Earring fitting

Abstract

 An earring fitting comprises a substantially U-shaped resilient member (1,2) adapted to fit over an ear lobe and compress the lobe between the upper ends of the U, at least one limb (1) of the U being shaped to exert pressure on the lobe over an extended area.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an earring fitting for use with non-pierced ears.

[0002] Earring fittings for non-pierced ears generally comprise a spring-loaded clip or an ear screw. Such fittings suffer from a number of disadvantages. They comprise moving parts which are relatively expensive to manufacture and consume a relatively large amount of metal. When precious metals are used, the consumption of metal adds significantly to the cost. Such fittings can also be uncomfortable to wear as the pressure on the ear lobe is difficult to adjust.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above disadvantages and provide a simple ear fitting, which consumes less metal, and which is more comfortable to wear.

[0004] The present invention provides an earring fitting comprising a substantially U-shaped resilient member adapted to fit over an ear lobe and compress the lobe between the upper ends of the U, at least one limb of the U being shaped to exert pressure on the lobe over an extended area.

[0005] Preferably, one limb of the U is shaped to form a complete or partial loop substantially in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the U. The opposite limb of the U will then preferably terminate at a point opposite a substantially central part of the loop.

[0006] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a "dropper" style earring fitting according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the fitting shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a side elevation of a "stud" style earring fitting according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0007] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 in more detail, the fitting is made from standard 9 ct gold alloy. This is initially provided as a soft wire, it is then formed into the appropriate shape, and hardened by planishing. The final product then has the required degree of resilience. The fitting can, of course, be produced in other materials with the appropriate resilience.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the fitting is substantially U-shaped so that it can fit over an ear lobe and compress the lobe between the upper ends of the U. The upper end of the lefthand limb 1 is curved inwardly for more comfortable fitting. The righthand limb 2 terminates at its upper end in a ball 3, the smooth surface of which again provides additional comfort. A ring 4 is provided on the outside of the limb 2, and conventional decorative earring elements can be suspended from this ring.

[0009] As shown in Figure 2, the lefthand limb 1 is formed into a loop. This extends the area of the lobe over which pressure is exerted by the limb 1. The limb 1 is placed at the back of the ear lobe and the flesh of the lobe tends to be squeezed into the loop. This allows the pressure to be spread. Furthermore, the pressure of the ear lobe against the upper part of the loop holds the ear fitting more securely on the ear. As shown in Figure 2, the ball 3 is opposite a substantially central part of the loop, and this helps to balance the ear fitting on the ear lobe.

[0010] The fitting shown in Figure 3 functions in the same manner as that described in Figures 1 and 2, and the corresponding parts have the same reference numerals. The upper end of the outer limb 2 is provided with a conventional stud fitting member 5, to which is attached a decorative jewel 6.

[0011] It will be apparent that the inner limb 1 can be shaped other than the loop shown for achieving the same effect of spreading the pressure exerted on the lobe over an extended area. For example, the loop may only be a partial one, for example shaped like a question mark. Alternatively, there may be no loop at all, and the limb 1 may then simply be provided with a cross member perpendicular to the plane of the U.

Claims

1. An earring fitting comprising a substantially U-­shaped resilient member adapted to fit over an ear lobe and compress the lobe between the upper ends of the U, at least one limb of the U being shaped to exert pressure on the lobe over an extended area.

2. An earring fitting according to claim 1, in which one limb of the U is shaped to form a complete or partial loop substantially in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the U.

3. An earring fitting according to claim 2, in which the opposite limb of the U terminates at a point opposite a substantially central part of the loop.

4. An earring fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Drawing