CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned US Provisional Patent Applications: US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/925,272, entitled: Multi-purpose earring fastener, filed on 24 October 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to jewelries, in particular earrings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment. The decorative items include, for example, brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks.

Earrings are a piece of jewelry attached to the ear, mostly via a piercing in the earlobe or another external part of the ear. Earrings are worn by both sexes and have been used by different civilizations in different times.

There are several types of earrings among them stud earrings, hoop earrings, dangle earrings, barbell earrings, huggy earrings, clip-on earrings, magnetic earrings, stick-on earrings, spring hoop earrings, ear hook earrings, etc.

Earring components may be made of any number of materials, including metal, plastic, glass, precious stone, beads, wood, bone, and other materials. Designs range from small loops and studs to large plates and dangling items. The size is ultimately limited by the physical capacity of the earlobe to hold the earring without tearing.

Today's earring mechanisms tend to weary over time, losing their fastening capabilities. In addition, most earring mechanisms are made of materials with minimal friction subjecting the earring mechanisms to potential slipping and falling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides earring devices having a mechanism including securing elements so as to provide hermetic and continuous closure of the earring device on the ear. The earring devices of the present invention also allow inlaying gemstones on sections of the earring device so as to shape the earring device as you choose.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an earring device comprising: (a) a stem member; and, (b)an earring member including: a front cover coupled to a rear cover so as to form a cavity therebetween, each of the front cover and rear cover includes an aperture configured to receive at least a portion of the stem member into the cavity; and, at least two buttons in communication with at least two structures positioned within said cavity forming an opening therebetween, said at least two buttons configured to allow movement of said stem member between a first position, in which said at least a portion of said stem member is held within said opening of said at least two structures, and a second position, in which said at least a portion of said stem member is released from the hold of said opening of said at least two structures and removed from said earring member.

Optionally, the front cover includes a pattern of at least one recess configured for receiving at least one gemstone.

Optionally, the pattern of at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses configured for receiving a plurality of gemstones.

Optionally, the at least two buttons includes a pattern of at least one recess configured for receiving at least one gemstone.

Optionally, the pattern of at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses configured for receiving a plurality of gemstones.

Optionally, the at least two buttons include a gripping pattern configured to increase friction so as to prevent slipping.

Optionally, the stem member and the earring member are made of metal.

Optionally, the front cover and the rear cover are square in shape. wherein the opening is round in shape such that each of the at least two structures includes a semi-round portion of the opening so that when the stem member is in the first position, the semi-round portions of the opening fit closely around the stem member

Optionally, each of the apertures of the front cover and rear cover includes an aperture gate configured to move between a first position, in which the aperture is blocked by the aperture gate and a second position, in which the aperture is exposed. Optionally, the at least two structures are in further communication with at least to springs configured to move between a compressed position and a decompressed position in response to simultaneous pressing on the least two buttons.

Optionally, the at least two buttons are parallel.

Optionally, the plurality of recesses are equal in shape.

Optionally, the plurality of recesses are different in shape so as to receive a variety of gemstones.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an earring device comprising: (a) a stem member having a thin portion; and, (b) an earring member including: a front cover coupled to a rear cover so as to form a cavity therebetween, the front cover and rear cover include apertures configured to receive at least a portion of the stem member, which includes the thin portion, into the cavity; and, at least two buttons in communication with at least two structures forming an opening therebetween and a surface having an aperture, said at least two structures and said surface are positioned within said cavity, said at least two buttons configured to allow movement of said stem member between a first position, in which said at least a portion of said stem member is held within said opening of said at least two structures whereas said thin portion is held within said aperture of said surface, and a second position, in which said at least a portion of said stem member and said thin portion are released from the hold of said opening of said at least two structures and said aperture of said surface so as to remove said stem member from said earring member.

Optionally, the front cover includes a pattern of at least one recess configured for receiving at least one gemstone.

Optionally, the pattern of at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses configured for receiving a plurality of gemstones.

Optionally, each of the at least two buttons include a pattern of at least one recess configured for receiving at least one gemstone.

Optionally, the pattern of at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses configured for receiving a plurality of gemstones.

Optionally, the at least two buttons include a gripping pattern configured to increase friction so as to prevent slipping.

Optionally, the stem member and the earring member are made of metal.

Optionally, the front cover and the rear cover are square in shape. Optionally, wherein the opening is round in shape such that each of the at least two structures includes a semi-round portion of the opening so that when the stem member is in the first position, the semi-round portions of the opening fit closely around the stem member.

Optionally, each of the apertures of the front cover and rear cover includes an aperture gate configured to move between a first position, in which the aperture is blocked by the aperture gate and a second position, in which the aperture is exposed.

Optionally, the at least two structures are in further communication with at least to springs configured to move between a compressed position and a decompressed position in response to simultaneous pressing on the least two buttons.

Optionally, the at least two buttons are parallel.

Optionally, the plurality of recesses are equal in shape.

Optionally, the plurality of recesses are different in shape so as to receive a variety of gemstones.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front left view of the earring device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the earing member of the earring device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the earing member of the earring device of FIG. 1 A;

FIG. 2C is a rear view of the earing member of the earring device of FIG. 1 A;

FIG.2D is a side view of the earing member of the earring device of FIG. 1 A;

FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of the earing member of the earing device of FIG. 1A receiving the stem member of the earing device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-section view of the earing member of the earing device of FIG. 1 A in an operational mode;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the earing member of the earing device of FIG. 1A having a round shaped opening;

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the earing member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the earing member of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a rear view of the earing member of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a side view of the earing member of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the earing member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a front view of the earing member of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the earing member of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a side view of the earing member of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the earing member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the earing member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a rear view of the earing member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a side view of the earing member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the earing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments, or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present invention provides earring devices having a mechanism for hermetic and continuous closure of the earring device on the ear. The present invention mechanism enables inlaying gemstones on the earring device so as to shape it as the user pleases.

FIG. 1 is a front left view of the earring device 100. The earring device 100 includes a stem member 200, and an earring member 300, which is, for example, round in shape. The stem member 200 and the earring member 300 can be made of different materials such as metal, aluminum, polymer, etc.

The earring member 300, best seen in FIGs. 2A-2D, includes a front cover 302 with an aperture 303 and a rear cover 304 with an aperture 305. Each of apertures 303 and 305 has an aperture gate (not shown) configured to move between a closed position, in which the aperture is blocked, and an open position, in which the aperture is exposed.

The front cover 302 and the rear cover 304 fit together by a mechanical fit, e.g., snap (friction) fit, welds, or combinations thereof, a chemical fit, e.g., adhesives, or combinations thereof. When fitted together, the front cover 302 and the rear cover 304 form a hollow cavity to house operational components for the device 300.

The earring member 300 further includes, for example, a first button 308 and a second button 310, each having a gripping pattern 311 on its outer surface. The gripping pattern 311 is made of a plurality of grooves 313, which are embedded into each of buttons 308 and 310 so as to increase friction and prevent slipping.

The first button 308 and the second button 310 are in communication with the aperture gates of apertures 303 and 305, and are in further communication with structures 312 and 314, respectively. The structures 312 and 314 are positioned within the cavity of earring member 300 and are compatible and inverse with respect to one another. The structures 312 and 314 are integrated into one another such that the indentations of one structure hold portions of the protrusions of the other structure. The structures 312 and 314 include complementary portions 315a and 315b, respectively. When they are in close proximity, complementary portions 315a and 315b form an opening 316. The opening 316 is, for example, square-shaped. The structures 312 and 314 are in further communication via springs 318a and 318b. The springs 318a and 318b are, for example, curved springs that move between a compressed position and a decompressed position in response to simultaneous pressing on the first and second buttons 308 and 310.

In operation, the earring member 300 is placed on one side of a person's pierced earlobe whilst the first button 308 and the second button 310 are pressed simultaneously. The simultaneous pressing of buttons 308 and 310 moves both aperture gates of apertures 303 and 305 from their closed position to their open position, exposing both apertures 303 and 305. The exposure of apertures 303 and 305 allows the insertion of stem member 200 from either side of the earring member 300 and, as a result, from either side of the person's earlobe. As the stem member 200 is moved through the earring member's cavity, from the chosen aperture towards the opposite aperture, it passes through opening 316 (FIG. 3A).

Once the stem member 200 reaches the opposite aperture, the simultaneous press on the first and second buttons 308 and 310 is released, causing structures 312 and 314 to create a pincers-like hold on stem member 200, fixturing it to its place. The fixturing of stem member 200 by structures 312 and 314 causes springs 318a and 318b to compress, creating a steady counter-pressure on stem member 200. The steady counter-pressure on stem member 200 can even deform the stem member's shape (FIG. 3B).

To remove stem member 200 from earring member 300, a second simultaneous press on both first and second buttons 308 and 310 is required. The simultaneous press causes springs 318a and 318b to decompress. The decompression of both springs 318a and 318b releases the pincers-like hold of structures 312 and 314, allowing the removal of stem member 200. Once the stem member 200 is removed, the aperture gates of aperture 303 and 305 return to their closed position.

In another embodiment, the shape of the opening 316, and the apertures 303 and 305 correspond to the shape of stem member 200 so as to fit closely to it and better secure it. The opening 316 and the apertures 303 and 305 can have, for example, a round shape (FIG. 4), a triangular shape, a square shape, etc.

FIGs. 5A-5D show another embodiment of earing member 400, which is similar in construction and operation to earing member 300, as detailed above, except where indicated. The front cover 302 of earring member 400 includes a pattern consisting of one or more recesses 320 configured for receiving one or more gemstones (not shown). The one or more recesses 320 can be of different or equal shape and can receive a variety of gemstones such as beryl, chrysoberyl, corundum, diamond, feldspar, garnet, jade, lazurite, olivine, opal, quartz, spinel, topaz, tourmaline, turquoise, zircon and the like.

The first button 308 and second button 310 of earring member 400 also include a pattern consisting of one or more recesses 322 configured for receiving one or more gemstones (not shown). The one or more recesses 322 can be of different or equal shape and can also receive the variety of gemstones listed above.

FIGs. 6A-6D show another embodiment of earing member 500, which is similar in construction and operation to earing member 300, as detailed above, except where indicated. The earring member 500 includes a front cover 302 and a rear cover 304 that are square in shape. Due to the distinctive faces of the square shape, the recognition of the faces that include the first button 308 and the second button 310 is easier. The user has a fifty percent chance to find the square's faces that include the first and second buttons 308 and 310 on the first try, and a hundred percent chance on the second try. Furthermore, the square shape prevents slipping that may occur in the round shape due to the lack of comers.

FIGs. 7A-7D show another embodiment of earing member 600, which is similar in construction and operation to earing member 400, as detailed above, except where indicated.

Like earring member 500 above, earring member 600 includes a front cover 302 and a rear cover 304 that are square in shape. Here also, the square shape's distinctive faces make the recognition of the faces which include the first button 308 and the second button 310 easier. The user has a fifty percent chance to find the square's faces that include the first and second buttons 308 and 310 on the first try, and a hundred percent chance on the second try.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the earring device 700, which is similar in construction and operation to earing device 100, as detailed above, except where indicated. The earring device 700 includes a stem member 702 with a thin portion 324, which extends from proximal point 324px to distal point 324dx, and an earring member 300, which includes a surface 326 with an aperture 328. The surface 326 is positioned within the cavity of earring member 300 proximal to structures 312 and 314.

As the structures 312 and 314 create a pincers-like hold on stem member 702, the surface 326 is fitted on stem member 702 such that it wraps the thin portion 324 from all sides through aperture 328. The surface 326 further fastens the stem member 702 within earring member 300 to create hermetic and continuous closure of the earring device 700.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.