Abstract:
A clasp according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly well suited to wrist bands of diving watches, specifically metallic link type wrist bands. Such a clasp can be worn in a first closed position during normal usage against a user&#39;s bare wrist. The same clasp can then extend so that the same watch and wrist band can be worn by a user over some additional material, such as a dive suit. The extension of the clasp is beneficial as it requires no tools, is simple and reliable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a clasp, such as for a watch band. More specifically, the present clasp has multiple positions which allow the watch band to be easily configured in different sizes. Embodiments of the present clasp are particularly well suited for metal watch bands for dive watches. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Watch clasps and clasps for wrist bands and bracelets are well known. Generally, watch bands and bracelets can be broken in to two groups: metallic and non-metallic. For individuals that desire daily adjustability of the size of their wrist band they are almost always limited to non-metallic wrist bands. 
         [0003]    Most metallic wrist bands and the like are adjusted initially when purchased to properly fit a user&#39;s wrist. This adjustment often entails removing links from the wrist band in the case of large adjustments and/or re-positioning arms of a clasp amongst various fixed positions via spring loaded rods in the case of small adjustments. In either case, some type of tool is generally required. Since the size of a users wrist does not change rapidly, there is rarely a need to make adjustments to the size of the wrist band. 
         [0004]    One notable exception is for divers. Divers often wear diving suits which extend all the way to their wrist and/or hand. Divers, and possibly others who wear, for example, long gloves, would like to wear metallic watches but require an adjustability to account for the difference in size between their bare wrist and their covered wrist. Since adjusting the links in a metallic wrist band is not practical, there exists a need for a clasp which is capable of being worn in at least a first closed position on a bare wrist and in an extended position, for example on a covered wrist. Furthermore, there exists a need for the transformation between the two positions to be easy and reliable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The object of the present invention is to provide a clasp for a wrist band which can be worn in multiple positions. 
         [0006]    According to aspects of embodiments of the present invention, the clasp can be used with a wrist band having a plurality of links, wherein the links are preferably metallic. Furthermore, the wrist band can be that of a bracelet or of a watch. 
         [0007]    A clasp according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly well suited to wrist bands of diving watches. Such a clasp can be worn in a first closed position during normal usage against a user&#39;s bare wrist. The same clasp can then extend so that the same watch and wrist band can be worn by a user over some additional material, such as a dive suit. The extension of the clasp requires no tools, is simple and reliable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a clasp for a watch band in a closed position. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a clasp for a watch band in an extended closed position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows a clasp for a watch band in an open position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a clasp for a watch in a optional extended position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a watch having an asymmetric clasp. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show embodiments a clasp end from an exterior view. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show embodiments of a clasp end from an interior view. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  shows an asymmetric clasp according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position  1 . The clasp joins a first link  12  to a second link  14 . Links  12  and  14 , as shown in the figures, are clasp links of a metallic wrist band such as those commonly used with watches and bracelets. As will be described below, while the present invention is particularly useful with regards to these types of wrist bands, the present invention can be realized with other forms of wristbands, links and clasps and is not limited to the links shown in the figures. For example, portions of the wristband links and/or clasp can be wholly, substantially or partially made of soft, non-metallic materials such as elastomers, rubber, silicone or plastic. Additionally, hard portions of the wristband links and/or clasp can be wholly, substantially or partially made of ceramics. 
         [0016]    Links  12  and  14  are indirectly fixedly attached to each other via an asymmetric butterfly member  18 , a first arm  20  and a second arm  22 . From this fixed arrangement, links  12  and  14  can be releasably affixed directly to each other as shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, links  12  and  14  can be arranged in at least one releasably affixed separated position, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
         [0017]    To reduce the likelihood that the clasp is inadvertently released, and thereby risking the loss of the watch or bracelet, it is important for the two links  12  and  14  to be fixedly attached to one another. When links  12  and  14  are fixedly attached then in the case that the clasp is inadvertently released the wrist band itself stays intact and should remain on a user&#39;s wrist. Therefore, link  12  is fixedly attached to a first arm  20  which in turn is fixedly attached to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 , which is in turn fixedly attached to a second arm  22  which is finally fixedly attached to link  14 . 
         [0018]    In order to allow for the user to operate the clasp and for the clasp to assume its intended arrangements, the arms should be rotationally affixed to the links  12  and  14  and the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . This can be accomplished in several ways. Furthermore, the way in which each connection is created can be the same for some or all of the connections or can differ for one or more of the connections. 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the asymmetric butterfly member  18  has a first end  18 A, which comprises two extensions of equal length, and a second end  18 B, which comprises two extensions of equal length, wherein the extensions of the first end  18 A are shorter than those of the second end  18 B. The first arm  20  is arranged to fit between the extensions of the first end  18 A of the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . Similarly, the second arm  22  is arranged to fit between the extensions of the second end  18 B of the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . 
         [0020]    As shown, the first arm  20  is substantially the same length as the extensions of the first end  18 A as well as substantially the same width as the gap between the extensions of the first end  18 A. Thereby, when the first arm  20  is rotationally affixed at, or near to, the first terminal end of the asymmetric butterfly member  18  and the clasp is in a closed position the first arm  20  is substantially conformed to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . The first arm  20  is shown as being rotationally connected to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  via a pin-and-hole arrangement. First arm  20  has a rod  30  which extends from each side and fits in to a hole at the end of each extension of the first end  18 A. This allows the arm to pivot rotationally up to 360 degrees. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other types of connections which can be used to connect the first arm  20  and the first end  18 A which would not depart from the scope of the invention, such as a single rod which passes through holes in both the extensions and the arm, etc. 
         [0021]    First arm  20  is shown as a single piece which has a solid first end connecting the arm  20  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  and a forked second end connecting the arm  20  to link  12 . Similarly to the connection between the first arm  20  and the asymmetric butterfly member  18 , the connection between the first arm  20  and the link  12  is rotational. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , first arm  20  is rotationally connected to connection piece  28 , e.g. swivel link, via a pin-and-hole arrangement with rod  34 . As with the connection between the first arm  20  and the asymmetric butterfly member  18 , the other rotational connections can be different than the shown arrangement without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows that the first arm  20  is rotationally connected to a swivel piece  28  which in turn is rotationally connected to the link  12 . A function of the swivel piece  28  is to allow arm  20  and the asymmetric butterfly member  18  to stack conveniently on to link  12  when in the closed position. In part, this allows for a compact clasp in the closed position. Additionally, the shape and rotational connectivity of swivel piece  28  allows a smooth, substantially continuous connection between link  12  and arm  20  when in an open position as shown in  FIG. 2 . A Further benefit of such an arrangement is that it allows the clasp to be easily used in conjunction with existing link pieces and/or varieties of links. By changing the connection piece  28  to fit specific links, a single type/size clasp assembly can be used with a variety of different wrist bands. Alternatively, the first arm  20  can be directly rotationally connected to the first link by a variety of means, both permanently or removably. 
         [0023]    A benefit to the present embodiment is that a watch band can be easily and reliably be extended without having to adjust the connection between the clasp and the links or the links themselves. For example, a diver can have the wrist band of their watch set to a desired length corresponding to their wrist size for everyday use. Then, via the present clasp, the diver can wear the same watch over their diving suit, e.g. wet suit or dry suit, without modifying the wrist band but by closing the clasp with the first arm  20  extended. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows the clasp in such an extended closed position  2 . Link  14  is releasably affixed to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  as in closed position  1 . However, link  12  is no longer affixed directly to either link  14  or the asymmetric butterfly member  18  allowing for several additional centimeters, or more, of length in the watch band, depending on the length of arm  20 . This additional length can, for example, allow a user to comfortably user their watch over a diving suit. In part, due to the arrangement of link  12 , swivel link  28 , arm  20  and the asymmetric butterfly member  18 , when in an extended closed position the inner portions of the clasp act in a manner similar to an additional link having a degree of flexibility as well as being generally in the same level against the wrist and/or diving suit as the rest of the band. This adds a degree of comfort which is sought after by many watch wearers, particularly divers and those needing a degree of flexibility in the length of their wrist bands. 
         [0025]    The first arm  20  is releasably affixable to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  by a first means. The first means can be a single means or a combination of means which act together to releasably affix the first arm  20  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . Said means can be, for example, frictional, mechanical, magnetic or a combination thereof. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 2  there is shown a rectangular knob  36 A on one side of the first arm  20  which also has a similar knob  36 B (not shown) on the opposite side. These knobs are preferably shallow and capable of being pushed in to the recesses  38 A (not shown) and  38 B on the asymmetric butterfly member  18  respectively in order to hold the first arm when releasably affixed. While the knobs and recesses are shown as rectangles they may have any acceptable shape, such as quarter or half spherical, square, oblong, irregular, etc. The knobs and recesses should be sufficient to frictionally hold the first arm in place while being worn in a closed position yet being able to be release with an acceptable force of a user. In place of, or in combination with, the knobs and recesses as shown in  FIG. 2  there may be one or more magnates or other means for holding the arm in place. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows the clasp in a fully open position  3  which is suitable for placing a wrist band on or off of a user. The second arm  22  is shown as two separate arms  22 A and  22 B. While the second arm  22  is shown as separate arms in the figures it can be a piece, e.g. similar to the first arm  20 . Second arms  22 A and  22 B are rotationally connected to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  at one end and rotationally connected to the link  14  at the other end. Second arms  22 A and  22 B are rotationally connected at, or near to, the end of the second end of the asymmetric butterfly member  18 B in a similar manner as discussed with regards to the first arm  20 . One example, as shown, is a rod  26  which spans the entire width of the asymmetric butterfly member  18  which fits through holes in both extensions of the second end of the asymmetric butterfly member  18 B and holes in the first end of each of the second arms  22 A and  22 B. The rod is preferably held in place by friction but may be held in place by any other known acceptable means. 
         [0028]    Link  14  is shown with a button  16 A on one side and a similar button  16 B on the other side. Buttons  16 A and  16 B are either directly or indirectly connected to second arms  22 A and  22 B respectively. In the present example, button  16 A is directly connected to second arm  22 A by pin  44 A. Similarly, button  16 B is connected to second arm  22 B by a pin  44 B (not shown). The material chosen for the second arms  22 A and  22 B and/or their configuration may provide a sufficient spring coefficient so that when buttons  16 A and  16 B are pushed towards each other and released that the second arms  22 A and  22 B will move towards each other by an equal amount and then return to their resting position respectively. However, it may be necessary, or desirable, to add a spring to the housings  46 A and  46 B which cause the buttons  16 A and  16 B respectively to be pushed out when released, thereby causing the second arms  22 A and  22 B respectively to resume their resting position. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  also shows contoured areas  50 A and  50 B which receive the asymmetric butterfly member  18  when in the closed position  1 . From  FIG. 1 , and closed position  1 , it can be seen that the asymmetric butterfly member  18  is held in the closed position between the housings  46 A and  46 B and the second arms  22 A and  22 B respectively. The force of the second arms pressing against the asymmetric butterfly member  18  and in turn pressing against the housings can be a sufficient means for releasably affixing the second link  14  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . In place of, or in addition to, said pressure force there can be one or more means for releasably affixing the second link  14  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . 
         [0030]    An example of said means are the wings  24 A and  24 B of second arms  22 A and  22 B respectively. These wings fit in to the recesses  48 A and  48 B of the asymmetric butterfly member  18  when the second arm is releasably affixed to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . When the second arms  22 A and  22 B are pressed towards each other the wings come out of the recesses and the second arms are capable of passing between the second extensions  18 B and swinging in to the open position  3 . Similarly with the first arm and first means, there may be additional means in place of, or in combination with, the described pressure and wings which allow the second arm to be releasably affixed to the asymmetric butterfly member which may include, but is not limited to, additional frictional, magnetic and mechanical means. 
         [0031]    Additionally, or in place of, any means directly releasably affixing the first arm  20  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 , e.g. knobs and recesses of  FIG. 2 , there can be a means for indirectly releasably affixing the first arm  20  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  via a means directly releasably connecting link  12  to link  14 . Said means can be frictional, mechanical, magnetic or a combination thereof. In one example, link  14  has a recess  40  with a release lever/hook (not shown) which can be activated by one or both of buttons  16 A and  16 B. Link  12 , or connecting piece  28 , can then have a member (such as tongue  41  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) which engages, or is engaged by the release lever/hook in the recess  40  of link  14  when links  12  and  14  are pressed together. This means can add additional assurance that the clasp will remain closed in closed position  1 . This also will ensure that the first arm is not releasable while in closed position  1 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows an optional position  4  of the clasp where the first arm  20  is releasably affixed to the asymmetric butterfly member  18  and the second arm is released.  FIG. 5  shows the clasp installed on a wristband of a watch. End  18 A of the asymmetric member is connected to link  12  which in turn is a part of the first portion of the wrist band  52 A. Similarly, end  18 B of the asymmetric member is connected to link  14  which in turn is a part of the second portion of the wrist band  52 B. 
         [0033]    While the present embodiment has been described with a button on both sides of link  14  and each button connected to a second arm capable of displacing the connected second arm, the clasp can be simplified by making one of the buttons a dummy button or removing it all together. Similar modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, means and methods as described for connecting the first arm to the asymmetric butterfly member and for releasably affixing the first arm to the asymmetric butterfly member can be used with the second arm, and vice versa. 
         [0034]    In the certain of the embodiments shown in the figures, the connection(s) between the clasp and the links are not adjustable. For example, the swivel link  28  in  FIG. 7A  can only be connected to the first set of holes  32 A and  32 C (not shown) and link  12  then connected to the next link in the wristband via standard means by holes  32 B and  32 D. Similarly, the first arm  20  is rotationally connected in a fixed position on the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . However, the clasp can be adjustably connected to the link  12  if the link  12  has a plurality of adjustment holes  32 A,  32 B,  32 A′ and  32 B′, as shown in  FIG. 7B  and/or the asymmetric butterfly member  18  has a plurality of corresponding positions  31 B,  38 C and  38 D (not shown) for the connection of the first arm  20  as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 6A-7B . 
         [0035]    In order to provide additional adjustability for thicknesses of a dive suit for instance, the first end  18 A of the asymmetric butterfly member can have additional extensions as shown in  FIGS. 6B ,  7 A and  7 B having one, or alternatively more, additional holes each spaced at predetermined intervals. Link  12  would have preferably the same number of additional holes  32  with similar spacing as shown in  FIG. 7B . Then, the first arm can be moved with relation to its connection position on both the asymmetric member  18  and link  12  to provide different extension lengths when in the extended closed position  2  while maintaining the connection between the link  12  and  14  in closed position  1 . 
         [0036]    Additionally, there can be a locking variably adjustable means for moving the connection position of the first arm  20  to the asymmetric butterfly member  18 . For example, there can be groves on the inside faces of the first extensions  18 A which accept knobs or rods on the end of the first arm so that the first arm can float through a plurality of variable positions, preferably lockable in some or all of the variable positions, to add a greater adjustability of the extension length in the extended open position  2 . 
         [0037]    Furthermore, while asymmetric butterfly member  18  has been described within the context of the figures, numerous variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one or both of the ends can be a single piece with the first and/or second arm connected to the outer faces of the single piece, instead of to the inner faces of two pieces as shown. The asymmetric butterfly member  18  can be made from one or more pieces and may be more or less asymmetric. Additionally, while the present examples function best with the asymmetric butterfly member  18  having a first end  18 A shorter than the second end  18 B, the ends can be of equal length or the first end  18 A can be longer than the second end  18 B. Similarly, though the asymmetric butterfly member as well as the totality of the clasp are shown as generally taking a curved shape similar to that of the inside of a wrist band, different shapes can be utilized for both functional and aesthetic purposes without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0038]    The examples and embodiments described above are only exemplary of the present invention. Other variations are possible and recognizable to one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.