Abstract:
A jewelry adapter to be used as an earring or with a necklace is described herein. The jewelry adapters permit a person with pierced ears to wear large diameter earrings that are typically only capable of being worn by people with stretched ear holes. A jewelry adapter for use as an earring within a pierced hole of an ear includes an adapter body having an aperture, a post extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the adapter body, wherein the post is received within the pierced hole of the ear, a tunnel located within the aperture, and a large diameter earring located within the tunnel. A jewelry adapter for use with a necklace includes an adapter body including an aperture, a loop located behind the adapter body, wherein the loop receives the necklace within the loop, a tunnel located within the aperture, and a large diameter earring located within the tunnel.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a jewelry adapter and, more particularly, to a jewelry adapter for converting large diameter ear gauges for use with typical pierced ears and necklaces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is very common for people worldwide to have some part of their bodies pierced. Most common, is for people to have pierced ears. Body jewelry typically includes jewelry specifically intended for use in body piercing. Body jewelry may include ornamental jewelry that may be worn on all parts of the body, such as ears, face, nose, and the like. Body jewelry may include any variety of shapes, including rings, plugs, or various other shapes. 
         [0003]    Currently, pierced earrings may be constructed with a pin, post or shaft affixed to a decorative end of the earring. Conventional post earrings or other piercing jewelry typically include a wire or post for penetrating the skin of the ear lobe. A first end of the post may be provided with an ornamental surface or end, and the second end of the post may be provided with a removable clasp or anchor of some sort to maintain the earring on the ear while being worn. 
         [0004]    During use, the shaft of the earring may be inserted into a pierced hole  16  in the ear  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , such as the ear lobe, and the earring may be secured in place with some sort of backing. This backing may generally have an aperture to receive the shaft that may snap into place on a groove that may be provided along the circumference of the shaft of the earring near its end. 
         [0005]    For example, in the case of a cylindrical ring worn in a person&#39;s ear, the ring may be slid into a piercing, such as a pierced hole  16 , formed in the ear  14 , such that the outside of the cylindrical ring contacts the inside of the pierced ear hole. The cylindrical ring may be held in place by the contact between the cylindrical ring and the skin on the inside of the pierced hole. 
         [0006]    Stretching, in the context of body piercing, is the deliberate expansion of a healed fistula for the purpose of wearing body piercing jewelry. Stretched ear piercings are the most commonly stretched piercings. Stretching is usually done in small increments to minimize the potential for damaging the healed fistula or creating scar tissue. The originally pierced hole may be expanded or stretched such that the stretched hole  18  in the ear  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may be too large to retain some smaller pieces of body jewelry, whereby that person may utilize large diameter ear gauges, plugs or the like. 
         [0007]    Ear gauges, spirals, plugs, posts, flesh tubes and other flesh piercing jewelry  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may commonly be worn in various diameters that may vary in diameter from less than one millimeter to sizes as large as may be desired. The typical jewelry worn in a large stretched ear piercing hole  18  is a plug. It is solid and usually cylindrical, and may be flared out at one or both ends (saddle-shaped). 
         [0008]    There is a large variety of jewelry available for stretched piercings. Many jewelry materials can be used in the manufacturing of jewelry for stretched piercings, such as materials that would ordinarily be too delicate or brittle to be inserted in smaller-gauge piercings may be used. People with normal pierced ears  16  (i.e., that do not have stretched piercings), however, cannot wear these larger gauge earrings  20 . 
         [0009]    Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a jewelry adapter that may permit a person with normal pierced ears  16  to be able to wear larger diameter ear spirals  20 , posts, and the like in their pierced ears. It may also be desirable to provide a jewelry adapter that may permit a person to be able to wear these larger diameter ear spirals  20 , posts and the like as a necklace. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A jewelry adapter that may be used as an earring or with a necklace is described herein. The jewelry adapters may permit a person with pierced ears to wear large diameter earrings that are typically only capable of being worn by people with stretched ear holes. A jewelry adapter for use as an earring within a pierced hole of an ear. The jewelry adapter may include an adapter body having an aperture, a post extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the adapter body, wherein the post is capable of being received within the pierced hole of the ear, a tunnel located within the aperture, and a large diameter earring capable of being located and removably secured within the tunnel. 
         [0011]    A jewelry adapter for use with a necklace, including an adapter body including an aperture, a loop located behind the adapter body, wherein the loop is capable of receiving the necklace within the loop, a tunnel located within the aperture, and a large diameter earring capable of being located and removably secured within the tunnel. The jewelry adapters may include a pair of O-rings located at each end of the tunnel. The jewelry adapters may include a plurality of decorative features located on the adapter body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view an ear with an ear piercing hole. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an ear with a stretched ear piercing hole with a large diameter or gauge earring. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an ear with a stretched ear piercing hole with a large diameter or gauge earring being worn. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an ear with an ear piercing hole as shown in  FIG. 1  in use with a jewelry adapter and large diameter earring. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the jewelry adapter, tunnel and O-rings of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the jewelry adapter of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of a tunnel and O-rings of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a necklace in use with a jewelry adapter and large diameter earring. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the jewelry adapter of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the jewelry adapter of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, as used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean serving as an illustration or example of something, and is not intended to indicate a preference. 
         [0024]    A jewelry adapter  10 ,  12  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6  and  8 - 10 . The jewelry adapter  10 ,  12  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The jewelry adapter  10 ,  12  may be utilized for any appropriate purpose. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the jewelry adapter  10 ,  12  may be utilized as a pierced ear adapter  10 , a necklace adapter  12  and the like. While the use of the jewelry adapter  10 ,  12  has been shown for use with pierced earrings and necklaces, these are illustrative embodiments only and are not meant to be limiting in any way. 
         [0025]    The jewelry adapter  10  may be utilized with a large diameter earring  20  or large diameter ear gauge to be worn in a normal pierced ear earring hole  16 . For example, the earrings  20  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are, by themselves, not compatible with a typical pierced ear  16  shown in  FIG. 1 . The diameter of the earrings  20  may be much larger than the pierced ear hole  16 . For illustrative purposes only, the earrings  20  may have diameters that may range from approximately 6.5 mm to approximately 16 mm. 
         [0026]    The jewelry adapters  10 ,  12  may be utilized to permit these large diameter earrings  20  to be worn by someone with a regular pierced ear  16  or as a pendant on a necklace  38 . The jewelry adapters  10 ,  12  may adapt all or most large diameter earrings  20  to be worn in pierced ears  16  or on a necklace  38 . The earrings  20  may be of any appropriate shape, size, diameter, type or configuration and should not be limited to what is shown here for illustrative purposes. For example, the earrings  20  may be of various claw-shaped, talon-shaped, and spiral-shaped and other decoratively shaped pieces  20 . The earrings  20  may also be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as stone, fossilized materials, wood, bone, metal, horn, amber, bamboo, silicone, glass and the like. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the jewelry adapter  10  may permit someone with pierced ears  16  to be able to wear large diameter earrings  20 . The jewelry adapter  10  for earrings may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, the jewelry adapter  10  may include a generally rectangular shaped body when viewed from the front, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , however, the jewelry adapter  10  may also be of a circular, triangular or any other combination of shapes. The jewelry adapter  10  for earrings may include a post or shaft  22 , an aperture  24  for the large diameter earring  20 , and an earring back  26 . 
         [0028]    The post  22  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. For example, the post  22  may be of a generally cylindrical shape of a small diameter, such as those typical for pierced ears. The post  22  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  10 , such as being located on one side of the jewelry adapter  10 , whereby the post  22  may be out of sight while being worn, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The post  22  may be located adjacent an upper end of the jewelry adapter  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The post  22  may extend substantially perpendicularly outward from the back of the jewelry adapter  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The post  22  may also include a groove (not shown) located towards the end opposite that of the jewelry adapter  10 . The groove may aid the earring back  26  in staying on the post  22  during use. 
         [0029]    The aperture  24  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally circular or cylindrical shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The aperture  24  may be of an appropriate shape and size to receive a large diameter earring  20  therein. The aperture  24  may be of an appropriate shape and size to receive and retain a tunnel  30  therein. The aperture  24  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  10 . For example, the aperture  24  may be located at a lower end of the jewelry adapter  10 , whereby the aperture  24  may be located at the end opposite that of the post  22 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0030]    The aperture  24  may be formed by a portion of the jewelry adapter  10  being bent or curved around the back of the jewelry adapter  10  body to form a cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 6 , whereby the aperture  24  is integrally formed with the jewelry adapter  10 . Alternatively, the aperture  24  may be formed from a cylindrically shaped piece (not shown) being secured to the back of the jewelry adapter  10  body. 
         [0031]    The earring back  26  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. For example, the earring back  26  may generally be of a shape and size to receive the post  22  therein as well as retain the post  22  therein during use. 
         [0032]    The jewelry adapter  10  for earrings may also include at least one decorative feature  28 . For example, the jewelry adapter  10  for earrings may include any appropriate number of decorative features  28 . The decorative features  28  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type, color or configuration, such as of a geometric shape, stripes, designs, and the like. For example, the decorative feature  28  may be a raised circular shape extending outward from the jewelry adapter  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0033]    In an exemplary embodiment, the jewelry adapter  10  may include a tunnel  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 . The tunnel  30  may be located at any appropriate position on the adapter  10 , such as within the aperture  24  of the adapter  10 . The tunnel  30  may be of any appropriate shape, size, diameter, length, type or configuration. The tunnel  30  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as rubber silicone or the like. The tunnel  30  may protect the earring  20  and stabilizes the earring  20  within the jewelry adapter  10 . 
         [0034]    In an exemplary embodiment, the jewelry adapter  10  may include two O-rings  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 . The O-rings  32  may be of any appropriate shape, size, diameter, type or configuration. The O-rings  32  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as rubber. The O-rings  32  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  10 , such as located at either end of the tunnel  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the O-rings  32  may maintain the earring  20  in place within the jewelry adapter  10 . The O-rings  32  may also help prevent the earring  20  from falling out of the tunnel  30  during use. 
         [0035]    The jewelry adapter  12  for necklaces may include an aperture  34  and a loop  36  for the necklace  38 . The jewelry adapter  12  for necklaces may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, the jewelry adapter  12  may include a generally triangular shaped body located above a generally square or rectangular shape when viewed from the front, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , however, the jewelry adapter  12  may also be of a circular, rectangular or any other combination of shapes. Any appropriate shape, size or type of necklace  38  may be used with the jewelry adapter  12 . 
         [0036]    The aperture  34  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally circular or cylindrical shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The aperture  34  may be of an appropriate shape and size to receive a large diameter earring  20  therein. The aperture  34  may be of an appropriate shape and size to receive and retain a tunnel  30  therein. The aperture  34  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  12 . For example, the aperture  34  may be located at a lower end of the jewelry adapter  12 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0037]    The aperture  34  may be formed by a portion of the jewelry adapter  12  being bent or curved around the back of the jewelry adapter  12  body to form a cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIG. 10 , whereby the aperture  34  is integrally formed with the jewelry adapter  12 . Alternatively, the aperture  34  may be formed from a cylindrically shaped piece (not shown) being secured to the back of the jewelry adapter  12  body. 
         [0038]    In an exemplary embodiment, the jewelry adapter  12  may include a tunnel  30 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The tunnel  30  may be located at any appropriate position on the adapter  12 , such as within the aperture  34  of the adapter  12 . The tunnel  30  may be of any appropriate shape, size, diameter, length, type or configuration. The tunnel  30  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as rubber silicone or the like. The tunnel  30  may protect the earring  20  and stabilizes the earring  20  within the jewelry adapter  12 . 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment, the jewelry adapter  12  may include two O-rings  32 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The O-rings  32  may be of any appropriate shape, size, diameter, type or configuration. The O-rings  32  may be fabricated out of any appropriate type of material, such as rubber. The O-rings  32  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  12 , such as located at either end of the tunnel  30 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . With additional reference to  FIG. 8 , the O-rings  32  may maintain the earring  20  in place within the jewelry adapter  12 . The O-rings  32  may also help prevent the earring  20  from falling out of the tunnel  30  during use. 
         [0040]    Both jewelry adapters  10 ,  12  may utilize the same shaped and sized large diameter earrings  20 , tunnels  30  and O-rings  32 , whereby the earrings  20 , tunnels  30  and O-rings  32  may be interchangeable for both jewelry adapters  10 ,  12 . 
         [0041]    The loop  36  for the necklace  38  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. For example, the loop  36  may be of a size that may be small enough to be partially or completely hidden behind the jewelry adapter  12 . The loop  36  may be of an appropriate diameter whereby a necklace  38  may be located and freely move within the loop  36 . 
         [0042]    The loop  36  may be located at any appropriate position on the jewelry adapter  12 , such as located on a rear portion of the jewelry adapter  12 , whereby the loop  36  may be partially or completely out of sight while wearing the necklace  38 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The loop  36  may also be located adjacent an upper end of the jewelry adapter  12 , whereby the loop  36  may be at the end opposite that of the aperture  34 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The loop  36  may be integrally formed with the jewelry adapter  12  body or may be a separate cylindrically shaped piece that may be secured to the back of the jewelry adapter  12  body. 
         [0043]    The jewelry adapter  12  for necklaces may also include at least one decorative feature  40 . For example, the jewelry adapter  12  for necklaces may include any appropriate number of decorative features  40 . The decorative features  40  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type, color or configuration, such as of a geometric shape, stripes, designs, and the like. For example, the decorative feature  40  may be a raised circular shape extending outward from the jewelry adapter  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
         [0044]    In the foregoing description certain terms have been described as exemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the features shown or described. 
         [0045]    Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recited function, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown or described for performing the recited function in the foregoing description, or mere equivalents thereof. 
         [0046]    Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, any of the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0047]    Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter.