Magnetic Clasp

Abstract

Method and apparatus for affixing magnets to objects such as jewelry clasps. In one embodiment the magnet is secured in a single piece setting. When attached to the other half of the clasp, there is a wall between the magnets, enabling the two clasp halves to be mated during drying of the glue. In another embodiment stepped magnets are used, which are preferably further secured in the clasp by mechanical means such as prongs or bezels, so that the resulting fixation is permanent unless the housing itself is deformed.

1 . A clasp comprising two magnetically attractable clasp members, each member comprising:
 a housing;   a stepped compartment within said housing;   a stepped magnet disposed in said compartment; and   at least one securing device integrated with said housing.   
   
   
       2 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein said at least one securing device is selected from the group consisting of a prong and a bezel. 
   
   
       3 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein a portion of said at least one securing device is bent over said magnet after said magnet is disposed in said compartment. 
   
   
       4 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein the housing further comprises an attachment device for attaching said housing to an object. 
   
   
       5 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein said stepped compartment prevents said magnet from moving in a first direction. 
   
   
       6 . The clasp of  claim 5  wherein said securing device prevents said magnet from moving in a second direction substantially perpendicular or substantially opposite to said first direction. 
   
   
       7 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein said housing comprises an opening substantially aligned with a surface of said magnet. 
   
   
       8 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein said housing comprises a structure for aligning a first clasp member with a second clasp member. 
   
   
       9 . The clasp of  claim 8  wherein said structure prevents entanglement of a strand of objects with said first clasp member. 
   
   
       10 . The clasp of  claim 1  wherein said magnet comprises a first face which is attracted to a second face of a magnet in another clasp member. 
   
   
       11 . The clasp of  claim 10  wherein said first face is located interior to said housing. 
   
   
       12 . A clasp comprising two magnetically attractable clasp members, each member comprising:
 a housing;   a stepped magnet disposed in said housing, said stepped magnet comprising a raised central portion; and   at least one prong attached to said housing, a portion of said prong bent over an edge portion of said stepped magnet;   wherein said bent portion of said pong does not extend substantially above said raised central portion of said stepped magnet.   
   
   
       13 . The clasp of  claim 12  wherein said housing comprises a registration device to align a first clasp member with a second clasp member. 
   
   
       14 . The clasp of  claim 13  wherein said housing comprises a handle to aid in separating said first clasp member and said second clasp member. 
   
   
       15 . A clasp comprising two magnetically attractable clasp members, each member comprising:
 a housing; and   a compartment for receiving a magnet, said compartment comprising a wall parallel to an attracting face of said magnet and separating said face from an exterior of said housing;   wherein said magnet is secured in said compartment.   
   
   
       16 . The clasp of  claim 15  wherein said magnet is secured in said compartment by a prong, a bezel, or adhesive. 
   
   
       17 . The clasp of  claim 16  wherein a portion of said prong or bezel is bent over said magnet. 
   
   
       18 . The clasp of  claim 16  wherein said housing of a first clasp member is magnetically attached to a second clasp member during curing of said adhesive. 
   
   
       19 . The clasp of  claim 16  wherein said wall prevents uncured adhesive from reaching an exterior of the housing.