EARRING AND BACKING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An earring backing assembly including an earring post having a locking groove, a body, a handle and a spring. The spring is mounted on the handle. The handle is fitted within the body such that the spring presses at one end against the handle and at another end against the body. Together the handle and the body maintain an opening for receiving the earring post with the handle maintaining a locking ridge within the opening. The spring biases the locking ridge towards the center of the opening. When the handle is depressed against the pressure of the spring, the handle pivots, moving the locking ridge away from the center of the opening allowing for the earring post to be inserted into the opening. When the handle depression is released, the spring bias returns the locking ridge back towards the center of the opening, engaging the locking groove of the post.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 20-2012-0003830, filed on May 9, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an earring. More particularly, the present invention relates to an earring and backing assembly capable of easily performing the locking/unlocking operation of coupling parts and improving the function and ease of use of the assembly.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, jewelry/accessories may be classified into necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings, which are wound on necks, arms, legs of a human body or worn on ears in order to exhibit individual preferences or characters in combination with dresses. Such accessories are diversely designed according to the users' taste and preference and are on sale in the market.

In the case of earring assemblies there is typically provided, at a final coupling point, a primary earring component attached to a post. The post is the portion of the jewelry item that goes through the piercing/hole in the ear. On the other side, typically earring posts are met by a backing or clamp that is used to provide a thicker/stopper region to the portion of the post on the opposite side of the ear, to prevent the post from sliding out of the piercing/hole.

However, existing, coupling/decoupling operations using conventional earring assembly components are very difficult and the coupling parts are not themselves decorative.

For example FIG. 1 is a prior art image showing a typical earring post and backing clip. The post, as shown, is typically a thin straight post, and the clip is typically a small metallic item that includes an opening for accepting the post and some curved/spring wings that press against the post that is pushed through the hole of the clip to make the clip somewhat stick to the post.

However, despite this design, the clip is small and difficult to place on the post. Likewise, the spring leaves on the clip, although providing some pressure still allow slippage on the post, possibly leading to a lost clip and even the earring possibly falling out in such cases. Additionally, the clip is not aesthetically pleasing.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

The present arrangement overcomes these drawbacks by providing an earring and backing assembly that is both stable and easy to use while being more aesthetically pleasing than the existing common earring backings.

To this end, the present arrangement provides for an earring backing assembly for mating with an earring post having a locking groove including a body portion; a handle portion; and a spring, where the spring is configured to be mounted on the handle portion and where the handle portion is configured to be fitted within the body portion such that the spring presses at a first end against an inside surface of the handle and at a second end against an inside surface of the body. The handle portion and the body when fitted together maintain an opening for receiving the earring post with the handle portion maintaining a locking ridge in at least a portion of the opening. The spring biases the locking ridge of the handle portion towards the center of the opening, such that when the handle is depressed against the pressure of the spring, the handle pivots, moving the locking ridge away from the center of the opening allowing for the earring post to be inserted into the opening. When the handle depression is released, the spring bias returns the locking ridge back towards the center of the opening, engaging the locking groove of the earring post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more dearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art image of an earring and earring backing;

FIG. 2 shows an earring backing in an expanded view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows the earring backing of FIG. 2 in an expanded cut away view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the earring backing of FIG. 2 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the earring backing of FIG. 2 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an earring backing in an expanded view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows the earring backing of FIG. 6 in an expanded cut away view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the earring backing of FIG. 6 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the earring backing of FIG. 6 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an earring backing according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 11a and 11b show the earring backing of FIG. 10 in an open and dosed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 12a and 12b show the earring backing of FIG. 10 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows the handle portion of the earring backing of FIG. 10 in an expanded view;

FIG. 14 shows an earring backing in an expanded view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows the earring backing of FIG. 14 in an expanded cut away view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the earring backing of FIG. 14 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 17A and 17B show the earring backing of FIG. 14 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B show the earring backing of FIG. 14 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows an earring backing in an expanded view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows the earring backing of FIG. 19 in an expanded cut away view, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 21 and 21B show the earring backing of FIG. 19 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 22A and 22B show the earring backing of FIG. 19 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIGS. 23A and 23B show the earring backing of FIG. 19 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 24 shows an earring backing in a disassembled state according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 25a and 25b show the earring backing of FIG. 24 in an open and dosed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 26a and 26b show a sectional view of the handle of the earring backing of FIG. 24; and

FIG. 27 shows the earring backing of FIG. 24 in an open and closed position, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 2, earring and backing assembly 10 includes earring post 100 and backing 200. Earring post 100 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a locking groove 101 which accepts a corresponding locking ridge 212 from backing 200 as discussed in more detail below.

Backing 200 has an opening 222 for the entry of post 100. Backing 200 is formed by inserting, into an accessory body portion 220, a handle portion 210 in a side by side connection. In the present embodiment, accessory body portion 220 and handle portion 210 are in the shape of a figure eight (8), but other shapes are contemplated, provided they have a substantially similar structure and function.

As shown in FIG. 3, backing 200 houses spring 230 such that when accessory body 220 and handle portion 210 are connected, spring 230 is fixed within backing 200 in handle portion 210 at point 221 which is located below opening 222. One end of spring 230 rests within the lower corner of handle portion 210 and the other end of spring 230 rests within the lower corner of accessory body 220 at an internal cutout 223. As noted above, in the region of opening 222, handle 210 has a locking ridge 212 for catching locking groove 101 on post 100.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5A these show backing 200 with handle 210 in a depressed configuration. In this arrangement, handle 210 is pressed by a user compressing spring 230 against the inside 223 of accessory body 220. This causes the upper portion of handle 210 to pivot, outwardly around point 221, resulting in locking ridge 212 moving away from the center of opening 222, making opening 222 large enough to receive pin 100. In this configuration, pin 100 may be inserted into backing 200.

Referring to FIGS. 4B and 53, once post 100 is pushed through opening 222 the user may release handle 210. Spring 230 then biases the lower portion of handle 210 outwardly, resulting in the upper portion of handle 210 pivoting inward causing locking ridge 212 to press inwardly against post 100 (now inside opening 222). In this configuration, locking ridge 212 is pressed into a mating relationship with corresponding groove 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 200.

In a second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, backing 300 is formed by inserting into a circular accessory body 320 a handle portion 310. Backing 300 houses spring 330. As with the above described embodiment in FIGS. 2-5, such backing is configured to accept post 100 from the earring.

When accessory body 320 and handle 310 are connected, spring 330 is fixed within backing 300 at point 321 which is located in an off-set arrangement relative to 322 (in body 320). One end of spring 330 extends along one side of opening 322 and rests within handle 310 just under a flat pressing portion and the other end of spring 321 extends along the other side of opening 322 and rests within accessory body 320 at point 323 so that opening 322 is within the two ends of spring 330. As described below handle 310 has a locking ridge 311 that is configured to catch locking groove 101 of post 100 as described below.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 9A these show backing 300 with handle 310 in a depressed configuration. In this arrangement, handle 310 is pressed by a user compressing spring 330 against the inside 323 of accessory body 320. This causes the locking ridge 311 portion of handle 310 to pivot/rotate, around point 321, resulting in locking ridge 311 moving away from the center of opening 322, making opening 322 large enough to receive post 100. In this configuration, post 100 may be inserted into backing 300.

Referring to FIGS. 8B and 9B, once post 100 is pushed through opening 322 the user may release handle 310. Spring 330 then biases the locking ridge 311 of handle 310 to rotate, resulting in handle 310 pivoting in a manner causing locking ridge 312 to press inwardly against post 100 (now inside opening 322). In this configuration, locking ridge 312 is pressed into a mating relationship with corresponding groove 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 300.

In a third embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, backing 600 is formed by inserting into a shaped accessory body 620, a handle portion 610, Backing 600 houses spring 630. As with the above described embodiment in FIGS. 2-5, such backing is configured to accept post 100 from the earring. In FIG. 10, shaped accessory body 620 is shown in the form of a heart. However, it is understood that the other decorative shapes may be substituted, while maintaining the function and functional elements.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, when accessory body 620 and handle 610 are connected, spring 630 is fixed within backing 600 at point 621 which is located in an off-set arrangement relative to 622 (in body 620). One end of spring 630 extends along one side of opening 622 and rests within handle 610 just under a flat pressing portion and the other end of spring 630 extends along the other side of opening 622 and rests within accessory body 620 at point 623 so that opening 622 is within the two ends of spring 630. As described below handle 610 has a locking ridge 650 that is configured to catch locking groove 101 of post 100 as described below.

Referring to FIGS. 11b and 12b which shows backing 600 with handle 610 in a depressed configuration. In this arrangement, handle 610 is pressed by a user compressing spring 630 against the inside 623 of accessory body 620, This causes the locking ridge 650 portion of handle 610 to pivot/rotate, around point 621, resulting in locking ridge 650 moving away from the center of opening 622, making opening 622 large enough to receive post 100. In this configuration, post 100 may be inserted into backing 600.

Referring to FIGS. 11a and 12a once post 100 is pushed through opening 622 the user may release handle 610. Spring 630 then biases the locking ridge 650 of handle 610 to rotate, resulting in handle 610 pivoting in a manner causing locking ridge 650 to press inwardly against post 100 (now inside opening 622). In this configuration, locking ridge 650 is pressed into a mating relationship with corresponding groove 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 600. Cap 640 may be connected to accessory body 620 in order to cover the sharp end of pin 100. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 10-12, handle 610 and shaped accessory body 620 are arranged in a manner to improve the overall aesthetic quality of backing 600. In another embodiment as can be seen in FIGS. 14-18, this arrangement, unlike the above described arrangements of FIGS. 2-9, uses two handle buttons 410a, 410b, each one positioned at opposite ends of backing 400, along with two springs 430a, 430b.

FIG. 14 depicts backing 400 in a disassembled state. Handle 410a maintains a pivot point 421a where spring 430a is fixed. Handle 410b maintains a pivot point 421b where spring 430b is fixed. As with the above embodiments, handles 410a and 410b each include a ridge 423 for supporting the springs 430a and 430b.

With springs 430a and 430b, handles 410a and 410b are inserted into accessory body 420 into opposing slots so that handles 410a and 410b protrude from accessory body 420 at opposite ends and handle portions 410a and 410b overlap at opening 422 forming the region where post locking groove 101 of post 100 is supported.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 15, each of handles 410a and 410b have their own locking ridges 411a and 411b which, when arranged within accessory body 420, are oppositely positioned around the central axis of opening 422. As shown in FIG. 15, the post 100 used, with this backing arrangement 400 has two locking grooves 101.

As shown in FIG. 15, locking ridges 411a and 411b, are formed as a cupped portion of a triangular structure on the inside of handles 410a and 410b respectively. This structure adds structural integrity to the locking arrangement within backing 400, as ridges 411a and 411b may be subjected to repeated stresses during operation.

Referring to FIGS. 16A, 17A and 18A these show backing 400 with both handles 410a and 410b in a depressed configuration. In this arrangement, both handle 410a and 410b are pressed by a user compressing springs 430a and 430b against the inside of accessory body 420. This causes both locking ridges 411a and 411b of handles 410a and 410b to pivot, around points 421a and 421b respectively, resulting in locking ridges 411a and 411b moving away from the center of opening 422, making opening 422 large enough to receive post 100. In this configuration, post 100 may be inserted into backing 400.

Referring to FIGS. 16B, 17B and 18B, once post 100 is pushed through opening 422 the user may release handles 410a and 410b. In this case, both spring 430a and 430b bias handle 410a and 410b in a manner resulting in locking ridges 411a and 411b compressing inwardly from both sides against post 100 (now inside opening 422). In this configuration, locking ridges 411a and 411b are pressed into a mating relationship with corresponding grooves 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 400.

In another embodiment as can be seen in FIGS. 19-23, this arrangement, unlike the above described arrangements of FIGS. 2-9, uses two handle buttons 510a, 510b, each one positioned at opposite ends of backing 500, along with two springs 530a, 530b. Unlike the arrangement in FIGS. 10-14, locking ridges 511a and 511 are configured as open hook shapes instead of raised ridges of a dosed triangle shape and are further configured to fit into a single locking groove 101 on post 100 as described in more detail below.

FIG. 19 depicts backing 500 in a disassembled state. Handle 510a maintains a pivot point 521a where spring 530a is fixed. Handle 510b maintains a pivot point 521b where spring 530b is fixed. As with the above embodiments, handles 510a and 510b each include a ridge 523 for supporting the springs 530a and 530b.

With springs 530a and 530b, handles 510a and 510b are inserted into accessory body 520 into opposing slots so that handles 510a and 510b protrude from accessory body 520 at opposite ends and handle portions 510a and 510b overlap at opening 522 to form the region where groove 101 of post 100 is supported.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 20, each of handles 510a and 510b have their own locking ridges 511a and 511b which, when arranged within body 520, are oppositely positioned around the central axis of opening 522. As shown in FIG. 16, the post 100 used with this backing arrangement 400 has only a single locking grooves 101 for receiving the two locking ridges 511a and 511b.

As shown in FIG. 20, locking ridges 511a and 511b, are formed as cupped or curved open hook shapes with projections from the insides of handles 510a and 510b respectively. This structure adds structural Integrity to the locking arrangement within backing 500, by allowing for thick construction of ridges 511a and 511b while simultaneously being fit into a single locking groove 101 and being subjected to repeated stresses during operation.

Referring to FIGS. 21A, 22A and 23A these show backing 500 with both handles 510a and 510b in a depressed configuration. In this arrangement, both handles 510a and 510b are pressed by a user compressing springs 530a and 530b against the inside of accessory body 520. This causes both locking ridges 511a and 511b of handles 510a and 510b to pivot, around points 521a and 521b respectively, resulting in locking ridges 511a and 511b moving away from the center of opening 522, making opening 522 large enough to receive pin 100. In this configuration, post 100 may be inserted into backing 500.

Referring to FIGS. 218, 223 and 233, once post 100 is pushed through opening 522 the user may release handles 510a and 510b. In this case, both springs 530a and 530b bias handles 510a and 510b in a manner resulting in locking ridges 511a and 511b compressing inwardly from both sides against post 100 (now inside opening 522). In this configuration, locking ridges 511a and 511b are pressed into a mating relationship with the single corresponding groove 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 500.

In yet another embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 24-27, backing 700 uses two handles 710a and 710b which protrude out of opposite ends of an elongated accessory body 720. Unlike the prior embodiments, where the backings are configured to accept post 100 in a manner perpendicular to the long axis of post 100, backing 700 accepts post 100 in a manner parallel to the long axis of post 100. Two springs 730a and 730b are fixed within handle portions 710a and 710b respectively. Springs 730a and 730b are fixed in a side by side configuration at pivot point 721. One end of spring 730a rests within handle 710a and the other end rests on ledge 740 and one end of spring 730b rests within handle 710b and the other end rests on ledge 740.

Referring to FIG. 27b, in this arrangement, both handle 710a and 710b are pressed by a user compressing springs 730a and 730b against the inside of accessory body 720. This results in locking ridge 711 moving away from the center of opening 722, making opening 722 large enough to receive post 100. In this configuration, post 100 may be inserted into backing 700. As noted above, opening 722 of backing 700 accepts post 100 in a manner parallel to the long axis of post 100.

Referring to FIG. 27a, once post 100 is pushed through opening 722 the user may release handles 710a and 710b. In this case, both spring 730a and 730b bias handle 710a and 710b in a manner resulting in locking ridge 711 compressing inwardly against post 100 (now inside opening 722). In this configuration, locking ridge 711 is pressed into a mating relationship with corresponding grooves 101 on post 100 securing it into backing 400.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present Invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.

For example, according to the present invention, the locking spring mechanism is described as an example for an earring for the purpose of convenience, however, it can be understood that the locking structure can be also applied to a necklace, a bracelet, etc., in addition to the earring.

Claims

1. An earring backing assembly for mating with an earring post, said earring backing assembly comprising:

an earring post having a locking groove;

a body portion;

a handle portion; and

a spring,

wherein said spring is configured to be mounted on said handle portion, and where said handle portion is configured to be fitted within said body portion such that said spring presses at a first end against an inside surface of said handle and at a second end against an inside surface of said body;

wherein said handle portion and said body, when fitted together maintain an opening for receiving said earring post with said handle portion maintaining a locking ridge in at least a portion of said opening; and

wherein said spring biases said locking ridge of said handle portion towards a center of said opening, such that when said handle is depressed against the pressure of said spring, said handle pivots, moving said locking ridge away from said center of said opening allowing for said earring post to be inserted into said opening and when said handle depression is released, said spring bias returns said locking ridge back towards the center of said opening, engaging said locking groove of said earring post.

2. The earring backing assembly of claim 1 wherein said body portion further comprises an opening for receiving said earring post.

3. The earring backing assembly of claim 2 wherein said opening is configured to accept said earring post in a manner perpendicular to the long axis of said post.

4. The earring backing assembly of claim 2 wherein said opening is configured to accept said earring post in a manner parallel to the long axis of said post.

5. The earring backing assembly of claim 1 wherein said spring is a tortional spring.

6. The earring backing assembly of claim 1 wherein when said handle is pressed said locking ridge disengages from said locking groove of said post and said post is released.

7. An earring backing assembly for mating with an earring post, said earring backing assembly comprising;

an earring post having at least one locking groove;

a body portion;

two handle portions; and

two springs,

wherein one spring is configured to be mounted on one of said handle portions and the other spring is configured to be mounted on the other handle portion, and where said handle portions are configured to be fitted within said body portion such that said springs press at a first end against an inside surface of said handle and at a second end against an inside surface of said body;

wherein said handle portions and said body, when fitted together maintain an opening for receiving said earring post with each of said handle portions maintaining locking ridges in at least a portion of said opening; and

wherein said springs biase said locking ridges of said handle portions towards a center of said opening, such that when said handles are depressed against the pressure of said springs, said handles pivots, moving said locking ridges away from said center of said opening allowing for said earring post to be inserted into said opening and when said handle depression is released, said springs' bias returns said locking ridges back towards the center of said opening, engaging said at least one locking groove of said earring post.

8. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein said handle portions are positioned on opposing skies of said body portion and, where said locking ridges of said handles respectively press against said post from opposing sides to envelope said at least one locking ridge of said post.

9. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein said earring post has at least two locking grooves.

10. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein said handle portions are positioned on opposing sides of said body portion and, where said locking ridges of said handles respectively press against said post from opposing skies with one locking ridge engaging one locking groove on said post, and with the other locking ridge engaging the other locking groove on said post.

11. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein in a locked position, said locking ridges of said handle portions engage said locking grooves of said post.

12. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein said body portion comprises an opening for receiving said earring post.

13. The earring backing assembly of claim 12 wherein said opening is configured to accept said earring post in a manner perpendicular to the long axis of said post.

14. The earring backing assembly of claim 12 wherein said opening is configured to accept said earring post in a manner parallel to the long axis of said post.

15. The earring backing assembly of claim 7 wherein said springs are tortional springs.