Device for holding and masking post-type earrings during the coating thereof

Claim 1

A plating rack for electroplating earrings of the type having an ornamental portion and a post extending therefrom and adapted to pass through a pierced ear opening, said rack comprising a plurality of devices adapted to receive and shield the post portion of said earrings and a support having an electrically insulated outer surface adapted for positioning said devices within an electroplating dip tank, each of said devices including a body of electrically insulative material, an electrically conductive insert disposed within said body and adapted to contact said support, said insert having a boss outwardly projecting from one end thereof for receipt in said support so as to provide electrical contact between said insert and said support, said body having an elongated bore extending inwardly thereof, a resilient member having a narrow generally centrally disposed elongated bore adapted to frictionally receive said earring post associated with said elongated bore, said post in free slidable contact with said member so that portions of said post are positioned within said elongated bore and those portions of said post extending into said narrow bore are masked from contact with plating solution, and electrically conductive spring means positioned within said elongated bore and in electrical contact with said insert, said spring means laterally engaging said post for assuring electrical contact between said post and said insert.