U.S. patent application number 11/380542 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for adjustable jewelry assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jacquelin Grosser-Samuels. Invention is credited to William Michael Burns, Jacquelin Grosser-Samuels.
Application Number | 20070251269 11/380542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38647036 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grosser-Samuels; Jacquelin ;
et al. |
November 1, 2007 |
Adjustable Jewelry Assembly
Abstract
An adjustable jewelry assembly includes a jewelry chain or other
flexible member slidably mounted to a clasp for adjusting a hanging
length or opening size of the flexible member. The clasp is formed
from a single piece of thin sheet material and includes a pair of
walls connected together by a biasing portion. Superimposed tabs
with openings extend from the walls in opposite directions. The
flexible member is normally held against movement in the clasp by
opposing biasing forces exerted by the edges of the openings from
the biasing portion. When the walls are pressed toward each other,
the flexible member may be slid through the clasp until the desired
hanging length or opening size is achieved, then released to clamp
the clasp and flexible member against relative movement.
Inventors: |
Grosser-Samuels; Jacquelin;
(Fairview, TX) ; Burns; William Michael;
(Carrollton, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALVIN R. WIRTHLIN
11 EDGEFIELD LANE
LUCAS
TX
75002
US
|
Assignee: |
Grosser-Samuels; Jacquelin
Fairview
TX
|
Family ID: |
38647036 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380542 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 15/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
063/003.1 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable jewelry assembly comprising: an adjustable clasp
including: a first wall; a second wall; a biasing portion extending
between the first and second walls, the biasing portion exerting a
biasing force that tends to push the first and second walls apart;
a first tab extending from the first wall in a first direction; a
second tab extending from the second wall in a second direction
opposite the first direction; at least one first opening extending
through the first tab; and at least one second opening extending
through the second tab; and an elongate flexible member having
first and second legs and a loop portion extending between the
first and second legs, the first and second legs extending through
the first and second openings, the first and second openings being
misaligned under biasing force from the biasing portion to thereby
create opposing forces on the flexible member and prevent relative
movement between the clasp and the first and second legs of the
elongate flexible member; the adjustable clasp being adapted to
slide along the first and second legs to adjust the size of the
loop portion of the flexible member when the first and second tabs
are moved relative to each other against the biasing force to
thereby align the first and second openings.
2. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, and further
comprising first and second end stops attached to the first and
second legs, respectively, of the elongate flexible member, the
first and second end stops being larger than at least one of the at
least one first opening and at least one second opening to prevent
removal of the flexible member from the clasp.
3. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 2, and further
comprising a decorative pendant slidably received on the loop
portion of the elongate flexible member.
4. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 3, wherein the
decorative pendant comprises a setting with at least one stone
mounted in the setting.
5. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 4, wherein the
clasp, the elongate flexible member, the end stops, and the pendant
are constructed of at least one of a precious and semi-precious
metal material.
6. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 5, and further
comprising at least one third opening extending through the biasing
portion with the first and second legs extending through the at
least one third opening.
7. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 6, wherein the
biasing portion is curved.
8. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, and further
comprising a decorative pendant slidably received on the loop
portion of the elongate flexible member.
9. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
clasp, the elongate flexible member, and the pendant are
constructed of at least one of a precious and semi-precious metal
material.
10. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, and
further comprising at least one third opening extending through the
biasing portion with the first and second legs extending through
the at least one third opening.
11. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 10, wherein
the at least one first, second and third openings comprise first,
second and third pairs of openings, respectively.
12. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 10, wherein
the at least one first, second and third openings comprise first,
second and third slotted openings, respectively.
13. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 10, and
further comprising first and second end stops attached to the first
and second legs, respectively, of the elongate flexible member, the
first and second end stops being larger than the at least one third
opening such that the first and second legs are normally not
removable from the clasp through the at least one third
opening.
14. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the first and second walls extend at a first angle in an
unrestrained position and at a second angle in a clamping position,
with the second angle being smaller than the first angle.
15. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 14, wherein
the first and second walls extend generally parallel when the first
and second tabs are moved relative to each other against the
biasing force to thereby align the first and second openings.
16. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, and
further comprising a pair of side walls extending from at least one
of the first and second walls toward the other of the first and
second walls.
17. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one first and second openings comprise first and
second pairs of openings, respectively.
18. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one first and second openings comprise first and
second slotted openings, respectively.
19. An adjustably jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the adjustable clasp consists essentially of a single, continuous
thin sheet of material.
20. An adjustably jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
the tabs are located at a position between the biasing portion and
an outer free end of each wall.
21. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
one of the first and second walls of the clasp comprises a setting
with at least one stone mounted in the setting.
22. An adjustable jewelry assembly according to claim 1, wherein
one of the first and second walls of the clasp comprises a
decorative jewelry feature.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to jewelry, and more
particularly to a jewelry assembly having an adjustable clasp and a
length of jewelry chain, such as a necklace, bracelet, anklet, and
so on, adjustably held by the clasp for adapting the hanging length
or opening size of jewelry around a person to a desired amount to
thereby accommodate the person's body size, clothing type, and
fashion preferences.
[0002] For many years, people have worn necklaces at different
lengths depending upon the prevailing fashion at the time. During
some years the common length has been a short choker length of
approximately fifteen inches. During other years the common length
has been eighteen inches or longer. The trends in length have come
and gone repeatedly over the decades.
[0003] Necklaces commonly comprise a fixed length of flexible chain
made from one or more precious metals, such as gold, silver and
platinum, and these chains are available in a wide variety of
designs. The flexible chains are also commonly adorned with a wide
variety of pendants, which generally comprise one or more precious
stones, such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, mounted in settings
of precious metal.
[0004] Purchasers of fine jewelry currently select a pendant of a
desirable style and size and have it mounted on a flexible chain
having a fixed length, which is usually fifteen, eighteen,
twenty-four, or thirty inches. If the popular fashion changes, the
pendant can in many cases later be mounted on a chain of a
different length, but this generally requires the purchase of a new
chain and also often requires the services of a professional
jeweler to remove the pendant from the old chain and mount it on
the new chain. Thus, mounting a pendant on a new chain can be
inconvenient, time consuming and expensive.
[0005] Due to the wide variety of body shapes and sizes, a necklace
chain of a given length will hang differently from person to
person. For example, an eighteen-inch necklace chain which hangs at
a fashionable length on an average-sized person would not hang at
the same fashionable length on a relatively larger or relatively
smaller person. In some cases, such persons have been unable to
wear necklaces and other jewelry at appropriate fashionable
lengths.
[0006] Moreover, the style and type of a person's clothing can
interfere with the appearance of a necklace and affect the way the
necklace hangs. For example, a pendant which hangs at approximately
the same length as the neckline of the person's clothing can often
be hidden from view by the clothing. Likewise, a pendant which
hangs at a fashionable length when worn over light clothing may not
hang at the same fashionable length when worn over relatively bulky
clothing.
[0007] Many necklace chains include a fixed clasp for connecting
and separating opposite ends of the chain for mounting and
dismounting the chain around a person's neck. Such clasps are
relatively small in size and thus are relatively difficult to
manipulate.
[0008] In an effort to overcome the afore-mentioned difficulties,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,535 to Grosser-Samuels, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an adjustable
jewelry assembly having a length of chain and various clamping
mechanisms for adjusting the hanging length of the chain and/or
pendant mounted on the chain to accommodate the particular user's
clothing style and size in a relatively quick and easy manner.
Although the Grosser-Samuels adjustable jewelry assembly has found
much success and enthusiasm in the jewelry industry, the clamping
mechanism requires multiple small parts, such as a plunger, biasing
member and cap which are most often constructed of precious metals.
The parts must be separately cast, formed and assembled together
using skilled labor, resulting in additional expense to the
adjustable jewelry assembly.
[0009] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an adjustable
jewelry assembly for adjusting the hanging length or jewelry, such
as necklaces and/or pendants, or to adjust the opening size of
necklaces, bracelets, anklets, etc., to accommodate the particular
size and clothing style of the wearer in a relatively quick and
easy manner while reducing the manufacturing costs associated with
the adjustable jewelry assembly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an adjustable clasp for
precisely adjusting the length of jewelry, such as necklaces, to
easily and conveniently accommodate the particular size, clothing
type, and fashion preferences of the wearer. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the present invention is not limited to
necklaces, but can also be readily applied to jewelry commonly worn
elsewhere, such as around the waist, wrist and ankle.
[0011] An adjustable jewelry assembly according to one aspect of
the present invention comprises an adjustable clasp and an elongate
flexible member releasably secured to the clasp. The elongate
flexible member forms a loop portion with the clasp and is slidable
in the clasp to adjust the size of the loop portion. The clasp
includes a first wall, a second wall and a biasing portion that
extends between the first and second walls. The biasing portion
exerts a biasing force that tends to push the first and second
walls apart. A first tab extends from the first wall in a first
direction and a second tab extends from the second wall in a second
direction opposite the first direction. At least one first opening
extends through the first tab and at least one second opening
extending through the second tab.
[0012] An elongate flexible member is also provided with first and
second legs and a loop portion that extends between the legs. The
first and second legs extend through the first and second openings,
which are normally misaligned under biasing force from the biasing
portion to thereby create opposing forces on the flexible member
and prevent relative movement between the clasp and the first and
second legs of the flexible member. The adjustable clasp can slide
along the first and second legs to adjust the size of the loop
portion of the flexible member when the first and second tabs are
moved relative to each other against the biasing force to thereby
align the first and second openings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be best understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like designations denote like
elements throughout the drawings, and wherein:
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear views, respectively,
showing a clasp, pendant and necklace of an adjustable jewelry
assembly according to the present invention placed around the neck
of a wearer and adjusted to a relatively short length;
[0015] FIGS. 1C and 1D are front and rear views, respectively,
showing the adjustable jewelry assembly according to the present
invention around the neck of a wearer and adjusted to a relatively
long length;
[0016] FIG. 1E is an enlarged view of a clasp in accordance with a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the adjustable
jewelry assembly according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a clasp in a clamping
position according to the present invention that forms part of the
adjustable jewelry assembly of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clasp in a closed
position;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp in an
open position;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp in the
closed position showing longitudinal adjustment of a jewelry chain
of the jewelry assembly of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp in the
clamped position to hold the jewelry chain in place;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a clasp blank subsequent prior
to bending;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a clasp blank according to a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a clasp blank according to an
even further embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a jewelry assembly that
employs the clasp blank of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a clasp blank according yet a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of plan view of a clasp blank
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a jewelry assembly that
employs the clasp blank of FIG. 13;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a clasp blank according to yet
a further embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a clasp blank according to a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 17 is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view of a
jewelry assembly employing the clasp blank of FIG. 16 with the
clasp in the clamped position to hold the jewelry chain in place;
and
[0033] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clasp of
FIG. 17 in the open position.
[0034] It is noted that the drawings are intended to depict typical
or exemplary embodiments of the invention and therefore should not
be considered as limiting the scope thereof. It is further noted
that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The invention will
now be described in greater detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Referring to the drawings, and to and to FIGS. 1A-1D and 2
in particular, an adjustable jewelry assembly 10 comprises an
elongate, flexible jewelry member 12 and an adjustable jewelry
clasp 14. The flexible member 12 can be formed of any suitable
material, such as metal, fabric, string, plastic or silicone, and
is preferably formed as a jewelry chain of base metal such as
stainless steel, nickel, aluminum and so on, and more preferably as
semi-precious or precious metal such as such as gold, silver,
platinum, various alloys thereof and so on, using methods that are
well known in the art.
[0036] As shown, the flexible member 12 includes a loop portion 16
extending from one side of the clasp 14, and a pair of legs 18 and
20 extending from the opposite side of the clasp. The loop portion
16 can extend around the neck 22 of a wearer 24 with the clasp 14
located behind the neck and the legs 18 and 20 extending generally
downward from the clasp. The leg 18 terminates in a first free end
to which a first end stop 26 is attached by means well known in the
art, such as soldering when the components are constructed of
metal. The leg 20 terminates in a second free end to which a second
end stop 28 is attached by similar means. The first and second end
stops 26 and 28 can be fashioned in a wide variety of decorative
and ornamental shapes and can also comprise precious stones, such
as one or more diamonds, rubies, sapphires and so on.
Alternatively, the flexible member 12 can be a single continuous
length of material which itself forms a loop and which therefore
would not have a first free end or a second free end. Thus, in this
alternative embodiment, the first end stop 26 and second end stop
28 would not be present.
[0037] A decorative ornament or pendant 30, which can comprise a
setting with one or more precious stones, such as a diamond 32 as
shown, rubies, sapphires and so on, can be mounted on the loop
portion 16 of the flexible member 12. The pendant 30 is preferably
mounted on the flexible member 12 according to means well known in
the art so that the pendant 30 can freely slide along the length of
the loop portion 16. Alternatively, the pendant 30 can be fixedly
connected to the loop portion 16 in a well-known manner.
[0038] Manipulation of the clasp 14, as will be described in
greater detail below, permits the legs 18 and 20 and thus the loop
portion 16 to be adjusted to a desired length on the wearer. For
example, when the clasp 14 is adjusted so that the loop portion 16
is of a relatively short length, the pendant 30, if utilized, hangs
relatively higher on the front of the wearer's neck, with the legs
18 and 20 being of a relatively long length, as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B. When the clasp 14 is adjusted so that the loop portion 16
is of a relatively long length, the pendant 30, if utilized, hangs
relatively lower on the wearer's neck or chest, with the legs 18
and 20 being of a relatively short length, as shown in FIGS. 1C and
1D. Likewise, although not shown, it will be understood that when
the clasp 14 is adjusted so that the loop portion 16 is at an
intermediate length between the long and short lengths, the pendant
30, would hang at the intermediate length with the legs 18 and 20
also being of intermediate length.
[0039] Since the clasp 14 can be positioned at any desired location
relative to the first and second legs 18 and 20, the loop portion
16 of the flexible member 12 can be adjusted to any desired size
and thereby accommodate any desired length, regardless of the
wearer's relative size, clothing styles, and fashion
preferences.
[0040] With reference now to FIGS. 2 through 7, the adjustable
clasp 14 is preferably constructed of a single, thin strip of
material and includes a first wall 36 and a first tab 38 extending
in a first direction from the first wall 36. The clasp 14 also has
a second wall 40 and a second tab 42 extending in a second
direction opposite the first direction from the second wall 40,
with the first tab in front of the second tab. However, it will be
understood that the clasp 14 can be constructed with the second tab
in front of the first tab. Preferably, the first and second walls
are of a generally circular planar shape. A biasing portion 44
extends between the first and second walls 36 and 40, respectively.
Although the biasing portion 44 is shown with a curved shape, it
will be understood that the biasing portion 44 may be straight,
V-shaped, inversely curved-shaped, and so on. A pair of first
openings 46 and 48 extend through the first tab 38 and a pair of
second openings 50 and 52 extend through the second tab 42.
Likewise, a pair of third openings 54 and 56 extend through the
biasing portion 44. Preferably, each of the pairs of first, second
and third openings are oriented in a lateral direction on the strip
34.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 8, a blank 34 of a clasp 14 can be
stamped and formed out of a thin sheet of material in a continuous
operation with well known stamping and forming equipment.
Preferably, the first and second walls 36, 40, the first and second
tabs 38, 42, the shape of the biasing portion 44 and the openings
46-56 are simultaneously formed. The tabs 38 and 42 are preferably
bent along bend lines 58 and 60 during the same operation.
Likewise, the area of the biasing portion 44 between dashed lines
62 and 64 may be shaped during the same operation but preferably
after the tabs are bent. In this manner, a large number of clasps
can be automatically formed by machine in a much quicker and
efficient manner than the multiple part clasps of the prior art
that require separate casting and assembly steps. It will be
understood, of course, that the stamping and bending operations may
be accomplished through separate operations.
[0042] It will also be understood that the clasp 14 can be formed
partially or completely by hand. By way of example, the blank 34
may be cut manually by hand or machine, and the bending may be
performed by hand. In accordance with a further embodiment of the
invention, the clasp 14 may alternatively be formed by well known
casting techniques in either its completed shape as shown in FIG. 3
or in its flat shape as shown in FIG. 8.
[0043] With reference now to FIG. 1E, in accordance with a further
embodiment of the invention, the clasp 14 may include a setting 53
for mounting a precious stone 55 such as a diamond or the like. The
setting 53 may be simultaneously formed on one of the walls 36, 40
when the clasp 14 is cast, or may be formed separately and attached
to one of the walls through laser welding or the like when the
clasp is separately stamped and bent. The setting 53 is arranged so
that the precious stone 55 is viewable when the adjustable jewelry
assembly 10 is worn. It will be understood that the clasp 14 may
include other settings, stones or ornamental features.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, a cross section of the completed clasp
14 is shown in an unstrained or free condition with the first wall
36 and second wall 40 extending at an acute angle A. The angle A,
and thus the amount of bending of the biasing portion 44, depends
on the desired biasing force to be applied against the flexible
member as well as the elasticity of the clasp material and the
relative size and shape of the flexible member 12 (FIG. 2). The
biasing portion 44 thus acts as a torsional biasing member to pull
the tabs 38 and 42 away from each other.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the legs 18 and 20 of the
flexible member 12 extend through the set of first openings 34, 36
and the set of second openings 38, 40, respectively, of the clasp
14 with the first and second tabs in an overlapping position.
Relative movement between the clasp 14 and the first leg 18 and
second leg 20 is normally prevented by opposing shear forces acting
on the first and second legs by the edges of the first openings 46,
48 and second openings 50, 52 due to the torsional biasing force
created by the biasing portion 44. In particular, the biasing
portion 44 tends to force the first tab 38 away from the second tab
42 of the clasp 14, and thereby creates a misalignment between the
first openings 46, 48 and second openings 50, 52. This misalignment
produces a shear force on the first leg 18 at the openings 46 and
50 and a shear force on the second leg 30 at the openings 48 and
52. The opposing shear forces applied to the first and second legs
18 and 20 keep them firmly secured within their respective openings
when the clasp is in its normal, prestressed or biased position
(FIGS. 2, 3 and 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the angle B between the
first wall 36 and second wall 40 at the clamped position is less
than the angle A (FIG. 5) at the unbiased position.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, when it is desired to adjust the
size of the loop portion 16, opposing forces are applied to the
first and second walls 36, 40 of the clasp 14 sufficient to
overcome the biasing force of the biasing portion 44 as represented
by arrows 66 and 68 until the openings 46, 48 of the first tab 38
are aligned with the openings 50, 52 of the second tab 42. The
opposing forces may be applied by the thumb and forefinger of a
user. In this position, the first and second walls 36, 40 are
generally parallel and the clasp 14 is free to slide along the
length of the legs 18 and 20 of the flexible member 12 to thereby
adjust the length of the loop portion, and thus the position of a
pendant that may be installed on the loop portion with respect to a
wearer. The clasp 14 can then return to its normal, clamping
condition as shown in FIG. 2 by simply removing the external
compressive forces applied to the first wall 36 and second wall 40
to thereby clamp the legs 18 and 20 against movement with respect
to the clasp 14. The openings 54 and 56 ensure that the legs 18, 20
do not move laterally out of the clasp 14 during movement, such as
when the clasp is adjusted or worn. It will be understood that the
openings 54 and 56 may be eliminated.
[0047] In order to assemble the adjustable jewelry assembly 10, a
pendant 30 (FIGS. 1A & 1C), if desired, is first mounted to the
flexible member 20, preferably by sliding or stringing one of the
legs 18, 20 through an aperture or other mounting means (not shown)
of the pendant. The first and second walls 36, 40 of the clasp 14
are then pressed toward each other until the openings 46, 48 of the
first tab 38 are aligned with the openings 50, 52 of the second tab
42 as previously described. The leg 18 is then threaded through the
aligned openings 46, 50 and the opening 54 of the biasing portion
44. Likewise, the leg 20 is threaded through the aligned openings
48, 52 and the opening 56 of the biasing portion, with the pendant,
if used, positioned on the loop portion 16. Once a suitable length
of the legs has been attained, the first and second walls are
released to secure the flexible member 12 against movement with
respect to the clasp 14. The first end stop 26 can then be attached
to the free end of the first leg 18 and the second end stop 28 can
be attached to the free end of the second leg 20, using suitable
attachment means, such as soldering. The first and second end stops
26, 28 are preferably larger in cross dimension than the diameter
or cross dimension of the openings 46-56 to thereby prevent
disassembly of the adjustable jewelry assembly 10.
[0048] The material of the clasp 14 is preferably compatible with
the material of the flexible member 12, pendant, and end stops. By
way of example, when the flexible member is in the form of a
jewelry chain constructed of 18 karat yellow gold, the strip 34 may
also be constructed of 18 karat yellow gold, albeit a different
alloy due to the spring requirements of the clasp. Likewise, the
pendant and end stops may also be constructed of 18 karat yellow
gold. When the jewelry chain 12 is constructed of precious or
semi-precious metals, it is especially important to construct the
clasp 14 so that, on the one hand the clamping force does not
deform or kink the chain, yet on the other hand the clamping force
is sufficient to clamp the jewelry chain against movement.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the clasp 14 is preferably relatively
small in size with a width W of approximately 3 mm, a length L of
approximately 5 mm, and a height H of approximately 2.5 mm. The
openings are preferably sized to receive a chain with a cross
dimension or diameter of about 0.6 mm. It has been found that a
clasp constructed with these general dimensions yields what appears
to be a small, delicately shaped ornamental clasp that complements
the jewelry chain and any pendant that may be used, but
unobtrusively and advantageously holds the loop portion 16 and
pendant 30 to the desired position around a wearer's neck. It will
be understood that the above dimensions, materials, shapes, and so
on are given by way of example only and can vary over a wide range
of values, materials and shapes.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, a blank 70 of a jewelry clasp 14A
in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. The jewelry clasp 14A is similar in construction to
the clasp 14 previously described, with the exception that a single
slotted opening 72 replaces the separate first openings 46, 48, a
single slotted opening 74 replaces the separate second openings 50,
52, and a single slotted opening 76 replaces the separate third
openings 54, 56. The slotted openings 72, 74 and 76 of the FIG. 9
embodiment result in less frictional force during assembly and
adjustment of the jewelry clasp 14A with respect to the flexible
member 12.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a jewelry clasp 14B in
accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. The jewelry clasp 14B is preferably formed from a
blank 80 that is similar in construction to the clasp 14 previously
described, with the exception that the generally circular first
wall 36 and second wall 40 are replaced with a generally
rectangular first wall 82 and second wall 84, respectively.
Accordingly, it will be understood that the first and second walls
may be of any convenient functional, decorative and/or ornamental
shape.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 12, a blank 90 of a jewelry clasp 14C in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
The jewelry clasp 14C is similar in construction to the clasp 14B
previously described, with the exception that the first openings
46, 48, the second openings 50, 52 and the third openings 54, 56
extend in a longitudinal direction of the blank 90. In order to
accommodate the change in orientation of the openings, the tabs 38,
42 and biasing portion 44 may be elongated. It will be understood
that the pairs of openings can be replaced with longitudinal
slotted openings as in the FIG. 9 embodiment.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a jewelry clasp 14D in
accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. The jewelry clasp 14D is preferably formed from a
blank 90 that is similar in construction to the blank 80 (FIG. 10)
previously described, with the exception that opposing side walls
92 and 94 extend from the first wall 82. The side walls are bent
along fold lines 96 and, as shown in FIG. 14, serve to cover the
portion of the legs 18, 20 that extend through the clasp 14D for a
more aesthetic appearance than the previous embodiments.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 15, a blank 100 of a jewelry clasp 14E
in accordance with a further invention is shown. The blank 100 is
similar in construction to the blank 90 previously described with
the exception that the side wall 94 extends from the second wall
84. Accordingly, it will be understood that the side walls 92 and
94 may be arranged in any combination on one or both walls 82,
84.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, a jewelry clasp 14F in
accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is
illustrated. The jewelry clasp 14F is preferably formed from a
blank 110 that includes a generally rectangular first wall 112, a
second wall 114, and a biasing portion 116 extending between the
first and second walls. A first tab 118 is formed in the first wall
112 and is bent along bend line 120 so that the tab 118 extends
toward the second wall 114. A slotted opening 122 is formed in the
tab 118 for receiving the flexible member 12, as previously
described. Likewise, a second tab 124 is formed in the second wall
114 and is bent along bend line 126 so that the tab 124 extends
toward the first wall 112 adjacent the first tab 118. 4. A slotted
opening 128 is formed in the second tab 124 for receiving the
flexible member 12. A slotted opening 130 is also formed in the
biasing portion 116.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 18, since the tabs 118 and 124 are closer
to the biasing portion 116 than the previous embodiments, the shear
force acting on the flexible member 12 will be lower. Accordingly,
the angle C between the first and second walls 112, 114 may be
larger than the angle A (FIG. 5) of the previous embodiments to
create similar shear forces on the flexible member at the slotted
openings 122 and 128. Alternatively, the material may be selected
with lower elasticity or higher resistance to deformation. As can
be appreciated from this embodiment, the tabs 118 and 124 may be
formed at any longitudinal position along their respective walls
112 and 114.
[0057] While the invention has been taught with specific reference
to the above-described embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. By way of
example, it should be sufficiently demonstrated by the above
exemplary embodiments that the adjustable clasp may be formed of
any desired shape. Moreover, although both legs of the flexible
member are shown and described as being slidable with respect to
the adjustable clasp embodiments, one of the legs may be fixed with
respect to the clasp, such that the loop portion is adjusted by
sliding the other leg with respect to the clasp. Thus, the
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
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