Patent Publication Number: US-11647816-B2

Title: Clasp mechanism to enable concealment and use by those with limited dexterity

Description:
PRIORITY PATENT APPLICATION 
     This non-provisional patent application draws priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/166,383; filed Mar. 26, 2021. This present non-provisional patent application draws priority from the referenced patent application. The entire disclosure of the referenced patent application is considered part of the disclosure of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the disclosure provided below and to the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2019-2022 Elizabeth ALLBRIGHT, All Rights Reserved. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This patent application relates to clasp mechanisms according to one embodiment, and more specifically to a clasp mechanism to enable concealment and use by those with limited dexterity. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many varieties of jewelry clasps on the market. One type of conventional clasp is the “Push-Release Clasp,” which is relatively easy to use for those with dexterity issues. The conventional push-release clasp typically has a long tube that another piece slides into for easy latching. The problem with the conventional push-release clasp is that it cannot be concealed inside of a bead, pearl, or any other decorative component. This is because the part of the conventional push-release clasp that is pushed to release would be left obstructed and unusable. 
     Spring rings, the most common clasps, as well as lobster claws, the second most common, are all difficult to use for those with dexterity issues. These types of clasps support a reasonable amount of weight as long as the jump rings are connected well to the accessory. However, chains can fall apart if the jump ring is not well-connected to the accessory. Another issue with these types of clasps is their appearance when attempting to use multiple clasps to create a versatile piece, e.g., one that can change based on the wearer&#39;s desire. Using these conventional types of clasps for creating multiple strands that can be added or removed quickly creates a look that is crowded and inelegant. 
     Magnetic clasps come in a few varieties and solve the dexterity issue. However, magnetic clasps are not recommended for bracelets; because, the magnets can be drawn to any metals with which the wearer may come into contact during typical activity. Newer designs of the magnetic clasp allow for the support of heavier attachments by changing the orientation of the magnets and adding a small pin on one side that fits into a hole on the opposite side. 
     There is a conventional clasp that works like a standard garment snap, with the socket side of the snap being the round spring type into which the closed stub part is pressed. This type of clasp is for use only with lightweight jewelry and the clasp is difficult to conceal without losing functionality. 
     Box clasps are well suited for multiple strands of chains or beads, and the extra latch can provide added security for heavier or more valuable pieces. Some box clasps are quite beautiful and, depending on the design of the accessory, may be the right choice for the wearer, as they can be useful for those with dexterity issues. Box clasps can add to the general design of a piece as there are many varieties from which to choose. Box clasps can be partially concealed; however, the security of the extra side latch of the box clasp is lost when the clasp is concealed. 
     Thus, existing clasp mechanisms fail to provide a clasp mechanism enabling concealment, security, and use by those with limited dexterity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates the clasp of an example embodiment; 
         FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate exploded views of the elements of the clasp of an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a cut away view of the clasp of an example embodiment; and 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a method of an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. 
     This patent application relates to clasp mechanisms according to one embodiment, and more specifically to a clasp mechanism to enable concealment and use by those with limited dexterity. The various example embodiments are described below and included in the drawings included herewith. 
     One important failure of the conventional clasps described above is that they cannot be inserted into a bead, large stone, or other decorative components to conceal the tube such that—when the clasp is connected, there is only the smallest indication of where the connection occurs. Another important failure of the conventional clasps described above is the inability of the conventional clasps to elegantly provide multiple options of wearability without creating a messy cluster of clasps at the connecting point in the design of the overall piece of jewelry. 
     As described in detail herein for various example embodiments, my design is simple to use by even those with dexterity issues. Additionally, my design enables the clasp to be inserted into a bead, large stone, or other decorative components to conceal the tube such that-when the clasp is connected, there is only the smallest indication of where the connection occurs. Moreover, my design can elegantly provide multiple options of wearability without creating a messy cluster of clasps at the connecting point in the design of the overall piece of jewelry. These features of my design are described below for various example embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  through  4   , an example embodiment of the clasp  100  includes an outer tube  110  with an end cap  112  at the top, which has an attached ring on one end as shown in  FIGS.  1  through  4   . The outer tube  110  encompasses an inner tube  120  that is slightly shorter than the outer tube  110 . This inner tube  120  has a beveled edge  122  of approximately 35-45 degrees slanting downward from the interior of the inner tube  120  toward the exterior of the inner tube  120  at the end near the top of the outer tube  110 . 
     There is a space provided between the end cap  112  and the top of the inner tube  120  that is wide enough to allow for a four-legged, starfish-shaped spring  116  and a small, round plate  114  to move away from the beveled edge  122  of the inner tube  120  toward the capped end of the outer tube  110 . This plate  114  provides the pressure required to hold the inserted hook  130  in place against the beveled edge  122  of the inner tube  120 . 
     The hook  130  is flattened to be easily guided through the slotted end-cap  124  at the bottom of the outer tube  110  and inner tube  120 . The hook  130  shank has a hole in the end as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , creating the eye to accommodate a jump ring for attachment to a chain or strand with an option to attach a tail or tag to indicate the attachment point when concealed. The hook  130  has a bend that is rounded on the outside with an inside notch that matches the contour of the beveled edge  122  of the inner tube  120 . The throat of the hook  130  is shortened to fit the space created by the bevel of the inner tube  120 . The shaft of hook  130  is bent from 150 degrees to 170 degrees at a midway point. The midway bend of the shaft of hook  130  is configured with an angle corresponding to the length and inner diameter of the inner tube  120 . The shaft of hook  130  is wider at a lower end, again configured with width corresponding to the length and inner diameter of the inner tube  120 . The midway bend of the shaft of hook  130  is rounded and angled to provide a rocking motion for the hook  130 . This shape and angle of the shaft of hook  130  places the hook  130  in the interior of inner tube  120  in a position flush to one side of the insertion point, thereby indicating a closed position. The shape, angle, and positioning of the hook  130  allows the user to easily understand which way to “rock” the hook  130  when pressing toward the inner plate  114  to release the hook  130 . In a particular embodiment, the inner tube  120  with beveled edge  122  and outer tube  110  can be fabricated as a single component or piece depending on the manufacturing process. 
     In operation, the hook  130  is inserted into the slot of the slotted end-cap  124  at the bottom end of the outer tube  110  and inner tube  120  and pressed against the plate  114  within. This action compresses the spring  116  above the plate  114 , which flattens the spring  116  to create enough space to allow a slight wiggling or tilting of the hook  130  into place over the beveled edge  122  of the inner tube  120 . Releasing the pressure at this point pushes the hook down onto a lip created by the beveled edge  122  (e.g., see  FIG.  4   ). The plate  114  and spring  116  provide enough downward tension to hold the hook  130  securely in place. 
     Because all the working parts of this clasp design are concealed within the outer tube  110  and inner tube  120  upon latching, the closed end of the clasp can be hidden within a bead, stone or pendant. The hook  130  can have a small tag or tail to indicate its placement without detracting from the accessory&#39;s overall visual appearance, while still allowing the wearer to easily find the connection and remove the piece. Although this tail is small, it may have enough space to display a logo or other brand mark of some sort. 
     The outer tube  110  may also be etched or molded in some way to add texture for simple arrangements. The entire clasp design can be made in a large variety of sizes to compensate for load. For some arrangements, the tail isn&#39;t necessary because the connection areas can be made to be readily apparent. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a method of an example embodiment. The example embodiment can be configured to include a method  1000  for fabricating a clasp mechanism, the method comprising: attaching an end cap at a top of an outer tube (operation  1010 ); obtaining an inner tube having a beveled edge at the top of the inner tube (operation  1020 ); inserting the inner tube into the outer tube to capture a spring and a plate between the end cap and the beveled edge of the inner tube (operation  1030 ); attaching a slotted end-cap at the bottom of the outer tube (operation  1040 ); and inserting a hook into a slot of the slotted end-cap to latch to the beveled edge of the inner tube, and to be held in place by the spring and plate (operation  1050 ). 
     In standard necklaces, as it is designed currently, large rings can hold multiple jump rings to which other jump rings are connected for more permanent connectivity, with one or two strands using a spring ring for the versatility of configuration for the wearer. These detachable spring ring strands can be worn on their own, or they can be worn behind the neck to elongate the rest of the necklace. With my clasp, any strand or strands can be removed and worn separately or together in any configuration the wearer chooses. Any unused connections will simply appear as a decorative element rather than an empty ring. There are many design options with different large rings that hold a different number of strands, etc. A jewelry/accessory company can provide all of these options for truly customizable jewelry and costume jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings-all changeable to match the whim of the wearer. 
     In the various embodiments of the clasp as described above, the clasp can be used for a variety of applications for attaching items including at least the following:
         Phone and purse charms;   Utensil hanging/organizing (kitchen or bath organization);   Hair extensions;   Curtain hanging loops/hoops;   Plant/hummingbird/decor hangers;   Eyeglass strap connectors;   Soft binder loops; and   Hanging things from ceilings (lamps generally).       

     In an alternative embodiment with a slightly different outer design with the inner parts shaped to fit, the alternative embodiment can be in the shape of a square when viewed from front and back and a long rectangle from the other four sides of the box-shaped clasp. In this configuration, the clasp can be used for at least the following applications:
         A child safety cabinet latch;   Belt buckles, secure strap buckles as seen in luggage;   A daily use (not sport) carabiner, such as for retaining a set of keys;   Work badge attachment to lanyard;   Dog collar buckle;   A buckle for secure placement of an automobile organizer;   A bungie cord replacement; and   In a plastic form: product packaging as a replacement of zip-ties.       

     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.