U.S. patent application number 10/900909 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for attachable clamp for use with a brooch pin with a rotable clasp.
Invention is credited to Alicia Nails.
Application Number | 20060021203 10/900909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35730521 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060021203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nails; Alicia |
February 2, 2006 |
Attachable clamp for use with a brooch pin with a rotable clasp
Abstract
A clamp for use with a wearable jewelry item including a support
surface to which is pivotally secured a pin. A clasp portion
extends from a further location of the support surface and receives
the pin in an engaged position. The clamp includes a body
exhibiting a specified three-dimensional shape, inwardly facing
surfaces associated with the body defining an inner recess
substantially corresponding in configuration with the clasp
portion. The body is adapted to being manipulated to seat the clasp
portion within the inner recess and to bias the clasp portion in a
manner to prevent disengagement of the clasp portion from the pin,
without first removing said body.
Inventors: |
Nails; Alicia; (Southfield,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, GROH, SPRINKLE & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
35730521 |
Appl. No.: |
10/900909 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/499 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44376 20150115;
A44B 9/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/499 |
International
Class: |
A44B 21/00 20060101
A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A clamp for use with a wearable item, the item including a
support surface to which is pivotally secured a pin, a clasp
portion extending from a further location of the support surface
and receiving the pin in an engaged position, said clamp
comprising: a body exhibiting a specified three-dimensional shape,
inwardly facing surfaces associated with said body defining an
inner recess substantially corresponding in configuration with the
clasp portion; and said body adapted to being manipulated to seat
the clasp portion in said inner recess and to bias said clasp
portion in a manner to prevent disengagement of the clasp portion
from the pin without first removing said body.
2. The clamp as described in claim 1, said body further comprising
first and second biasingly engaging halves.
3. The clamp as described in claim 2, further comprising a spring
defining a hinged connection between said first and second
halves.
4. The clamp as described in claim 2, said body exhibiting a
specified shape and size and further comprising an elastomeric
material such that said first and second halves are biased in a
direction towards one another.
5. The clamp as described in claim 2, said body exhibiting a
specified shape and size, an outer surface associated with said
first and second halves being constructed of a first material
substantially hardened material, said inwardly facing surfaces
being exhibiting a second and substantially elastomeric
material.
6. The clamp as described in claim 5, said body exhibiting a
specified shape and size, said first material including at least a
metal, said second material including at least a rubber inner core
secured to inner surfaces associated with said metal.
7. The clamp as described in claim 3, further comprising a pin
inserting between a plurality of coiled windings associated with
said spring.
8. The clamp as described in claim 1, said body exhibiting a
specified shape and size, at least one of first and second end
faces illustrating a central through aperture for receiving an
inserting edge portion of the pin.
9. The clamp as described in claim 2, said body exhibiting a
specified shape and size and further comprising ear portions
extending from said first and second halves in proximity to a
hinged connection established between said halves.
10. A clamp for use with a wearable item, the item including a
support surface to which is pivotally secured a pin, a clasp
portion extending from a further location of the support surface
and receiving the pin in an engaged position, said clamp
comprising: a body having first and second biasingly engaging
halves and exhibiting, in combination, a three-dimensional shape,
inwardly facing surfaces associated with said halves defining an
inner recess substantially corresponding in configuration with the
clasp portion; a biasing and hinged connected established between
said first and second halves and further comprising a spring, a
support pin extending between a plurality of coiled windings
associated with said spring; and said first and second halves being
manipulated to seat the clasp portion within said inner recess and
to bias against said clasp portion in a manner to prevent
disengagement of the clasp portion from the pin without first
removing said body.
11. A clamp for use with a wearable item, the item including a
support surface to which is pivotally secured a pin, a clasp
portion extending from a further location of the support surface
and receiving the pin in an engaged position, said clamp
comprising: a body constructed of an elastomeric material and
including first and second biasingly engaging halves exhibiting, in
combination, a three-dimensional shape, inwardly facing surfaces
associated with said body defining an inner recess substantially
corresponding in configuration with the clasp portion; and said
body adapted to being manipulated about a durable hinged location
in order to seat the clasp portion in said inner recess and to bias
against said clasp portion in a manner to prevent disengagement of
the clasp portion from the pin without first removing said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Background of the Invention
[0002] The present invention applies to items of jewelry, and those
in particular exhibiting a pivotally secured pin which is engaged
by a rotatable clasp mounted to a reverse facing side of the
jewelry item. In particular, the present invention teaches a
biasing clamp attachment for securing over the spin closure, when
engaged by a brooch pin, which prevents inadvertent disengagement
of the pin from the clasp.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The prior art is well documented with examples of fastening
devices which are particularly suited for use with brooches and
other like items of jewelry. The objective of such items is to
prevent inadvertent disengagement of the jewelry item, such as when
it is attached to an article of clothing.
[0005] A first example drawn from the prior art is set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 1,042,291, issued to Takahashi, which teaches a
fastener for brooches and the like. Takahashi includes a standard
brooch pin arrangement by which a cylindrical bearing engages and
retains the pin upon the same being seated within longitudinally
aligned openings formed in both the cylindrical bearing as well as
an inwardly disposed and rotatable cylindrical retainer.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 708,610, issued to Zelly, teaches another type
of fastener device for pins incorporating a bayonet slotted post
rotatably secured to a rear surface of the associated jewelry item
and for engaging a pivoting end of the pin. The post is rotatable
about an axis extending perpendicularly to the rear facing surface
of the jewelry item and to engaging the extending pin edge within a
lower portion of the bayonet slot configuration.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,613,419, issued to Dorgelys, teaches a
brooch fastener exhibiting a "U" shaped and spring-loaded member,
utilized in combination with a locking member exhibiting outwardly
projecting walls with pin seating surfaces, again secured to a rear
facing surface of a jewelry brooch, and which operates to bias and
retain a pivotally engageable pin end. The spring member seats
between the pin seating surfaces associated with the locking member
and, upon being compressed by the pin, fixedly biases the pin
against underside surfaces of the leg portions.
[0008] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,688, issued to d'Orgelys,
teaches a fastener for use with a brooch and which includes a
rotatable locking member having spaced opposing bayonet slots
formed in arcuate wall portions of the locking member. The wall
portions are discontinuous about diametrically aligned portions of
the periphery of the locking member to define aligned openings
which receive a portion of a safety pin or spring thereinto. The
locking member is rotatable to engage the portion of the safety pin
or spring within the bayonet slot, thereby to releasably lock the
pin or spring therewithin.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] The present invention discloses a biasing clamp attachment
suited for securing over a spin closure portion of a brooch pin
and, when engaged, prevents inadvertent disengagement of the pin
from the clasp. The present invention is further an improvement
over prior art brooch pin locking assemblies in that it provides a
distinct and separable attachment, apart from the conventional
clasp disclosure associated with the brooch pin, in order to
prevent against inadvertent disengagement.
[0010] In a first preferred embodiment, a body has first and second
biasingly engaging halves exhibiting, in combination, a
three-dimensional shape. Inwardly facing surfaces associated with
the halves define a three-dimensional inner recess substantially
corresponding in configuration with the clasp portion.
[0011] A biasing and hinged connection is established between the
first and second halves and further includes a coil spring. A
support pin inserts between a plurality of coiled windings
associated with the spring, along aligning edge locations of the
halves, and in order to bias the halves in an opposing and closed
position.
[0012] The first and second halves are capable of being
manipulated, such as by opening against the biasing force of the
spring, and to seat the clasp portion within the inner recess. Upon
release, the body biases against the clasp portion in a manner to
prevent disengagement of the clasp portion from the associated
brooch pin, and without first removing the clamp body.
[0013] In a second preferred embodiment, the body is constructed of
a unitary and elastomeric material and includes first and second
biasingly engaging halves exhibiting, in combination, a
three-dimensional shape. Inwardly facing surfaces associated with
the body again define an inner recess substantially corresponding
in configuration with the clasp portion. The body is again
manipulated, such as again by spreading apart the biasingly engaged
halves about a durable hinged location, in order to seat the clasp
portion within the inner recess and to bias against the clasp
portion in a manner to prevent disengagement of the clasp portion
from the pin without first removing the clamp body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an environmental view in perspective of the
attachable clamp in arrayed fashion relative to a rotating clasp
element of an associated brooch pin and according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the attachable
clamp according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a first end view of the clamp illustrating a
central through aperture for receiving an inserting edge portion of
a pin;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a second end view of the clamp shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4
illustrating the features of the spring biasing hinge and the
elastomeric interior associated with the first and second
opposingly engaging halves;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an attachable clamp
according to a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cutaway view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6
which illustrates the elastomeric construction of the attachable
clamp of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a biasing clamp attachment is
illustrated generally at 10 which is suited for securing over a
spin closure portion 12 of a suitable item of jewelry, most
typically a brooch. The jewelry item exhibits a platform surface 14
or other suitable surface to which is secured a pin 16.
[0023] In a well known application, a first end 18 of the pin 16 is
pivotally secured to a support 20 which is fixed to a projecting
end location of the jewelry item surface 14. Upon first being
pierced through a fabric or other wearable/weight supporting
surface (not shown), the pin 16 is rotated downwardly and
concurrently manipulated laterally, such that an extending pin edge
22 seats within an aligned opening of the clasp portion 12.
[0024] At this point, a rotatable portion 24 associated with the
spin closure 12 is rotated relative to a fixed portion 26 (see
again FIG. 1) in order to close the aligned opening. It has further
been found that the rotating portion associated with such a
conventional pin clasp design easily actuates to the aligned
opening position, resulting in inadvertent disengagement of the pin
16, and typically the loss of the item 14.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, as well as to the views set forth
in FIGS. 2-5 in succession, the clamp 10 is again illustrated
according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
and includes a body having first 28 and second 30 biasingly
engaging halves exhibiting, in combination, a given
three-dimensional shape. Inwardly facing and contoured surfaces,
see at 32 for first half 28 in FIG. 2, associated with the halves
28 and 30 define an inner recess which substantially corresponds in
configuration with the exterior configuration defined by the clasp
portion 12.
[0026] The arcuate shaping of the pivoting halves 28 and 30
establishes, in combination, a generally cylindrical shape which is
hingedly secured together along a jointly extending edge portion
34. The edge portion may be integrally formed between the halves 28
and 30 (as will be subsequently described with reference to the
embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7) or, as is the case in the present
embodiment, is formed by a coil spring 36, through which is
inserted a support pin 38.
[0027] As is further illustrated in both FIG. 2 and the cutaway
view of FIG. 5, a pair of spaced apart supports 40 and 42 sandwich
coiled ends of the spring 36 further such that extending tabs (see
at 44 in FIG. 2) associated with the spring 36 bias each associated
half 28 and 30 in an opposing and mating direction. In this manner,
the halves are biased in a closed direction in order to
sandwichingly engage therebetween the rotating 24 and fixed
components 26 of the clasp portion 12.
[0028] In the first embodiment, an outer surface associated with
the first and second halves 28 and 30 is constructed of a first
material such as a metal or durable, hardened plastic. An inwardly
facing surface corresponding to the inward contour 32 evident in
FIGS. 1 and 2 (which corresponds to first half 28) is further
provided as a sponge-like or elastomeric material, most notably a
rubberized inner core. The purpose of the inner core is to encase
and secure to the clasp portion components when attached to the
wearable jewelry item and an opposing and corresponding inner
surface 33 is illustrated in the cutaway of FIG. 5 as referencing
opposing clamp half 30.
[0029] Located in arcuately extending fashion along first and
second top edges of the pivotal halves 28 and 30 (proximate the
spring loaded hinge support 38) are first and second ear portions
44 and 46. The ear portions 44 and 46 function to provide gripping
surfaces for opening and closing the clamp halves 28 and 30.
[0030] Referring first to FIG. 3, a first end face collectively
defined between the halves 28 and 30 includes a central aperture
defined by aligning and semicircular shaped inner edges 48 and 50,
the purpose of the aperture being to receive an inserting edge
portion of the jewelry (brooch) pin 16, upon the pin 16 first being
secured to the clasp portion 12 and the clamp halves 28 and 30
subsequently being manipulated so as to secure thereover. A second
collectively defined end face, see at 52 in FIG. 4, is solid
however may also be apertured as is shown in FIG. 3 in order to
accommodate longer pins 16.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second preferred
embodiment of a clamp is illustrated at 54 which is constructed of
a one-piece elastomeric material, such as a durable rubber or other
material exhibiting the necessary properties of flexibility and
resiliency. The clamp 54 again includes first and second biasingly
engaging halves 56 and 58 exhibiting, in combination, a
three-dimensional shape. As is also best shown in FIG. 7, the
spring-loaded hinge and support pin of the first preferred
embodiment is substituted by a strengthened elastomeric portion 60
which functions in a living hinge arrangement in order to provide
the necessary degree of elasticity and durability to the integral
construction of the clamp 54 to permit the halves 56 and 58 to be
opened and closed about the clasp 12.
[0032] Inwardly facing surfaces, see at 62 for second half 58 in
FIG. 7, associated with the body define collectively a
three-dimensional inner recess, substantially corresponding in
configuration with the clasp portion such as again previously shown
at 12 in the environmental illustration of FIG. 1. Although not
clearly shown, a corresponding and matching interior surface is
also provided for first pivotal halve 56 and which, in opposing
arrangement with the second halve 58, defines the necessary
interior recessed configuration for seating the clamp over the
clasp 12.
[0033] As previously disclosed, the body is adapted to being
manipulated about the durable hinged location in order to seat the
clasp portion in the inner recess and to bias against the clasp
portion in a manner to prevent disengagement of the clasp portion
from the pin without first removing the body. It is also envisioned
that the body can be reconfigured according to a variety of
different three-dimensional shapes. It is further envisioned that
the hinge can be omitted in certain instances in favor of a more
flexible outer clamp body and the inner recess reconfigured, such
as by rendering the same more accessible to the outer surfaces of
the body, in order to fixedly engage the clasp.
[0034] Having described my invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains without deviating from the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *