Earring Clasp Having Flexible Member

Abstract

An clasp for securing to the post of an earring including a torsion spring having extended ends forming a first and a second arm, said first and second arms forming an acute angle, said torsion spring forming a receptacle, a flexible member at least partially located within the receptacle, and said flexible member including an aperture for receiving an earring post. The flexible member includes a channel on at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible member for receiving the torsion spring and retaining the flexible member within the receptacle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority and benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications having application numbers (1) 61/258,196, filed Nov. 4, 2009, entitled SECURITY SPRING FOR EARRING, and (2) 61/260,123, filed Nov. 11, 2009, entitled SECURITY SPRING FOR EARRING POST, both disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to earring clasps or clutches, and more particularly, to an earring clasp that more securely attaches to an earring post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

How many times have you heard someone complaining of losing his or her earring? Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to lose their earrings because the clasps or other devices for securing earrings are not reliable. A lost earring is not only frustrating for the owner, but it also can be very costly because earrings can be quite expensive.

Pierced earrings generally are attached to a person's earlobe by using a clasp that grasps the post of the earring. Conventional clasps are typically poorly constructed and are not difficult to remove from an earring post without actuating the release mechanism. As a result, it is not uncommon for conventional earring clasps to unintentionally fall off and allow pierced earrings to be lost.

Accordingly, there exists a strong need for an inexpensive earring clasp or clutch that securely attaches to an earring post and is very difficult to be removed unintentionally or without activating the release mechanism.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved earring clasp or clutch that securely attaches to an earring post.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a durable but inexpensive earring post clasp.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a clasp for an earring that is difficult to be unintentionally removed without activating the release mechanism.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a clasp that may be used to securely attach to the post of a broach or similar type of decorative pin.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an earring clasp that is treated or coated with antimicrobial material.

In order to achieve the above aspects, the present invention provides a clasp for securing to the post of an earring including a torsion spring having extended ends forming a first and a second arm, said first and second arms forming an acute angle, said torsion spring forming a receptacle, a flexible member at least partially located within the receptacle, and said flexible member including an aperture for receiving an earring post. The flexible member includes a channel on at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible member for receiving the torsion spring and retaining the flexible member within the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flexible member configured in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the flexible member of FIG. 1 in a receptacle of a torsion spring configured in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a torsion spring configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows a torsion spring configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an earring post secured within the flexible member and the torsion spring shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a torsion spring configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a flexible member configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows the flexible member of FIG. 6 being retained within the receptacle of the torsion spring shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a flexible member, donut, cushion or ring 10 configured in accordance with the present invention. The flexible member 10 is preferably constructed of a flexible, nonslip material, such as rubber or similar polymer. The flexible member 10 also can be treated or coated with antimicrobial material in order to deter the growth or inhibit the spread of germs or diseases from earring posts. The flexible member 10 further may be different colors for decorative purposes. The flexible member 10 includes an aperture or hole 16 passing all the way between a first side 12 and a second opposing side 14 of the flexible member 10. The aperture 16 is sized to fit loosely around an earring post. Since an earring post typically has a diameter between 0.6 to 0.8 millimeters, the aperture 16 preferably has a relaxed diameter of approximately 1.0 to 1.2 millimeters. The periphery of the flexible member 10 is designed to be constricted so the resulting diameter of the aperture 16 can be decreased to less than the diameter of an earring post.

A slit 20 can be included in the flexible member 10 to enable the diameter of the aperture 16 to more easily be decreased by constricting a periphery of the flexible member 10. A channel 18 is provided between ridges 22 and 24 on the outer periphery of the flexible member 10. The channel 18 is configured to receive a torsion spring. The diameters of the ridges 22, 24 are greater than the channel 18, enabling a torsion spring to be secured within the channel 18 and between the ridges 22,24.

FIG. 2 shows an earring clasp 30 configured in accordance with the present invention. The flexible member 10 of FIG. 1 is shown contained within a receptacle 33 formed by the loop of a wire 17 of the torsion spring 31. The receptacle 33 preferably has a diameter of about four millimeters for receiving the flexible member 10. The wire 17 is preferably a 0.9 millimeter wire gauge (ASTM-A3113 302 Stainless).

The torsion spring 31 fits into the channel 18 of the flexible member 10 formed between the ridges 22 and 24 on the outer periphery of the flexible member 10. Ends of the torsion spring 31 are extended to form arms 32, 34. The arms 32, 34 form an acute angle. Compressing or squeezing the arms 32,34 of the torsion spring 31 together expands or increases the diameter of the receptacle 33, which surrounds and retains the flexible member 10. Squeezing the arms 32,34 of the torsion spring 31 increases the diameter of the receptacle 33 of the torsion spring 31, thus enabling the diameter of the flexible member 10 to increase, which enables the diameter of the aperture 16 of the flexible member 10 also to increase. When the arms 32,34 are released, the receptacle 33 of the torsion spring 31 contracts, constricting the periphery of the flexible member 10 and causing the diameter of the aperture 16 to decrease.

Accordingly, and in accordance with the present invention, the arms 32,34 of the torsion spring 31 are squeezed together to increase the diameter of the aperture 16 and enable an earring post to be easily inserted into the aperture 16 of the flexible member 10. After the earring post is positioned within the aperture 16 at a desired location, the arms 32,34 of the torsion spring 31 are released, causing the torsion spring 31 to contract or constrict around the flexible member 10, and thus causing the diameter of the aperture 16 to decrease and tightly grasp the earring post. Since the flexible member 10 is constructed of a non-slip material, such as rubber, silicon or a similar polymer, the earring post is secured within the aperture 16 of the earring clasp 30 which makes it difficult to be unintentionally removed without activating the release mechanism of the earring clasp 30 by squeezing together the arms 32,34 of the torsion spring 31. In this manner an earring clasp 30 is provided for securely attaching to an earring post.

FIG. 3 illustrates a torsion spring 40 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the torsion spring 31, the torsion spring 40 is constructed of a flexible wire 42 preferably made from stainless steel that is looped to form a receptacle 44 for receiving a flexible member 10. The wire 42 typically has a circular cross-sectional configuration. However, the cross-sectional configuration of the wire 31 can be a triangular or a rectangular configuration. The illustrated torsion spring 40 forms the receptacle 44 by looping the wire 31 only once. However, the receptacle 44 can be formed by looping the wire 31 multiple times, thus increasing the constricting force or strength of the torsion spring 40.

Similar to the torsion spring 31, the torsion spring 40 includes arms 46,48 that extend from ends of the wire 42. The arms 46,48 form an acute angle to enable a user to more easily squeeze the arms 46,48 together to expand the diameter of the receptacle 44. The arms 46,48 also include extensions 47,49 that are angled and form handles to enable a user to more easily squeeze together the arms 46,48 of the torsion spring 40.

FIG. 3a illustrates a torsion spring 45 similar to the torsion spring 40 shown in FIG. 3. The torsion spring 45 is constructed of a flexible wire 41 forming a receptacle 43 for receiving a flexible member. A first end 51 and a second end 53 of the torsion spring 45 are formed at the opposing ends of the wire 41. While the wire 41 of the torsion spring 45 is shown as having one loop to form the receptacle 43, the wire 41 preferably loops multiple times to form the receptacle 43 for increased strength and constriction force. The ends 51,53 of the wire 41 are the locations a user grasps to squeeze the torsion spring 45. The ends 51,53 can be formed from the wire 41, or additional material can be added to form round points or even extended handles to enable a user to more easily squeeze together the ends 51,53 in order to expand or increase the diameter of the receptacle 43 of the torsion spring 45.

FIG. 4 illustrates the earring clasp 30 of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, wherein an earring post 50 having a rounded head 52 is shown being retained within the aperture 16 of the flexible member 10. Handles 35,37 are included on the arms 32,34. The handles 35,37 enable a user to more easily squeeze together the arms 32,34. The handles 35,37 can be a coating of rubber, silicon, or similar polymer, or a wrapped material such as cloth or latex around the arms 32,34. Furthermore, the handles 35,37 may be colored for decorative purposes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a torsion spring 60 configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The torsion spring 60 is constructed of a wire 62 that is coiled or looped to form a receptacle 66. The ends of the wire 62 of the torsion spring 60 form arms 63,64. The arms 63,64 form an acute angle, wherein squeezing the arms 63,64 together cause the diameter of the receptacle 66 to increase. The receptacle 66 of the torsion spring 60 is configured to receive and retain a flexible member for holding an earring post.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flexible member 70 configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The flexible member 70 includes a channel 72 having a base 74 on the outer surface periphery of the flexible member 70. A first ridge 76 and a second ridge 78 are located at opposing sides of the channel 72. The first and second ridges 76,78 also are formed on the outer surface periphery of the flexible member 70. The first and second ridges 76,78 have a greater diameter than the channel 72. The channel 72 is designed to be retained and fit within a receptacle of a torsion spring configured in accordance with the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first ridge 76 has a greater diameter than the base 74 of the channel 72, but a smaller diameter than the ridge 78. The top surface 75 of the first ridge 76 also is angled to enable the flexible member 70 to more easily be inserted into the receptacle of a torsion spring configured in accordance with the present invention. An aperture 71 configured for receiving an earring post passes completely through the flexible member 70 and through the first and second ridges 76,78. A slit or slot 73 is included in the base 74 of the channel 72 and the first ridge 76 to enable the diameter of the aperture 71 to more easily be decreased by constricting the receptacle of a torsion spring.

FIG. 7 illustrates an earring clasp 80 configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The flexible member 70 of FIG. 6 is shown being retained within the receptacle 66 of the torsion spring 60 of FIG. 5. The sloped top surface 75 of the flexible member 70 enables the flexible member 70 to be more easily inserted into the receptacle 66 of the torsion spring 60. Handles 82,84 are included on the arms 63,64 of the torsion spring 70. The handles 82,84 can be a rubber or silicon coating on the arms 63,64.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A clasp for securing to an earring post, comprising:

a torsion spring having extended ends forming a first and a second arm;

said first and second arms forming an acute angle;

said torsion spring forming a receptacle;

a flexible member at least partially located within the receptacle; and

said flexible member including an aperture for receiving an earring post.

2. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a circular configuration and an inner diameter of less than five millimeters, and the aperture of the flexible member has a diameter of less than two millimeters.

3. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire having a cross-sectional diameter of less than one millimeter.

4. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the aperture passes completely through the flexible member.

5. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the flexible member includes a channel on at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible member for receiving the torsion spring and retaining the flexible member within the receptacle.

6. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the flexible member is treated with antimicrobial material.

7. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire having a circular cross-section.

9. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire having a rectangular cross-section.

10. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire having a triangular cross-section.

11. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the flexible member includes a cutout extending between the aperture and a periphery of the flexible member, thereby enabling the diameter of the aperture to decrease by decreasing the circumference of the periphery of the flexible member.

12. The clasp of claim 1, further comprising:

a first handle on the first arm; and

a second handle on the second arm.

13. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire that forms the receptacle by making less than three loops.

14. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring is constructed of a wire that forms the receptacle by making more than one loop.

15. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the flexible member includes a channel formed on an outer periphery of the flexible member between first and second ridges on an outer periphery of the flexible member, wherein the diameter of the channel is less than the diameter of the first and second ridges.

16. The clasp of claim 1, wherein the first ridge has a diameter less than the second ridge of the flexible member.

17. A clasp for securing to an earring post, comprising:

a torsion spring having a first end and a second end;

said torsion spring forming a receptacle for receiving a flexible member;

a flexible member at least partially located within the receptacle; and

said flexible member including an aperture for receiving an earring post.

18. The clasp of claim 17, wherein the flexible member includes a channel on at least a portion of a periphery of the flexible member for receiving the torsion spring and retaining the flexible member within the receptacle.

19. The clasp of claim 17, wherein the aperture passes completely through the flexible member.

20. The clasp of claim 18, wherein the channel is formed between first and second ridges on an outer periphery of the flexible member, wherein the diameter of a base of the channel is less than the diameter of the first and second ridges, and the first ridge has a diameter less than the second ridge, thereby enabling the flexible member to more easily be inserted into the receptacle.