Flexible material clutch for a decorative piece and method of use thereof

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-07-01
RISSIN JOSEPH +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved construction of the class described in which the above-mentioned problem has been substantially addressed. To this end, the frame may be formed from precious material such as that used in the manufacture of the article of jewelry, and the flexible material, in a first embodiment, is formed in the shape of a truncated cone to form an insert camming surface with the larger end diameter in contact with the base of the frame. The projection extending through an opening in the frame is eliminated, and in place thereof, a tapered recess is provided to assist in guiding the pin on the jewelry article into the bore of the retainer. When the retainer has lost its frictional retaining ability, it is removed from the frame in a lateral or axial direction relative to the frame, to be engaged by the frame for further use using a suitable tool inserted between the base of the frame and the forward end of the retainer. A new retainer is then installed in a lateral direction relative to the frame, to be engaged by frame for further use. This procedure is accomplished without distorting the frame beyond its elastic limit.

Problems solved by technology

While making a substantial improvement in the art, the disclosed construction does not support the handles formed at the free end of the wings against the squeezing pressure applied by a user during installation and removal.
The addition of a support between the handles as illustrated in FIG. 7 of this patent, provides a measure of support, but requires additional structure, which is subject to accidental dislodgment with use.
While this construction is of substantial utility, its value is substantially limited to devices which are made from base metals, rather than relatively precious metals.
In the case of relatively more expensive jewelry which is made from precious metals, rather than formed from plated or coated base materials, the frame will normally be formed from similar precious metal, and cannot be as readily discarded.
There thus arises a need for repairing the device by replacing the flexible material part within the precious metal frame, a process which is not readily accomplished using prior art devices, which, once assembled, are not readily capable of disassembly, without destroying their utility.

Method used

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  • Flexible material clutch for a decorative piece and method of use thereof
  • Flexible material clutch for a decorative piece and method of use thereof
  • Flexible material clutch for a decorative piece and method of use thereof

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first embodiment

[0013]In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly: a molded retainer 11, and an enclosing frame 12. (See FIG. 1)

[0014]The retainer 11 may be formed of any suitable elastomeric material, such as rubber, polyethylene, silicone, or similar material. It is bounded by a front end surface 20, conical side surface 21, a rear surface 22, an axially aligned bore 31 of a diameter smaller than that of the smallest pin, which may be used.

[0015]The enclosing frame 12 is of generally the same form as that disclosed in our above-mentioned patent, and includes a base 30, having a central opening 29, and first and second rearwardly extending wings 32 and 33, which terminate in finger engaging handles 34 and 35. The base includes a centrally positioned opening 29 to accommodate the end of the pin retaining channel 27.

[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates the removal of a worn retainer 11, when required. A suitable tool 29, (FIG. 2), or the end of ...

second embodiment

[0019]The second embodiment, (FIGS. 3 and 4), is particularly suited for use where a device of smaller overall size is desirable. The retainer 111 is of generally cylindrical configuration rather than of frustoconical configuration, and is maintained within the frame 112 by the provision of bendable tabs 150 and 151, which engage the rear end thereof.

[0020]When replacement of the retainer 111 is necessary, it is accomplished in a similar manner, i.e., with a lateral movement between the frame and the retainer. The wings of the frame require relatively little distortion, and the tabs 150 and 151 do not interfere with lateral movement involved. Accordingly, the second embodiment includes frame wings which include openings 148 and 149, which are formed to include bendable tabs 150 and 151 which engage the free end of the retainer during possible distortion thereof, which would occur during disengaging movement imparted by the user. The tabs 150 and 151 are mutually spaced to permit acc...

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Abstract

A flexible material type clutch for engagement with a pin-supported article of jewelry or decorative article, wherein the flexible material is at least partially enclosed by a metallic frame. A medially disposed portion of said frame engages a first end of the flexible material, and includes wings which form opposed handles for gripping the retainer. In one embodiment, the flexible material is of frustoconical configuration to provide a camming surface enabling disengagement of the retainer from the frame for replacement thereof. In another embodiment, retainer is of cylindrical configuration, and is maintained against relative axial displacement relative to the frame by inwardly extending tabs on the wings of the frame. The retainer is replaced by lateral movement as in the first mentioned embodiment.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]Reference is made to our co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 1,010,069, filed Jan. 7, 2008 to which a claim of priority is made.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of flexible material clutches for decorative pieces which are mounted upon an elongated post for penetrating the ear lobe of a wearer, or an article of clothing for display. Devices of this general type are well known in the art, and the invention lies in specific constructional details which provide improved manufacture and assembly, as well as improved durability during use.[0003]In our earlier U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,610, granted Feb. 11, 2007, there is disclosed a flexible material dutch of this type in which the flexible material of rubber, polyethylene or similar elastomeric material is in the shape of a rivet or mushroom with an axially disposed bore extending therethrough, selectively engaging and frictionally retaining an elongated pos...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A44C7/00
CPCA44C7/003Y10T24/41
InventorRISSIN, JOSEPHGALECKI, ELI
OwnerRISSIN JOSEPH