US3365755A - Clasp for neckties and the like - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 30, 1968 VJ, VASTANO ETAL 3,365,755

CLASP FOR NECKTIES AND THELIKE Filed Nov. 9, 1965 INVENTORS. J EPH J. VASTANO BY L UIS F. VASTANO ATTORN EY United States Patent 3,365,755 CLASP FOR NECKTIES AND THE LIKE Joseph J. Vastano, 39 Merrymount Drive, Warwick, RI. 02888, and Louis F. Vastano, 31 Goldsmith Ave., East Providence, RI. 02906 Filed Nov. 9, 1965, Ser. No. 506,961

- 2 Claims. (Cl. 24-49) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention comprises a generally U-shaped member with one leg providing the tie clasp front and the other leg being shorter and providing a support for a pivot member. The short leg has a cut-away portion opening out at its free end. A gripping member is freely pivotally mounted by rolling the free ends of the split short leg about pintles formed on the gripping member at its sides. The gripping member is free of contact with the front leg to permit easy entry of shirt and tie thereunder when pivoted. Also the gripping member is of a size to fit into the cut-away when the thickness of the shirt and tie is of sufficient dimension.

The present invention relates to improvements in clasps and more particularly to an improved clasp for use on neckties and the like.

In prior clasps, especially tie clasps, it has been common to provide a three piece construction with a so-called alligator grip which includes a bulky lever and a spring. In such constructions, the grip of the clasp on the tie and shirt has not been uniform and the clasp could slide or tilt relative to the tie. The design also was objectionally bulky.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved clasp which is self-adjusting to the bulk of that being clasped.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved clasp for neckties and the like wherein the clasp is of simple two-piece construction, of thin, compact design and wherein the need for a separate spring is obviated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved clasp for neckties and the like, wherein the clasp freely opens without spring action to receive that which is to be clasped and wherein the clasp automatically resiliently grips that which is to be clasped upon sliding engagement thereon.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a clasp in accordance with the foregoing object and wherein the automatic gripping of that which is to be clasped is accompanied by a self-balancing pressure so that gripping at both ends of the clasp is balanced.

Various other objects and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description to follow.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a clasp according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing the gripping member pivoted to partially receive that which is to be clasped;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 but wherein the clasp has fully received that which is to be clasped;

FIGURE 5 is a rear elevational view of the clasp.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein like numerals apply to like parts throughout, it will be seen that we have provided an improved clasp 10 which includes a generally U-shaped member 12 and a gripping member 14.

The U-shaped member 12 comprises a piece, preferably of a metal such as gold or silver, including a first leg 16 and a second leg 18 joined by a bight portion 20. The first leg 16 is shorter than the second leg 18 and terminates in a free end 20 approximately medially of the second leg and in spaced relation thereto. The second leg 18 is usually fiat and ornamental especially when used as a tie clasp.

The first leg 16 has a cut-out 22 extending along a substantial portion of its length, as viewed best in FIGURES 1 and 5, so as to divide the free end 20 into a pair of sections 24, 26. The latter are rolled to form aligned pivot bearings for a purpose to be described. As shown in FIG- URES 1 and 5, the cut-out 22 is of a size and shape to receive and accommodate the arm 28 therein, as when the thickness of the shirt and tie is great. Also this permits a very thin U-shaped member, as now will be obvious.

The gripping member 14 is formed of resilient material and includes a pair of arms 28, 30 integrally joined at an oblique angle and terminating in a pair of gripping faces at 32, 34 opposing the leg 18. The faces 32, 34 each includes a lip 36, 38 extending angularly with respect to the respective arm with the gripping faces smoothly curved, as shown.

The medial portion of the gripping member, at which the arms 28, 30 are joined, has a pair of transversely aligned integral pintles 40, 42 projecting therefrom. The pintles are of circular cross-section so as to be freely pivotally received in the bearings 24, 26. It will be understood that the latter are rolled about the pintles in forming the assembly.

In use, the gripping member is freely pivotal in its bearing supports. When it is desired to clasp elements such as the tie sections 44, 46 on a shirt front 48, the gripping member 14 is pivoted from the position shown in FIG- URE 2 to that shown in FIGURE 3 so as to provide a wide entry mouth for the shirt and tie, as shown at 50. The clasp is then slid over the tie and shirt as shown and the engagement of the latter elements with the gripping member pivots the same to the position shown in FIG- URE 4. The pressure acting on the gripping member 14 is self-balanced and therefore the shirt and tie are gripped at both ends of the clasp, thereby obviating tilting or sliding of the tie clasp when in position.

In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that upon retraction of the clasp, the gripping face 32 will first be released so the other gripping face 34 can swing out to free the tie and shirt for removal.

Thus it is believed that we have provided an improved clasp for neckties and the like which fulfills the objects hereinbefore enumerated.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents, are therefore intended to be embraced by these claims.

We claim:

1. A clasp comprising a generally U-shaped member having first and second legs joined by a bight portion, said first leg being substantially shorter than said second leg, a resilient gripping member freely pivotally carried by said first leg at its free end, said gripping member having a pair of arms joined at an oblique angle and terminating in a pair of spaced gripping faces opposing said second leg, said gripping faces each including a terminal lip extending angularly with respect to its respective arm and away from said second leg, and the pivotal axis for said gripping member being located at the joint between said arms, said first leg having a cut-out of a size to relieve and accommodate the arms adjacent thereto.

2. A clasp according to claim 1 wherein said free end of said first leg is formed into a pair of aligned pivot bearings, and said gripping member has a pair of pintles integrally extending therefrom and engaged in said pivot bearings.

References Cited Silverman 2425 3 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1895 Great Britain. 10/1930 Switzerland.

DONALD A. GRIFFIN, Primary Examiner.

Images