Ear exceptions earwear and earrings

Abstract

Ear Exceptions are specially designed “earrings” which are molded to be worn on the inner ear (pinna) or wrapped about the outer cartilage and/or earlobe, thus creating a variety of distinct and dynamic looks. The Ear Exceptions can be manufactured from thin, plated metal, gold, silver or other hypo allergenic material. Versions of the Ear Exceptions encrusted with faux and natural gemstones are also contemplated. These unique earrings can be custom crafted for the individual wearer by making a unique plaster or rubber impression of both the inner and outer ear and creating earrings based on that mold, or this product could be mass produced in a one size fits most standard.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e)(1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/206,947 filed Feb. 6, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Ear Exceptions Earrings.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of jewelry and more specifically to the field of earrings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for earrings. These include:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,803 to Starcuzzi describes an earring comprising a wire portion that wraps around the outside of the ear.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,921 to Carter describes an ear decoration which comprises a U-shaped portion which engages the inside of the ear with a slight spring fit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,212 to Jacobs describes looping ear jewelry attachment comprising a circular loop which encompasses the entire ear.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved earring design which is attractive and comfortable to the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of earrings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention being worn by a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Women have been adorning their ears with beautiful jewelry for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, women wore heavy earrings made of precious lapis, colorful glass and solid gold. In Persia, dangling bronze baubles accentuated the ears of the ruling classes. Meanwhile, in ancient Greece and Rome, silver and gold earrings were expertly crafted by skilled metal smiths who accentuated them with pearls and cabochon jewels. Throughout the middle ages, into the Renaissance and up until the 19′″ century, earrings were worn mostly by wealthy or noble women and often featured rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.

As time passed however, more affordable versions of these delightful accessories were embraced by people from all walks of life and women from all classes began sporting fashionable earrings for social events and day to day wear. Today, earrings are worn not only by women, but by a surprising number of men, as well. A fashion staple, earrings will most certainly always be in style. Earrings are so popular in fact, that many men and women wear more than one pair at a time, opting to have their ear lobes, as well as their ear cartilage repeatedly pierced, so that they may wear several earrings per ear.

A favorite fashion staple, earrings will most certainly always be in style. Recognizing the vast popularity of earrings and ear jewelry, the present invention provides a unique accessory item, hereinafter referred to as the Ear Exceptions. Ear Exceptions are specially designed ear adornments which offer consumers a striking new fashion accessory. Designed to be worn by both consumers who don't have their ears pierced and consumers that do, the Ear Exceptions are specially designed “earrings” which are molded to be worn on the inner ear (pinna) or wrapped about the outer cartilage and/or earlobe, thus creating a variety of distinct and dynamic looks. The Ear Exceptions can be manufactured from thin, plated metal, gold, silver or other hypo allergenic material. Versions of the Ear Exceptions encrusted with faux and natural gemstones are also contemplated. These unique earrings can be custom crafted for the individual wearer by making a unique plaster or rubber impression of both the inner and outer ear and creating earrings based on that mold, or this product could be mass produced in a one size fits most standard.

Although several designs are contemplated, a particularly stylish Ear Exceptions design is comprised of two rings which are custom crafted from molds of the wearer's inner ear. Designed to wrap about the pinna in an attractive manner, these adornments boast a springy, tension fit, holding them in place. Other designs include ear adornments which wrap around and encompass the entire ear lobe. A series of earrings which wrap about the cartilage of the ear and start at the base of the lobe extending to the top of the ear are also offered. As can be imagined, design possibilities for the Ear Exceptions line are extensive. As proposed, this product can be manufactured in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of children, adolescents and adults.

Use of the Ear Exceptions is fairly simple and straight forward. The wearer first selects the size Ear Exceptions that best fits their ears, as well as the preferred design. Alternately, the user has a pair of Ear Exceptions custom crafted to suit their ears. Next, the wearer simply applies the Ear Exceptions according to easily followed package instructions, allowing the earring to follow the natural contour of the ear. Gently hugging the ear, the Ear Exceptions stay firmly yet comfortably in place. Whether working, dancing or enjoying a weekend barbecue with friends, Ear Exceptions stay securely and attractively positioned.

There are many benefits and advantages associated with the Ear Exceptions. Foremost, Ear Exceptions provide consumers a trendy and attractive adornment for the ears. Gently hooked to the top of the ear, Ear Exceptions provide a practical alternative to traditional pierced or clip-on earrings, enabling consumers to enjoy striking ear accessories, without the hassle.

As the fragile earlobe and ear cartilage is not punctured with this product, the wearer avoids possible infections, soreness and swelling that is so commonly associated with piercing. Furthermore, unlike clip-ons, Ear Exceptions are designed to follow the natural contours of the ear for maximum comfort, eliminating the painful pinching caused by earrings that are clamped directly to the earlobe. Because of this important advantage, the striking Ear Exceptions are perfect for wear by young children. Parents should appreciate that their child could enjoy the fun of wearing ear jewelry, without being permanently pierced.

Additionally, fashion forward men appreciate that this unique jewelry item allows them to have a cool and fun weekend or evening look, without compromising their professional appearance during the work week.

Durably constructed of quality materials, Ear Exceptions will withstand years of repeated wear and still maintain their pristine and dazzling appearance. Ear Exceptions are a unique invention that offer the fashion conscious consumer a fun and attractive alternative to traditional earrings. Providing the wearer with a stylish accessory that is comfortable to wear, this striking jewelry item offers a fun and funky fashion accessory for men, women and children alike.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An earring, comprising metallic wire comprised of two rings which are custom crafted from molds of the wearer's inner ear to wrap about the pinna in an attractive manner having a springy, tension fit, holding them in place.

2. The earring of claim 1 wherein the molds are custom crafted for the individual wearer by making a unique plaster or rubber impression of both the inner and outer ear and creating earrings based on that mold.

3. An earring comprising metallic wire comprised of two rings which are produced in a one size fits most standard.

4. The earring of claim 1 which wraps around and encompasses the entire ear lobe.

5. The earring of claim 3 which wraps around and encompasses the entire ear lobe.

6. The earring of claim 1 which wraps about the cartilage of the ear and starts at the base of the lobe extending to the top of the ear.

7. The earring of claim 3 which wraps about the cartilage of the ear and starts at the base of the lobe extending to the top of the ear.