US4067341A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pierced earlobe protector
Assignee: EARRS Inc
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Filing: 1976-03-15
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Granted: 1978-01-10
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Expires: 1996-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A protector for pierced earlobes has a hollow body forming a through passage for receiving the post or stem of an earring and provided with an outer surface constructed from a non-irritating, hypoallergenic material for protecting the tissue of the lobe from possible irritation, infection and allergic reactions to the metal material forming the post or stem of the earring. The protector, in some embodiments, is a liner which may be first inserted through the hole in the earlobe and, in other embodiments, the protector is mounted frictionally or permanently to the supporting post, stem or other supporting element for the earring.
Inventors
- 👤 Mary C. Ivey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 03:25
CPC Classifications
A; A44; A44C; A44C7/00; A44C7/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In an earring assembly having a metal stem; the improvement being a protector for previously pierced earlobes, comprising, a hollow tube of one piece unitary construction and forming a through passage for receiving the metal stem of said earring, said tube being provided with a generally cylindrical outer surface and constructed of a hypoallergenic flexible plastic material for protecting the tissue of an earlobe from irritation and allergic reaction by the metal of the earring stem, said tube fitting tightly on and being frictionally held on the earring stem for insertion of the assembled tube and earring stem and removal of the assembled tube and earring stem with respect to the pierced earlobe, the ends of the tube extending to the front and rear surfaces of the earlobe for spacing the metal stem from the earlobe and for retention therein along with the earring stem.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In an earring assembly having a metal stem; the improvement being a protector for previously pierced earlobes, comprising, a hollow tube of one piece unitary construction and forming a through passage for receiving the metal stem of said earring, said tube being provided with a generally cylindrical outer surface and constructed of a hypoallergenic flexible plastic material for protecting the tissue of an earlobe from irritation and allergic reaction by the metal of the earring stem, said tube fitting tightly on and being frictionally held on the earring stem for insertion of the assembled tube and earring stem and removal of the assembled tube and earring stem with respect to the pierced earlobe, the ends of the tube extending to the front and rear surfaces of the earlobe for spacing the metal stem from the earlobe and for retention therein along with the earring stem.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the tube has spaced, planar end surfaces, the through passage terminating in the end surfaces, and further includes a circular flange provided thereon at only one of the end surfaces for facilitating retention of the tube in an aperture of a pierced earlobe while enabling the other end of the tube to pass through the pierced earlobe.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-09 | 1981-07-11 | 1982-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-09 | 1985-07-11 | 1986-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-09 | 1989-07-11 | 1990-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |