Patent Application
20240206605
This disclosure relates to lines, earrings with such lines, and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
A person often desires to wear different pairs of earrings for different occasions. For example, the person may wear a first pair of earrings with a first aesthetic appearance to a first event (e.g., a professional conference) and a second pair of earrings with a second aesthetic appearance, different from the first aesthetic appearance, to a second event (e.g., a personal party). However, such desire may be difficult to attain, especially without taking off the first pair of earrings. For example, the person may have nowhere to carry another pair of earrings, the person may have forgotten the second pair of earrings at home, the person may have lost or broke the second pair of earrings before the second event, the person may not want to remove the first pair of earrings to insert the second pair of earrings, the person may not be able to afford the second pair of earrings, or other reasons.
If the person wears a facial covering (e.g., a surgical mask, a facial shield, a gaiter, a scarf, a ski mask, a balaclava) or a head covering (e.g., a hijab, a turban, a headscarf, a veil, a beanie, a knit cap) over or in proximity of the first pair of earrings, then switching from the first pair of earrings to the second pair of earrings may become more burdensome, laborious, undesired, and time-consuming. This is so because the facial covering or the head covering may be interfering with this switch. Therefore, the person may undesirably need to substantially adjust or remove the facial covering or the head covering in order to switch from the first pair of earrings to the second pair of earrings.
If the person wearing the facial covering or the head covering desires to switch back from the second pair of earrings to the first pair of earrings (e.g., when the person does not like how the second pair of earrings appears when worn on the person or the second pair of earrings broke after the person put on the second pair of earrings), then this process may undesirably be repeated. Such repetition is further burdensome, laborious, undesired, and time-consuming.
Generally, this disclosure enables various lines (e.g., a necklace, a chain, a braid, a rope, a string, a cable), earrings with such lines, and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
For example, some of these lines may extend (e.g., span) between a pair of earrings (e.g., with a post, a clip-on) worn on a pair of ears of a wearer (e.g., a person, a showcase head, a mannequin), yet be sufficiently lightweight not hurting or causing pain the wearer by pulling down on the pair of ears. This form of extension may or may not be arcuate, parabolic, hyperbolic, or gravitational, whether the line is flexible, bendable, rigid, or of another form, whether the line is extended for aesthetic purposes (e.g., to function as a necklace) or for utilitarian purposes (e.g., to hold or suspend an object thereon). For example, this form of extension may be U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or other suitable shapes. For example, non-arcuate, non-parabolically, non-hyperbolic, or non-gravitational form of spanning is possible. As such, if the wearer is wearing a facial covering (e.g., a surgical mask, a facial shield, a gaiter, a scarf, a ski mask, a balaclava) or a head covering (e.g., a hijab, a turban, a headscarf, a veil, a beanie, a knit cap) over or in proximity of the pair of ears, then some of these lines may be worn, without substantially adjusting or removing the facial covering or the head covering, although other use cases whether or not the wearer is wearing the facial covering or the head covering are possible.
For example, some of these lines may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to the pair of earrings, whether the pair of earrings is being worn on the pair of ears, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears, or whether the pair of earrings is not being worn on the pair of ears.
For example, if the wearer is wearing the pair of earrings and the facial covering or the head covering over or in proximity of the pair of earrings, then some of these lines may be selectively secured to the pair of earrings, while the pair of earrings is worn on the pair of ears, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears or without substantially adjusting or removing the facial covering or the head covering.
For example, some of these lines may include a line having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion may include a first connector (e.g., a jump ring, a clasp, a magnet, a fastener, a latch, a hook, a mating interface, a frontal piece of an earring, a post of an earring, a backing of an earring, a clip-on wing of an earring) and the second end portion may include a second connector (e.g., a jump ring, a clasp, a magnet, a fastener, a latch, a hook, a mating interface, a frontal piece of an earring, a post of an earring, a backing of an earring, a clip-on wing of an earring), whether the first connector is identical or not identical to the second connector in terms of structure, properties (e.g., geometry, materials), or modality of operation. The first connector may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to a first earring (e.g., a frontal piece, a post, a backing, a clip-on wing) worn on a first ear (e.g., a lobe, a conch, a helix) of the wearer and the second connector may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to a second earring (e.g., a frontal piece, a post, a backing, a clip-on wing) worn on a second ear (e.g., a lobe, a conch, a helix) of the wearer, independent of the first connector. Note that any forms of such selective securement (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) may include a selective unsecurement, which may occur via a reversal of such selective securement. Regardless, this configuration may have various technological benefits. For example, this configuration may be helpful if the line needs to be switched to another line, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Likewise, this configuration may be helpful when the line needs to be extended in length, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Similarly, this configuration may be helpful when multiple lines are desired to extend between the pair of earrings, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Additionally, this configuration may be helpful when the wearer is wearing the facial covering, the head covering, or another object (e.g., a garment, a jewelry item, a necklace, a prosthetic, a neck brace, a hat, a turtleneck, a scarf, a jacket, a set of over-an-ear headphones, a stethoscope), which may interfere with the line being decoratively or non-decoratively worn on the wearer while the line extends between the pair of earrings worn on the pair of ears. Therefore, the wearer may change its aesthetic appearance or selectively secure/unsecure (e.g., mount, loop, magnetize, fasten, mate) an object (e.g., a pendant, a charm, a housing of an electronic device) to or from the line quickly and easily, which can occur without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. For example, the wearer may change its aesthetic appearance for (a) different occasions (e.g., a professional conference and a birthday party) or (b) matching with different items of clothing, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears.
Note that although the line may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to and selectively unsecured (reversing selective securement) from the pair of earrings, this is not required. For example, the line can be permanently secured (e.g., welded, soldered, molded, chiseled, 3D printed) to the pair of earrings (e.g., inoperative or broken when unsecured).
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer; and causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: extending a first end portion of a line from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer; and extending a second end portion of the line from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a kit comprising: a first earring configured to be worn on a first ear of a wearer; a second earring configured to be worn on a second ear of the wearer; and a line including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is configured to be selectively secured to the first earring when the first earring is worn on the first ear and the second end portion is configured to be selectively secured to the second earring when the second earring is worn on the second ear such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a device comprising: a first earring configured to be worn on a first ear of a wearer; a second earring configured to be worn on a second ear of the wearer; and a line including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion extends from the first earring when the first earring is worn on the first ear and the second end portion extends from the second earring when the second earring is worn on the second ear such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer and covered by a facial covering of the wearer or a head covering of the wearer; causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer and covered by the facial covering or the head covering; and causing the line to extend out of and over the facial covering or the head covering underneath a chin of the wearer such that (1) the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring underneath the chin, and (2) the line is visible when frontally observing a face of the wearer.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: extending a first end portion of a line from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer and covered by a facial covering of the wearer or a head covering of the wearer; extending a second end portion of the line from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer and covered by the facial covering or the head covering; and extending the line out of and over the facial covering or the head covering underneath a chin of the wearer such that (1) the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring underneath the chin, and (2) the line is visible when frontally observing a face of the wearer.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a first elongated portion to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer, wherein the first elongated portion includes a second end portion; causing a third end portion of a second elongated portion to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer, wherein the second elongated portion includes a fourth end portion; and causing the second end portion and the fourth end portion to be selectively secured to each other such that a line that spans arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring and the second earring is formed.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a first elongated portion to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer, wherein the first elongated portion includes a second end portion; causing a third end portion of a second elongated portion to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer, wherein the second elongated portion includes a fourth end portion; and causing the second end portion and the fourth end portion to be selectively secured to each other such that a line that spans arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring and the second earring is formed.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer and a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line spans arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring and the second earring, wherein the line includes a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, wherein the first elongated portion includes the first end portion and a third end portion, wherein the second elongated portion includes the second end portion and a fourth end portion, wherein the third end portion and the fourth end portion are selectively secured to each other between (1) the first earring and the second earring and (2) the first end portion and the second end portion; and unsecuring selectively the third end portion and the fourth end portion from each other such that the line does not span arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring worn on the first ear and the second earring worn on the second ear.
In an embodiment, a kit comprising: a first earring configured to be worn on a first ear of a wearer; a second earring configured to be worn on a second ear of the wearer; a first elongated portion including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is configured to selectively secure to the first earring; and a second elongated portion including a third end portion and a fourth end portion, wherein the third end portion is configured to selectively secure to the second earring, wherein the second end portion and the fourth end portion are configured to selectively secure to each other such that a line is formed by the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion when the first end portion is selectively secured to the first earring worn on the first ear and the third end portion is selectively secured to the second earring worn on the second ear and the line spans arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring worn on the first ear and the second earring worn on the second ear.
In an embodiment, a kit comprising: a first earring configured to be worn on a first ear of a wearer, wherein the first earring includes a first elongated portion extending therefrom, wherein the first elongated portion includes a first end portion distal to the first earring; and a second earring configured to be worn on a second ear of the wearer, wherein the second earring includes a second elongated portion extending therefrom, wherein the second elongated portion includes a second end portion distal to the second earring, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are configured to selectively secure to each other when the first earring is worn on the first ear and the second earring is worn on the second ear such that a line is formed by the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion and the line spans arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally between the first earring worn on the first ear and the second earring worn on the second ear.
In an embodiment, a device comprising: a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer; a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer; and a line including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion extends from the first earring and the second end portion extends from the second earring such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a first line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer having a neck; causing a second end portion of the first line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the first line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring; causing the first end portion to be detached from the first earring; causing the second end portion to be detached from the second earring; and causing the first end portion to be attached to a third end portion of a second line and the second end portion to be attached to a fourth end portion of the second line such that the first line and the second line collectively form a necklace around the neck.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer wearing a facial covering or a head covering having a facial opening; and causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line (a) arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring and (b) extends through the facial opening based on the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spanning between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first non-lobe portion of a first ear of a wearer; and causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second non-lobe portion of a second ear of the wearer such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer; and causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line spans between the first earring and the second earring.
In an embodiment, a method comprising: causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first ear of a wearer having a chin; and causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second ear of the wearer such that the line spans between the first earring and the second earring while not extending underneath the chin.
Generally, this disclosure enables various lines (e.g., a necklace, a chain, a braid, a rope, a string, a cable), earrings with such lines, and methods of manufacture and use thereof.
For example, some of these lines may extend (e.g., span) between a pair of earrings (e.g., with a post, a clip-on) worn on a pair of ears of a wearer (e.g., a person, a showcase head, a mannequin), yet be sufficiently lightweight not hurting or causing pain the wearer by pulling down on the pair of ears. This form of extension may or may not be arcuate, parabolic, hyperbolic, or gravitational, whether the line is flexible, bendable, rigid, or of another form, whether the line is extended for aesthetic purposes (e.g., to function as a necklace) or for utilitarian purposes (e.g., to hold or suspend an object thereon). For example, this form of extension may be U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or other suitable shapes. For example, non-arcuate, non-parabolically, non-hyperbolic, or non-gravitational form of spanning is possible. As such, if the wearer is wearing a facial covering (e.g., a surgical mask, a facial shield, a gaiter, a scarf, a ski mask, a balaclava) or a head covering (e.g., a hijab, a turban, a headscarf, a veil, a beanie, a knit cap) over or in proximity of the pair of ears, then some of these lines may be worn, without substantially adjusting or removing the facial covering or the head covering, although other use cases whether or not the wearer is wearing the facial covering or the head covering are possible.
For example, some of these lines may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to the pair of earrings, whether the pair of earrings is being worn on the pair of ears, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears, or whether the pair of earrings is not being worn on the pair of ears.
For example, if the wearer is wearing the pair of earrings and the facial covering or the head covering over or in proximity of the pair of earrings, then some of these lines may be selectively secured to the pair of earrings, while the pair of earrings is worn on the pair of ears, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears or without substantially adjusting or removing the facial covering or the head covering.
For example, some of these lines may include a line having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion may include a first connector (e.g., a jump ring, a clasp, a magnet, a fastener, a latch, a hook, a mating interface, a frontal piece of an earring, a post of an earring, a backing of an earring, a clip-on wing of an earring) and the second end portion may include a second connector (e.g., a jump ring, a clasp, a magnet, a fastener, a latch, a hook, a mating interface, a frontal piece of an earring, a post of an earring, a backing of an earring, a clip-on wing of an earring), whether the first connector is identical or not identical to the second connector in terms of structure, properties (e.g., geometry, materials), or modality of operation. The first connector may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to a first earring (e.g., a frontal piece, a post, a backing, a clip-on wing) worn on a first ear (e.g., a lobe, a conch, a helix) of the wearer and the second connector may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to a second earring (e.g., a frontal piece, a post, a backing, a clip-on wing) worn on a second ear (e.g., a lobe, a conch, a helix) of the wearer, independent of the first connector. Note that any forms of such selective securement (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) may include a selective unsecurement, which may occur via a reversal of such selective securement. Regardless, this configuration may have various technological benefits. For example, this configuration may be helpful if the line needs to be switched to another line, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Likewise, this configuration may be helpful when the line needs to be extended in length, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Similarly, this configuration may be helpful when multiple lines are desired to extend between the pair of earrings, which may occur without removing the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. Additionally, this configuration may be helpful when the wearer is wearing the facial covering, the head covering, or another object (e.g., a garment, a jewelry item, a necklace, a prosthetic, a neck brace, a hat, a turtleneck, a scarf, a jacket, a set of over-an-ear headphones, a stethoscope), which may interfere with the line being decoratively or non-decoratively worn on the wearer while the line extends between the pair of earrings worn on the pair of ears. Therefore, the wearer may change its aesthetic appearance or selectively secure/unsecure (e.g., mount, loop, magnetize, fasten, mate) an object (e.g., a pendant, a charm, a housing of an electronic device) to or from the line quickly and easily, which can occur without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears. For example, the wearer may change its aesthetic appearance for (a) different occasions (e.g., a professional conference and a birthday party) or (b) matching with different items of clothing, without taking off the pair of earrings from the pair of ears.
Note that although the line may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to and selectively unsecured (reversing selective securement) from the pair of earrings, this is not required. For example, the line can be permanently secured (e.g., welded, soldered, molded, chiseled, 3D printed) to the pair of earrings (e.g., inoperative or broken when unsecured).
This disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to various embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to skilled artisans.
Various terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected,” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected, or coupled to another element or intervening elements can be present, including indirect or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, then there are no intervening elements present.
As used herein, various singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include various plural forms (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, tens, hundreds, thousands) as well, unless specific context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used herein, various presence verbs “comprises,” “includes” or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify a presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.
As used herein, a term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
As used herein, a term “or others,” “combination”, “combinatory,” or “combinations thereof” refers to all permutations and combinations of listed items preceding that term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. Skilled artisans understand that typically there is no limit on number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.
As used herein, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Various terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with a meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
As used herein, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” can be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in addition to an orientation depicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For example, if a device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turned over, then various elements described as being on a “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of other elements. Similarly, if a device in one of illustrative figures were turned over, then various elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” other elements. Therefore, various example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
As used herein, a term “about” or “substantially” refers to a +/−10% variation from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always included in any given value/term provided herein, whether or not such variation is specifically referred thereto.
Features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in or with various some embodiments in any permutational or combinatory manner. Different aspects or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner.
Although various terms first, second, third, and so forth can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from various teachings of this disclosure.
Features described with respect to certain example embodiments can be combined and sub-combined in or with various other example embodiments. Also, different aspects or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, can be combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example embodiments, whether individually or collectively, can be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures can take precedence over or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, a number of steps can be required before, after, or concurrently with example embodiments, as disclosed herein. Note that any or all methods or processes, at least as disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via at least one entity in any manner.
Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of this disclosure. As such, variations from various illustrated shapes as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various example embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to various particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Any or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, or be separately manufactured or connected, such as being an assembly or modules. Any or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, or other any other types of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.
The wearer 100 has a head 102, a plurality of hair 104, a pair of ears 106, a pair of ear areas 108, a facial covering 110 with a pair of straps 112 extending around the pair of ears 106, a neck 114, a pair of hands 116, and a chin 118, a frontal chest area 120. The wearer 100 is a person, but can be embodied in other ways. For example, the wearer 100 can be embodied as a showcase head, a mannequin, or another suitable form. For example, the facial covering 110 can include a surgical mask, a facial shield, a gaiter, a scarf, a ski mask, a balaclava, or another suitable facial covering.
Although the pair of ear areas 108 correspond a pair of ear lobes, this is not required. As such, each ear area of the pair of ear areas 108 can correspond to any portions of each ear 106, whether same or different ones. For example, some of ear areas 108 can include a helix region, a concha region, or others can include an earlobe (lobule), a helix, a concha, a superior concha, a crus, a superior crus, an antitragus, an antihelix, a scapha, a triangular fossa, a concha cymba, a tragus, or other suitable ear areas 108. For example, the pair of ear areas 108 can be lobes on which the pair of earrings 300 is worn. For example, the pair of ear areas 108 can be not lobes on which the pair of earrings 300 is worn. For example, a method may comprise: extending or causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first non-lobe portion of a first ear of a wearer; and extending or causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second non-lobe portion of a second ear of the wearer such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring. The first earring may include (a) a first post extending through the first non-lobe portion or (b) a first pair of clip-on wings clipping onto the first non-lobe portion. The second earring may include (a) a second post extending through the second non-lobe portion or (b) a second pair of clip-on wings clipping onto the second non-lobe portion.
The pair of earrings 300 includes a pair of individual earrings 302 (e.g., with a post, a clip-on). For example, at least on individual earring 302 can include a post extending between a front side of the ear 300 and an obverse side of the ear 300, as disclosed herein. For example, the post can extending along a horizontal plane, a vertical plane, or a diagonal plane. For example, the post may extend between a frontal piece (e.g., a decorative piece) and a backing, where the ear is positioned between the frontal piece (facing the front side of the ear 300) and the backing (facing the obverse side of the ear 300), as disclosed herein. For example, although the post is rectilinear, the post may extend in other ways (e.g., arcuate, sinusoidal, helical). For example, at least on individual earring 302 can include a clip-on earring having a front wing and a back wing, where the front wing and the back wing are elastically pivoted to each other (e.g., via a spring) or where the front wing and the back wing can be in magnetic securement through the ear 106.
The line 200 has an elongated portion 202 (e.g., a necklace, a chain, a braid, a rope, a string, a cable) hosting a plurality of decorative elements 204 (although the decorative elements can be omitted). The elongated portion 202 may be manually bendable, pivotable, shape memory, elastic, resilient, or flexible, but can be rigid (e.g., unable to be manually bent). The elongated portion 202 can include a metal (e.g., gold, silver, titanium), an alloy (e.g., brass, stainless steel), a plastic, a rubber, a wood, or other suitable materials. The decorative elements 204 can include can include a metal (e.g., gold, silver, titanium), an alloy (e.g., brass, stainless steel), a plastic, a rubber, a wood, a precious stone, whether natural or artificial, or other suitable materials.
The line 200 includes a pair of end portions (first and second) 206 longitudinally opposite and distal from each other on the elongated portion 202. Each of the end portion 206 includes a connector 208 (e.g., a jump ring, a clasp, a magnet, a fastener, a latch, a hook, a mating interface, a frontal piece of an earring, a post of an earring, a backing of an earring, a clip-on wing of an earring). Each respective connector 208 can be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) and selectively unsecured (reversing selective securement) to and from each respective earring 300, independent of each other, as disclosed herein. The connectors 208 can be identical to each other or not identical to each other in terms of structure, properties (e.g., geometry, materials), or modality of operation. For example, each of the connectors 208 can be embodied as a jump ring or a clasp, identical to each other or not identical to each other in terms of structure, properties (e.g., geometry, materials), or modality of operation. For example, one of the connectors 208 can be a jump ring or a backing of an earring 300 and another of the connectors 208 can be a clasp or a frontal piece of an earring 300. Note that although the line 200 can be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to and selectively unsecured (reversing selective securement) from the pair of earrings 300, this is not required. For example, the line 200 can be permanently secured (e.g., welded, soldered, molded, chiseled, 3D printed) to the pair of earrings 300 (e.g., inoperative or broken when unsecured).
In order to selectively secure (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) the line 200 to the set of earrings 300 worn on the pair of ears 106 or vice versa, without taking off the pair of earrings 300 from the pair of ears 106 and without interfering with the facial covering 110, the wearer 100 may hold the line 200 by the pair of end portions 206 via the pair of hands 116 such that the elongated portion 202 arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the pair of hands 116, as illustrated in
For example, if each of the connectors 208 is embodied as a jump ring, then the wearer 100 may detach the frontal piece or the backing of each individual earring 302, without taking off that respective earring 302, mount the jump ring onto the post, without taking off that respective earring 302, and then attach the frontal piece or the backing back onto that respective individual earring 302, without taking off that respective earring 302, as illustrated in
For example, if each of the connectors 208 is embodied as a clasp (e.g., a ring clasp, a lobster clasp), then the wearer 100 may open the clasp without taking off that respective earring 302 and mount the clasp onto the post, without taking off that respective earring 302, as illustrated in
For example, if one of the connectors 208 is embodied as a clasp (or another connector 208) and another of the connectors 208 is embodied as a jump ring (or another connector 208), then these forms of selective securement can be mixed and matched, as disclosed herein. Likewise, if one of the individual earrings 302 is not worn on that respective ear 106, then a respective connector 208 can be selectively secured to that individual earring 302 at that time and then that individual earring 302 can be put on its respective ear 106 or vice versa. Similarly, if both individual earrings 302 are not worn on the pair of ears 106, then the pair of respective connectors 208 can be selectively secured to the pair of individual earrings 302 at that time and then the pair of individual earrings 302 can be put on the pair of ears 106 or vice versa. Note that these processes of selective securement, as disclosed herein, can be reversed when there is a desire to selectively unsecure a respective connector 208 or the pair of connectors 208 from a respective ear 106 or the pair of ears 106.
The pair of connectors 208 can respectfully independently connect to or respectfully independently disconnect from the pair of individual earrings 302, whether simultaneously and one-after-another, whether right after left or left after right. As such, once the pair of connectors 208 are independently connected to the pair of earrings 300, the end portions 206 of the line 200 can extend from the pair of earrings 300 via the pair of individual earrings 302. Resultantly, the line 202 can arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally (e.g., vertically down away from the chin 118) span (or otherwise extend) between the pair of individual earrings 302. Likewise, this selective securement can be reversed once the pair of connectors 208 are independently disconnected from the pair of earrings 300 and the end portions 206 of the line 200 can avoid extending from the pair of earrings 300 via the pair of individual earrings 302.
Although the line 200 may be selectively secured (e.g., detachably attached, attachably detached, mounted, clasped, connected, fastened, mated, interlocked, magnetized, latched, grasped, hooked, hook-and-looped) to and selectively unsecured (reversing selective securement) from the pair of earrings 300 via pair of the connectors 208, this is not required. For example, the line 200 can be permanently secured (e.g., welded, soldered, molded, chiseled, 3D printed) to the pair of earrings 300 (e.g., inoperative or broken when unsecured).
Although the pair of ear areas 108 are lobes, this is not required and can be adjusted, as needed. For example, the pair of ear areas 108 can be both identical (e.g., a pair of concha regions, a pair of helix regions) or not identical (e.g., a helix region and a lobe region, a concha region and a helix region). This may be technologically beneficial when some of the ear areas 108 may already be hosting other earrings (or ear worn devices like hearing aids or ear-fitting headphones) and therefore lack sufficient anatomical real estate. This may also be technologically beneficial if some ear areas 108 are physically lacking (e.g., for medical reasons) or unable to host an individual earring 300. For example, a method may comprise: extending or causing a first end portion of a line to extend from a first earring worn on a first non-lobe portion of a first ear of a wearer; and extending or causing a second end portion of the line to extend from a second earring worn on a second non-lobe portion of a second ear of the wearer such that the line arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the first earring and the second earring. The first earring may include (a) a first post extending through the first non-lobe portion or (b) a first pair of clip-on wings clipping onto the first non-lobe portion. The second earring may include (a) a second post extending through the second non-lobe portion or (b) a second pair of clip-on wings clipping onto the second non-lobe portion.
As illustrated in
Although
When the wearer 100 wears the hijab 122, the line 200 can still extend (e.g., span, suspend, selectively secure) from the pair of earrings 300. For example, the line 200 can be permanently attached to or selectively secure to or selectively unsecure from the pair of earrings 300, as disclosed herein. However, the elongated portion 202 extends out of the facial opening 124 and over the below-chin portion 126 such that (1) the elongated portion 202 arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the pair of individual earrings 302 underneath the chin 118 and (2) the elongated portion 202 is visible when frontally observing a face of the wearer 100 through the facial opening 124. Therefore, the wearer 100 can extend (e.g., span, suspend, selectively secure) the end portions 206 from the pair of individual earrings 302 worn on the pair of ears 106 and covered by the hijab 122 (or the facial covering 110). This form extension (e.g., span, suspend, selectively secure) extends the elongated portion 202 out of the facial opening 124 and over the below-chin portion 126 (or the facial covering 110) such that (1) the elongated portion 202 arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the pair of individual earrings 302 underneath the chin 118 (or the facial covering 110), and (2) the elongated portion 202 is visible when frontally observing the face of the wearer through the facial portion 124. The wearer 100 may adjust the facial opening 124 when the wearer 100 desires to selectively secure or selectively unsecure the line 200 from the pair of earrings 300 covered by the hijab 122. If the wearer 100 is wearing the facial covering 110, then the wearer 100 may adjust the facial covering 110 or the pair of straps 112. As such, the wearer 100 may wear the hijab 122, whether with or without the facial covering 110, having the facial opening 124 through which the line 202 extends based on the line 202 arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spanning between the pair of earrings 300. Therefore, as shown in
As illustrated in
As explained above, such span of the first line 202b or the second line 202, whether shown or not shown in any of
As disclosed herein, note that the clasp is one of various types of connectors 208 that can be used, whether of identical or not identical to each other in terms of structure, properties (e.g., geometry, materials), or modality of operation. Further, note that the frontal piece 304, the post 308, or the backing 306 are sufficiently durable and lightweight to hold the line 200 or multiple lines 200 extending between the pair of earrings 300, yet simultaneously not hurt or not cause pain the wearer 100 by pulling down on one of the ears 106 or the pair of ears 106. Note that the individual earing 302 may be of another configuration. For example, the individual earring 302 may be a clip-on having a front wing and a back wing, where the front wing and the back wing are elastically pivoted to each other (e.g., via a spring) to secure to the ear 106 or magnetically attracted to each other to secure to the ear 106 extending (e.g., interposing) therebetween. As such, the connector 208 can selectively secure to or selectively unsecure from the front wing or the back wing, as disclosed herein.
As illustrated in
Note that although
The object may include a housing or a frame. The housing or the frame may contain or host a capacitor or a battery, which may be rechargeable. The object may contain or host an electrical load powered by the capacitor or the battery. For example, the load may include or be a microphone (or a camera, a sensor, a biometric sensor, a geolocation chip, a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a wireless transceiver, or another input or output device) powered by the capacitor or the battery. For example, the object may be or be embodied as a charm or a pendant. For example, the object may be or be embodied as a picture frame, a medical device, a surveillance device, or another suitable object.
As shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Note that the line 200 may be packaged in a kit, alone or in combination with one individual earring 302 or the pair of earrings 300 or the extender 210 or another jewelry item, as disclosed herein. For example, the kit can include a package (e.g., an envelope, a box, an intermodal container) containing the pair of earrings 300 (or another jewelry item) and the line 200. For example, the kit can include the pair of earrings 300 configured to be worn on the pair of ears 300. The kit can include the line 200 having the end portions 206 configured to selectively secure to the pair of earrings 300 when worn on the pair of ears 106, as disclosed herein, such that the line 200 arcuately, parabolically, hyperbolically, or gravitationally spans between the pair of earrings 300.
Various corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in various claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Various embodiments were chosen and described in order to best disclose various principles of this disclosure and various practical applications thereof, and to enable others of ordinary skill in a pertinent art to understand this disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to a particular use contemplated.
This detailed description has been presented for various purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive or limited to this disclosure in various forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from a scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in various claims that follow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of this disclosure. Scope of this disclosure is defined by various claims, which include known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of and claims a benefit of priority to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/239,419 filed 23 Apr. 2021; which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2022/023528 | 4/5/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17239419 | Apr 2021 | US |
| Child | 18287960 | US |
