Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C7/00—Ear-rings; Devices for piercing the ear-lobes
  • A44C7/003—Ear-studs or their catch devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates in general to earrings and pertains more particularly to a clutch for post earrings of the type worn on pierced ears.
• Post earrings have become extremely popular in recent years and are currently available in a wide range of styles.
• Most of the conventional post earrings currently available comprise a decorative ornament which is adapted to be worn on the front side of a pierced ear lobe, an elongated post which extends rearwardly from the ornament and is positionable so that it extends through the aperture or hole in the ear lobe, and an earring clutch which is detachably receivable on the post on the rear side of the ear lobe to prevent the post from being accidentally withdrawn from the aperture in the ear lobe.
• a conventional bullet clutch comprises a generally cylindrical housing which is open at one end thereof and has an aperture therethrough in the opposite end thereof, an insert which is received in the housing, and a metal cap which is received on the open end of the housing.
• a conventional "bullet” clutch is receivable on the post of an earring so that the post extends through the apertures in the cap and the housing so that the insert in the housing frictionally engages the post to releasably retain the clutch on the earring.
• U. S. Patent No. 4,501,050 which employs a housing which is open at one end thereof and preferably has an aperture therethrough in the opposite end thereof.
• a cap member is secured on the open end of the housing, the cap member having an aperture therethrough which is aligned with the aperture in the housing.
• a pair of resilient leaves extend inwardly in the housing from the cap member in integral relation therewith and in converging relation with respect to each other so that the leaves preferably meet in substantially face-to-face relation at a point which is spaced from the cap member.
• the clutch is receivable on the post of an earring so that the post extends through the aperture in the cap member, between the resilient leaves, and through the aperture in the housing. The leaves thus resiliently embrace the post to frictionally retain it in the clutch and thereby releasably secure the clutch on the earring.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved clutch for post earrings and particularly wherein the insert can be constructed of a base metal while the other clutch components are constructed of a precious metal.
• Another issue with existing earrings relates to the manner in which the set of earrings is marketed.
• a set of earrings is typically marketed by being attached to a support card, and is displayed in a jewelry store or other appropriate setting. Even though the support card itself may be provided with some type of a security device to prevent its theft, the earrings themselves can be too easily removed from the card and stolen.
• Another object of the present invention to provide an improved earring construction that resists removal of the earring from the support card.
• a clutch for post earrings and the like comprising: a. a housing which is open at one end thereof and has an aperture through the opposite end thereof, said housing having a generally outwardly extending peripheral flange at the open end thereof; b. a cap member received on the open end of said housing, said cap member comprising a substantially circular main portion having a substantially centrally disposed aperture therethrough and a generally inwardly extending peripheral flange, said housing flange being captured between said cap member main portion and said cap member flange to secure said cap member to said housing; and c.
• a resilient leaf member that includes a support piece captured between said housing flange and said cap member and a pair of leaves supported from the support piece, said leaves extending toward the housing aperture, said leaves converging with respect to each other and substantially meeting in face-to-face relation for receiving a post therebetween, said post being receivable in said clutch so that it extends through said cap member and housing apertures and is received in frictional engagement between said leaves.
• each of the leaves has substantially free terminal ends.; each leaf includes a leaf base and a leaf contact; the support piece has a centrally disposed aperture that is in alignment with the housing and cap member aperture; wherein, for each leaf, said leaf base is formed as a reversed member having one side supported by the leaf member support piece and the other side thereof integral with said leaf contact; the reversed member included opposed arms having a gap therebetween; the leaves have elongated facing grooves which cooperate to define a trackway in said clutch which is substantially in alignment with said apertures for receiving and aligning an earring post between said leaves; and the housing and cap member are constructed of a precious metal and the resilient leaf member is constructed of a base metal material.
• features include each leaf being constructed as a partially circular leaf; the support piece having a central aperture and each leaf connects to the support piece at a location spaced from the aperture; and the leaves having a single contact point therebetween.
• the earring support post with a locking groove that is essentially disposed between the head of the post and the normally used groove.
• the locking groove preferably has a right angle edge that inhibits ready removal of the clutch from the post. Without being able to remove the clutch, then the customer is unable to remove the set of earrings from the support card; thus preventing theft of the set of earrings.
• the post is provided with either a single or double helix to assist in removal of the clutch from the post.
• FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a clutch of the instant invention will a post earring received therein:
• FIG.2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the clutch and post earring;
• FIG. 3 is an even further enlarged perspective view of the cap member and leaves of the clutch of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4—4 in FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view like that shown in FIG. 4 but with the cap member not yet crimped;
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment having circular leaves;
• FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the post earring with an alternate construction;
• FIG. 8 is an alternate side elevation view of a post construction in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the improved post of the present invention with the clutch locked preventing withdrawal thereof from the post as in Fig.8;
• FIG . 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the locking groove of the post
• FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the final position of the bullet clutch engaging the distal end of the post when the earring is in use;
• FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment of the post of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the same post shown in FIG. 12 illustrating the transition of the helix to the locking groove;
• FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of still another embodiment of the invention employing a double helix
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the post of FIG. 14 illustrating the double helix
• FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a butterfly clutch is engaged, locked and rotated for being withdrawn;
• FIG. 17 is a side view similar to that shown in FIG. 8 and furthermore illustrating representative dimensions of the post; and FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the earring post.
• the post-earring clutch of the present invention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.
• the clutch 10 is usable in combination with a post earring generally indicated at 12, of the type comprising a decorative ornament 14 and a post 16, and is operative for detachably retaining the earring 12 on a pierced ear of a wearer.
• a post earring generally indicated at 12 of the type comprising a decorative ornament 14 and a post 16
• the clutch 10 is located on the post 16 on the rear side of the ear lobe 18 for retaining the earring 12 on the ear lobe 18. See also FIG. 4 and the comfort disc 90 disposed between the cap member and ear lobe. The disc 90 is used to stabilize a larger earring onto the ear. This centers the earring and provides enhanced comfort.
• the clutch 10 comprises a tubular shell or housing generally indicated at 22, a cap member generally indicated at 24 which is secured on the housing 22, and a pair of resilient leaves which extend inwardly in converging relation into the housing 22 from the cap member 24.
• the housing 22 is preferably constructed of a suitable metal in a generally tubular cylindrical configuration which is open at one end thereof and has an aperture 28 that extends through the opposite end thereof.
• the housing 22 is formed with a cylindrical main portion 30, and a terminal portion 34 in which the aperture 28 is formed.
• a peripheral flange 36 which extends outwardly from the main portion 30 and circumferentially around the open end of the housing 22 for receiving the cap member 24, as will hereinafter be more fully set forth.
• the clutch is comprised of, not only the housing 22, but also the cap member 24 received on the open end of said housing.
• the cap member 24 is also preferably formed with a substantially circular main portion 38 and a peripheral flange 40 which extends from the main portion 38 , while the cap member 24 is dimensioned for being received on the housing 22 with the flange 36 of the housing 22 received within the flange 40.
• the flange 40 is preferably crimped into a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped configuration to capture the flange 36 of the housing 22 (as well as the insert 26) and thereby secure the cap member 24 thereto.
• the main portion 38 of the cap member 24 may be formed in a slightly outwardly rounded configuration, so that the end of the clutch thereby defined is slightly convex.
• Extending through the cap member 24 in substantially the central portion thereof is a recessed aperture 42 which, when the cap member 24 is assembled on the housing 22, is substantially in alignment with the aperture 28 so that the apertures 28 and 42 cooperate to substantially define the central axis of the clutch 10.
• the cap member comprises a substantially circular main portion having a substantially centrally disposed aperture therethrough and a generally inwardly extending peripheral flange with the housing flange being captured between the cap member main portion and the cap member flange to secure said cap member to said housing.
• the clutch 10 further is comprised of an insert illustrated as a resilient leaf member 26 that includes a support piece 50 captured between said housing flange 36 and said cap member and a pair of leaves 52 supported from the support piece.
• the support piece may be a single disc shaped member or two separate members, but in either case the support piece is captured and retained in place by the crimping action between the housing and cap member. This crimping action retains the insert in place without the need for any additional securing between the components.
• the support piece 50 also has an aperture 51 in alignment with apertures 28 and 42.
• the leaves 52 extend toward the housing aperture 28. The leaves converge with respect to each other and substantially meet in face-to-face relation for receiving a post 16 therebetween.
• the post is receivable in the clutch so that it extends through the cap member, insert and housing apertures and is received in frictional engagement between said leaves 52.
• Each leaf includes a leaf base 56 and a leaf contact 58.
• the leaves 52 may have a partially arcuate surface, or as illustrated herein are each formed of a leaf base 56 illustrated as a reversed member having one side supported from the leaf member support piece 50 and the other side thereof integral with the leaf contact 58.
• the reversed member or base 56 include opposed arms 60, 62 having a slight gap 63 therebetween.
• the member 56 provides a spring effect to assist in providing a reasonably strong closure pressure against the earring post.
• Each of the leaf contacts may be considered as comprised of a first portion 70 which extends angularly from the member 56 at arm 60; and a second portion 72 that may be disposed substantially in parallel, extending from the first portion in an integral manner.
• This substantially straight portion 72 provides a substantial length along which a post can be captured.
• the arms 60, 62 extend in parallel as illustrated and extend generally in a direction that is orthogonal to the linear direction of portion 70. See angle A in FIG. 4.
• the combination of the direction of the arms 60, 62 and the angles of the portions 70, 72 provide a biasing force against the post.
• the gap 64 assists in allowing a flexure at that location while still effecting a strong closure bias.
• Each of the leaf contacts preferably has an elongated facing groove 54 therein which define a trackway between the leaf contact, the trackway being substantially in alignment with the apertures 42 and 28.
• the trackway defined by the grooves 54 is of smaller cross section than the post 16 so that when the post 16 is received therein the facing portions of the leaves are resiliently urged into embracing engagement with the post 16 to secure it in the clutch 10.
• the post 16 of the earring 12 is inserted through the hole or aperture in a pierced ear so that the ornament 14 is positioned against the front side of the ear lobe.
• the clutch 10 is then positioned on the post 16 by inserting the terminal end of the post 16 in the aperture 42.
• the post 16 passes between the leaves 26 causing them to be resiliently separated slightly, and the post 16 is guided through the clutch 10 by the grooves 54 until the terminal end of the post 16 passes through the aperture 28.
• the clutch 10 is then further advanced on the post 16 until the main portion 38 of the cap member 24 is adjacent the rear side of the ear lobe.
• the leaf contacts 58 embrace the post 16 to maintain it in the clutch 10, whereby the earring 12 is maintained on the ear of the wearer.
• the instant invention provides an effective clutch for post earrings which has specific advantages over the heretofore available clutches.
• the resilient leaves 26 resiliently embrace the post 16 so that the clutch 10 firmly and positively maintains the earring 12 on an ear of a wearer; and since the clutch 10 does not include a silicone or rubber insert for retaining the post 16, it can be used indefinitely without losing its effectiveness. Accordingly, for these reasons, as well as the other reasons hereinabove set forth, it is seen that the clutch 10 represents a significant advancement in the art which has substantial commercial merit.
• the housing 22 and cap member 24 are constructed of a precious metal such as silver, gold or platinum.
• the insert 26 is a separate component that is only crimped or otherwise secured in place it can be constructed of a less expensive base metal such as iron, nickel, lead or zinc.
• the insert can be constructed of an inexpensive plastic material, preferably a relatively hard plastic material such as of a polyethylene or polyurethane product.
• the housing and cap member are to be of a more expensive material such as the afore-mentioned precious metals.
• the insert is primarily hidden from view disposed inside the housing and cap member, the insert is constructed of a less expensive material such as a base metal material or a plastic material. In FIG.
• the post 16 is also shown having the conventional circular groove 95 adjacent to its distal end.
• a locking groove 96 This is constructed with a taper starting at one end 96 A and a substantially right angle step at end 96B. This step at 96B assists in essentially locking the bullet clutch 10 at the position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7 wherein the spring arms of the clutch 10 engage the locking groove 96.
• the sharp right angle edge 96 A inhibits removal of the bullet clutch from the post 16.
• FIG. 6 the components such as the housing 22 may be the same as in the previous embodiments described herein.
• This also includes the cap member 24.
• Each of these members has respective apertures 28 and 42.
• the insert 80 is illustrated as crimped in place between the flanges 36 and 40 as in the previous embodiment.
• the insert 80 includes a support piece 82 captured between said housing flange 36 and said cap member and a pair of leaves 84 supported from the support piece.
• the support piece may be a single disc shaped member or two separate members, but in either case the support piece is captured and retained in place by the crimping action between the housing and cap member.
• the support piece 80 also has an aperture in alignment with apertures 28 and 42.
• the leaves 84 extend toward the housing aperture 28. The leaves converge with respect to each other and substantially meet in face-to-face relation for receiving a post 16 therebetween.
• the post is receivable in the clutch so that it extends through the cap member, insert and housing apertures and is received in frictional engagement between said leaves 84.
• the leaves 84 are circular in construction and are supported from the support piece 82 spaced from the central aperture in the support piece so that the support location is sort of on the outboard side. The partially circular leaves then extend toward each other as illustrated and at the central axis of the clutch they contact essentially at a single contact point.
• FIG. 8 shows one improved post construction of the present invention like that shown in FIG. 7.
• the ornament 122 may be of many different forms. This may include a casting. In the case of the casting, the material of the casting would normally cover the head 124 of the post 120. Another form of attachment is by means of a solder or fusion joint to the head 124.
• the ornamental part of the post can take on any one of a number of different forms.
• FIG. 8 the post 120 is also shown having the conventional circular groove 125 adjacent to its distal end.
• a locking groove 126 This is constructed with a taper starting at one end 126 A and a substantially right angle step at end 126B. This step at 126B assists in essentially locking the bullet clutch 110 at the position illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein the spring arms 111 of the clutch 110 engage the locking groove 126.
• FIG. 9 also indicates the typical support card 128 upon which the earring is displayed.
• FIG. 10 that is an enlarged cross-section to show the arms 111 of the bullet clutch engaging within the lock groove 126.
• the sharp right angle edge 126 A inhibits removal of the bullet clutch from the post 120 thus preventing easy removal of the clutch and earring post from the support card 128.
• FIG. 11 shows the bullet clutch attached at one side of the earlobe 129.
• FIG. 11 shows the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 which shows the usual manner of attaching the bullet clutch to the post 120. This is by engaging the spring arms 111 with the distal end circular groove 125.
• the post 120 is provided with two separately spaced grooves, a more distal conventional circular groove 125 and the novel locking groove 126.
• FIG. 17 which is similar to that shown in FIG. 8 but showing the post alone.
• FIG. 17 there are representative dimensions shown.
• One significant dimension is the 4.95 millimeters measured from the head 124 to the step of the lock groove 126. This dimension is preferably within a range of 3-6 millimeters.
• FIGS. 12-16 for further embodiments of the present invention.
• the same reference numbers are used as previously described.
• FIGS. 12-16 there is shown a post 120 with the locking groove 126.
• FIGS. 13 and 15 in particular show the substantially right angle step at 126B.
• FIGS. 12 and 13 also illustrate a single helical groove 134 that terminates at one end 134A at the step 126B and terminates at the other end 134B spaced from the very distal end of the post 120.
• the spiral or helical groove 134 is useful in assisting in removing the clutch.
• FIG. 16 shows a butterfly clasp or clutch 140 in solid outline engaging the lock groove 126.
• the butterfly clasp 140 may then be rotated in a direction of arrows 142 wherein the butterfly clasp 140 is shown in dotted outline having been rotated with fingers of the butterfly clasp respectively engaging the helical groove.
• FIGS. 12 and 13 show a single helical groove 134.
• FIGS. 14 and 15 show a side by side pair of helical grooves 134C and 134D. This pair of helical grooves is offset respectively by 180 degrees and each of these terminate at the position 134B shown in FIG. 14. With the pair of grooves as in Fig. 15 both of the spring arms are engaged with a respective groove. In the single spiral version of Fig. 13 only one of the spring fingers engages the spiral groove.
• FIG. 18 for an alternate post construction.
• the post 16 is shown with a pair of steps spaced apart and illustrated at 97 and 98.
• Each of these steps is constructed with a taper starting at one end and a substantially right angle step at the other end.
• This dual step arrangement assists in locking the clutch such as in the position illustrated in FIG. 4.
• the sharp right angle edge inhibits removal of the bullet clutch from the post.

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Citations (5)

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• 2013
  • 2013-01-24 EP EP13779078.8A patent/EP2838397A4/fr not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-01-24 WO PCT/US2013/022906 patent/WO2013158175A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2013-01-24 CN CN201380020674.1A patent/CN104334045B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

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