Support Device

Abstract

A support device for transferring at least part of the weight of an earring from an earlobe to a part of the ear that comprises cartilage, the device comprising a first portion (P 1′ ) capable of being attached to the earlobe and a second portion (P 2′ ) protruding from the first portion and capable of when the first portion is attached to the earlobe, extending from the earlobe to attach to the part of the ear comprising cartilage.

1 . A support device for transferring at least part of the weight of an earring from an earlobe to a part of the ear that comprises cartilage, the device comprising a first portion capable of being attached to the earlobe and a second portion protruding from the first portion and capable of, when the first portion is attached to the earlobe, extending from the earlobe to attach to the part of the ear comprising cartilage. 
     
     
         2 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first portion has a higher tensile strength than the second portion. 
     
     
         3 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support device comprises an adhesive layer for attaching the first portion to the earlobe and the second portion to the part of the ear comprising cartilage. 
     
     
         4 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support device is formed of a self-adhesive material. 
     
     
         5 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is sized so as to cover one or more piercings in a user's earlobe. 
     
     
         6 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises a preformed hole. 
     
     
         7 . A support device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the preformed hole has a diameter less than 1 mm. 
     
     
         8 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is formed of a material capable of being pierced by an earring post. 
     
     
         9 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support device is capable of being inserted into an ear via a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         10 . An applicator configured to be positioned behind an earlobe by a user wishing to insert an earring through a piercing in the earlobe, the applicator comprising a protective pad configured to, when the applicator is positioned behind the earlobe, abut against the earlobe such that a post of an earring inserted through the piercing will press against the protective pad, the applicator thereby being capable of preventing an earring post from injuring a user. 
     
     
         11 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the protective pad is formed of a material capable of being deformed by an earring post pressed against it. 
     
     
         12 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein a surface of the protective pad comprises a plurality of raised bumps. 
     
     
         13 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the applicator comprises a handle that protrudes from the protective portion and which is configured to be grasped between two or more digits of the user's hand. 
     
     
         14 . An applicator as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the applicator comprises a glove-like portion configured to be mounted on a digit of the user's hand. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A support device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the second portion is configured to adhere to the rear of the concha of an ear.