WO1992021262A1 - Support de boucle d'oreille - Google Patents

Support de boucle d'oreille Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992021262A1
WO1992021262A1 PCT/US1992/004682 US9204682W WO9221262A1 WO 1992021262 A1 WO1992021262 A1 WO 1992021262A1 US 9204682 W US9204682 W US 9204682W WO 9221262 A1 WO9221262 A1 WO 9221262A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tube
recited
retaining means
post
tissue
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/004682
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Edward L. Spencer
Original Assignee
Tahiti Holding Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tahiti Holding Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Tahiti Holding Pty. Ltd.
Publication of WO1992021262A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992021262A1/fr

Links

Classifications

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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to jewelry and more particularly to a pierced earlobe protector for location in a hole pierced through an earlobe or the like.
  • the earlobe protector comprises a liner or tube disposable in the hole pierced through the tissue.
  • the tube is positioned between the inner surface of the hole through the tissue and the stem or post of an earring for preventing the earring from irritating the tissue.
  • U.S. Patent No. 161,853 (Baker) discloses an earring guard, or earlobe hole reinforcement, consisting of a pair of telescoping, flanged hollow tubes adapted to fit into a hole through an earlobe. Such an arrangement, however, is of necessity bulky, the insertion of which into a hole pierced in the earlobe can be traumatic and painful.
  • U.S. Patent No. 113,031 discloses a device for piercing and permanently lining an earlobe, with a soft metal tube which is "upset” or flared at each end to retain it in position in the earlobe. This has the disadvantage that such permanence is undesirable because of possible tissue reaction or infection during periods of extended use. Regular rotation of the tube, and removal for cleaning, are desirable. Further, the insertion of this device requires the assistance of an ear-piercing technician; its removal may require the assistance of a medical practitioner or even a surgeon.
  • U.S. Patent No. 2713,863 discloses an earring incorporating ear-piercing means.
  • the device comprises, in combination, an ear ornament, an ear ⁇ -piercing prong or stem carried by the ornament, and an outer detachable sheath or tube about the stem.
  • the stem is pierced through the earlobe with the tube being retained in an embedded position in the earlobe upon withdrawal of the ornament and stem from the ear.
  • the stem is provided with a threaded tip to receive a nut to retain the stemmed earring in position in the ear.
  • Use of this device would cause considerable trauma to the earlobe and also has the disadvantage that the tube or liner is intended as a permanent fixture through the earlobe, which is undesirable.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4, 067,341 discloses an earring assembly comprising an earlobe protector in the form of a hollow tube component fabricated from a hypo-allergenic flexible plastic material (the example given is latex) which is functionally held on the earring stem or post such that the assembly must be inserted and removed, as an integral whole, in or from the pierced lobe in one single step.
  • a hypo-allergenic flexible plastic material the example given is latex
  • Australian Patent No. 567,640 discloses an article of jewelry for location in a hole pierced through an earlobe as an earlobe protector incorporation integral means which may be flared out after insertion through the earlobe to act as retaining means to hold the earlobe protector in position in the earlobe.
  • This device is relatively complex and cumbersome and is not readily adapted for regular insertion and removal from the earlobe for cleaning.
  • the earring holder of the present invention is disposable in a hole pierced through the tissue of an earlobe or the like. It comprises a liner or tube disposable in the hole such that it is positioned between the inner surface of the hole and the post or stem of an earring or the like. It thus prevents the earring from irritating the tissue of the pierced earlobe.
  • a retaining nut is utilized to secure the liner in position within the hole of the earlobe.
  • the liner is fabricated from an inert material such as a plastic or high-grade metal.
  • an article of jewelry comprising a sleeve, cannula, liner or tube fabricated from an inert material, adapted to be disposed in a hole pierced through an earlobe, said tube including a tubular body portion having a central bore extending axially therethrough, an annular flange at one end of said tubular body portion, and retaining means or nut removably attachable to the other end of said tubular body portion to facilitate retention of the sleeve or cannula in the earlobe, whereby adverse tissue reaction due to contact with a post of an earring or other item of jewelry is eliminated or, at least, substantially reduced.
  • the removable retaining means comprises a first portion removably attachable to the other end of said tubular body portion, and a second portion associated with said first portion including means adapted to engage and to be removably attachable to the post of an earring or other item of jewelry which is inserted through said sleeve or cannula, and to thereby retain said earring or other item of jewelry in a required position in relation to the sleeve or cannula.
  • An extended nut flange or support washer may be disposed at the rear surface of the ear to provide increased support when heavy earrings are worn.
  • the extended nut flange or support washer may be either permanently or detachably attached to the nut. Alternatively, it may not be attached to the nut, but rather merely disposed about the tube.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the tube and associated retaining nut according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a further elevational view of the tube and associated retaining nut of Figure 1 illustrating a sectional view of the retaining nut;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view through the tube and associated retaining nut of Figure 1, including a post or closed-stem earring, assembled as intended to be worn;
  • Figure 4 shows a variation of the tube of Figure 1
  • Figure 5 illustrates a further variation of the tube of Figure 1;
  • Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the retaining means attachable to the tube with associated "butterfly" clip means for gripping and retaining the stem or post of an earring;
  • Figure 7 is an elevational view of an associated retaining nut, also illustrating the use of a washer; and Figure 8 is an elevational view, partly in section, of the tube and associated retaining nut wherein the retaining nut has an extended flange.
  • a sleeve, cannula, liner or tube in accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present invention comprises a tubular portion 1 generally of circular cross-section and adapted to be disposed in a hole pierced through the tissue of an earlobe or the like.
  • Tube 1 is fabricated from a biologically inert material such as inert plastics or high- grade metals. Suitable high-grade metals include, for example, surgical steel (which may be gold plated), gold, platinum, titanium, zirconium, niobium and white gold (i.e., alloys of gold and platinum or gold and palladium).
  • one end of the tubular body portion 1 is flared or machined to provide a generally annular or circular flange 2, adjacent said end.
  • the outer surface 3 of the flange is concave or dished (countersunk) to accommodate the joint (e.j. solder spot) 4 where the stud post 5 joins the decorative motif 6 allowing the stud motif to sit flush against the flange 2.
  • the flange 7 of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 has an outer surface 8, which is domed or convex. This is suitable for use with closed stem earrings which do not have a prominent or raised joint between the post and the motif, e.g. where the post is set into a hole drilled into the motif.
  • the cannula illustrated in Figure 4 is also suitable for use with soft-wire hook earrings, such as are found on drop earrings, wherein the hook is suitably molded or bent to be directly attached to and inserted through the cannula.
  • the embodiment of the cannula illustrated in Figure 5 has an enlarged flange 9, the purpose of which is to provide increased protection against contact with the material on the back of the motif of the earring. This embodiment is especially suitable for persons who are extremely sensitive to contact with non-inert or lesser quality materials used in some jewelry articles.
  • a longitudinal bore 10 (shown in broken outline in Figures 2 , 4 and 5) through which is removably insertable a stud post or pin 5 of an earring.
  • screw threaded 11 On the end of the cannula remote from the flanges 2, 7, 9 is formed screw threaded 11, which is adapted to mate with a corresponding screw-threaded portion 12 of retaining nut 13.
  • the screw thread 11 used on the outer surface of the tube is preferably a metric diameter/metric pitch hybrid at a major diameter of about 1.3 mm (0.051 inches), with a metric pitch of about 0.25 mm.
  • the end of the screw- hreaded portion 12 is preferably rounded. This facilitates ease of insertion through the hold pierced in the earlobe.
  • the screw threaded portion 11 is replaced by corrugations (not illustrated) whereby the retaining nut 13 is frictionally but removably fitted over the corrugated portion of the cannula.
  • the face 14 of the retaining nut 13 abuts the back surface of the earlobe.
  • the body of the nut 13 contains a cavity 15 which houses a resilient material 16, such as neoprene retained in position by a washer 17 at the rear or outer end of the nut.
  • the neoprene material has a narrow channel 18 therethrough which is adapted to frictionally engage and retain the post 5 of an earring inserted into the cannula, while at the same time providing for simple removal and interchange of earrings according to the requirements of the wearer.
  • the nut 17 can be staked and placed within the nut 13 by bending at least a portion of the distal end of the nut 13 over the washer 17.
  • threads may be formed upon the outer diameter of the washer 17 and complimentary threads formed upon the inner diameter of the nut 13 such that the washer 17 may be screwed thereinto.
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other means for securing the washer 17 within the nut 13 are likewise suitable.
  • FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention with an alternative form of retaining means having a nut 19 internally threaded 12 and adapted to threadably engage the threaded portion 11 of the cannula tube 1.
  • a butterfly clip 20 is soldered to the nut 19 as at 21.
  • the spring rings of the butterfly clip 20 are adapted to engage and releasably retain the post or stem 5 of the earring inserted into the cannula tube 1.
  • support washers (not illustrated) against the rear surface of the ear between the end of the cannula and the face 14 of the retaining nut 13.
  • Such washers are preferably manufactured from inert or hypo-allergenic plastic materials.
  • the cannula tube 1 is inserted through a hole which has been pierced through an earlobe or other body portion.
  • the cannula is provided with a stemmed applicator with a rounded or "bullet" nose which is first inserted through the cannula and protrudes therefrom.
  • the applicator, with the cannula threaded thereon, is inserted into and through the hole in the earlobe, facilitated by the rounded nose and smaller diameter of the applicator.
  • Some wearers may find it convenient to use a closed stem earring as an applicator, with the end of the post 5 extending beyond the threaded end 11 of the cannula tube 1 assisting the passage of the cannula through the earlobe.
  • the cannula earlobe protector of the present invention is intended for long-term wearing by the user, during which time the protector fulfills the function of a conventional "sleeper" earring at night time. Although suitable for long-term wear, removal of the protector for cleaning is recommended after several weeks of continuous wear. Of course this will vary from one wearer to another.
  • Figure 7 shows the addition of a washer 30 about the cannula or tube 1 to provide added support when heavy earrings are worn.
  • the washer 30 is disposed intermediate the rear or inner surface of the ear and the nut 13 such that an increased amount of the ear's surface area is utilized for support.
  • the cannula or tube 1 passes through aperture 32 in the washer 30 and then into the nut 13.
  • an extended flange 34 may be disposed about the nut 13, preferably comprised of titanium.
  • a male detent 38 formed upon the inner surface of the extended flange 34 is preferably received within a complimentary female detent 36 formed upon the outer periphery of the nut 13.
  • the extended flange 34 may be snapped into place or applied to the nut 13 by either the manufacturer or end user.
  • a variety of sizes or outer diameters of extended flange 34 may be supplied.
  • the extended flange 34 may be molded to the nut 13 such that an integral unit is formed. Those skilled in the art will recongize that various means for forming or attaching an extended flange 34 to the nut 13 are likewise suitable.
  • the dimensions of the cannula protector are naturally dictated by the size and shape of the human ear or other body part, and in this regard, the following dimensions may be regarded as being typical:
  • Diameter of flange ( Figures 1-3) - about 3.8 mm (0.150 inches). Diameter of flange ( Figure 5) - up to about 12.7 mm (0.50 inches).
  • Diameter of washer 30 ( Figure 7) or extended flange 34 ( Figure 8) 12.7 mm (0.500 inches).
  • nut, tube, and flange need not be generally circular in cross-section, but rather may be of various other shapes.
  • these and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract

Support de boucle d'oreille (1) protégeant les tissus par exemple de l'oreille percée contre les effets (5) d'une tige de boucle d'oreille ou d'un objet analogue. Le support isole les tissus de la tige, de manière à prévenir les réactions allergiques et à préserver le percement des tissus lorsque ces derniers n'accueillent pas de boucle d'oreille. Le support de boucle d'oreille est constitué d'un garnissage ou d'un manchon que l'on introduit dans le trou ménagé dans le lobe de l'oreille. Ce manchon, une fois logé dans le trou ménagé dans le lobe de l'oreille, accueille lui-même la tige de la boucle d'oreille. Une bague de retenue (13) assure le maintien du manchon dans le trou percé de l'oreille. Cette bague de retenue est dotée d'un dispositif (16) assurant le maintien de la tige de boucle d'oreille dans le manchon. Le manchon est élaboré dans un matériau inerte, tel qu'une matière plastique ou un métal de qualité.
PCT/US1992/004682 1991-06-04 1992-06-03 Support de boucle d'oreille WO1992021262A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK650691 1991-06-04
AUPK6506 1991-06-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992021262A1 true WO1992021262A1 (fr) 1992-12-10

Family

ID=3775451

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1992/004682 WO1992021262A1 (fr) 1991-06-04 1992-06-03 Support de boucle d'oreille

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1992021262A1 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5491985A (en) * 1994-12-20 1996-02-20 Quattlebaum; Alfred M. Earring holding device
EP0734638A1 (fr) * 1993-12-14 1996-10-02 Frank C. Hill Prothese auditive
US5743113A (en) * 1996-06-18 1998-04-28 L. Lawrence Products, Inc. Pierced earlobe protector
US5893278A (en) * 1997-09-16 1999-04-13 Float; Ardele Y. Earring having an improved retaining mechanism
GB2338398A (en) * 1998-06-13 1999-12-22 Samantha Brooks Jewellery for the navel
US7171826B1 (en) * 2004-08-23 2007-02-06 Ilona Antonyan Earring post covering
WO2009011741A1 (fr) * 2007-07-18 2009-01-22 Kent Melecey M Support de boucle d'oreille
WO2013182470A1 (fr) * 2012-06-04 2013-12-12 Flutees Verwaltungsges.Mbh Bouchon d'oreillette hypoallergénique
WO2014114826A1 (fr) * 2013-01-24 2014-07-31 Mu Oz García Pedro Audiphone
WO2021124009A1 (fr) 2019-12-20 2021-06-24 Podda Florent Organe de maintien en position d'un objet de part et d'autre d'un element pourvu d'un perçage

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US113031A (en) * 1871-03-28 William charles edge
US161853A (en) * 1875-04-13 Improvement in ear-rings
US2568207A (en) * 1949-03-08 1951-09-18 Robert W Spicher Surgical piercing device
GB1247653A (en) * 1970-03-13 1971-09-29 Herbert Abramowitz Ear piercing and treating apparatus
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
US4829788A (en) * 1988-05-26 1989-05-16 Didomenico Joseph Pierced earring having composite metallic/plastic post
US4840045A (en) * 1983-01-24 1989-06-20 Luc-Co., Inc. Jewelry mounting construction
US4920671A (en) * 1985-02-22 1990-05-01 Y-Tex Corporation Male component for two-piece animal ear tag
GB2239781A (en) * 1990-01-15 1991-07-17 Kenneth Froud Earrings
GB2244636A (en) * 1990-06-07 1991-12-11 Michael Raymond Pitt Earring

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US113031A (en) * 1871-03-28 William charles edge
US161853A (en) * 1875-04-13 Improvement in ear-rings
US2568207A (en) * 1949-03-08 1951-09-18 Robert W Spicher Surgical piercing device
GB1247653A (en) * 1970-03-13 1971-09-29 Herbert Abramowitz Ear piercing and treating apparatus
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
US4840045A (en) * 1983-01-24 1989-06-20 Luc-Co., Inc. Jewelry mounting construction
US4920671A (en) * 1985-02-22 1990-05-01 Y-Tex Corporation Male component for two-piece animal ear tag
US4829788A (en) * 1988-05-26 1989-05-16 Didomenico Joseph Pierced earring having composite metallic/plastic post
GB2239781A (en) * 1990-01-15 1991-07-17 Kenneth Froud Earrings
GB2244636A (en) * 1990-06-07 1991-12-11 Michael Raymond Pitt Earring

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0734638A1 (fr) * 1993-12-14 1996-10-02 Frank C. Hill Prothese auditive
EP0734638A4 (fr) * 1993-12-14 1999-11-17 Frank C Hill Prothese auditive
US5491985A (en) * 1994-12-20 1996-02-20 Quattlebaum; Alfred M. Earring holding device
US5743113A (en) * 1996-06-18 1998-04-28 L. Lawrence Products, Inc. Pierced earlobe protector
US5893278A (en) * 1997-09-16 1999-04-13 Float; Ardele Y. Earring having an improved retaining mechanism
GB2338398A (en) * 1998-06-13 1999-12-22 Samantha Brooks Jewellery for the navel
US7171826B1 (en) * 2004-08-23 2007-02-06 Ilona Antonyan Earring post covering
WO2009011741A1 (fr) * 2007-07-18 2009-01-22 Kent Melecey M Support de boucle d'oreille
US8695183B2 (en) 2007-07-18 2014-04-15 Melecy M. Kent Earring backing
US9351545B2 (en) 2007-07-18 2016-05-31 Melecey M. Kent Earring backing
WO2013182470A1 (fr) * 2012-06-04 2013-12-12 Flutees Verwaltungsges.Mbh Bouchon d'oreillette hypoallergénique
WO2014114826A1 (fr) * 2013-01-24 2014-07-31 Mu Oz García Pedro Audiphone
WO2021124009A1 (fr) 2019-12-20 2021-06-24 Podda Florent Organe de maintien en position d'un objet de part et d'autre d'un element pourvu d'un perçage
FR3104912A1 (fr) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-25 Florent PODDA Organe de maintien en position d’un objet de part et d’autre d’un element pourvu d’un percage

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