FIELD OF USE
The present disclosure relates generally to piercing accessories and systems, and more particularly, to a piercing accessory and accessory system, which allows the addition of larger decorative pieces while utilizing a standard piercing.
BACKGROUND
Body art takes various forms and allows individuals to express themselves in different ways. One common segment of body art is body piercings. Although piercings are most commonly worn on the face, it has become increasingly common for piercings to be applied wherever on the body an individual might desire to place a piercing.
There is an array of piercing device types, including studs, bars, plugs, hoops, naval, spiral, helix, septum, and other specialized types of piercings. Many of these piercings are designed stand alone and are limited to being what they are and looking like they do. Additionally, these piercings generally require that a user be able to have access to the locking mechanism for application and removal of the piercing.
Sometimes, changeable, larger, and/or more ornate decorative items may be desired to be worn as piercings but they are impractical to attach to a user's body directly. Additionally, a standard piercing is relatively simple, comprising one or more small holes in a user's skin. This limits the type of jewelry or accessory that may be worn and may also cause stability issues for larger pieces of jewelry. One possible option of using more than two holes to provide additional stability is also not practicable because of the logistics in manufacturing and wearing the piercings.
Additionally, where significant customization is desired, there are practical obstacles to allowing a user to deviate from regularly worn jewelry. Specifically, there are only so many holes a person can place on their body before that additional customization is simply not feasible. This scenario is especially noticeable in specific regions of a body, such as the nipples.
Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved piercing accessory that allows for users to adorn themselves with larger or specialized pieces of jewelry, clothing, and other types of wearable devices.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present disclosure, the present specification discloses a new and improved piercing accessory and accessory system.
One embodiment of the piercing accessory may comprise a cover and a coupling portion. The coupling portion may comprise a base portion and one or more walls. The one or more walls may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions. The one or more piercing receiving portions may be configured to receive and engage at least one piercing worn by a user, such that the cover is attachable to a user. The coupling portion and the at least one piercing may be configured to removably couple together, such that the cover adorns the user. The one or more piercing receiving portions may comprise one or more slots. The one or more slots may be shaped in such a manner that the at least one piercing may slide in and up the one or more slots, such that the coupling portion may hang on the at least one piercing. The one or more slots of the one or more piercing receiving portions may be a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of: substantially L-shaped; substantially J-shaped; and substantially slash-shaped. The coupling portion and the cover may be a unitary device. The coupling portion and the cover may be removeably coupled. The coupling portion may comprise one or more flanges. The one or more flanges of the coupling portion may be positioned along one or more sides of the base portion. The one or more flanges may be positioned at an angle relative to the base portion. The base portion and the one or more flanges of the coupling portion may be configured to removeably couple the coupling portion to the cover. The at least one piercing may be a rod piercing.
In another embodiment, the piercing accessory system may comprise a cover and a coupling portion. The coupling portion may comprise a base portion, two flanges, and two walls. The two flanges of the coupling portion may be positioned opposite each other along a top side and a bottom side of the base portion such that the two flanges may be positioned at an angle relative to the base portion. The two walls of the coupling portion may be positioned opposite each other along a left side and a right side of the base portion such that the two walls may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion and substantially parallel to each other. Each of the two walls may comprise a piercing receiving portion, such that there are two piercing receiving portions. Each of the two piercing receiving portions may comprise a slot, such that there may be two slots. Each of the two slots may be configured to receive and engage at least one piercing rod, such that the piercing accessory system may be attached to a user that has donned the at least one piercing rod. The two slots may be shaped in such a manner that the at least one piercing rod may slide in and up the two slots, such that the coupling portion may hang on the at least one piercing and the cover may adorn the user. The two slots of the two piercing receiving portions may be a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of: substantially L-shaped; substantially J-shaped; and substantially slash-shaped. The coupling portion and the cover may be a unitary device. The coupling portion and the cover may be removeably coupled.
In another embodiment, the nipple piercing accessory system may comprise a cover and a coupling portion. The coupling portion may comprise a base portion, two flanges, and two walls. The base portion may comprise four sides, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side. The two flanges of the coupling portion may be positioned along the top side and the bottom side of the base portion such that the two flanges may be positioned at an angle relative to the base portion. The two walls of the coupling portion may be positioned along the right side and the left side of the base portion such that the walls may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion and substantially parallel to each other. Each of the two walls may comprise a piercing receiving portion, such that there are two piercing receiving portions. Each of the two piercing receiving portions may comprise a slot, such that there are two slots. Each of the two slots may be configured to receive and engage at least one piercing rod, such that the piercing accessory system may be attached to a nipple of a user that has donned the at least one piercing rod. The two slots may be shaped in such a manner that the at least one piercing rod may slide in and up the two slots, such that the coupling portion may hang on the at least one piercing and the cover may adorn a breast of the user. The two slots of the two piercing receiving portions may be a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of: substantially L-shaped; substantially J-shaped; and substantially slash-shaped. The coupling portion and the cover may be a unitary device. The coupling portion and the cover may be removeably coupled.
One embodiment may be a piercing accessory and accessory system that is adapted to allow for additions, including wearables, to existing piercings.
One embodiment may be a piercing accessory and accessory system that has multiple functions.
These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, of the accompanying drawings, and of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of the platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are illustrations of perspective views of one embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a side view one embodiment of the platform overlaid with a cover.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of the cover.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of an interior of one embodiment of a cover showing the coupling portion of the cover.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded and cross-section view of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a perspective view of the interior of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system showing the cover and coupling portion of the platform.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of a platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a side view of another embodiment of platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 12 is an illustration of a front view of another embodiment of the platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are illustrations of perspective views of another embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 14 is an illustration of a rear view of another embodiment of the cover portion showing the coupling portion.
FIGS. 15a and 15b are illustrations of rear perspective views of another embodiment of the piercing accessory system showing how the cover and coupling portion of the platform join.
FIGS. 16a and 16b are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover.
FIGS. 17a and 17b are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover.
FIG. 18 is an illustration of a back perspective view of one embodiment of an assembled piercing accessory system.
FIG. 19 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an unassembled piercing accessory system.
FIG. 20 is an illustration of a left side elevational view of one embodiment of a cover of the piercing accessory system.
FIG. 21 is an illustration of a rear perspective views of one embodiment of a coupling portion of the cover of the piercing accessory system.
FIGS. 22A-22C are illustrations of side view embodiments of a coupling portion.
FIG. 23 is an illustration of a back perspective view of one embodiment of a piercing accessory system showing the cover and coupling portion.
FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of a piercing accessory system attached to a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.
While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular” refers to an angle of roughly or approximately 90° to a given line, plane, or surface. In various embodiments, “substantially perpendicular” may also refer to reasonably acute angles and reasonably obtuse angles.
As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 15% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, refer to a deviance of between 0.0001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.
Use of the word “a” is not meant to limit the portion referred to just one, but rather means at least one.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 1, the platform 102 of the piercing accessory system 100 may comprise a base portion 105, and a cover coupling portion 110. The base portion 105 and cover coupling portion 110 are preferably a single unit, but they may be two or more portions connected together. FIG. 1 shows that the cover coupling portion 110 may comprise a distal end 115 and holes 125, 126, 130, 131 (holes 126 and 131 are shown in later FIGS. 2 and 4). The distal end 115 may be an indentation configured to receive a first magnet 120. The indentation may be a recessed cavity substantially formed in the shape of the first magnet 120, such that the first magnet may fit snuggly within the indentation such that all sides but one sides of the first magnet 120 are covered by the distal end 115. The magnet 120 may be secured within the distal end 115 with an adhesive, friction, ultrasonic welding, welding, soldering, clamp, threads, screw, bolt, or other connectors of the like. Together, the distal end 115 and first magnet 120 may be one embodiment of a cover coupling portion or system. The distal end 115 may also comprise a lip or other means for securing the first magnet 120.
The holes 125, 126, 130, 131 may be configured to receive one or more piercing studs or rods 140, which may pass through or pierce a piercing on a user's body. The piercing rod 140 may be a rod, stud, or bar type piercing, or any type of piercing which may engage the user and any number of the holes 125, 126, 130, 131. In one embodiment, the holes 125, 126, 130, 131 may comprise two sets of holes, a first set of holes 125, 126 and a second set of holes 130, 131, wherein each set of holes may be capable of receiving a piercing rod, wherein a are configured to receive a rod-type piercing, and are configured to receive a rod-type piercing. The holes 125, 126, 130, 131 may have alternate arrangements for receiving various types of piercings. FIG. 1 shows how the piercing rod 140 may have end caps that are removeably connectable to the piercing rod 140, such that the piercing rod passes through the first hole of one of the sets of holes, the skin or soft tissue of the user, preferably a nipple, and then passes through the second hole of the set of holes. The stud cap or end cap is then connected, preferably screwed, to the end of the piercing rod 140, such that the platform is now removeably connected to the user.
In one embodiment, the platform may be removeably secured to a user's body. Specifically, where the user has a rod-type piercing, the user may place the platform 102 over the area where the rod-type piercing may be affixed, and put on the rod-type piercing as normal, but with the rod-type piercing going through two or more of the holes 125, 126, 130, 131. In one embodiment, the rod-type piercing may be applied to a nipple, such that the platform 102 substantially covers part or all of the user's nipple. Once applied to the user's body, the platform may be used to add additional accessories by way of the cover coupling portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the base 105 is preferably a concave disc shape that may conform to the nipple and or breast of a wearer.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 2, the piercing accessory system 100 may comprise a base portion 105, and a cover coupling portion 110. The cover coupling portion 110 may have holes 126, 131. As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 105 may be rounded or curved to conform to the body of the user. FIG. 2b shows the rod 140 engaged with holes 130 and 131. FIG. 2c shows the rod engaged with holes 125 and 126. Alternatively two rods may be used. In some embodiments there may be additional holes or the rods may be connected or part of the platform 102.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 2, the piercing accessory system 100 may comprise a base portion 105, a cover coupling portion 110, and a magnet 120. FIG. 3 shows that the magnet 120 is contained within distal end 115.
FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are illustrations of perspective views of one embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, a cover coupling portion 110 may allow for one or more different configurations of a piercing rod 140 to pass through the holes 125, 126, 130, 131. This may allow for a user to adjust how snugly the platform 102 engaged the user's skin, to help reduce the amount of tension on the user's skin or adjust how much bouncing or shifting the platform 102 does with respect to the user's nipple.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a side view one embodiment of the platform overlaid with a cover. As shown in FIG. 5, a cover 545 may substantially encapsulate the platform 102 so as to allow a different aesthetic, which may be free of indications of piercings. The cover 545 may take substantially any shape or appearance, provided that some portion of the cover 545 is able to engage the platform 102 and be held substantially in place. FIG. 5 shows that the cover may be a rounded cup that forms around the platform 102, and thus around the user's nipple or breast. FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the entire piercing accessory system.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of the cover 545.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of an interior of one embodiment of a cover showing the coupling portion of the cover. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 545 may comprise a platform coupling portion 550. The platform coupling portion 550 may be configured to receive a second magnet 555, such that the second magnet 555 may be permanently attached or removeable from platform coupling portion 550. Together, the platform coupling portion 550 and second magnet 555 may be one embodiment of a platform coupling device. As shown in FIG. 7, the platform coupling portion 550 may also comprise a lip or other means for securing the second magnet 555.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded and cross-section view of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system 100. As shown in FIG. 8, the platform 102 and cover 545 may be configured to releaseably engage one another. Specifically, the distal end 115 of coupling portion 110, which contains first magnet 120, may releaseably engage the platform coupling portion 550, which contain second magnet 555. The cover coupling portion 110 may have substantially the same diameter as the platform coupling portion 550. Alternatively, the cover coupling portion 110 and coupling portion 550 may fit over or within one another to further hold the two releaseably together.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a perspective view of the interior of one embodiment of the piercing accessory system showing the cover and coupling portion of the platform. As shown in FIG. 9, the cover coupling portion 110 and cover 545 may be configured to releaseably engage one another after the coupling portion is attached to a wearer via piercing rod 140. Once the cover coupling portion 110 is attached to the wearer, the user may removeably connect a cover 545 or one of many different types of covers to and from the cover coupling portion 110.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of another embodiment of a platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 10, one embodiment of the platform 1002 of the piercing accessory system 1000 may comprise a base portion 1005 and a coupling portion 1010. The base portion 1005 may be connected to the coupling portion 1010. The coupling portion 1010 may comprise a distal end 1015 and holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031 (holes 1026 and 1031 are shown in FIGS. 13a-c). The distal end 1015 may further comprise a lock-bar 1020, such that a leg of the lock-bar 1020 is substantially perpendicularly connected to a distal end 1015 and the arms of the lock-bar 1020 are perpendicularly connected to the leg of the lock bar. Together, the distal end 1015 and lock-bar 1020 may be one embodiment of a cover coupling device. The lock-bar 1020 may be a variety of structures and connectors that act to physically connect two parts of a device together.
The holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031 may be configured to receive a piercing rod 1040 worn on a user's body. The piercing rod 1040 may be a rod-type piercing, or any type of piercing device that may engage any number of the holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031. In one embodiment, the holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031 may comprise two sets of holes, each set of holes capable of receiving a piercing rod, wherein a first set of holes 1025, 1026 are configured to receive a rod-type piercing, and a second set of holes 1030, 1031 are configured to receive a rod-type piercing. The holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031 may have alternate arrangements for receiving various types of piercing devices. In one embodiment, the platform 1002 may be removeably secured to a user's body. Specifically, where the user has a rod-type piercing, the user may place the platform 1020 over the area where the rod-type piercing may be affixed, preferably a nipple, and put on the rod-type piercing as normal, but with the rod-type piercing going through two or more of the holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031. In one embodiment, the rod-type piercing may be applied to a nipple, such that the platform 1002 covers part or all of the user's nipple. Once applied to the user's body, the platform 1002 may be used to add additional accessories by way of the cover coupling portion 1010.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a side view of another embodiment of platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 11, the piercing accessory system 1000 may comprise a base portion 1005 and a coupling portion 1010. The coupling portion 1010 may have holes 1026, 1031. As shown in FIG. 11, the base portion 1005 may be rounded or curved to conform to the body of the user. FIG. 11 shows that the piercing accessory system 1000 preferably has connector 1020, which as shown is a male lock bar that is half of a connection system.
FIG. 12 is an illustration of a front view of another embodiment of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 12, the piercing accessory system 1000 may comprise a base portion 1005, a coupling portion 1010, and a lock-bar connector 1020. FIG. 3 shows that the lock-bar connector 1020 is at the end of distal end 1015.
FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are illustrations of perspective views of another embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c, a coupling portion 1010 may allow for one or more different configurations of a piercing rod 1040 to pass through the holes 1025, 1026, 1030, 1031. This may allow for a user to adjust how snugly the platform 1002 engaged the user's skin, to help reduce the amount of tension on the user's skin or adjust how much bouncing or shifting the platform 1002 does with respect to the user's nipple. FIG. 13b shows the rod 1040 engaged with holes 1030 and 1031. FIG. 13c shows the rod engaged with holes 1025 and 1026. Alternatively two rods may be used. In some embodiments there may be additional holes or the rods may be connected or part of the platform 1002.
FIG. 14 is an illustration of a rear view of another embodiment of the cover portion shown the coupling portion. As shown in FIG. 14, a cover 5045 may comprise a platform coupling portion 5050. The platform coupling portion 5050 comprise slot 5055, which as shown may be a lock-bar engaging portion. The slot 5055 may be configured such that a lock-bar 1020 may releaseably engage the slot 5055 by inserting and twisting. In an alternate embodiment, the positions of a lock-bar and lock-bar engaging portion may have the female/male relationship reversed, as shown in FIGS. 17a-b, such that the lock-bar is attached to the cover, and the slot is attached to the platform.
FIGS. 15a and 15b are illustrations of rear perspective views of another embodiment of the piercing accessory system showing how the cover and coupling portion of the platform join. FIGS. 15a and 15b show that the cover 5045 and slot 5055 may be aligned with connector 1020, which is then inserted into slot 5055 and then cover 5045 is twisted to releaseably lock the two portions of the system together.
FIGS. 16a and 16b are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. As shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b, in one embodiment of the piercing accessory system the lock-bar engaging portion 1600 may rotate while the lock-bar 1610 remains substantially stationary. The lock-bar engaging portion 1600 and lock-bar 1610 may be on either the platform or the cover.
FIGS. 17a and 17b are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. As shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, in one embodiment of the piercing accessory system the lock-bar engaging portion 1700 may remain substantially stationary while the lock-bar 1710 rotates. The lock-bar engaging portion 1700 and lock-bar 1710 may be on either the platform or the cover.
FIG. 18 is an illustration of a back perspective view of one embodiment of an assembled piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 18, the piercing accessory system 1800 may configured to engage with an existing piercing, such as piercing stud or rod 1815, and may comprise a cover 1805, and a coupling portion 1810. The cover 1805 and coupling portion 1810 may be removeably attached, permanently attached, or a single unitary device. FIG. 18 shows that the coupling portion 1810 may comprise a base portion 1820, one or more flanges 1825, 1826, and one or more walls 1830, 1831. The base portion 1820, flanges 1825, 1826, and walls 1830, 1831 may preferably all be part of a unitary device or they may be two or more portions connected, permanently or removeably, together. As shown, the base portion 1820 may be substantially rectangular or square shaped and comprise four sides with a substantially open interior, which may accept a body part, such as a nipple. The flanges 1825, 1826 may be coupled to or extend from one or more sides of the base portion 1820. Similarly, the walls 1830, 1831 may be coupled to or extend from one or more sides of the base portion 1820. The flanges 1825, 1826, as shown, may be angled so that they are positioned substantially flush with the cover 1805 of the piercing accessory system 1800. FIG. 18 shows that the flanges 1825, 1826 may be configured to connect to the cover 1805 via a physical attachment or an adhesive. The walls 1830, 1831 may be positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the base portion 1820. Preferably, the walls 1830, 1831 may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions 1835, 1836. Preferably, the one or more piercing receiving portions may comprise slots 1838 that have a two-directional path, such as (1) in and (2) up. The slots 1838 are shown as two substantially L-shaped slots and may be configured to receive a piercing stud or rod 1815, which may also pass through or pierce a piercing on a user's body. However, the slots 1838 may be a signal slot and may be any number of shapes, such as “J” or “/” (slash) shaped, to allow the piercing to bi-directionally engage with the one or more slots. The piercing rod 1815 may be a rod, stud, or bar type piercing, or any type of piercing that may engage the user and also engage with any number of piercing receiving portions 1835, 1836. FIG. 18 shows how the piercing rod 1815 may have end caps (balls) that are removeably connectable (typically threaded, snap, or friction) to the piercing rod 1815. The piercing rod 1815 may engage with the piercing receiving portions 1835, 1836 at the same time that the piercing rod 1815 is coupled to the skin or soft tissue of the user, preferably a nipple, such that the cover 1805 and/or coupling portion 1810 is removeably connected to the user and covers or at least partially covers the portion of the body that is adjacent to the piercing.
In one embodiment, the cover 1805 may be removeably secured to a user's body. Specifically, where the user has a rod-type piercing, the user may place the cover 1805 over the area or body part where the rod-type piercing is donned by the user in the normal fashion, but with the rod-type piercing engaging the piercing receiving portions 1825, 1826. In one embodiment, the rod-type piercing may be applied to a nipple, such that the cover 1805 covers, partially covers, or substantially covers part or all of the user's nipple, breast, and/or chest. Once applied to the user's body, the cover 1805 may be used to add additional accessories by way of the coupling portion 1810. As shown in FIG. 18, the cover 1810 is preferably a concave disc shape that may conform to the nipple and or breast of a wearer. The cover 1810 may be padded for comfort and may be decorative and fashionable. The cover may be any shape or size.
FIG. 19 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an unassembled piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 19, the piercing accessory system 1800 may comprise a cover 1805 and a coupling portion 1810, which are configured to engage with a piercing stud or rod 1815. FIG. 19 shows that the cover 1805 may be decorative and shaped to cover a body part, such as a user's nipple. FIG. 19 also shows that the coupling portion 1810 and the piercing rod 1815 may be removably attached to the cover 1805. The piercing rod 1815 may be an existing piercing that is worn by the user. The piercing rod 1815 may be used to connect a cover to a user to cover such areas of the body as the nipple, genitalia, and face.
FIG. 20 is an illustration of a left side elevational view of one embodiment of the cover of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 20, the cover 1805 may substantially encapsulate the coupling portion and the piercing stud or rod so as to allow a different aesthetic, which may hide the existence of piercings. The cover 1805 may take substantially any shape or appearance, provided that some portion of the cover 1805 is able to engage or comprise the coupling portion and piercing stud or rod and be held substantially in place. FIG. 20 shows that the cover 1805 may be a rounded cup that forms around the user's nipple and/or breast.
FIG. 21 is an illustration of a rear perspective views of one embodiment of a coupling portion of the cover of the piercing accessory system. As shown in FIG. 21, the coupling portion 2100 of the piercing accessory system may comprise a base portion 2105, flanges 2110, 2111, and walls 2115, 2116. Preferably, the base portion 2105, flanges 2110, 2111, and walls 2115, 2116 are a single unit. The flanges 2110, 2111 may be coupled to one or more sides of the base portion 2105 and positioned at an approximately 45° degree angle relative to the base portion 2105, as shown in FIG. 21. However, the flanges 2110, 2111 may be greater than or less than 45° degrees. The walls 2115, 2116 may also be coupled to one or more sides of the base portion 2105. The flanges 2110, 2111 may be positioned substantially flush with the cover of the piercing accessory system. The walls 2115, 2116 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion 2105. Preferably, the walls 2115, 2116 may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions 2120, 2121 (also referred to as slots). The piercing receiving portions 2120, 2121 may comprise slots that are substantially L-shaped and may be configured to receive and engage a piercing stud or rod such that the cover and/or coupling portion 2100 is removeably connected to the user.
The front of the coupling portion 2100 may comprise a planar surface such that the coupling portion 2100 may be positioned substantially flush with the cover. The coupling portion 2100 may also be removably attached to the cover via one or more attachment points, such as the rings of the flanges 2110, 2111. In other embodiments, the flanges 2110, 2111 may permanently connect to the cover. In other embodiments, the coupling portion 2100 and the cover may be unitary device. In other embodiments, the base portion 2105 may connect to the cover directly without the flanges 2110, 2111.
FIGS. 22A-22C are illustrations of side view embodiments of a coupling portion. As shown in FIG. 22A, the coupling portion may comprise one or more flanges 2110, 2111 and one or more walls 2116. The walls 2116 of the coupling portion 2100 may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions 2121. Each piercing receiving portion 2121 may comprise a slot that is substantially L-shaped and may be configured to receive a piercing stud or rod, which may pass through or pierce a piercing on a user's body. The piercing rod may engage the user and any number of piercing receiving portions 2121. Preferably, the piercing rod may engage with the piercing receiving portions 2121 as the piercing rod is coupled to the skin or soft tissue of the user, preferably a nipple, such that the cover and/or coupling portion 2100 is now removeably connected to the user. When the rod goes in and then up in the slot, the coupling portion and cover are substantially held in place by gravity. The cover and coupling portion may be removed by moving the rod down and out of the slot.
As shown in FIG. 22B, the walls 2183 of the coupling portion 2179 may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions 2185. Each piercing receiving portion 2185 may comprise a slot that is substantially J-shaped and may be configured to receive a piercing stud or rod, which may pass through or pierce a piercing on a user's body. The piercing rod may engage the user and any number of piercing receiving portions 2185. Preferably, the piercing rod may engage with the piercing receiving portions 2185 as the piercing rod is coupled to the skin or soft tissue of the user, preferably a nipple, such that the cover and/or coupling portion 2179 is now removeably connected to the user. When the rod slides in and then up in the J shaped slot, the coupling portion 2179 and cover are substantially held in place by gravity. The cover and coupling portion 2179 may be removed by sliding the rod down and out of the slots. The exact shape of the slots may be selected from thousands of different shapes and angles, so long as the cover stays in place once the coupling portion 2179 is connected to the piercing rod. Preferably, the slots may be shaped such that the coupling portion 2179 may be attached and removed without injuring or causing the wearer undue discomfort. Preferably, the slots may be shaped such that the cover is not inadvertently removed or easily removed by a third party, and thus exposing the wearer.
As shown in FIG. 22C, the walls 2193 of the coupling portion 2189 may comprise one or more piercing receiving portions 2195. Each piercing receiving portion 2195 may comprise a slot that is substantially /-shaped (slash-shaped) and may be configured to receive a piercing stud or rod, which may pass through or pierce a piercing on a user's body. The piercing rod may engage the user and any number of piercing receiving portions 2195. Preferably, the piercing rod may engage with the piercing receiving portions 2195 as the piercing rod is coupled to the skin or soft tissue of the user, preferably a nipple, such that the cover and/or coupling portion 2189 is now removeably connected to the user. When the piercing rod slides in and then up in the /-shaped (slash-shaped) slot, the coupling portion 2189 and cover are substantially held in place by gravity. The cover and coupling portion 2189 may be removed by sliding the piercing rod down and out of the slots.
FIG. 23 is an illustration of a back perspective view of one embodiment of a piercing accessory system showing the cover and coupling portion. As shown in FIG. 23, the coupling portion 2100 may be permanently attached or removable from the cover 2200. Together, the coupling portion 2100 and the cover 2200 may be one embodiment of a piercing accessory system 2205. If the coupling portion 2100 and the cover 2200 are removeably attached, the user may removeably connect one of many different types of covers 2200 to and from the coupling portion 2100. The coupling portion 2100 and cover 2200 may be configured to releaseably engage a piercing stud or rod when the cover 2200 is attached to a wearer via the piercing rod. Specifically, where the user has a rod-type piercing, the user may place the cover 2200 over the area where the rod-type piercing may be affixed, preferably a nipple, such that the piercing receiving portions 2120, 2121 may receive and engage with the rod-type piercing.
FIG. 24 is an illustration of a side view of one embodiment of a piercing accessory system attached to a user. As shown in FIG. 24, the user 2400 may don a piercing 1815 on the user's nipple 2401, which may then be engaged by a piercing accessory system 1800, which may comprise a cover 1805 and a coupling portion 1810. The piercing 1815 specifically may engage with one or more slots 1837, such that the coupling portion 1810 and cover 1805 may hang on the piercing 1815 and may be kept substantially in place in a removable manner. FIG. 24 shows how the cover 1805 preferably covers a portion of the user 2400, in this case the nipple 2401 as part of the user's 2400 breast.
Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.
Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
Patent Application
20180084875
