Clasp mechanism

Abstract

A clasp mechanism having a main body, a keeper arm and a spring, where the keeper arm extends through the main body in an arm cavity. The keeper arm is pivotally attached to said main body to operate in a scissor-like manner. The keeper arm has a mating end which abuts a hook end on the main body to form a closed interior space and an actuating shoulder extending from the main body. The spring maintains the mating end in the closed position abutting the hook end until the actuating shoulder is pressed into the main body by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to the field of clasp mechanisms used to join or close upon themselves chains, ropes or other articles. More particularly, the invention is directed to the field of such clasps used with jewelry chains, bracelets, necklaces, etc.Clasps used in the jewelry field to join the ends of bracelets and necklaces are of necessity very small so that the clasp mechanism will not detract from the ornamentation of the piece. Such clasps must also be very secure since the jewelry can be very valuable. It is therefore desirable to have clasps which are designed and constructed to be effective against accidental opening, as well as to be easily workable by the user. It is also preferable that the clasp have some artistic merit to it as well. The mechanisms should also be of relatively simple construction.Typical jewelry clasps operate with spring rings which require the user to slidingly move a curved pin contained within a tubular body to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

To operate the device, the user grasps the clasp so that the thumb and forefinger rest against the main body and the actuating shoulder part of the keeper arm. Squeezing the main body and the actuating shoulder causes compression of the spring and the actuating shoulder moves into the shoulder cavity of the main body. Because of the centralized pivot, this action causes the mating end of the keeper arm to move inwardly away from the hood end, creating an opening and allowing the hook end to be inserted onto a loop end of a chain, bracelet or necklace. Release of the pressure against the actuating shoulder allows the coiled spring to return the mating end of the keeper arm back into conjunction with the hook arm, closing off the opening and enclosing the loop end securely within the interior portion of the hook end. The pressure of the coiled spring maintains the clasp in this closed position until the device is opened by the user for removal of the loop end.

Problems solved by technology

Because the clasp is of such small size, it is very difficult to operate this type of clasp.

These clasps suffer from the same drawbacks.

Images