WEARABLE DECORATION AND METHOD OF USING SAME Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to a wearable decoration for the body, and a method of using the decoration. The invention more particularly relates to such a decoration worn adjacent to various parts of the body, such as the face, the ear, the hair, the neck, the hand, or the finger, as well as being attached to an undergarment. Background Art

Decorating the human body in the past has involved techniques such as the application of colored pigments to the skin in desired arrangements. These techniques require a large expenditure of time, both in applying the decoration and in removing the decoration. In the case of a tatoo, the decoration is semi-permanent and requires a surgical-like procedure for removal thereof. Thus, these techniques are not suitable for the person who wishes to apply or remove a decoration in an easy manner. Various decorations have been contemplated for attaching to the ear with little effort and provide the ear with ornamentation. Examples of such decorations, though considered less pertinent as they are not facial decorations, are disclosed in U.S. patents 89,452;

236,935; 2,409,369; 2,453,485; 2,498,748; 2,502,386; 2,526,087; 3,958,430; 4,282,721; and 4,827,738.

U.S. patent 4,803,853 discloses an ornamental ear insert which is adapted to be inserted and retained in the external ear. A resilient metal mesh screen having folds throughout and a hook at its upper and lower portions, permit the ornamental ear insert to be secured to the ear. In use, the mesh screen is compressed and inserted into the external ear, concealing the ear canal. When released, the mesh screen expands and presses

against the external ear, thereby securing the ornamental ear insert. For additional fastening purposes, the hooks are placed between the external ear and the skull. The hooks bend into the outer portion of the external ear to prevent the upper and lower portions of the ornamental ear insert from being displaced.

Although the above described ornamental ear insert attaches relatively easily, it does not provide ornamentation for the face. Such an ornament is limited to placement within the ear. The expansion property of the mesh screen is ineffective outside of the ear as there are no features on the face which the mesh screen can expand against.

Thus, it would be highly desirable to have a facial decoration which may be easily attached and removed. Such a decoration should be firmly supported and yet should rest on the face in a position forward of the ear for decorative purposes.

A technique which provides an adornment in the form of an earring, which can be applied or removed with relative ease, is described in U.S. patent 4,993,240. There, a hook or J-shaped rigid bar or strip is placed behind the ear and an end leg portion of the J-shaped strip is secured to the pierced earlobe by an earring stud and bracket. Connected to the curved upper portion of the J-shaped strip is a decorative member extending downwardly in front of the ear. There is a provision for adjusting the size of the strip to accommodate different sized ears. In this regard, the end leg portion is adapted to receive the earring stud in different openings in the strip wherein the stud is held in position by the bracket.

While such an arrangement may be adapted to fit various ear sizes, it requires the strip to be in contact with the back portion of the ear in at least two

different positions. In this regard, the strip contacts the back portion of the ear at the ear lobe and at the top of the ear where the adornment extends in front of the ear. Depending on the shape of the ear, another contact area may exist. For example, where the radius of curvature of the rear portion of the ear is less than that of the decorative member, the strip contacts an intermediate portion of the rear portion of the ear. Such extensive contact with the ear can result, under certain circumstances, in discomfort to the wearer due to pressure exerted against the ear by the strip.

Where the strip contacts the ear at the intermediate portion and the top of the ear, the discomfort results from the sensitivity of the soft skin on the rear portion of the ear. The strip contacts the soft skin along a discrete line of engagement at the two aforementioned positions. Thus, the force exerted by the strip on the soft skin of the rear portion of the ear is concentrated at two areas. The result of the concentrated forces is an indentation in the skin which is translated into discomfort, and even pain, for the wearer.

Further discomfort is realized by the wearer where the strip is permitted to move along the surface of the soft skin. As the curved upper portion of the J-shaped strip merely rests on the top of the ear, the strip is free to rotate about the earring stud. When the strip does rotate, for example, when the wearer is dancing, the strip rubs against the soft skin of the ear at the intermediate portion and at the top of the ear. The rubbing of those two locations results in discomfort and may lead to abrasions from the frictional forces between the strip and the soft skin.

The use of an earring to support the strip at the ear lobe adds to the discomfort of the wearer. Substantially all of the mass of the ear decoration is

located above the point where the earring stud connects the strip to the ear lobe. Thus, the ear lobe must support the strip, counteracting the downward force exerted by gravity. As the ear lobe is relatively small and thin, the downward force is not well distributed and results in a concentrated pressure point causing discomfort.

A wearer may object to the use of an earring attachment for reasons other than those of discomfort. For instance, maintaining good hygiene may be a consideration where pierced ears are required to support the ear decoration. If the wearer chooses not to have pierced ears, for whatever reason, the use of an earring support cannot be used to support a decoration. Furthermore, the wearer may object to the appearance of non-aesthetically pleasing components of the decoration.

The decoration disclosed in U.S. patent 4,993,240 is adaptable to different sizes of ears. All that is required to adjust the size of the decoration is to select a new opening in which to insert the ear stud. A large ear size requires the ear stud to be placed in an opening farthest from the top of the ear, while a small ear size requires the ear stud to be placed in an opening closer to the top of the ear than for a large ear. In the case of a small ear, the appropriate opening is selected, leaving a portion .of the strip to extend downwardly below the ear lobe. The downwardly extending portion contains unused openings and detracts from the appearance of the decoration. Another drawback to such a decoration is the manner in which the wearer attaches the decoration to the ear. Although applying and removing the decoration can be done without special tools, unlike a tatoo, it is at best an awkward procedure. The wearer must perform a number of procedures simultaneously in order to be successful. The

strip must be held so that the openings in the end leg portion are aligned with the hole in the ear lobe. The bracket must be placed and held behind the appropriate hole. Additionally, the earring stud must be aligned with the hole in the ear lobe as well.

To accomplish all of the foregoing manipulations at the same time, such an awkward procedure would seem to be better performed by four hands, rather than by one person. Under some conditions, such as in a dimly lit room, in an automobile, or without the benefit of a mirror, such a task would seem extraordinarily awkward, no matter how many hands were available.

Thus, it would be highly desirable to have a wearable decoration which is constructed and arranged such that it engages the ear from the front and

,therefore, requires only very little contact with the ear at its upper and lower parts to support the decoration.

Such a device should be capable of being adjusted readily to various ear sizes without adding excessive weight to the decoration or adding unappealing obtrusive support members. Furthermore, such a device should provide additional decoration behind the ear to further enhance the aesthetic appearance of the ear. In addition to adorning the face and ear, it is oftentimes desirable to enhance the aesthetic appearance of other parts of the body. In this regard, it would also be highly desirable to have a wearable decoration with the flexibility to adorn many locations of the body. Such a wearable decoration should have features which make the decoration adaptable to be worn adjacent to various portions of the body, such as the face, the ear, the hair, the neck, a finger, and the hand, as well as being attached to an undergarment. Moreover, such an improved wearable decoration should be substantially

invisible to an observer in order to enhance the appearance of the wearer, and not detract from the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the decoration.

Another problem frequently encountered when adorning the body with many types of ornamentation is comfort. A wearer of a decoration desires comfort because many times a decoration is worn for extended periods of time. A body decoration can rub against sensitive skin tissue of the wearer, thereby irritating the skin where the decoration makes contact with the body of the wearer. This can be particularly troublesome where a large, heavier decoration is worn for extended periods of time.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved wearable decoration which can be worn adjacent to various parts of the body, and has comfortable support for larger, heavier decorations, while providing comfort to the wearer for long periods of time.

Disclosure of Invention Therefore, it is the principle object of the present invention to provide a new and improved wearable decoration, and method of using it, wherein the decoration can be large in size and worn in several locations on the body in a secure manner such that the wearer does not suffer undue discomfort, and the decoration is secured to the body of the wearer without disclosing the means of support, thereby enhancing the appearance of the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved wearable decoration, and method of using it, which is adaptable to be used by many people at a variety of different positions on the body, and which fits universally various different sizes and shapes of persons wearing the decoration.

Briefly, the above and further objects and features of the present invention are realized by providing a wearable decoration, and a method of using it, wherein the decoration can be larger in size an can be worn at a variety of positions on the body in a comfortable manner, without any visible means of support.

The wearable decoration includes a main ornamentation body for positioning on the body of a wearer at various locations of the body, and is secured and supported on the body by flexible pliable fine threadlike line so as to be substantially invisible to an observer to enhance the appearance of the wearer. A cushion device is attached to the line to protect the skin of the wearer. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wearable decoration may be utilized to decorate the body by being worn on the head, adjacent to the face, on the ear, on the neck, on a finger, on the hand, or in the hair. In another embodiment, the wearable decoration is attached to the undergarment of the wearer to be worn on the upper body of the wearer.

According to another embodiment, the decoration includes a main ornamentation body for positioning on the face area of a user adjacent to and partially engaging the tragus portion of the ear. An upper ear attachment having a flexible pliable wire secures the upper portion of the main ornamentation body to the upper pinna portion of the ear by being readily bent to fit into an upper groove in the back of the ear between the upper pinna ear portion and the adjacent portion of the head. An upper rear ornamentation device is fixed to the distal end portion of the upper ear attachment so that the distal end portion can be bent upwardly away from the ear groove to position the ear ornamentation device in the back of

the ear, in a suitable manner for viewing purposes. Thus, the upper rear ornamentation can be extended to project from behind the ear to adorn the area adjacent to the ear. A lower ear attachment having another flexible pliable wire secures the bottom portion of the main ornamentation body to the lower pinna portion of the ear, by being readily bent to fit into a lower groove in the back of the ear between the lower pinna ear portion and the adjacent portion of the head. A lower rear ornamentation device is fixed to the distal end portion of the lower ear attachment for additional ornamentation. The distal end portion is bent downwardly and away from the lower groove to position the lower rear ornamentation device in back of the ear. In this way, the lower rear ornamentation projects from behind the ear in a manner similar to the upper rear ornamentation. Brief Description of Drawings

The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a face decoration which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place at the ear of the wearer;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the face decoration of FIG. 1, illustrating it removed from the wearer;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of another face decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating it removed from the wearer;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section of the face decoration of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4;

FIG. IB is a front elevational view of a body decoration which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place above the ear and at the hair of the wearer;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged, partially broken away cross sectional view of a cushion device of the decoration of FIG. IB; FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of another body decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3AB is a front elevational view of still another body decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of a further body decoration constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place surrounding a hank of hair of the wearer; FIG. 5B is a front elevational view of still another body decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place to the undergarment of the wearer;

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of yet another body decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place to the undergarment of the wearer;

FIG. 6AB is a rear elevational view of the body decoration of FIG. 6B, depicting the possible points of attachment of the securing wire to the undergarment on the back of the wearer;

FIG. 7B is a rear elevational view of a further body decoration constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating greater detail with respect to the connection means;

FIG. 8B is a front elevational view of yet a further body decoration, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place around the neck of the wearer; FIG. 8AB shows an enlarged front elevational view of the connection point for the body decoration illustrated in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9B is a front elevational view of another body decoration, which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 9AB a front elevational view of a body decoration shown attached in place around the finger of the wearer; and

FIG. 10B is a pictorial view of another body decoration which is also constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is shown attached in place on the back of the hand of the wearer. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a face decoration 10 which is constructed according to the present invention. The decoration 10 is worn on a side face portion 2 of a wearer and is held in position through engagement with upper and lower ear portions of the wearer, such as an upper ear portion 4A and a lower ear portion 4C. It should be understood that another like face decoration (not shown) may also be used with the decoration 10 so that both sides of the face can be adorned.

The face decoration 10 generally includes an elongated face decoration body portion 11 having an ornamental design for enhancing the facial appearance of the wearer. In this regard, as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the body portion 11 is adorned with jewels, rhinestones, pearls and other similar decorative items such as ornaments 22, 24, 26 and 28. A pair of ear attachment devices 13, 14 having

distal end portions 33, 37 are connected to upper and lower portions 16, 18 of the body portion 11, respectively, for supporting it from the upper and lower ear portions 4A, 4C of the wearer. Upper ear ornament arrangement 40 and lower ear ornament arrangement 44 are attached to the distal end portions 33, 37, respectively, for decorating the area adjacent to the upper ear portion 4A and lower ear portion 4C.

In wearing the decoration 10, the decoration 10 is placed on the side face portion 2 of the wearer in the vicinity of the ear 4 with the ear attachment devices 13 and 14 extending rearwardly from the body portion 11 toward the back of the head of the wearer. The ear attachment devices 13 and 14 are then adjusted individually to fit around the upper and lower ear portions 4A and 4C, respectively, to secure the body portion 11 on the face generally indicated at 2. In this regard, the body portion 11 is secured on the face 2 forward of and immediately adjacent to a tragus 6 portion of the ear 4. Once the body portion 11 has been secured to the face 2 , the distal end portions 33, 37 are adjusted to extend away from the ear 4 so that the additional ornamentation of arrangements 40 and 44 is visible, thus providing supplementary decoration behind the respective upper and lower ear portions 4A and 4C of the wearer.

Considering now the facial decoration 10 in greater detail, the body portion 11 generally includes a base member 20 to retain the ornaments 22, 24, 26 and 28 in a stationary position. The base member 20 is elongated and includes a smooth inner surface 21 for resting comfortably on the face 2 and an outer surface 23 which is shaped and sized to accommodate one or more ornaments, such as the ornaments 22, 24, 26, and 28. Ornaments 22,

24, 26, and 28 are attached securely to the outer surface 23 by a conventional method, such as gluing.

Considering now the ear attachment devices 13 and 14 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper ear attachment device 13 is connected to an upper portion 16 of the body portion 11 and extends substantially rearwardly therefrom, leaving distal end portion 33 free to be positioned as required by the wearer. The device 13 generally engages the upper ear portion 4A at an upper portion (not shown) of an outer groove (not shown) formed by the intersection of the head with an upper pinna portion 4B of the ear 4 to provide support for the decoration 10.

The lower ear attachment device 14 is connected to a lower portion 18 of the body 11 and extends substantially rearwardly therefrom, leaving distal end portion 37 free to be positioned by wearer. The lower device 14 engages the lower ear portion 4C at a lower portion (not shown) of the outer groove formed by the intersection of the head with a lower pinna portion 4D of the ear 4 for providing the decoration 10 with additional support, thus preventing disengagement of the body portion 11 from the face of the wearer.

The upper device 13 and lower device 14 are preferably made of flexible pliable wire, to aid in the adjustment of the upper and lower devices 13, 14 to facilitate easy attachment or removal of the decoration 10 and for permitting distal end portions 33 and 37 to be positioned as required. Such a configuration also accommodates different ear sizes.

In operation, the upper attachment device 13 is positioned adjacent to the upper ear portion 4A and lower attachment device 14 is positioned adjacent to lower ear portion 4C. Then, the medial portion of the upper device 13 is contorted to conform to the upper groove portion

and the medial portion of lower device 14 is similarly contorted to conform to the lower groove portion, thereby securing the body portion 11 on the face of the wearer in front of the tragus 6. Considering now the upper ear ornament arrangement 40 and the lower ear ornament arrangement 44 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, both arrangements 40 and 44 are preferably made of a lightweight material such as plastic and each is sized and shaped to hold at least one ornament, such as ornaments 42 and 46 respectively. Arrangement 40 is connected to distal end portion 33 while arrangement 44 is connected to distal end portion 37 to provide additional ornamentation at the distal portions 33 and 37. Once the decoration 10 is positioned on the face and the body portion 11 is properly secured, the distal end portions 33 and 37 are deflected away from the outer groove. Thus, the ornament arrangements 40 and 44 may be bent into a desired position behind and adjacent to the ear 4 where they may be observed. In this way, the ear 4, as well as the face 2, is provided with embellishment for aesthetically pleasing results.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown another face decoration 100, which is also constructed according to the invention. Face decoration 100 is similar to face decoration 10 except that face decoration 100 attaches to an ear with a single flexible pliable wire member 110 rather than a pair of wires, such as wires 13 and 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2) . Face decoration 100 further includes a main body 102 having an inner surface 104 to engage a face of a wearer. Ornamentation (not shown) is attached to the front side (not shown) of the main body 102 to enhance the appearance of the wearer. Distal ends 106 and 108 of wire member 110 are brought together, forming an annular shaped closed loop

configuration, and connected to inner surface 104. As best seen in FIG. 4, wire member 110 includes an inner wire 112 surrounded by an outer plastic coating 114. Plastic coating 114 may be colored as desired to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the decoration 100 and for the comfort of the wearer.

In use, the decoration 100 is positioned near the ear with the body 102 just forward of the ear and inner surface 104 next to the face. Wire member 110 is slipped over the ear and adjusted to fit snugly within the groove formed by the intersection of the head and the ear.

Adjustment of wire member 110 is accomplished by grasping wire member 110 from behind the ear and twisting wire member 110 as required, thereby reducing the size of the annular shaped configuration. In this way, the wire member 110 can be twisted until the decoration 100 is secured releasably to the ear, to accommodate various different sizes and shapes of ears.

Referring now to FIG. IB, there is shown a wearable body decoration 10B which is also constructed according to the present invention. The body decoration 10B is worn on the face of the wearer 27B above or adjacent to the ear 11B. An advantage of this body decoration is that it enhances the appearance of the wearer in that an ornamental portion 12B of the decoration is supported by points of attachment invisible to an observer.

The ornamental portion 12B of the face decoration 10B is supported by a loop of fine threadlike line 14B encircling the crown 25B of the head of the wearer 27B. This loop of fine threadlike line 14B is hidden from view beneath the hair of the wearer. The face decoration 10B is further stabilized and held in position by the placement of a flexible pliable wire 16B that conforms to, and lies within, the upper pinna portion 23B of the ear 11B of the wearer 27B. A group of wires 15B such as

wire 26B connects the ornamental portion 12B to the flexible pliable wire 16B. A puttylike substance 21B is connected to the wire 16B and can be conformed to fit the outer groove of the upper pinna 23B portion of the ear 11B, to cushion the face decoration 10B and facilitate comfort for the wearer 27B. This puttylike substance 2IB can be contained by a fabric cover 22B. An ornamental body 29B is located at the distal end of the wire 16B to both enhance the appearance of the wearer 27B and to further stabilize the face decoration 10B when the ornamental body 29B is placed beneath the hair 3OB of the wearer 27B. Connected to the loop of fine threadlike line 14B, is a section of flexible pliable wire 18B which can be twisted to accommodate the head size of the wearer 27B.

In wearing the decoration 10B, the decoration 10B is placed on the side face portion of the wearer 27B in the vicinity of the ear 11B, with the loop of fine threadlike line 14B placed upon the crown of the head 25B. The flexible pliable wire 16B is conformed to the upper pinna ear portion 23B of the wearer 27B, then placed so as to rest in the groove formed by the intersection of the upper pinna ear portion 23B and the head of the wearer 27B. Once the flexible pliable wire 16B is in place resting within the groove formed between the upper pinna ear portion 23B and the head of the wearer 27B, the puttylike substance 2IB is shifted along the wire 16B until it reaches a pressure point. The puttylike substance 2IB is then shaped so as to cushion the decoration 10B and enhance the comfort of the wearer 27B. Considering now the body decoration 10B in greater detail, the decoration 10B generally includes an ornamental portion 12B. Although a flower motif is illustrated in FIG. IB, the ornamental portion 12B could be made of any shape or color. The base member 13B of

the ornamental portion 12B acts to support the ornamental portion 12B as well as provide connection points for the fine threadlike line loop 14B and the group of wires 15B, such as wire 26B. Considering now the fine threadlike line loop 14B in greater detail with reference to FIG. IB, a section of flexible pliable wire 18B is connected to the fine threadlike line loop 14B at points 19B and 20B. This wire portion 18B of the loop 14B can be twisted to shorten and untwisted to lengthen the loop 14B in conforming to the head size of the wearer 27B. In operation, the wearer places the loop around the crown 25B of the head, to support the body decoration 10B. Next, the wire portion 18B of the fine threadlike line loop 14B is either twisted or untwisted to conform to the head size of the wearer. Finally, the fine threadlike line loop 14B can be hidden from view by locating the loop 14B beneath the hair of the wearer 27B. In this way, the body decoration 10B is adequately supported on the head of the wearer 27B, and the body decoration 10B enhances the appearance of the wearer 27B without the supporting means being visible to an observer.

Considering now the flexible pliable wire 16B in greater detail with reference to FIG. IB, the flexible pliable wire 16B is attached to the base member 13B by a group of wires 15B preferably made of flexible pliable wires to aid in the adjustment of the body decoration 10B on the head of the wearer 27B. The flexible pliable wire 16B can be conformed to fit into the groove between the upper pinna portion of the ear 11B and the head of the wearer 27B. The puttylike substance (not shown) within a fabric covering 2IB can be readily moved along the wire 16B and placed at any point therein. At the distal ends of the wire 16B are ornamental bodies 28B and 29B. Ornamental body 28B acts to hold the wire 16B in place on

the ear 11B of the wearer 27B. Ornamental body 29B, while enhancing the appearance of the wearer, can also act to stabilize the wire 16B by being placed behind the hair 3OB of the wearer 27B. Barbs 3IB on the ornamental body 29B may engage the hair 3OB to increase the stability of the body ornament, and further hold it in place on the head.

In operation, the wearer 27B would place the body ornament 10B on the head. The fine threadlike line loop 14B is set in place encircling the crown 25B of the wearer's head to support the ornament 10B in the desired location on the head. This loop 14B is then adjusted to fit the head size of the wearer 27B. Next, the flexible pliable wire 16B is shaped to conform to the groove between the upper pinna portion of the wearer's ear 11B and the wearer's head. Following placement of the wire 16B into the groove, the cushion device 2IB is moved into place, shaped to fit the wearer and pushed into place between the ear 11B and head of the wearer. Finally, the ornamental body 29B is placed behind the hair 3OB of the wearer and the barbs 3IB are utilized to increase the stability, overall, of the body decoration 10B.

Considering now the cushion device 2IB in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2B, the cushion device 21B is connected to the flexible pliable wire 16B. The cushion device 2IB is preferably made of a puttylike substance 34B contained within a fabric covering 40B. The puttylike substance 34B consists of Physician's Choice™ silicone clear putty, or any other silicone clear putty, or any other malleable putty or malleable material suitable for conforming to human ear shapes and usable for stabilizing and cushioning the ornamental portion 12B of the body decoration 10B. The fabric covering 4OB may be made of any suitable fabric, including, but not

limited to silk, cotton, nylon, or other synthetic fabric.

The cushion device 2IB is constructed by containing the puttylike substance 34B within the fabric covering 40B, then surrounding the flexible pliable wire 16B. The cushion device 2IB is held on the wire 16B by a sewn connection point 42B, or other suitable connection means. The connection point 42B may be hidden from view by placement of an ornamental cap 36B over the connection point 42B. Because the cushion device 21B is not directly attached to the wire 16B, the cushion device 2IB can be moved along the wire 16B and placed in the most advantageous location to provide optimal cushioning of the body decoration 10B. In this way, the body decoration 10B is secure, fits snugly, and is comfortable for the wearer.

In operation, the cushion device 2IB acts to cushion and stabilize the body decoration 10B. Following placement of the flexible pliable wire 16B on the ear 11B of the wearer 27B, the cushion device 21B is adjusted to a location of a point of pressure on the ear 11B of the wearer 27B due to the weight of the body decoration 10B and gravity. Once in place behind the upper pinna portion of the ear 11B of the wearer 27B, the cushion device 2IB can be conformed to fit snugly into the groove formed between the upper pinna portion of the ear 11B and the head. In this way, the cushion device 2IB adds considerable comfort to the wearer, and remains invisible to an observer. Referring now to FIG. 3B, there is shown a body decoration 45B, which is similar to the decoration 10B, except the decoration 45B does not have fine threadlike line loop 14B and ornamental portion 12B. The decoration 45B is adapted to be worn on the ear (not shown) of the wearer.

The body decoration 45B includes an ornamental body 47B connected to a flexible pliable wire 49B. A fine threadlike line 52B is connected to the distal end 53B of the flexible pliable wire 49B and the ornamental body 47B. A cushion device 48B, which is substantially similar to cushion device 21B of FIGS. IB and 2B, is ovably disposed on the flexible pliable wire 49B.

In wearing the decoration 45B, the decoration 45B is placed on the ear so that the flexible pliable wire 49B sits in the groove between the upper pinna portion of the ear and the head of the wearer. Once in place, the cushion device 48B is positioned at a point on the wire 49B where maximum comfort is attained for the wearer. The puttylike substance (not shown) , within the fabric covering 54B of the cushion device 48B, is conformed to the shape of the space between the upper pinna portion of the ear and the head of the wearer. In this way, the decoration 45B remains snug, fits comfortably, and is secure from unwanted shifting or loss. In addition, the decoration 45B enhances the appearance of the wearer, more so because the cushion device 48B is not visible to an observer. The fine threadlike line 52B, spanning the distance between the distal end of the flexible pliable wire 49B and the ornamental body 47B, also adds stability to the decoration 45B, by supporting the ornamental body under the ear. Moreover, the closed loop configuration achieved in decoration 45B makes it much more likely that the decoration 45B will remain in place and will not be lost by falling off. This is because the closed loop of decoration 45B fits over the ear. The flexible pliable wire 49B can be twisted onto itself in a similar fashion to the adjustment wire portion 18B of FIG. IB. In this way, the body decoration 45B can be adjusted to snugly fit onto the ear of a wearer regardless of ear size.

Referring now to FIG. 3AB, there is shown a body decoration 101B constructed in accordance with the present invention. Body decoration 101B is to be worn on the ear (not shown) of a wearer, in a similar fashion to the body decoration 45B described above and illustrated in FIG. 3B. Decoration 101B differs from decoration 45B in that it has a flexible pliable wire 105B connected to an ornamental element 103B at connection points 102B and 104B. A cushion device 107B, which is substantially similar to the cushion device 21B of FIGS. IB and 2B, is movably attached to the flexible pliable wire 105B. Other ornamental bodies 109B and HOB may be disposed below the ornamental element 103B by being connected to fine threadlike lines 106B, such as fine threadlike line 108B, which are connected to the ornamental element 103B, at connection point 111B.

In wearing decoration 101B, the wearer positions the flexible pliable wire 105B over the ear. The cushion device 107B is then moved into position so as to relieve pressure caused by the decoration 101B, conformed to the shape of the groove formed between the upper pinna portion of the ear and the head of the wearer. In this way, the cushion device 107B makes wearing the decoration 101B more comfortable as it cushions possible pressure points caused by the positioning of the supporting wire 105B with respect to the ear and head of the wearer. To adjust the size of the decoration 101B, the flexible pliable wire 105B can be twisted onto itself in a similar manner as previously described for decoration 45B of FIG. 3B.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, there is shown a body decoration 56B secured to a hank of hair 66B of a wearer. A flexible pliable wire 58B with ornamental bodies 61B and 62B is wrapped around the hank of hair 66B. The distal ends of the wire containing the ornamental bodies

6IB and 62B are twisted about one another to hold the decoration 56B in place relative to the hair 65B of the wearer. Additionally, barbs 63B, 65B and 67B connected to the wire 58B stabilize and help hold the body decoration 56B in place, by piercing the hank of hair 66B at various locations along the wire 58B.

In operation, when the decoration 56B is in place in the hair 65B of the wearer, the flexible pliable wire 58B is twisted so as to surround a hank of hair 66B. The rigid barbs 63B, 65B and 67B are pushed into the hair 66B to stabilize the decoration, and to hold it in place and minimize shifting. The rigid barbs 68B and 69B associated with the ornamental bodies 61B and 62B at the distal ends of the wire 58B, are also pushed into the hank of surrounded hair 66B. This adds to the stability of the decoration 56B and acts to hold the decoration 56B in place in the hair 66B of the wearer, with minimal shifting.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, there is shown another body decoration 70B, attached to the undergarment 74B of a wearer. Ornamental bodies 73B are placed along a flexible pliable wire 71B. Distal portions of the wire 75B are devoid of ornamental bodies and are wrapped around the undergarment straps 76B and 77B to support the undergarment decoration 70B, and hold it in place on the undergarment 74B. The center portion of the supporting wire 71B is also devoid of ornamental bodies and is looped around the front midsection area of the undergarment 72B to further stabilize the decoration 70B. Considering now the body decoration 70B in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5B, the decoration 70B is worn attached to an undergarment 74B being worn by the wearer. FIG. 5B illustrates the decoration 70B being worn attached to a bra-type undergarment, however the

decoration construction lends itself to attachment to other undergarments and other articles of clothing. Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6B. The body decoration 114B includes a flexible pliable wire 118B, having distal ends 120B and 122B, and an ornamental element 116B attached to the wire 118B.

The decoration 114B is worn on the chest area of the wearer and is secured to the straps 126B and 128B of the undergarment 124B by attaching the distal ends 120B and 122B thereto. In this regard, the distal end 122B is wrapped around the strap 126B to anchor the lower portion of the ornamental element 116B. The upper portion of the ornamental element is secured by positioning the wire 118B around the back of the neck of the wearer, then returning the wire 118B to the chest area of the wearer. The distal end 120B is wrapped around the strap 128B to firmly secure the wire 118B. In this way, the neck holds the ornamental element 116B in an upright position. Referring now to FIG. 6AB, there is shown another embodiment of the body decoration 114B of FIG. 6B, wherein the distal end 12OB is secured to the back portion of strap 126B. Thus, the ornamental element 116B (FIG. 6B) will be secured to the chest area of the wearer.

Similarly, the wire 118B could be secured to any number of locations on the back portion 13IB of the undergarment 124B. For example, the wire 118B could be attached to locations 142B, 144B and 146B of back portion 131B as indicated by lines X, Y and Z, respectively. Yet another embodiment of the present body decoration invention may be connected solely to a mid- section 185B of an undergarment. Referring now to FIG. 7B, there is shown a body decoration 18OB having an ornamental element 182B and a flexible pliable wire 184B

which is secured to the mid-section 185B. The ornamental element 182B includes a U-shaped member 186B on the back surface thereof to receive and secure the wire 184B. Ornamental distal ends 188B engage the U-shaped member 186B and are twisted about one another to position and maintain the ornamental element 182B in a desired location.

In operation, to attach the body decoration 180B, the wearer holds the ornamental element 182B above the midsection 185B. The flexible pliable wire 184B is looped around the midsection 185B, twisted, and the distal ends 188B passed through the U-shaped member 186B. The distal ends 188B are twisted to adjust for the correct tightness. In this way, the body decoration 180B is held securely in place attached to the undergarment of the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 8B and 8AB, there is shown yet another body decoration 78B, in place around the lower neck 79B of a wearer. The body decoration 78B includes an ornamental element 83B having a barbed member 86B attached to a flexible wire 81B. A fine threadlike line 80B having a fixed end secured to a distal end 82B of the ornamental element 83B and a free end 85B forms a loop to surround the neck 79B. In use, the ornamental element 83B is positioned on the upper chest of the wearer. The fine threadlike line 80B is placed behind the neck 79B and the free end 85B is connected to the ornamental member 83B by looping the free end over the barbed member 86B. Considering now the barbed member 86B in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8B and 8AB, the barbed member 86B is fashioned to enable the free end 85B to be attached thereto by looping the free end 85B over the barbed member 86B. In this regard, the barbed member 86B includes rigid barbs 88B and 90B shaped to hold the free

end 85B in place. In this way, the appearance of the wearer is greatly enhanced because the supporting fine threadlike line 80B is less visible to an observer. The flexible pliable wire 81B can be twisted to tighten or adjust the overall length of the body decoration 78B depending on the wish of the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 9B and 9AB, there is shown another body decoration 87B. The body decoration 87B includes a relatively small ornamental element 92B and a flexible pliable wire 89B to secure the decoration 87B to the finger 94B of a wearer. The flexible pliable wire 89B includes distal ends 91B and 93B having ornamental bodies 95B and 96B attached thereon. Interposed between the distal end 91B and the ornamental body 95B is a wire segment 97B. Similarly, interposed between the ornamental element 92B and the distal end 93B is another segment 98B having a length which is longer than segment 97B. Both segments 97B and 98B are devoid of ornamental bodies. In use, the decoration 87B is placed onto the finger 94B as shown in FIG. 9AB. Wire segments 97B and 98B are then twisted to connect them together, with the number of turns being dictated by the size of the wearer's finger 94B. In this way, the ornamental bodies 95B and 96B are brought together, while the twisted together section of wires 97B and 98B are hidden from view. This enhances the appearance of the wearer, and at the same time affords the desired versatility wherein one size fits all. Referring now to FIG. 10B, there is shown another body decoration 155B, in place on the back of the hand 169B of a wearer. The decoration 155B includes an ornamental element 157B connected to a flexible pliable wire 161B, parts of which are embellished with ornamental bodies 162B and 164B. Rigid barbs 166B and 168B are

disposed at the upper and lower ends of the ornamental element 157B respectively. The lower distal end of the wire 161B is wrapped around the wearer's wrist 165B and a loop of wire 170B at the very distal end 170AB of the flexible pliable wire 161B is connected to the rigid barbs 166B to secure the decoration on the wrist 165B of the wearer. On the opposite distal end 163B, another loop of flexible pliable wire 171B loops around another rigid barb 168B to secure the decoration 155B to the finger 167B of the wearer. With the wrist 165B and finger 167B of the wearer acting as anchoring points, the decoration 155B fits snugly and comfortably, without undesired shifting of position, relative to the back of the hand 169B of the wearer. In operation, the body decoration 155B is placed onto the back of the hand 169B of the wearer. The distal end 163B of the flexible pliable wire 161B is wrapped around the finger 167B and the very distal end loops of wire 171B is looped over the rigid barb 168B to secure the upper portion of the decoration 155B to the finger

167B of the wearer. Next, the other distal end 170AB of the wire 161B is wrapped around the wrist 165B of the wearer's hand 169B. Again, the very distal end loop 170B is placed over the rigid barb 166B to secure the lower portion of the decoration 155B to the wrist 165B. In this way, the upper and lower portions of the decoration 155B are secured to the finger 167B and wrist 165B to hold the decoration 155B in place without shifting relative to the hand 169B. Different sizes of hands may be accommodated by varying the number of times the flexible pliable wire 161B is wrapped about the finger 167B and the wrist 165B of the wearer.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are

contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.