Patent Abstract:
A clasp for releasably fastening two objects is disclosed. The clasp includes a male member and a female member. The female member includes a displaceable member that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the displaceable member precludes insertion of the male member into or removal of the male member from the female member. In the second position, the male member may be inserted into or removed from the female member. Alternatively, the clasp may include two objects that each contains both male and female parts. Interchangeable jewelry pieces comprising the clasp and a method for removably securing two jewelry pieces are also disclosed.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Related applications: Under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), priority is claimed from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/591,764 filed Jul. 27, 2004. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to clasps. More particularly, the invention relates to jewelry clasps, interchangeable decorative pieces for jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, etc. and methods of connecting the same.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Jewelry clasps must provide a secure connection to prevent accidental unfastening, which often results in loss of the jewelry. At the same time, clasps must be relatively easy to connect, since often they must be connected behind the neck of the person wearing the jewelry (in the case of a necklace) or with only one hand (in the case of a bracelet).  
         [0004]     An early design for jewelry clasps consists of a small bead fastened to one end of the piece of jewelry. A seamed tubular member having a lateral opening on the seam and two smaller openings on the ends is fastened to the other end. To secure the two ends together, the ball is inserted into the lateral opening and pulled towards an end of the tubular member. The string or wire of the jewelry piece is forced through the seam until it extends through one of the smaller openings in an end of the tubular member.  
         [0005]     The claw-type jewelry clasp is another commonly used coupling for jewelry pieces. In the claw-type clasp, a ring is placed on one end of the jewelry piece, and a J-shaped member is placed on the other end of the piece. Usually, a spring-loaded member acts against the J-shaped member to close the gap of the J-shaped member forming a closed second ring. A force is exerted on the spring-loaded member to open the second ring. The first ring is then slid onto the J-shaped member and the spring loaded member is released to close the gap at the end of the J-shaped member, thereby preventing removal of the ring from the J-shaped member or second ring.  
         [0006]     Leaf spring type connectors are also commonly used in jewelry clasps. Typically, a male member is attached to one end of a jewelry piece that is releasably connectable to a female member attached to the other end of the jewelry piece. A leaf spring component, usually comprising a deflectable metal member supported at only one end thereof, is provided on the male member. The leaf spring component is deflected or compressed upon initial insertion into the female member. After the male member is inserted a predetermined distance into the female member, the resilience of the leaf spring component causes the component to snap back into mating abutment with a corresponding feature formed in the female member, thereby preventing removal of the male member therefrom. To release the male member from the female member, a user must exert a force on the leaf spring to force the component out of mating abutment with the corresponding feature of the female member while simultaneously pulling the two members apart.  
         [0007]     These clasps are often cumbersome and may unintentionally unfasten. While clasps may include safety or locking features, they are often difficult to use. Further, it is often awkward to connect a clasp for a necklace behind one&#39;s own neck or to connect a bracelet using only one hand. Thus, additional improvements are desired. Further, it may be appreciated that there is a need in the art for a clasp that may be incorporated into individual decorative jewelry pieces that may be removably fastened to one another, thereby providing an interchangeable jewelry piece that may be changed at any time to match clothing or to create a unique, one-of-a-kind design.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with one embodiment, a clasp is disclosed that includes at least one male member and a cooperating female member. The at least one male member includes a first section and a larger second section. The female member includes a main body having hollow portion, an outer wall, and an exterior surface. The female member further includes at least one aperture formed through the outer wall and a displaceable aperture sealing member adjacent the exterior surface of the main body. The at least one aperture of the female member includes a first portion sized to preclude passage of the larger second section of the male member and to allow passage of the first section of the male member therethrough, and a second larger portion continuous with the first portion sized to allow passage of both the first section of the male member and the second larger section of the male member therethrough. The displaceable sealing member may be movable between a first position at least partially covering the second larger portion of the at least one aperture, and a second position exposing the second larger portion of the at least one aperture.  
         [0009]     A piece of jewelry that includes a plurality of clasps is also disclosed. Each clasp of the plurality of clasps includes a first female member and a male member. The female member includes a main body having at least one hollow portion, an outer wall, and an exterior surface. The female member further includes at least one aperture formed through the outer wall, and a displaceable aperture sealing member adjacent the exterior surface of the main body. The at least one aperture includes a first portion and a second larger portion continuous with the first portion. The displaceable aperture sealing member may be movable between a first position, in which the sealing member at least partially covers the second larger portion of the at least one aperture, and a second position, in which the second larger portion of the at least one aperture may be exposed. The male member may include a rod extending from the exterior surface of the main body of the female member. The rod may be disposed on a side of the main body generally opposite the first portion of the at least one aperture. An enlarged member may be formed on an end of the rod distant to the main body. Alternatively, the enlarged member may be connected directly to the main body. The male member may be connected to a second female member.  
         [0010]     A piece of jewelry that includes a first member and a second member is also disclosed. The first member may include a decorative jewelry piece, an elongated rod extending from the decorative jewelry piece, and a retaining member on the end of the rod opposite the decorative jewelry piece. Alternatively, the retaining member may be connected directly to the decorative jewelry piece. The second member may include a main body and a void inside at least a portion of the main body. The second member may further include a first aperture and a second aperture in the exterior surface of the second member that communicate with the void. The first aperture may be sized to allow passage of the rod therethrough and to preclude passage of the retaining member therethrough. The second aperture may be sized to allow passage of the retaining member therethrough. The second member may also include a slot in the exterior surface of the main body that communicates with the void, the first aperture, and the second aperture. The slot may be sized to allow passage of the rod therethrough and to preclude passage of the retaining member therethrough. The second member may also include a displaceable external aperture sealing member disposed on the exterior surface thereof. The sealing member may be displaceable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the sealing member may be disposed adjacent the second aperture to preclude passage of the retaining member therethrough.  
         [0011]     Also disclosed is a method of removably securing two members of a piece of jewelry using a clasp according to the invention. The female member and body with attached male member of the clasp of the present invention may be substantial in size which improves the ease with which a person may secure the clasp. For example, the female member may comprise a decorative element of a jewelry piece and the body may be, as a non-limiting example, a pearl with a male member therethrough. Thus, a user may easily grasp and maneuver the female member and pearl to secure the male member in the female member. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention may be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in the assembled state;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are sectional views taken along LINES  2 - 2  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3A  in the assembled state;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  and  5 C illustrate front and back elevational and exploded views respectively of earrings comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C illustrate front and back elevational views and an exploded view respectively of earrings comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7A  is a front elevational view of a pendant comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7B  is a back elevational view of the pendant of  FIG. 7A  hanging from a necklace;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view illustrating multiple, linked jewelry pieces, each comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8B  is a sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8A ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of a clasp for a bracelet comprising an exemplary embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     The present invention generally relates to clasps that may be used to connect or secure a variety of objects including jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, etc. More particularly, the invention relates to clasps, interchangeable jewelry pieces, and methods of connecting the same. The clasps disclosed herein may be incorporated into individual and personalized jewelry pieces, such as individual links in a bracelet or chain, earrings, pendants, etc., thereby allowing a user to interchange individual pieces quickly and easily. In addition, the features of the clasps of the present invention may be incorporated into individual, interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces of different colors or designs. This allows a user to select and purchase individual pieces, which then may be used to create unique, personalized and interchangeable jewelry pieces. The clasps of the present invention may also be used as a traditional jewelry clasp for securing the ends of a jewelry piece. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification and figures.  
         [0030]     A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 1A . A clasp  100  is shown including a first body  140  and a second body  120 . The first body  140  includes a male member  110  having an elongated rod  112  with an enlarged member  114  formed on an end of the elongated rod  112 . The elongated rod  112  may be any desired length. Alternatively, the enlarged member  114  may be attached directly to the first body  140 . The second body  120  (or female member) is provided having a main body  122 , which is at least partially hollow, a first aperture  126 , a second aperture  128 , and a slot  130  extending continuously between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128 . The slot  130  may be any desired length, though for aesthetics, it may be desirable for length of slot  130  to be minimal. A displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be movably attached to the main body  122  and may be disposed adjacent the exterior surface thereof. The aperture sealing member  136  is shown located laterally adjacent the second aperture  128 , which is exposed in  FIG. 1A . Aperture sealing member  136  may be textured or raised such that it is easily gripped and moved. Alternatively, the aperture sealing member may be flat, domed or be a decorative aspect of the clasp.  
         [0031]     The male member  110  may be attached to a first body  140  by, for example, soldering. Alternatively, the elongated rod  112  of the male member  110  may be of sufficient length to extend entirely through the first body  140 , and may be attached to a chain or other jewelry piece at the end thereof opposite the enlarged member  114  on the opposite side of the first body  140 . Alternatively, the male member  110  may be attached to the end of a chain such as a bracelet or necklace. The second body  120  may be attached directly to a piece of jewelry to be fastened or may include a male member (not shown) on the side of the main body  122  opposite the first aperture  26 . Similarly, either the male member  110  (or a first body  140  attached to the male member  110 ) may be attached to the end of a piece of jewelry to be fastened, such as for example, a bracelet or necklace (not shown in  FIG. 1A ). The first body  140  may be a decorative element or may be purely functional.  
         [0032]     The clasp  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  is shown in the assembled state in  FIG. 1B . In the assembled state, the first body  140  is proximate the main body  122  of the second body  120 . The aperture sealing member  136  may be disposed directly above and covering the second aperture (not visible in  FIG. 1B ).  
         [0033]     As seen in  FIG. 1A , the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be displaceable in a direction generally parallel to a reference line  147  that extends along the outer surface of the hollow main body  122  of the second body  120  between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128 . Alternatively, the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be displaceable in any direction relative to the reference line  147 .  
         [0034]     The function of the clasp  100  may be further understood with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , which are cross sectional views of the clasp  100  taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show the clasp  100  in the disassembled and assembled configurations, respectively. The elongated rod  112  of the male member  110  may be formed as an elongated cylindrical member having a diameter D 1 . The elongated rod  112  alternatively may be formed as an elongated polyhedron or any other desired shape. The enlarged member  114  of the male member  110  may be formed as a sphere having a diameter D 2 , although any other enlarged shape such as an ovoid or a polyhedron may be used. The first aperture  126  of second body  120  may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter D 3  greater than D 1  but less than D 2  to allow the elongated rod  112  to pass therethrough, while precluding passage of the enlarged member  114  therethrough. Alternatively, the first aperture  126  may be formed having any size and shape allowing the elongated rod  112  to pass therethrough, while precluding passage of the enlarged member  114  therethrough. The second aperture  128  also may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter D 4  larger than both D 1  and D 2 , thereby allowing passage of both the enlarged member  114  and the elongated rod  112  of the male member  110  therethrough. Alternatively, the second aperture  128  may be formed having any size and shape allowing both the elongated rod  112  and the enlarged member  114  to pass therethrough. The general relationship of the size of each of the four diameters may be described as follows: D 1 &lt;D 3 &lt;D 2 &lt;D 4 .  
         [0035]     The slot  130  should have a width greater than the diameter D 1  of the elongated rod  112  but smaller than the diameter D 2  of the enlarged member  114 . The slot  130  may have a width that is smaller than D 3  (as shown in  FIG. 1A ); although the width of the slot  130  could be equal to, or slightly greater than D 3  provided the width is less than D 2 . As seen in  FIG. 2A , the slot  130  may include two sections, a first section  131  that extends between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128 , and a second section  132  that extends a short distance from the second aperture  128  on the side thereof opposite to the first section  131 . The first aperture  126 , the second aperture  128 , and the slot  130  are all connected and continuous, and therefore may be considered portions of a single opening. In addition, the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128  may be formed through the main body  122  of the second body  120  at any location on the exterior surface thereof provided the slot  130  extends therebetween.  
         [0036]     As seen in  FIG. 2B , the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be coupled to the second body (female member)  120  by a vertical support member  137 , a horizontal support member  138  having a tubular section, a tubular member  150 , and a biasing member, shown as a spring  139 . The tubular member  150  may be welded or otherwise attached to an interior surface of the main body  122  of the second body (female member)  120 . The outer diameter of at least a section of the horizontal support member  138  may be smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular member  150  such that the section of the horizontal support member  138 , including the tubular section, may slide within the tubular member  150 . The biasing member, or spring  139  may be disposed within the tubular member  150  and may extend into the tubular section of the horizontal support member  138 . The biasing member, or spring  139  may act against the horizontal support member  138 , exerting a force therein which tends to move the horizontal support member  138  in the leftward direction in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The aperture sealing member  136  is shown in a first position in  FIG. 2B , in which the spring  139  is extended and the aperture sealing member  136  is disposed adjacent the exterior surface  124  of the main body  122  directly above the second aperture  128 . In this position, the enlarged member  114  is precluded from passing either into or out of the main body  122  through the second aperture  128 . The aperture sealing member  136  is shown in a second position in  FIG. 2A , in which the spring  139  is compressed and the aperture sealing member  136  is disposed laterally relative to the second aperture  128 , thereby exposing the second aperture  128 . In this configuration, the enlarged member  114  of the male member  110  may be inserted into or removed from the hollow main body  122  of the second body  120 .  
         [0037]     To fasten the male member  110  and the second body (female member)  120  together, a force may be exerted on the aperture sealing member  136 , causing the spring  139  to compress and the aperture sealing member  136  to move out of the first position ( FIG. 2B ) and into the second position ( FIG. 2A ), thereby exposing the second aperture  128 . The enlarged member  114  of the male member  110  then may be inserted through the second aperture  128  until the enlarged member  114  is disposed in a void  134  ( FIG. 2B ) of the second body (female member)  120  and the elongated rod  112  extends through the second aperture  128 .  
         [0038]     The male member  110  may be displaced relative to the second body (female member)  120  such that the rod  112  passes along or slides through the slot  130  of the second body (female member)  120  until the rod  112  extends through the first aperture  126 , the enlarged member continuing to be disposed within the void  134  of the main body  122  of the second body  120  and retained by the interior surface  125  thereof.  
         [0039]     The displaceable aperture sealing member  136  then may be released, allowing the biasing member or spring  139  to extend and causing the horizontal support member  138 , the vertical support member  139 , and the aperture sealing member  136  to return to the first position shown in  FIG. 2B . In this configuration, the enlarged member  114  is precluded from passing through the second aperture  128  and may be retained and secured within the void  134  of the second body  120 .  
         [0040]     The internal components of the main body are not limited to the tubular member shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B . Instead, any biasing system or spring which permits the aperture sealing member to move between a first and second position as described herein is sufficient. A biasing member may interact with the aperture sealing member to bias the aperture sealing member in the first position. As a non-limiting example, the biasing member may be a coil spring, a leaf spring or an elastomer material. The biasing member may be disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the main body.  
         [0041]     In another exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 3A , a clasp  200  may include a first body  140  including male member  110  having an elongated rod  112  with an enlarged member  114  formed on an end of the elongated rod  112 . A female member  220  may be provided having an at least partially hollow main body  222 , a first aperture  226 , a second aperture  228 , and a slot  230  extending continuously between the first aperture  226  and the second aperture  228 . A displaceable aperture sealing member  236  may be movably attached to the main body  222  and may be disposed adjacent an exterior surface thereof. The clasp  200  is substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  2 A, and  2 B, and may operate in a substantially similar fashion thereto. However, the main body  222  of the female member  220  has a square shape, the first aperture  226  may be disposed on a corner of the female member  220  at the junction of two side surfaces thereof, and the displaceable aperture sealing member  236  may be disposed on a side surface of the female member  220 . The displaceable aperture sealing member  236  is shown located laterally adjacent the second aperture  228 , which is exposed in  FIG. 3A . In addition, the displaceable aperture sealing member  236  may be or may include a decorative piece such as a gem or stone.  
         [0042]     The clasp  200  shown in  FIG. 3A  is shown in the assembled state in  FIG. 3B  wherein the first body  140  is connected to main body  222  of the female member  220  via male member (not visible in  FIG. 3B ). In the assembled state, the displaceable aperture sealing member  236  may be disposed directly above and covering the second aperture  228  (not visible in  FIG. 3B ).  
         [0043]     Alternatively, the main body  222  of the female member  220  may be formed having any shape. For example, the main body  222  may have a generally spherical shape, and aperture sealing member  236  may be displaceable circumferentially about the hollow main body  222 .  
         [0044]     One feature of the clasps previously described herein is that the main body of the female members may rotate relative to the interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces. For example, referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first body  140  may rotate freely relative to the second body (female member)  120  which may often be a beneficial and desirable characteristic. It is further understood that rotation may be affected by altering the size of the first aperture relative to the elongated rod and enlarged member. Sometimes, however, it may be preferable to provide a clasp that precludes the rotation of one piece relative to the other. An embodiment of the invention that precludes such rotation is shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0045]     An exemplary clasp  300  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The clasp  300  is substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A , and includes a T-shaped male member  310  having an elongated rod  312  and an enlarged member  314  provided on an end of the elongated rod  312 . The enlarged member  314  may be formed as an elongated rod attached to, and oriented substantially perpendicular to, the elongated rod  312 . The enlarged member  314  may have rounded or tapered surfaces and ends, as shown in  FIG. 4 . A female member  320  may be provided having an at least partially hollow main body  322 , a first aperture  326 , a second aperture  328 , and a slot  330  extending continuously between the first aperture  326  and the second aperture  328 . The T-shaped male member  310  helps prevent the first body  140  from rotating. The second aperture  328  may be formed as an elongated opening to allow both the enlarged member  314  and the elongated rod  312  of the male member  310  to pass therethrough. The first aperture  326  and the slot  330  are formed so as to allow passage of the elongated rod  312  therethrough, but to preclude passage of the enlarged member  314  therethrough. A displaceable aperture sealing member  336  may be movably attached to the main body  322  and disposed adjacent the exterior surface thereof. The male member  310  may be attached to a first body  140 . The clasp  300  may be identical to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A  in all other respects and may operate in a similar fashion thereto as described previously herein.  
         [0046]     Because the male member  310  precludes rotation of the first body  140  relative to the female member  320 , each side of the first body  140  may include different designs, patterns, jewels, colors, etc., and the user may select which side of the first body  140  will be the front or visible surface.  
         [0047]     Even though the clasp  300  is shown having a T-shaped male member  310 , the clasp  300  alternatively may have a male member substantially similar to the male member (shown in  FIG. 1A ). In addition, any of the other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein could be provided having a T-shaped male member  310 .  
         [0048]     An earring clasp  400  according to the invention is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The earring clasp  400  may be substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1 A , and may include a female member  420  and a male member (not visible in  FIGS. 5A  or  5 B). The female member  420  may include an at least partially hollow main body  422 , similar to the hollow main body  122  of  FIG. 1A . The main body  422  of female member  420  may include an earring stud  444 . The female member  420  may include a first aperture, a second aperture, a slot, and an aperture sealing member identical to those of the female member shown in  FIG. 1A . An interchangeable decorative jewelry piece  440  may be attached to the male member and may have an optional jewel  442  disposed thereon. In this configuration, several different decorative jewelry pieces  440  may be interchanged with the earring stud of female member  420  as desired.  
         [0049]     An elevational view of the back side of the earring clasp  400  is shown in  FIG. 5B . The interchangeable decorative jewelry piece  440  is shown fastened and secured to the hollow main body  422  of the female member  420  by the male member (not visible). The displaceable aperture sealing member  136  is shown in the first position, directly above the second aperture (not visible).  
         [0050]     The earring clasp  400  may be provided with various multiple interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  440 , each having different jewels, gem stones, patterns, colors, or other features that are interchangeable with the female member  420  of the earring clasp  400 . This allows the user to change and customize the earring to match clothing, create new and unique pieces of jewelry, etc. Further, by designing the earring clasp  400  such that the male member is attached to the decorative jewelry pieces  440 , the user can grasp the larger decorative jewelry piece  440 , rather than the smaller male member, which increases the ease with which the decorative jewelry piece  440  may be connected to the earring stud. It will be understood that the shape of female member  420  and the decorative jewelry pieces  440  are not limited.  FIG. 5C  depicts an elevational view of the back side of the earring clasp  400 . The female member  420  having an earring post  444  is shown separated from the decorative jewelry piece  440 . The decorative jewelry piece  440  attaches to the female member  420  via an elongated rod  112  and enlarged member  114  of a male member  110 .  
         [0051]     An exemplary earring clasp  500  according to the invention is shown in  FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C. The earring clasp  500  may be substantially similar to the earring clasp  400  of  FIGS. 5A, 5B  and  5 C. The earring in  FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C further includes a linker piece  540  disposed between the female member  420  and the decorative jewelry piece  440 . The linker piece  540  may include a male member  110  that attaches the linker  540  to the female member  420  as well as a first aperture  136  that connects the linker  540  to the decorative jewelry piece  440 . ( FIG. 6C ) The male member  110  of the decorative jewelry piece  440  may be attached to the linker piece as described in other embodiments. The earring of  FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C may include a plurality of linker pieces  540  disposed between the female member  420  and the decorative jewelry piece  440 . Further, the decorative jewelry piece  440  could also be a linker piece  540  with both male and female connecting parts. It will be understood that while the decorative member having both male and female parts is shown as part of an earring in  FIGS. 6A, 6B , and  6 C, the decorative member having both male and female parts may be incorporated into any piece including a bracelet, pendant, necklace, brooch, etc.  
         [0052]     A pendant clasp  600  according to the invention is shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The pendant clasp  600  may be substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A , and may include a female member  620  and a male member (not visible in  FIGS. 7A and 7B ). The female member  620  may include an at least partially hollow main body  622 , similar to the main body  122  of  FIG. 1A . The main body  622  of the female member  620  may include a decorative jewelry piece of the pendant. The female member  620  may include a first aperture (not visible), a second aperture (not visible in  FIGS. 7A  or  7 B), a slot (not visible in  FIGS. 7A  or  7 B), and an aperture sealing member  136  substantially identical to those of the second body  120  of  FIG. 1A . An optional pin  646  for attaching the pendant to an article of clothing may be provided on the back side of the hollow main body  622 . An interchangeable decorative jewelry piece  640  is shown that is attached to a male member (not visible in  FIGS. 7A  or  7 B), by which the jewelry piece  640  may be fastened and secured to the main body  622  of the female member  620 . The displaceable aperture sealing member  136  is shown in the first position, directly above and covering the second aperture (not visible in  FIGS. 7A  or  7 B). The decorative jewelry pieces  640  may include both male and female parts and function as the linker piece  540  described in relation to  FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C. The main body  622  of the female member  620  also may include additional apertures on the sides of the female member  620 , to allow a chain, necklace or bracelet to pass therethrough as shown in  FIG. 7B . In this configuration, the pendant clasp  600  may be attached to clothing or worn on a necklace or bracelet.  
         [0053]     The pendant clasp  600  may include a tubular member (as described with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) disposed within the main body  622  of the female member  620 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the tubular member  150  (shown by the dotted lines) extends laterally within the female member  620 , and the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  is displaceable in the leftward direction in  FIG. 7A . The tubular member would be located so as not to interfere with passage of a chain or other material through any additional apertures in the side of female member  620 .  
         [0054]     By use of the pendant clasp  600  with interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  640  attached to a male member, multiple interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  640  may be provided, each having different jewels, patterns, colors, or other features that are interchangeable with the female member  620  of the pendant clasp  600 . This allows the user to change and customize the pendant to match clothing, create new and unique pieces of jewelry, etc.  
         [0055]     The use of clasps according to the invention allows for interchangeable decorative pieces to be used on various pieces of jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, etc. For example, the interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  640  may be used with the earrings clasp  400  of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , while the interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  440  may be used with the pendant clasp  600  of  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0056]     When interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces are used in jewelry that includes a clasp according to the invention, the interchangeable pieces may include the male member, the female member or both. For example, an earring stud may be attached to the male member, and the main body of female member may include an interchangeable decorative jewelry piece that attaches to the male member of the earring stud. The same principle applies to pendants and other pieces of jewelry as well. In addition, individual pieces of jewelry could be provided having either two female members, one at each end, or two male members, one at each end.  
         [0057]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an exemplary piece of jewelry  700  that includes several interconnected, interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  702 A,  702 B,  702 C, and  702 D. The piece of jewelry  700  may be part of a bracelet or necklace. Each interchangeable decorative jewelry piece may include a female member, such as female members  720 A,  720 B,  720 C, and  720 D, and a male member. Each female member may include a main body  722 , similar to the main body  122  of  FIG. 1A . Each of the female members  720 A,  720 B,  720 C, and  720 D may include a first aperture, a second aperture, a slot, and an aperture sealing member  136  substantially identical to those of the second body  120  (as described with reference to  FIG. 1A ).  
         [0058]     In addition, a male member, including an elongated rod  112  and an enlarged member  114 , may be attached to and extend from a surface of each of the main bodies  722  of female members  720 A,  720 B,  720 C, and  720 D. In this configuration, each of the interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  702 A,  702 B,  702 C, and  702 D may be attached together, and may include individual links of a chain, such as a bracelet or necklace. As illustrated, each piece may be shaped differently, colored differently, have different patterns formed on the exterior surface, etc., thereby providing variability and allowing the user to design unique jewelry pieces. Also, a user may remove any of the links without disassembling the entire piece of jewelry as is required with conventional bracelets or necklaces. Referring to  FIG. 8B , the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be located adjacent the top surface of the hollow main bodies  722 , as in interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  702 B and  702 D. Alternatively, the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  may be located adjacent the bottom surface of the hollow main bodies  722 , as in interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces  702 A and  702 C. In addition, while the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  is shown as a partial dome, it could be configured in other decorative shapes such as, for example, a flat colored disc having a pattern thereon, and may include jewels, stones, etc.  
         [0059]     As seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , one end of each of the decorative jewelry pieces  702 A and  702 D (the end pieces), may be attached by known methods to the ends of a bracelet or a necklace. Alternatively, several more decorative jewelry pieces may be provided to provide a complete bracelet or necklace consisting only of individual decorative jewelry pieces and no chain. Further, while the of the decorative jewelry pieces  702 B and  702 D are shown with the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  on the top of the jewelry piece, it is understood that the decorative jewelry pieces  702 B and  702 D may be positioned such that the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  is not visible when the jewelry is worn.  
         [0060]     A jewelry piece is illustrated in  FIG. 9  that includes three strands of pearls, the ends of which are connected with a jewelry clasp  800  according to the invention. The jewelry clasp  800  is similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A , except that jewelry clasp  800  includes two male members  110 , each including an elongated rod  112  and an enlarged member  114 . The female member  820  of the jewelry clasp  800  includes two first apertures (not visible in  FIG. 9 ), two second apertures  128 , and two slots  130 . In addition, jewelry clasp  800  includes a displaceable aperture sealing member  836  that is larger than the displaceable aperture sealing member  136  of the clasp  100  (as disclosed with reference to  FIG. 1A ) to allow coverage of both of the second apertures  128 .  
         [0061]     To fasten the male members  110  with the female member  820 , a force is exerted on the aperture sealing member  836 , causing a spring (not shown in  FIG. 9 ), to compress and the aperture sealing member  836  to move out of the first position (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) and into the second position as shown in  FIG. 9 , thereby exposing the second apertures  128 . The enlarged members  114  of the male members  110  then may be inserted through the second apertures  128  until the enlarged members  114  are disposed in a void (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) of the female member  820  and the elongated rods  112  are extending through the second apertures  128 .  
         [0062]     The male members  110  may be displaced relative to the second body  120  such that the elongated rods  112  pass along or slide through the length of the slots  130  of the female member  820  until the elongated rods  112  are extending through the first apertures, the enlarged members continuing to be disposed within the void of the female member  820  and retained by the interior surface (not visible in  FIG. 9 ) thereof.  
         [0063]     The displaceable aperture sealing member  836  then may be released, allowing the biasing member or spring (not visible in  FIG. 9 ) to extend causing the aperture sealing member  836  to return to the first position covering the second apertures  128 . In this configuration, the enlarged members  114  may be precluded from passing through the second apertures  128  and thereby retained and secured within the void of the female member  820 . The use of two male members  110  and two corresponding sets of apertures preclude rotation of one end of the bracelet relative to the other end.  
         [0064]     An exemplary clasp  900  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The clasp  900  is substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A , and includes a male member  110  having an elongated rod  112  and an enlarged member  114  provided on an end of the elongated rod  112 . A female member  920  may be provided having an at least partially hollow main body  122 , a first aperture  126 , a second aperture  128 , and a slot  130  extending continuously between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128 . The second body (female member)  120  also includes a displaceable aperture sealing member  936  having a shape substantially similar to the shape of the hollow main body  122  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The male member  110  may be attached to a first body  140 . The clasp  900  may be identical to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A  in all other respects and may operate in a similar fashion thereto as described previously herein. In this configuration, the entire top surface of the female member  920 , which includes the displaceable aperture sealing member  936 , is displaceable between a first position directly above and covering the second aperture  128  as shown in  FIG. 11 , and a second position laterally adjacent the second aperture  128  as shown in  FIG. 10 , in which the second aperture  128  is exposed. This configuration provides a larger surface against which a user may exert a force to open the clasp which makes the clasp easier to open and close.  
         [0065]     The displaceable aperture sealing member  936  is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  having a flat upper surface. Alternatively, the displaceable aperture sealing member  936  may have a dome shaped upper surface, a textured upper surface for enhanced grip, and may include patterns, jewels, or other decorations on the upper surface. In addition, the female member  920  may have a dome shaped bottom surface, a textured bottom surface to enhance grip, and may include patterns, jewels, or other decorations on the bottom surface. In this configuration, a user may choose whether to wear the jewelry displaying either the upper surface or the bottom surface.  
         [0066]     An exemplary clasp  100  is shown in  FIG. 12 . The clasp  100  is substantially similar to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A , and includes a first body  140  having a male member  110  having an elongated rod  112  and an enlarged member  114  provided on an end of the elongated rod  112 . The male member may also include female connecting parts such as a displaceable aperture  136 , a first aperture  126 , a second aperture (not visible in  FIG. 12 ), and a slot (not visible in  FIG. 12 ) extending continuously between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture.  
         [0067]     A female member  1020  may be provided having an at least partially hollow main body  122 , a first aperture  126 , a second aperture  128 , and a slot  130  extending continuously between the first aperture  126  and the second aperture  128 . The female member  1020  also includes a displaceable aperture sealing member  1036  having a shape substantially similar to the shape of the main body  122 . The displaceable aperture sealing member  1036  may include a textured surface  1022  to assist in moving the displaceable aperture sealing member  1036 . If desired, the female member  1020  shown in  FIG. 12  may also include a male member located anywhere on the main body that would allow attachment to another jewelry piece. The main body may also include additional openings  1060  to accommodate a string or chain so that the female member  1020  functions as a pendant. In  FIG. 12 , the first aperture  126 , second aperture  128 , and slot  130  are shown proximate a side of the main body  122 . The clasp  1000  may be identical to the clasp  100  of  FIG. 1A  in all other respects and may operate in a similar fashion thereto as described previously herein.  
         [0068]     The female member  1020  may include a tubular member (as described with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) disposed within the main body  122  of the female member  1020 . The tubular member may include a spring  139  that extends laterally within the female member  1020  parallel to the direction the displaceable aperture sealing member  1036  moves. The tubular member would be located so as not to interfere with passage of a chain or other material through any additional apertures in the side of female member  1020 . The spring  139  may function in a number of ways such as the systems described herein.  
         [0069]     The clasps disclosed herein may be incorporated into individual jewelry pieces to allow the sale of individual, interchangeable decorative jewelry pieces of different color or design. The clasps disclosed herein provide a secure connection between members, which prevents unintentional unfastening of the clasp. The clasps of the present invention may also be used as a conventional jewelry clasp for securing the ends of a jewelry piece together. The clasps provide both a releasable and a secure attachment between members.  
         [0070]     Many varying and differing embodiments of the invention may be made exhibiting the important features and characteristics disclosed herein. It should be understood that the description of the invention provided herein must be interpreted as illustrative of the novel features and characteristics of the invention and not as defining the limitations or as providing examples of the only embodiments that are within the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0