EP0007773A1 - Pierced-ear earring locking and holding system - Google Patents
Pierced-ear earring locking and holding system Download PDFInfo
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- EP0007773A1 EP0007773A1 EP19790301425 EP79301425A EP0007773A1 EP 0007773 A1 EP0007773 A1 EP 0007773A1 EP 19790301425 EP19790301425 EP 19790301425 EP 79301425 A EP79301425 A EP 79301425A EP 0007773 A1 EP0007773 A1 EP 0007773A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- locking
- locking bar
- holding system
- pierced
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C7/00—Ear-rings; Devices for piercing the ear-lobes
Definitions
- This invention relates to various constructions for pierced earrings and more particularly to a one-piece pierced earring construction which is quickly, securely and easily locked in position.
- the clip-on type earring is the clip-on type earring.
- the second category of earrings is the pierced ear type, and represents earring type to which this application is directed.
- pierced earrings have been used at least since the turn of the century, little change or innovative variations has been realized in the systems used to securely mount the earring in the pierced ear of the user.
- the typical configuration found in pierced earrings for the last hundred years is a solid, elongated shaft or stem, to which the particular decorative portion of the earring is secured, with a locking mount or a holding nut slidably engagable along the elongated shaft for attachment thereto.
- various alternative constructions for the holding nut of this common type of pierced earring has been developed through the years, all of these holding nuts suffer from common deficiencies.
- Driscoll '033 a one-piece earring holding shaft is disclosed, but without the use of any pivoting or moving portions formed thereon. Instead, Driscoll '033 teaches a one-piece earring shaft construction extending from the ornament, and incorporating a combination of angular bends.
- Driscoll '033 does teach a system which eliminates the difficulties presently encountered with lock nuts, the Driscoll '033 system requires the user to manipulate the earring in a variety of alternative positions, to insert the elongated peculiarly convoluted shaft into position, with the convoluted portions thereof performing the holding function. Due to the high degree of dexterity and unnatural manipulated movements required in order to completely insert the construction taught by Driscoll '033, this construction has not received popular acceptance.
- Driscoll '034 another holding system is taught for a pierced earring wherein two or more pendants are required and are supported by nylon filaments connected to a cylindrically-shaped toggle.
- the independent toggle is inserted through the pierced ear and, when one of the pendants is pulled, assumes a locking position.
- the pendant connected to the terminating end of the toggle is pulled, aligning the toggle for removal through the pierced ear.
- this system is extremely limited in that it requires the use of flexible filaments which are positioned in the ear when the earring is worn. This is generally undesirable and unwanted by users.
- the dual-pendant construction which is required to properly operate the toggle is extremely limiting and prevents a pierced earring construction which will accommodate the majority of present- day pierced earring designs.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pierced earring holding system having the characteristic features defined above having a one-piece construction with the locking portion integrally formed with the pierced earring shaft.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pierced earring holding system having the characteristic features defined above which can be employed on all pierced earring designs regardless of the size or shape or construction of the visible ornamentation.
- a substantially straight, elongated shaft is mounted to the particular ornament, or to the holding receptacle for the ornament, with the shaft incorporating a terminating portion which is pivotally engaged with the remainder of the shaft.
- This pivotal portion which forms the terminating end of the shaft, is readily moveable between a first position in which the axis of the pivotal portion substantially coincides with the axis of the elongated shaft, to a second position wherein the axis of the pivotal portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the elongated shaft.
- the pierced earring holding system of the present invention is easily inserted in the pierced ear of the user, in the conventional fashion, with the pivotal portion in its first position.
- the entire shaft comprises a substantially straight elongated member, which is quickly and easily inserted into the pierced ear of the user without any difficulty being encountered by the user.
- the pivotal, terminating end portion of the shaft is quickly and easily pivoted into the second position, forming a locking arm which prevents egress of the supporting shaft from the pierced ear.
- the one piece, unitary self-locking shaft of the present invention assures complete locking engagement in the pierced ear of the user, without requiring any unconventional or difficult manipulative effort by the user, while also eliminating the need for employing any independent piece which can be dislodged or lost during use.
- the invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
- FIGS 1 and 2 one embodiment of the pierced earring holding system of 20 of the present invention is shown mounted to a conventional earring ornamental design structure 21, for exemplary purposes only, design structure 21 is shown as a ring.
- earring holding system 20 and its associated ring 21 is shown mounted in its securely engaged position in the pierced ear of a user.
- Pierced earring holding system 20 of the present inventio incorporates a thin, elongated shaft 22 and a locking bar 23 pivotally engaged with shaft 22.
- Locking bar 23 is mounted to the distal end of shaft 22 by suitable securement means, such as a pivot pin 24.
- bar 23 preferably comprises smoothly rounded edges and corners and a thickness which is sufficiently less than the diameter of shaft 22 to allow pivoting ease of bar 23. With this construction, locking bar 23 is capable of arcuate movement about the axis defined by pivot pin 24, as well as being smooth constructed for ease of insertion and removal from a pierced ear.
- this embodiment of pierced earring holding system 20 incorporates a shaft 22 having a suitable recess 25 form therein for accommodating a portion of bar 23.
- Recess 25 accommodates a portion of bar 23 when bar 23 is pivoted into position with its longitudinal axis substantially coincident with the central axis of shaft 22.
- holding system 20 of the present invention forms a substantially continuous elongated shaft.
- Recess 25 can take many different constructions, dependii upon the particular construction for bar 23.
- bar 23 is mounted to shaft 22 substantial: midway along the length of bar 23, and is pivotable into recess 25 in either direction.
- shaft 22 preferably incorporates elongated arms 27 extending from the major portion of shaft 22, with these arms being in juxtaposed spaced facing relationship to each other. The space formed between facing arms 27 comprises recess 25.
- bar 23 is fully rotationally about axis -24, capable of both entering recess 25 from either direction, as well as completely passing through recess 25.
- Pierced earring holding system 20 of the present invention is securely mounted to ring 21, or any other design structure, in the conventional manner.
- shaft 22 extends into an accommodating hole formed in ring 21, and is affixed thereto in a conventional fashion, such as brazing.
- pierced earring holding system 20 can be employed with any pierced earring design, regardless of its physical structure, by merely affixing holding system 20 to the particular design structure using present state of the art techniques employed for the conventional elongated straight shafts requiring locking nuts.
- FIGs 3 and 4 the quick, easy and efficient insertion and locked engagement of the pierced earring holding system 20 of the present invention in a pierced ear can best be understood.
- pierced earring holding system 20 is shown being advanced towards a pierced ear 30 in which a channel 31 has been formed.
- locking bar 31 pivoted into its aligned position, pierced earring holding system 21 assumes the shape of a continuous straight elongated shaft, which is quickly and easily inserted into channel 31 of ear 30, with ease and simplicity with which pierced earring wearers have become adept.
- shaft 22 of holding system 20 is located within channel 31 of ear 30, as shown in Figure 4.
- the user can easily pivot locking bar 23 from' its axially aligned position into its locking position, wherein the longitudinal axis of locking bar 23 is substantial perpendicular to the axis of shaft 22.
- locking bar 23 has been pivoted through this 90° arc of rotation, the earring is securely engaged and locked in the pierced ear of the user, completely eliminating fear of dislocation, dislodgement, or loss of any separate, removable locking portion.
- This securely engaged lock position is also represented in Figure 1.
- the cuff link structure requires a biasing system since a positive force is necessary to resist the various rotation-inducing forces acting upon the locking member during use of the cuff link. If any of these forces were successful, the cuff link could become dislodged from the shirt and possibly lost.
- biasing systems are not . required due to the synergistic interaction of this embodiment of the locking and holding system of the present invention with the user's ear.
- the user elongates ear 30, when the earring is being inserted, by pulling downward on the ear lobe. This downward force causes channel 31 to widen while also producing an overall thinning of ear 30.
- locking bar 23 is pivoted from in first, ear inserting position to its second, locked position. Once locking bar has been pivoted to its locked position, the downward force on ear 30 is removed, allowing ear 30 to return to its original length and thickness.
- elongated shaft 22 comprises an overall diameter of about one millimeter. Furthermore, the overall length of shaft 22, which includes juxtaposed facing arms 27, would preferably be about 7/16 inches long.
- locking bar 23 Since locking bar 23 is pivotally engaged at the distal end of shaft 22 and has a position wherein a portion of locking bar 23 is coaxially aligned with shaft 22, bar 23 must have an overall thickness less than the one millimeter diameter of shaft 22. Preferably, locking bar 23 comprises a thickness of 0.5 to 0.75 millimeters. Although locking bar 23 may comprise a variety of lengths, it has been found that an overall length of about 5/16 inches assures secure locked engagement of pierced earring locking system 20, while also being easily handled and manipulated by the user.
- elongated shaft 22 of locking and holding system 20 of the present invention comprises a proximal end similar in structure to the proximal end of the posts presently employed with locking nuts. Consequently, locking and holding system 20 of this invention can be used in each and every design on which straight elongated posts with locking nuts are now being used in pierced earring constructions.
- locking and holding system 20 comprises a shaft 35 which incorporates a substantially straight portion 36 and a arcuate portion 37, with arcuate portion 37 terminating in an eyelet from which the particular ornament is either directly engaged or suspended by suitable decorative link members.
- this embodiment incorporates a locking bar 38 which is pivotally engaged in the terminating end of straight section 36 of shaft 35, using a pivot pin 39, with locking bar 38 being pivotally engaged near one of its ends.
- locking bar 38 pivots between substantially the same two positions, namely a first position wherein the longitudinal axis of bar 38 is substantially aligned with the central axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 38, and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of locking bar 38 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35 (shown in Figure 6).
- the major difference between this construction and the locking bar of the previous embodiment is that locking bar 38 is not capable of pivoting 360° about the pivot axis formed by pivot pin 39.
- locking bar 38 would be pivoted into its first position with its longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the central axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35, and inserted in the conventional fashion through the pierced ear of the user.
- the earring is mounted in its proper position when arcuate portion 37 of shaft 38 is located within the channel of the pierced ear.
- the user simply pivots locking bar 38 into its second position, with the longitudinal axis of locking number 38 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35. In this position, the user is assured of secure, locked engagement of the pierced earring in the pierced ear without fear of dislodgement, dislocation, or loss of any separate removable portion.
- shaft 42 comprises a substantially straight, thin, elongated shaft member with a locking bar 43 pivotally engaged at the distal end of shaft 42.
- locking bar 43 is pivotally mounted near one of its ends to shaft 42 by means of a pivot pin 44.
- This construction is similar to the construction discussed above in reference to Figure 6, with this embodiment comprising only an elongated straight shaft 42, similar to the locking and holding system 20 of Figures 2 and 5.
- the proximal end of shaft 42 is secured to the base of a gemstone holder 46.
- Gemstone holder 46 is shown with a gemstone 48 securely mounted therein, forming the particular ornament which will be viewable when the pierced earring is mounted in position.
- shaft 42 comprises a recess 45 formed in the distal end of shaft 42, extending substantially along the central axis of shaft 42, and accommodates the pivoting movement of locking bar 43.
- recess 45 need only extend a short distance from distal end of shaft 42, since only a small portion of locking bar 43 need move therethrough during the pivoting movements of locking bar 43.
- recess 45 could extend from the distal end of shaft 42 inwardly, along the shaft's central axis, a distance equal to the entire length of locking bar 43 from pivot pin 44 to the far end of locking bar 43. This construction allows locking bar 43 to rotate 360° about its pivot axis. However, as the length of recess 45 is increased, the solid portion of shaft 42 decreases. This imparts a potential weakness in the overall strength of shaft 42, and is preferably avoided.
- locking bar 43 is capable of pivoting about pivot pin 44 through an arcuate distance equal to about 270°
- locking bar 43 preferably is moved between only two major positions, which are about 90° apart.
- first position which is used when the pierced earring is to be inserted into the pierced ear
- locking bar 43 is moved to a position with its longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the central axis of shaft 42.
- this position locking and holding system 20 comprises a substantially straight, elongated shaft which is quickly and easily inserted into the pierced ear of the user.
- locking bar 43 is moved arcuately a distance of about 90° into its second position with the longitudinal axis of locking bar 43 extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis of shaft 42. In this position, locking bar 43 provides a secure, locked, engagement of the pierced earring with the pierced ear of the user, eliminating any potential problem of loss or dislodgement.
- locking and holding system 20 comprises a substantially straight elongated shaft 52, with a locking bar 53 pivotally mounted at the distal end of shaft 52, using a pivot pin 54.
- shaft 52 comprises two individual portions 57 and 59 which have been intertwined to form a continuous, twisted, rope-like configuration, while also achieving a substantially straight shaft 52.
- the terminating end of twisted portion 57 and the terminating end of twisted portion 59 are interengaged by pivot pin 54, with locking bar 53 mounted therebetween.
- locking bar 53 is preferably pivotally mounted near one of its ends, providing a locking structure similar to the embodiment discussed in reference to Figure 7.
- locking bar 53 can be mounted between the terminating ends of portions 57 and 59 with locking bar 53 pivotally engaged substantially at its midpoint.
- portions 57 and 59 must be removed from intertwined secure interengagement at a position earlier than is shown in Figure 8, in order to provide a recess area 55 therebetween which will accommodate the greater length of locking bar 53.
- the particular ornament 58 shown in this embodiment comprises a pearl, with portions 57 and 59 forming shaft 52 being directly mounted at their proximal end to a pearl holding and receiving cup 56.
- locking and holding system 20 comprises an elongated, substantially straight shaft 62 having a locking bar 63 pivotally engaged at the distal end of shaft 62, using a pivot pin 64.
- This embodiment differs from previous embodiments by providing a locking bar 63 having two separate, independently pivotable sectio: 66 and 67.
- sections 66 and 67 are split along the longitudinal axis of locking bar 63, forming two substantially equally sized and shaped members. In this way, sections 66 are identical and can be manufactured from the same mould.
- this embodiment allows locking bar 63 to be pivotally engaged near one of its terminating ends, with sections 66 and 67 being arcuately pivoted about the axis defined by pivot pin 64 in opposite directions.
- pivotable locking bar 63 achieves a position with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis of shaft 63, with locking bar 63 having substantially equal length segments extending from both sides of shaft 62.
- this construction achieves both the (1) enhanced structural integrity and reliability of the small, finely constructed members by eliminating unnecessary elongated recesses. extending a substantial distance along a particular shaft, and (2) added security and locked engagement by having substantially equal length segments of the locking bar extending from opposite sides of the elongated shaft when mounted in a pierced ear.
- locking bar sections 66 and 67 also preferably incorporate at least one small boss or post 68 formed on the outer surface of each locking section 66 and 67.
- elongated shaft 62 comprises recess areas for cutouts 69 formed in the outer perpheral surface of shaft 62 at the distal end thereof.
- three recesses are employed with each of the recesses being spaced about 90° from each other, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
- this embodiment of locking and holding system 20 assures the biased, locked engagement of sections 66 and 67 of locking bar 63 in either of the two alternative positions, when so desired.
- section 67 has been pivoted to its downward position with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis of shaft 62
- post 68 engages recess 69, assuring the locked interengagement of and secure holding of section 67 in this position.
- section 66 is locked in its oppositely extending position. In this way, the user is assured that locking bar 63 is securely maintained in the locked position, assuring that the pierced earring will not become dislodged from the ear of the wearer.
- sections 66 and 67 of locking bar 63 can be easily locked in the first position, with the longitudinal axis of locking bar 63 substantially coinciding with the central axis of shaft 62.
- locking posts 68 of section 66 and 67 are positioned and securely retainingly engaged in recesses found in the tip of shaft 62.
- the earring is ready for quick and easy insertion into the ear of the wearer.
- split locking bar construction discussed above can be manufactured in a variety of ways, one of which would be to eliminate posts 68 and recesses 69, it has been found that the construction defined above for locking bar 63 along with posts 68 and recesses 69 is the preferred construction. However, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art, a variety of alternative locking systems can be employed without department from the scope of the present invention.
- FIG 13 an alternative embodiment of pierced earring holding system 20 of the present invention is shown.
- the integrally twisted rope configuration for shaft 52 defined in reference to Figure 8 is employed in combination with locking bar sections 66 and 67.
- elongated straight shaft 52 comprises two independent elongated portions 57 and 59, which are integrally intertwined to form a substantially straight, elongated shaft 52.
- Locking bar sections 66 and 67 are mounted at the terminating ends of portions 57 and 59 using pivot pin 54. If desired, biasing locking and holding posts 68 and recesses 69 can be incorporated into this construction in order to provide the secure biased and locked positions for locking bar sections 66 and 67.
- shaft 52 can be constructed to allow locking bar sections 66 and 67 to rotate 360° about the axis defined by pivot pin 54. This can be easily achieved by providing a recess 55 which extends from the distal end of shaft 52 forwardly a sufficient distance to accommodate the entire length of sections 66 and 67.
- this construction can be made, if so desired, the construction shown in Figure 13 is preferred, since it optimizes the integral contact between portions 57 and 59, reducing the length over which these two portions are not in integral, intertwined contact.
- locking and holding system 20 incorporates locking bar 23 which is pivotally mounted on a single elongated wire member 81 substantially at the midpoint of elongated wire 81.
- the substantially straight elongated shaft 82 is formed from the single elongated wire 81 by first installing locking bar 23 on wire 81 by inserting wire 81 through hole 84 which defines the pivot axis of locking bar 23. Then, wire 81 is bent about a portion of locking bar 23 to form two substantially equal length, parallel wire segments 83 with the two terminating ends 85 of segments 83 of wire 81 in juxtaposed spaced relationship to each other. In Figure 15, wire 81 is shown with substantially equal length segments 83 having been formed but not completely bent into their substantially parallel configuration.
- Segments 83 are then intertwiningly twisted to form the intertwined, twisted rope-like elongated shaft 82 shown in Figure 16. It has been found that this construction provides a quick and easy assembly procedure while also providing an extremely sturdy, well constructed embodiment for locking and holding system 20.
- locking bar 23 pivots about a portion of wire 81, thereby eliminating the necessity for use of a separate pivot pin. Furthermore, locking bar 23, as shown in Figure 16, is mounted in a manner which allows complete rotation of locking bar 23 about its pivot axis without affecting the inherent strength or rigidity of shaft 82.
- locking bar 23 could be mounted near one of its ends with shaft 82 being formed with the locking bar capable of either limited pivoting or complete rotation about its axis.
- shaft 72 has locking bar 73 pivotally mounted at its distal end by pivot pin 74, with locking bar 73 pivotally engaged near one of its terminating ends.
- shaft 72 comprises a recess 75 extending forwardly from the distal end of shaft 72, a distance sufficiently great enough to accommodate at least the length of locking bar 73 from the pivot axis to its opposite terminating end.
- locking bar 73 is free to rotate 360° about the axis defined by pivot pin 74.
- this construction essentially provides 72 with a split, fork-like distal end having two tines or arms 78 in juxtaposed spaced facing relationship, creating recess 75 therebetween.
- this embodiment can employ a locking bar 73 having two independent sections, represented by phantom sections 76 and 77.
- this elongated recess embodiment provides locking and holding system 20 with a shorter overall length, it is believed that the increased length of recess 75 imparts a slight reduction in the rigidity of shaft 72. Consequently, although this embodiment can be employed if so desired, the alternative embodiments discussed above are preferably employed.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to various constructions for pierced earrings and more particularly to a one-piece pierced earring construction which is quickly, securely and easily locked in position.
- For over one hundred years, women have adorned themselves with various ornaments and gems, with their ears being a principal site for such jewelry. Through the many years in which earrings have been used and have been fashioned in various configurations, depending upon the particular style and taste of the period, there have only been two basic earring configurations developed.
- One configuration, with which this application is not concerned, is the clip-on type earring. The second category of earrings is the pierced ear type, and represents earring type to which this application is directed.
- Although pierced earrings have been used at least since the turn of the century, little change or innovative variations has been realized in the systems used to securely mount the earring in the pierced ear of the user. The typical configuration found in pierced earrings for the last hundred years is a solid, elongated shaft or stem, to which the particular decorative portion of the earring is secured, with a locking mount or a holding nut slidably engagable along the elongated shaft for attachment thereto. Although various alternative constructions for the holding nut of this common type of pierced earring has been developed through the years, all of these holding nuts suffer from common deficiencies.
- Initially, these prior art holding nuts were threadedly engaged with the shaft, thereby requiring mating threads in the holding nut and along the shaft of the pierced earring. Such a system is typified by Huber, U.S. Patent 799,056.
- It is clearly obvious that this construction suffered from many drawbacks, principally fabrication difficulties and expense to achieve the threaded construction, as well as difficulty of quick and convenient assembly by the user. Since secure engagement of the earring could only be obtained by threadily engaging the locking nut with the threaded shaft of the pierced earring, some expert degree of manipulation and handling was required in order to achieve the threaded engagement of the locking nut on the shaft.
- In order to eliminte the necessity of threaded shafts and threaded lock nuts, a straight elongated shaft and slidable lock nut, common in today's market, was developed. In this construction, the lock nut slidably engages the elongated shaft and is advanced along the shaft until securely engaging the shaft near the rear of the user's earlobe, maintaining the earring in its locked position.
- Initially, these slidable lock nuts are effective but, after continuous use, the shaft engaging and holding portion formed in the lock nut begins to wear, causing undesirable slippage of the lock nut while mounted in place. As a result, after these lock nuts have been used, undesirable and completely unwanted detachment of the lock nut from the shaft occurs, resulting in loss of the lock nut and possible loss of the entire pierced earring.
- In order to eliminate this problem, various attempts have been made to provide a completely new locking system for securely mounting pierced earrings in user's ears. The only two such systems of which I am aware are found in Driscoll U.S. Patent 3,446,033 and Driscoll 3,446,034.
- In Driscoll '033, a one-piece earring holding shaft is disclosed, but without the use of any pivoting or moving portions formed thereon. Instead, Driscoll '033 teaches a one-piece earring shaft construction extending from the ornament, and incorporating a combination of angular bends.
- Although Driscoll '033 does teach a system which eliminates the difficulties presently encountered with lock nuts, the Driscoll '033 system requires the user to manipulate the earring in a variety of alternative positions, to insert the elongated peculiarly convoluted shaft into position, with the convoluted portions thereof performing the holding function. Due to the high degree of dexterity and unnatural manipulated movements required in order to completely insert the construction taught by Driscoll '033, this construction has not received popular acceptance.
- In Driscoll '034, another holding system is taught for a pierced earring wherein two or more pendants are required and are supported by nylon filaments connected to a cylindrically-shaped toggle. The independent toggle is inserted through the pierced ear and, when one of the pendants is pulled, assumes a locking position. When removal is required, the pendant connected to the terminating end of the toggle is pulled, aligning the toggle for removal through the pierced ear.
- As would be clearly obvious to one skilled in the art, this system is extremely limited in that it requires the use of flexible filaments which are positioned in the ear when the earring is worn. This is generally undesirable and unwanted by users. Furthermore, the dual-pendant construction which is required to properly operate the toggle is extremely limiting and prevents a pierced earring construction which will accommodate the majority of present- day pierced earring designs.
- As is clearly apparent from this review of prior art pierced earring holding systems, there is a long-felt need, which is yet satisfied, for a pierced earring holding system which is (1) easily employed by the user without requiring uncomfortable and unnatural manipulative movements of the earring during the insertion process, and (2) securely locked in position without fear of loss of any locking portion or of the earring itself.
- Therefore, it is a principal object of this invention to provide a pierced earring holding system which is easily and quickly inserted into the pierced ear and rapidly locked into position.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pierced earring holding system having the characteristic features defined above having a one-piece construction with the locking portion integrally formed with the pierced earring shaft.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pierced earring holding system having the characteristic features defined above which can be employed on all pierced earring designs regardless of the size or shape or construction of the visible ornamentation.
- Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
- All of the difficulties encountered in the prior art pierced earring holding systems are completely eliminated and obviated with the holding system of the present invention. In the holding system of this invention, a substantially straight, elongated shaft is mounted to the particular ornament, or to the holding receptacle for the ornament, with the shaft incorporating a terminating portion which is pivotally engaged with the remainder of the shaft. This pivotal portion, which forms the terminating end of the shaft, is readily moveable between a first position in which the axis of the pivotal portion substantially coincides with the axis of the elongated shaft, to a second position wherein the axis of the pivotal portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the elongated shaft.
- In this way, the pierced earring holding system of the present invention is easily inserted in the pierced ear of the user, in the conventional fashion, with the pivotal portion in its first position. When the pivotal portion is in its first position, the entire shaft comprises a substantially straight elongated member, which is quickly and easily inserted into the pierced ear of the user without any difficulty being encountered by the user.
- Once the major portion of the shaft has been located in the pierced ear of the user, the pivotal, terminating end portion of the shaft is quickly and easily pivoted into the second position, forming a locking arm which prevents egress of the supporting shaft from the pierced ear. In this way, the one piece, unitary self-locking shaft of the present invention assures complete locking engagement in the pierced ear of the user, without requiring any unconventional or difficult manipulative effort by the user, while also eliminating the need for employing any independent piece which can be dislodged or lost during use.
- The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
- For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a typical pierced earring incorporating the pierced earring holding system of the present invention shown mounted in a pierced ear;
- FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the pierced earring of FIGURE 1 incorporating the pierced earring holding system of the present invention;
- FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view showing the pierced earring holding system of the present invention prior to insertion in a pierced ear;
- FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view showing the pierced earring holding system of the present invention securely positioned in a pierced ear and locked in place; and
- FIGURES 6 through 16 show various alternative embodiments of the pierced earring holding system of the present invention, with Figures 6-8 also showing alternative ornamental construction and stone arrangements which are capable of being employed with the pierced earring holding system of this invention.
- In figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of the pierced earring holding system of 20 of the present invention is shown mounted to a conventional earring
ornamental design structure 21, for exemplary purposes only,design structure 21 is shown as a ring. In Figure 1,earring holding system 20 and its associatedring 21 is shown mounted in its securely engaged position in the pierced ear of a user. - Pierced
earring holding system 20 of the present inventio incorporates a thin,elongated shaft 22 and alocking bar 23 pivotally engaged withshaft 22.Locking bar 23 is mounted to the distal end ofshaft 22 by suitable securement means, such as apivot pin 24. Furthermore,bar 23 preferably comprises smoothly rounded edges and corners and a thickness which is sufficiently less than the diameter ofshaft 22 to allow pivoting ease ofbar 23. With this construction,locking bar 23 is capable of arcuate movement about the axis defined bypivot pin 24, as well as being smooth constructed for ease of insertion and removal from a pierced ear. - As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of pierced
earring holding system 20 incorporates ashaft 22 having asuitable recess 25 form therein for accommodating a portion ofbar 23. Recess 25 accommodates a portion ofbar 23 whenbar 23 is pivoted into position with its longitudinal axis substantially coincident with the central axis ofshaft 22. Whenlocking bar 23 is pivoted into this position, as shown in Figure 3, holdingsystem 20 of the present invention forms a substantially continuous elongated shaft. -
Recess 25 can take many different constructions, dependii upon the particular construction forbar 23. In the construct: of this embodiment,bar 23 is mounted toshaft 22 substantial: midway along the length ofbar 23, and is pivotable intorecess 25 in either direction. As a result,shaft 22 preferably incorporateselongated arms 27 extending from the major portion ofshaft 22, with these arms being in juxtaposed spaced facing relationship to each other. The space formed between facingarms 27 comprisesrecess 25. In this way,bar 23 is fully rotationally about axis -24, capable of both enteringrecess 25 from either direction, as well as completely passing throughrecess 25. - Pierced
earring holding system 20 of the present invention is securely mounted to ring 21, or any other design structure, in the conventional manner. In this particular embodiment,shaft 22 extends into an accommodating hole formed inring 21, and is affixed thereto in a conventional fashion, such as brazing. As a result, piercedearring holding system 20 can be employed with any pierced earring design, regardless of its physical structure, by merely affixing holdingsystem 20 to the particular design structure using present state of the art techniques employed for the conventional elongated straight shafts requiring locking nuts. - By referring to Figures 3 and 4, the quick, easy and efficient insertion and locked engagement of the pierced
earring holding system 20 of the present invention in a pierced ear can best be understood. In Figure 3, piercedearring holding system 20 is shown being advanced towards apierced ear 30 in which a channel 31 has been formed. With locking bar 31 pivoted into its aligned position, piercedearring holding system 21 assumes the shape of a continuous straight elongated shaft, which is quickly and easily inserted into channel 31 ofear 30, with ease and simplicity with which pierced earring wearers have become adept. - Once the pierced earring has been fully inserted into the user's ear,
shaft 22 of holdingsystem 20 is located within channel 31 ofear 30, as shown in Figure 4. When in this position, the user can easily pivot lockingbar 23 from' its axially aligned position into its locking position, wherein the longitudinal axis of lockingbar 23 is substantial perpendicular to the axis ofshaft 22. Once lockingbar 23 has been pivoted through this 90° arc of rotation, the earring is securely engaged and locked in the pierced ear of the user, completely eliminating fear of dislocation, dislodgement, or loss of any separate, removable locking portion. This securely engaged lock position is also represented in Figure 1. - By referring to Figure 4, the unique distinctions betweei this embodiment of locking and holding
system 20 and typical prior art cuff links can best be understood. As is well known to one of ordinary skill in this art, cuff links have long had a locking and holding structure similar to this embodiment of the present invention. However, in addition to size, cuff links require some type of a biasing system built into the cuff link structure in order to hold the cuff link in either one of its two alternate positions. Typically a spring arrangement is used for the required biasing system. - The cuff link structure requires a biasing system since a positive force is necessary to resist the various rotation-inducing forces acting upon the locking member during use of the cuff link. If any of these forces were successful, the cuff link could become dislodged from the shirt and possibly lost.
- In the present invention, biasing systems are not . required due to the synergistic interaction of this embodiment of the locking and holding system of the present invention with the user's ear. As shown in Figure 4, the user elongates
ear 30, when the earring is being inserted, by pulling downward on the ear lobe. This downward force causes channel 31 to widen while also producing an overall thinning ofear 30. - While
ear 30 is in this elongated and thinned configuration, lockingbar 23 is pivoted from in first, ear inserting position to its second, locked position. Once locking bar has been pivoted to its locked position, the downward force onear 30 is removed, allowingear 30 to return to its original length and thickness. - As shown in Figure 4, when
ear 30 regains its original thickness,ear 30 cooperatingly interacts with locking,bar 23 to prevent unwanted rotation of lockingbar 23 into its first position. Since lockingbar 23 is incapable of pivoting against the resistive force provided byear 30, unwanted loss or accidental dislodgement of the earring from the ear is eliminated without the use of biasing systems. It is believed that this unique cooperative interaction between locking and holdingsystem 20 of this invention and the user's ear produces a synergistic effect which is not apparent from the prior art alone. - Although exact sizes and shapes for the pierced
ear holding system 20 of the present invention varies depending upon the particular pierced earring structure to whichshaft 22 is attached, it has generally been found thatelongated shaft 22 comprises an overall diameter of about one millimeter. Furthermore, the overall length ofshaft 22, which includes juxtaposed facingarms 27, would preferably be about 7/16 inches long. - Since locking
bar 23 is pivotally engaged at the distal end ofshaft 22 and has a position wherein a portion of lockingbar 23 is coaxially aligned withshaft 22,bar 23 must have an overall thickness less than the one millimeter diameter ofshaft 22. Preferably, lockingbar 23 comprises a thickness of 0.5 to 0.75 millimeters. Although lockingbar 23 may comprise a variety of lengths, it has been found that an overall length of about 5/16 inches assures secure locked engagement of piercedearring locking system 20, while also being easily handled and manipulated by the user. - In Figures 5 through 8, various alternative pierced earring design structures are shown, for exemplary purposes only, to depict the versatility of alternative earring designs and constructions with which locking and holding
system 20 of the present invention can be employed. These four alternatives represent only a small percentage of the many different designs that are available to pierced earring wearers, but represents the fact thatelongated shaft 22 of the locking and holdingsystem 20 of the present invention is employable with every pierced earring design structure presently being marketed. - As should be obvious to one skilled in the art,
elongated shaft 22 of locking and holdingsystem 20 of the present invention comprises a proximal end similar in structure to the proximal end of the posts presently employed with locking nuts. Consequently, locking and holdingsystem 20 of this invention can be used in each and every design on which straight elongated posts with locking nuts are now being used in pierced earring constructions. - In Figures 6, 7 and 8, alternative embodiments of the locking and holding
system 20 of the present invention are shown. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, locking and holdingsystem 20 comprises a shaft 35 which incorporates a substantially straight portion 36 and aarcuate portion 37, witharcuate portion 37 terminating in an eyelet from which the particular ornament is either directly engaged or suspended by suitable decorative link members. - Furthermore, this embodiment incorporates a locking
bar 38 which is pivotally engaged in the terminating end of straight section 36 of shaft 35, using apivot pin 39, with lockingbar 38 being pivotally engaged near one of its ends. With this construction, lockingbar 38 pivots between substantially the same two positions, namely a first position wherein the longitudinal axis ofbar 38 is substantially aligned with the central axis of straight portion 36 ofshaft 38, and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis of lockingbar 38 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35 (shown in Figure 6). The major difference between this construction and the locking bar of the previous embodiment is that lockingbar 38 is not capable of pivoting 360° about the pivot axis formed bypivot pin 39. - If a wearer were to employ the embodiment shown in Figure 6, locking
bar 38 would be pivoted into its first position with its longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the central axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35, and inserted in the conventional fashion through the pierced ear of the user. With this particular design, the earring is mounted in its proper position whenarcuate portion 37 ofshaft 38 is located within the channel of the pierced ear. Then, to assure secure lock engagement of the pierced earring, the user simply pivots lockingbar 38 into its second position, with the longitudinal axis of lockingnumber 38 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of straight portion 36 of shaft 35. In this position, the user is assured of secure, locked engagement of the pierced earring in the pierced ear without fear of dislodgement, dislocation, or loss of any separate removable portion. - In Figure 7, a further embodiment of pierced earring locking and holding
system 20 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,shaft 42 comprises a substantially straight, thin, elongated shaft member with a lockingbar 43 pivotally engaged at the distal end ofshaft 42. In this embodiment, lockingbar 43 is pivotally mounted near one of its ends toshaft 42 by means of apivot pin 44. This construction is similar to the construction discussed above in reference to Figure 6, with this embodiment comprising only an elongatedstraight shaft 42, similar to the locking and holdingsystem 20 of Figures 2 and 5. - The proximal end of
shaft 42 is secured to the base of agemstone holder 46.Gemstone holder 46 is shown with agemstone 48 securely mounted therein, forming the particular ornament which will be viewable when the pierced earring is mounted in position. - In this embodiment,
shaft 42 comprises arecess 45 formed in the distal end ofshaft 42, extending substantially along the central axis ofshaft 42, and accommodates the pivoting movement of lockingbar 43. However,recess 45 need only extend a short distance from distal end ofshaft 42, since only a small portion of lockingbar 43 need move therethrough during the pivoting movements of lockingbar 43. - If desired,
recess 45 could extend from the distal end ofshaft 42 inwardly, along the shaft's central axis, a distance equal to the entire length of lockingbar 43 frompivot pin 44 to the far end of lockingbar 43. This construction allows lockingbar 43 to rotate 360° about its pivot axis. However, as the length ofrecess 45 is increased, the solid portion ofshaft 42 decreases. This imparts a potential weakness in the overall strength ofshaft 42, and is preferably avoided. - Although locking
bar 43 is capable of pivoting aboutpivot pin 44 through an arcuate distance equal to about 270°, lockingbar 43 preferably is moved between only two major positions, which are about 90° apart. In the first position, which is used when the pierced earring is to be inserted into the pierced ear, lockingbar 43 is moved to a position with its longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the central axis ofshaft 42. As discussed above in reference to the other embodiments, in this position locking and holdingsystem 20 comprises a substantially straight, elongated shaft which is quickly and easily inserted into the pierced ear of the user. - Once the earring has been inserted into the pierced ear, locking
bar 43 is moved arcuately a distance of about 90° into its second position with the longitudinal axis of lockingbar 43 extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofshaft 42. In this position, lockingbar 43 provides a secure, locked, engagement of the pierced earring with the pierced ear of the user, eliminating any potential problem of loss or dislodgement. - In this embodiment as well as the embodiment discussed in reference to Figure 6, various systems for biasingly securing locking
bar 43 in either of its alternative positions can be incorporated into the locking and holdingsystem 20 to further enhance the usefulness and applicability of the secure, one-piece locking system of this invention. One such biasing and locking construction is described below in reference to a further embodiment of the present invention. - In Figure 8, another embodiment of the locking and holding
system 20 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, locking and holdingsystem 20 comprises a substantially straight elongatedshaft 52, with a lockingbar 53 pivotally mounted at the distal end ofshaft 52, using a pivot pin 54. This embodiment differs substantially from the previous embodiments discussed above in thatshaft 52 comprises twoindividual portions straight shaft 52. In this embodiment, the terminating end oftwisted portion 57 and the terminating end oftwisted portion 59 are interengaged by pivot pin 54, with lockingbar 53 mounted therebetween. As shown in Figure 8, lockingbar 53 is preferably pivotally mounted near one of its ends, providing a locking structure similar to the embodiment discussed in reference to Figure 7. - If desired, locking
bar 53 can be mounted between the terminating ends ofportions bar 53 pivotally engaged substantially at its midpoint. However, if lockingbar 53 is pivotally engaged along its midpoint,portions recess area 55 therebetween which will accommodate the greater length of lockingbar 53. Although such a construction is clearly available if so desired, it has been found that by maximizing the intertwined engagement ofportions - The
particular ornament 58 shown in this embodiment comprises a pearl, withportions shaft 52 being directly mounted at their proximal end to a pearl holding and receivingcup 56. - In Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, another embodiment of the locking and holding system of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, locking and holding
system 20 comprises an elongated, substantiallystraight shaft 62 having a lockingbar 63 pivotally engaged at the distal end ofshaft 62, using apivot pin 64. This embodiment differs from previous embodiments by providing a lockingbar 63 having two separate, independently pivotable sectio: 66 and 67. - Preferably,
sections bar 63, forming two substantially equally sized and shaped members. In this way,sections 66 are identical and can be manufactured from the same mould. - As shown in Figure 10, this embodiment allows locking
bar 63 to be pivotally engaged near one of its terminating ends, withsections pivot pin 64 in opposite directions. In this way, pivotable lockingbar 63 achieves a position with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofshaft 63, with lockingbar 63 having substantially equal length segments extending from both sides ofshaft 62. - With this construction, the advantages of both the end pivotable locking bar and the centrally pivotable locking bar are realized, without the disadvantages of either. In particular, this construction achieves both the (1) enhanced structural integrity and reliability of the small, finely constructed members by eliminating unnecessary elongated recesses. extending a substantial distance along a particular shaft, and (2) added security and locked engagement by having substantially equal length segments of the locking bar extending from opposite sides of the elongated shaft when mounted in a pierced ear.
- In the preferred embodiment of the split locking bar construction, locking
bar sections section elongated shaft 62 comprises recess areas forcutouts 69 formed in the outer perpheral surface ofshaft 62 at the distal end thereof. Preferably, three recesses are employed with each of the recesses being spaced about 90° from each other, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. - By employing
recesses 69 andpost 68, this embodiment of locking and holdingsystem 20 assures the biased, locked engagement ofsections bar 63 in either of the two alternative positions, when so desired. As shown in Figure 10, whensection 67 has been pivoted to its downward position with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofshaft 62, post 68 engagesrecess 69, assuring the locked interengagement of and secure holding ofsection 67 in this position. Similarly,section 66 is locked in its oppositely extending position. In this way, the user is assured that lockingbar 63 is securely maintained in the locked position, assuring that the pierced earring will not become dislodged from the ear of the wearer. - As shown in Figure 9,
sections bar 63 can be easily locked in the first position, with the longitudinal axis of lockingbar 63 substantially coinciding with the central axis ofshaft 62. When this position is desired, lockingposts 68 ofsection shaft 62. With lockingbar 63 securely maintained in this position, the earring is ready for quick and easy insertion into the ear of the wearer. - Although the split locking bar construction discussed above can be manufactured in a variety of ways, one of which would be to eliminate
posts 68 and recesses 69, it has been found that the construction defined above for lockingbar 63 along withposts 68 and recesses 69 is the preferred construction. However, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art, a variety of alternative locking systems can be employed without department from the scope of the present invention. - In Figure 13, an alternative embodiment of pierced
earring holding system 20 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the integrally twisted rope configuration forshaft 52 defined in reference to Figure 8 is employed in combination with lockingbar sections straight shaft 52 comprises two independentelongated portions elongated shaft 52. Lockingbar sections portions posts 68 and recesses 69 can be incorporated into this construction in order to provide the secure biased and locked positions for lockingbar sections - Furthermore, if desired,
shaft 52 can be constructed to allow lockingbar sections recess 55 which extends from the distal end ofshaft 52 forwardly a sufficient distance to accommodate the entire length ofsections portions - In Figures 15 and 16, an alternative embodiment of the pierced
earring holding system 20 of the present invention is shown incorporating the integrally twisted, rope-like configuration. In this embodiment, locking and holdingsystem 20 incorporates lockingbar 23 which is pivotally mounted on a singleelongated wire member 81 substantially at the midpoint ofelongated wire 81. - The substantially straight elongated
shaft 82, shown in Figure 16, is formed from the singleelongated wire 81 by first installing lockingbar 23 onwire 81 by insertingwire 81 throughhole 84 which defines the pivot axis of lockingbar 23. Then,wire 81 is bent about a portion of lockingbar 23 to form two substantially equal length,parallel wire segments 83 with the two terminating ends 85 ofsegments 83 ofwire 81 in juxtaposed spaced relationship to each other. In Figure 15,wire 81 is shown with substantiallyequal length segments 83 having been formed but not completely bent into their substantially parallel configuration. -
Segments 83 are then intertwiningly twisted to form the intertwined, twisted rope-likeelongated shaft 82 shown in Figure 16. It has been found that this construction provides a quick and easy assembly procedure while also providing an extremely sturdy, well constructed embodiment for locking and holdingsystem 20. - One important advantage of this embodiment is that locking
bar 23 pivots about a portion ofwire 81, thereby eliminating the necessity for use of a separate pivot pin. Furthermore, lockingbar 23, as shown in Figure 16, is mounted in a manner which allows complete rotation of lockingbar 23 about its pivot axis without affecting the inherent strength or rigidity ofshaft 82. - If desired, locking
bar 23 could be mounted near one of its ends withshaft 82 being formed with the locking bar capable of either limited pivoting or complete rotation about its axis. - The use of a single,
continuous wire member 81 to form intertwined,twisted shaft 82, as well as the supporting and holding member forpivotable locking bar 23, provides an extremely unique construction. This embodiment achieves a unitary, solid construction, wherein the locking and holding is quickly and inexpensively manufactured with a minimum of parts and with maximum ease and efficiency, while also providing a locking and holding system having no member which can become dislodged, loosened, or in any way separated and lost. Furthermore, as discussed above in reference to Figure 4, this embodiment cooperated with the ear to prevent unwanted rotation of lockingbar 23 when mounted in the user's ear. This cooperation is important, since a biasing system could not be efficiently introduced into this embodiment. - In Figure 14, an alternative shaft construction for the locking and holding
system 20 of the present invention is shown. _Zn this construction,shaft 72 has lockingbar 73 pivotally mounted at its distal end bypivot pin 74, with lockingbar 73 pivotally engaged near one of its terminating ends. In this embodiment,shaft 72 comprises arecess 75 extending forwardly from the distal end ofshaft 72, a distance sufficiently great enough to accommodate at least the length of lockingbar 73 from the pivot axis to its opposite terminating end. As a result, lockingbar 73 is free to rotate 360° about the axis defined bypivot pin 74. As discussed above in reference to Figures 2 and 5, this construction essentially provides 72 with a split, fork-like distal end having two tines orarms 78 in juxtaposed spaced facing relationship, creatingrecess 75 therebetween. - As shown by the phantom line along the longitudinal axis of locking
bar 73, this embodiment can employ a lockingbar 73 having two independent sections, represented byphantom sections - Although this elongated recess embodiment provides locking and holding
system 20 with a shorter overall length, it is believed that the increased length ofrecess 75 imparts a slight reduction in the rigidity ofshaft 72. Consequently, although this embodiment can be employed if so desired, the alternative embodiments discussed above are preferably employed. - It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above article without department from the scope of invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
- It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
- Having described my invention, what I claim is new and desire to secure by letters patent is:
Claims (10)
whereby, a one-piece, integral, locking and holding system is achieved which is easily insertable in a pierced ear as a substantially straight member, and is quickly moved into a secure, locked position, eliminating unwanted dislodgement from the ear.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US92694678A | 1978-07-20 | 1978-07-20 | |
US926946 | 1978-07-20 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0007773A1 true EP0007773A1 (en) | 1980-02-06 |
EP0007773B1 EP0007773B1 (en) | 1985-10-09 |
Family
ID=25453933
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19790301425 Expired EP0007773B1 (en) | 1978-07-20 | 1979-07-18 | Pierced-ear earring locking and holding system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0007773B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2967528D1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0091523A1 (en) * | 1982-03-31 | 1983-10-19 | Andra Jewels Limited | Earfittings for earrings |
US4468936A (en) * | 1983-09-22 | 1984-09-04 | Andra Jewels Limited | Earring earfitting with primary and secondary locking means |
EP0148165A2 (en) * | 1984-01-05 | 1985-07-10 | Certified Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. | Post for an earring |
JPS62185517U (en) * | 1986-05-16 | 1987-11-25 | ||
FR2881032A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-07-28 | Assi Daniel Abou | Jewel e.g. stud earring, for e.g. ear lobe, has ear post cooperating at its one end with locking unit occupying one position to place post in or withdraw post from piercing, and another position to prohibit exit of post out of the piercing |
US9764433B2 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2017-09-19 | Stephanie GIORLANDO | Earring for pierced ears |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE31030C (en) * | JOS. schwinger in Stuttgart | Attachment of earbuds | ||
FR732726A (en) * | 1931-03-07 | 1932-09-24 | Advanced collar button, combined with tie clip | |
US2148183A (en) * | 1935-07-16 | 1939-02-21 | Swank Products Inc | Cuff link |
US2544893A (en) * | 1947-12-30 | 1951-03-13 | Ballou & Co B A | Cuff link with movable head |
FR1157599A (en) * | 1955-09-22 | 1958-05-30 | Silver Bond Street Ltd E | Button cuffs |
US4129998A (en) * | 1977-06-07 | 1978-12-19 | Ferro Novelty Company, Inc. | Earring |
-
1979
- 1979-07-18 DE DE7979301425T patent/DE2967528D1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-07-18 EP EP19790301425 patent/EP0007773B1/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE31030C (en) * | JOS. schwinger in Stuttgart | Attachment of earbuds | ||
FR732726A (en) * | 1931-03-07 | 1932-09-24 | Advanced collar button, combined with tie clip | |
US2148183A (en) * | 1935-07-16 | 1939-02-21 | Swank Products Inc | Cuff link |
US2544893A (en) * | 1947-12-30 | 1951-03-13 | Ballou & Co B A | Cuff link with movable head |
FR1157599A (en) * | 1955-09-22 | 1958-05-30 | Silver Bond Street Ltd E | Button cuffs |
US4129998A (en) * | 1977-06-07 | 1978-12-19 | Ferro Novelty Company, Inc. | Earring |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0091523A1 (en) * | 1982-03-31 | 1983-10-19 | Andra Jewels Limited | Earfittings for earrings |
US4468936A (en) * | 1983-09-22 | 1984-09-04 | Andra Jewels Limited | Earring earfitting with primary and secondary locking means |
EP0148165A2 (en) * | 1984-01-05 | 1985-07-10 | Certified Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. | Post for an earring |
EP0148165A3 (en) * | 1984-01-05 | 1985-10-16 | Certified Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. | Post for an earring |
JPS62185517U (en) * | 1986-05-16 | 1987-11-25 | ||
FR2881032A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-07-28 | Assi Daniel Abou | Jewel e.g. stud earring, for e.g. ear lobe, has ear post cooperating at its one end with locking unit occupying one position to place post in or withdraw post from piercing, and another position to prohibit exit of post out of the piercing |
US9764433B2 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2017-09-19 | Stephanie GIORLANDO | Earring for pierced ears |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0007773B1 (en) | 1985-10-09 |
DE2967528D1 (en) | 1985-11-14 |
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