U.S. patent application number 13/529089 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for latching devices for bracelets and/or animals' collars and chains.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gregg M. Giordano. Invention is credited to Gregg M. Giordano.
Application Number | 20130340210 13/529089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49773157 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130340210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giordano; Gregg M. |
December 26, 2013 |
Latching Devices For Bracelets And/Or Animals' Collars And
Chains
Abstract
The latching devices of the present invention is an innovative
latching device that secures animals' collars and chains together
and provides hidden latching method for the bracelet, and necklace
and is seamless and appealing. Moreover, the latching device of the
present invention is easier to lock and release compared to
traditional fastening means such as clasps or buckles. The latching
device comprises a main housing unit, a center coin with a hook
(latch) underneath, a spring, and a receiver ring. To lock the
latching device, the receiver ring is slid into the housing and
secured by the center coin at locked position. To open the latching
device, the center coin is pressed; the receiver ring is then
released from the housing.
Inventors: |
Giordano; Gregg M.; (East
Hanover, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Giordano; Gregg M. |
East Hanover |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49773157 |
Appl. No.: |
13/529089 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/265EC |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/4745 20150115;
A44C 5/2066 20130101; A44B 11/263 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/265EC |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/00 20060101
A44B011/00 |
Claims
1. A latching device for a bracelet, necklace, chain, or collar,
the latching device comprising: a main housing unit being a disk in
shape having a large recess in the center, a circumferential side
wall and two holes opposite to each other at about 6 o'clock and 12
o'clock position respectively on the side wall, and an opening at
about 9 o'clock position; a connecting means of a length almost
equal to the diameter of the main housing; a center coin having two
arms perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the center coin
and a hook perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the center
coin, the two arms are located at about 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock
position respectively and the hook is located at about 9 o'clock
position, the center coin being disposed on top of the recess of
the housing and secured by the stainless steel rod which is
interposed between holes on the arms of the center coin and holes
on the wall of the housing; a spring located inside the recess of
the housing at 3 o'clock position opposite to the hook providing
pressure against the center coin and releasing mechanism; and a
receiver ring having an open space for receiving the hook of the
center coin, the receiver ring entering into the main housing unit
through the opening of the main housing
2. The latching device of claim 1 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, connecting means, spring are preferably
made from stainless steel.
3. The latching device of claim 1 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, rod, spring may be made from materials
including but not limited to metal.
4. The latching device of claim 1 wherein the connecting means
including a rod, screw, and/or bolt.
5. A latching device for a bracelet, necklace, chain or collar, the
latching device comprising: a main housing being in a disk shape
having a large recess in the center, a circumferential side wall
and two holes opposite to each other at about 6 o'clock and 12
o'clock position respectively on the side wall, and an opening at
about 9 o'clock position; a center coin having two arms
perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the center coin and a
hook perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the center coin,
the two arms are located at about 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position
respectively and the hook is located at about 9 o'clock position;
means for connecting the main housing and center coin being
interposed between holes on the arms of the center coin and holes
on the wall of the housing such that the center coin being disposed
on top of the recess of the housing; means for providing pressure
against the center coin and releasing mechanism for the latch being
located inside the recess of the housing at 3 o'clock position
opposite to the hook; and a receiver ring having an open space for
receiving the hook of the center coin, the receiver ring entering
into the main housing unit through the opening of the main
housing.
6. The latching device of claim 5 wherein the means for connecting
the main housing and center coin including a pair of screws, bolts,
and/or rods.
7. The latching device of claim 5 wherein the means for providing
pressure against center coin and releasing mechanism for the latch
including a spring.
8. The latching device of claim 5 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, rod, spring are preferably made from
stainless steel.
9. The latching device of claim 5 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, rod, spring may be made from materials
including but not limited to metal.
10. A latching device for a bracelet, necklace, chain or collar,
the latching device comprising: a main housing being in a disk
shape having a large recess in the center and an opening; a center
coin having a hook perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the
center coin; means for connecting the main housing and center coin;
means for providing pressure against the center coin and releasing
mechanism for the latch; and a receiver ring having an open space
for receiving the hook of the center coin, the receiver ring
entering into the main housing unit through the opening of the main
housing.
11. The latching device of claim 10, wherein the main housing
further having a circumferential side wall and two holes opposite
to each other at about 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position
respectively on the side wall; the opening is about at 9 o'clock
position; the center coin further having two arms perpendicularly
extending from the bottom of the center coin; the two arms are
located at about 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position respectively;
the hook is located at about 9 o'clock position; the means for
providing pressure against the center coin and releasing mechanism
for the latch is located at about 3 o'clock.
12. The latching device of claim 10 wherein the means for
connecting the main housing and center coin including a pair of
screws, bolts, and/or rods.
13. The latching device of claim 10 wherein the means for providing
pressure against center coin and releasing mechanism for the latch
including a spring.
14. The latching device of claim 10 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, rod, spring are preferably made from
stainless steel.
15. The latching device of claim 10 wherein the main housing unit,
center coil, receiver ring, rod, spring may be made from materials
including but not limited to metal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a latching device, and more
particularly to a latching device that secures a bracelet, chain or
collar together.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Most of the traditional fastening means used for bracelets
or necklace are not hidden and thus may be unsightly. Most of the
fastening means such as lobster claw clasps, toggle clasps, etc.
may not be easy to lock and release. Therefore, it is desirable to
have a different type of fastening means for necklaces and
bracelets.
[0005] Most of the animals' collars and chains are secured by
buckles. It is desirable to have different latching devices to
secure animals' collars and chains.
[0006] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a
simple and seamless latching device that secures necklaces,
bracelets, and/or animals' collars, and chains.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The latching devices of the present invention have never
been used in any animals' collars or chains. Therefore, it is an
innovative latching device that secures animals' collars and chains
together. It provides hidden latching method for the bracelet, and
necklace, thus it is seamless and appealing. Moreover, the latching
device of the present invention is easier to lock and release
compared to traditional fastening means such as clasps or
buckles.
[0008] A latching device comprising a main housing unit, a center
coin, and a receiver ring. The main housing, preferably made from
316L stainless steel, has an opening for the receiver ring to
enter, a recess to house most working parts of the device, and a
circumferential wall. The center coin, preferably made from
stainless steel, is disposed on top of the main housing unit and is
vital in respect of providing locking and releasing mechanism for
the latching device. The center coin has a hook underneath which
can lock into the open space of the receiver ring after the
receiver ring is slid through the opening into the main housing
unit. The latching device further comprises a steel spring which is
located inside the main housing and is meant to provide pressure
against the center coin so as to maintain the hook locking into the
receiver ring. When the spring is pressed the hook is pivotally
lifted up from the receiver ring. Therefore, the receiver ring can
be slid out of the housing. When the latching device is in locked
position, the latching device is seamless.
[0009] In one embodiment, the center coin has two arms
perpendicularly extending from the bottom of the center coin and
located at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions respectively, each
arm has a hole. The main housing unit also has two holes on its
circumferential wall at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions
respectively. The center coin is attached to the main housing unit
by linking (or attachment) means which may include stainless
rod(s), screws, and bolts.
[0010] In another embodiment, a different type of pressure method
instead of a spring can be used to provide pressure against the
center coin and the releasing mechanism of the latch.
[0011] The size of the opening in the main housing unit and the
size of the receiver ring may vary in other embodiments.
[0012] The more important features of the invention have thus been
outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows
may be better understood and in order that the present contribution
to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the
invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject
matter of the claims that follow.
[0013] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0014] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0015] The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred
feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art
may better understand the detailed description of the invention
that follows. Additional features of the invention will be
described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the
invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can
readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a
basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out
the same purposes of the present invention and that such other
structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention
in its broadest form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying
drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference
numerals.
[0017] FIG. 1A is an isomeric view and FIG. 1B is a top view of a
latching device according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views of the latching device
in FIGS. 1A and 1B along the x-axis.
[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B are two different angled isomeric views of
the latching device in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the latch is in the
unlatch/released position (where the center coin is pressed and the
hook is lifted up from the open space of the receiver ring).
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the latching device
along the y-axis showing the latch is in the released position
(where the center coin is pressed and the hook is lifted up from
the open space of the receiver ring).
[0021] FIG. 5A is an isomeric sectional view of the latching device
along the y-axis and FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the
latching device along the y-axis; in both FIGS. 5A and 5B, the
latch is in the locked position (where the hook is locked into the
open space of the receiving ring which is in the housing unit).
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the latching device according
to a first embodiment of the present invention disclosed in the
aforementioned figures.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the latching device of a
second embodiment wherein the center coin and housing are attached
by a pair of screw (or bolts or rods) at two different locations
separately instead of by a long rod.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front view of a dog's collar with the latching
device of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1A to FIG. 6, there is disclosed a
latching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present
invention which comprises a main housing unit 10, a receiver ring
20, and a center coin 30; all these components are preferably made
from stainless steel 316L and may be made from other metal
material. FIG. 1A is an isomeric view and FIG. 1B is a top view of
a latching device according to one embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views of the latching
device in FIGS. 1A and 1B along the x-axis. In this embodiment, the
latching device 1 further comprises a steel rod 40 and a steel
spring 50.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 5B and 6, the center coin 30 has a top face
38 and a bottom face 39. The center coin 30 has a hook 32 and two
arms 34 (with holes 36) perpendicularly extending from the bottom
face 39 at about 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 6 o'clock positions
respectively. The main housing unit 10 supports most working parts
of the device 1. The main housing unit 10 is in a disk shape having
a large recess 12 (FIGS. 5A and 6) in the center for housing most
of the working parts of the device such as a spring 50, and hook 32
all the time, and part of the receiver ring 20 when the latching
device is in a locked position. The main housing unit 10 also
comprises a circumferential wall 13 which has two holes located at
about 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions respectively, and an
opening 14 on its wall for the receiver ring 20 to enter. The
securing rod 40, preferably made from stainless steel, having a
length of about the diameter of the housing 10 is used to secure
the center coin 30 onto the housing 10 via holes 36 on the two arms
34 of the center coin 30 and two holes 14 on the side of the
housing 10. The steel spring 50 is located inside the housing 10 at
about 3 o'clock position and beneath the center coin 30. The center
coin 30 disposed on top of the recess 12 with its hook 32 and arms
34 disposed inside the recess 12 of the housing unit 10 is vital to
the device 1 for it to secure the receiver ring 20 in place at the
locked position. It also acts as a releasing means for releasing
the receiver ring 20 from the housing 10.
[0027] When the receiver ring 20 is inserted into the housing 10
through the opening 12 the hook 32 and spring 50 work together to
lock and release the receiver ring 20 to and from the housing 10.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The hook 32 locks into the open space
22 of the receiver ring 20 and the spring 50 provides pressure
against the center coin 30 so as to maintain the hook 32 locking
into the open space 22 of the receiver ring 20. The spring 50 also
provides mechanism for releasing the receiver ring 20 from the
housing 10. By pressing the center coin 30 which depresses the
spring 50, the hook 32 is pivotally lifted from the open space 22
of the receiver ring 20 (as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4) and thus
the receiver ring 20 can be easily released from the main housing
unit 10 to open the latching device 1.
[0028] In another embodiment, the center coin 30 could be attached
instead of using a rod that goes through both the sides of the coin
30 to secure to the housing unit 10 it could be attached separately
using other type of linkages (or attachment or connecting means)
including a pair of rods, screws and/or bolts or other means of
attachment (as shown in FIG. 7).
[0029] In another embodiment, the latching part (i.e. hook 32??) of
the center coin 30 can be moved or reconfigured to still make
attachment to the receiver ring 20 but essentially be the same.
[0030] In another embodiment, the main housing unit 10 can be
reconfigured with a smaller or larger opening 16 to allow different
size of receiver rings 20 to be used for attachment.
[0031] In another embodiment, the device 1 uses a different type of
pressure means to provide pressure against the center coin instead
of a spring.
[0032] The main housing unit, center coin, receiver ring, linking
(or attachment) means, spring or other pressure means are
preferably made from metal especially preferably stainless metal
but they may be made from other materials.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 8 there is disclosed a latching device 1
of the present invention used with a dog collar 2. Using a dog
collar as an example, when a person uses the latching device 1 of
the present invention with a dog collar 2, they place the collar 2
around the dog's neck, then, they slide the receiver ring 20
through the opening 16 into the main housing 10 unit until it
clicks into place and locks the collar around the dog's neck as
illustrated in FIG. 7. When they remove the collar the person would
press the center coin 30 causing the hook 32 to be lifted from the
open space 22 of the receiver ring 20, therefore, unlocking the
receiver ring 20 from the housing unit 10. Then, they would slide
the receiving ring 20 out of the housing unit 10 to remove the
collar from the dog.
[0034] While there have been shown and described and pointed out
the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is
considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention
and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are
possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed
were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the
principles of the invention and its practical application to enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated All such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by
the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth
to which they are entitled.
* * * * *