Patent Publication Number: US-9844248-B1

Title: Body piercing device and system

Description:
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 desires to house 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&#39;s body directly. Additionally, a standard piercing is relatively simple, comprising one or more small holes in a user&#39;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 user&#39;s to adorn themselves with larger or specialized pieces of jewelry. 
     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 platform; and a cover; wherein the platform may comprise a cover coupling portion; wherein the cover coupling portion may comprise a piercing receiving portion; wherein the cover may comprise a platform coupling portion; wherein the piercing receiving portion may be configured to connect to one or more piercing rods, such that the platform may be attachable to a user that has one or more piercings; and wherein the cover coupling portion and the platform coupling portion may removeably couple together, such that the cover may be configured to adorn the user. The piercing accessory system may comprise a base. The base may be rounded and substantially circular. The piercing receiving portion may comprise two or more holes configured to receive the one or more piercing rods, such that the one or more piercing rods are configured to pass through a first of the two or more holes, then pass through the one or more piercings of the user, and then pass through a second of the two or more holes. The two or more holes may be four holes. The cover coupling portion may comprise a first magnet; and the platform coupling portion may comprise a second magnet. The first magnet may be housed at a distal end of the cover coupling portion; and the second magnet may be housed at a distal end of the platform coupling portion. The cover coupling portion may comprise a first connector; wherein the platform coupling portion may comprise a second connector; wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to releaseably couple together. The first connector may be at a distal end of the cover coupling portion; and the second connector may be at a distal end of the platform coupling portion. The first and second connectors may be a lock-bar and slot; and the lock-bar may be configured to be inserted into the slot, such that the lock-bar and slot are able to be rotated in opposite directions from each other in order to releaseably couple the platform and the cover. The first connector may be a lock-bar and the second connector may be a slot. The first connector may be a slot and the second connector may be a lock-bar. 
     Another embodiment of the piercing accessory may comprise a platform; and a cover; wherein the platform may comprise a cover coupling portion and a base; wherein the cover coupling portion may comprise a piercing receiving portion; wherein the cover may comprise a platform coupling portion; wherein the piercing receiving portion may be configured to connect to one or more piercing rods, such that the platform may be attachable to a user that has one or more piercings; wherein the cover coupling portion and the platform coupling portion may removeably couple together, such that the cover may be configured to adorn the user; wherein the piercing receiving portion may comprise two or more holes configured to receive the one or more piercing rods, such that the one or more piercing rods are configured to pass through a first of the two or more holes, then pass through the one or more piercings of the user, and then pass through a second of the two or more holes; wherein the cover coupling portion further may comprise a first magnet; wherein the platform coupling portion may comprise a second magnet; wherein the first magnet may be housed at a distal end of the cover coupling portion; and wherein the second magnet may be housed at a distal end of the platform coupling portion. The base may be rounded and substantially circular. The two or more holes may be four holes. 
     Another embodiment of the piercing accessory may comprise a platform; and a cover; wherein the platform may comprise a cover coupling portion and a base; wherein the cover coupling portion may comprise a piercing receiving portion; wherein the cover may comprise a platform coupling portion; wherein the piercing receiving portion may be configured to connect to one or more piercing rods, such that the platform may be attachable to a user that has one or more piercings; wherein the cover coupling portion and the platform coupling portion removeably couple together, such that the cover may be configured to adorn the user; wherein the piercing receiving portion may comprise two or more holes configured to receive the one or more piercing rods, such that the one or more piercing rods are configured to pass through a first of the two or more holes, then pass through the one or more piercings of the user, and then pass through a second of the two or more holes; wherein the cover coupling portion may comprise a first connector; wherein the platform coupling portion may comprise a second connector; wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to releaseably couple together; wherein the first connector may be at a distal end of the cover coupling portion; wherein the second connector may be at a distal end of the platform coupling portion. wherein the first and second connectors are a lock-bar and slot; and wherein the lock-bar may be configured to be inserted into the slot, such that the lock-bar and slot are able to be rotated in opposite directions from each other in order to releaseably couple the platform and the cover. The first connector may be a lock-bar and the second connector may be a slot. Alternatively, the first connector may be a slot and the second connector may be a lock-bar. The two or more holes may be four holes. The base may be rounded and substantially circular. 
     It is an object to provide a piercing accessory and accessory system that is adapted to allow for additions to existing piercings which would not be wearable otherwise. 
     It is an object to provide a piercing accessory and accessory system that has multiple functions. 
     It is an object to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     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. 4 a , 4 b , and 4 c    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. 13 a , 13 b , and 13 c    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 shown the coupling portion. 
         FIGS. 15 a  and 15 b    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. 16 a  and 16 b    are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. 
         FIGS. 17 a  and 17 b    are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. 
     
    
    
     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. 
       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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s nipple. Once applied to the user&#39;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. 2 b    shows the rod  140  engaged with holes  130  and  131 .  FIG. 2 c    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. 4 a , 4 b , and 4 c    are illustrations of perspective views of one embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in  FIGS. 4 a , 4 b , and 4 c   , 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&#39;s skin, to help reduce the amount of tension on the user&#39;s skin or adjust how much bouncing or shifting the platform  102  does with respect to the user&#39;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&#39;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. 13 a - 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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s nipple. Once applied to the user&#39;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. 13 a , 13 b , and 13 c    are illustrations of perspective views of another embodiment of a coupling portion of the platform of the piercing accessory system. As shown in  FIGS. 13 a , 13 b   , and  13   c , 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&#39;s skin, to help reduce the amount of tension on the user&#39;s skin or adjust how much bouncing or shifting the platform  1002  does with respect to the user&#39;s nipple.  FIG. 13 b    shows the rod  1040  engaged with holes  1030  and  1031 .  FIG. 13 c    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. 17 a - b   , such that the lock-bar is attached to the cover, and the slot is attached to the platform. 
       FIGS. 15 a  and 15 b    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. 15 a  and 15 b    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. 16 a  and 16 b    are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. As shown in  FIGS. 16 a  and 16 b   , 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. 17 a  and 17 b    are illustrations of perspective views of an interior of the coupling portion of another embodiment of the cover. As shown in  FIGS. 17 a  and 17 b   , 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. 
     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.