FASTENING DEVICE FOR JEWELRY

A fastening device is disclosed as it may be used for jewelry (e.g., on a watch band). An example fastening device has a decorative top portion. A first arm extends from a first end of the decorative top portion, the first arm having a notch formed on an interior of a free end of the decorative top portion. A second arm extends from a second end of the decorative top portion. A bottom portion has a shape that substantially follows a shape of the decorative top portion. The bottom portion pivotally connects to the second arm. The bottom portion is formed to engage the notch of the first arm in a closed position.

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Description
PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority filing date of, and is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/486,895 filed on Jun. 1, 2012 and titled “Fastening Device To Be Worn On An Arm” of Andrea Parascandolo, hereby incorporated by reference for all that it discloses as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Watches, bracelets and other jewelry is often worn on a person's arm, mostly by women, but by men and children too. Watches are typically available with an elastic or adjustable band so that the watch can be fitted comfortably around the wearer's wrist so that the watch does not slide up and down the wearer's arm. But bracelets and other jewelry worn around the wrist typically cannot be adjusted, and therefore may slide up and down the wearer's arm when the wearer moves. This movement can be uncomfortable or even annoying for the wearer. In some circumstances, sliding jewelry can even catch on sleeves, nearby hooks, or other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example fastening device shown as the fastening device may be worn on a person's arm.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1b is a top plan view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1c is a right side plan view of the example fastening device corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 1d is a front side plan view of the example fastening device corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of another example fastening device.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another example fastening device.

FIGS. 4-8 are illustrations of other example fastening devices as the fastening devices may be used with a watch.

FIGS. 9a-e are illustrations of other example fastening devices.

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of another example fastening device.

FIG. 11a is another perspective illustration of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11b is a bottom perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in an open position on a watch band.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of a first end of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in an open position.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position.

FIG. 16a is a side view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position on a watch band.

FIG. 16b is a top view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position on a watch band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Watches have long been a fashion statement, and are considered an important part of a larger jewelry or fashion accessory wardrobe. However, many women (although not limited just to women) hesitate to wear bracelets with their watches on the same arm for various reasons. For example, the bracelet may scratch the watch crystal, the bracelet may interfere with reading the watch face, and the bracelet may get caught in the watchband and be a nuisance or cause discomfort.

A fastening device is disclosed herein as it may be worn on an arm. The fastening device may be connected to a watch (or other piece of jewelry worn on the wearer's arm) to keep a bracelet or bracelets (or other jewelry such as charms) substantially in place even when the wearer moves her (or his) arm.

The fastening device is comfortable to wear, and may be used to attach other jewelry (e.g., one or more bracelet, charm, etc.) to the watch and avoid issues such as those which have been described above. The fastening device enables bracelets to be attached to the watch and reside beside the watch, for example, giving the wearer an opportunity to showcase the bracelets or other jewelry in comfort without risk of the bracelet rolling over and/or scratching the watch crystal, getting wet during hand washing or dirty during work, and/or rolling up the wearer's sleeve and getting caught or tangled.

The fastening device may also be used as a decorative enhancer for the watchband itself, when used with bracelets or other jewelry, or even when worn by itself on the watchband (without bracelets or other jewelry). When not in use, the fastening device may be readily removed from the watchband and thus does not permanently alter the watch. The same fastening device can also be readily used with different watches.

The fastening device may be marketed by itself, in bundles (e.g., various colors and/or styles), and as part of a kit. The kit may include complementary bracelets (or other jewelry and charms, etc.), removable and/or interchangeable decorative items that can be inserted and removed from grommets/openings formed in the fastening device (e.g., bezel set crystals or other materials such as synthetic or natural pearls or gemstones, etc.), a watch or set of watches, one or more watchband, and various other accessories.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including” and “includes at least” or “including at least.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example fastening device 10 shown as the fastening device 10 may be worn on a person's arm 1. In an example, the fastening device 10 may be used to secure bracelets 12a-b (and/or other jewelry such as charms) to a watchband 14. The fastening device 10 may include a band portion 16 configured as a loop with an opening 18 formed therethrough such that the fastening device 10 at least partially or even fully encircles the watchband 14. In an example, the fastening device 10 includes a top portion having a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the bottom portion. The fastening device 10 can be made to slide up an open end of the watchband 14.

The band portion 16 may be sewn together. In another example, the band 16 of the fastening device 10 may be opened and closed for assembly by the wearer on the watchband 14. Examples include, but are not limited to the use of snaps and hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®. In any event, the top and underside (or “front” and “back”) of the band portion can be made to separate at one end (e.g., the right or left side).

To illustrate, the side flaps 21a-b may include a “top” layer and a “bottom” layer, each connected respectively to the top and underside of the band portion 16. The top layer may include one part of a snap configured to fit into a grommet via an interference fit. When the “open” band portion encircles the watch band, the top and bottom pieces of the flaps 21a-b can be closed by pressing the two pieces together so that the snap mates with the grommet. The use of VELCRO® or other attachment means may also be utilized to open/close the band portion 16 around the watchband 14.

The opening 18 may be sized at least large enough to accommodate common size watchbands. The fastening device 10 may be slid around the watchband 14 and reside anywhere on the watchband 14. For example, the fastening device 10 may reside near the watch face 15, or on the side of the watch (the side of the user's wrist) as shown in FIG. 1. The fastening device 10 may also reside on the watchband 14 on the portion opposite of the watch face, for example, underneath the user's wrist within the belt buckle 417 between the closed buckle and the watchband's keeper loop 413, as shown in FIG. 4 (described below). Of course, the watchband 14 may have any suitable type of clasp or buckle.

In another example, the opening of fastening device 10 is adjustable in size, such as may be made possible by using an elastic or other stretchable and/or resilient material for the band portion (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Elasticity may also be provided using goring, shirring, or gusseting techniques (see, e.g., FIG. 4 described below). These techniques may provide the further benefit of reinforcement and/or as a decorative detail.

The fastening device 10 may include edge portions 20a-b including one or more “flaps” 21a-b on one or both sides of the band portion 16. The flaps 21a-b may be part of the same material which forms the band portion 16, or may be separate and attached to the band portion 16. The flaps 21a-b may be substantially square-edged as shown in FIG. 1, rounded, V-shaped, or any other size and/or shape. In addition, the flaps 21a-b may include different coloring and/or designs (e.g., college, sports, or charity logos). Of course, the flaps 21a-b do not need to be provided at all in other embodiments.

One or more openings 22a-d may be provided with the edge portions 20a-b (e.g., in or on flaps 21a-b). In an example, grommets (shown surrounding the openings 22a-d in FIG. 1) may serve to reinforce these openings. In another example, rings may be attached to the flaps 21a-b (or directly to the band portion 16) instead of or in addition to the openings 20a-b being formed therein (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-8 described below). The rings and/or openings in the edge portions may be configured to attach the bracelets 12a-b to the fastening device 10.

The openings 22a-b (and/or the grommets and rings) may also serve as receptacles for “snap-in/snap-out” or magnetic (or otherwise attachable) design elements, such as bezel set crystals or pearls or other decorative items (see, e.g., FIG. 3 described below). It is noted that the grommet and/or openings 22a-b may be decorative by itself. For example, the grommets may be colored or crystal encrusted and/or the openings 1a-b may be wound with different color threads to provide a decorative effect.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bracelets 12a-b connect to the fastening device 10, which in turn connects to the watchband 14. In this example, the bracelets 12a-b are shown as each bracelet may be slid through the openings 22a-b in the flaps 21a-b. In other example, a clasp on the bracelet may be connected to the openings 22a-b (see, e.g., FIG. 4 described below).

The bracelets 12a-b may be specifically manufactured for use with the fastening device and/or conventional bracelets (or other jewelry) can be used with the fastening device. Complementary jewelry can also be provided. Complementary jewelry may include the design elements (above) and/or other coordinating jewelry that can be purchased and worn together or in various combinations with the fastening device 10. When worn on an arm, the fastening device 10 holds the bracelets 12a-b substantially adjacent to the watchband 14 on the wearer's arm 1.

It is noted that the fastening device 10 may be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, cloth, leather, metal, beads, elastic, plastic, or other natural or synthetic materials, including any combination thereof.

The fastening device 10 may be used anywhere on the watchband 14, for example, on the underside (so that it is not readily visible under the user's wrist), on one side of the watch face 15, or on both sides of the watch face 15. The band portion 16 may also include windows(s) of any suitable shape (e.g., diamond shaped, circle shaped, heart shaped) so that the watchband 14 itself is visible, at least in part, through the band portion of the fastening device 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 6 described below).

Multiple fasteners 10 (only one is shown in FIG. 1, but see FIGS. 5-8 described below) may also be used on the same watchband 14, even if only one (or a few) of the fasteners 10 are used for fastening jewelry to the watchband 14. In this regard, the fastening device 10 may be used a decorative item in itself, for example to enhance the appearance of the watchband 14 even when not used with other jewelry such as bracelets 12a-b.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the example fastening device 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1b is a top plan view of the example fastening device 10 shown in FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c is a right side plan view of the example fastening device 10 corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1d is a front side plan view of the example fastening device 10 corresponding to the view shown in FIG. 1b.

The various components of fastening device 10 described above for FIG. 1, are further visible in FIGS. 1a-d. Here it can be seen that the example fastening device 10 includes band portion 16 having opening formed in the band portion 16. The opening is sized to slide onto a watchband (as shown in FIG. 1). The fastening device 10 also includes an edge portion (two edge portions 20a-b are shown) of the band portion 16. At least one opening (four openings 22a-d are shown) is provided with at least one of the edge portions 20a-b for attaching a bracelet or other jewelry (as shown in FIG. 1).

In an example, one or more flap (two flaps 21a-b are shown) may be provided on the edge portion(s) 20a-b. In use, the bracelet or other jewelry may be attached with the openings 22a-b so that the bracelet or other jewelry is held substantially adjacent the watchband when worn on the arm so that the bracelet or other jewelry does not slide up and down the arm, as shown in FIG. 1.

It is noted that the terms “provided with” as used to describe the opening(s) 22a-d provided with the edge portions 20a-b, means that the openings 22a-d may be provided through the flap(s) 21a-b (as shown in FIGS. 1a-d), and/or directly on the edge portions 20a-b, and/or otherwise attached to the edge portions 20a-b, for example, as the rings that are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (described below).

The following figures show other examples of the fastening device 10. Hundred series reference numbers are used to identify like components for the corresponding Figures (e.g., 200-series are used in FIG. 2, 300-series are used in FIG. 3, and so forth). Therefore, these components (if already described above for FIGS. 1 and 1a-d) may not be described again for each of the following figures.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of another example fastening device 210. In this example, the band portion 216 of the fastening device 210 includes an elastic portion 230. The elastic portion 230 enables the fastening device 210 to be readily slid over the watchband (not shown in FIG. 2), while helping to maintain the fastening device 210 in a desired location on the watchband while being worn on the user's arm. Any elastic material (or technique such as shirring, etc.) may be used to provide a resilient effect.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another example fastening device 310. In this example, three openings 322a-f are shown on flaps 321a-b on each side of the band portion 316 of the fastening device 310. The two outermost openings 322a-b and 322c-d on each of the flaps 321a-b may be used for attaching the bracelet, similarly as shown in FIG. 1. The other opening(s) 322e-f may be used for complementary jewelry or other decorative items, such as the heart charm 332 (attached with a chain or other connector) and the crystal insert 334.

Although not shown, there exist many methods of attaching the crystal insert 334 to the opening 322f, such as a soft plastic “plug” which can be push-inserted into the opening 322f via an interference fit, and then pulled out to remove the crystal insert 334 from the opening 322f. Or the crystal insert 334 may include a magnet (e.g., for connecting to the metal ring or grommet), or other attachment that can be inserted through the opening 322f and connected thereon (such as the pin and backing used for earrings) to retain the crystal insert 334 attached with the opening 322f. Of course, the decorative items are not limited to charms or crystal inserts (shown only for illustration), and any desired item may be attached to the fastening device.

It is noted that any number of openings 322a-f (fewer openings and/or more openings) may be provided on one or both sides of the band 316. In addition, multiple flaps (not shown) may be provided on the same side or in the same location. For example, another flap may be used to cover the openings 322a-b and 322e in the flap 321a.

FIGS. 4-8 are illustrations of other example fastening devices as the fastening devices may be used with a watch or other similar item. FIG. 4 shows an example fastening device 410 with shirring 436a-b and 436c, both on the flaps 421a-b and the band portion 416. Shirring (or similar technique) may be used to provide elasticity, resilience, and/or decorative effect. FIG. 4 also shows the bracelets 412a-b connected using clasps 411a-d connected to the openings 422a-d. The clasps 411a-d may be provided with the bracelets 412a-b as bracelet clasps, or the bracelets 412a-b may be modified as such. This method of attachment is an alternative to sliding the bracelets 412a-b through the openings 421a-d in the flaps 421a-b, as described above and shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows two example fastening devices 510a-b with crystals 540a-b or other decoration (or “bling”). Also in this example, the fastening devices 510a-b are shown without any visible openings for connecting the bracelets. That is, openings may (or may not) be provided. For example, openings may be provided on the underside and thus are not visible in the top plan view. In another example, the fastening devices 510a-b may not have any openings, wherein the bracelet (if used) can be held within the same opening of the band portions 516a-b which wrap around the watchband 514. In addition, the fastening devices 510a-b may be used without a bracelet as a decorative element itself for the watchband 514.

FIG. 6 shows example fastening devices 610a-b having windows 642a-b formed through the band portions 616a-b, so that the watchband 614 is visible (at least partly visible) even when the fastening devices 610a-b are slid onto the watchband. Although circular windows 642a-b are shown in FIG. 6, any shape window (or plural windows) may be provided.

FIG. 7 shows example fastening devices 710a-b without any flaps (such as the flaps 21a-b shown in FIG. 1). In this example, the openings for attaching the bracelets are provided as rings 744a-d and 745a-d sewn or otherwise attached to the band portions 616a-b of the fastening devices 710a-b. In this example, the bracelets 712a-b are shown attached to the fastening devices 710a-b with separate clasps 746a-d. That is, the clasps 746a-d are not connected on the bracelet itself, but rather the bracelets 712a-b are provided through the clasps 746a-d and the clasps 746a-d are attached to the rings 744a-d on the fastening devices 710a-b.

FIG. 8 shows examples fastening devices 810a-b, again without any flaps. In this example, the openings for attaching the bracelets (not shown) are provided as rings 844a-d and 845a-d connected by corresponding links 848a-d and 849a-d (e.g., a single chain element or wire) to the band portions 816a-b of the fastening devices 810a-b.

In another example, both side flaps may be opened by snapping (or pulling in the case of VELCRO®) the top layer from the bottom layer, thereby fully separating the top and bottom portions of the band portion of the fastening device. In this example, the fastening device becomes two separate portions (e.g., halves) that are mirror images of each other that can be assembled together by the wearer onto the watch band.

FIGS. 9a-e are illustrations of other example fastening devices. FIGS. 9a and 9b show top views of example fastening device 910a and 910b, respectively. Fastening devices 910a-b are similar, but fastening device 910a includes decorative seams 911, whereas fastening device 910b is a “plain” configuration. FIG. 9c is a perspective view of the fastening device 910a shown in FIG. 9a so that a “hidden” elastic band 912 can be seen on the underside of the fastening device 910a. FIGS. 9d and 9e show the underside of the fastening device 910a and another example fastening device 910a′, respectively. Fastening device 910a includes a rectangular metal fastener 913, where the band portion goes through three metal (or other material) “holder” loops 914a-c. Fastening device 910a′ includes a square metal fastener 913′, where the band portion goes through two metal (or other material) “holder” loops 914a′ and 194b′. Of course, other numbers of loops and other sizes and configurations of fastener (e.g., circles) may also be used.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ may be positioned above, and are connected to, the elastic band portion of the fastening devices to go around the open end of the watch band. In effect, the fasteners 913 and 913′ hide the elastic band, in particular as the fasteners 913 and 913′ may extend on both sides beyond the “hidden” elastic band. The fasteners 913 and 913′ may also have side flaps with small openings.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ may be smooth and/or decorative on the top (finished) side. The underside has thin, narrow metal openings (e.g., on the left, center and/or right) that descend slightly and run the width of the fasteners 913 and 913′, and are large enough to receive the thin “hidden” elastic portion of the band, which passes through in a closed loop. In effect, the elastic band runs through openings that are connected from the underside (non-finished side) of the fasteners 913 and 913′. It is the hidden closed loop that receives the open end of the watch band, just as the other examples described above.

The fasteners 913 and 913′ can have all the same variations in edges and flaps and small openings as previously described. However, the edges and/or flaps in this particular formulation can be flush with the fasteners 913 and 913′, or offset (e.g., by a 1/16th of an inch) by a piece of metal. These examples provide a high-end, substantial look and may be appealing to some demographics of watch buyers.

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of another example fastening device. The fastening device 1000 may be used in conjunction with, e.g., for fastening to, jewelry. For example, the fastening device may be used with a watch, bracelet, or other type of band as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In an example, first and second arms 1002 and 1003 may be attached to the top portion 1001 at either end, the first arm 1002 having a notch 1006 to receive a bottom portion 1004, which is pivotally connected to the free end of the second arm 1003. The top portion, 1001 along with its arms 1002 and 1003, may be a single piece (e.g., made of a metal or plastic). The metal may be a precious metal or may be coated with a precious metal and also alternately include stones or beads as decoration. The fastening device 1000 can be of different dimension to fit on for example, a women's watch band, a man's watch band, a bracelet, or a purse strap, by way of non-limiting example.

In an example, the top portion 1001 may itself be decorative. For example, the top portion may also be made into a variety of different ornamental shapes. Although a bow is shown in the figures, any shape or shapes may be provided. In another example, the top portion 1001 may include on its face a decorative element. In an example, the decorative top portion has an interchangeable decorative element. For example, the bow portion 1001 shown in FIG. 10 may be disconnected and replaced with another decorative element (e.g., a flower, a skull, or any other element). The top portion 1001 can take any shape, and/or may be adorned with any number and/or type of decorative element (e.g., real or synthetic stones, natural or man-made, such as but not limited to diamonds, pearls, turquoise, rubies, sapphires). As such, the fastening device itself may be considered jewelry.

In an example, the fastening device 1000 may be manufactured using one or more molds. In other examples, the fastening device 1000 may be crafted (e.g., carved or otherwise formed). The fastening device 1000 may be manufactured from any type of material, such as but not limited to, metals, plastics, and combinations thereof (e.g., plated with a precious metal).

In an example, the bottom portion 1004 has a substantially similar profile as the top portion 1001 (or decorative element on the top portion, where these are not the same). In FIG. 10, for example, the top portion 1001 is shown having a substantially bow shape, with wider edges and a narrow middle. The bottom portion 1004 has a similar profile, e.g., substantially mirroring one another (see, e.g., FIG. 11b and FIG. 15).

In FIG. 10, a first side 1002 is shown as it may extend from an underside of a first end of the top portion 1001 (e.g., at approximately a ninety-degree angle). A second side 1003 is shown as it may extend from the underside of the top portion 1001 at a second end of the top portion 1001. Like the first side 1002, the second side 1003 may also extend from the underside of the top portion 1001 at approximately a ninety-degree angle.

In an example, the first side 1002 and second side 1003 may be continuous with the top portion 1001 (e.g., being a single piece, or manufactured in separate pieces and adhered together), to maintain the structural integrity of the device. A bottom portion 1004 may be hinged at 1005 or otherwise movably connected to the second side 1003 at a free end of the second side 1003. The bottom portion 1004 together with the first side form a clasp portion of the fastening device 1000, fitting together at the free end of the first side 1006.

FIG. 11a is another perspective illustration of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11b is a bottom perspective view of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10. The device is shown with the top 1001, first side 1002, second side 1003, and bottom 1004 being visible. It can be seen in this illustration, that the bottom 1004 is hinged to the second side 1003 at the free end of the second side 1003, and clips into or fastens to the free end of the first side 1006.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in an open position on a watch band 1007. The fastening device is shown in an open position fitted around the watch band, with the top 1001, first side 1002, second side 1003, and bottom 1004. The bottom 1004 may be hinged at 1005 or otherwise connected to the second side 1003 at the free end of the second side 1003.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of a first end of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10. The free end of the first side 1006 is illustrated having a concave notch 1301 on its interior side. This notch 1301 operates to receive the free end of the bottom portion 1004 (see FIGS. 11a-b) of the fastening device 1000.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in an open position. In this example, the bottom 1004 is shown generally having the same shape as the top 1001. It is noted, however, that in other examples the bottom 1004 may be made in any shape so long as the dimensions permit the free tip 1401 to snugly engage the notch 1301 located near the free end of the first side 1006. The first side 1002 may bend slightly outwards as the free end is slid past to allow the tip 1401 to slide into the notch 1301 to attain a snug fit in the closed position.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the example fastening device shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position. It can be seen that the tip 1401 of the bottom piece 1004 fits snugly into the notch 1301 of the first side. The overall dimensions of the clasp device can vary depending on the size of the watch band (or bracelet, or other band, strap, or cord-like device it is attached to). The top 1001 can be shaped according to the user's preferences with an attached decorative item being, by way of non-limiting example, a jewelry item(s), stone(s), or bead(s).

FIG. 16a is a side view of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position on a watch band. The tip 1401 of the bottom piece 1004 fits snugly into the notch 1301 of the first side. FIG. 16b is a top view of the example fastening device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, illustrated in a closed position on a watch band. In this view only the top 1001 face which may be decorative in nature is visible.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described above are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examples are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A fastening device for jewelry comprising:

a decorative top portion;
a first arm extending from a first end of the decorative top portion, the first arm having a notch formed on an interior of a free end of the decorative top portion;
a second arm extending from a second end of the decorative top portion; and
a bottom portion having a shape that substantially follows a shape of the decorative top portion, the bottom portion pivotally connected to the second arm, the bottom portion formed to engage the notch of the first arm in a closed position.

2. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the notch is concave.

3. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is pivotally connected to decorative top portion with a hinge.

4. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion and the bottom portion are the same shape.

5. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion has a shape which substantially mirrors a shape of the decorative top portion.

6. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising an opening formed between the decorative top portion and the bottom portion, the opening configured to slidably receive a watch band therethrough.

7. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion and the first and second arms are all provided as a single manufactured piece.

8. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion is molded metal.

9. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion is molded plastic.

10. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion is metal plated.

11. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion has an interchangeable decorative element.

12. A fastening device for jewelry comprising:

a top portion having a decorative element forming a first shape;
a first arm extending from a first end of the top portion;
a second arm extending from a second end of the top portion; and
a bottom portion having a second shape that follows the first shape of the top portion

13. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the bottom portion is pivotally connected to the second arm.

14. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the first arm has a notch.

15. The fastening device of claim 14, wherein the notch is formed on an interior of a free end of the top portion.

16. The fastening device of claim 14, wherein the bottom portion is formed to engage the notch of the first arm in a closed position.

17. A fastening device comprising:

a top portion having a decorative element forming a perimeter around an underside of the top portion;
a first arm extending from a first end of the top portion;
a second arm extending from a second end of the top portion; and
a bottom portion having another perimeter around an upper side of the bottom portion, the perimeter of the upper side having the same shape as the perimeter of the underside of the top portion.

18. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the perimeter around the underside of the top portion forms an outline which mirrors the perimeter of the upper side of the bottom portion.

19. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the bottom portion is pivotally connected to the second arm.

20. The fastening device of claim 14, wherein the first arm has a notch formed on an interior of a free end of the top portion, and the bottom portion is formed to engage the notch of the first arm in a closed position.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140101894
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 17, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 17, 2014
Inventor: Andrea Parascandolo (West Windsor, NJ)
Application Number: 14/109,397
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Arm Or Leg Carried Holder (24/3.2)
International Classification: A44C 5/18 (20060101);