U.S. patent application number 13/895988 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for clasping apparatus, system, and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nicholas Constan CHRIST. Invention is credited to Nicholas Constan CHRIST.
Application Number | 20130305780 13/895988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580165 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRIST; Nicholas Constan |
November 21, 2013 |
CLASPING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
Abstract
A clasping apparatus having a main body a removable element
coupled to a front surface of the main body. A second removable
element may be coupled to a top surface of the main body. A first
insert may be removably coupled to a first lateral side of the main
body and a second insert may be removably coupled to a second
lateral side of the main body. A band with a first end may be
removably coupled to the first insert, and a second end may be
removably coupled to the second insert.
Inventors: |
CHRIST; Nicholas Constan;
(Charleston, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHRIST; Nicholas Constan |
Charleston |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580165 |
Appl. No.: |
13/895988 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61648309 |
May 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0007 20130101;
A44D 2203/00 20130101; A44C 5/185 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/3.1 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A clasping apparatus comprising a main body; at least one first
removable element removably coupled to a front surface of the main
body; at least one second removable element removably coupled to a
top surface of the main body; at least one first insert removably
coupled to a first lateral side of the main body; at least one
second insert removably coupled to a second lateral side of the
main body; and a band with a first end removably coupled to the at
least one first insert and a second end removably coupled to the at
least one second insert.
2. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a recess
on the front surface of the main body, the recess operable to
slidably receive the at least one first removable element.
3. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a raised
portion on the top surface of the main body, the raised portion
operable to receive the at least one second removable element.
4. The clasping apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one
second removable element is at least one of threadably,
frictionally, adhesively, snap-fitted, or magnetically received on
the raised portion of the top surface.
5. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one first bore traversing the first lateral side of the main body,
the first bore having a first opening on the front surface of the
main body; and at least one second bore traversing the second
lateral side of the main body, the second bore having a second
opening on a rear surface of the main body.
6. The clasping apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first bore is
adapted to slidably receive the at least one first insert through
the first opening on the front surface of the main body, and the
second bore is adapted to slidably receive the at least one second
insert through the second opening on the rear surface of the main
body.
7. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
first insert and the at least one second insert are
cylindrical.
8. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first
slot on the first insert adapted to receive at least one of the
first end and the second end of the band; and a second slot on the
second insert adapted to receive at least one of the first end and
the second end of the band.
9. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
first removable element is an electronic or mechanical device.
10. The clasping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one
first removable element is at least one of a USB memory stick, a
GPS device, or a Bluetooth device.
11. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
second removable element includes at least one of an identification
element, logo, or ornamental element.
12. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is flexible
and adjustable in length.
13. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
first removable element has at least one exterior grip.
14. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first removable element and the second removable element are
replaceable with at least one third removable element.
15. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
at least one first insert and the at least one second insert are
replaceable with at least one third insert.
16. The clasping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band is
replaceable with at least one second band.
17. A clasping apparatus, comprising: a main body having a front
surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a first lateral surface and
a second lateral surface; a recess on the front surface of the main
body; a raised portion on the top surface of the main body; at
least one first bore traversing the first lateral side of the main
body, the first bore having a first opening on the front surface of
the main body; and at least one second bore traversing the second
lateral side of the main body, the second bore having a second
opening on a rear surface of the main body.
18. The clasping apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: at
least one removable element removably coupled to at least one
surface of the main body; at least one insert removably coupled to
at least one surface of the main body; and a band removably coupled
to the at least one insert.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/648,309, filed May 17, 2012, the contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional clasping mechanisms, such as box clasps,
hook-and-eye clasps, lobster clasps, magnetic clasps, S clasps,
spring ring clasps, toggle clasps, and tube bar clasps, are
designed solely for the purpose of joining or fastening. While many
people utilize clasping mechanisms on popular items such as wrist
watches, necklaces, bracelets, other jewelry or alternative
accessories, conventional clasping mechanisms are generally not
customizable. Moreover, despite the fact that many persons utilize
or carry these clasping mechanisms on a constant or frequent basis,
most are not adapted to include or modularly receive other
frequently used auxiliary elements.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus having a
main body and at least one first removable element removably
coupled to a front surface of the main body may be shown. At least
one second removable element may be removably coupled to a top
surface of the main body. At least one first insert may be
removably coupled to a first lateral side of the main body and at
least one second insert may be removably coupled to a second
lateral side of the main body. A band with a first end may be
removably coupled to the at least one first insert and a second end
may be removably coupled to the at least one second insert.
[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus may
include a main body having a front surface, a rear surface, a top
surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface may
be shown. A recess may be found on the front surface of the main
body. A raised portion may be found on the top surface of the main
body. At least one first bore may traverse the first lateral side
of the main body, the first bore having a first opening on the
front surface of the main body. At least one second bore may
traverse the second lateral side of the main body, the second bore
having a second opening on a rear surface of the main body.
[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a clasping apparatus may
include a main body having have a front surface, a rear surface, a
top surface, a bottom surface, a first lateral surface and a second
lateral surface. A first set of apertures may traverse the main
body from the top surface to the bottom surface. A second set of
apertures may traverse the main body from the top surface to the
bottom surface. A first removable element may be inserted into a
recess on the front surface of the main body. The first removable
element may have at least one cutout in alignment with at least one
of the first set of apertures. At least one insert may be coupled
to one lateral side of the main body. The at least one insert may
have at least one opening aligned with at least one of the second
set of apertures. A second removable element may be coupled to the
top surface of the main body. The second removable element may have
a first set of projections and a second set of projections that may
be received by the first set of apertures and the second set of
apertures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present embodiments are illustrated by way of example
and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which like references indicate similar elements.
[0007] FIGS. 1a-b may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
clasping apparatus.
[0008] FIG. 2 may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clasping
apparatus.
[0009] FIG. 3 may illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clasping
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 4 may illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a
clasping apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the
following description and related figures directed to specific
embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally,
well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will
not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure
the relevant details of the invention.
[0012] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0013] Referring generally to FIG. 1a-b an exemplary embodiment of
a clasping apparatus 100 may be shown. FIG. 1b may show an exploded
view of clasping apparatus 100. The clasping apparatus 100 may
include a clasp interface 102, and a band 104. In some exemplary
embodiments, clasp interface 102 may have a main body 103. A first
removable element 106 may be inserted through a front surface of
the main body 103. In another exemplary embodiment, a second
removable element 108 may be coupled to a top surface of the main
body 103. The band 104 may have a first end coupled to a first
lateral surface of the main body 102 and a second end coupled to a
second lateral surface of the main body, for example, by first and
second inserts 110.
[0014] As explained in more detail below, in some exemplary
embodiments, clasping apparatus 100 may be used to display at least
one company logo. In other exemplary embodiments, clasping
apparatus may be used, for example, for keyless entry, to start or
otherwise control a remote device, to store digital information, or
the like. The clasp apparatus 100 may provide, for example, a novel
method of removably coupling or clasping jewelry or accessory
items.
[0015] Turning to FIG. 2, another exemplary embodiment of a
clasping apparatus 200 may be shown. Clasping apparatus 200 may
have a main body 202. Main body 202 may be substantially
rectangular with a front surface, a rear surface, a first lateral
surface, a second lateral surface, a top surface and a bottom
surface. In alternative embodiments, main body 202 may be square,
circular, or any shape. A first removable element 204 may be
coupled to main body 202. For example, first removable element 204
may be slidably inserted into a first recess 206 on a front surface
of main body 202. First removable element 204 may have an exterior
grip 205 that may remain at least partially outside main body 202
when coupled thereto, which may allow for easy insertion and
removal from main body 202. First removable element 204 may
otherwise couple at another location on main body 202, for example,
on an alternative surface of main body 202.
[0016] A second removable element 208 may be coupled to main body
202. For example, second removable element 208 may be magnetically
coupled to a raised portion 210 on a top surface of main body 202.
In other exemplary embodiments, second removable element 208 may be
threadably, frictionally, adhesively, snap-fitted, or otherwise
mechanically fastened or coupled to raised portion 210 or any
portion of the top surface of main body 202.
[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, first removable element 204
may include an electronic or mechanical device, such as, for
example, a USB memory stick, a GPS device, a Bluetooth.RTM. device,
a Wi-Fi enabled device, a SIM card or the like, and may provide,
for example, a mobile hotspot for network or Internet access,
remote car ignition or the like, as well of ease of access and
portability of these devices. Second removable element 208 may be a
substantially flat plaque or plate and may include, for example,
markings, engravings, designs, logos, or the like as an
identification element and/or for ornamental use. In alternative
embodiments, the second removable element 208 may be used, for
example, as a golf ball marker. In still alternative embodiments,
second removable element 208 may include any electronic or
mechanical device known in the art. The first removable element 204
and second removable element 208 may be generally removable and/or
swappable for alternative removable elements.
[0018] Still referring to FIG. 2, clasping apparatus 200 may
include first insert 212 and second insert 214 that may be
removably coupled to main body 202. For example, main body 202 may
be sized, shaped and adapted to slidably receive or otherwise
receive the first insert 212 into a first bore 216. In an exemplary
embodiment, first bore 216 may define an opening on a front surface
of main body 202 and substantialy traverse a first lateral surface
of the main body 202. In an exemplary embodiment, first insert 212
may be inserted into the opening defined on the front surface of
main body 202, into the first bore 216. The first insert 212 may be
further moved through the first bore 216, toward the rear surface
of main body 202, proximate the first lateral surface of main body
202. The first bore 216 may be configured such that at least a
portion of the rear surface of main body 202 may prevent the first
insert 212 from exiting or sliding completely through the rear
surface of main body 202.
[0019] The main body 202 may be further adapted to slidably receive
or otherwise receive the second insert 214 into a second bore 218
through a second lateral surface of the main body 202. In an
exemplary embodiment, second bore 218 may define an opening on a
rear surface of main body 202, and substantialy traverse the second
lateral surface of the main body 202. In an exemplary embodiment,
second insert 214 may be inserted into the opening on the rear
surface of main body 202, and into the second bore 218. The second
insert 214 may be further moved through the second bore 218, toward
the front surface of main body 202, proximate the second lateral
surface of main body 202. The second bore 218 may be configured
such that at least a portion of the front surface of main body 202
may prevent the second insert 214 from exiting or sliding
completely through the front surface of main body 202.
[0020] First insert 212 and second insert 214 may be substantially
similar structures. For example, the first insert 212 and/or the
second insert 214 may be a cylindrical member having a circular
cross-section. Alternatively, first insert 212 and/or second insert
214 may have a cross-section of any regular or irregular geometric
shape known in the art. The cross section of first insert 212 and
second insert 214 may be substantially similar to the size and
shape of respective first bore 216 and second bore 218.
[0021] First insert 212 may include a slot 222 adapted to slidably
receive or otherwise receive an end of a band 220. Second insert
214 may have a similar slot to receive a second end of band 220.
For example, a first end of band 220 may be coupled to first insert
212, and a second end of band 220 may be coupled to second insert
214. The band end portion may be coupled to the insert using, for
example, a screw mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, an adhesive
mechanism, and/or any fastening method or mechanism known in the
art.
[0022] Band 220 may be a strap, a strip, or other like material
that may be worn by a user. Band 220 may include a first band end
portion and a second band end portion. Band 220 may be flexible,
rigid, and/or articulated, and may have an outside texture. Band
220 may be adjustable in size, for example, by using notches
substantially evenly spaced along a length of band 220. Band 220
may be made of rubber, plastic, or the like. In an exemplary
embodiment, band 220 may be made of a high density silicone rubber.
Band 220 may include a piece of jewelry, such as, for example, a
bracelet, a necklace, a fashion accessory, a belt, a collar, or any
like band known in the art to be fastenable or closable using a
clasp.
[0023] Turning now to FIG. 3, a top view of an exemplary embodiment
of clasping apparatus 200 may be shown. For convenience of
illustration, substantially similar functional elements to those in
the FIG. 2 embodiment are represented by similar numerals.
Furthermore, the arrows in FIG. 3 may represent exemplary movements
of the functional elements of clasping apparatus 200.
[0024] Clasping apparatus 200 may include main body 202. First
removable element 204 may be removably coupled to main body 202.
For example, first removable element 204 may be selectively
inserted and removed into a first recess (not shown) on a front
surface of main body 202, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3.
[0025] Second removable element 208 may be removably coupled, for
example, to a top surface of main body 202. For example, second
removable element 208 may be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise
to removably couple second removable element 208 to the top surface
of main body 202 as would be understood by a person of ordinary
skill in the art. In other exemplary embodiments, second removable
element 208 may be removably coupled to main body 202 by raising or
lowering second removable element 208 substantially along a shared
vertical axis of main body 202.
[0026] Clasping apparatus 200 may have a band 220. Band 220 may
have a first end coupled to first insert 212, and a second end
coupled to second insert 214. As shown by the exemplary arrows in
FIG. 3 first insert 212 may be slidably inserted into first bore
(not shown) on the front surface of main body 202 toward the rear
surface of main body 202 proximate the first lateral surface of
main body 202. As a result, first insert 212 may be used to couple
the first end of band 220 to main body 202. As would be understood
by a person of ordinary skill in the art, the opposite movement may
be used to remove first insert 212 from main body 202, and uncouple
the first end of band 220 from main body 202.
[0027] As shown further by the exemplary arrows in FIG. 3 second
insert 214 may be slidably inserted into second bore (not shown) on
the rear surface of main body 202 toward the front surface of main
body 202 proximate the second lateral surface of main body 202. As
a result, second insert 214 may be used to couple the second end of
band 220 to main body 202. As would be understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art, the opposite movement may be used to
remove second insert 214 from main body 202, and uncouple the
second end of band 220 from main body 202.
[0028] It should be further understood that any combination of the
first removable element, second removable element, first insert,
second insert, and band may at any time be coupled or uncoupled to
the main body. Furthermore, any of the first removable element,
second removable element, first insert, second insert and band may
be removed, replaced, swapped or the like, for example, to make the
clasping apparatus customized to a user's preference without
deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 4, another exemplary embodiment of a
clasping apparatus 400 may be shown. Clasping apparatus 400 may
have a main body 402, a first removable element 404, a second
removable element 408, inserts 410, and band 414.
[0030] Main body 402 may have a first recess 406 on a front surface
and bores 412 on respective first and second lateral sides. Main
body 402 may have a first set of apertures 416 and a second set of
apertures 418. First set of apertures 416 and second set of
apertures 418 may partially or entirely traverse or pass through
main body 402 from a top surface to a bottom surface.
[0031] First removable element 404 may be removably received within
first recess 406 of main body 402. First removable element 404 may
have cutouts 426 which may align with first set of apertures 416
when first removable element 404 is fully received within first
recess 406.
[0032] Inserts 410 may be removably received within bores 412 on
respective front and rear surfaces of main body 402, which may
removably couple band 414 to main body 402. Inserts 410 may have
openings 420 which may align with second set of apertures 418 when
inserts are fully received within bores 412.
[0033] Second removable element 408 may be removably coupled to the
top surface of main body 402. Second removable element 408 may have
a first set of projections 422 and a second set of projections 424.
First set of projections 422 and second set of projections 424 may
be, for example, retention pins, prongs, pegs or the like extending
from a bottom surface of second removable element 408. Second
removable element 408 may couple to the top surface of main body
402 by, for example, inserting first set of projections 422 into
first set of apertures 416 and second set of projections 424 into
second set of apertures 418. First set of projections 422 and
second set of projections 424 may be magnetically, frictionally,
pin-retained, or otherwise mechanically fastened or coupled within
first set of apertures 416 and second set of apertures 418. As
described in more detail below, first set of projections 422 may
prohibit insertion or removal of first removable element 404, and
second set of projections 424 may prohibit insertion or removal of
inserts 410. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, second
removable element 408 may be used to lock other elements of
clasping apparatus 400 in place.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 4, first removable element 404 may
be fully received within first recess 406 such that cutouts 426 may
align with first set of apertures 416. Inserts 410 may be fully
received within bores 412 such that openings 420 may align with
second set of apertures 418. Second removable element 408 may then
be coupled to the top surface of main body 402, for example, by
inserting first set of projections 422 into first set of apertures
416, and second set of projections 424 into second set of apertures
418.
[0035] In this position, first set of projections 422 may be at
least partially received through cutouts 426 of first removable
element 404, and second set of projections 424 may be at least
partially received through openings 420 of inserts 410. Therefore,
as should be understood by a person of ordinary skill, second
removable element 408 may be used to lock or otherwise retain first
removable element 404 and inserts 410 within main body 402. In this
exemplary embodiment, second removable element 408 may then have to
be removed or uncoupled from main body 402 before first removable
element 404 and inserts 410 may be removed or uncoupled from main
body 402.
[0036] It should be further understood that the shape and
positioning of any of the first set of apertures, second set of
apertures, cutouts, openings, first set of projections and second
set of projections may be modified, changed or altered without
deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any
of the first removable element, second removable element, first
insert, second insert and band may be removed, replaced, swapped or
the like, for example, to make the clasping apparatus customized to
a user's preference without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
[0037] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0038] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *