Clasp mechanism

A clasp for connecting two members together comprising a first body member which includes a main body portion and a hook-shaped jaws integrally connected thereto, said body portion having first and second surfaces, a second body member which includes a main body portion and a hook-shaped jaw integrally connected thereto, said body portion having first and second surfaces, means for pivotally connecting said body members together so that said hook-shaped jaws project toward each other so as to form an encirclement, the ends of said jaws by-passing each other when the clasp is in a closed condition, means for limiting pivotal movement of said jaws beyond a predetermined point, biasing means for urging said body members in opposite directions relative to each other about the pivot point, each body member including a cavity having a circular shape, formed in one of its surfaces, said cavities being juxtaposed when said body members are pivotally connected together thereby forming a compartment, means for positioning said biasing means within said compartment, said biasing means comprising a coil spring having first and second ends, means for securing the first end of said spring to the first body member, and means for securing the second end of said spring to the second body member, the means for securing the ends of the spring to the body members including tangential extensions of the cavities within which the ends of the spring are retained, said extensions projecting in opposite directions relative to each other, means for gripping said clasp and pivoting said body members relative to each other against the force of said biasing means whereby said jaws can be separated so as to permit an object to be inserted therebetween, said gripping means including a member secured to one of the body members, and the limiting means includes a protrusion which projects from the edge of the other body member, said protrusion abutting against said member when the jaws are in a closed condition.