U.S. patent application number 11/654437 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for jewelry clasp fastening device with a magnifying lens in a foldable handle.
Invention is credited to Richard Louis Rosenbaum, Virginia Lee Rosenbaum.
Application Number | 20070187440 11/654437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38367322 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070187440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenbaum; Richard Louis ;
et al. |
August 16, 2007 |
Jewelry clasp fastening device with a magnifying lens in a foldable
handle
Abstract
This invention is a jewelry clasp fastening device with a
magnifying lens on a foldable handle. What is new, unique, and
useful about this invention is that people with poor close vision
can now have a tool with built in magnification to help them open
and fasten jewelry clasps, especially those of the latch type with
operating levers. It will also make this job easier for all jewelry
wearers to operate all types of jewelry clasps. The tool also
functions as a pocket-sized, portable hands-free magnifier that can
be easily clipped to common household surfaces.
Inventors: |
Rosenbaum; Richard Louis;
(Temecula, CA) ; Rosenbaum; Virginia Lee;
(Temecula, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard Rosenbaum
31925 Via Cordoba
Temecula
CA
92592
US
|
Family ID: |
38367322 |
Appl. No.: |
11/654437 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60761570 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/901 20130101;
G02B 25/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/111 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/90 20060101
A47G025/90 |
Claims
1. A jewelry clasp coupling apparatus comprising: A. a handle in
two parts, part one having at one end of its two ends a modified
alligator clip for opening jewelry clasps and at the opposite end a
means to attach it to part two of the handle; B. part two of the
handle in two parts which has at one end of its two ends a
magnifying lens and at the other end a means to attach it to part
one of the handle; C: the means of coupling the two parts of the
handle; D: a modified alligator clip with a clear plastic top
fitted to it, replacing a part of its top jaw so that a jewelry
clasp-opening mechanism or other tool inside can be clearly seen
through it; E: the means of coupling the clear plastic top to the
modified alligator clip.
2. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the means of coupling the
two parts of the handle allows the magnifying lens handle part to
rotate around the coupling place of the two parts in an arc so that
it can fold over the clasp-holding handle part in such a manner
that the magnifying lens is positioned directly over a
clasp-opening mechanism.
3. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the magnifying lens handle
part is bifurcated to allow it to pass over the clip-holding handle
part without obstruction while traveling along its arc on its way
to bringing its lens to bear over the clip opening mechanism.
4. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the bifurcated parts of the
handle are cylindrical in shape and approximately 0.25'' in
diameter.
5. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the magnifying lens has a
minimum diameter of 1.5'' and a minimum height of 0.3'' optimally
achieving a power of 3.times.-5.times., an oval-shaped portion,
approximately 0.55'' by 0.65'', cut out from it at the point where
it meets the clasp-holding clip so that when the two handle parts
are in their folded position the user's thumb can pass through to
the clip and reach the thumb rest of without obstruction and where
additional plastic material is molded beneath the arc made in the
lens by the oval-shaped cut-out to increase the distance between
the lens and the clasp-opening mechanism thereby increasing the
magnification of the mechanism. An alternate embodiment of the
magnifying lens part of the handle would mount the lens an angle to
so that when folded over on the other handle part, the lens is
brought into a parallel position with respect to the lower jaw and
any jewelry clasp inserted into the clip, giving an optically
better image.
6. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the space between the two
sides of the bifurcated handle is wide enough to allow the user's
thumb to pass between them without obstruction and easily reach the
thumb rest of the clasp-opening clip.
7. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the purpose of having a
clear top of a clip is to allow the user to see the action of a
clasp-opening mechanism or other tool inside the clip, these parts
are made of optical grade acrylic by the injection molding process
for maximum clarity, minimum visual distortion, and to be break and
bend resistant when the force of the spring inside the clip is
applied to it.
8. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the means for attaching the
clear plastic top to the modified alligator clip is by rivets. It
can also be attached by glue, or by making the top of the clip
entirely out of plastic, i.e. one solid part, by the injection
molding process.
9. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the user's view of all
types of jewelry clasps can be enlarged by the magnifying lens so
that they can be more easily operated by those with poor close
vision.
10. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the coupling means of the
two parts of the handle are: (a) pegs on the medial side of the
ends of the arms of the bifurcated magnifying lens handle part, and
(b) holes in the lateral sides of the clip-holding handle part on
the end opposite from the clasp-holding clip mechanism, and where
the pegs of the magnifying lens part of the handle fit tightly
enough into the holes of the clip-opening handle part of the handle
that they create a friction against the sides of the holes and
resistance is created when the pegs are rotated. The resistance
created by the tight fit of the pegs and holes of the coupling of
parts one and two of the handle can be overcome when sufficient
rotational force is applied to one part by the user as the other
part is held stationary. Claims 14 and 15 are illustrative of only
one way this function can be effected. Other examples would include
but not be limited to a ratchet mechanism.
11. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the modified alligator
clip, which has a top jaw and a bottom jaw, is manufactured with
two holes in its top jaw to accept rivets and the clear plastic
clip top has corresponding holes through it. The top jaw has a
portion removed just in front of its spring so that the clear
plastic clip top can be put into its position. The rivets can be
any metal suitable for riveting acrylic to the sheet metal used for
a standard alligator clip. The rivets can be nickel or titanium
plated for decorative purposes.
12. If the top is fastened by some other means, e.g. adhesive,
these holes, both in the top and the clip would not be
necessary.
13. The apparatus according to 1 wherein instead of teeth in the
inside of the lower jaw, it has a flat surface with a coating or a
cap secured with adhesive which will create friction against the
jewelry clasp such as a flexible plastic, and where the preferred
force applied by the spring between the bottom jaw of the modified
alligator clip and the clear clip top assembly is between 14 and 19
newtons to effectively grip jewelry clasps without slipping.
14. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the clear plastic clip top
has the same general configuration as an alligator clip, with a
round thumb rest that when depressed, compresses the spring inside
the clip-opening jaws, and a body which extends from the thumb rest
to meet the tip of the clip and where the clip is narrow enough to
allow a jewelry clasp to slide through, have its lever retracted by
the post and still allow the open clasp to emerge on the other side
with its opening accessible for fastening with the loop end of the
bracelet or necklace. To do this the clip top part should be no
wider than 0.19'', nor less than 0.15'' wide. If reduced too much
the friction on the clasp will be too little.
15. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the clip has a thumb rest
of a greater diameter than a standard alligator clip to increase
the mechanical advantage of the user and thereby require less force
to be applied when depressing the spring. The thumb rest is round
and a minimum of 0.43'' in diameter;
16. The apparatus according to 1 wherein the clear plastic clip top
must be a minimum of 0.10'' thick in order not to break when the
force of the spring is exerted against it, the point of force being
at the rivet located over the spring and where the clear plastic
clip top is molded to be flat on the top but thicker on the bottom
from the tip to just before the clasp-opening mechanism and thinner
beginning above the clasp-retracting post to allow the top jaw to
close over it without touching it.
17. The apparatus according to 1 wherein another purpose of having
a magnifying lens rotatable into position over a tool is to allow
the user to see the action of any mechanism or tool which may be
incorporated into the tool, such as tweezers, needle and thread,
scissors, or knife.
18. A hands-free magnifying apparatus wherein the clip at one end
of the clasp-opening handle part in claim 1 is a means for
attaching the apparatus to a cup or other stationary object so that
the lens on the magnifying lens part of the handle can be
positioned vertically or in another position desired by the user so
that work can be done under the magnification of the lens.
19. The apparatus according to 30 wherein the spring inside the
jaws of the clip can be compressed by the user putting pressure on
the thumb rest, thereby opening the clip so that jaws of the clip
can be extended over the rim of a cup, glass, or other similar
stable object, then released allowing the spring of the clip to
decompress and exert force between the jaws thus creating pressure
against the rim of the object and with a frictional force
sufficient to hold the apparatus stationary until released by the
user. The work that can be done under the lens of the magnifying
lens part of the handle can be anything that requires magnification
and both the user's hands to be free for easier completion of the
work, especially for those with poor close vision.
20. The apparatus according to 30 wherein once the apparatus is
held stationary, the magnifying lens part of the handle can be
rotated around the coupling with the clip-holding part of the
handle to position the lens over work the user is performing so
that it provides optimum magnification and the best angle of vision
for each job to be performed.
Description
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to devices that grasp
jewelry clasps and hold them on the wrist to assist the wearer in
fastening them, and in particular to such devices that are designed
to open and hold open latching type clasps having an operating
lever. It also relates to devices which bring to bear, and center a
magnifying lens over a tool for magnifying the function of the tool
for easier viewing and operation without the need to hold the
device in the hand as you would a common magnifying glass. It is
especially useful for those persons with poor close vision.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Since their inception, latching type clasps for bracelets
and necklaces have been difficult to operate, especially ones with
spring biased latches that have an operating lever. Coupling the
ends of a bracelet or necklace requires a great deal of
coordination and dexterity in one-handed manipulation of the clasp.
Trying to hold the clasp open while at the same time, and with the
same hand, maneuvering the loop end of a bracelet into the clasp
can be frustrating and aggravating. For many with arthritis, it is
impossible.
[0003] Many previous inventions have tried to address this problem.
They generally have a 7'' handle that is held in the palm of the
hand and have an alligator-type clip attached to one end. This clip
holds an end of a bracelet on the user's wrist, generally the loop
end. Most of these inventions did not have the function of opening
and holding open the jewelry clasps. One invention has a mechanism
inside a modified alligator clip for opening a clasp but it is
often difficult for the user to operate because it is difficult to
see inside the clip (U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,526). The handle of our
invention is also approximately 7'' long, but it folds in the
middle to allow a magnifying lens to be placed moved directly over
its clasp-opening mechanism, then it unfolds to full length to hold
the bracelet in the normal wearing position on the wrist.
[0004] Many people with poor close vision, especially older adults,
have not fully benefited from jewelry fastening tools because they
couldn't see the clasps well enough to operate them. This is
especially true with small clasps because their operating levers
can be as short as 1/32''. It is a medical fact that close vision
gets worse with age due to decreased flexibility of the crystalline
lens of the eye. According to demographics, the population in the
United States and many European countries is getting increasingly
older. Consequently, there are an increasing number of persons with
poor close vision, many of whom require magnification to perform
common daily tasks. The need for magnification is especially great
to assist such persons in performing finely detailed work such as
operating small jewelry clasps.
[0005] This invention incorporates a magnifying lens into the
handle of the tool, which makes seeing and operating these clasps
easy. Our handle is made in two parts. In one of the parts we
incorporated a magnifying lens on one end, and at the other end a
means to join it to the other part of the handle. This other part
has a means for joining to the first part on one end and a
clasp-opening clip on the other end. Since the parts can now be
folded over on each other, rotating around in an arc around the
joining place, the lens can be brought to bear directly over the
clasp-opening clip and enlarge the user's view of the clasp. After
the jewelry clasp has been fastened, the invention unfolds, extend
into a 7'' handle. Once the lens is properly positioned, this
invention can magnify the manipulating and coupling of all types of
jewelry clasps, whether or not the clasps have an operating lever,
including but not limited to spring ring clasp, slide insert
clasps, toggle clasp, and fold-over clasps.
[0006] Two previous inventions discuss a bracelet fastening tool
with a magnifying lens: (1) D323,132 has a table-top base with a
bracelet-holding clamp on a rigid handle mounted on one side of the
base, and a lens attached to the end of a flexible stalk mounted on
the other side. The lens can be positioned over a bracelet in the
clamp. Although the bracelet can be magnified by this device it
does not provide a view of clasps through its clip, is not a hand
held tool, is not foldable and portable, it must set on a flat
surface, and provides no assistance opening clasps; (2) U.S. Pat.
No. 5,855,401 is a bracelet fastening tool that does not
incorporate a magnifying lens into its handle, but suggests that
since its handle is hollow with a cap to close one end and a
bracelet fastening tool closing the other end, and that the handle
could be a receptacle for small tools, including a small magnifying
lens. It states that the lens could be removed from the receptacle
and attached to a slot on the end of the cap where the cap would
serve as a handle for the lens.
[0007] There is no information that would suggest that the handle
and lens could be used to enlarge the view of the process of
fastening a bracelet. To fit inside the invention, the lens would
have to be so small that it would not magnify a clasp well enough
to be of any assistance in fastening it. Also, the lens/cap
combination must be held in the hand, defeating the main purpose of
the invention which was to free up an extra hand to fasten the
clasp.
[0008] All jewelry fastening tools use some variation of a spring
biased clip to hold the jewelry to be fastened. Most of the clip
devices on the inventions mentioned above are based on an alligator
clip gripping a bracelet in some manner. Their jaws are made either
of metal or plastic, both of which are opaque and therefore the
user cannot see through them. Our own previous U.S. Pat. No.
5,934,526, has a clasp-opening mechanism, and employs a
clasp-retracting post mounted vertically in the lower jaw of the
alligator clip but the mechanism is difficult for many users to
see. This invention allows the user to clearly see the internal
mechanism of a clasp opening clip by replacing the top jaw of the
alligator clip with an exactly fitting piece made of optical grade
acrylic.
[0009] Since the piece is transparent, the clasp-opening mechanism
and the clasp inserted into it can be easily seen through it. This
piece has the same configuration as the piece it replaces, with (1)
a thumb rest that when pressed down, compresses the spring inside
the clip opening the jaws, and when released transfers the force of
the spring to the upper jaw, clamping a jewelry clasp between the
upper and lower jaws, (2) a body which extends to meet the tip of
the clip, and (3) a flat surface on top bottom to allow a clear
view through the piece. The bottom jaw must also be flat to contact
and grip jewelry clasps without scratching them and the surface
coating with a friction-creating surface.
[0010] As in our previous invention there is a clasp-retracting
post is electro-plated with titanium to create a gold color which
is easier for the user to see against the silver color of the clip
metal. It could also be colored in red or other bright color by
enameling, powder coating, painting or other methods.
[0011] An additional use of this invention is as a portable,
self-supporting magnifier for doing hands-free work. Many jobs
require both magnification and two free hands. The clip of our
invention can grip and attach this tool to many objects, e.g. a
glass or cup. Once attached and the handle is extended, the user
can view any type of work through the magnifying lens while having
both hands free to do the work. Due to the friction fit of the
coupling mechanism of the two handle parts, it can be set in any
position the user wants, i.e. whatever is most suitable for the
job. A few examples of work that can be done in this way are
threading a needle, removing a splinter from a finger with a
tweezers, or inspecting gems and jewelry.
[0012] In the past, magnifiers for hands-free work have been large,
table top devices with either a heavy base or large clamp. They are
not intended to be portable nor ate they pocket-sized. When folded
over on itself, this tool is only four inches long and can be
easily carried by the user in a pocket or purse.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Object of this invention is to provide a tool to assist in
fastening and unfastening jewelry clasps by incorporating a
magnifying lens into the tool's handle to enlarge the user's view
of all types of jewelry clasps, but especially those with latch
type clasps with operating levers as they are opened by a
clasp-opening mechanism incorporated into the tool.
[0014] An additional object of this invention is to provide a tool
for clearly seeing the mechanism of clasp-opening devices for
fastening and unfastening of jewelry clasps through parts made of
clear optical grade acrylic.
[0015] An additional object of this invention is to provide a tool
that can magnify any desired object and whose handle folds in the
center into pocket size so it can be carried easily for use
anywhere.
[0016] An additional object of this invention is to provide a tool
that incorporates a magnifying lens into a handle that can be
attached to a variety of surfaces by means of a clip to hold it
stationary, so that the lens part of the tool is held in a vertical
position, such that the person does not need to hold it to view
things through it.
[0017] An additional object of this invention is to provide a
hand-free magnifying tool that, once attached to a stationary
object, can be adjusted to many angles and positions, facilitating
the ability of the person using it to see any object or work to be
done under the lens.
[0018] An additional object of this invention is to provide a tool
that can hold small tools other than a clasp-opening clip, so that
magnification can be brought to bear over them enlarging the user's
view of their function so that using them becomes easier,
especially for those with poor vision. Examples of these tools
could include but would not be limited to: a scissors, tweezers,
brush, knife, and screwdriver. Some of these small tools would be
mounted at right angles to the main tool rather than in-line with
it.
[0019] An additional object of this invention is to provide
sufficient magnification of the work described above that a person
with poor close vision can perform common daily tasks more easily
and perform finely detailed work such as operating small jewelry
clasps.
[0020] These objects, and other objects expressed or implied in
this document, are accomplished by an apparatus primarily used in
the coupling of a jewelry clasp including: a metal alligator clip
whose design is modified in the manufacturing process to have no
top jaw forward of its spring and have two holes placed through the
top part of the clip to accept rivets.
[0021] One of the holes is located in the center of the thumb rest
and the other centered over the spring. These holes are of a size
suitable to receive the rivets that attach the clear plastic clip
top. Most alligator clips have a dimple in the center of the thumb
rest. In this clip, this surface must be flattened so that the two
surfaces, clip and plastic clip top, can touch at the center of the
thumb rest and be tightly riveted together.
[0022] Although the means for fastening the clear plastic top jaw
to the modified metal alligator clip is two rivets through the
corresponding holes in the each part, these parts could also be
attached by an epoxy glue, or the entire upper jaw of the clip can
be made of clear acrylic by the injection molding process; a part
that grasps a jewelry clasp which is the assembled combination of
the alligator clip as described above with a clear plastic clip top
that from a top view has the same configuration as an unmodified
alligator clip, with a thumb rest that when depressed, compresses
the spring inside the clip opening the jaws, and a body which
extends from the thumb rest to meet the tip of the clip. The top
jaw is made of optical grade acrylic through which the user can see
a mechanism inside the clip. Both the top an bottom jaws must be
narrow enough that when a bracelet's clasp is passed through at
right angles and the open part of the clasp comes out the other
side far enough for the user to easily hook the bracelet's loop
over it.
[0023] The plastic top part should be no more than 0.19'' wide, nor
less than 0.15'' wide. If the part is wider than the maximum, the
clasps' openings may not emerge from the clip far enough to allow
the bracelet's loop to hook over them. If the part is narrower than
the minimum, the gripping surface of the top jaw is reduced to the
point that it may allow the clasp to slip out of the clip, i.e. the
friction on the clasp is too little;
[0024] The clip has a thumb rest of a greater diameter than a
standard alligator clip to increase the mechanical advantage of the
user and thereby require less force to be applied when depressing
the spring. This makes it easier to use. To accomplish this the
thumb rest is round and should be a minimum of 0.43'' in
diameter;
[0025] The clear plastic clip top must be a minimum of 0.10'' thick
in order not to break or bend when the force of the spring is
exerted against it, the point of force being at the rivet located
over the spring. The top of this part is flat, but is it thicker on
the bottom from the tip backward to just before the clasp-opening
mechanism. It is thinner beginning above the clasp-retracting post
to allow the top jaw to close over it without touching it.
[0026] The clear plastic clip top must have holes in it which
exactly match the location of the holes in the alligator clip so
that they can be fastened together by rivets. If the top is
fastened by some other means, e.g. adhesive, these holes, both in
the clear plastic part and the clip would not be necessary. Instead
of teeth in the inside of the lower jaw, it has a flat surface; the
clip assembly as described above is then inserted into a cavity in
the clip-holding part of the handle which is designed to receive
it, and secured with an epoxy glue or other strong glue. A part
that forms half of the handle of the invention and incorporates the
clasp-opening clip in one end, having a means at the other end to
couple it with the second half of the handle.
[0027] This part can be made in any decorative or non-decorative
shape as long as the dimensions do not obstruct the second part of
the handle from folding over on it, see reference to bifurcated
handle below. The preferred dimensions are 0.68'' wide and 0.46''
deep; a part that forms the second half of the handle, and has a
magnifying lens incorporated into one end which when folded over on
the first part of the handle brings the lens to bear, centered over
a clasp-opening mechanism in the first part of the handle,
enlarging the apparent size of the parts and their function so that
the user with poor close vision can see it more easily.
[0028] This handle is bifurcated into two separate, parallel arms
in the shape of modified cylindrical rods. The arms are flattened
one side order to increase the amount of space between them. These
two flattened side face each other as in a mirror image. The
distance between them should be wide enough to allow the other
handle part to freely pass between them, therefore at least 0.7''.
Two other purposes of the minimum of 0.7'' are (1) to let the
user's thumb pass without obstruction between the two arms of the
handle when trying to reach the thumb rest of the clasp-opening
clip, and (2) to allow the magnifying lens to be brought closer to
the clip, i.e. into optimum range for proper magnification.
[0029] In this embodiment of the invention the arms of the
magnifying lens part of the handle are cylindrical and are made of
optical grade acrylic. It is not necessary that the arms be
cylindrical nor that they be made of acrylic, but it is more
economical to make them as a single part and of the same material
as the magnifying lens by the injection molding process. Since the
lens must be made of an optical grade acrylic to view a high
quality image, the arms of the handle are as well. The arms could
also be made separately of another plastic material and then
assembled with the magnifying lens by glue or other methods. The
cylindrical shape is decorative. The arms could just as easily have
a square, rectangular, oval or other cross section.
[0030] A means for coupling the clip-holding part of the handle
with the magnifying lens part of the handle consisting of (1) two
round pegs attached perpendicularly to the medial sides of the two
arms (cylindrical rods) near the end opposite the lens, one on each
arm of the handle, and (2) holes in the sides of the clip-holding
part of the handle near the end opposite from the clip opening
mechanism. The pegs are injection molded as part of the handle, and
are manufactured to a diameter that fits tightly into the holes of
the other part of the handle such that they create a friction when
they are rotated in the holes;
[0031] The holes are injection molded so that they either go all
the way through into the handle's end or partly through, but enough
to create the desired friction. This should be a minimum of 0.15''
on each side. Having the pegs go through only part way has a better
decorative effect. The size of the holes is set so that when the
two parts of the handle are assembled, the pegs of the magnifying
lens part of the handle fit tightly into the holes of the
clip-holding part of the handle such that friction is created
against the sides of the holes that when the handle parts are
folded and unfolded, i.e. when the pegs are rotated in the holes,
such that the friction created will hold the two handle parts in
position against gravity wherever they are set. The person using
the invention can overcome the friction with a small amount of hand
pressure and rotate the magnifying lens handle part through an arc
on a set radius which is the length of the magnifying lens part of
the handle, repositioning it so the lens is in the optimum position
for the magnification of the desired object;
[0032] For assembly and proper function after assembly, the width
of the clip-holding part of the handle at the position of the two
holes must be wide enough that the two cylindrical rods of the
bifurcated handle part have to be manually or mechanically
stretched laterally, i.e. away from each other, to allow the pegs
to slide into the holes. This creates a medial pressure that
ensures that they will not come out of the holes when the handle is
in use. The acrylic plastic of which the rods are made must have
enough elasticity to allow this stretching to be done without
breaking the handle, and to assume their original position when
released from being stretched.
[0033] The clip-holding handle part as described above is best made
by the injection molding process using ABS plastic and coated
afterwards by the vacuum metalizing process for decorative
purposes;
[0034] A multi-positionable handle with a clip on one end that can
be attached to a variety of surfaces, for example the rim of a
water glass or coffee mug. The user opens the clip by pressing down
on the thumb rest and the bottom of the clip holding handle part
just below it with thumb and forefinger. This compresses the spring
inside the alligator clip and opens the jaws. The open jaws are
positioned over an object such as the rim of a glass, then the jaws
are released allowing the inside jaws of the clip to assert a
sufficient force against the rim or other surface to hold the tool
on the object until released by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1A is a pictorial view of the invention in folded
position showing a person holding it in position to view the
bracelet clasp-opening mechanism through the invention's magnifying
lens and clear plastic top of the modified alligator clip, thereby
making it easy to see the clasp lever and use the mechanism to
retract it.
[0036] FIG. 1B is a pictorial view of the invention in folded
position by itself, not held in the hand, to allow an unobstructed
view of the whole invention. An open bracelet clasp is visible
through the magnifying lens and clear plastic top of the modified
alligator clip.
[0037] FIG. 2A is a pictorial view of the invention in the unfolded
position showing a person holding it in position to fasten a
bracelet clasp.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a pictorial view of the invention in the unfolded
position by itself, not held in the hand, showing a bracelet clasp
open, to allow an unobstructed view of the whole invention in
use.
[0039] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the invention showing how the two
parts of the handle are attached and the location of the rivets
holding the clear plastic clip part to the modified alligator clip.
This is an unfolded view.
[0040] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the invention showing how the two
parts of the handle are attached and the location of the rivets
holding the clear plastic clip part to the modified alligator clip.
This is a folded view.
[0041] FIG. 3C is a plan view of the invention showing the location
of the holes in the first part of the handle which receive the
perpendicularly attached pegs of the second part of the handle.
This is an end view.
[0042] FIG. 3D is a plan view of the invention showing the location
of the holes in the first part of the handle which receive the
perpendicularly attached pegs of the second part of the handle with
an overlay of the position of the cylindrical rods of the second
part of the handle. This is a side view.
[0043] FIG. 3E is a plan view of the invention showing the location
of the holes in the first part of the handle which receives the
pegs of the second part of the handle with the position of the
cylindrical rods of the second part of the handle shown. This is an
end view.
[0044] FIG. 4A is a pictorial view of the magnifying lens portion
of the handle in top view and how it is bifurcated.
[0045] FIG. 4B is a pictorial view of the magnifying lens portion
of the handle in bottom view and how it is bifurcated.
[0046] FIG. 4C is a pictorial view of the magnifying lens portion
of the handle in side view 7and how it is bifurcated.
[0047] FIG. 4D is a pictorial view of the magnifying lens portion
of the handle in oblique view and how it is bifurcated. In this
view it can be seen how the cylindrical rods of the handle are
flattened on the side where they face each other to increase the
amount of space between, them allowing the user's thumb to more
easily pass through without obstruction.
[0048] FIG. 5A is a pictorial view of the clear plastic clip top
attached to a modified alligator clip by rivets.
[0049] FIG. 5B is a plan view in wire frame of the clear plastic
clip top in top view.
[0050] FIG. 5C is a plan view in wire frame of the clear plastic
clip top in side view.
[0051] FIG. 5D is a plan view in wire frame of the clear plastic
clip top in oblique view.
[0052] FIG. 6A is a pictorial view of the invention using its clip
to attach to the side of a cup so that the magnifying lens part of
the handle can be extended upward and positioned to be looked
through without the use of the hands.
[0053] FIG. 6B is a pictorial view of the invention using its clip
to attach to the side of a cup with the magnifying lens part of the
handle folded to a desirable angle for viewing work without the use
of the hands.
[0054] FIG. 6C is a pictorial view through the magnifying lens of a
person magnifying a needle and thread to make threading it
easier.
[0055] FIG. 7A is a pictorial view of the alligator clip used
before it is modified in side view.
[0056] FIG. 7B is a pictorial view of the alligator clip used
before it is modified in top view.
[0057] FIG. 7C is a an alternate version of the magnifying lens
handle part in which the lens in mounted on the cylindrical rods at
an angle that brings is into a parallel position in relationship to
the lower jaw of the clip and any jewelry clasp inserted into the
clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Referring to FIG. 1A this invention generally designated 2
is shown in its folded position, held in the hands of a person 4
using it to assist opening a jewelry clasp 6. The person is able to
view the jewelry clasp through the clear plastic top of the clip 8
which makes it easy to see the action of the clasp-opening
mechanism inside the clip 10 which is retracting the lever of a
jewelry clasp. The user can see the clasp and mechanism being
enlarged by the lens. It further shows that there is a handle
composed of two parts: a clip-holding handle part 12 and a
magnifying lens handle part 14. The clip-holding handle part is
made of ABS plastic by the injection molding process and finished
by the vacuum metalizing process for decorative purposes. The ovoid
shapes in the handle are decorative only and are taken from the
inventor's previous patent, #D458,096.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1B the invention is shown by itself, not
in the hand of the user so that the separate parts of the handle
can be more easily seen. One part of the handle holds a clip with a
jewelry clasp-opening mechanism 12. The other part of the handle
has a magnifying lens 14 which is best made by the injection
molding process from optical grade clear acrylic. The magnifying
handle part is bifurcated into two cylindrical rods 16, one
attached to each side of the lens. A part of the lens is cut away
18 to allow the clip on the clip-holding part of the handle to pass
through unobstructed when the two parts are folded over onto each
other.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A this invention is shown
unfolded, held in position on the wrist of a person 20 who is using
it assist opening a jewelry clasp. The magnifying lens 22 and the
handle of which it is a part 24 is now in a straight line
configuration with the other part of the handle. This allows the
person to position a bracelet in the desired wearing position on
the wrist. FIG. 2A shows the invention by itself and not in the
hand of the user to more clearly see the parts.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A a more detailed view of the invention
is shown unfolded where the clip-holding part of the handle is seen
in a top view 24. The clear plastic top of the clip 26 is attached
to a metal clip underneath (see FIG. 5A 60) by means of two rivets
28 space evenly over the metal clip. The clear plastic top of the
clip is best made from optical grade acrylic by the injection
molding process. The clasp-retracting post, a part of the
clasp-opening mechanism, is shown as well 28. Bifurcating the
magnifying lens handle part 30 and injection molding the lens so
that a semi-circular portion is removed just behind the post, when
the lens is positioned directly over the post, 32 allows the user's
thumb to pass between the two sides of the handle (see FIG. 1) to
reach and depress the thumb rest 34 and internal spring of the clip
thereby opening the clip and allowing the jewelry clasp to be
inserted so that its lever can be retracted by the clasp operating
mechanism.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C this invention is shown in more
detail with the position of the magnifying lens handle part being
folded over the clip-holding part of the handle. The magnifying
lens part of the handle 36 is shown attached to the end of the
clip-holding part 38 by means of two pegs mounted perpendicularly
40, one each on the medial side of the two cylindrical rod of the
handle, near the end opposite from the magnifying lens. The pegs
fit tightly into the holes 42, making a friction against the sides
of the holes as the two handle parts are rotated around the peg and
hole coupling. This friction allows the magnifying lens handle to
be placed and then remain in whatever position or at any angle to
which it is set in relationship to the clip-holding part of the
handle.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3C, 3D, 3E they show respectively the end
of the clip-holding part of the handle as a side view showing the
location of the holes that receives the pegs 44, as a side view
showing the location of the attachment of the peg on the
cylindrical portion of the magnifying lens part of the handle 46,
and as an end view showing how the pegs are inserted into the
clip-holding part of the handle 48.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D these are renderings
of the magnifying lens handle part shown in top view, bottom view,
side view, and oblique view respectively. 4B and 4C also show a
semi-circular area 50 that thickens and strengthening the
connection between the two cylindrical rods 52 and the magnifying
lens and adds support to the lens 54. This area is produced as an
integral part of the handle during the injection molding process.
4D shows how the rods are partly cut away on the inside creating a
flat surface 56 to increase the amount of space between them. This
allows the user's thumb to pass more easily between them without
obstruction (see FIG. 1).
[0065] Referring to FIG. 5A the clear plastic clip top 58 is shown
attached to a modified metal alligator clip 60 by two rivets 62. At
one of its ends it forms the upper jaw of the clip where it
transfers the force of the spring downward toward the lower jaw 64
where it can apply a gripping effect on a jewelry clasp when one is
inserted between the jaws. The bottom of the clear plastic clip top
is cut away above the clasp-retracting post 66 to allow the jaws to
close without touching it. This allows the clasp retracting post to
be longer and have a larger surface area for the jewelry clasp to
catch against. This makes it easier to retract jewelry clasp
levers. This cut away area is produced as an integral part of the
handle during the injection molding process.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D the clear plastic clip top
is shown in top, side, and oblique views respectively in wire frame
so that the location of the holes for receiving the rivets can be
seen 68, 70, 72. The cut away above the clasp-retracting post is
also shown 74. Corresponding holes are punched through the metal
surface of the top of the alligator clip as part of the
manufacturing process to receive the rivets (not shown).
[0067] Referring to FIG. 6A this invention is shown in its unfolded
position 74 with the clip-holding part of the handle gripping the
lip of a cup by means of its clasp-opening clip 76. The magnifying
lens handle part 78 is extended upward so that the lens is at the
maximum distance it can be from the cup.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 6B this invention is shown with the
magnifying lens handle part adjusted to one of the many positions
in which it can be placed 80, the only limit of which is the total
arc through which this handle part can be moved 82.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 6C this invention is shown magnifying a
needle and thread to assist a person threading the needle 84 as an
example of the type of work that can be done with it.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B the modified alligator clip
which forms the base for attaching the clear plastic clip top is
shown in side view and top view respectively. Referring to FIG. 7C
this invention is shown with an alternate embodiment of the
magnifying lens part of the handle in which the lens is mounted at
an angle 84 to the cylindrical rods of the bifurcated handle rather
in line with it. This puts the lens position in parallel to any
jewelry clasp inserted into the clip which optically gives a less
distorted image to the user's view.
[0071] The foregoing description and drawings were given for
illustrative purposes only, it being understood that the invention
is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is intended to
embrace any and all alternatives, equivalents, modifications and
arrangements of elements falling within the scope of the
invention.
[0072] For example the two handle parts can be joined by fitting
narrower pegs with rubber sleeves that make the assembly slightly
wider than the holes so that when inserted they are compressed,
then expand inside the holes asserting a pressure against the
inside of the holes, and thereby creating friction; or by joining
the two ends of the handle in a hinge-type device. Another example
is that the clear plastic top jaw of the clip can be molded or
otherwise made as an integral part of the jaw, or it can be
configured to replace the upper metal jaw entirely. Instead of
rivets this top piece can be attached with an epoxy or other strong
adhesive glue. The bottom jaw of the clip can be molded or
otherwise made an integral part of the clip-holding handle part. As
a further example the lens can be made wider to see a wider area,
or the lens power can be increased or decreased depending on the
work that the user desires to do.
* * * * *