Abstract:
Clasps and methods of manufacturing the clasps are disclosed. The clasp comprises a male end, a female end coupleable to the male end. The female end comprises at least two pushers, the pushers each movable between a first position and a second position, and at least one magnet coupled to each pusher. The pushers are positioned such that when the pushers are each in the first position, the magnetic force between the magnets biases the pushers toward the second position.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/672972, filed Jul. 18, 2012, which is entitled “Magnetic Clasp,” and is hereby specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention is directed to clasps and, in particular, the invention is directed to magnetic clasps for jewelry. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    Jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets that have a clasp for connecting the jewelry around the body are well known in the art. Although a wide variety of jewelry clasps are available, the most common types of clasps are bayonet clasps, lobster clasps, spring ring clasps, and conventional hook-type clasps. 
         [0006]    Bayonet clasps include a female end affixed to one end of the open necklace or bracelet. The female end includes a slot that is adapted to receive the male end of the bayonet clasp attached to the other end of the open necklace or bracelet. The male end of the bayonet clasp includes a spring-biased member for engaging the female end. The female end has anchoring portions and, as the male end is inserted into the female end, the spring-biased member of the male end engages the anchoring portion of the female end. This arrangement secures the male end within the female end. The anchoring portions interact with blocking portions to prevent inadvertent release of the male end from the female end. The male end is released by depressing a pusher on the male end to provide clearance of the anchoring portions of the female end and to allow the male end to be withdrawn from the female end. 
         [0007]    Lobster clasps have a ring affixed to one end of the opened necklace or bracelet and a closed hook resembling a lobster-claw affixed to the other end of the open necklace or bracelet adapted to hook onto the ring. The lobster-claw has a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is coupled to the fixed portion and can swivel between an open position and a closed position. By pressing a tab of the movable portion, the lobster-claw opens, allowing the ring to be inserted into or removed from the fixed portion. The movable portion of the lobster-claw is spring biased toward the closed position so that the ring cannot be inadvertently released from the lobster-claw during normal use. Spring ring clasps operate similarly, except that the spring biased end can be retracted from a hollow portion of a C-shaped housing that supports the spring biased end. The closed spring ring clasp is used to retain a ring located on the opposite end of the necklace or bracelet. 
         [0008]    Hook-type clasps generally include an eyelet attached to one end of the open necklace or bracelet and a hook attached to the other end of the necklace or bracelet. Operation of these types of clasps simply involves placing the hook through the eyelet. The weight of the necklace or bracelet around the neck or wrist of the wearer tends to keep the hook attached to the eyelet. 
         [0009]    While the above described devices provide methods of connecting the ends of the necklace or bracelet, there is need for a sturdier, wear-resistant, and simpler mechanism for accomplishing this task. Because of the necessarily small size of the components required for connecting the necklace or bracelet ends, many clasps become bent, deformed, or broken through frequent use. Furthermore, in clasps that employ springs, the springs can become worn out, fatigued, or broken. Constructing clasps having stronger components typically requires added size and weight to the clasp in addition to detracting from its aesthetic appearance. Additionally, because it is known that each of the above mentioned clasps is likely to break, manufactures of the claps often install extra safety mechanisms to prevent the necklace or bracelet from falling off. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new tools and methods of coupling two portions of a piece of jewelry. 
         [0011]    One embodiment of the invention is directed to a clasp system. The system comprises a male end and a female end coupleable to the male end. The female end comprises at least two pushers, the pushers each movable between a first position and a second position, and at least one magnet coupled to each pusher. The pushers are positioned such that when the pushers are each in the first position, the magnetic force between the magnets biases the pushers toward the second position. 
         [0012]    In the preferred embodiment, the first and second magnets are positioned to be magnetically attracted to each other. Preferably, the system further comprises a first peg coupled to a first pusher and a second peg coupled to a second pusher, wherein the first and second pegs are adapted to engage the male portion. The second peg preferably extends from the second pusher and through the first pusher. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the male portion comprises at least two recesses adapted to mate with the first and second pegs. Preferably, at least one magnet is a permanent magnet. In the preferred embodiment, the female portion further comprises an outer housing having two sections at least one of crimped or welded together. 
         [0014]    Preferably, a force applied to a pusher moves the pusher from the second position to the first position. In the second position of both pushers, preferably the male portion is able to be secured within the female portion and, in the first position of both pushers, the male portion is able to enter and be removed from the female portion. In the preferred embodiment, neither the female portion nor the male portion have springs. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a female portion of a clasp. The female portion of the clasp comprises at least two pushers, the pushers each movable between a first position and a second position, and at least one magnet coupled to each pusher. The pushers are positioned such that when the pushers are each in the first position, the magnetic force between the magnets biases the pushers toward the second position. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the first and second magnets are positioned to be magnetically attracted to each other. Preferably, the female portion further comprises a first peg coupled to a first pusher and a second peg coupled to a second pusher, wherein the first and second pegs are adapted to engage a male portion. 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment, the second peg extends from the second pusher and through the first pusher. Preferably, the male portion comprises at least two recesses adapted to mate with the first and second pegs. In the preferred embodiment, at least one magnet is a permanent magnet. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the female portion further comprises an outer housing having two sections at least one of crimped or welded together. A force applied to a pusher preferably moves the pusher from the second position to the first position. In the preferred embodiment, in the second position of both pushers, a male portion is able to be secured within the female portion and, in the first position of both pushers, the male portion is able to enter and be removed from the female portion. Preferably, neither the female portion nor the male portion have springs. 
         [0019]    Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of assembling a female clasp portion. The method comprises the steps of positioning a first pusher into a bottom half of an outer housing of the female clasp portion, coupling a first magnet to the first pusher, positioning a second pusher adjacent to the first pusher, coupling a second magnet to the second pusher, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are magnetically attracted to each other, and coupling a top half of the outer housing to the bottom half of the outer housing. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the top half of the outer housing is at least one of welded or crimped to the bottom half of the outer housing. The method preferably further comprises positioning a peg coupled to the first pusher through a hole in the second pusher. In the preferred embodiment, the first pusher and the second pusher are each adapted to be pushed towards the center of the outer housing. Preferably, when both the first pusher and the second pusher are pushed toward the center of the outer housing a male portion is able to enter and be removed from the female portion and when both the first pusher and the second pusher are released the male portion is able to be secured within the female portion. 
         [0021]    Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0022]    The invention is described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawing, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a clasp of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the clasp of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  depicts a partially assembled view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  depicts another partially assembled view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of components of the invention in a locked position. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention 
         [0029]    A problem in the art capable of being solved by the embodiments of the present invention is creating an easy to use clasp that does not wear out or inadvertently open. It has been surprisingly discovered that, employing the attractive forces of magnets, a tongue coupled to one end of a piece of jewelry can be secured into a body coupled to the opposite end of the piece of jewelry to prevents loss of the piece of jewelry due to the clasp accidently opening. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a clasp  100 . Clasp  100  is comprised of a female end  102  and a male end  104 . In the preferred embodiment, clasp  100  is used to couple two ends of a piece of jewelry. For example female end  102  can be coupled to one end or portion of a bracelet, a necklace, a watch, a string of pearls, a broach, a pin, an earring, a cufflink, a chain, a pendent, or another finding, while male end  104  is coupled to the other end or another portion of the piece of jewelry. In the preferred embodiment, male end  104  and female end  102  may have attachment rings  106  and  108 , respectively, for coupling the jewelry to either end of clasp  100 . However, the jewelry can be coupled to clasp  100  by welding, adhesive, friction, screws, bolts, brads, toggles, or other fastening devices. Furthermore, the ends of clasp  100  can be integral to the jewelry. 
         [0031]    Preferably, clasp  100  is made of non-magnetic metal, for example gold, silver, copper, bronze, stainless steel, titanium, or platinum. However, clasp  100  can be made of plastic, rubber, wood, nylon, or other naturally occurring or man-made materials. In the preferred embodiment, both female end  102  and male end  104  are made of the same material, however each end can be made of a different material. In the preferred embodiment, female end  102  has at least one surface that can be engraved (e.g. with a company logo, initials, or a name), set with a stone, or otherwise adorned. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of clasp  100 , including both male end  104  and the components of female end  102 . The components of female end  102  are housed between cover  110  and bottom plate  112 . When coupled, cover  110  and bottom plate  112  define an outer housing. Cover  110  and bottom plate  112  enclose first pusher  114 , first magnet  116 , second pusher  118 , and second magnet  120 . When assembled, first pusher  114  and second pusher  118  preferably extend outside of cover  110  through a gap therein (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Preferably first pusher  114  and second pusher  118  extend out of opposite sides of cover  110 , however first pusher  114  and second pusher  118  can extend out of cover  110  perpendicularly to each other or at another angle from each other. First pusher  114  and second pusher  118  may also be referred to as plungers, tabs, cams, or toggles. 
         [0033]    First pusher  114  preferably comprises a finger pad  122 , a magnet holder  124 , a peg  126 , and a peg recess  128 . Finger pad  122  can have a friction increasing surface (e.g. serrations, a rough surface, rubber, or another material). Preferably, finger pad  122  extends perpendicularly from the body of first pusher  114  in a single direction. However, finger pad  122  can extend in another direction, at an angle, or in multiple directions. Magnet holder  124  is preferably adapted to receive magnet  116 . Preferably magnet holder  124  has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of magnet  116  to prevent magnet  116  from moving within pusher  114  during use. However, magnet holder  124  can be another device capable of securing magnet  116  (e.g. adhesive, screws, welds, bolts, or other fasteners). Preferably, peg  126  extends perpendicularly from the body of first pusher  114  in a single direction. Preferably peg  126  extends in the same direction as finger pad  122 . However, peg  126  can extend in another direction, at an angle, or in multiple directions. Preferably, peg recess  128  is a hole or recess within the body of first pusher  114  that is adapted to receive a peg coupled to second pusher  118 . 
         [0034]    Second pusher  118  preferably comprises a finger pad  128 , a magnet holder  130 , a peg  132 , and a peg recess  134 . Finger pad  128  can have a friction increasing surface (e.g. serrations, a rough surface, rubber, or another material). Preferably, finger pad  128  extends perpendicularly from the body of second pusher  118  in two directions. However, finger pad  128  can extend in one direction, at an angle, or in multiple directions. Magnet holder  130  is preferably adapted to receive magnet  120 . Preferably magnet holder  130  has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of magnet  120  to prevent magnet  120  from moving within pusher  118  during use. However, magnet holder  130  can be another device capable of securing magnet  120  (e.g. adhesive, screws, welds, bolts, or other fasteners). Preferably, peg  132  extends perpendicularly from the body of second pusher  118  in two directions. Preferably peg  132  extends in the same directions as finger pad  128 . However, peg  132  can extend in other directions, at an angle, or in a single direction. Preferably, at least a portion of peg  132  is adapted to extend through peg recess  128  of first pusher  114 . In the preferred embodiment, peg recess  134  is a hole or recess within the body of second pusher  118  that is adapted to receive peg  126  of first pusher  114 . 
         [0035]    Magnet  116  is preferably identical to magnet  120 . Magnets  116  and  120  are preferably both permanent magnets. However, one of magnet  116  and  120  can be a permanent magnet and the other can be another magnetic material. For example, magnets  116  and  120  can be made from magnetized iron, cobalt, nickel, ceramic, a rare earth metal, or another magnetic material. While two magnets are shown, another number of magnets can be used. For example there can be 3, 4, or 5 magnets. In the preferred embodiment magnet  116  and magnet  120  are positioned within clasp  100  so that magnet  116  and magnet  120  are attracted to each other (i.e. have opposite poles facing each other). However, in certain embodiments, magnets  116  and  120  can be positioned to repel each other (i.e. have like poles facing each other). 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  depicts a partially assembled embodiment of clasp  100 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , pusher  114  with magnet  116  coupled thereto is interconnected with pusher  118  with magnet  120  coupled thereto. Pusher  114  and pusher  118  are able to slide relative to each other. In the preferred embodiment, pusher  114  and pusher  118  are furthest apart when magnet  116  is magnetically aligned with magnet  120 . Magnet  116  is preferably magnetically aligned with magnet  120  when the center of magnet  116  is aligned with the center of magnet  120 . Additionally, magnet  116  is preferably magnetically aligned with magnet  120  when the magnets are positioned relative to each other so that the magnetic forces between the magnets cannot pull the magnets any closer together. Preferably, pusher  114  and pusher  118  are able to slide toward each other to bring magnets  116  and  120  out of alignment. When magnets  116  and  120  are out of alignment the magnetic attraction between the magnets forces pushers  114  and  118  toward each other when pushers  114  and  118  are released. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  depicts another partially assembled embodiment of clasp  100 . When fully assembled, female end  102  provides an opening between pusher  118  and bottom plate  112 . The opening is adapted to receive male end  104 . Preferably, cover  110  is crimped onto bottom plate  112 . However cover  110  can be coupled to bottom plate  112  with adhesives, soldering, screwed together, friction, welds, set screws, or other fasteners. Preferably, when assembled, pushers  118  and  114  are only able to slide toward each other; pushers  118  and  114  are not able to separate. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of male end  104  inserted into the opening of female end  102 . By inserting male end  104  into female end  102 , the leading edge of male end  104  preferably forces peg  126  extending from pusher  114  and peg  132  extending from pusher  118  away from each other (thereby forcing pusher  114  and pusher  118  toward each other). As male end  104  further engages female end  102 , pegs  126  and  132  preferably align and engage with recesses in male end  104 .  FIG. 5  depicts clasp  100  in the locked position. In the locked position, peg  126  extending from pusher  114  and peg  132  extending from pusher  118  preferably each engage a recess in male end  104 . Therefore, in the embodiment depicted, pegs  126  and  132  are the actual locking mechanism, securing male end  104  into female end  102 . Once engaged, pegs  126  and  132  prevent male end  104  from inadvertently coming out of female end  102 . The magnetic forces between magnets  116  and  120  preferably force pegs  126  and  132  into the recesses in male end  104 , which can only be released by sliding pushers  118  and  114  toward each other. Magnets  116  and  120  preferably do not act as the locking mechanism. Instead, magnets  116  and  120  preferably provide the force necessary to maintain pegs  126  and  132  in a locked position. Preferably, both pushers  118  and  114  must be pushed toward each other to unlock clasp  100  (i.e. pushing just one of pusher  118  or pusher  114  will not unlock clasp  100 ). 
         [0039]    Preferably, the force provided by the magnetic properties of clasp  100  negate the need for additional safety mechanisms. Furthermore, since there are no springs, gears, strike plates, hardened gold, or other parts that are likely to wear out, clasp  100  preferably does not need to be adjusted or refurbished. In the preferred embodiment, at least one component on the interior of female end  104  may have a heat indicating device. For example, a component can be coated with a heat sensitive paint or dye that changes properties when exposed to heat. 
         [0040]    Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”