EP0276197A1 - Device for supporting earring hooks - Google Patents
Device for supporting earring hooks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0276197A1 EP0276197A1 EP88830015A EP88830015A EP0276197A1 EP 0276197 A1 EP0276197 A1 EP 0276197A1 EP 88830015 A EP88830015 A EP 88830015A EP 88830015 A EP88830015 A EP 88830015A EP 0276197 A1 EP0276197 A1 EP 0276197A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washer
- elongated body
- tube
- hollow elongated
- hooks
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 210000000624 ear auricle Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910000510 noble metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 206010020751 Hypersensitivity Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000851 Alloy steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000014653 Carica parviflora Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000243321 Cnidaria Species 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C7/00—Ear-rings; Devices for piercing the ear-lobes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a device for supporting earring hooks which is adapted for insertion into the small hole usually formed through the lobe of the ear.
- the main object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks by providing a supporting device for supporting earring hooks which is so arranged and designed as to properly fit the hole through the user's lobe of the ear, without any risk of enlarging it.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an earring hook supporting device which is effective to prevent allergic reactions.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an earring hook supporting device which is simple construction-wise and reliable in operation.
- a device for supporting earring hooks characterized in that it comprises a small tube flanged at one end and provided, at the other end thereof, with fin defining axial circumferential slots, the small tube being engaged by a washer, the central hole of which has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the small tube.
- the device comprises a small tube flanged at one end and provided at the opposite end with external threads so that it may engage with the washer having internal threads.
- the elongated body is threaded and the washer has a slit, so that it may engage the tube by snapping onto the threads.
- the washer has internal slits so that it may engage with the tube and the tube is provided with projections.
- the device consists of a spiral which permits flexibility and allows adaptation to different shapes of hooks.
- the device for supporting earring hooks comprises a small tube 1 having a size which depends on the thickness of the lobe of the ear and the opening of the small hole formed through the lobe.
- the tube may be made of gold, platinum, titanium or another noble metal, steel alloys, but it may also be made of bone, coral, shell, wood, paper, a synthetic resin or rubber, glass, silicon polymers.
- the small tube is provided, at one end, with a ring nut (2) and, at the other end thereof, with a plurality of fins, preferably four fins, which are defined by corresponding circumferential slots 4.
- a washer 5 which may also be made of a noble metal, engages with the small tube 1 and the central hole 6 of the washer has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the small tube.
- the device of Figs. 1 and 2 operates as follows: after having formed the small hole through the lobe of the ear, the small tube is inserted into it, in such a way as to arrange the ring nut 2 on the outer side of the lobe. The washer 5 then will be fitted on the small tube 1 on the portion of the tube which projects from the inner side of the lobe.
- the fins 3 will be outwardly radially bent, as shown in Fig. 2.
- the gap between the ring nut 2 and washer 5 will correspond perfectly to the thickness of the lobe.
- the supporting device according to the invention will have the appearance of a conventional small gold or other noble metal earring, if the device has been made of a noble metal similar to devices which are inserted into the lobe small hole to prevent the hole from closing.
- the ring nut 2 and the outer washer are so designed and arranged as to prevent possible cuts of the lobe of the ear; in fact the earring hooks passing through the small tube inserted in the lobe cannot cause any "blade effects.”
- the fins 3 have, in their bent condition, a greater length than the radial projecting portion of the washer 5.
- the above disclosed supporting device may bear suitable patterns at its outer portion.
- engagement of the tube with the washer is achieved by means of the external threads of the tube with the internal threads of the washer.
- the washer snaps over the threads of the tube.
- a bayonet-type engagement is achieved between the internal slits of the washer and the projections of the tube.
Landscapes
- Adornments (AREA)
Abstract
The earring hook supporting device comprises a small tube (1) flanged at one end (2) and provided, at the other end, with fins (3) defining circumferential axial slots (4), the small tube being engaged by a washer (5) the central hole (6) of which has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the small tube. Instead of fins, it is possible to use a tube with external threads in which case the washer has internal threads to engage with the tube. It is also possible to use a washer with a slot so that it engages with the tube by snapping on it. Finally it is also possible to use a tube having a flange at one end and projections at the other end, the tube engaging a washer having internal slits. According to another embodiment, a spiral may be used. The latter has the advantage that it offers flexibility and may adapt itself to different shapes of hooks. It is also possible to use only the small tube which is flanged at one end without the washer.
Description
- The present invention relates to a device for supporting earring hooks which is adapted for insertion into the small hole usually formed through the lobe of the ear.
- It is known that a main drawback deriving from the use of earrings the hooks of which pass through the lobes of the ears, is that these hooks can cause infections.
- In fact many people cannot bear to be contacted by metals different from gold, which is the only metal which, practically, does not cause allergic reactions.
- On the other hand gold earrings are rather expensive and, for this reason, a number of inexpensive earrings made of metals which are not noble, are usually available on the market.
- Another drawback deriving from the earring hook passing through the lobe of the ear hole is that this small hole tends to be enlarged because of the earring weight: in fact, single the earring hook is very thin, it practically progressively acts on the ear as a blade.
- Thus, the main object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks by providing a supporting device for supporting earring hooks which is so arranged and designed as to properly fit the hole through the user's lobe of the ear, without any risk of enlarging it.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an earring hook supporting device which is effective to prevent allergic reactions.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an earring hook supporting device which is simple construction-wise and reliable in operation.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned objects, as well as other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a device for supporting earring hooks, characterized in that it comprises a small tube flanged at one end and provided, at the other end thereof, with fin defining axial circumferential slots, the small tube being engaged by a washer, the central hole of which has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the small tube.
- According to another embodiment, the device comprises a small tube flanged at one end and provided at the opposite end with external threads so that it may engage with the washer having internal threads.
- According to still another embodiment, the elongated body is threaded and the washer has a slit, so that it may engage the tube by snapping onto the threads.
- Still according to another embodiment the washer has internal slits so that it may engage with the tube and the tube is provided with projections.
- According to another embodiment, the device consists of a spiral which permits flexibility and allows adaptation to different shapes of hooks.
- It is also possible to use only the small tube which is flanged at one end without the washer.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the device for supporting earring hooks according to the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following description of preferred embodiments of the device, illustrated by way of indicative and not limitative examples, in the accompanying drawing, where:
- Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views illustrating the two portions which form the device according to one embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 3 illustrates the device of Figs. 1 and 2 after the application of its two portions to the user's ear.
- Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B respectively illustrate another embodiment according to which the washer illustrated in Fig. 4B has internal threads adapted to engage with the external threads of the tube of Fig. 4A;
- Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment in which the washer 5B has a slot and is a C-shaped clip and snaps over the threads of the tube of Fig. 5A.
- Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate still another embodiment according to which the tube shown in Fig. 6A has projections at the end opposite the flange and the projections engage with internal slits in the washer of Fig. 6B;
- Fig. 7 illustrates the embodiment in which a spiral is used. Fig. 7A illustrates the washer.
- With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawing, the device for supporting earring hooks according to the invention comprises a
small tube 1 having a size which depends on the thickness of the lobe of the ear and the opening of the small hole formed through the lobe. The tube may be made of gold, platinum, titanium or another noble metal, steel alloys, but it may also be made of bone, coral, shell, wood, paper, a synthetic resin or rubber, glass, silicon polymers. - More specifically, the small tube is provided, at one end, with a ring nut (2) and, at the other end thereof, with a plurality of fins, preferably four fins, which are defined by corresponding
circumferential slots 4. - A
washer 5, which may also be made of a noble metal, engages with thesmall tube 1 and thecentral hole 6 of the washer has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the small tube. - The device of Figs. 1 and 2 operates as follows: after having formed the small hole through the lobe of the ear, the small tube is inserted into it, in such a way as to arrange the
ring nut 2 on the outer side of the lobe. Thewasher 5 then will be fitted on thesmall tube 1 on the portion of the tube which projects from the inner side of the lobe. - Then, by using calibrated pliers, and depending on the thickness of the lobe, the
fins 3 will be outwardly radially bent, as shown in Fig. 2. Thus, the gap between thering nut 2 andwasher 5 will correspond perfectly to the thickness of the lobe. - After insertion, the supporting device according to the invention will have the appearance of a conventional small gold or other noble metal earring, if the device has been made of a noble metal similar to devices which are inserted into the lobe small hole to prevent the hole from closing.
- It should be stressed that it is possible to insert into the small tube any desired types of earring hooks, made of any metals, and without the risk of causing allergic reactions. In this connection it is clear that the inner diameter of the small tube will be selected depending on the standard thickness of the presently commercially available earring hooks.
- Moreover, the
ring nut 2 and the outer washer are so designed and arranged as to prevent possible cuts of the lobe of the ear; in fact the earring hooks passing through the small tube inserted in the lobe cannot cause any "blade effects." - According to the invention, the
fins 3 have, in their bent condition, a greater length than the radial projecting portion of thewasher 5. - In order to remove the supporting device, when necessary, it will be sufficient to carry out the reverse operations, by straightening the
fins 3, removing thewasher 5 and disengaging the small tube from the lobe of the ear. - Obviously, the above disclosed supporting device may bear suitable patterns at its outer portion.
- According to the embodiments of Figs. 4A and 4B, engagement of the tube with the washer is achieved by means of the external threads of the tube with the internal threads of the washer. In the embodiment of Figs. 5A and 5B the washer snaps over the threads of the tube. In the embodiment of Figs. 6A and 6B, a bayonet-type engagement is achieved between the internal slits of the washer and the projections of the tube.
Claims (12)
1. A device for supporting earring hooks which comprises a hollow elongated body and a washer, said washer having a central hole, said hole having a size and shape equal to the size and shape of said elongated body, said washer being engageable with said hollow elongated body.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow elongated body is flanged at one end and is provided, at the other end thereof, with fin-defining axial circumferential slots.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said hollow elongated body has a size depending on the thickness of the lobe of the ear and on the size of the hole formed through said lobe, said hollow elongated body being provided at one end thereof with a ring nut.
4. The device according to claim 2 wherein said fins (3), in a bent condition, have a length greater than the length of the radial projection of said washer.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said hollow elongated body has an inner diameter and said diameter is selected depending on the standard thickness of the presently commercially available earring hooks.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion thereof bears decorative patterns.
7. The device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow elongated body has a circular cross section.
8. The device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow elongated body has a flange at one end and is externally threaded at the other end and said washer is internally threaded for engaging with said hollow elongated body.
9. The device according to claim 8 wherein said washer has a slot for snap engagement with said hollow elongated body.
10. The device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow elongated body has a flange on one end and at least one perimetrical projection and said washer has a central hole and slits on said surface and a surface around said hole, said slits forming bayonet-type engagement on said at least one projection.
11. A device for supporting earring hooks which comprises a spiral of size depending on the size of the hole through the ear lobe.
12. A device for supporting earring hooks which comprises a hollow and elongated body, said hollow and elongated body being flanged at one end.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT2051587U | 1987-01-16 | ||
IT2051587U IT209823Z2 (en) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-01-16 | DEVICE SUITABLE FOR SUPPORTING THE HOOKS OF THE EARRINGS. |
US12290787A | 1987-11-19 | 1987-11-19 | |
US122907 | 1987-11-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0276197A1 true EP0276197A1 (en) | 1988-07-27 |
Family
ID=26327557
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP88830015A Withdrawn EP0276197A1 (en) | 1987-01-16 | 1988-01-15 | Device for supporting earring hooks |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0276197A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2239781A (en) * | 1990-01-15 | 1991-07-17 | Kenneth Froud | Earrings |
GB2241148A (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-08-28 | Franca Maria Gabriella Edwards | Earring attachments |
GB2244636A (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-11 | Michael Raymond Pitt | Earring |
GB2249019A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1992-04-29 | Robert Remington | Permanent sleeper earring |
US5154068A (en) * | 1991-05-06 | 1992-10-13 | Didomenico Joseph | Pierced earlobe protector |
US5375433A (en) * | 1993-10-22 | 1994-12-27 | Skalet; Christine | Interchangeable and reversible pierced ear protector kit |
US5392617A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1995-02-28 | Baldwin; Dianne K. | Pierced earlobe shield |
US5400620A (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1995-03-28 | Cervo; Gerard | Earring insert for a pierced earlobe and other pierced parts of the anatomy |
US5491985A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-02-20 | Quattlebaum; Alfred M. | Earring holding device |
US5582037A (en) * | 1993-06-07 | 1996-12-10 | Didomenico; Joseph | Pierced earring assembly |
US5632163A (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1997-05-27 | Kato Spring Works Co., Ltd. | Pierced earring hole maintenance device |
DE102008011891A1 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2009-09-10 | Elke Haustein | Plug device for reducing extended earlobe sting channel and for streamlining of droopy earlobe when carrying earring, has two firmly connected sections, tube and locking disk connected firmly with dorsal end of tube |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2189373A (en) * | 1938-08-05 | 1940-02-06 | George D Steel | Safety cathead |
US2568207A (en) * | 1949-03-08 | 1951-09-18 | Robert W Spicher | Surgical piercing device |
US3789850A (en) * | 1972-02-02 | 1974-02-05 | J Ford | Implement for piercing ear-lobes |
US4067341A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1978-01-10 | David S. Bailey | Pierced earlobe protector |
US4170118A (en) * | 1978-02-06 | 1979-10-09 | Intimate Jewels, Inc. | Earring |
-
1988
- 1988-01-15 EP EP88830015A patent/EP0276197A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2189373A (en) * | 1938-08-05 | 1940-02-06 | George D Steel | Safety cathead |
US2568207A (en) * | 1949-03-08 | 1951-09-18 | Robert W Spicher | Surgical piercing device |
US3789850A (en) * | 1972-02-02 | 1974-02-05 | J Ford | Implement for piercing ear-lobes |
US4067341A (en) * | 1976-03-15 | 1978-01-10 | David S. Bailey | Pierced earlobe protector |
US4170118A (en) * | 1978-02-06 | 1979-10-09 | Intimate Jewels, Inc. | Earring |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2239781A (en) * | 1990-01-15 | 1991-07-17 | Kenneth Froud | Earrings |
GB2241148A (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-08-28 | Franca Maria Gabriella Edwards | Earring attachments |
GB2241148B (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1994-08-17 | Franca Maria Gabriella Edwards | Earring attachments |
GB2244636A (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-11 | Michael Raymond Pitt | Earring |
GB2249019A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1992-04-29 | Robert Remington | Permanent sleeper earring |
US5154068A (en) * | 1991-05-06 | 1992-10-13 | Didomenico Joseph | Pierced earlobe protector |
US5392617A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1995-02-28 | Baldwin; Dianne K. | Pierced earlobe shield |
US5632163A (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1997-05-27 | Kato Spring Works Co., Ltd. | Pierced earring hole maintenance device |
US5582037A (en) * | 1993-06-07 | 1996-12-10 | Didomenico; Joseph | Pierced earring assembly |
US5400620A (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1995-03-28 | Cervo; Gerard | Earring insert for a pierced earlobe and other pierced parts of the anatomy |
WO1996029904A1 (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1996-10-03 | Cervo, Judith, Anne | Earring insert for a pierced earlobe and other pierced parts of the anatomy |
US5375433A (en) * | 1993-10-22 | 1994-12-27 | Skalet; Christine | Interchangeable and reversible pierced ear protector kit |
US5491985A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-02-20 | Quattlebaum; Alfred M. | Earring holding device |
DE102008011891A1 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2009-09-10 | Elke Haustein | Plug device for reducing extended earlobe sting channel and for streamlining of droopy earlobe when carrying earring, has two firmly connected sections, tube and locking disk connected firmly with dorsal end of tube |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19881223 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19900327 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19900807 |