WO2006067559A2

WO2006067559A2 - Earring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006067559A2
Application number: PCT/IB2005/003318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeannette Fossas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-30
Filing date: 2005-07-29
Publication date: 2006-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-30
Also published as: WO2006067559A3

Abstract

An earring apparatus includes a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament. The post includes a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear and a second portion integrally joined to the first portion at a first transition area. The transition area inhibits the first portion from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

Description

EARRING APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 60/592652, filed on July 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[002] The present invention relates to earrings of the pierced ear variety, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an earring apparatus having a post for a pierced ear that does not require a clasp, nut, or other fastener for securement of the earring apparatus to the pierced ear.

History of the Related Art

[003] Many types of earrings for pierced ears exist today. These typically include a post attached to an ornament portion of the earring. The ornament portion may vary considerably and may include a hoop, drop, stud, or the like. The ornament portion may be formed of a variety of materials such as, for example, gold, silver, or the like, and may also include gemstones, beads, crystals, pearls, etc. The post is typically inserted through the pierced ear and secured via a fastener, such as, for example, a nut or clasp, to inhibit the earring from slipping out of the pierced ear when the earring is in use.

[004] A first type of fastener for an earring 100 is illustrated in FIGURE 1. The earring 100 includes a post 102, a nut 104, and an ornament portion 106. The nut 104 may fasten to the post 102 via a positive locking mechanism, such as a groove oriented at an end portion of the post 102, or the nut 104 may screw into place with a threaded bore that is screwed onto a complimentary threaded post (e.g., the post 102). The nut 104 may also be held in place via a frictional engagement between the post 102 and an aperture of the nut 104.

[005] A second type of fastener for an earring 200 is illustrated in FIGURE 2.

The earring 200 in this example includes an ornament portion 206 that is illustratively formed as a hoop. The ornament portion 206 connects to the post 202 at a first connection 208. The first connection 208 is typically a hinged connection to allow a person to easily manipulate the post 202 through the pierced ear. Once the post 202 has been inserted through the ear, a back portion

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DALLAS2 1 118026vl 66313-00003 WOPT 203 bf tKe postT202 is secured in place via a clasp 204. The clasp 204 is typically formed adjacent to or at an end of the ornament portion 206 and often secures the post 202 via a pinching action.

[006] An earring such as the earring of FIGURE 1 may easily be pulled or fall out of the pierced ear. Many ornament portions 106 may be heavy when compared to the post 102 and the nut 104. The ornament portion 106 may be heavy enough to pull the post 102 out of the ear even when the nut 104 is attached or the ornament portion 106 may pull the post 102 out of the ear when the nut 104 has been lost. The earring 100 may be very easily lost due to the fact that the post 102 is linear or of a curved shape that allows the earring to easily slip out of the ear. Similarly, an earring such as the earring of FIGURE 2 may easily be pulled or fall out of the pierced ear. If the clasp 204 is damaged, it may become difficult for the back portion 203 of the post 202 to be secured in place. Thus, the earring 200 may easily slip out of the ear.

[007] Many current earrings require a clasp or a nut for securement. However, when, for example, a clasp is damaged or a nut is misplaced, it is difficult at best to prevent the earring from slipping our of the ear. Therefore, there is a need for an improved earring for pierced ears that holds the earring in place without the need for any type of securing fastener such as, for example, a nut or a clasp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] An earring apparatus includes a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion. The post includes a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear and a second portion integrally joined to the first portion at a first transition area. The transition area inhibits the first portion from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

[009] A claspless earring apparatus includes a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion. The post includes a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear and a second portion integrally joined to the first portion at a first transition area. The transition area inhibits the first portion from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

[0010] An earring apparatus includes a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion. The post further includes a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear, a second portion integrally joined to the first portion, and a third portion integrally joined to the second portion. The third portion is adapted to abut against an inside of the pierced ear inhibiting the first portion from slipping out of said pierced ear during use.

DALLAS2 1118026V 1 66313-00003WOPT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] FIGURE 1, previously described, is an illustration of a first prior art earring apparatus;

[0013] FIGURE 2, previously described, is an illustration of a second prior art earring apparatus;

[0014] FIGURE 3 A is a side view of an earring apparatus;

[0015] FIGURE 3B is a side view of the earring apparatus of FIGURE 3 A inserted into a pierced ear;

[0016] FIGURE 3C is a side view of an earring apparatus;

[0017] FIGURE 3D is a side view of an earring apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIGURES 4A-4D are side views of earring posts according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019] FIGURE 5 is a side view of an earring post according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring now to FIGURE 3A, an earring apparatus 300 including a post 302 is illustrated. The earring apparatus 300 also includes an ornament portion 304 that connects to the post 302. Although various embodiments illustrate the ornament portion 304 as a hoop or stud, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that numerous other forms of the ornament portion 304 may be utilized without departing from principles of the present invention. The ornament portion 304 may be an ornament of any design, shape, or size desired to provide a fashionable or aesthetically-pleasing look. As an illustrative embodiment, the ornament portion 304 may be made of any material desired to produce a fashionable or aesthetically-pleasing look, such as, for example, metal, alloy, plastic, ceramic, wood, or any combination thereof.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the post 302 is formed of a sturdy wire oriented in a generally U-shaped configuration and operatively connected to the ornament portion 304. It will be understood that a generally U-shaped post 302 is one of many different possible configurations. The wire of the post 302 is rigid enough to not lose shape when

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DALLAS2 1118026V 1 66313-00003WOPT handled in normal use. The post 302 includes a plurality of portions. A first portion 306 of the post 302 is disposed through a pierced ear when the earring apparatus 300 is being worn. The post 302 further includes a second portion 308. The first portion 306 and the second portion

[0022] 308 are integrally joined together at a first transition area 309. A length "d" of the first portion 306 is substantially the same as the thickness of a typical ear lobe (e.g., 0.32-0.48 cm). The first transition area 309 is illustrated as a point of connection between the first portion 306 and the second portion 308. The first transition area 309 is formed so as to inhibit the earring apparatus 300 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

[0023] The post 302 is shaped such that an angle α is created at the first transition area 309, between the first portion 306 and the second portions 308 at the transition area 309. The angle α is swept by a radius of curvature r. The sharpness of the angle α of the transition area varies inversely with r. In other words, for a given angle α, as r decreases, the corner formed at the transition area 306 becomes sharper. In FIGURES 3A-3C, r as illustrated approaches zero and α is somewhat greater than 90°. r is preferably not greater than 50% of d. The angle α is sufficiently small so as to inhibit the earring apparatus 300 from sliding out of the pierced ear during use. As used herein, the angle α is an angle of about 60° to about 90°. The angle α causes the second portion 308 of the post 302 to be oriented such that the second portion 308 preferably abuts against an inside or bottom of the user's ear lobe, thereby inhibiting the earring apparatus 300 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

[0024] The post 302 may further include a third portion 310. The second and the third portions 308, 310 are integrally joined together at a second transition area 311. The second transition area 311 is illustrated as a point of connection between the second portion 308 and the third portion 310. Although the second and third portions 308, 310 are illustrated as having a particular shape and orientation, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the second and third portions 308, 310 may be a shape adapted to inhibit the earring apparatus 300 from slipping out of the pierced ear and provide for easy insertion of the earring apparatus 300 through the pierced ear. In another option, the third portion 310 may be eliminated.

[0025] Referring now to FIGURE 3B, the earring apparatus 300 of FIGURE 3A is shown as worn through a pierced left ear, the lobe of which is diagrammatically shown in phantom. The first portion 306 resides within the lobe of the ear, whereas the angle α created at the first transition area 309 between the first portion 306 and the second portion 308 is adapted to inhibit the earring apparatus 300 from sliding out of the pierced ear during use. The angle α is sufficiently small to cause the second portion 308 of the post 302 to be oriented such that the

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DALLAS2 1 118026vl 66313-00003WOPT second portion 308 abuts against an inside or bottom of the user's ear lobe, thereby inhibiting the earring apparatus 300 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use. As those having skill in the art will appreciate, a smaller value of r (i.e., a sharper transition area 309) could permit a larger value of α to be used. FIGURE 3B further illustrates the third portion 310, however, as described above, the third portion 310 may be eliminated.

[0026] Referring now to FIGURE 3C, another embodiment of an earring apparatus is illustrated in association with a diagrammatically-illustrated left earlobe shown in phantom. In an earring apparatus 301, an ornament portion 312 may be of any shape, size, material, etc. A stud, which may be formed, for example, of a precious metal, gemstone, or other material, may be utilized as the ornament portion 312. In addition, a drop or other ornament may be connected to the ornament portion 312.

[0027] Referring now to FIGURE 3D, an earring apparatus 350 is illustrated. The earring apparatus 350 includes a post 302. The post 302 includes a plurality of portions. A first portion 306 of the post 302 is disposed through a pierced ear when the earring apparatus 350 is being worn. The post 302 further includes a second portion 308. The first portion 306 and the second portions 308 are integrally joined together at a first transition area 309. A first transition area 309 is illustrated as a point of connection between the first portion 306 and the second portion 308. The first transition area 309 is formed so as to inhibit the earring apparatus 300 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use. The earring apparatus further includes a fourth portion 313 integrally joined to the first portion 306. The fourth portion 313 includes an indented region 314 adapted to receive, for example, a charm or other decorative item.

[0028] Referring now to FIGURES 4A-4D, several embodiments of an earring 400 having a post 402 are illustrated. In FIGURE 4A, the post 402 includes a plurality of portions. A first portion 405 of the post 402 is disposed through a pierced ear when the earring apparatus 400 is being worn. The first portion 405 and the second portion 408 are integrally joined together at a first transition area 404. A length "d" of the first portion 405 is substantially the same as the thickness of a typical ear lobe (e.g., 0.32-0.48 cm), α and r as shown in FIGURES 4A-4C are the same as discussed above with respect to FIGURES 3A-3C. In FIGURE 4A, r approaches zero and α is somewhat less than 90°. In FIGURE 4B, α is less than 90° and r is greater than zero. In FIGURE 4C, r approaches zero and α is less than 90°. The first transition area 404 is illustrated as a point of connection between the first portion 405 and the second portion 408. The first transition area 404 is formed so as to inhibit the earring apparatus 400 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use. The first transition area 404

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DAIXAS2 11 18Q26vl 66313-00003 WOPT causes the second portion 408 of the post 402 to be oriented such that the second portion 408 preferably abuts against the inside or bottom of the user's ear lobe, thereby inhibiting the earring apparatus 400 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

[0029] The post 302, 402 may be formed in a variety of different geometric shapes, so long as the second portion 308, 408 is formed so as to cause the second portion 308, 408 to touch the inside or bottom of the user's ear lobe, thereby inhibiting the earring apparatus 300, 400 from slipping out of the pierced ear. Several exemplary embodiments of the post 402 are illustrated in FIGURES 4B-4D.

[0030] FIGURE 5 illustrates a side view of an earring post 502. The post 502 includes a plurality of portions. A first portion 505 of the post 502 is disposed through a pierced ear when the earring apparatus 500 is being worn. A length "d" of the first portion 505 is substantially the same as the thickness of a typical ear lobe (e.g., 0.32-0.48 cm) The post 502 further includes a second portion 508 and a third portion 510. The first, second, and third portions 505, 508, 510 are integrally joined together and are shaped such that they inhibit the earring apparatus 500 from slipping out of the pierced ear during use. More specifically, the curved third portion 510 of the post 502 abuts against the inside or bottom of the user's ear lobe, thereby inhibiting the earring apparatus 500 from slipping out of the pierced ear.

[0031] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described with particulararity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

DALLAS2 1118026V 1 66313-00003WOPT

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An earring apparatus comprising: a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion; said post comprising a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear and a second portion integrally joined to the first portion at a first transition area; and said first transition area being formed so as to inhibit said first portion from slipping out of said pierced ear during use.

2. The earring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said post comprises a wire.

3. The earring apparatus of claim 2, wherein said wire is rigid.

4. The earring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first transition area causes said second portion to abut against an inside of the pierced ear during use.

5. The earring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first transition area causes said second portion to abut against a bottom of the pierced ear during use.

6. The earring apparatus of claim 4, wherein an angle α is created at said first transition area between said first portion and said second portion.

7. The earring apparatus of claim 6, wherein said angle α is sufficiently small so as to inhibit said first portion from slipping out of the pierced ear during use.

8. The earring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first portion has a length of 0.32- 0.48 cm.

9. The earring apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the ornament portion.

DALLAS2 1118026vl 66313-00003 WOPT

10. The earring apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth portion integrally joined to said first portion; wherein said fourth portion further comprises an indented region adapted to receive a decorative item.

DALLAS2 1118026V 1 66313-00003WOPT

11. A claspless earring apparatus comprising: a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion; said post comprising a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear and a second portion integrally joined to the first portion at a first transition area; and said first transition area being formed so as to inhibit said first portion from slipping out of said pierced ear during use.

12. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first transition area causes said second portion to abut against an inside of the pierced ear during use.

13. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first transition area causes said second portion to abut against a bottom of the pierced ear during use.

14. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 12, wherein an angle α is created at said first transition area between said first portion and said second portion.

15. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 14, wherein said angle α is sufficiently small so as to inhibit said earring apparatus from sliding out of the pierced ear during use.

16. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 11, wherein said post has a length of 0.32-0.48 cm.

17. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 11, further comprising the ornament portion.

DALLAS2 1118026vl 66313-00003WOPT

18. The claspless earring apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising: a fourth portion integrally joined to said first portion; wherein said fourth portion further comprises an indented region adapted to receive a decorative item.

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DALLAS2 1118026V 1 66313-00003 WOPT

19. An earring apparatus comprising: a post adapted to be operatively connected to an ornament portion; said post comprising a first portion adapted to fit within a pierced ear, a second portion integrally joined to the first portion, and a third portion integrally joined to the second portion; and said third portion is adapted to abut against an inside of the pierced ear inhibiting said first portion from slipping out of said pierced ear during use.

20. The earring apparatus of claim 19, further comprising the ornament portion.

21. The earring apparatus of claim 19, wherein said earring post comprises a wire.

22. The earring apparatus of claim 19, wherein said first portion has a length of 0.32- 0.48 cm.

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DALLAS₂ 1 1 18026V 1 66313-00003 WOPT