GB2544174A

GB2544174A - Decorative apparatus for being worn on an ear of a person

Info

Publication number: GB2544174A
Application number: GB1616033.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eubanks Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-24
Filing date: 2016-09-20
Publication date: 2017-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-20
Also published as: GB201516949D0; GB201814096D0; GB201616033D0; GB2564581B; GB2544174B; GB2564581A

Abstract

A decorative apparatus 2 for being worn on an ear 4 of a person, which comprises a frame 6, a connector means 16, a plurality of decorative items 20, 22 e.g. an earring 22a and a plurality of mounting portions for the decorative items. The frame comprises an upper portion 8, a front portion 12 and a rear portion 14. The upper and rear portion are both telescopic to enable the frame to fit around different sized and shaped ears. The front portion comprises adjuster means to adjust the decorative items position relative to the ear, this adjuster could be a sliding device. The connector means could comprise a stud, clip or clamp. The decorative items could also be removable. An ear pin arrangement comprising an ear pin for a pierced ear and a fastener device are also disclosed. The fastener device comprises a mounting part for at least one decorative item.

Description

DECORATIVE APPARATUS FOR BEING WORN ON AN EAR OF A PERSON

This invention relates to decorative apparatus and, more especially, this invention relates to decorative apparatus for being worn on an ear of a person.

It is well known for persons to decorate their bodies, and especially their ears. Known decorative apparatus which is worn on an ear of a person may be attached to the ear either by piercing a part of the ear and using an ear pin arrangement, or by mechanically attaching to a part of the ear using a mechanical attachment device. The ear pin arrangement may be an ear pin which extends through a piercing in the ear, and is held in position by a butterfly fastener. The mechanical arrangement may be as a clip or a screw clamp. If it is desired to decorate an ear with more than one piece of decoration, then the ear may be multiply pierced or multiple mechanical attachment devices may be employed. Often, more decoration is required by a person than can comfortably be attached to their ear by piercing or the mechanical attachment devices. Also, the decoration may be uncomfortably heavy on the ear. If the ear is pierced and an ear pin arrangement is used, then the ear pin arrangement may not sufficiently secure the decoration to the ear. \

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided decorative apparatus for being worn on an ear of a person, which decorative apparatus comprises: (i) a frame which fits around the ear and which comprises an upper portion which rests on the top of the ear, a front portion which hangs in front of the ear, and a rear portion which hangs behind the ear; (ii) connector means for connecting to a lobe part of the ear; (iii) a plurality of decorative items; (iv) a plurality of mounting portions on which the decorative items are mounted, and the decorative apparatus being such that: (v) the frame is such that each of the upper portion and the rear portion is telescopic for enabling the frame: (a) to be able to fit snugly around the ear irrespective of differences in sizes and shapes of ears of different persons; and (b) to be adjustable in the length of each of the upper portion and the rear portion and thereby to enable adjustment of the position relative to the ear of those of the decorative items that are mounted on the upper portion and the rear portion and that are able to be adjusted in their position relative to the ear; and (vi) the front portion comprises adjuster means for adjusting relative to the ear those of the decorative items that are mounted on the front portion and that are able to be adjusted in their position relative to the ear.

The decorative apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it is able to ensure maximum comfort for the user because the upper portion of the frame rests on top of the ear and thus the entire ear is able to take the weight of the decorative apparatus rather than just the ear lobe. The decorative apparatus is also such that it is able securely to be mounted to the ear because the mounting is a two-point mounting with a first mounting point being afforded by the upper portion of the frame which rests on the top of the ear, and the second mounting point being afforded by the connector means which connects to the lobe part of the ear. The decorative apparatus is still further advantageous in that the mounting portions on which the decorative items are mounted provide a facility for large, small and medium sized decorative items as may be required, and there is substantially no restriction on shape and size of the type that would be required with one or more of the known ear piercing arrangements or the mechanical attachment devices.

The decorative apparatus of the present invention is also advantageous in that the ability to telescope the upper portion and the rear portion enables the frame to be able to fit snugly around the ear irrespective of differences in sizes and shapes of ears of different persons. Also advantageously, the adjustability in the length of each of the upper portion, and the rear portion, and the adjuster means of the front portion, enable adjustment of the position of the decorative items relative to the ear. Thus the person is able to customise the overall size and appearance of the decorative apparatus.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which the front portion is formed by a single section on which the decorative items are able to be mounted, and in which the adjuster means comprises a sliding device which slides along the single section and which receives the decorative items.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which the sliding device includes locking means for locking the sliding device in a desired position. The locking device may be a screw locking devices, or a ball and detent locking device. Other types of locking device may be employed.

The decorative apparatus may alternatively be one in which the front portion comprises at least two sections, and in which the adjuster means is a telescopic arrangement enabling the sections to telescope for achieving the adjustment. The telescopic arrangement may be a sliding telescoping arrangement or a screw telescopic arrangement. Other types of telescopic arrangement may be employed.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which each of the upper portion and the rear portion comprises at least two sections. Thus, for example, each of the upper portion and the rear portion may comprise three sections. More or less than these three sections may be employed if desired.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which the sections are telescopic sections which move inside one another. The movement may be a telescopic movement afforded by a sliding action, a screw action, or any other telescopic action.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which each of the upper portion, the rear portion and the front portion comprises at least two sections, and in which the decorative apparatus includes stop means for preventing the sections coming apart and/or rotating. The stop means may be a pin operating in a slot. The pin operating in the slot may be effective to stop the sections coming apart and also the sections rotating. Other types of stop means may be employed. There may be one of the stop means for each pair of telescopic sections.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which the front portion includes a first auxiliary portion which is pivotable about a first pivot from a position in which it is axially aligned with the front portion to a position in which it is not aligned with the front portion. In the position in which the first auxiliary portion is not aligned with the front portion, the first auxiliary portion may extend at various angles to the front portion and point rearwards to cover a part of the ear. Alternatively, the first auxiliary portion may extend at various angles to the front portion and extend forwardly rather than rearwardly. The first auxiliary portion may be such that it is able to be moved through various angles up to 360° so that it can point forwards or rearwards as desired. The first auxiliary portion may be configured to receive different items of decoration, for example jewellery. The first auxiliary portion may be a fixed or a removable first auxiliary portion.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which the rear portion includes a second auxiliary portion which is pivotable about a second pivot from a position in which it is axially aligned with the rear portion to a position in which it is not aligned with the rear portion. In the position in which the second auxiliary portion is not aligned with the rear portion, the second auxiliary portion may point forwardly to cover a part of the ear. Alternatively, if desired, the second auxiliary portion may not be axially aligned with the rear portion and it may extend rearwardly. The second auxiliary portion may be such that it can be rotated through any angle up to 360° so that it can point forwardly or rearwardly as desired. The second auxiliary portion may be configured to receive different types of decoration, for example jewellery. The second auxiliary portion may be a fixed or a removable second auxiliary portion.

The connector means may be a stud portion. The stud will be used when the ear has been pierced. The connector means may alternatively be a clip or a clamp. The clip or the clamp will be used when the ear has not been pierced. If desired, the apparatus of the present invention may include both a stud and a clip or clamp.

The decorative apparatus may be one in which at least some of the decorative items are removable decorative items. The removable decorative items may be attached to the apparatus by push and pull pin formations and/or by hooks and/or by other releasable connector means. At least some of the decorative items may be permanent decorative items. The permanent decorative items may be welded, stuck or otherwise be permanently secured in position. The decorative apparatus may be one in which removable and/or permanent decorative items are employed, and in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and combinations.

The decorative apparatus may include cushioning means for cushioning the ear against the decorative apparatus. The cushioning means may provide increased comfort for the ear when the decorative apparatus is being worn, for example for long periods of time.

The cushioning means may be provided over the upper portion of the frame. Alternatively or additionally, the cushioning means may be provided over parts of the front portion and/or the rear portion of the frame that are adjacent to the upper part of the frame. The cushioning means may be provided over any part of the frame likely to contact the ear. Any suitable appropriate cushioning means may be employed. Thus, for example, the cushioning means may be a silicone cushioning means. The cushioning means may be a sleeve formation extending over a part or parts of the frame.

Other types of cushioning means may be employed so that, for example, the cushioning means may be a simple strip or spaced apart pads.

The decorative apparatus may be made of any suitable and appropriate materials. Thus, for example, the decorative apparatus may be made from precious materials such for example as gold, silver and platinum. Hypo-allergenic materials may be employed. Metals that may be used include nickel-based alloys and stainless steel. A wide variety of plastics materials may also be employed.

The decorative items may be decorative in their own right, for example by being in the form of precious stones such for example as diamonds. Alternatively, the decorative items may be formed by decorating by any suitable and appropriate means including, for example, embossing, enamelling, plating and painting. The decorative items may be arranged in a plurality of different patterns and thereby provide the decorative apparatus with a customised decorative appearance as required by the user. Where replaceable decorative items are employed, then this customised decorative appearance can be changed in colour, design and size in order to suit different requirements of the person, for example for different social occasions or for use according to different moods of the person.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided an ear pin arrangement comprising an ear pin and a fastener device, and the fastener device being such that it comprises a mounting part for mounting at least decorative item; a first fastener comprising a pair of inwardly facing curved members which face each other and thereby define a passage for the ear pin; a second fastener which extends in one direction over the first fastener and which contains a first aperture for receiving the ear pin; and a third fastener which extends over the first fastener and in the opposite direction to the second fastener and which contains a second aperture for receiving the ear pin; and the passage and the first and second apertures being such that they align with a third aperture which extends through the mounting part, and the ear pin arrangement being such that the ear pin is able to be passed firstly through the third aperture, then through the passage and then through the first and second apertures in the fastener device.

The ear pin arrangement is different from a known ear pin arrangement in that the known ear pin arrangement just comprise the ear pin, the mounting part, the passage and the third aperture. The ear pin is a friction fit in the passage between the inwardly facing members, and often the sprung force of the inwardly facing members does cause the ear pin to be held with sufficient frictional force. The ear pin arrangement is then not able to be sufficiently tightly secured the ear, especially if the decorative item or items are heavy and tend to swing about and therefore generate a moving mass as a person wearing the ear pin arrangement move about. With the present invention, the ear pin is held in place by the extra second and third fasteners. Thus the ear pin arrangement of the present invention has three fastener arrangements for holding the ear pin rather than just one fastener arrangement. The second and third fasteners may act together to frictionally engage sides of the ear pin.

The passage that is formed between the pair of inwardly facing curved members may be a sprung passage. Thus, on insertion of the ear pin, the ear pin pushes the pair of inwardly facing curved members apart, and against their natural resistance and thereby achieves a spring-biased friction fit.

The ear pin arrangement may include at least one of the above mentioned decorative items.

The present invention also extends to the combination of the ear pin arrangement and the decorative apparatus.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of first decorative apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a front portion of the decorative apparatus as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 js a side view of second decorative apparatus;

Figure 4 is a side view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2 and illustrates how the apparatus can be made smaller by telescoping together sections in an upper portion, a front portion and a rear portion of a frame part of the apparatus;

Figure 5 illustrates how a second auxiliary portion connecting to a rear portion of the apparatus is able to be pivoted to a variety of positions;

Figure 6 shows how a first auxiliary portion connecting to a front portion of the decorative apparatus is able to be pivoted to a plurality of different positions;

Figure 7 is a perspective view on the line X - X in Figure 3 and shows the first auxiliary portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 3 and 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of two sections of the frame, and illustrates the operation of stop means for preventing the sections coming apart and rotating;

Figure 9 illustrates the attachment of a decorative item to the rear portion of a frame of the decorative apparatus shown in Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a view like Figure 9 and illustrates the attachment of a different type of decorative item to the rear portion of the frame of the decorative apparatus as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a front view of part of third decorative apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view from the other side of clamp connector means in the decorative apparatus shown in Figure 11, and for connecting to a lobe part of the ear;

Figure 13 illustrates the opening and closing of the clamp connector means shown in Figure 12 in order that the clamp connector means can be opened to receive the lobe part of the ear, and then closed to clamp to the lobe part of the ear;

Figure 14 is a side view showing fourth decorative apparatus of the present invention, and such that a decorative item is connected between a front portion and a rear portion of a frame of the decorative apparatus;

Figure 15 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of part of the decorative apparatus shown in Figure 12 and illustrates the sliding telescopic action of parts of the decorative apparatus;

Figure 17 is an exploded view from the front of fifth decorative apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 18 is a view like Figure 17 but shows the separate parts of Figure 17 connected together;

Figures 19, 20 and 21 show sequentially the method of operation of a mounting portion on which decorative items are mounted, with part of the mounting portion being attached to an appropriate part on the frame;

Figure 22 is a view like Figure 21 but shows a modified mounting portion able to receive a removable decorative item;

Figure 23 is a side view of sixth decorative apparatus of the present invention, with the decorative apparatus being shown having two types of connector means for connecting to a lobe part of the ear, and with one of the connector means being a stud or ear pin which is shown in a closed position;

Figure 24 is a front view like Figure 23 but shows the stud in an open position;

Figure 25 shows a sliding telescopic construction which is an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 16;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the sliding telescopic construction shown in Figure 23;

Figure 27 is a side view of seventh decorative apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a front view of the apparatus shown in Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a front view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 27 and shows a decorative item is able to be made larger or smaller;

Figure 30 is a side view of eighth decorative apparatus being worn an ear of a person;

Figure 31 is a side view like Figure 1 but shows ninth decorative apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of a device for receiving connector means in the form of a stud or ear pin for going through a lobe part of the ear;

Figure 33 is an enlarged side view of the front portion of the decorative apparatus shown in Figure 3 and illustrates a screw-thread telescopic arrangement;

Figure 34 is an exploded view of the part of the decorative apparatus shown in Figure 32;

Figure 35 illustrates how parts of the decorative apparatus are spaced apart so that fixed decorative items can protrude through an outer tube section and not interfere with the sliding of an inner tube section;

Figure 36 is an enlarged view of a bottom part of Figures 1 and 3, and illustrates how part of the decorative apparatus is able to pivot and is also able to receive difference types of decorative items;

Figure 37 shows a range of decorative items that may be used with the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 38 is a perspective view of a known ear pin arrangement; and

Figure 39 is a perspective view of an ear pin arrangement of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown decorative apparatus 2 for being worn on an ear 4 of a person. The decorative apparatus 2 comprises a frame 6 which fits around the ear 4. The frame 6 comprises an upper portion 8 which fits on the top 10 of the ear 4, a front portion 12 which hangs in front of the ear 4, and a rear portion 14 which hangs behind the ear 4.

The decorative apparatus 2 also comprises connector means 16 for connecting to a lobe part 18 of the ear 4. The decorative apparatus 2 further comprises a plurality of decorative items 20, 22A, 22B. A plurality of mounting portions 24, 26 are provided on which the decorative items 20, 22A, 22B are mounted.

The decorative apparatus 2 is such that the frame 6 is such that each of the upper portion 8 and the rear portion 14 is telescopic. This firstly enables the frame 6 to be able to fit snugly around the ear 4 irrespective of differences in sizes and shapes of ears of different persons. It secondly enables the frame 6 to be adjustable in the length of each of the upper portion, the front portion, and the rear portion, and thereby to enable adjustment of the position of the decorative items 20, 22A, 22B relative to the ear 4. As shown in Figure 1, the upper portion 8 comprises an inner section 28 which slides at one end in an outer section 30, and which slides at the other end in an outer section 32. The outer section 30 curves into the front portion 12. The outer section 32 curves into the rear portion 14.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the front portion comprises a single section on which the decorative items are able to be mounted. The front portion 12 is such that it has an adjuster means in the form of a sliding device 33 which slides along the single section formed by the front portion 12. The sliding device 33 receives the decorative items. The sliding device 33 includes locking means 35 for locking the sliding device 33 in a desired position. The locking device 33 is a screw locking device 33. Other types of locking device, for example a ball and detent locking device may be employed.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown second decorative apparatus 3 of the present invention. Similar parts as in the decorative apparatus 2 shown in Figure 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In Figure 3, it will be seen that the front portion comprises an inner section 34 which slides in the outer section 30. The rear portion 14 has a first section 36 and a second section 38. The first section 36 slides in the outer section 32. The second section 38 slides in the first section 36. Figure 3 illustrates how each of the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 is able to be formed of two or more sections as required. Figure 3 also illustrates how the sections of the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 are telescopic sections which move inside one another by sliding.

Figure 4 is a view like Figure 3 and shows how the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 are such that their sections are able to be telescoped to a non-extended position. In the non-extended position, the decorative apparatus 3 occupies a minimum size. This minimum size may be used for storing and/or wearing. As shown in Figure 4 and 5, the lower end of the rear portion 14 has a second auxiliary portion 44. The connector means 16 is mounted on one end of the second auxiliary portion 44. The second auxiliary portion 44 comprises a first section 40 which telescopes by sliding into a second section 42. The second section 42 has the connector means 16. The connector means 16 has an aperture 46 for receiving an ear stud 48 as shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16. The connector means 16 is a plate which rests against the lobe part 18 of the ear 4 when the decorative apparatus 2 is connected by the ear stud 48 to the lobe part 18 of the ear 4. The ear stud 48 extends through hole 46, through the lobe part 18 of the ear 4, and into the butterfly mechanism shown in Figure 32. The ear stud 48 can be decorated or plain.

The connector means 16 is also provided with the mounting portion 26. The mounting portion 26 is in the form of an aperture. The mounting portion 26 has a pair of first in-line apertures 27 for receiving the decorative item 22A, and a pair of second in-line apertures 29 for receiving a second decorative item 22B. The in-line apertures 27, 29 are at right angles to each other. The decorative item 22B has a hook 52 which hooks into the apertures 29.

The second auxiliary portion 44 is pivotally connected to the second section 38 of the rear portion 14 by a pivot 54. This pivot 54 enables the second auxiliary portion 44 to pivot to a chosen one of a multitude of positions as shown in Figure 5.

The decorative apparatus 3 has a first auxiliary portion 56 connected by a pivot 58 to the inner section 34 of the front portion 12. The first auxiliary portion 56 has a C-shaped formation 60 which is best shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the formation 60 comprises a main portion 62 and two end legs 64, 66. The two end legs 64, 66 are of a smaller diameter in cross section than the main portion 62 as shown in Figure 7. The end legs 64, 66 attach to a body part 68 of the connecting member 56. The main portion 62 has an aperture 70 for receiving the ear stud 48 shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16. The ear stud 48 is held in position by a clip 72 as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 6 shows how the first auxiliary portion 56 with its formation 60 is able to pivot to various desired positions about the pivot 58.

Referring now to Figure 8, there are shown two telescoping sections 74, 76. The section 74 telescopes by sliding in the section 76. The sections 74, 76 may be part of the upper portion 8 and/or the front portion 12 and/or the rear portion 14. The inner section 74 has stop means 78 for preventing the sections 74, 76 coming apart and also rotating. The stop means 78 comprises a pin 80 which extends radially outwardly from the section 74. The pin 80 extends through a slot 82 in the section 76. The slot 82 extends longitudinally of the section 76 as shown. Movement of the section 74 in the section 76 is controlled by the pin 80 such that when the pin 80 abuts either end of the slot 82, then further movement of the section 74 relative the section 76 is prevented. Thus the pin 80 restricts inward movement of the section 74 in the section 76 when it is at the inner end 84 of the slot 82.

Similarly, the pin 80 stops outward sliding movement of the section 74 from the section 76 when the pin 80 abuts against the outer end 86 of the slot 82.

The pin 80 also stops the inner section 74 rotating relative to the outer section 76. This is because the pin 80 is located in the slot 78 and the longitudinal sides 88, 90 of the slot 82 hold the pin rotationally in place, and thus stop the inner section 74 rotating with respect to the outer section 76. The decorative apparatus 2 may be such that there is one of the stop means 78 for each pair of sliding telescoping sections such as the sliding telescoping sections 74, 76.

Figure 9 shows the top part of the decorative apparatus 3 shown in Figure 3. Figure 9 illustrates how the decorative item 20 is a removable decorative item. The decorative item 20 has a pair of male member 92 which are able to be pushed into and be retained by female formations 94 in the rear portion 12 as shown. The male member 92 can be of any suitable shape such for example as pins or clips. The female formations 94 can be holes or recesses.

Figure 10 shows the decorative apparatus 3 shown in Figures 3 and 9 but with a decorative item 96 instead of the decorative item 20. The decorative item 96 can be secured in position by any releasable connector means. As shown in Figure 10, the decorative item 96 has a cap 98 which is secured to a base 100 by the folding arm arrangement 102. The cap 98 can thus be maintained at different positions from the base 100. The base 100 connects to the rear portion 14 as shown.

Referring now to Figures 11, 12 and 13 there is shown third decorative apparatus 104 of the present invention. Similar parts as in the first decorative apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In the decorative apparatus 104, the ear stud 48 has been replaced by a clamp formation 106 which is able to be used for non-pierced ears. The clamp formation 106 comprises a curved body portion 108 and a screw clamp 110 which screws through a threaded aperture 112 in the body portion 108 as shown. The screw clamp 110 has a threaded portion 114 which screws through the threaded aperture 112. Figure 13 shows how the body portion 108 is able to be opened by pivoting about a pivot 116 to an open position to accommodate the ear 4. Figure 12 shows the body portion 108 in the closed position shown also in Figure 11, and in which position the lobe 18 of the ear 4 will have been inserted into the clamp formation 106 and clamped between the sleeve 114 and an abutment 118 on the clamp formation 116.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 show fourth decorative apparatus 122 and similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In the decorative apparatus 122, a decorative item 124 is shown connected between the plate member 44 and the first auxiliary portion 56. The decorative item 122 has a sliding portion 126 which slides inside a bore 128 as can best be appreciated from Figure 14.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate how a decorative item 130 is able to be releasably attached to a part of the frame 6. More specifically, the decorative item 130 has a C-shaped clip member 132 which pushes over a protruding member 134 as shown.

Figures 19, 20 and 21 show the construction and operation of an alternative releasable connecting arrangement comprising a clip member 136 which clips over a ball member 138. The ball member 138 has a bore 140 which receives a post 142 on the clip member 136.

Figure 22 shows how a clip arrangement 144 which is similar to that shown in Figure 21 is able to be provided with a collar 146. The collar 146 is provided with an aperture 148 for releasably receiving a hook 150 of a decorative item 152.

Figures 23 - 26 shown various views and the operation of part of seventy decorative apparatus 154 of the present invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. It will be seen from a comparison of Figure 16 and 26 that the decorative apparatus 154 has a telescoping sliding arrangement which is different to that shown in Figure 16 but which operates on the same general principle.

Figures 27 and 28 are side and front views of seventh decorative apparatus 156 of the present invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The decorative apparatus 156 includes a decorative item 158. The decorative item 158 has telescoping sliding parts so that it can be made larger or smaller, as can be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 27 and 29.

Figure 30 shows part of eighth decorative apparatus 160 of the present invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have again been given the same reference numerals. The decorative apparatus 160 is provided with an electronic ear piece 162. The ear piece 162 may be any suitable and appropriate electronic device, for example for enabling telephone calls and/or music to be received, or for acting as a hearing aid.

Figure 31 shows ninth decorative apparatus 164 which is like the decorative apparatus 2 shown in Figure 3. In the decorative apparatus 164, a part of the Upper portion 8 and an adjacent part of the rear portion 14 have been provided with cushioning means in the form of a sleeve 166. The sleeve 166 is preferably made from a silicone material but it may be made of other materials if desired.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of a triple secure fastener mechanism 168 for receiving the ear stud 48 through an aperture 170 and then through apertures 172, 174. The ear stud 48 may alternatively be considered as an ear pin. In use of the fastener mechanism 168, the ear stud 48 will typically be passed through a wearer’s ear, and then through the apertures 170, 172 and 174. After passing through the aperture 170, the ear stud 48 passes through a sprung passage 177 defined between opposing ends of the two inwardly facing curved members 179, 181. The ear stud 48 then passes through the apertures 172, 174.

Referring back to Figure 1, it will be noted that the decorative apparatus 2 includes a cushioning portion 178 which is preferably made of silicone but may be made of other cushioning materials. The decorative apparatus 2 includes locking screws 180, 182, 184, 186 as shown. The upper portion 8 and the rear portion 14 are telescopic as shown. The upper portion 8 has a solid fix connecting member 188. The connecting member 188 has a screw thread 190 to which is attached the front portion 12 of the decorative apparatus 176.

Figures 33 and 34 show part of the front portion of the decorative apparatus 3 shown in Figure 3. Figures 33 and 34 illustrate how the decorative apparatus is able to have telescoping parts which telescope by virtue of having threaded sections 194, 196, 198, 200. The threaded section 196 screws into a threaded bore 202 in the section 194. The section 198 screws into a threaded bore 204 in the section 200. Figure 34 shows how an ear stud 48 having a diamond 203 is able to pass through a slot 205, through the ear lobe 18, and into the fastener mechanism 168 shown in Figure 32.

Figure 35 shows how the various sections are formed as tubes. More specifically, Figure 35 shows how the tube forming the section 194 is spaced apart from the tube forming the section 196 by spacers 206. This enables fixed decorative items such as diamonds 207 to be secured in holes in the outer tube 194, and not engage the inner tube 196 and thereby stop the inner tube 196 sliding in the outer tube 198.

Figure 36 is an enlarged view of a bottom part of Figures 1 and 3. Figure 36 illustrates how two parts 208, 210 of the bottom part may be pivotally connected by a pivot 212 to pivot to any desired direction. The parts 208, 210 may form part of a hinged attachment which is telescopically adjustable by means of screw threaded arrangements 214, 216 as shown.

The parts 208, 210 may form a lower decoration housing 218 for receiving decorative items, for example the decorative items 22A and 22B as shown. Other decorative items may be used. When not in use, the part 210 may be clipped in a clip 219 on the part 38.

Figure 37 shows five different pieces of decorative apparatus 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F and 22G. These pieces of decorative apparatus may be used instead of the decorative apparatus 22A and/or 22B. The decorative apparatus 22C is a large circular stud ear decoration, the decorative apparatus 22D is a normal stud decoration, the decorative apparatus 22E is a large circular spring clip decoration, the decorative apparatus 22F is a large circular hook spring clip decoration, and the decorative apparatus 22G is a hook decoration.

The decorative apparatus shown in the above drawings is advantageous in that it is able to ensure maximum comfort for the user because the upper portion of the frame rests on top of the ear 4 and thus the entire ear 4 is able to take the weight of the decorative apparatus rather than just the lobe part 18 of the ear 4. The decorative apparatus is also able securely to be mounted to the ear because the mounting is a two-point mounting with a first mounting point being afforded by the upper portion 8 of the frame 6 which rests on the top of the ear 4, and the second mounting point being afforded by the connector means 16 which connects to the lobe part 18 of the ear 4. The decorative apparatus is still further advantageous in that the mounting portions on which the decorative items are mounted provide a facility for large, small and medium sized decorative items. In addition to the above mentioned removable decorative items 20 and 22A - 22E, the decorative apparatus may have fixed decorative items as shown by way of example as fixed decorative items 236, 238 in Figures 27 and 28. The fixed decorative items may be, for example, diamonds.

The decorative apparatus of the present invention is also advantageous in that the ability to telescope the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 enables the frame 6 to be able to fit snugly around the ear 4 irrespective of differences in sizes and shapes of ears of different persons. Also advantageously, the adjustability of each of the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14 enables adjustment of the position of the decorative items relative to the ear 4. Thus the person is able to customise the overall size and appearance of the decorative apparatus simply by adjusting the length of one or more of the upper portion 8, the front portion 12 and the rear portion 14, and thereby to adjust the position of the decorative items relative to the ear. Further advantageously, if the decorative items are already available decorative items, for example of jewellery, then the decorative item industry is helped to sell more of these decorative items, which in turn is good for the industry.

Figure 38 shows a known ear pin arrangement 239 comprising an ear pin 242 and a fastener device 243. The fastener device 243 comprises a mounting part 246 for mounting at least one decorative item, and a first fastener 248. The first fastener 248 comprises a pair of inwardly facing curved members 250 which face each other and thereby define a passage 252 for the ear pin 242.

Referring now to Figure 39, similar parts as the ear pin arrangement shown in Figure 38 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. Thus Figure 39 shows a fastener mechanism which is like the fastener mechanism 168 shown in Figure 32 but which is a stand-alone item. As can be appreciated from Figure 38 there is shown an ear pin arrangement 240 comprising an ear pin 242 and a fastener device 244. The fastener device 244 comprises a mounting part 246. In use the fastener device 244 is positioned at a rear of the ear of a wearer. At least one decorative item such for example as one of the decorative items shown in previous Figures, is able to be mounted on the ear pin 242, and is then typically positioned at a front of the ear of the wearer.

The fastener device 244 also comprises a first fastener 248 comprising a pair of inwardly facing curved members 250 which face each other and thereby define a passage 252 for the ear pin 242. A second fastener 254 extends in one direction over the first fastener 248. The second fastener 254 has a first aperture 256 for receiving the ear pin 242. A third fastener 258 extends over the first fastener 248 and in the opposite direction to the second fastener 254. The third fastener 252 contains a second aperture 260 for receiving the ear pin 242. The passage 252 and the first and second apertures 256, 260 are such that they align with a third aperture 262 which extends through the mounting part 246. The ear pin arrangement 240 is such that the ear pin 242 is able to be passed firstly through the ear, then through the third aperture 262, and then through the passage 252, and then through the first and second apertures 256, 260. The ear pin 242 is then held securely in position on the ear by the fastener device 244. The ear pin 242 and/or the mounting part 246 may be provided with various attachment means and/or accessory devices, for example one or more apertures and/or an audio speaker in the mounting device 246, all shown schematically as 264.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the decorative apparatus of the present invention may take shapes other than those shown. Decorative items other than those shown may also be employed. Where screw-threaded telescoping arrangements have been shown, they may be replaced by sliding telescopic arrangements. Where sliding telescoping arrangements have been shown, they may be replaced by screw-threaded telescoping arrangements. Thus, for example, the sliding arrangement shown in Figure 2 could alternatively be a screw-threaded arrangement. The apparatus of the present invention may be made from a wide variety of materials including precious metals and/or plastics materials. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The present invention also extends to the individual components shown in the drawings when taken individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. Decorative apparatus for being worn on an ear of a person, which decorative apparatus comprises: (i) a frame which fits around the ear and which comprises an upper portion which rests on the top of the ear, a front portion which hangs in front of the ear, and a rear portion which hangs behind the ear; (ii) connector means for connecting to a lobe part of the ear; (iii) a plurality of decorative items; (iv) a plurality of mounting portions on which the decorative items are mounted, and the decorative apparatus being such that: (v) the frame is such that each of the upper portion and the rear portion is telescopic for enabling the frame: (a) to be able to fit snugly around the ear irrespective of differences in sizes and shapes of ears of different persons; and (b) to be adjustable in the length of each of the upper portion and the rear portion and thereby to enable adjustment of the position relative to the ear of those of the decorative items that are mounted on the upper portion and the rear portion and that are able to be adjusted in their position relative to the ear; and (vi) the front portion comprises adjuster means for adjusting relative to the ear those of the decorative items that are mounted on the front portion and that are able to be adjusted in their position relative to the ear.

2. Decorative apparatus according to claim 1 in which the front portion is formed by a single section on which the decorative items are able to be mounted, and in which the adjuster means comprises a sliding device which slides along the single section and which receives the decorative items.

3. Decorative apparatus according to claim 2 in which the sliding device includes locking means for locking the sliding device in a desired position.

4. Decorative apparatus according to claim 3 in which the locking device is a screw locking device, or a ball and detent locking device.

5. Decorative apparatus according to claim 1 in which the front portion comprises at least two sections, and in which the adjuster means is a telescopic arrangement enabling the sections to telescope for achieving the adjustment.

6. Decorative apparatus according to claim 5 in which the telescopic arrangement is a sliding telescopic arrangement or a screw telescopic arrangement.

7. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which each of the upper portion and the rear portion comprises at least two sections.

8. Decorative apparatus according to claim 7 in which each of the upper portion and the rear portion comprises three sections.

9. Decorative apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the sections are telescopic sections which slide inside one another.

10. Decorative apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the telescopic sections are telescopic sections which screw into one another.

11. Decorative apparatus according to any one of claims 5 - 10 in which each of the upper portion, the rear portion and the front portion comprises at least two of the sections and in which the decorative apparatus includes stop means for preventing the sections coming apart and/or rotating.

12. Decorative apparatus according to claim 11 in which the stop means is a pin operating in a slot.

13. Decorative apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which there is one of the stop means for each pair of telescopic sections.

14. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the front portion includes a first auxiliary portion which is pivotable about a first pivot from a position in which it is axially aligned with the front portion to a position in which it is not aligned with the front portion.

15. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the rear portion includes a second auxiliary portion which is pivotable about a second pivot from a position in which it is axially aligned with the rear portion to a position in which it is not aligned with the rear portion.

16. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the connector means comprises a stud.

17. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the connector means comprises a clip or a clamp.

18. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claim in which at least some of the decorative items are removable decorative items.

19. Decorative apparatus according to claim 18 in which the removable decorative items are attached to the apparatus by push and pull pin formations and/or by hooks.

20. Decorative apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including cushioning means for cushioning the ear against the decorative apparatus.

21. Decorative apparatus according to claim 20 in which the cushioning means is provided over the upper portion of the frame.

22. Decorative apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 in which the cushioning means is a silicone cushioning means.

23. Decorative apparatus for being worn on a ear of a person, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. An ear pin arrangement comprising an ear pin and a fastener device, and the fastener device being such that it comprises a mounting part for mounting at least one decorative item; a first fastener comprising a pair of inwardly facing curved members which face each other and thereby define a passage for the ear pin; a second fastener which extends in one direction over the first fastener and which contains a first aperture for receiving the ear pin; and a third fastener which extends over the first fastener and in the opposite direction to the second fastener and which contains a second aperture for receiving the ear pin; and the passage and the first and second apertures being such that they align with a third aperture which extends through the mounting part, and the ear pin arrangement being such that the ear pin is able to be passed firstly through the third aperture, then through the passage, and then through the first and second apertures in order to be held in position by the fastener device.

25. An ear pin arrangement according to claim 24 in which the passage » that is formed between the pair of inwardly facing curved members is a sprung passage.

26. Decorative apparatus comprising an ear pin arrangement according to claim 24 or claim 25, and including at least one decorative item.