Clasp assembly system for bracelets and necklaces

Abstract

A jewelry chain connector tool system has two holding and aligning fixture components each designed for holding one of the clasp sections of a bracelet or necklace and for opening and permitting closing of a spring-urged closure for assembling a bracelet necklace or anklet on the arm, neck or ankle of a user. The clasp and assembly ring fixtures have interfitting assembly and during assembly movement, cause opening the spring-activated clasp of the jewelry chain and simultaneously cause positioning of the assembly ring on the open clasp. When the fixtures are disassembled, the spring-urged clasp member is permitted to close, thus securing the chain clasp components in assembly. Various connector support and alignment fixtures are each provided with a mounting boss that is received by a bayonet receptacle of a fixture support stand to elevate and stabilize a connector element and facilitate ease of bracelet assembly to the wrist of a user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to bracelets and necklaces having chains and having various types of chains and clasps for assembling the bracelets and necklaces about the arm, neck or ankle of a user. More particularly, the present invention concerns a tool having two components each designed for capturing and holding one of the clasp sections of the clasp mechanism of a bracelet or necklace and for opening and closing the typically spring-urged clasp mechanism for securing the clasp mechanism of a bracelet necklace or anklet to the arm, neck or ankle of a user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,035 of Glass; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,526 of Rosenbaum et al and U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,065 of Wofford evidence attempts to provide devices for assembling the clasp and ring of the chain of a bracelet, necklace or anklet. None of these clasp assembly devices is deemed very effective for the intended use, since in each case the clasp and connection ring is not simultaneously independently supported by an assembly device. In each case an assembly device provides support for a clasp while the user must manually grasp the assembly ring and position it on the clasp. It is a difficult and often frustrating task to simultaneously manipulate an assembly tool and a bracelet or necklace connection ring, to the point that many owners of such clasp assembly devices do not consistently use them. Rather, many users of bracelets, necklaces and other such jewelry often revert to manual assembly of the clasps and rings or request others to do the assembly for them. It is desirable therefore to provide a tool for assembling the clasp and connection or jump ring of the chain of a bracelet, necklace or anklet wherein both the clasp and assembly ring are individually supported and oriented by components of the tool system and the tool components are simply positioned in assembly to establish opening and closing of the clasp and to achieve positioning of the assembly ring on the open clasp.

The terms “connection element”, “connection ring” and “jump ring” as used herein are each intended to refer to a conventional connection component of a necklace, bracelet or anklet chain which may be in ring-like form and which is received in secured relation by a clasp or other component of a jewelry chain to enable releasable installation of the jewelry chain about the neck, wrist or ankle of a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism for mechanically supporting the clasp and connection ring of the chain of a bracelet, necklace, anklet or the like and assembling the clasp and connection ring of the chain by bringing easily handled tool components into assembly.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a novel jewelry clasp assembly tool which automatically opens a spring actuated clasp, maintains the spring actuated clasp in its open condition, guides the chain connection ring onto the open clasp when clasp fixture components of the tool are brought into engagement and permits spring closure of the clasp when the fixture components are separated.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novel jewelry clasp assembly system incorporating a jewelry clasp assembly tool having tool sections that support the clasp and the connection ring of a jewelry item and facilitate simple and efficient manual connection of the clasp and connection ring.

It is an even further feature of the present invention to provide a novel jewelry clasp assembly system including an auxiliary support device for supporting an jewelry clasp in elevated position and facilitating positioning of a bracelet chain about the wrist of a user.

Briefly, the various objects and features of the present invention are realized through the provision of a jewelry clasp assembly tool having fixtures providing support for the clasp and the assembly ring of the chain of a bracelet, necklace, anklet, etc. The clasp and assembly ring fixtures of the clasp assembly tool are designed for interfitting assembly and during assembly movement, cause opening the spring-urged clasp of the jewelry chain and simultaneously cause positioning of the assembly ring on the open clasp. When the fixtures are separated, the spring-urged clasp member is permitted to close, thus securing the chain clasp components in assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.

It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration illustrating the jewelry clasp assembly tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and shown a clasp holding fixture member with the clasp holding fixture member in its open condition and showing a clasp member and chain of a jewelry item being placed within a positioning receptacle thereof and further showing a clasp opening member being oriented for clasp actuating insertion of the clasp holding fixture therein;

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the jewelry clasp assembly tool of FIG. 1, showing the closed condition of the clasp holding fixture member with a jewelry clasp and chain secured therein;

FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of the jewelry clasp assembly tool of FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing the closed condition of the clasp holding fixture member, with a jewelry clasp positioned thereby for opening movement of its spring-urged latch member;

FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration showing insertion of the closed jewelry clasp assembly fixture within the internal receptacle of the clasp opening member;

FIG. 5 is an isometric illustration similar to that of FIG. 4 and showing completed clasp opening insertion of the clasp holding fixture member within the internal receptacle thereof;

FIG. 6 is an end elevational illustration, showing the closed and latched condition of a connection ring or “jump ring” holding fixture enabling efficient holding and positioning of a chain and connection ring of a jewelry clasp;

FIG. 6A is another end elevational illustration showing the open condition of the connection ring or “jump ring” holding fixture of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration showing the connection ring holder of FIG. 6, with a connection or “jump” ring of a jewelry chain secured therein and positioned for assembly with a jewelry clasp;

FIG. 8 is an isometric illustration showing movement of the connection ring holder in guided relation with the assembled clasp holding fixture and clasp opening member to facilitate simple and efficient position of the jewelry connection ring onto the open jewelry clasp;

FIG. 9 is an isometric illustration showing separation movement of the clasp holding fixture member from the clasp opening member, with the connection ring holding fixture being manually held in association with the clasp opening member;

FIG. 10 is an isometric illustration showing completed separation of the clasp holding fixture member from the clasp opening member;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing the clasp holding fixture member of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, being designed for support and positioning of a “lobster claw” type jewelry clasp, and being shown in the open condition thereof, with a jewelry clasp being positioned for connection ring assembly;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view showing the closed condition of the clasp holding fixture member of FIG. 11, with the lobster claw type jewelry clasp being positioned with its closure element oriented for connection ring assembly;

FIG. 13 is an isometric illustration showing clasp opening assembly of the clasp holding fixture member of FIGS. 11 and 12 into the clasp opening member;

FIG. 14 is an isometric illustration showing completed clasp opening insertion of the clasp holding fixture member of FIGS. 11 and 12 into the clasp opening member and showing the open condition of the lobster claw type jewelry clasp;

FIG. 15 is an isometric illustration of a jewelry chain and connection or jump ring being positioned relative to a connection ring holding fixture, with the fixture being shown in the open position thereof to receive the jewelry chain and connection ring;

FIG. 16 is an isometric illustration similar to that of FIG. 15 and showing the closed condition of the connection ring holding fixture with a chain and connection ring secured therein in preparation for assembly of the connection ring within an open jewelry clasp in the manner shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17 is an isometric illustration showing a lobster claw type jewelry clasp and chain being secured and positioned by a jewelry clasp holding fixture member, assembled with a clasp opening member and further illustrating manual manipulation of the connection ring holding fixture member of FIGS. 15 and 16 for positioning of the connection ring on a jewelry clasp that is maintained open by interrelation of the clasp holding fixture member and the clasp opening member;

FIG. 18 is an isometric illustration showing completed separation of the jewelry clasp holding fixture member and the clasp opening member permitting closure of the lobster claw type jewelry clasp with the connection ring of the jewelry chain in assembly therewith;

FIG. 19 is an isometric illustration showing the open condition of a “fish-hook clasp” type connection ring holding fixture representing an alternative embodiment of the present invention and showing a type jewelry chain connection member positioned in assembly therewith;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the connection ring holding fixture of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an isometric illustration showing the open condition of another embodiment of the connection element holding fixture member, with a “fish-hook” type jewelry clasp and chain positioned to be secured thereby;

FIG. 22 is an isometric illustration showing the jewelry clasp holding fixture member of

FIG. 21 in its closed condition and further showing a jewelry connection holding fixture member securing a jewelry clasp and chain and being positioned in registry for assembly for connection of the jewelry clasp;

FIG. 23 is an isometric illustration showing manual manipulation of the jewelry clasp holding fixture member of FIG. 21 and the jewelry connection holding fixture member for assembly of a “hook” type jewelry clasp;

FIG. 24 is an isometric illustration showing manual assembly of a “fish-hook” type jewelry connector to a jewelry clasp being supported by the holding fixture of FIGS. 19, 20 and 22;

FIG. 25 is an isometric illustration showing a holding and positioning fixture member for one connection component of a barrel type jewelry clasp, the fixture being shown in its open condition with a connection component and chain being shown adjacent thereto;

FIG. 26 is a similar isometric illustration as compared with FIG. 25 and showing the opposite connection component of the barrel type jewelry clasp also in its open condition and having another component of the barrel type jewelry connector adjacent there to;

FIG. 27 is an isometric illustration showing a bottom view of the holding and positioning fixture member of FIG. 25 in the closed condition thereof;

FIG. 28 is an isometric illustration showing a support device in the contracted or collapsed condition thereof:

FIG. 29 is an isometric illustration showing the support device of FIG. 28 in the expanded and stabilized condition thereof for support of a jewelry clasp fixture device in position for use;

FIG. 30 is an isometric illustration showing the fixture support device of FIGS. 28 and 29 and further showing a connection ring and chain support fixture being releasably mounted thereto and supporting a chain and connection ring of a jewelry item in position for ease of assembly about the wrist or arm of a user; and

FIG. 31 is an isometric illustration showing the fixture support device of FIGS. 28-30 and further showing a jewelry clasp holding fixture member and a clasp opening member being in assembly and being manually manipulated for assembly of a connection ring to a clasp member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and first to FIGS. 1-5, a jewelry clasp assembly tool is shown generally at 10 and includes a jewelry clasp supporting fixture shown generally at 12 having a clasp supporting and orienting section 14 defining a receptacle 16 within which the chain and clasp of a jewelry item are located. A clasp positioning post 18 is located at the forward section of the receptacle 16 of the clasp supporting and orienting section 14 and defines an enlargement 20 at the free extremity thereof to provide for retention and positioning of a clasp member 22 as is evident from FIG. 1. The clasp member 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, is of generally circular configuration and is representative of one of the most popular clasps for bracelets, necklaces, anklets, etc. The clasp member 22 is of at least partially tubular form defining an internal chamber having a curved spring urged closure member 24 that is located partially within the internal chamber and being moveable to an open position against the force of its compression spring. When the opening force is released the spring member will move the closure member to its closed position. An actuating projection 26 extends from the closure member through a slot of the clasp member and is typically moved by application of manual force, such as by engaging the actuating projection with a finger-nail and moving it and the closure member 24 to open the clasp.

A closure section shown generally at 28 is preferably in integral moveable assembly with the clasp supporting and orienting section of the fixture by means of a “living hinge” 30. However, the closure section may be maintained in pivotally moveable assembly with the clasp supporting and orienting section by any other type of hinge or by any other means for maintaining the clasp supporting and orienting section and the closure section in moveable assembly. For example the clasp supporting and orienting section and the closure section maybe connected by a lanyard and may be simply snapped together to orient and secure the clasp and to secure a portion of the chain to which the clasp is connected. The closure section 28 defines a receptacle depression 29 that mates with the receptacle 16 and thus provides for closure of the receptacle. Alternatively, it should be borne in mind that the clasp supporting and orienting section and the closure section of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 may be provided with a soft, deformable material such as polyfoam which serves to capture and secure the clasp and chain of a jewelry item and support the clasp in position for opening and closing of the spring-urged closure member of the clasp.

The clasp supporting and orienting section 14 and the closure section 28 of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 each define interfitting structural elements that come into essentially interlocking or interfitting engagement when the closure section 28 is moved to its closed position in assembly with the clasp supporting and orienting section 14. The clasp supporting and orienting section 14 defines a raised generally rectangular boss 32 at least partially surrounded by a shoulder 33. The closing section 28 defines a generally rectangular flange 34 that projects beyond a planar surface 36 that fits about the outer periphery of the boss 32 when the closure section is at its closed position. The generally rectangular flange 34 is in engagement with or in close proximity to the shoulder 33 when the closure section is at its closed position. This feature establishes a substantially immoveable relationship of the clasp supporting and orienting section 14 and the closure section 28, thus ensuring that the clasp and chain of the jewelry item are secured in a manner that positions the clasp in a predetermined position for assembly of a connection ring thereto. To secure the clasp supporting and orienting section 14 and the closure section 28 at the closed position of the closure section a latch member 38. At the closed position of the closure section 28 the latch member 38 engages and becomes releasably latched to the outer peripheral portion 40 of the shoulder structure 34. Thus, the sections 14 and 28 snap together by virtue of the latch member 38 and remain together until manual force is subsequently applied to release them for opening movement of the closure section.

A clasp opening housing is shown generally at 42 and incorporates a pair of housing side walls 44 and 46 that are maintained in spaced, generally parallel relation by a top wall 48 and a bottom wall 50. The bottom wall 50 together with lower portions of the side walls 44 and 46 define a fixture support mount that is inserted into supported relation within a fixture mount element such as shown at 272 of a support and positioning stand such as shown at 270 in FIGS. 28-31, discussed in detail below. One of the side walls 44 and 46 is disposed in latched relation and is preferably connected to the bottom wall, or top wall by a living hinge member or any other suitable means permitting opening and closing movement of the moveable wall. The space between the side walls 44 and 46 defines an internal receptacle 52 that receives a forwardly projecting portion 54 of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 during clasp opening movement. The forwardly projecting portion 54 defines a guide element or key 56 projecting outwardly from each of the side walls. The spaced side walls each define internal slots that receive the guide element or key 56 and thus ensure accurate positioning of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 within the internal receptacle of the clasp opening housing. Prior to assembly of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 within the internal receptacle 52 a jewelry chain and jump ring will be extended into the internal receptacle as is evident from FIGS. 9 and 10. The moveable side wall 44 or 46 as the case may be, will be unlatched and moved to its open position to permit insertion or removal of the jewelry chain relative to the internal receptacle 52.

A clasp opening member 55 is mounted to the upper, rearmost portions 58 and 60 of the spaced side walls 44 and 46 and to the internal portion of the top wall 48. If desired the clasp opening member may be integral with the top wall or supported entirely by the upper portions of the spaced side walls. The clasp opening member defines a downwardly facing slot 62 that is of sufficient width to permit a portion of the clasp 22 to pass through it. The height of the downwardly facing slot 62 is sufficient to permit the upper portion of the clasp 22 to pass through it but is insufficient to permit the clasp actuator projection 26 to pass through it. Thus, during insertion movement of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture into the internal receptacle of the clasp opening housing 42 the clasp actuator projection 26 will engage and be stopped by the clasp opening member. As movement of the clasp ring continues by further insertion of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 into the internal receptacle 52 restraint of the clasp actuator 26 by the will cause opening movement of the clasp closure member 24 against the closing bias of its spring. When the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 is inserted into the internal receptacle of the clasp actuator housing 42 its forward end 64 will come into contact with a stop shoulder 66 of a stop member 68. A stop shoulder 70 is also defined by a downwardly projecting portion of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12. Upon maximum insertion of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 into the internal receptacle 52 the stop shoulder 70 will come into stopped engagement with the rearmost portion of the clasp opening housing 42, thus limiting further insertion movement. As shown in FIG. 5, at this point the clasp closure 24 will have been opened to its full extent and will remain open until such time as the jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 is extracted from the internal receptacle 52 of the clasp opening housing.

For the reason that clasp connection rings, also referred to as “jump rings” of jewelry chains are very small and spring-closed clasp rings are also very small, it is difficult to manually grasp the end portion of a chain and position its jump ring on a clasp ring while at the same time maintaining the spring-urged closure member of the clasp ring open by maintaining opening force on the actuator projection 26 of the clasp ring. Referring now to FIGS. 6-8 a clasp connection or jump ring holding fixture is shown generally at 72 and is shown in its open condition in FIG. 6. The connection ring holding fixture 72 is intended to secure an end portion of a jewelry chain and a connection ring and provide a relatively large fixture member that is easily manually handled. The connection ring holding fixture 72 is also intended to project at least the free end portion of the connection ring from the fixture and in position for ease of assembly with an open clasp ring. Basically the connection ring holding fixture 72 is defined by two body sections that are preferably movably interconnected by a living hinge or by any other suitable means to maintain the body sections in relatively moveable connection and to permit opening and closing movement of the body sections. Each body section also defines a projecting ring positioning member. When the body sections are at their closed and latched position the projecting ring positioning members are disposed in superposed relation, with a jewelry chain and connection ring captured substantially immovably between them and with the free end of the connection ring positioned for ease of assembly with an open clasp ring. The closed and latched body sections are then easily manipulated manually to assemble the connection ring with the clasp ring. After closure of the clasp ring the body sections are released from their latched position and opened to release the chain and connection ring.

The connection ring holding fixture 72 has a first body section 74 defining a latch groove 76 and having a lower portion 78 and an upstanding wall 80 defining a chain receiving groove 82 within which an end portion of a jewelry chain is intended to be received. The first body section 74 further defines a connection ring positioning and retion projection or ramp 84 having a slot or recess 86 defining the free end thereof. A second body section 88 is movably connected with the first body section 74 preferably by a living hinge 90 or by any other suitable hinge mechanism or any means to retain the body sections in relatively moveable assembly. The second body section defines a latch projection 92 that is received within the latch groove 76 when the body sections are at the closed positions thereof as shown in FIG. 6. The latch groove 76 and the latch projection 92 are preferably designed to achieve a snap fit or latching characteristic when the body sections are moved to their closed positions. In one suitable latching form the latch projection may have a slight hook-like cross section and the latch groove 76 may have an inclined groove surface defining a somewhat narrow groove opening. The latch projection, especially when it is somewhat flexible due to the material from which the body sections are composed, will be slightly flexed when the latch projection enters the latch groove, thus achieving a snap fit that releasably latches the body sections closed. The latched body sections are easily opened simply by applying a pulling force to the upper portions of the body sections.

The second body section 88 defines a jump ring positioning and retaining projection 94 that is moved to superposed or overlying relation with the connection ring positioning projection 84 when the body sections are at their closed positions as shown in FIG. 6. The retaining projection 94 defines an intermediate groove 96 that may be of arcuate configuration as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A and is of a dimension for cooperatively retaining a clasp connection ring 98 in substantially centered relation relative to the connection ring positioning projection and the retaining projection 94.

During use of the connection or jump ring holding fixture 72, the body sections 74 and 88 will be unlatched and moved to their open positions as shown in FIG. 6A, thus exposing the chain retaining groove 82 and permitting a portion of a jewelry chain to be located within the groove, with the clasp connection ring located in substantially centered relation with the connection ring positioning projection 84 and projecting beyond the centrally located slot or recess 86 thereof as evidenced by the isometric illustration of FIG. 7, which shows closing movement of the body sections. At the closed and latched positions of the body sections, as shown in FIG. 6 the retaining projection is in retaining engagement with the connection ring 98 of the jewelry chain and thus holds the connection ring securely in place to permit the user to easily manipulate the closed connection or jump ring holding fixture 72 to assemble the connection ring 98 to the jewelry clasp 22 being held open by the assembled jewelry clasp supporting fixture 12 and clasp opening housing 42 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates separating movement of the jewelry clasp supporting and orienting fixture 12 being extracted from the clasp opening housing 42 after the connector ring or jump ring has been assembled to the open clasp ring. During this extracting movement the clasp opening member 55 of the clasp opening housing 42 is moved away from the actuating projection 26 of the clasp ring 22, thus permitting spring-urged closing movement of the clasp closure member 24. During this extraction movement the user will apply minimal pulling force on the connection or jump ring holding fixture 72, thus applying this pulling force on the jewelry chain and jump ring and ensuring that the jump ring remains in assembly with the clasp ring during latching closure of the closure member 24. Only slight extraction movement is required to allow spring induced closing movement of the closure member. FIG. 10 shows the jewelry clasp supporting and orienting fixture 12 having been completely extracted from the internal receptacle 52 of the clasp opening housing 42 and the jump ring securely latched in assembly with the now closed clasp ring. At this point the closure section 28 of the jewelry clasp supporting fixture will be unlatched and opened, thus releasing the clasp and chain from the receptacle 16. The connection or jump ring holding fixture 72 is then unlatched and opened, thereby releasing the jewelry chain and connection or jump ring. The clasp opening housing is also unlatched and opened to permit the jewelry chain and clasp to be removed from the internal receptacle 52.

An alternative embodiment of the jewelry clasp supporting and orienting fixture of the present invention is shown generally at 100 in FIGS. 11 and 12, which differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 only in the specific structure for positioning and causing opening and closing movement of a lobster claw type jewelry clasp 102. Due to the similarity of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 similar components and features are referred to by like reference numerals. The clasp supporting and orienting section 14 defines a chain and clasp receptacle 104 that receives a jewelry chain 106. The structure or boss within which the receptacle 104 is formed defines a closure actuating shoulder 108 that is positioned for engagement with an actuating member 112 of a spring-urged closure member 114 of the clasp 102. When a pulling force is applied to the jewelry chain 106 the closure actuating member 112 is forced against the actuating shoulder 108 thus causing pivotal opening movement of the closure member 114 of the clasp. The closure section 28 of the fixture defines a corresponding depression that becomes registered with the chain and clasp receptacle 104. Also, when the jewelry clasp supporting fixture is closed and latched in the manner described above and is inserted into a clasp opening housing, shown generally at 116 in FIGS. 13 and 14, a pushing force is applied to the clasp member 102 causing its movement against the closure actuating shoulder 108, thus causing clasp opening movement of the actuating member 112.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are isometric illustrations that show a connection or jump ring holding fixture shown generally at 120 that is shown in its open position in FIG. 15 to receive the chain 122 and connection or jump ring 124 of a jewelry item such as a bracelet or necklace. The connection or jump ring holding fixture 120 is defined by first and second body sections 126 and 128 that are connected in moveable assembly by a living hinge 130 or by a mechanical hinge or any other mechanism that permits relative movement of the body sections 126 and 128 while maintaining the body sections in assembly. The connection or jump ring holding fixture 120 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A in that it defines a groove to receive the chain 122 and is provided with ring positioning projections 132 and 134 that serve to capture and hole the jump ring 124 so that it projects from the fixture and is positioned for ease of manually positioned assembly with a clasp ring or element 136 of a jewelry chain section 138 that is maintained with its spring-urged closure member 137 open as discussed above and as shown in FIG. 17. The jewelry clasp supporting and orienting fixture 100 and clasp opening housing 116 of FIGS. 17 and 18 are similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 11-15 and discussed in detail above. Thus like reference numerals are presented for identification of like components and structural features in FIGS. 17 and 18.

After the jump ring 124 has been assembled with the open lobster claw type jewelry clasp 136 the connection or jump ring holding fixture 120 is extracted from the clasp opening housing 116 as shown in FIG. 18. By manually applying a pulling force on the connection or jump ring holding fixture as shown in FIG. 18 the fixture 120 will slide along the chain, thus permitting the jewelry chain 122 to remain connected with the clasp as the jewelry clasp supporting and orienting fixture 100 is withdrawn from the clasp opening housing 116. As the fixture 100 is withdrawn from the clasp opening housing 116 the closure member of the clasp will be closed by its spring member. Thereafter, the fixtures 100 and 120 and the clasp opening housing will each be opened, thereby releasing the jewelry chain 122.

Referring to FIGS. 19-24, a jewelry chain and clasp holding and assembly tool is shown generally at 140 representing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The tool 140 incorporates a chain and clasp holding fixture shown generally at 142 having a pair of interfitting generally similar body sections 142 and 144 that are preferably integrally and moveably connected by a living hinge 148. The body sections 142 and 144 define chain receiving cavities 150 and 152 respectively that receive a jewelry chain 154. Clasp orienting members 156 and 158 of clasp section 144 are disposed in spaced relation and define a clasp receptacle 160 which is centrally located and has a configuration similar to the configuration of a jewelry clasp 162 having a jump connector slot 163. The opposite body section 146 also defines clasp orienting members 164 and 166 that are similarly spaced and located and thus defines a clasp receptacle 168. The living hinge 148 permits the body sections to be moved from open positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 to closed positions of the body sections as shown in FIG. 22. An integral latch member 170, which is yieldable by virtue of the somewhat flexible material, such as a polymer, from which the jewelry chain and clasp holding and assembly tool 140 is composed, extends from one side of the body section 144 and will achieve a snap latch retaining relation with the side portion 172 of the body section 146 to secure the body sections in closed and latched relation for retaining the jewelry chain and clasp in the position shown in FIG. 19.

As shown in the bottom view of the jewelry chain and clasp holding and assembly tool 140 a tool or fixture support mount 174 is shown to be fixed to or integral with the body section 146 and is of a configuration for bayonet type engagement with a tool support device such as is shown in FIGS. 28-31, explained in detail below.

FIGS. 21-24 show a jump connector holding and positioning fixture generally at 180 which is shown in its open condition in FIG. 21 and in its closed position in FIGS. 22 and 23. The jump connector holding and positioning fixture 180 is preferably integrally formed of a material such as any one of a number of suitable polymer materials having some flexibility especially when considering small material sections as will occur in integral living hinges thereof. However, it is to be understood that other types of hinges may be employed to establish moveable relation between body sections as desired. The jump connector holding and positioning fixture 180 has a body section 182 defining a cavity 184 within which is received another body section 186 having a geometry to be received in interfitting and secured or latched relation within cavity 184. A living hinge 188 being integral with both body sections and defines a weakened intermediate region 190 that serves as the moveable portion of the hinge. The intermediate region 190 defines a transverse slot or groove within which is received a shank portion 192 of an alligator type jump connector 194 to which a jewelry chain section 196 is connected. The body section 186 defines a tab member 198 at its free extremity which projects beyond the free end 199 of the body section 182 and can be manipulated to extract the body section 186 from the body cavity 184. In the closed and latched condition shown in FIG. 22, the alligator type jump connector 194 is secured and oriented to that it can be moved into the jump connector slot 163 of the jewelry clasp 162.

If desired, as shown in FIG. 24, the alligator type jump connector 194 may be manually positioned within the jump connector slot 163 since the alligator type jump connector 194 is typically threaded through the jump connector slot and around an intermediate retainer post centrally of the slot opening as shown in FIG. 23, is then squeezed between a finger and thumb to slightly deform or collapse it and to push the jump connector fully into the slot 163 as shown in FIG. 24. When the manual squeezing force is released, the spring-like character of the jump connector will cause its expansion thus establish retaining engagement with the internal geometry of the jump connector slot. Should unusual pulling force then be applied to the chain section 196 and pull the jump connector from the slot 163, the hook-like jump connector will be prevented from completely releasing from the clasp 162 by hooked engagement with the internal intermediate retainer post of the jump connector slot.

In FIGS. 25-27 an orientation and assembly tool is shown generally at 200 for establishing connection of the connector sections 202 and 204 of a threaded barrel type jewelry chain and connector assembly. The barrel connector 202 defines an internally threaded receptacle 206 within one end thereof and has a chain connector ring 208 at the opposite end thereof which is connected with a section 210 of a jewelry chain. The opposite barrel connector section 204 is also provided with a chain connector ring 212 to which is connected a section 214 of a jewelry chain. The barrel section 204 defines a centrally located externally threaded projection 216 which is threaded into the internally threaded receptacle 206 to secure the chain sections 210 and 214 in assembly about the neck or wrist of a user. Typically, the barrel connectors are assembled by manual manipulation of the very small barrel connector sections, often as not causing cross-threading of the threads and possibly damaging the connectors.

To overcome this difficult and uncertain assembly problem, the barrel connector orientation and assembly tool 200 incorporates tool sections 218 and 220 that are moveably interconnected by means of a living hinge 222 or by any other connection that permits relative movement of the tool sections. The jewelry connector orientation and assembly tool is shown generally at 200 is preferably composed of any one of a number of suitable polymer materials that are suitable for injection molding or may be composed of any of a wide variety of materials including, but not being limited to metal, natural rubber, synthetic rubbef or the like. For example, a simple pivotal hinge may establish pivotally moveable interconnection of the tool sections or the tool sections may be loosely connected by a tether, such as a section of bead chain or cord having ends fixed to the tool sections.

The tool sections 218 and 220 define substantially semi-cylindrical grooves 224 and 226 that together, when the tool sections are at their closed and latched positions as shown in the bottom isometric view of FIG. 27, define a substantially cylindrical receptacle for holding, and orienting the barrel connector 202 with its internally threaded receptacle 206 centrally located within the substantially cylindrical receptacle of the closed orientation and assembly tool 200. The tool sections also define internal semi-cylindrical guide surface segments 228 and 230 that are essentially concentrically located with respect to the grooves 224 and 226. The guide surface segments 228 and 230, in the closed and latched condition of the tool 200, as shown in FIG. 27, define a substantially cylindrical guiding and positioning passage or receptacle 232. One or both of the tool sections 218 and 220 are provided with latch elements, such as shown at 234 that cause latching of the tool sections in their closed positions. The latch elements 234 may be yieldable elements that are integral with the tool sections or may be any suitable type of latch devices that are fixed to the tool sections in any suitable manner. The tool sections 218 and 220 each define stop shoulder segments 236 and 238 that cooperate in the closed and latched condition of the tool 200 to define an internal stop surface 240. As shown in the bottom isometric illustration of FIG. 27, one of the tool sections, 220 in this case, define an external fixture support mount or mounting boss or projection 242 which is undercut to define opposed external grooves 244 and 246 that form a mounting flange or enlargement 248.

Another connector orientation and assembly tool element shown generally at 250 incorporates a pair of holding and alignment tool sections 252 and 254 that are connected in relatively moveable relation by means of a living hinge 256 or any other device as explained above that maintains the tool sections in connected relation and in relatively moveable relation. The holding and alignment tool sections 252 and 254 each define semi-cylindrical grooves 258 and 260 that, in the closed and latched condition of the connector orientation and assembly tool element 250, define a centrally located receptacle within which the jewelry chain connector section 204 is retained in centralized position with respect to the external cylindrical surface 260 that is defined by the closed and latched tool sections 252 and 254. The tool section 252 is provided with a latch element 262 that engages within a latch receptacle 264 of the opposite tool section 254 when the tool sections are closed and latched.

With the jewelry chain connector section 204 secured and oriented centrally within the closed and latched orientation and assembly tool element 250 the tool element 250 is inserted within the guide passage 232 and is moved linearly until an end 266 of the closed and latched tool element nears the internal stop shoulder 240. At this point the externally threaded projection 216 will be located in precise registry with the internally threaded receptacle 206 of the jewelry chain connector section 202. Then, by simply rotating the orientation and assembly tool element 250 relative to the orientation and assembly tool 200 the external and internal threads become made up, thereby establishing secured connection of the jewelry chain, without any risk of cross-threading or otherwise damaging the threads. The latches of the tool sections are then simply released and the tools 200 and 250 are opened, thereby releasing the assembled barrel connector from the connection and alignment tools 202 and 250.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-31 the jewelry chain clasp assembly system of the present invention incorporates a support and positioning stand device, shown generally at 270 that provides support and positioning of a jump ring holding fixture such as that shown at 72 in FIGS. 7-10 and shown at 120 in FIGS. 15-17 or a clasp holding and positioning fixture such as that shown at 140 in FIGS. 19-24. The support and positioning stand device 270 has a fixture mount element 272 at its upper portion that defines a bayonet receptacle 274 essentially in the form of an undercut slot having spaced retainer flanges 276 and 278. A tool support mount such as that shown at 174 in FIG. 20, and which may be provided on bottom portions of the various fixtures discussed above, defines oppositely facing lateral side flanges or grooves 75 as shown in FIGS. 9, 15 and 16 that receive the spaced retainer flanges 276 and 278 of the fixture mount element 272. The connection or jump ring holding fixture 120 is simply pushed linearly into the bayonet receptacle 274 and is supported in substantially immoveable relation. This feature permits a user to then manipulate an assembled fixture such as shown at 100 and clasp opening housing such as shown at 116 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 31 to simply and efficiently assemble the connectors of a bracelet about the wrist of the user. The bayonet receptacle 274 is designed to receive an external fixture support mount or mounting boss or projection such as that shown at 242 in FIG. 27 or the mounting grooves provided on the lower portions of the various fixtures as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31.

To support a jump ring holding fixture in elevated position as shown in FIG. 30, the support and positioning stand device 270 is supported by a pair of moveable legs 280 and 282, at least one of which is pivotally mounted to the fixture mount element 272. This feature permits the legs 280 and 282 to be spread as shown in FIG. 30 or collapsed as shown in FIG. 28, such as for storing the support and positioning stand device 270 in a small jewelry container or for transporting the device in a travel container. A leg locking member 284 has one end 286 thereof pivotally mounted to leg 282 and the opposite end 288 thereof is provided with a guide pin 290 that is linearly moveable within an elongated guide slot 292 of the leg 280. During collapsing or spreading of the legs 280 and 282 the guide pin 290 will move linearly within the elongated slot 292 without becoming disassembled from the slot.

To provide for efficient support of the support and positioning stand device 270 foot plate members 294 and 296 are mounted to the lower ends of the leg members 280 and 282. The foot plate members may be fixed to the leg members or, in the alternative, may be pivotally or otherwise moveably mounted to the leg members to permit the support and positioning stand device 270 to be collapsed to the extent that it will fit within a small container or package for storage or transportation. In the collapsed condition of the support and positioning stand device 270 the foot plate members 294 and 296 will assume overlapping positions as shown in FIG. 28 thus enhancing the capability of collapsing the device to enable it to fit within a small storage space.

In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An assembly system for assembling a jewelry chain connector to a jewelry clasp having a chain connector opening and a spring-urged closure member and causing controlled opening and closing of the spring-urged closure member, comprising:

a clasp supporting and orienting fixture defining a clasp holding and orienting receptacle adapted to receive and secure a jewelry clasp and position the jewelry clasp to expose the chain connector opening thereof; and

a clasp opening housing defining an internal receptacle into which at least a portion of said clasp supporting and orienting fixture is selectively inserted and having a clasp opening member positioned for engagement by the spring-urged closure member during insertion of said clasp supporting and orienting fixture into said internal receptacle, permitting assembly of the jewelry chain connector to the open jewelry clasp, during extraction of said clasp supporting and orienting fixture from said internal receptacle the spring-urged closure member moving away from said clasp opening member permitting movement of the spring-urged closure member to its closed position securing the jewelry chain connector to the jewelry clasp.

2. The assembly system of claim 1, comprising:

said clasp supporting and orienting fixture having a clasp supporting and orienting section defining a portion of said clasp holding and orienting receptacle and having a closure section being movably interconnected with said clasp supporting and orienting section and defining another portion of said clasp holding and orienting receptacle, said closure section being moveable relative to said clasp supporting and orienting section to a closed position securing and orienting a jewelry clasp and an open position releasing the jewelry clasp.

3. The assembly system of claim 2, comprising:

a flexible member being integral with said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section and representing a hinge element retaining said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section in relatively moveable relation.

4. The assembly system of claim 2, comprising:

latch members being located on said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section and releasably securing said clasp supporting and orienting fixture in said closed position.

5. The assembly system of claim 1, comprising:

a jewelry connector holding and orienting fixture defining connector positioning elements for positioning and orienting a connector of a jewelry chain for assembly with an open jewelry clasp.

6. The assembly system of claim 5, comprising:

said jewelry connector holding and orienting fixture having relatively moveable fixture sections each defining a jewelry connector positioning element and being moveable to an open position permitting insertion of a jewelry connector therein and a closed position with said jump ring positioning and retention elements securing and orienting the jewelry connector; and

latch members being defined by said relatively moveable fixture sections and establishing releasable latching of said relatively moveable fixture sections at said closed position.

7. The assembly system of claim 5, comprising:

a moveable connector establishing relatively moveable connection of said relatively moveable fixture sections and enabling relative movement thereof to said open and closed positions; and

said relatively moveable fixture sections defining a chain receiving groove, during closing movement of said relatively moveable fixture sections said jewelry connector positioning and retention elements establishing positioning and retaining engagement with a jewelry chain connector.

8. The assembly system of claim 7, comprising:

a flexible element being integral with said relatively moveable fixture sections and serving in hinge-like manner to facilitate controlled pivot-like controlled movement of said relatively moveable fixture sections to said open and closed positions.

9. The assembly system of claim 5, comprising:

a fixture support mount being defined by said jewelry connector holding and orienting fixture; and

a support and positioning stand device having a fixture mount element thereon, said fixture support mount receiving and supporting said fixture support mount and thus securing said jewelry connector holding and orienting fixture in elevated position.

10. The assembly system of claim 5, comprising:

said support and positioning stand device being collapsible permitting ease of storage and transportation thereof.

11. A jewelry chain connector assembly system for securing a jewelry clasp having a first and second interfitting jewelry chain connectors capable of selective assembly and disassembly, comprising:

a first connector supporting and orienting fixture defining a connector holding and orienting receptacle adapted to receive orient and support a first jewelry connector, said first connector supporting and orienting fixture defining a fixture guiding and positioning receptacle;

a second connector supporting and orienting fixture being receivable within said fixture guiding and positioning receptacle and defining a second connector holding and orienting receptacle adapted to receive orient and secure a second jewelry chain connector; and

said second connector supporting and orienting fixture being moved in guided relation at least partially into said first connector supporting and orienting fixture and establishing releasable connection of said first and second interfitting jewelry chain connectors by relative movement of said first and second connector supporting and orienting fixtures.

12. The jewelry chain connector assembly system of claim 11, comprising:

said first connector supporting and orienting fixture having a pair of first sections each defining a portion of said connector holding and orienting receptacle therein;

a first moveable connector element maintaining said pair of first sections in relatively moveable assembly for movement to an open position permitting a jewelry connector to be positioned and oriented therein and a closed position securing the jewelry connector in oriented position therein;

said second connector supporting and orienting fixture having a pair of second sections each defining a portion of said connector holding and orienting receptacle therein; and

a second moveable connector element maintaining said pair of second sections in relatively moveable assembly for movement to an open position permitting a jewelry connector to be positioned and oriented therein and a closed position securing the jewelry connector in oriented position therein.

13. The jewelry chain connector assembly system of claim 12, comprising:

said first and second connector elements each being integral with said first and second connector supporting and orienting fixtures and serving in hinge-like manner to facilitate substantially pivotal controlled movement of said relatively moveable fixture sections to said open and closed positions thereof.

14. The jewelry chain connector assembly system of claim 11, comprising:

a fixture support mount projecting from one of said pairs of first and second sections;

a support and positioning stand device having a fixture mount element thereon, said fixture support mount receiving and supporting said fixture support mount and securing said first connector supporting and orienting fixture in elevated position; and

said support and positioning stand device being collapsible for storage and transportation thereof and expandable for stabilized positioning thereof on a substantially horizontal surface.

15. The jewelry chain connector assembly system of claim 14, comprising:

said fixture mount element defining a bayonet slot receiving an external mounting boss of a connector supporting and orienting fixture;

said support and positioning stand device having first and second relatively moveable legs, at least said first leg being mounted to said fixture mount element and defining an elongate guide slot; and

a leg locking member being pivotally mounted to said second leg and having a guide element engaging and being linearly moveable within said elongate guide slot.

16. A jewelry clasp and jewelry connector assembly system for securing a jewelry clasp having a jewelry connector opening and a spring-urged closure member and causing controlled opening and closing of the spring-urged closure member for assembly of the jewelry connector to the jewelry clasp, comprising:

a clasp supporting and orienting fixture defining a clasp holding and orienting receptacle within which a jewelry clasp is secured and positioned to expose the jump ring opening thereof, said clasp supporting and orienting fixture having a clasp supporting and orienting section defining a portion of said clasp holding and orienting receptacle and having a closure section being movably interconnected with said clasp supporting and orienting section and defining another portion of said clasp holding and orienting receptacle, said closure section being moveable relative to said clasp supporting and orienting section to a closed position securing and orienting a jewelry clasp and an open position releasing the jewelry clasp;

a flexible member being integral with said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section and representing a hinge retaining said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section in relatively moveable relation; and

a clasp opening housing defining an internal receptacle into which said clasp supporting and orienting fixture is inserted and having a clasp opening member positioned for engagement by the spring-urged closure member during insertion of a portion of said clasp supporting and orienting fixture into said clasp opening housing, permitting assembly of the jewelry connector to the jewelry clasp, during extraction of said clasp supporting and orienting fixture from said internal receptacle of said clasp opening housing the spring-urged closure member moving away from said clasp opening member permitting movement of the spring-urged closure member to its closed position.

17. The jewelry clasp and jump ring assembly system of claim 16, comprising:

latch members being located on said clasp supporting and orienting section and said closure section and releasably securing said clasp supporting and orienting fixture in said closed position.

18. The jewelry clasp and jewelry connector assembly system of claim 16, comprising:

a fixture support mount being defined by said clasp opening housing; and

a support and positioning stand device having a mount element thereon, said mount element receiving and supporting said clasp opening housing and supporting and securing said clasp opening housing and said jewelry connector holding and orienting fixture in stabilized position.

19. The jewelry clasp and jewelry connector assembly system of claim 16, comprising:

a fixture support mount being defined by said clasp opening housing;

a support and positioning stand device having a fixture mount element thereon defining a bayonet receptacle, said bayonet receptacle selectively receiving and supporting said fixture support mount and securing said clasp opening housing and said first connector supporting and orienting fixture in stabilized position;

said support and positioning stand device being collapsible for storage and transportation thereof and expandable for stabilized positioning thereof on a substantially horizontal surface;

said support and positioning stand device having first and second relatively moveable legs, at least said first leg being mounted to said fixture mount element and defining an elongate guide; and

a leg locking member being pivotally mounted to said second leg and having a guide element engaging and being linearly moveable within said elongate guide.