Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a cuff link for attaching to a shirtsleeve. The cuff link includes a holder and at least one insert member. The insert member is relesably retained in the holder by a pivotal latch member of the holder. The insert member can include an insert of various materials such as gems or precious metals.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a cuff link, and more particularly to a cuff link with interchangeable insert members and the components of such cuff links.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    All conventional shirt cuffs fully encircle the wrist of the wearer so that they may be fastened. Shirts for men&#39;s use are largely classified into two types depending on the fastener used. In one type, the overlapped cuff ends are fastened usually by a button. In the other type, often called “French cuff”, the overlapped cuff ends are fastened by a cuff link instead of a button. Some cuffs of the former type are made to be “convertible” so that, if desired, they may be fastened with a cuff link instead of a button.  
           [0003]    Conventional shirt cuffs and cuff links often have a uniformity of appearance. Thus, someone who desires to change the look of their cuff links would need to have a number of sets of cuff links with various styles, which can be expensive.  
           [0004]    Attempts have been made to solve this problem by providing cuff links with interchangeable parts. For example, JP Patent No.10276806 to Super Planning:KK discloses a cuff link with two different types of ornament pieces. The first piece includes a spring member rotatably connected to a holder for retaining a pattern part. The spring member is releasably connectable to a base A with the pattern part in the open position. Once the spring member is connected to the base, the pattern part covers a base plate. The second piece includes a holder for retaining a pattern part. The holder further includes projections that releasably connect the second piece by snapping the projections about a base plate.  
           [0005]    Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,747 to Benn. This patent discloses a cuff link, which in one embodiment, includes a head with a pivotal spring clip connected thereto. The spring clip is received in slot of the link post to secure the head to the post.  
           [0006]    Although both of these patents disclose interchangeable cuff links these assemblies may be difficult or costly to manufacture or difficult to use. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved cuff link that has interchangeable members but is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and user friendly.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention is directed to a cuff link comprising an insert member and a holder. The insert member includes an insert coupled to a catch member. The holder includes a base and a post. The base defines a slot for selectively receiving the catch member, and the base includes a latch member pivotally coupled thereto. The latch member cooperates with the catch member in a closed position to secure the insert member to the holder.  
           [0008]    In one embodiment, the latch member is coupled to a bottom surface of the base.  
           [0009]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert may be made from materials such as onyx, sterling silver, pearl, gold, platinum, bronze, sterling silver, a base material covered by another material, fabric, skins such a leather, wood, coins, precious gems, or simulated gems, among others. These materials can be of various colors.  
           [0010]    According to one embodiment, the holder further includes a cup member with the base and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base to define a cavity for receiving the insert member.  
           [0011]    According to yet another embodiment, the insert member further includes a cup member with a base and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base to define a cavity for receiving the insert.  
           [0012]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the post may further include a toggle member rotatably connected to the post and rotatable between a first position and a second position.  
           [0013]    Preferably, at least two insert members are provided for each cuff link. The first insert member has the first insert, and the second insert member has the second insert, wherein the first and second inserts have different material properties. In such a cuff link, the material properties may be based on color, material type, and material composition.  
           [0014]    The present invention is also directed to a cuff link holder that can be sold separately from the insert members. The cuff link holder comprises base and a post. The base includes a latch member pivotally coupled thereto for cooperating with an insert member in a closed position to secure the insert member to the holder.  
           [0015]    The present invention is also directed to an insert member that can be sold separately from the cuff link holder. These insert members can be sold in pairs, individually or in sets with any number of pairs of matching insert members. Each insert member comprises an insert and a cup member configured and designed to receive the insert.  
           [0016]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert may be made from materials such as onyx, sterling silver, pearl, gold, platinum, bronze, sterling silver, a base material covered by another material, fabric, skins such a leather, wood, coins, precious gems, or simulated gems, among others. These materials can be of various colors. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled cuff link of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the cuff link of FIG. 1, wherein the cuff link is partially disassembled;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a bottom, perspective view of with the cuff link of FIG. 1, wherein a latch a member is in a closed position;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the cuff link of FIG. 1, with various portions such as a post and latch member removed for clarity;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, top view of the latch member shown in FIG. 3;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is an enlarged, bottom view of the cuff link of FIG. 1 showing the latch member in the closed position in solid lines and in an open position in phantom lines; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of a set of various insert members for use with the cuff link of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    As shown generally in FIGS.  1 - 2  where like numbers designate like parts, reference number  10  broadly designates a cuff link of the present invention. The cuff link  10  includes a cuff link holder  12  and at least one insert member  14   a.    
         [0026]    The holder  12  includes a cup member  16  with a base  18  and an upwardly extending circular sidewall  20  thereabout. The sidewall  20  is optional. The base  18  and sidewall  20  are configured to define a cavity  22  within the cup member  16 . The base  18  defines a rectangular slot  24  there through. Referring to FIGS.  3 - 4 , the base  18  further includes two spaced apart posts  26  and  28  extending from the bottom surface thereof.  
         [0027]    Referring to FIG. 2, the thickness of the sidewall  20  is designated by arrows labeled t H  and the diameter of the cavity  22  is designated by arrows labeled D H . In this embodiment, the preferred thickness t H  of the sidewall  20  is between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm. More preferably, the thickness t H  of the sidewall  20  is about 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, the preferred diameter D H  of the cavity  22  is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. More preferably, diameter D H  of the cavity  22  is about 16.5 mm.  
         [0028]    In other embodiments, the cup member  16  can have various other shapes such as octagonal, trianglar, rectangular, or the sidewall  20  can be surrounded by various ornaments such as a simulated rope or numerous balls. In these embodiments, the dimensions of the cup member  16  may vary from the dimensions above.  
         [0029]    Referring to FIGS.  3 - 5 , the holder  12  further includes a latch member  30  with a first end  32  and a second end  34 . The first end  32  of the latch member  30  defines a bore  36  for receiving post  28 . The latch member  30  and post  28  being configured and dimensioned to allow latch member  30  to pivot about post  28 .  
         [0030]    Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 5, the second end  34  of the latch member  30  includes an upwardly extending wall  38  for use by a user in moving the latch member  30 . The free end of the wall in this embodiment includes serrations  40  for allowing a user&#39;s finger to move latch member  30 . The second end  34  of the latch member  30  also includes a first projection  42 , which may be used by a user in moving the latch member  30 .  
         [0031]    Between the first end  32  and the second end  34 , the latch member  30  further includes first and second cutouts  44  and  46  on opposite sides of a second projection  48 , and a third cutout  50 . As shown in FIG. 6, the third cutout  50  in conjunction with first projection  42  is configured and dimension to receive post  26  with a snap fit when the latch member  30  is in the closed position as shown. Referring again to FIG. 3, the holder  12  further includes an outwardly extending post  52 . The post  52  is centrally disposed on the base  18 . The slot  24  is eccentrically located on the base  18  so that it is spaced from the central post  52  (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6). The post  52  is connected to the base  18  at a first end  54  and bifurcates toward the free ends  56 . The free ends  56 , however, are joined by a bar  58  (as shown in FIG. 2).  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 3, the holder  12  further includes a toggle member  60 . As shown in FIG. 2, the toggle member  60  includes first and second spring members  62  and  64  and a housing  66 . When assembled, the bar  58  is sandwiched between the first and second spring members  62  and  64 . The housing  66  receives the second spring member  64  therein and the ends of the housing  66  are bent to retain the spring members  62  and  64  therein. The components of the toggle member  60  are commercially available from various suppliers.  
         [0033]    The bar  58 , spring members  62 ,  64 , and housing  66  are configured and dimensioned to allow the toggle member  60  to rotate between first and second positions. In the first position, the toggle member  60  is aligned with the post  52 . In the second position (as shown in FIG. 3), the toggle member  60  is unaligned with the post  52 . The components  58 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  are further configured and dimensioned so that when the toggle member  60  does not freely rotate between the first and second positions, and within an angle of about 15 degrees of the second position, the spring members  62  and  64  bias the toggle member  60  toward the second position.  
         [0034]    In the first position of the toggle member  60 , the cuff link holder can be inserted into a buttonhole of a shirt. In the second position of the toggle member  60 , the cuff link holder is retained within the buttonhole.  
         [0035]    Alternative arrangements and components, as know by those of ordinary skill in the art, can be used to allow the toggle member to operate as discussed above. For example, a swivel member can also be used that is commercially available.  
         [0036]    Referring to FIG. 2, the holder  12  in this embodiment is formed of sterling silver, which has the necessary strength, finish and manufacturability characteristics desired. In other embodiments, the holder  12  can be formed of any other materials, such as gold, platinum, stainless steel, and the like that have the necessary characteristics. The holder can also be formed of a base material, such as stainless steel, and covered by techniques, such as electroplating with another metal. The coating metal can be, for example, gold, nickel, or silver.  
         [0037]    The holder  12  is preferably produced by casting but it can be formed by other methods such as stamping or the die-stroke method. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, cup member  16  and latch member  30  are formed each as separate cast pieces. The cup member  16  and post  52  are joined together by methods such as soldering or welding and the like. The cup member is formed as a single piece with the base, sidewall, slot  24 , and posts  26 ,  28 . The post  52  is stamped with the bi-frication and bar  58  as one piece. The post  52  is a commercially available component. However, in another embodiment, these pieces can be formed differently and joined by methods such as soldering or welding and the like. After the latch member  30  is disposed on post  28 , the free end of post  28  is formed into a wider-flattened shaped by riveting. This wider shape of the post end secures the latch member  30  thereto. The toggle member  60  is preferably formed about the bar  58  after the post  52  is coupled to the cup member  16 .  
         [0038]    Referring to FIG. 2, the insert member  14   a  includes a cup member  68  and an insert  70 . Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the cup member  68  includes a base  72  and an upwardly extending circular sidewall  74  thereabout. The sidewall  74  is optional. The base  72  and sidewall  74  are configured to define a cavity  76  within the cup member  68 . The base  72  further includes a catch member  78  extending from the bottom surface thereof. The catch member  78  defines a rectangular slot  80  there through. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the slot  80  of the catch member  78  and the second projection  48  of the latch member  30  are configured and dimensioned so that the projection  48  can be received within the slot  80  to hold the insert member  14   a  in place.  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 2, the outer diameter of the insert member  68  is designated by arrows labeled D IM1  the diameter of the cavity  78  is designated by arrows labeled D IM2 , and the thickness of the sidewall  74  is designated by arrows labeled t IM . In this embodiment, the preferred outer diameter D IM1  of the insert member  68  is between about 12 mm and about 20 mm. More preferably, diameter D IM1  is about 16.8 mm. In this embodiment, the preferred diameter D IM2  of the cavity  78  is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. More preferably, diameter D IM1  of the cavity  78  is about 16.45 mm. In this embodiment, the preferred thickness t IM  of the sidewall  74  is between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm. More preferably, the thickness t IM  of the sidewall  74  is about 1.0 mm. These dimensions are exemplary and the present invention is not limited thereto.  
         [0040]    Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the insert  70  in this embodiment is a colored stone. The insert  70  is in the shape of a disk. The height of the insert  70  is designated by arrows labeled H I  and the diameter of the insert  70  is designated by arrows labeled D I . In this embodiment, the preferred height H I  of the insert  70  is between about 1.5 mm and about 2.5 mm. More preferably, the height H I  of the insert  70  is about 2 mm. In this embodiment, the preferred diameter D I  of the insert  70  is between about 12 mm and about 20 mm. More preferably, diameter D I  of the insert  70  is about 15 mm. These inserts are commercially available from Zarlene located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. under the name onyx.  
         [0041]    In this embodiment, the clearance between the insert  70  and the cup member  68  allow a press fit between these components to retain the insert  70  within the cavity  76 . However, in another embodiment, the insert  70  can be glued or bonded to the cup member  68 . For example an adhesive, such as epoxy, can be used.  
         [0042]    In this embodiment, the height H I  of the insert  70  and the depth of the cavity  76  in cup member  68  are such that the top surface of the insert is above the top surface of the sidewall  74 . The present invention is not limited to this configuration and these dimensions can be varied so that the insert is flush with or below the top surface of the sidewall  74 .  
         [0043]    Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the depth of the holder  12  cup member and the height of the insert member  14   a  are such that the cup member  68  and insert  70  are above the height of the holder  12  sidewall  20 . The present invention is not limited to this configuration and these dimensions can be varied so that the insert member and/or insert are flush with or below the top surface of the sidewall  20 .  
         [0044]    The insert cup member  68  in this embodiment is preferably formed of sterling silver, which has the necessary strength, finish and manufacturability characteristics desired. In other embodiments, the insert cup member  68  can be formed of any other materials, similar to those discussed above for the holder  12 .  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 4, the insert cup member  68  is preferably made by casting, but it can be formed by other methods such as stamping or the die-stroke method. The catch member  78  is preferably formed with the cup member  68  as one piece. However in another embodiment, these pieces can be formed separately and joined by methods such as soldering or welding and the like. In this embodiment, the slot  80  is formed into the catch member  78  during casting of the cup member  68 .  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 7, various insert members  14   b - e  can be formed and used with the holder  12  (as shown in FIG. 2). The insert member  14   b - e  are formed similarly to insert member  14   a . The insert member  14   b  includes for example a brown tiger&#39;s eye insert  70   b  in a sterling silver cup member  68   b . The insert member  14   c  includes a black onyx insert  70   c  in a sterling silver cup member  68   b . The insert member  14   d  includes a blue onyx insert  70   d  with indicia I thereon in a gold cup member  68   d . The indicia I in this embodiment, is a geometric pattern. In other embodiments, however, the indicia can be any pattern, symbol, alphanumeric character or the like. The indicia can be formed by precious gems, gold leaf, silver leaf, paint, printing or the like. The insert member  14   e  includes a sterling silver insert  70   e  in a sterling silver cup member  68   e.    
         [0047]    In alternative embodiments, the insert can be formed of various other minerals, gems and/or metals such as diamonds, rubies, sapphire, turquoise, opal, mother-of-pearl, gold, platinum or bronze, sterling silver, a base material covered by another material, fabric, skins such a leather, wood, coins, precious gems, or simulated gems, among others. These materials can have various colors. An example of a fabric that can be used is a woven wool that may or may not match the material of a user&#39;s suit. The fabric may form at least the upper surface of the insert. Other fabrics that are woven or non-woven can also be used. These materials can have various colors.  
         [0048]    Moreover, the cuff link can be provided with at least two insert members. The first insert member having a first insert, and the second insert member having a second insert. The first and second inserts may have different material properties. The material properties can be selected based on color, material type, texture, and material composition, among others.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, a user is supplied with at least two cuff link holders  12  and at least two insert members  14   a - e . Preferably, the insert members  14   a - e  are provided in matching pairs and additional pairs of matching insert members can be purchased as the user desires. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, with the latch member  30  in an open position as shown in phantom, the user takes one insert member, such as insert member  14   a , and places it within the cavity  22  (as shown in FIG. 2) of the holder cup member  20  so that the catch member  78  is disposed within the slot  24  in the cup member  20 . The user then pivots the latch member  30 , as shown by arrow P 1  in a first direction, from the opened position (shown in phantom) to the closed position (shown in solid). In a closed position, the second projection  48  of the latch member  30  extends through the slot  80  (as shown in FIG. 4) of the insert member  14   a  to retain the insert member  14   a  to the holder  12 . The third cutout  50  receives the post  26  to secure the latch member  30  in the closed position. To change the insert member, the user pivots the latch member  30 , as shown by arrow P 2  in a second opposite direction, from the closed position to the opened position (shown in phantom). In the open position, the second projection  48  of the latch member  30  is spaced from the slot  80  (as shown in FIG. 4) of the insert member  14   a  to allow the insert member  14   a  to be removed from the holder  12 . The user can then select another insert member, such as insert members  14   b - e , as shown in FIG. 7, and secure the selected one in the holder as discussed above.  
         [0050]    While various descriptions of the present invention are described above, it is understood that the various features of the present invention can be used singly or in combination thereof. Furthermore, in the present invention, the holder cup member, insert cup member and insert are all circular. In an alternative embodiment, these components can have various shapes such as rectangular, oval, and the like. In addition, the insert, insert cup member and holder cup member can have different shapes from one another so long as they are configured to cooperate together as discussed above. The sidewalls on insert and holder cup members are optional. Therefore this invention is not to be limited to the specifically preferred embodiments depicted therein.