Alternatively, due to the cost of jewelry chains, the wearer would purchase one chain of a fixed length to wear at all times, no matter what the context. Due to the various styles of clothing and diversity in the personal tastes of consumers, wearers are often left wearing no jewelry because the fixed chain length does not suit the wearer&#39;taste or clothing. What is needed are jewelry latches and methods that allow adjustment of the length of a necklace, bracelet or anklet and is easily customized by wearers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The invention disclosed herein will meet the needs discussed above. Unlike other jewelry necklace, bracelet and anklet latches that secure the chain at a fixed length, the present invention is easily customizable by the wearer, adjusts to variable lengths and completely secures the chain at the desired length.  
           [0004]    The present invention consists of a user customizable jewelry latch that includes a frame with a hinged arm and plunger pin. Also located on the frame is a locking post, a small round ring, and a chain entry hole and chain exit hole communicating with a cavity. The inner cavity contains a chain guide/plunger pin seat. When a length of jewelry chain is threaded through the cavity, the pin is hinged into the inserted engagement with a link in the chain, thereby setting the chain length.  
           [0005]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a jewelry clasp includes a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain and the means for engaging a selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain within the receptacle. The clasp further includes a means for retaining the selective link of the chain in engagement with the mean for engaging.  
           [0006]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the jewelry clasp includes a frame including a sidewall defining a receptacle and having first and second apertures for retaining a link of the chain threaded through the apertures. The jewelry clasp further includes a pin for insertion through a selected link of a length of the chain to retain the link within the frame and a hinged means attached to the frame for selectively maintaining the pin in inserted engagement with the link.  
           [0007]    In another embodiment of the present invention, jewelry, made of metal or plastic, includes a chain formed by a series of links and a clasp for forming a loop of the chain of a selected diameter. The clasp for forming the loop of the chain of a selected diameter includes a means for attaching the clasp to a first point of the chain and a frame defining a receptacle adapted to received a selected link of the chain. The clasp further includes a pin for engaging the selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain through the clasp and a means for retaining the selected link of the chain in engagement with the pin.  
           [0008]    In another embodiment, a method of selectively adjusting the diameter of a loop formed by a jewelry chain includes retaining a selected link of the chain in a receptacle of the clasp, extending a pin through the selected link of the chain to retain the selected link of the chain within the frame, and rotating a hinged member attached to the frame to maintain the pin in inserted engagement with the selected link.  
           [0009]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    To further aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings help illustrate specific features of the invention and the following is a brief description of the attached drawings;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1A is a top view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in locked position.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1B is a second top view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in open position.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1C is a right side frame view of present invention, showing chain entry hole and small round ring in which one end of chain is permanently attached and hinged arm in open position.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1D is left side frame view of present invention, showing chain exit hole.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2A is a front member view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in open position.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2B is a back member view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention with hinged arm in locked position.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2C is front member view of present invention, with hinged arm in open position, shown with attachment structure such as a necklace chain, wrist bracelet chain, or ankle chain (shown in semi-phantom). Also shown with ornamental pendant attached.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3A is a cutaway front view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention, in the locked position (hinged arm down), showing the relationship between frame, center chain guide/plunger pin seat, plunger pin (locking mechanism), chain entry hole, chain exit hole and back member. Shown with attachment structure such as necklace chain, wrist bracelet chain, or ankle chain. In this position chain is securely held in place.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3B is a cutaway front view of a jewelry latch embodiment of the present invention, in the open position (hinged arm up). In this position chain has free movement.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4A is a right end view of a jewelry latch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the lid open.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4B is a left end view of the jewelry latch embodiment of FIG. 4A with the lid closed.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4C is a front view of the of the jewelry latch embodiment of FIG. 4B with the lid open and a chain in place. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for an easily customizable jewelry latch. This disclosure describes numerous specific details that include specific structures in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one may practice the present invention without these specific details.  
         [0024]    As described further herein, the jewelry latch designs provide the user an easy way to customize and to modify the length of chain necklaces, wrist bracelets, and ankle bracelets to suit the user&#39;preferences. FIGS. 1, 2,  3  and  4  illustrate three different embodiments of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1A is a top view embodiment of the jewelry latch in closed position. A hinged arm  101  is coupled to a hinge  103  allowing the hinged arm  101  to open or close. The hinge  103  is attached to a frame  104 . A locking post hole  106  is located on the hinged arm  101 . The locking post hole  106  fits tightly over a locking post  102  when in the locked position. The locking post hole  106  is shown in greater clarity in FIG. 1B.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1B is a top view of the jewelry latch in open position. The hinged arm  101  is attached to a frame  104  by means of a hinge  103 . A plunger pin  105  is attached to the hinged arm  101 . As the hinged arm  101  hinges into locked position, a plunger pin  105  enters the frame  104  and into the frame cavity through a plunger pin entry hole  107 . The plunger pin  105  then enters through an open link of the chain  112  and finally into a chain guide/plunger pin seat  115 , thus locking the chain firmly into locked position. Simultaneously the locking post hole  106  located on a hinged arm  101  slides over a locking post  102  to secure the hinged arm  101  in locked position. The relationship of the plunger pin  105 , chain  112 , and chain guide/plunger pin seat  115  are shown in greater clarity in FIGS. 3A and 3B.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1C is a right side view of the jewelry latch. A chain attachment ring  109  is attached to a frame  104 . The frame  104  has a chain entry hole  108  to allow entry of the chain  112  into the frame cavity. The hinged arm  101  with a locking post hole  106  is connected to the top side of the frame  104  by means of a hinge  103 . A relationship of the chain entry hole  108 , chain attachment ring  109  and chain  112  is shown in greater clarity in FIGS. 3A and 3B.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1D is a left side view of the jewelry latch. The frame  104  has a chain exit hole  110  to allow chain to exit the jewelry latch. Partial view of a chain attachment ring  109  attached to the right side of the frame  104  is shown. The hinged arm  101  with a plunger pin  105  attached and locking post hole  106  is shown in open position. Attached to the top side of frame  104  is a locking post  102 .  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2A is a front member  111  view of the jewelry latch. The jewelry latch is shown in open position. A front member  111  connects to a frame  104 . Connected to the top of the frame  104  is a locking post  102 . Connected to the right side of the frame  104  is a chain attachment ring  109 . The relationship with chain attachment ring  109  and chain  112  is shown in greater clarity in FIG. 2C. A clear relationship of the plunger pin  105  connected to the hinged arm  101  is shown. The hinged arm  101  is attached to a frame by means of a hinge  103 . The hinge  103  allows the hinged arm  101  to swing from open to locked position.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2B is a back member  116  view of the jewelry latch. The jewelry latch is shown in locked position. A chain attachment ring  109  is attached to the frame  104 . The hinge  103  is attached to the top of frame  104 , a hinged arm  101  attached to a hinge  103  has a locking post hole  106  that fits tightly over a locking post  102 , which is attached to the top of frame  104 .  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2C is a front member view of jewelry latch showing the relationship of jewelry latch and attachment structure, chain  112  and chain in phantom  113 . Chain  112  is permanently connected to a chain attachment ring  109 . The chain in phantom  113  is the desired length of chain that encompasses the neck, wrist, or ankle of the user. The chain  112  is threaded through the jewelry latch and attaches to an ornamental pendant  114  or similar object. A locking post  102  is attached to the frame. The hinged arm  101  with a attached plunger pin  105  is shown in open position. When in open position the chain is free to travel in either direction, shortening or lengthening the desired length of chain  112  that encompasses the neck, wrist, or ankle of the user.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3A is a cutaway front view of a embodiment of the invention in locked position, that includes a chain attachment ring  109  connected to a frame  104  to which the chain  112  permanently attaches. The chain  112  enters through a frame  104  by means of a chain entry hole (in phantom)  117  passing over a chain guide/plunger pin seat  115  and exiting the jewelry latch cavity through a chain exit hole (in phantom)  110 . The hinged arm  101  is attached to a frame  104  by means of a hinge  103 . The hinged arm  101  is held tightly in locked position as a locking post  102  passes through the locking post hole (in phantom)  119 . The plunger pin  105  is attached to a hinged arm  101 . As shown in the locked position, the plunger pin  105  passes through an open link in the chain  112  then into a chain guide/plunger pin seat  115 , which securely locks the chain at a desired length.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3B is a cutaway front view of an embodiment of the invention in open position that includes a chain attachment ring  109  connected to a frame  104  to which the chain  112  permanently attaches. The chain  112  enters through a frame  104  by means of a chain entry hole (in phantom)  117  passing over a chain guide/plunger pin seat  115  and exiting the jewelry latch cavity through a chain exit hole (in phantom)  118 . The hinged arm  101  is connected to a frame  104  by means of a hinge  103 . The hinge  103  allows a hinged arm  101  to swing freely from open to locked position. The plunger pin  105  is attached to the hinged arm  101 . A locking post  102  is attached to a frame  104 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4A the right end view of a second jewelry latch according to the invention in the open position. A hinged arm  120  is coupled to a hinge  121  attached to a frame  122 . In this embodiment, the chain guide/plunger pin seat  123  is located on the hinged arm  120 . The frame  122  includes a fixedly attached plunger pin  124  and a fixedly attached chain attachment ring  109 , to which the chain  112  is attached. In this embodiment, the chain is threaded through the frame  122 , as discussed below, a selected link of the chain looped over plunger pin  124 , and the hinged arm  120  folded over the receptacle such that the end of plunger pin is engaged with seat  123 . Arm  120  then snaps into frame  122  such that selected chain link is held in place.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4B is a left end view of the jewelry latch of FIG. 4A. It illustrates the relationship of the hinged arm  120 , plunger pin  124 , and the chain guide/plunger pin seat  123  when the lid is closed.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4C is a front view of the jewelry latch of FIG. 4A in an open position and with the chain  112  in place. The chain attachment ring  109  to which the chain  112  is permanently attached is connected to the frame  122 . The chain  112  enters through a frame  122  by means of a chain entry hole “in phantom”  125  passing over a plunger pin  124  which is inserted into the chain guide/plunger pin seat  123  and then exits through a chain exit hole “in phantom”  126 .  
         [0037]    To summarize, the present invention comprises a user customizable jewelry latch that includes a frame with a hinged arm attached to the frame by a hinge. A plunger pin is attached to the bottom side of a hinged arm. A locking post is located on the topside of a frame to secure a hinged arm while in the locked position. Also located on the frame is a chain entry hole and exit hole. A front and back member couple to a frame to form an inner cavity. The inner cavity contains a chain guide/plunger pin seat that the chain passes over and a plunger pin locks into. One end of the open link chain that is used with the present invention is permanently connected to a chain attachment ring, which is connected to a frame. An ornamental pendant or similar object larger than the chain exit hole then is attached to the loose end of chain thus preventing the chain from returning entirely back through the jewelry latch. The user customizes the desired length of necklace, wrist, or ankle bracelet by raising the hinged arm in which a plunger pin is attached. This allows the chain to be drawn freely through the latch in either direction to shorten or lengthen the distance encompassed around the neck, wrist, or ankle of the wearer. Once desired length of chain is attained, the hinged arm is pushed down, engaging the plunger pin through the frame into an open link in the chain and through a chain guide/plunger pin seat, securely locking the chain in a desired length.  
         [0038]    Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification or practicing the disclosed invention. The specification and examples above are exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.