U.S. patent application number 15/073833 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for interchangeable band coupling and clasp system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ModWraps. Invention is credited to Paul Bradley Forrest, Justin Alexander Spencer.
Application Number | 20160270491 15/073833 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56924046 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160270491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spencer; Justin Alexander ;
et al. |
September 22, 2016 |
INTERCHANGEABLE BAND COUPLING AND CLASP SYSTEM
Abstract
A coupling and clasp system includes: a first clasp portion; a
second clasp portion configured for releasable engagement with the
first clasp portion; and multiple bands, each band including a
first end having a first band coupling dimensioned to be releasably
retained by the first clasp portion and a second end having a
second band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the
second clasp portion. The first clasp portion, second clasp
portion, and multiple bands form a closed-loop wearable item when:
the first band coupling of each band is retained by the first clasp
portion; the second band coupling of each band is retained by the
second clasp portion; and the second clasp portion is engaged with
the first clasp portion. The multiple bands, configured to be
selectively arranged by a user, vary by color, material, texture
and mounted items.
Inventors: |
Spencer; Justin Alexander;
(Cary, NC) ; Forrest; Paul Bradley; (Cary,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ModWraps |
Cary |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56924046 |
Appl. No.: |
15/073833 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62135107 |
Mar 18, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/2085 20130101;
A44C 5/185 20130101; A44D 2203/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/18 20060101
A44C005/18; A44C 5/20 20060101 A44C005/20; A44C 13/00 20060101
A44C013/00 |
Claims
1. A coupling and clasp system comprising: a first clasp portion; a
second clasp portion configured for releasable engagement with the
first clasp portion; and multiple bands, each band including a
first end having a first band coupling dimensioned to be releasably
retained by the first clasp portion and a second end having a
second band coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the
second clasp portion, wherein the first clasp portion, second clasp
portion, and multiple bands form a closed-loop wearable item when:
the first band coupling of each band is retained by the first clasp
portion; the second band coupling of each band is retained by the
second clasp portion; and the second clasp portion is engaged with
the first clasp portion.
2. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein the first
clasp portion comprises a first loading door having an open
position, in which the first loading door permits loading and
unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings,
and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents
loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first
band couplings.
3. The coupling and clasp system of claim 2, wherein the second
clasp portion comprises a second loading door having an open
position, in which the second loading door permits loading and
unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band
couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door
prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the
second band couplings.
4. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first
clasp portion comprises a rail; and the second engagement side
comprises an engagement channel that receives the rail when the
second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.
5. The coupling and clasp system of claim 4, further comprising at
least one magnet that assists in aligning the second clasp portion
with the first clasp portion for establishing engagement.
6. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein: the first
clasp portion has a first slot through which each band extends
proximal the first end thereof when the first band coupling thereof
is retained by the first clasp portion; and the second clasp
portion has a second slot through which each band extends proximal
the second end thereof when the second band coupling thereof is
retained by the second clasp portion.
7. The coupling and clasp system of claim 6, wherein: the first
slot opens in a first direction; the second slot opens in a second
direction; and the first direction is opposite the second direction
when the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp
portion.
8. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein at least one
of said multiple bands comprises, between the first band coupling
and second band coupling thereof, at least one decorative item.
9. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein the multiple
bands are configured to be selectively arranged by a user.
10. The coupling and clasp system of claim 1, wherein said multiple
bands comprise at least one first band and at least one second band
different from said first band by at least one of: color; material;
texture; number of layers; and at least one mounted item.
11. A coupling and clasp system comprising: a first clasp portion
having a first operable closure element and a first engagement
side; a second clasp portion having a second operable closure
element and a second engagement side, the second engagement side
configured for releasable mutual engagement with the first
engagement side of the first clasp element; multiple first band
couplings each configured to be releasably received in the first
clasp portion via the first operable closure element; and multiple
second band couplings each configured to be releasably received in
the second clasp portion via the second operable closure
element.
12. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein the first
operable closure element comprises a first loading door hingedly
connected to the first clasp portion, the first loading door being
pivotable between an open position, in which the first loading door
permits loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the
first band couplings, and a closed position, in which the first
loading door prevents loading and unloading of the first clasp
portion with the first band couplings.
13. The coupling and clasp system of claim 12, wherein the second
operable closure element comprises a second loading door hingedly
connected to the second clasp portion, the second loading door
being pivotable between an open position, in which the second
loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp
portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in
which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the
second clasp portion with the second band couplings.
14. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein: the first
engagement side comprises a protruding element; and the second
engagement side comprises a receiving feature that that receives
the protruding element when the second engagement side is engaged
with the first engagement side.
15. The coupling and clasp system of claim 14, wherein: the
protruding element comprises a rail; and the receiving feature
comprises an engagement channel.
16. The coupling and clasp system of claim 15, further comprising
at least one magnet that positions the rail to be slideably engaged
with the engagement channel and assists in maintaining releasable
mutual engagement of the second engagement side with the first
engagement side.
17. The coupling and clasp system of claim 14, wherein the
protruding element comprises a trapezoidally shaped rail.
18. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, further comprising
multiple bands, and wherein each first band coupling is connected
to a particular second band coupling by one of said bands.
19. The coupling and clasp system of claim 11, wherein: the first
clasp portion has a slot that opens in a first direction opposite
the first engagement side; the second clasp portion has a slot that
opens in a second direction opposite the second engagement side;
and the first direction is opposite the second direction when the
first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.
20. The coupling and clasp system of claim 19, further comprising
multiple bands, wherein each first band coupling is connected to a
particular second band coupling by one of said bands such that the
coupling and clasp system forms an encircling apparel item when:
the first band couplings are received in the first clasp portion;
the second band couplings are received in the second clasp portion;
and the first and second engagement sides are mutually engaged.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/135,107, titled
"Interchangeable Band-Coupling and Clasp System," filed on Mar. 18,
2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to bracelets and bands. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a band coupling and
clasp system for assembling, wearing, and customizing bracelets and
other apparel items, for example, to don upon appendages in
encircling fashion.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Previously available bracelets and other appendage apparel
items do not permit convenient interchanging of decorative bands by
the user. While some color varieties in apparel and accessories are
available for example by way of watch bezels, phone covers, and
reversible belts, truly varying the looks and styles of accessories
typically requires purchasing many independent accessory platforms.
Thus, varying one's accessory appearance while traveling or in the
course of a day would require either carrying a great number of
items or a return to one's wardrobe or collection of accessories
and personal effects.
[0004] Trends in personal apparel and accessories often tend
towards multiple layers of jewelry and accessories. Users must
choose to purchase multiple items to create layered effects that
they desire. This requires significant effort to clasp and unclasp
multiple accessories to create the layered effect. Other accessory
producers create combinations of strands that are permanently
affixed in clasps. Users of such appendage apparel are limited by
the combinations of strands, materials, colors, textures, and
personal statements that are established by choices made at
manufacturing and are not able to configure combination choices
that reflect personal style, preferences and desired personal
statements. Existing products limit the user's ability to customize
a look that suits their personal taste in order to tell a story
that is specific to their style, while still being able to quickly
put it on and take it off.
[0005] Improvements are needed in coupling and clasp systems for
bracelets and other apparel items to allow for many interchangeable
preferences by a user.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form
concepts that are further described in the following detailed
descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features
or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to
be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0007] In at least one embodiment, a coupling and clasp system
includes: a first clasp portion; a second clasp portion configured
for releasable engagement with the first clasp portion; and
multiple bands, each band including a first end having a first band
coupling dimensioned to be releasably retained by the first clasp
portion and a second end having a second band coupling dimensioned
to be releasably retained by the second clasp portion. The first
clasp portion, second clasp portion, and multiple bands form a
closed-loop wearable item when: the first band coupling of each
band is retained by the first clasp portion; the second band
coupling of each band is retained by the second clasp portion; and
the second clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp
portion.
[0008] In at least one example, the first clasp portion includes a
first loading door having an open position, in which the first
loading door permits loading and unloading of the first clasp
portion with the first band couplings, and a closed position, in
which the first loading door prevents loading and unloading of the
first clasp portion with the first band couplings.
[0009] In at least one example, the second clasp portion includes a
second loading door having an open position, in which the second
loading door permits loading and unloading of the second clasp
portion with the second band couplings, and a closed position, in
which the second loading door prevents loading and unloading of the
second clasp portion with the second band couplings.
[0010] In at least one example, the first clasp portion includes a
rail, and the second engagement side includes an engagement channel
that receives the rail when the second clasp portion is engaged
with the first clasp portion.
[0011] In at least one example, at least one magnet that aids in
positioning the first and second clasp portions for easy sliding
attachment engagement and also assists in maintaining engagement of
the second clasp portion with the first clasp portion.
[0012] In at least one example, the first clasp portion has a first
slot through which each band extends proximal the first end thereof
when the first band coupling thereof is retained by the first clasp
portion; and the second clasp portion has a second slot through
which each band extends proximal the second end thereof when the
second band coupling thereof is retained by the second clasp
portion.
[0013] In at least one example, the first slot opens in a first
direction, the second slot opens in a second direction and the
first direction is opposite the second direction when the second
clasp portion is engaged with the first clasp portion.
[0014] In at least one example, at least one of said multiple bands
includes, between the first band coupling and second band coupling
thereof, at least one decorative item.
[0015] In at least one example, the multiple bands are configured
to be selectively arranged by a user.
[0016] In at least one example, the multiple bands include at least
one first band and at least one second band different from the
first band by at least one of: color; material; texture; number of
layers; and mounted items.
[0017] In at least one embodiment, a coupling and clasp system
includes: a first clasp portion having a first operable closure
element and a first engagement side; a second clasp portion having
a second operable closure element and a second engagement side, the
second engagement side configured for releasable mutual engagement
with the first engagement side of the first clasp element; multiple
first band couplings each configured to be releasably received in
the first clasp portion via the first operable closure element; and
multiple second band couplings each configured to be releasably
received in the second clasp portion via the second operable
closure element.
[0018] In at least one example, the first operable closure element
includes a first loading door hingedly connected to the first clasp
portion, the first loading door being pivotable between an open
position, in which the first loading door permits loading and
unloading of the first clasp portion with the first band couplings,
and a closed position, in which the first loading door prevents
loading and unloading of the first clasp portion with the first
band couplings.
[0019] In at least one example, the second operable closure element
includes a second loading door hingedly connected to the second
clasp portion, the second loading door being pivotable between an
open position, in which the second loading door permits loading and
unloading of the second clasp portion with the second band
couplings, and a closed position, in which the second loading door
prevents loading and unloading of the second clasp portion with the
second band couplings.
[0020] In at least one example, the first engagement side includes
a protruding element; and the second engagement side includes a
receiving feature that that receives the protruding element when
the second engagement side is engaged with the first engagement
side.
[0021] In at least one example, the protruding element includes a
rail, and the receiving feature includes an engagement channel.
[0022] In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system
further includes at least one magnet that aids in positioning the
first and second clasp portions for easy sliding attachment
engagement and also assists in maintaining releasable mutual
engagement of the second engagement side with the first engagement
side.
[0023] In at least one example, the protruding element includes a
trapezoidally shaped rail.
[0024] In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system
further includes multiple bands, and each first band coupling is
connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said
bands.
[0025] In at least one example: the first clasp portion has a slot
that opens in a first direction opposite the first engagement side;
the second clasp portion has a slot that opens in a second
direction opposite the second engagement side; and the first
direction is opposite the second direction when the first and
second engagement sides are mutually engaged.
[0026] In at least one example, the coupling and clasp system
further includes multiple bands, wherein each first band coupling
is connected to a particular second band coupling by one of said
bands such that the coupling and clasp system forms an encircling
apparel item when: the first band couplings are received in the
first clasp portion; the second band couplings are received in the
second clasp portion; and the first and second engagement sides are
mutually engaged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions
are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular
exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The
summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only
those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling and clasp system
according to at least one embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the separable clasp of FIG.
1 unloaded of band couplings.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clasp portions of FIG. 1
slid into a partially disengaged disposition.
[0031] FIG.4 is a perspective view of the forward end of the first
portion of the separable clasp of FIG. 1 unloaded of band
couplings.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the forward end of the
second portion of the separable clasp of FIG. 1 unloaded of band
couplings.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clasp system of FIG. 1
having uncoupled first and second clasp portions each with open
doors, and with the second clasp portion loaded with the band
couplings of five bands.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[0034] These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to
provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of
broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon
and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments
without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly
described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these
descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar
embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the
inventive subject matters.
[0035] Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and
these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not
all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these
descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The
drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all
embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions
are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with
regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each
drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent
relative scale of the drawing.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling and clasp system
100, according to at least one embodiment, configured to releasably
retain multiple apparel bands for decorative or other wearing
purposes as shown for example in FIG. 6, which is further described
below. The clasp system 100 includes a separable clasp 102 having
separable first and second clasp portions 110 and 130, which are
shown as mutually engaged in FIG. 1. At least the second clasp
portion 130 is shown as loaded with band couplings 150.
[0037] The first clasp portion 110 has an operable closure element
illustrated as a loading door 112, which is shown as closed in FIG.
1 for retaining any band couplings within the first clasp portion
110. The second clasp portion 130 has an operable closure element
illustrated as a loading door 132, which is also shown as closed in
FIG. 1 for retaining the band couplings 150 as shown. The operable
closure elements illustrated as loading doors 112 and 132 are shown
as open in FIG. 2 to permit loading and unloading of the clasp
portions 110 and 130.
[0038] The first loading door 112 is hingedly connected to the
first clasp portion 110 to permit pivoting rotation of the first
loading door 112 between the closed position of FIG. 1 and the open
position of FIG. 2. The second loading door 132 is hingedly
connected to the second clasp portion 130 by to permit pivoting
rotation of the second loading door 132 between the closed position
of FIG. 1 and the open position of FIG. 2.
[0039] In these descriptions, forward refers to the longitudinal
ends of the clasp 102 and its clasp portions 110 and 130 having the
doors 112 and 132, whereas rearward end refers to their opposite
longitudinal ends. Furthermore, these descriptions refer to upper
and lower features with respect to the disposition of the clasp
system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. It is understood that such relative
terms are used here for convenience in these descriptions and that
the clasp system 100 may be handled and used at any orientation
preferred by a user.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clasp system of FIG. 1
unloaded of band couplings. The first clasp portion 110 has an
internal channel 114 to receive a column of band couplings 150
(FIGS. 1, 6). A slot 116 (FIG. 2) is open laterally and extends
longitudinally from the forward end of the first clasp portion 110
toward the rearward end thereof. The slot 116 is defined between
parallel longitudinally extending upper and lower rails 120 and
122. The upper rail 122 can be described as overhanging the
internal channel 114 in the orientation of the first clasp portion
110 shown in FIG. 2, while the lower rail 122 is parallel to and
spaced from the upper rail 120. The parallel rails 120 and 122 are
spaced from each other to define the height of the slot 116, which
prevents the band couplings 150, when loaded in the channel 114,
from escaping through the slot 116. Thus, the door 112 must be
opened to permit loading of the band couplings 150 into the channel
114 and closed to retain the band couplings.
[0041] The second clasp portion 130 can be similarly described. The
second clasp portion 130 has an internal channel 134 to receive a
column of band couplings 150 (FIGS. 1, 6). A slot 136 (FIG. 2) is
open laterally and extends longitudinally from the forward end of
the second clasp portion 130 toward the rearward end thereof. The
slot 136 is defined between parallel longitudinally extending upper
and lower rails 140 and 142. The upper rail 142 can be described as
overhanging the internal channel 134 in the orientation of the
second clasp portion 130 shown in FIG. 2, while the lower rail 140
is parallel to and spaced from the upper rail 142. The parallel
rails 140 and 142 are spaced from each other to define the height
of the slot 136, which prevents the band couplings 150, when loaded
in the channel 134, from escaping through the slot 136. Thus, the
door 132 must be opened to permit loading of the band couplings 150
into the channel 134 and closed to retain the band couplings.
[0042] A recessed area 104 in the illustrated upper surface of each
clasp portion 110 and 130, opposite the doors 112 and 132, helps a
user grasp either door edge to effect opening. In various
embodiments, each clasp portion 110 and 130 includes a latch
element that maintains closure of the respective door 112 and 132
until opening is forced by a user. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment of the clasp system 100, a respective protrusion 106
along a lateral portion of each door helps maintain door closure.
Each protrusion 106 is received into a respective recessed area of
its respective clasp portion 110 and 130 to keep the respective
door 112 and 132 from opening so as to retain the band couplings
when the internal channels 114 and 134 are loaded.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the separable clasp 102 of
FIG. 1 with the first and second clasp portions 110 and 130 slid
into a partially disengaged configuration. The first and second
clasp portions 110 and 130 are shown separated from each other in
FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively. Each has a respective lateral
engagement side 118 (FIGS. 4) and 138 (FIG. 5) for mutual
engagement (FIG. 1) of the two clasp portion 110 and 130.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the forward end of the first
clasp portion 110, described in the following as the male portion
of the separable clasp 102 with reference to a laterally protruding
element illustrated as a dove-tail rail 124. The dove-tail rail 124
is shown as trapezoidally shaped and extending longitudinally along
the lateral engagement side 118 of the male clasp portion 110.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the forward end of the
second clasp portion 130, described in the following as the female
clasp portion 130 of the separable clasp 102 with reference to a
receiving feature that accommodates the laterally protruding
element of the male portion of the separable clasp 102. The
receiving feature of the female clasp portion 130 is illustrated as
an engagement channel 144 that extends along the lateral engagement
side 138 of the female clasp portion 130 to receive and laterally
retain the dove-tail rail 124 when the two clasp portions 110 and
130 are engaged.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, a magnetic bar 126 longitudinally
extends forward from near the rearward end of the male clasp
portion 110 along the lateral engagement side 118. In FIG. 5, a
magnetic plate 146 longitudinally extends rearward from near the
forward end of the female clasp portion 130 along the lateral
engagement side 138. The magnetic elements 126 and 146 assist in
establishing engagement of the clasp portions 110 and 130 by
magnetic coupling. The magnetic elements automatically align the
clasp portions so that the user can then slide the clasp portions
into engagement on the wrist to engage the dovetail retention. The
dovetail rail 124 and engagement channel 144 maintain engagement
and retention. The magnetic elements provide assistance in aligning
of the dovetail rail 124 and engagement channel 144 and assist in
keeping the dovetail engagement from unintentionally sliding to an
unengaged position once clasped.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, a rearward end wall of the female clasp
portion 130 extends laterally from the lateral engagement side 138,
defining a tab 148 that extends laterally across the rearward end
of the channel 144. The laterally extending tab 148 is received in
a corresponding relief area defined in the rearward end of the male
clasp portion 110 when full engagement is achieved (FIGS. 1-2 and
6) by longitudinally sliding (FIG. 3) the dove-tail rail 124 of the
male clasp portion 110 into the engagement channel 144 (FIG. 5) of
the female clasp portion 130 to a full stop defined by the tab
148.
[0048] The magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements 126 and 146
with respective laterally adjacent portions of each clasp portions
110 and 130 maintain full engagement while wearing even during
movement of an encircled appendage. In at least one embodiment, a
hinge pin upon which the door 132 of the female clasp portion 130
hinges provides some interference to the unintended removal of the
dove-tail rail 124 from the engagement channel 144. In FIG. 5, a
hole 154 is shown for receiving the pin. Once inserted, a portion
of the pin is exposed in the channel 144, such that it interferes
slightly with the removal of the dove-tail rail 124 from the
channel 144 when the clasp portions 110 and 130 are engaged. Such
interference and the magnetic couplings can be overcome by light
force when disengagement of the clasp portions 110 and 130 is
intended. Other mutually engaging and locking arrangements between
the clasp portions 110 and 130 are within the scope of these
descriptions whether or not expressly described.
[0049] Regarding the first clasp portion 110, the slot 116 is open
in a direction opposite the lateral engagement side 118, and,
regarding the second clasp portion 130, the slot 136 is open in a
direction opposite the lateral engagement side 138. Thus, when
first and second clasp portions 110 and 130 are mutually engaged as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slots 116 and 136 open toward laterally
opposite directions so as to releasably retain opposite ends of
apparel bands in a looped configuration as suggested in FIG. 6 for
use as a bracelet or other encircling apparel item.
[0050] Each band coupling 150 is illustrated (FIGS. 1 and 6) as a
five-sided cup having an open laterally facing mouth 152 (FIG. 1).
Edges of the band couplings 150 are illustrated as beveled to
accommodate sliding movement into and from a clasp portion 110 or
130. In FIG. 1, five band couplings 150 are shown loaded into the
second clasp portion 130. Similarly in FIG. 6, five band couplings
150 are shown in association with the first clasp portion 110. In
the illustrated embodiments the internal channels of the clasp
portions are sized to accommodate a column of up to five band
couplings 150. Accordingly, five bands 170 are shown in FIG. 6.
These descriptions and the drawings nonetheless relate to any
number of band couplings being accommodated by the clasp
portions.
[0051] To form a bracelet, appendage apparel, or other closed loop
accessory, each terminal end of a band 170 (FIG. 6) is retained in
the open mouth 152 of a respective band coupling 150 as shown in
FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, first ends of the bands 170 are expressly shown
as retained by respective band couplings 150 shown in association
with the unloaded first clasp portion 110. Opposing second ends of
the bands 170 are retained by respective band couplings loaded into
the second clasp portion 130. Upon loading of the band couplings
150 at the first ends of the bands 170 into the first clasp portion
110, and closing of the doors 112 and 132, the band couplings 150
are retained within the clasp portions 110 and 130 and a multi-band
bracelet of other appendage apparel is formed. The ends of the
bands 170 may be retained by the band coupling 150 by adhesive,
crimping, interference fit, or other fixing arrangements.
[0052] The multi-band bracelet, appendage apparel, or other
closed-loop wearable item or accessory may thus be opened by
disengaging the clasp portions 110 and 130 by sliding (FIG. 6) the
two portion out of engagement and closed, for example around an
appendage, by returning the clasp portions into engagement.
[0053] In FIG. 6, items are mounted upon some of the bands 170,
representing decorative adornments, effects, or devices as desired.
The items may include, as non-limiting examples, pendants, charms,
keepsakes, beads, lockets and other elements. The items may
provide, for example, graphical, symbolic, or text information of
any type desired by a user. Any number of items may be mounted upon
each band 170. The items may freely slide along the bands or may be
permanently or tentatively fixed at any desired location. The bands
170 may have a variety of colors, materials, textures, layers,
items or other variations as desired by a user for aesthetic
purposes or comforting effect. The examples described here with
regard to the items are non-limiting and are not exhaustive of all
possible examples. The band couplings 150 and clasp portions 110
and 130 may also have decorative or informational effects such as
text or graphics.
[0054] At any time, a user may prefer to exchange the order or
selection of the bands 170 and may then open one or both of the
doors 112 and 132 to unload and reload one or both of the clasp
portions 110 and 130. Such loading and unloading operations may be
conducted with the clasp portions 110 and 130 mutually engaged as
shown in FIG. 1, or as disengaged as shown in FIG. 6. The bands 170
may be similar or different in appearance and construction. Each
may or may not have thereon any items as described with reference
to FIG. 6. The bands 170 may be generally parallel or may be
braided, twisted, or relatively arranged in any desired
fashion.
[0055] In various embodiment, the clasp portions 110 and 130 are
constructed of metals or metal alloys. In at least one example, an
alloy of aluminum and magnesium is used in construction. The edges
may be deburred and outer finishes may be bead blasted.
[0056] In one embodiment, the clasp portions 110 and 130 are molded
flat and then folded and brazed, tacked, or otherwise secured into
the finished arrangement, allowing for a cost-efficient
manufacturing method. The assembly may include machined folding
lines for folding the clasp assembly into the finished arrangement.
A recess for providing registration engagement with an end of the
clasp assembly may be provided.
[0057] All descriptions of features regarding, materials,
manufacturing, and use should be taken as exemplary and
non-limiting. Furthermore, features shown and detailed throughout
the drawings and these descriptions should be taken as cumulative
and non-limiting.
[0058] Particular embodiments and features have been described with
reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these
descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any
particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and
features may arise or modifications and additions may be made
without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the
spirit of the appended claims.
* * * * *