Customizable jewelry latch

Abstract

A jewelry class includes a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain and means for engaging a selected link of the chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of the chain within the receptacle. The jewelry clasp further includes a means for retaining the selected link of the chain in engagement with the means for engaging.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A jewelry clasp comprising: 
 a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a length of chain;    means for engaging a selected link of said chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of said chain within said receptacle; and    means for retaining said selected link of said chain in engagement with said means for engaging.    
     
     
         2 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 1  wherein said means for engaging comprises a pin affixed to said frame an adapted for insertion through said selected link of said chain.  
     
     
         3 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 2  wherein said means for retaining comprises a lid rotatably coupled to said frame and having a seat for receiving an end of said pin.  
     
     
         4 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 1  wherein said means for engaging comprises an arm rotatably coupled to said frame and a pin affixed to said arm for insertion through said selected link of said chain.  
     
     
         5 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 4  wherein said means for retaining comprises a locking post affixed to said frame for engaging an aperture defined through said arm.  
     
     
         6 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 5  wherein said means for retaining further comprises a seat defined in said frame for receiving an end of said pin.  
     
     
         7 . A jewelry clasp comprising: 
 a frame including a sidewall defining a receptacle and having first and second apertures for retaining a length of chain threaded through said first and second apertures;    a pin for insertion through a selected link of said length of chain to retain said length within said frame; and    hinged means attached to said frame for selectively maintaining said pin in inserted engagement with said link.    
     
     
         8 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 7  wherein said pin is affixed to said hinged means and said frame further comprises a seat for receiving an end of said pin inserted through said link.  
     
     
         9 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 7  wherein said pin is affixed to said frame and said hinged means further comprises a seat for receiving an end of said pin inserted through said link.  
     
     
         10 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 7  wherein said sidewall of said frame comprises a semicircular portion and said first and second apertures are disposed on spaced apart points on said semicircular portion of said sidewall.  
     
     
         11 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 10  wherein said first and second apertures are disposed on opposing points on said semicircular portion of said sidewall.  
     
     
         12 . The jewelry clasp of  claim 7  wherein said hinged means comprises a lid for covering an aperture defined by said receptacle.  
     
     
         13 . Jewelry comprising: 
 a chain formed by a series of links; and    a clasp for forming a loop of said chain of a selected diameter comprising: 
 means for attaching said clasp to a first point of said chain;  
 a frame defining a receptacle adapted to receive a selected link of said chain;  
 a pin for engaging said selected link of said chain and preventing substantial longitudinal motion of said chain through said clasp; and  
 means for retaining said selected link of said chain in engagement with said pin.  
   
     
     
         14 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said pin is affixed to said frame and said means for retaining comprises a lid hinged to said frame and having a seat for receiving an end of said pin.  
     
     
         15 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said means for retaining comprises an arm hinged to said frame, said pin affixed to said arm and having an end for rotating into engagement with a seat in said frame.  
     
     
         16 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said means for attaching comprises a loop.  
     
     
         17 . The jewelry of  claim 16  wherein said loop is attached to a selected end of said chain.  
     
     
         18 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said chain forms a portion of a necklace.  
     
     
         19 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said chain forms a portion of a bracelet.  
     
     
         20 . The jewelry of  claim 13  wherein said chain forms a portion of an ankle bracelet.  
     
     
         21 . The jewelry of  claim 13  and further comprising an ornament affixed to said chain.  
     
     
         22 . A method of selectively adjusting the diameter of a loop formed by a jewelry chain comprising the steps of: 
 retaining a selected length of the chain in a receptacle of a clasp;    extending a pin through a selected link of the chain to retain the selected length of the chain within the frame; and    rotating a hinged member attached to the frame to maintain the pin in inserted engagement with the selected link.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the pin is affixed to the frame and said step of rotating a hinged memory comprises the step of rotating a lid having a seat for receiving an end of the pin over the receptacle.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the pin is affixed to the hinged member and said step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the hinged member to thereby insert the pin through the selected link.