Abstract:
The combination pendant clasp of this disclosure is suitable for a necklace or bracelet. It provides a positive locking clasp which is manipulated in front of the wearer. The pendant clasp has two principle members, both of which may be decorated with precious stones, and may symbolize a relationship between individuals. Placement of the clasp in the front of a necklace or bracelet avoids the chance that the clasp will become inadvertently and unnoticed open and the jewelry lost.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/392,478, filed Jun. 28, 2002. 
    
    
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatever. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     Reference to a “Microfiche appendix.” 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of jewelry having a combination pendant and clasp. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 
     This patent application discloses a combination decorative pendant and clasp for a necklace, bracelet, wristwatch band, or the like, with a concealed latch which avoids the necessity for a separate clasp at the back of the necklace wearer&#39;s neck or wrist. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,031 discloses a necklace clasp with a tubular element into which a rectangular section engages. A protruding portion on the lateral face of the tubular element locks a hook which prevents opening of the clasp. A bar locks the hook in place. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,923 discloses a jewelry clasp comprising a female member and a complementary male member with a releasable locking member disposed within the body of the female member. The locking member is of integral one piece construction. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,316 discloses a jewelry chain-stay with a fastener with a U-shaped female member and a folded male member. The male member is retained by friction in the closed fastener. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,940 discloses a dress cap for locks which is a clamshell covering for a chain lock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,373 discloses a clasp assembly with provisions for easily attaching and detaching “strands” defined as single or plural wire cables, chains or other like flexible elements for the purpose of adding or removing “slides”, interchangeable jewelry pieces. The clasp assembly includes a housing with an opening and an inner chamber into which a resilient tongue is inserted. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,961 discloses an improved method for attaching a clasp link to a chain. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,129 discloses a multi-stone setting for gemstones or diamonds with a frame member and crossbars. This is an invisible mounting for 9 or 12 gemstones which gives a larger appearance than a single gemstone of similar carat weight. 
     None of the prior art discloses the features of the present invention, that of a decorative combination pendant-clasp with a pocket which receives a mating portion, provisions for locking the mating portion in place, and provisions for display of the decorative elements of the mating portion in a decorative frame. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This application discloses a combination pendant-clasp with a female member having a top and a bottom, a front and a rear side, a left and a right end, and a pocket between the front and rear side with an opening at the top of the female member between the front and rear sides. The front side of the female member has an opening. The pendant-clasp further has a male member of approximately rectangular cross-section having a top and a bottom, a flat front side, a flat rear side, a left end and a right end. The male member is adopted for insertion into the pocket of the female member with the front side of the male member visible through the opening in the front side of the female member. A pin is located at the top of the male member, the pin extending approximately perpendicular to a side of the male member. A lock at the top of the female member is used for securing the pin to the female member. An attachment site for attachment of a strand is located at one side of the female member, and a similar attachment site for attachment of a strand is located at one side of the male member. 
     An objective of this patent is to provide a pendant-clasp which combines the decorative aspects of a pendant with the functional aspects of a clasp. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which may be used to secure the ends of a necklace, bracelet, wristwatch band, or other similar type of jewelry. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which may symbolize the romantic union of individuals. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which may be constructed of precious metals and precious stones. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which may be constructed of inexpensive materials and non-precious stones. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which avoids an unsightly clasp at the back of the necklace, bracelet, wristwatch band or the like. 
     Another objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which can be opened or closed in the front of the wearer without rotating the necklace, bracelet, or wristwatch band about the wearer&#39;s neck or wrist. 
     A final objective is to provide a pendant-clasp which may be manufactured of inexpensive or expensive materials without adverse effect on the environment. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 4 is a rear view of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 6 is a front view of the male member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 7 is a rear view of the male member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the male member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the clasp link lock mounted on the back of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the slide lock mounted on the back of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the third embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the third embodiment lock mounted on the back of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp in the open position. 
     FIG. 15 is a side view of the male member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp showing the second embodiment pin. 
     FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the closed pendant-clasp showing the third embodiment lock mounted on the back of the female member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp in the closed position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In this disclosure flexible single or plural chains, wire cables, bands, or other similar ligatures used to retain necklaces, bracelets and watchbands in place are termed “strands”. 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of the heart shaped first embodiment pendant-clasp  100 . The pendant-clasp comprises a heart shaped male member  150  which is inserted into and retained by a heart shaped female member  110 . A plurality of decorative elements, preferably diamonds  142  are arrayed about the periphery  125  of the front side  116  of the female member  110 . The front side  156  of the male member  150  is visible through an opening  124  in the front side  116  of the female member  110 . A multiplicity of decorative elements, preferably sapphires  144  are set into the front side  156  of the male member  150 . A circular attachment site  146  is attached to the left end  120  of the female member  110 . A circular attachment site  166  is attached to the right end  162  of the male member  150 . A strand attachment side  169  attaches each end of a strand  168  to one of the circular strand attachment sides,  146  and  166 . The circular strand attachment sites are rings which are firmly attached to the members of the pendant-clasp. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female member  110 . The front loop  112  is shown along with the middle of the front loop  113 . The opening  128  in the front side  116  of the female member  110  is shown, along with the opening  124  in the rear side  118 . The rear loop  121  is shown along with the middle of the rear loop  123 . The bottom  114 , and right end  122 , which, along with the left end  120  (not shown in FIG.  2 ), connect the front side  116  and the rear side  118  with the formation of a pocket  126  between the front side  116  and rear side  118 . The purpose of the opening  128  in the front side  116  is to make visible the front side of the male member when the clasp is closed. The purpose of the opening  124  in the rear side  118  is to reduce the amount of material required in the manufacture of the pendant-clasp and to make visible the rear side of the male member, which may have engraving or other dicta on its surface. 
     FIG. 3 is a view of the front side  116  of the female member  110 . Visible in FIG. 3 are the front upper loop  112 , the middle of the front upper loop  113 , the left end  120 , the right end  122 , the bottom  114 , the female member circular strand attachment site  146 , the decorative elements, preferably diamonds  142  arrayed about the periphery  125  of the front side  116 , and the opening in the front side  128 . 
     FIG. 4 is a view of the rear side  118  of the female member  110 . Visible in FIG. 4 are the rear upper loop  121 , the middle of the rear upper loop  123 , the left end  120 , the right end  122 , the bottom  114 , the female member circular strand attachment site  146 , the lock  130 , and the opening in the rear side  129 . 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the female member  110 . Visible in FIG. 4 are the front upper loop  112 , the rear upper loop  121 , the bottom  114 , the front side  116 , the rear side  118 , and the right end  122  which, along with the bottom  114  and the left end  120  (not visible in FIG. 5) connect the front side  116  and the rear side  118 . A pocket  126  formed between the front side  116 , rear side  118 , and bottom  114  is depicted by dotted lines. The lock  130  and lock lever  136  located on the rear side  118  at middle of the rear loop  123  (not visible in FIG. 5) are also shown. 
     FIG. 6 is a view of the front side  156  of the male member  150 . Visible in FIG. 5 are the top  152 , the bottom  154 , the left end  160  and the right end  162 . The male member circular stand attachment site  166  is attached to the right end  162 . A multiplicity of decorative elements, preferably sapphires  144  are arrayed over the front side  156 . The front side  156  is outwardly visible when the clasp is closed. 
     FIG. 7 is a view of the rear side  158  of the male member  150 . Visible in FIG. 7 are the top  152 , the middle of the top  153 , the pin  164 , the right end  162 , the left end  160 , and the bottom  154 . The male member circular strand attachment site  166  is attached to the right end  162 . A slightly raised circular bearing  159  on the rear side  158  provides for a firm fit of the male member  150  in the female member  110  when the pendant-clasp is closed. The rear side  158  provides a surface for dicta  161  which may be engraved. While the rear side  158  is not outwardly visible when the clasp is closed, dicta  161  on the rear side may be viewed by the wearer through the opening  129  in the rear side  118  (visible in FIG. 4) and may be of a personal nature. 
     FIG. 8 is a view of the right end  162  of the male member  150 . Visible in FIG. 8 are the top  152 , the bottom  154 , the front side  156  and the rear side  158 , the male member circular strand attachment site  166 , the pin  164 , which extends approximately perpendicular from the rear side  158 , and the bearing  159 . 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of the closed pendant-clasp. FIG. 9 shows the male member  150  inserted into the opening  124  at the top of the female member  110 . Elements of the female member  110  visible in FIG. 9 include the top of the front loop  112 , the middle of the front loop  113 , the front side  116  the circular strand attachment site  146 , the rear side  118 , and the rear loop  121 . Attached to the rear side  118  of the female member  110  is the clasp link lock  130  and the lock lever  136 . Elements of the male member  150  visible in FIG. 9 include the top  152 , the bearing  159 , and the pin  164 . 
     FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the clasp link lock  130  located at the middle  123  of the rear loop  112 . Visible in FIG. 10 is the clasp link  132 , the clasp  134 , and the lever  136 . The movement of the lever  136  causes rotation of the clasp  134  against a spring biasing the clasp into the closed position. Movement of the clasp  134  out of the opening  138  in the clasp link allows insertion of the pin ( 164  in FIG.  9 ). Release of the lever  136  allows the clasp to close, retaining the pin in the clasp link lock and the male member attached to the female member. 
     FIG. 11 is a second embodiment lock  131 . This second embodiment lock slides from an unlocked position to a locked position. The body  133  has a oval slot  137 . The lock  131  is attached to the rear loop  121  of the female member  150  by two pins  139 . The lock slides from a closed to an open position when manipulated by the handle  140 . In the closed position the end  135  covers the top of the v-shaped middle  123  of the rear loop  121 , and retains the pin ( 164  in FIG. 9) of the male member  110  which is inserted therein. In the open position the lock is slid toward the right end  122  of the female member  150  thereby freeing the pin and allowing the male member to be removed from interaction with the female member and the pendant clasp to be open and the associated necklace, bracelet or watch to be removed. 
     In use, the necklace, bracelet, or wristwatch band is looped about the wearer&#39;s neck or wrist and the male member of the pendant-clasp inserted into the opening at the top of the female member with the front side of the male member toward the front side of the female member, so that the decorative front side of the male member is visible through the opening in the front side of the female member. The lock on the female member is opened using the lever, the pin on the male member is inserted into the lock, and the lever is released, allowing the lock to close and retaining the male member in conjunction with the female member. In this way the necklace, bracelet, or wristwatch band encircles the wearer&#39;s neck or wrist 
     To remove the necklace, bracelet, or wristwatch band, the lever is moved to release the pin from the lock and the male member is separated from the female member. 
     The heart shape of the first embodiment may symbolize the romantic relationship between individuals. Other shapes may have other symbolic significances. 
     FIG. 12 is a plan view of the oval shaped second embodiment pendant-clasp  200 . The second embodiment pendant-clasp differs from the first embodiment in that the second embodiment is oval shaped rather than heart shaped. The second embodiment pendant-clasp comprises an oval shaped male member  250  which is inserted into and retained by an oval shaped female member  210 . A plurality of decorative elements, preferably diamonds  242  are arrayed about the periphery  225  of the front side  216  of the female member  210 . The front side  256  of the male member  250  is visible through an opening  228  in the front side  216  of the female member  210 . A multiplicity of decorative elements, preferably sapphires  244  are set into the front side  256  of the male member  250 . A circular attachment site  246  is attached to the left end  220  of the female member  210 . A circular attachment site  266  is attached to the right end  262  of the male member  250 . A strand attachment side  169  attaches each end of a strand  168  to one of the circular attachment sides,  246  and  266 . 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the triangle shaped third embodiment pendant-clasp  300 . The third embodiment pendant-clasp differs from thie first embodiment in that the third embodiment is triangle shaped rather than heart shaped. The third embodiment pendant-clasp comprises a triangle shaped male member  350  which is inserted into and retained by a triangle shaped female member  310 . A plurality of decorative elements, preferably diamonds  342  are arrayed about the periphery  325  of the front side  316  of the female member  310 . The front side  356  of the male member  350  is visible through an opening  328  in the front side  316  of the female member  310 . A multiplicity of decorative elements, preferably sapphires  344  are set into the front side  356  of the male member  350 . A circular attachment site  346  is attached to the left end  320  of the female member  310 . A circular attachment site  366  is attached to the right end  362  of the male member  350 . A strand attachment side  169  attaches each end of a strand  168  to one of the circular attachment sides,  346  and  366 . 
     Other embodiments, such as a rectangular shaped pendant-clasp, and a circular shaped pendant-clasp, are contemplated but not illustrated. 
     FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the third embodiment lock  230  mounted on the back  112  of the female member  110  of the first embodiment pendant-clasp in the open position. The third embodiment lock  230 , termed a “figure-8” lock, is constructed of hard, resilient wire-like material in a figure-8 shape with an upper loop  231  which encloses an opening  234  and a lower loop  233 . The lock is movably attached to the back  112  of the female member by a link  232 . A knob  236  is attached to the outside of the upper loop  231 . 
     FIG. 15 is a side view of the male member of the first embodiment pendant-clasp showing the second embodiment pin  264 . The second embodiment pin is identical to the first embodiment pin  164  depicted in FIGS. 7,  8 , and  9  with the addition of a knob  268  on the end of the second embodiment pin  264 . 
     FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the closed pendant-clasp showing the third embodiment lock  230  mounted on the back of the female member  112  of the first embodiment pendant-clasp in the closed position. The third embodiment lock  230  is used with the second embodiment pin ( 264  in FIG.  15 ). In use, pendant-clasp is closed by insertion of the male member  150  into the opening  124  at the top of the female member  110 . The lock knob  236  is grasped with the fingers and the lock  230  swung upward so the pin knob  268  enters the opening  234  of the upper loop  231  thereby locking the lock. The lock is retained in the closed position by a friction fit between the pin knob  268  and the upper loop  231 . The upper loop  231  and the lower loop  232  flex slightly to accommodate the diameter of the pin knob  268  when the lock is closed The procedure is reversed to unlock the lock, allowing separation of the male and female members of the pendant-clasp. 
     Any embodiment lock may be used with any embodiment pendant-clasp. 
     The pendant-clasp may be manufactures from any suitable hard, dense, malleable or moldable material, which may be polished to an attractive finish, and in which decorative stones may be mounted, preferable a precious metal. Suitable examples include nickel, gold, silver, platinum, and alloys thereof. Gold is preferred because of its relative hardness and resistance to scratching and corrosion. A preferred material is white gold, an alloy of gold and nickel. Other preferred materials are rose gold, a pink alloy of gold and copper; and other colored gold alloys, such as green or blue alloys. Two different colored gold alloys, or even three different colored gold alloys may be used. 
     The preferred decorative element on the pendant clasp is precious stones. The preferred precious stone decoration around the periphery of the front of the female member is diamonds. The preferred precious stone decoration array covering the front of the male member is sapphires. A preferred array of sapphires is multiple straight lines of sapphires Other precious stones may be used, such as rubies, pink sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds. 
     Other decorative elements may be used, such as engraving, enameling, and filigree may be used. 
     In a costume jewelry embodiment, the pendant clasp is constructed of materials other than precious metals, preferably of ceramics. Other suitable materials include copper, stainless steel, and hard plastics. Precious stones are not used in the costume jewelry embodiment. Preferred decorations include rhinestones. Other costume decorations include engraving, enameling, and filigree. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples and embodiments described herein are by way of illustration and not of limitation, and that other examples may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.