US20190174884A1

US20190174884A1 - Earring

Info

Publication number: US20190174884A1
Application number: US15/836,379
Authority: US
Inventors: Nadezhda TODOROVA
Original assignee: Labulgara Corp
Current assignee: Labulgara Corp
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2017-12-08
Publication date: 2019-06-13

Abstract

An earring involves a first, second, and third segment, wherein the second segment couples the first segment to the third segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the first and third segments, and overlays at least a part of one of the antihelix or scapha. An alternative earring involves a helix engagement segment having an inflection point, an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end, and a decorative segment between the helix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment. None of the helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorative segment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha, and the inflection point and terminal end are separated from each other at a linear distance in the range between 54 mm and 85 mm. An item of jewelry involves means for engaging the ear helix, means for engaging the earlobe, and means for separating and coupling the respective means for engaging.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to fine jewelry and, more particularly, to earrings.

BACKGROUND

Most earrings for pierced ears fall into two classes: stud earrings and hook or drop earrings.
A stud earring attaches to the earlobe via a post inserted into a hole pierced in the wearer's earlobe and is maintained in place by a backing that goes on to the end of the post behind the earlobe.
A hook or drop earring attaches to the earlobe using a curved “hook” that is partially inserted through a hole pierced in the wearer's earlobe such that part of the hook sits on the exterior-facing side of the earlobe below the hole and another part sits on the interior-facing side of the earlobe below the hole. This type of earring is maintained in place by the weight of the earring attached to the hook below the hole and the fact that, to be removed, the hook must be curled in an exterior direction—which is almost impossible to happen through normal wearing.
Another type of ear ornamentation is called an “industrial bar” or, simply, an “ear bar” which attaches to the ear via, typically two, holes pierced through the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear. However, this type of style is generally considered to be out of the mainstream of fine jewelry.
People who have only a single piercing in their earlobe cannot wear earrings that require one or more additional piercings, or ear ornamentation that is specifically arranged to overlay the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear.

SUMMARY

I have devised an earring, for a person with a single, conventional earlobe piercing, that incorporates aspects of an “industrial bar” or “ear bar” style in that they can overlay the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear without requiring any additional piercing or departing from the styling common to fine jewelry.
One aspect of this disclosure involves an earring for wearing via a human ear, the earring comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The second segment couples the first segment to the third segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the first and third segments, and, when worn, overlays at least a part of one of the antihelix or scapha. The first segment is shaped so that, when worn, it will wrap around the superior helix of the ear at a location within a range of 0 mm to 20 mm from the apex of the helix such that the first segment: a) will have at least two points of contact with the superior helix, at least one of which will be on the exterior surface of the interior side of the helix, and b) does not pass through a piercing in the helix or scapha. When the earring is worn, the third segment will pass through a piercing in the earlobe from an exterior side to an interior side of the earlobe, such that the earlobe will exert a force on the third segment that will be transferred to the first segment, as a torque force, via the second segment.
Another aspect involves an earring for wearing via a human ear. The earring has three segments, a helix engagement segment having an inflection point, an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end, and a decorative segment located between, and coupled to, each of the helix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment. None of the helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorative segment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha. The inflection point and terminal end are separated from each other by the decorative segment at a linear distance in the range between 54 mm and 85 mm, and the earlobe engagement segment has a cross sectional width, at its widest point, in the range of 0.3211 mm to 1.0237 mm.
Yet a further aspect involves an item of jewelry, for wearing via a human ear, comprising: means for engaging the ear helix, means for engaging the earlobe, and means for separating and coupling the means for engaging the ear helix from the means for engaging the earlobe. Neither the means for engaging the ear helix nor the means for separating and coupling are arranged to pass through any piercing in the ear helix or scapha.
The foregoing and following outlines rather generally the features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments of this disclosure in order that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be described hereinafter, which may form the subject of the claims of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of a typical human ear;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants of an earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein;

FIGS. 3A-3C are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments of, respectively, the earrings of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D;

FIG. 3D is a simplified view of an alternative variant of a helix-engaging segment;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations that establish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer) segment 204 for decorative and/or functional purposes;

FIG. 8 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a very simple example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring of FIG. 8 by itself;

10A-10G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

11A-11G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

12A-12G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

13A-13G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

14A-14G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 14H is a partial photograph of the earring of FIGS. 14A-14G that shows how the chains of FIGS. 14A-14G will drape when worn;

FIG. 15 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of another very simple example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate, in simplified form different views of the example variant earring of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional example variant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate, in simplified form, one further example variant earring 1800, constructed according to the teachings herein; and

FIG. 18H is a partial photograph of the earring 1800 of FIGS. 18A-18G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of understanding, the term “interior” as used herein is intended to mean the side of the exterior surface(s) of the ear closest to the skull and the term “exterior” is intended to mean the exterior surfaces of the ear facing away from the skull.
In addition, the term “jewel” is intended to mean any of a precious gemstone, a semiprecious gemstone, polished stone, an artificial gem (e.g., cubic zirconia), a pearl, polished shell, or simple glass, quartz, marcasite, or other material intended to look like, or create the effect of, a gemstone, as well as any bead or polished and/or glossy element commonly used as an accent in fine or costume jewelry.
Finally, the term “finding” is intended to mean a decorative jewelry component, for example, a fine jewelry chain, bar, setting, enhancer, bead tip, bead cap, chandelier, head pin, eye pin, filigree, festoon, breloque, gallery strip, etc.
FIG. 1 illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of a typical human ear 100 for purposes of definitional understanding.
As shown, the ear 100 is made up of several parts, the helix 102 which is the outer rim of the upper part of the ear 100 defined by the underlying auricular cartilage 104. In general, the “superior helix” 106 is that portion of the helix (identified in FIG. 1 as the upper part of the helix 102 between the dotted line pair 110 a, 110 b) that is above the ear canal 108. The area located just within the helix 102 is the scapha 112, and the antihelix 114 is the raised portion defined by cartilage between the scapha 112 and the ear canal 108. The apex 116 of the helix 102 is the highest part of the helix 102.
The lowest part of the ear 100 is the earlobe 118 which, as shown, is pierced, meaning that it has a hole 120 that passes between the exterior and interior sides of the earlobe 120 (as is conventional for pierced ears).
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants of an earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein.
More particularly, FIG. 2A illustrates, in simplified form, a side view of the main components of the simplest earring variant 200A according to the teachings herein relative to a cross section of an ear 100, including its helix 102 and earlobe 118 with piercing hole 120.
Functionally, the earrings of all fo FIGS. 2A-2D are each made up of three segments: one segment 202 that engages or interacts with the helix 102, another segment 206 that passes through the piercing hole 120 in the earlobe 118, and a final segment 204 that both: (a) connects the prior two segments 202, 206 while maintaining them at a fixed spacing, and (b) will typically carry decorations or ornamentation in some manner, for example, by having coupled to it one or more jewels or findings. Note here that variants of either or both of the other two segments 202, 206 could, of course, carry, or be partially made of, decorations or ornamentation as well. In addition, typically, the segment 202 that engages or interacts with the helix 102 will do so within 15-20 mm to either side of the helix 102 of the wearer's ear 102.
As can be seen in FIG. 2A, due to the shape in this configuration, when the earring 200A is worn, the segment 206 that interacts with the earlobe 118 will generally have a force (F) applied to it by the earlobe generally in the normal direction, as shown by the arrow “X” (which will also tend to deform the piercing hole 120). As a result of this configuration, part of the earlobe 118 will act as a fulcrum such that some portion of the force F will be transferred to the segment 202 at the opposite end of the earring 200 resulting in a force (F′) being applied to the interior side of the helix 102, as shown by arrow “Y” and driving it towards the helix 102 to aid in maintaining placement of that segment 202. In addition, as a result of this configuration, there will be at least three points of contact between the earring 200A and ear 100, at least two with the helix 102 and at least one with the earlobe 118.
As is the case with the earring 200A of FIG. 2A, and will also be the case with the other configuration variants described herein, the segments 202, 204, 206 can all have the same diameter (if round in cross section) or widest width (if non-circular in cross section), or those dimensions can vary, both within a segment 202, 204, 206, or between two segments. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the smallest dimension for any segment 202, 204, 206 will likely be 0.250 mm (0.0098 inches) and, in the case of the segments 202, 204 the widest dimension may go up to as much as 3.50 mm. It is contemplated that the segment that engages the earlobe 118 will typically be dimensioned in the range of 0.3000 mm to 1.0300 mm, and, in most cases, not larger to avoid adversely stretching the earlobe piercing hole 120.
Moreover, in some variants, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 can be tapered towards the terminal end, and in others, the terminal end can be blunted or rounded.
Table 1 below identifies some standard jewelry wire gauges and dimensions (in inches and millimeters) that are particularly contemplated for use in one or more of the segments 202, 204, 206:

TABLE 1

Segment Sizing (Diameter/Widest dimension)

Gauge	Inch	Millimeters

18	0.0403	1.0237
20	0.0320	0.8118
21	0.0285	0.7229
22	0.0253	0.6438
24	0.0201	0.5106
26	0.0159	0.4048
28	0.0126	0.3211

FIG. 2B illustrates, in simplified form, a side view of the main components of an alternative earring variant 200B that is similar to the earring of FIG. 2A except for two differences. First, it contains a small ball 208 on the terminal end of the segment 202 that engages the helix 102, predominantly for improving wearer comfort and minimizing potential abrasion or irritation of the wearer's skin. Second, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is smoothly offset from one or both of the other two segments so that, when worn, the force applied by the earlobe 118 to the earring segment 204 will be reduced and, consequently, the opposite force applied to the helix 102 by the other segment 202 will be reduced. This configuration may be advantageous, for example, for earrings with heavier decoration and/or where the cross section in the widest direction (if non-circular) of one or both of the segments 202, 206 is larger.
At this point, it should also be noted that, in both FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is parallel to part of the legs of the helix-engaging segment 202 and the middle (spacer) segment 204. In the case of FIG. 2A, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is also coaxially aligned with the middle segment 204.
FIG. 2C illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view of the main components of an alternative earring variant 200C that is similar to the earring of FIG. 2A except that, with this variant, (a) the helix-engaging segment 202 is split into two parts (in a “Y” shape) so that each “branch” would separately engage the helix 102 of the ear 100, and (b) the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is oriented at an angle θ offset with respect to the middle segment 204. Depending upon the particular variant implementation, the angle θ will typically range from 0° to 90° and, more particularly, will be less than 60° and, even more particularly, will be less than 30° angular offset.
Here, it should be noted that, in the case of a straight middle (spacer) segment 204, the offset angle θ would be measured as shown (i.e., relative to a projection of that segment 204). In the case of a curved middle (spacer) segment 204, the offset angle θ would generally be measured relative to a plane that is formed by the curve or, alternatively, a plane essentially parallel to an average plane formed by the apex 116 of an ear helix 102, the location of the piercing hole 120 and the base of the superior helix 106 opposite from, and aligned with, the opening of the ear canal 108.
FIG. 2D illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view of the main components of an alternative earring variant 200D that is similar to the earring of FIG. 2D except that, with this variant, (a) the helix-engaging segment 202 is formed in a “T” shape with the parts that would engage the helix 102 being connected to the ends of the “T” crossbar, and (b) the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is oriented at an offset angle of 90° with respect to the middle segment 204 so that it can be inserted into the piercing hole 120 in the earlobe 118 in the same manner as the post of a conventional earring. Optionally, for this configuration variant 200D, although not necessary or preferred, a locking notch can be included on the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118, because, with a 90° offset, this segment 206 will seem to some wearers like a conventional earring post and, therefore, they may be uncomfortable not using a conventional earring backing with it.
At this point it should be noted that the shape of the helix engagement segment 202, particularly the part that, when worn, is on the interior side of the ear 100, need not be one of the shapes shown. Indeed, that portion can be a loop, a plate or any other shape, the important aspect being that it will sufficiently abut the interior side of the helix 102, to assist in retaining that segment 202 in place, not the shape used to do so.
Likewise, it should be understood, as will become apparent below, that the cross section of the helix engagement segment 202 and middle (spacer) segment 204 can be round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape (for example, in the case of the middle (spacer) segment 204, cross sections that cause the middle (spacer) segment 204 to appear to be a spiral, or a shape that results in the middle (spacer) segment 204 appearing as a filagree) the shape being a matter of design choice provided that, in the case of the helix engagement segment 202, the shape allows, directly or indirectly, the helix engagement segment 202 to engage the helix 102 as described herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that even the earlobe engagement section 206 can have a cross section other than round in some variants.
Finally, in general, and with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D in particular, it is contemplated that the overall length of the earrings, measured from the top of the helix engagement segment 202 to the terminal end of the earlobe engagement section 206, measured linearly, will generally be between 54 mm and 85 mm and, more typically, between 65 mm and 80 mm. However, it is to be understood that these lengths are based upon common ear morphology and the need for engagement of the helix 102 at one end and passage through the piercing 120 through the earlobe 118, at the other, by a sufficient amount to extend, in the case of variants similar to FIGS. 2A-2C, typically to near the bottom of the earlobe 118, if not extend beyond it when worn.
FIGS. 3A-3C are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments 202 of, respectively, the earrings 200A, 200C, 200D of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D.
In general, and as shown, the interior and exterior leg(s) 302 a, 302 b of the helix-engaging segment 202 will typically be spaced apart from each other by a median spacing (“s”) in the range of 6.3 mm to 7.6 mm and will have a length (“h”) of at least between 9 mm and 14 mm when measured from the peak 306 (i.e., its inflection point) to the terminal end of the interior leg 302 a on a perpendicular as shown (in the case of the segments 202 of FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, to the center of an imaginary line between the two interior legs 302 a).
FIG. 3D is a simplified view of an alternative variant of a helix-engaging segment 202 that includes a plate 304 on the terminal end of the interior leg 302 a to increase the surface area that will contact a wearer's helix 102 on the interior side.
FIGS. 4-7 illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations that establish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer) segment 204 for decorative and/or functional purposes.
Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates, in simplified form, one example variant middle (spacer) segment 204, which has a non-uniform width over its surface 402 and is curved, in this case, with a curvature that substantially conforms to the longitudinal curvature of the auricular cartilage 104 of a typical wearer's helix 102. At this point, it should be noted that “substantially conforms” is intended to mean that it has a curvature that evokes part of a common ear helix 102 shape even when not worn, and even if it does not specifically conform to any particular individual wearer's helix 102 curvature.
FIG. 5 illustrates, in simplified form, another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment 204, which has variable width over its surface 402 and is formed into an asymmetrical “zig-zag” shape.
FIG. 6 illustrates, in simplified form, yet another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment 204, that is, in part, formed in a uniform zig-zag shape. Advantageously, with this variant, the material used and shape are features that, individually or collectively, allow for nominal modification (longer or shorter by a few (e.g., 1 to 5) millimeters) of the segment 204 length, if desired, for example, to accommodate the variability of ear length, while minimizing distortion of the aesthetics from any such nominal modification.
FIG. 7 illustrates, in simplified form, still another alternative example variant middle (spacer) segment 204, shaped in a shape evocative of a somewhat flattened coil spring. As with the variant of FIG. 6, this variant includes a feature that can also allow for nominal modification of the segment 204 length, if desired.
At this point it should be noted that a zig-zag or coil are only two of the myriad feature components that can, individually or collectively, be included to allow for nominal modification of the segment 204 length, if desired.
FIGS. 8-9, 10A-10Q 11A-11Q 12A-12Q 13A-13Q 14A-14H, 15, 16A-16Q 17A-17Q and 18A-18H illustrate further example variant earrings according to the teachings herein.
FIG. 8 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a very simple example variant earring 800, constructed according to the teachings herein that is similar to that of FIG. 2A except that it has a ball finding 802 on the end of the interior side of the helix-engaging segment 202. The broken line ear 100 is provided to show the intended positioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, the middle (spacer) segment 204 passes over (i.e., overlays) a part of the antihelix 114 and/or scapha 112 (in this specific example, both). FIG. 9 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring 800 of FIG. 8 by itself.
FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variant earring 1000, constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly, FIG. 10A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1000, FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of the earring 1000, FIG. 10C is a top plan view of this earring 1000, FIG. 10D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1000, FIG. 10E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1000, FIG. 10F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1000 and FIG. 10G is a bottom plan view of the earring 800. As shown, this variant earring 1000 includes two bezel mounted jewels 1002, 1004 that are coupled to the middle (spacer) segment 204 and a third bezel mounted jewel 802 is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 near its inflection point 306.
FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate, in simplified form, another example variant earring 1100, constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly, FIG. 11A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1100, FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the earring 1100, FIG. 11C is a top plan view of this earring 1100, FIG. 11D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1100, FIG. 11E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1100, FIG. 11F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1100 and FIG. 11G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1100. As shown, this variant earring 1100 includes a bar-type finding 1102 coupled to the middle (spacer) segment 204. The two ends 1104 of the bar-type finding 1102 each include a further decorative jewel element 1106 (e.g., a cabochon of onyx), and a similar decorative jewel element 1108 is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 near its inflection point 306.
FIGS. 12A-12G illustrate, in simplified form, yet another example variant earring 1200, constructed according to the teachings herein, that is similar to that of FIGS. 11A-11G except that, with this variant earring 1200, the decorative jewel elements 1104, 1106 of FIGS. 11A-11G are replaced by alternative elements 1202, for example, gold or platinum balls. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1200, FIG. 12B is a front elevation view of the earring 1200, FIG. 12C is a top plan view of this earring 1200, FIG. 12D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1200, FIG. 12E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1200, FIG. 12F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1200 and FIG. 12G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1200.
FIGS. 13A-13G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional variant earring 1300, constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly, FIG. 13A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1300, FIG. 13B is a front elevation view of the earring 1300, FIG. 13C is a top plan view of this earring 1300, FIG. 13D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1300, FIG. 13E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1300, FIG. 13F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1300 and FIG. 13G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1300. As shown, this variant earring 1300 includes a prong mounted jewel 1302 near the lower third of the middle (spacer) segment 204, along with a similar prong-mounted jewel 1304 coupled to about midway up the exterior side leg of the helix-engaging segment 202, and a series of five jewels 1306 coupled to each other in using a finding 1308 that is an arc shaped multi jewel setting, with the arc mount finding 1308 coupled to the middle (spacer) segment 204.
FIGS. 14A-14G illustrate, in simplified form, yet a further example variant earring 1400, constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly, FIG. 14A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1400, FIG. 14B is a front elevation view of the earring 1400, FIG. 14C is a top plan view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1400 and FIG. 14G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1400. As shown, with this variant earring 1400, the only adornment appears on the helix-engaging segment 202 and comprises a set of three different sized bezel-mounted jewels 1402, 1404, 1406 and three different length chains 1408, 1410, 1412 each being respectively coupled to one of the bezel-mounted jewels 1402, 1404, 1406 at one end of the chain, with the other end of the chain coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 on the rear facing side of the interior side leg 302 a such that, when worn, the chains will each hang and wrap around part of the wearer's helix 102. FIG. 14H is a partial photograph of the earring 1400 of FIGS. 14A-14G that shows how the chains 1408, 1410, 1412 of FIGS. 14A-14G will drape when worn. As can also be seen in FIG. 14H, the middle segment 204 passes directly over a portion of the antihelix 114 and scapha 112.
FIG. 15 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of another very simple example variant earring 1500, constructed according to the teachings herein. The broken line ear 100 is provided to show the intended positioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, with this variant 1500, the middle segment 204 only passes over (i.e., overlays) part of the scapha 112 and is curved to evoke a sense of conformance with curvature of part of the helix 102 of the ear 100.
FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate, in simplified form different views of the example variant earring of FIG. 15. Specifically, FIG. 16A illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring 1500 of FIG. 15 by itself. FIG. 16B is a front elevation view of the earring 1500, FIG. 16C is a top plan view of this earring 1500, FIG. 16D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1500, FIG. 16E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1500, FIG. 16F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1500 and FIG. 16G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1500. With this variant earring 1500, the middle (spacer) segment 204 is curved and all of the segments 202, 204, 206 are round in cross section with the same, constant, diameter. As can also be seen, the helix-engaging segment 202 is offset in alignment from (in this variant, parallel to) the segment 206 by a distance delta (A).
FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional example variant earring 1700, constructed according to the teachings herein, that is the same as the earring 1500 of FIGS. 16A-16G except that the middle (spacer) segment 204 contains a single, prong-mounted, jewel 1702. More particularly, FIG. 17A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1700, FIG. 17B is a front elevation view of the earring 1700, FIG. 17C is a top plan view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1700 and FIG. 17G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1700.
FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate, in simplified form, one further example variant earring 1800, constructed according to the teachings herein. More particularly, FIG. 18A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1800, FIG. 18B is a front elevation view of the earring 1800, FIG. 18C is a top plan view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18D is a right side elevation view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18E is a left side elevation view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1800 and FIG. 18G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1800. As with the earring 1500, of FIGS. 25, 16A-16G and earring 1700 of FIGS. 17A-17G this variant earring 1800 also has a curved middle (spacer) segment 204. However, with this variant earring 1800, the middle (spacer) segment 204 is not round, it is flat, and has a constant widest dimension that is wider than that of both the helix-engaging segment 202 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118. In addition, this earring 1800 includes two bezel mounted cabochons 1802, 1804, one 1802 at the intersection of the middle (spacer) segment 204 and helix-engaging segment 202 and the other 1804 at the intersection of the middle (spacer) segment 204 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118. Additionally, a third bezel mounted cabochon 1806 is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202. FIG. 18H is a partial photograph of the earring 1800 of FIGS. 18A-18G that shows how the middle (spacer) segment 204 only passes over a portion of the scapha 112 and its curve is intended to evoke conformance with curvature of part of the helix 102 of the ear 100. Note that, in this picture, the bezel mounted cabochon 1806 that is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 is obscured by the hair from view.
With respect to the overall design, it is to be understood that, although the helix-engaging segment 202 has generally been shown as curved, it could also be squared (in which case it would not have an inflection point), have a sharp peak, a non-uniform shape, or any other shape provided that it is present on both sides of the wearer's helix 102 when the earring is worn. Similarly, any one or more of the segments 202, 204, 206 could be tapered. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that none of the designs illustrated herein are configured to require a piercing in the ear helix or scapha in order to be worn with one segment 202 engaging the helix 102 and another segment 206 engaging the earlobe 118 of the wearer.
Finally, with respect to materials, since the earrings described herein are typically intended as fine jewelry, it is generally contemplated that each of the segments 202, 204, 206 will be made of a precious metal, e.g., platinum, gold, silver, etc. However, it is to be understood that it, with some variants, two or more of the segments can be made of different materials and, in some cases, for example if implemented as costume jewelry, one or more of the segments may not be made of a precious metal at all. For example, with some variants, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 may be made of stainless steel, while the middle (spacer) segment 204 may be made of a precious metal, or vice versa. With some variants, this may similarly be the case with the helix-engaging segment 202 and middle (spacer) segment 204, or for the helix-engaging segment 202 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118.
Having described and illustrated the principles of this application by reference to one or more example embodiments, it should be apparent that the embodiment(s) may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An earring for wearing via a human ear, the earring comprising:

a first segment;

a second segment; and

a third segment;

wherein the second segment couples the first segment to the third segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the first and third segments, and, when worn, overlays at least a part of one of the antihelix or scapha;

wherein the first segment is shaped so that, when worn, it will wrap around the superior helix of the ear at a location within a range of 0 mm to 20 mm from the apex of the helix such that the first segment

a) will have at least two points of contact with the superior helix, at least one of which will be on the exterior surface of the interior side of the helix, and

b) does not pass through a piercing in the helix or scapha;

wherein, when the earring is worn, the third segment will pass through a piercing in the earlobe from an exterior side to an interior side of the earlobe, such that the earlobe will exert a force on the third segment that will be transferred to the first segment, as a torque force, via the second segment.

2. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segment is straight.

3. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segment is curved along at least a portion of its length.

4. The earring of claim 3, wherein part of the curve at least partially conforms to a longitudinal curvature of part of the auricular cartilage of a wearer's helix.

5. The earring of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one of a jewel or finding coupled to the second segment.

6. The earring of claim 1, wherein a part of the first segment is co-linear with part of the second segment.

7. The earring of claim 1, wherein a part of the first segment is parallel to part of the second segment.

8. The earring of claim 1, wherein the third segment has an angular offset.

9. The earring of claim 8, wherein

a) if the second segment is a straight line, the angularly offset portion is oriented at an angle from the second segment, and

b) if the second segment is curved in a plane, the angularly offset portion is oriented at an angle from the plane.

10. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segment has a location where its widest cross sectional dimension is wider than any cross sectional dimension of at least one of the first section or the third section.

11. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segment comprises at least one feature that allows for modification of the second segment length.

12. An earring for wearing via a human ear, the earring comprising:

three segments

a helix engagement segment having an inflection point;

an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end; and

a decorative segment located between, and coupled to, each of the helix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment;

wherein none of the helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorative segment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha;

wherein the inflection point and terminal end are separated from each other by the decorative segment at a linear distance in the range of between 54 mm and 85 mm; and

wherein the earlobe engagement segment has a cross sectional width, at its widest point, in the range of 0.3211 mm to 1.0237 mm.

13. The earring of claim 12, wherein the linear distance is between 65 mm and 80 mm.

14. The earring of claim 12, wherein the helix engagement segment has an outward-facing portion, and the earring further comprises:

a decorative element, coupled to at least one of the decorative segment or the outward facing portion of the helix engagement segment, wherein the decorative element includes at least one jewel or finding.

15. The earring of claim 12, wherein the decorative segment comprises a straight portion.

16. The earring of claim 12, wherein the decorative segment comprises a curved portion.

17. The earring of claim 12, wherein the helix engagement segment comprises:

a first section which, when worn, will be on the interior side of the helix, and

a second section which, when worn, will be on the interior side of the helix,

wherein the first section and the second section are spaced apart from each other by a distance in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm, measured perpendicular to one of the first section or the second section.

18. An item of jewelry, for wearing via a human ear, comprising:

means for engaging the ear helix;

means for engaging the earlobe; and

means for separating and coupling the means for engaging the ear helix from the means for engaging the earlobe;

wherein neither the means for engaging the ear helix nor the means for separating and coupling are arranged to pass through any piercing in the ear helix or scapha.

19. The item of jewelry of claim 18, wherein the means for engaging the earlobe has a first cross sectional width in its widest direction and the means for separating and coupling has a second cross sectional width in its widest direction, and wherein the first cross sectional width and second cross sectional width are different.

20. The item of jewelry of claim 18 wherein the means for separating and coupling includes at least one decorative element coupled to it comprising at least one jewel or finding.