Clasp

Abstract

An improved clasp includes first and second clasp portions, each having an attaching front edge, a mounting rear edge, a high-strength magnet imbedded adjacent the front edge and a receiving cavity adjacent the rear edge. The cavity receives an end of a band or strap. The first portion has a covering lip attached to an upper surface above the front edge. The lip extends outwardly toward the rear edge of the second portion upon joining of the portions. The lip extends between the side edges of the first portion. The improvement includes a protective ledge that extends outwardly from a lower surface of the second portion toward the rear edge of the first portion upon joining of the portions. The ledge extends between first and second side edges of the second portion. A bracelet that has the improved bracelet clasp prevents pinching of skin of the wearer's wrist upon joining.

1 . An improved clasp, of the type comprising first and second clasp portions, each of said portions having an attaching front edge, a mounting rear edge, a high-strength magnet imbedded adjacent said front edge and a receiving cavity adjacent said rear edge, said cavity being sized and shaped to receive an end of a band, said first clasp portion having a covering lip attached to an upper surface of said first portion above said front edge, said lip extending outwardly over said front edge toward said rear edge of said second clasp portion upon joining of said first and second portions, said lip extending from a first side edge to a second side edge of said first portion, the improvement comprising:
 a protective ledge, said ledge extending outwardly from a lower surface of said second clasp portion toward said rear edge of said first clasp portion upon joining of said first and second portions;   said ledge extending from a first side edge to a second side edge of said second portion; and   wherein said improved clasp is placed adjacent a wearer's skin, said first clasp portion is positioned adjacent said second clasp portion, magnetic force draws said portions together and said protective ledge prevents pinching of skin of said wearer.   
     
     
         2 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one receiving notch, said receiving notch disposed adjacent said first side edge of said second clasp portion above said protective ledge;   at least one mating tab, said tab disposed adjacent said first side edge of said first clasp portion below said covering lip, said mating tab being sized and shaped to fit slidably into said receiving notch; and   wherein fitting of said tab into said notch prevents lateral movement of said first clasp portion with respect to said second clasp portion in at least one direction upon joining of said first and second clasp portions.   
     
     
         3 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 2 , wherein:
 said receiving notch is disposed adjacent said first and second side edges of said second clasp portion above said protective ledge;   said mating tab, is disposed adjacent said first and second side edges of said first clasp portion below said covering lip; and   wherein fitting of said tabs into said notches prevents lateral movement of said first clasp portion with respect to said second clasp portion in two directions upon joining of said first and second clasp portions.   
     
     
         4 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 2 , wherein:
 said at least one mating tab has an arcurate leading edge, said leading edge extending from an underside of said covering lip to a lower surface of said first clasp portion;   said at least one receiving notch has a mating arcurate trailing edge, said trailing edge extending from an top surface of said protective ledge to an upper surface of said of said second clasp portion; and   wherein said arcurate leading and trailing edges assist said wearer in fastening and unfastening said improved clasp.   
     
     
         5 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible backing strap, having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface, said ends being sized and shaped to fit slidably into said receiving cavities of said first and second clasp portions, said ends being attached to said receiving cavities, said backing strap being formed of material selected from the group consisting of:
 metallic mesh, leather, plastic and fabric.   
     
     
         6 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 5 , wherein said flexible backing strap is attached to said receiving cavities using a method selected from a list consisting of:
 adhesive fastening, welding, brazing, crimping, soldering and wiring.   
     
     
         7 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 5 , wherein decorative material is adhered so said upper surface. 
     
     
         8 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible strap, said strap having a first end, a second end, said ends being sized and shaped to fit slidably into said receiving cavities of said first and second clasp portions, being adhesively attached to said receiving cavities and being formed of material selected from the group consisting of:
 leather, fabric, plastic, rubber and metal mesh.   
     
     
         9 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 8 , wherein said flexible backing strap is attached to said receiving cavities using a method selected from a list consisting of:
 adhesive fastening, crimping, soldering and wiring.   
     
     
         10 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 transverse gripping features, said features being formed upon said upper surface and a lower surface of said first clasp portion and being formed upon said lower surface and an upper surface of said second clasp portion; and   said features providing assistance in opening and closing said improved clasp.   
     
     
         11 . The improved clasp, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising first and second relief cutouts, said cutouts penetrating lower walls of said receiving cavities of said first and second clasp portions.