ORNAMENTAL FIXING APPARATUS FOR PIN-TYPE EARRING

Abstract

An ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may include the ornamental fixing apparatus to which one end of an earring pin is inserted or fixed, a main body made of an elastic material and having a long hole into which one end of the earring pin is inserted, and at least one elastic reinforcement member provided in the main body or bonded to the main body and provided in a longitudinal direction of the long hole, in which the elastic reinforcement member is provided as a plate-shaped member extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the long hole and delays or prevents a decrease in frictional force or compressing force applied to a contact surface between the long hole and the earring pin.

Claims

1. An ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring, the ornamental fixing apparatus comprising: the ornamental fixing apparatus to which one end of an earring pin is inserted or fixed; a main body made of an elastic material and having a long hole into which one end of the earring pin is inserted; and at least one elastic reinforcement member provided in the main body or bonded to the main body and provided in a longitudinal direction of the long hole, wherein the elastic reinforcement member is provided as a plate-shaped member extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the long hole and delays or prevents a decrease in frictional force or compressing force applied to a contact surface between the long hole and the earring pin.

2. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic reinforcement member comprises: a center hole through which the earring pin passes; a plurality of protruding portions radially formed outside the center hole; and a plurality of concave portions formed between the adjacent protruding portions among the plurality of protruding portions so as to be directed toward the center hole, and wherein the elastic material, which defines the main body, is fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion and a surface of the concave portion.

3. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the protruding portion comprises: curved portions formed at two opposite sides in a circumferential direction based on the center hole; and a recessed portion formed between the curved portions.

4. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 3, wherein a charging hole is penetratively formed in at least one of the protruding portions, and the charging hole is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body.

5. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elastic material, which defines the main body, is supported on and fixedly bonded to an inner circumferential surface of the center hole, and the long hole is formed at a center of the elastic material positioned inside the center hole.

6. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic reinforcement member comprises: a plurality of spoke members radially provided to be positioned around the long hole; and a ring member to which one end of the spoke member is connected, wherein the elastic material, which defines the main body, is fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the ring member and a surface of the spoke member, and wherein the other end of the spoke member is positioned around the long hole and delays, prevents, or supports a situation in which an inner circumferential surface of the long hole is pushed or expanded toward the ring member.

7. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the other end of the spoke member is formed as a curved surface identical or similar to the inner circumferential surface of the long hole.

8. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic reinforcement member, which is positioned at an upper end of the main body facing an ornamental part to which the other end of the earring pin is inserted or fixed, prevents the earring pin from being exposed to the outside of the long hole or the main body.

9. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the long hole is provided in a shape having a diameter that gradually decreases toward the upper end of the main body.

10. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein a grip part is formed on an outer surface of the main body and includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of depressed portions formed continuously.

11. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 10, wherein a pressing member is provided on the grip part and configured to press the convex portion toward the long hole.

12. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 11, wherein a fastening space is formed between the depressed portion of the grip part and the pressing member, and an auxiliary ornament is attached to or detached from the pressing member that defines the fastening space in the pressing member.

13. The ornamental fixing apparatus of claim 1, comprising: an ornamental part to which the other end of the earring pin is inserted or fixed, wherein any one of the ornamental part and the main body is positioned forward of a user's earlobe, and the other of the ornamental part and the main body is positioned rearward of the user's earlobe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0036] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 are views illustrating a first embodiment of an elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a second embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a third embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a fifth embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0041] FIGS. 9A to 11B are views for explaining a mutual relationship between the elastic reinforcement member and a long hole formed in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0042] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views illustrating sixth and seventh embodiments of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention;

[0043] FIGS. 13A and 13B are views illustrating eighth and ninth embodiments of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention; and

[0044] FIGS. 14A and 14B are views illustrating a shape in which an additional ornament is mounted on the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Advantages and/or features of the present invention and methods of achieving the advantages and features will be clear with reference to embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but will be implemented in various forms. The embodiments of the present invention are provided so that the present invention is completely disclosed, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can fully understand the scope of the present invention. The present invention will be defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals indicate like constituent elements throughout the specification.

[0047] In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to be described below are provided in the system functional configurations to efficiently describe technical configuration elements constituting the present invention. Alternatively, the system functional configurations typically provided in the technical field to which the present invention pertains are omitted as much as possible, and the functional configurations, which need to be additionally provided for the present invention, will be described. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the function of the components already in use in the art in the functional configurations not shown below and omitted. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily understand the relationship between the omitted components and the components added for the purpose of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 are views illustrating a first embodiment of an elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a second embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a third embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a fifth embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIGS. 9A to 11B are views for explaining a mutual relationship between the elastic reinforcement member and a long hole formed in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views illustrating sixth and seventh embodiments of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, FIGS. 13A and 13B are views illustrating eighth and ninth embodiments of the elastic reinforcement member provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are views illustrating a shape in which an additional ornament is mounted on the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a pin-type earring 10 according to the present invention may include an ornamental part 20, an earring pin 101 having the other end to which the ornamental part 20 is connected, and an ornamental fixing apparatus 100 into which one end of the earring pin 101 is inserted and fixed.

[0051] Hereinafter, the term ornamental fixing apparatus is a term that is the same as or includes the term rear ornamental member or clutch as well as a term that is the same as or includes the term front ornamental member positioned forward of a user's earlobe.

[0052] The ornamental part 20 may be provided with expensive jewelry. The earring pin 101 may be fixed to the ornamental part 20 or fixed to the ornamental fixing apparatus 100. Hereinafter, according to the present invention, an example will be described in which the earring pin 101 of the pin-type earring 10 is fixed to the ornamental part 20.

[0053] One end of the earring pin 101 may be inserted into or fixed to the ornamental fixing apparatus 100, and the other end of the earring pin 101 may be inserted into or fixed to the ornamental part 20.

[0054] In this case, any one of the ornamental part 20 and a main body 110 of the ornamental fixing press 100 may be positioned forward of the user's earlobe, and the other of the ornamental part 20 and the main body 110 of the ornamental fixing press 100 may be positioned rearward of the user's earlobe. As described above, the user of the pin-type earring 10 according to the present invention may use the pin-type earring 10 in the state in which the ornamental part 20 is positioned forward of the user's earlobe. Alternatively, the user may use the pin-type earring 10 in the state in which the main body 110, together with an elastic reinforcement member 160, is positioned forward of the user's earlobe.

[0055] The pin-type earring 10 may be used in a state in which one end of the earring pin 101 having the other end connected and fixed to the ornamental part 20 is inserted into a long hole 119 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100, and the earring pin 101 is fixed to the ornamental fixing apparatus 100.

[0056] That is, the user of the pin-type earring 10 according to the present invention wears the earring 10 by inserting the earring pin 101, which has the other end connected to the ornamental part 20, into a hole formed through the user's earlobe and then fitting the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 with one end of the earring pin 101. The user's earlobe is positioned on the earring pin 101 between the ornamental part 20 and the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 in the state illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 1, one end of the earring pin 101 may pass through the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 and be exposed to the outside of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100. Although not illustrated, one end of the earring pin 101 may be positioned in the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 without being exposed to the outside.

[0058] The ornamental fixing apparatus 100 may include the main body 110 made of an elastic material such as silicone. The main body 110 may be made of a silicone material. However, the material of the main body 110 is not limited to silicone. The main body 110 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 may be made of a silicone or a material having elasticity like silicone, i.e., an elastic material.

[0059] The main body 110 may be formed in a hemispherical shape, a convex semi-cylindrical shape, or the like so that the user may easily hold the main body 110 with his/her fingers.

[0060] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a grip part 115 may be formed on a surface of the main body 110 so that the user may easily grip or hold the main body 110.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 2, the main body 110 may include a lower end 113 provided to face the ornamental part 20, an intermediate portion 111 disposed above the lower end, and an upper end 112 disposed above the intermediate portion 111. The upper end 112, the intermediate portion 111, and the lower end 113 may be integrated.

[0062] Because a lower surface of the lower end 113, i.e., the lower surface facing the ornamental part 20 is a portion that comes into direct contact with the user's earlobe, the lower surface of the lower end 113 may be provided as a flat surface so that the user does not feel discomfort in the state in which the user wears the pin-type earring 10.

[0063] Unlike the lower end 113, the upper end 112 may be provided in a shape such as a curved surface or a spherical surface. The grip part 115 may be formed on the intermediate portion 111 positioned between the lower end 113 and the upper end 112. The grip part 115 may be formed at a portion closer to the lower end 113 than the upper end 112 to the lower end 113.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 2, the grip part 115 may include a plurality of convex portions 116 and a plurality of depressed portions 117 continuously formed on an outer surface of the main body 110. The grip part 115 may be formed on an outer surface of the intermediate portion 111 of the main body 110. The grip part 115 may be provided in a shape in which the depressed portion 117 positioned between the two adjacent convex portions 116 among the plurality of convex portions 116 is continuously formed. When the user grips the grip part 115 when the user holds the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring with his/her finger, the user may more stably grip the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 and insert or withdraw the earring pin 101 into or from the ornamental fixing apparatus 100.

[0065] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a pressing member 150 may be provided on the grip part 115 and configured to press the convex portion 116 toward the long hole 119 formed in the central portion of the main body 110. The pressing member 150 may have a ring shape. That is, the pressing member 150 may be a ring-shaped member provided to surround the grip part 115. The pressing member 150 may be configured to push an apex of the convex portion 116 of the grip part 115. That is, a diameter of the pressing member 150 is smaller than a diameter of an imaginary circle connecting the apices of the plurality of convex portions 116, such that the pressing member 150 presses the apex of the convex portion 116 in the state in which the pressing member 150 is mounted on the grip part 115.

[0066] Because the pressing member 150 pushes the apex of the convex portion 116, the elastic material, which constitutes the main body 110 or the grip part 115, is pushed toward a center of the main body 110, such that it is possible to prevent or minimize a decrease in elastic restoring force of the elastic material that is caused when the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 is used for a long period of time.

[0067] FIG. 3B is a view illustrating a state in which an interior of the main body 110 is projected when the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 or the main body 110 is viewed from the lower surface of the lower end 113. With reference to FIG. 3B, the long hole 119, into which the earring pin 101 is inserted, may be formed at the center of the main body 110. In addition, the grip part 115, which has a center identical to the center of the main body 110, may be formed on the main body 110, and the pressing member 150 may be mounted on the grip part 115. The pressing member 150 may be provided as a ring-shaped member having the same radius of curvature as an outer surface of the lower end 113 of the main body 110.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B, the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention is the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 of the pin-type earring 10 including the ornamental part 20, the earring pin 101 having the other end to which the ornamental part 20 is connected, and the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 into which one end of the earring pin 101 is inserted or fixed, and the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 may include the main body 110 made of an elastic material and having the long hole 119 into which one end of the earring pin 101 is inserted, and at least one elastic reinforcement member 160 provided in the main body 110 or bonded to the main body 110 and provided in a longitudinal direction of the long hole 119.

[0069] In this case, the elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided as a plate-shaped member (plate-like element) extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the long hole 119 and delay, prevent, or minimize a decrease in frictional force or compressing force applied to a contact surface between the long hole 119 and the earring pin 101.

[0070] As described above, the elastic reinforcement member 160 having a plate shape may be provided in the main body 110. The elastic reinforcement member 160 may delay, prevent, or minimize a decrease in frictional force or compressing force (pressing force) applied to an inner surface of the long hole 119 being in contact with an outer surface of the earring pin 101 when a process of inserting or withdrawing the earring pin 101 into or from the long hole 119 of the main body 110 is repeated and the ornamental fixing apparatus is used for a long period of time.

[0071] Because the main body 110 is made of the elastic material such as silicone, the inner surface of the long hole 119 is also made of the elastic material. Therefore, the outer surface of the earring pin 101 inserted into the long hole 119 is tightly attached to the elastic material, such that the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 may be fixed to the earring pin 101. An outer diameter of the earring pin 101 needs to be larger than an inner diameter of the long hole 119 so that the elastic material positioned in the inner surface of the long hole 119 compresses the outer surface of the earring pin 101. When the earring pin 101 is inserted into the long hole 119 in an interference-fit manner, the elastic material, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, may be pushed by the earring pin 101, and the pressed elastic material may press the outer surface of the earring pin 101 by an elastic restoring force, such that the earring pin 101 may be fixed in the state of being inserted into the long hole 119.

[0072] However, when the earring pin 101 is repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the long hole 119 as the pin-type earring 10 is used for a long period of time, the elastic restoring force of the elastic material, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, may decrease. When the elastic restoring force of the elastic material decreases, a force applied to press the earring pin 101 by the inner surface of the long hole 119 decreases, and the earring pin 101 is not stably fixed to the long hole 119. In this state, the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 may be easily withdrawn from the earring pin 101 in the state in which the user wears the pin-type earring 10 on the earlobe.

[0073] In order to prevent the earring pin 101 from being easily withdrawn from the long hole 119 because of the decrease in elastic restoring force of the elastic material as the ornamental fixing apparatus is used for a long period of time as described above, the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may have the elastic reinforcement member 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, 760, 860, or 960.

[0074] FIGS. 4 to 8 to be described below illustrate states in which the main body 110 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 is viewed from the ornamental part 20.

[0075] With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, the elastic reinforcement member 160 may include a center hole 166 through which the earring pin 101 passes, a plurality of protruding portions 161 radially formed outside the center hole 166, and a plurality of concave portions 162 each formed between the adjacent protruding portions 161 among the plurality of protruding portions 161 so as to be directed toward the center hole 166.

[0076] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion 161 and a surface of the concave portion 162.

[0077] A first embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member 160 illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 is a plate-shaped member provided in the form of a petal. The elastic reinforcement member 160 may be made of a precious metallic material including gold or silver.

[0078] The elastic reinforcement member 160 may serve to compensate for the decrease in force applied to press the earring pin 101 by the inner surface of the long hole 119 because of the decrease in elastic restoring force of the elastic material that defines the inner surface of the long hole 119. To this end, the long hole 119 is positioned in the center hole 166 formed in the central portion of the elastic reinforcement member 160. In this case, a portion between an inner surface of the long hole 119 and an inner surface of the center hole 166 is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. That is, the elastic material 110 is positioned between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 166.

[0079] As described above, the inner diameter of the long hole 119 slightly increases when the long hole 119 is pushed by the earring pin 101 as the process of inserting and withdrawing the earring pin 101 into and from the long hole 119 is repeated. Even though the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases, the inner diameter may be restored to an original state by the elastic restoring force of the elastic material that defines the inner surface of the long hole 119. However, the elastic restoring force of the elastic material inevitably decreases as the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 is used for a long period of time. In this state, in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases, the inner diameter cannot be restored to the original state, and the state in which the inner diameter is increased may be maintained. In this state, the long hole 119 cannot sufficiently press the earring pin 101.

[0080] In contrast, when the elastic reinforcement member 160 is provided in the main body 110, a range in which the elastic material 110 is pushed by the center hole 166 is restricted even though the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases and the elastic material 110 present between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 166 is pushed toward the center hole 166. Therefore, it is possible to restrict a degree to which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases.

[0081] Therefore, because the range in which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases is restricted by the center hole 166, it is possible to prevent the elastic restoring force of the elastic material 110 present between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 166 from decreasing to the extent that the inner surface of the long hole 119 cannot press the earring pin 101, or it is possible to reduce a rate at which the elastic restoring force decreases.

[0082] In other words, a range in which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases in case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is not present is larger than a range in which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases in case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is present. Therefore, a degree of the decrease in elastic restoring force of the elastic material 110 present between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 166 is inevitably smaller than a degree of the decrease in elastic restoring force in the state in which the center hole 166 is not present. Therefore, when the elastic reinforcement member 160 is provided, the center hole 166 may prevent the elastic material 110, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, from being pushed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the elastic restoring force of the elastic material 110 from decreasing to the extent that the inner surface of the long hole 119 cannot press the earring pin 101, or it is possible to delay the rate at which the elastic restoring force decreases.

[0083] Meanwhile, the elastic reinforcement member 160 needs to be stably fixed in the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, in order to consistently maintain the effect of the elastic reinforcement member 160 that prevents the decrease in elastic restoring force or tension of the elastic material 110 that defines the inner surface of the long hole 119. That is, when the position or posture of the elastic reinforcement member 160 is changed as the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 is used for a long period of time, the center hole 166 cannot exhibit the function of preventing the inner surface of the long hole 119 from increasing. Therefore, the elastic reinforcement member 160 needs to be stably fixed in the main body 110, and the fixed position or posture need not be changed.

[0084] The ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may be manufactured by insert injection molding. In this case, the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 is formed by injecting the elastic material in a state in which the elastic reinforcement member 160 is inserted.

[0085] The elastic material may be uniformly fixed or bonded and fixed to the entire surface of the elastic reinforcement member 160 so that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is stably fixed in the elastic material that is an injection-molded product. In addition, the surface or shape of the elastic reinforcement member 160 needs to be a shape advantageously bonded to the elastic material.

[0086] As described above, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be supported on and fixed and bonded to an inner circumferential surface of the center hole 166, and the long hole 119 may be formed at a center of the elastic material positioned inside the center hole 166.

[0087] The elastic reinforcement member 160 illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 may increase a bonding force with the elastic material by means of the plurality of protruding portions 161 and the plurality of concave portions 162 continuously formed on a thickness surface. That is, an edge surface, i.e., the thickness surface of the elastic reinforcement member 160 is not formed as a smooth surface, but the thickness surface of the elastic reinforcement member 160 is formed as an uneven surface because the plurality of protruding portions 161 and the plurality of concave portions 162 are continuously formed, which may increase the bonding force between the elastic material and the thickness surface. In addition, because the protruding portion 161 cannot be moved in a surface direction by the elastic material that completely fills the concave portion 162, the elastic reinforcement member 160 may be stably fixed in the main body 110.

[0088] In addition, a charging hole 163 may be penetratively formed in at least one of the protruding portions 161 of the elastic reinforcement member 160, and the charging hole 163 may be filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. Therefore, the edge, i.e., the thickness surface of the protruding portion 161 may be bonded to the elastic material, and the inside of the charging hole 163 penetratively formed in the protruding portion 161 may also be completely filled with the elastic material, such that the elastic reinforcement member 160 may be stably and securely fixed in the main body 110. Furthermore, the entire surface (outer surface) of the elastic reinforcement member 160 is naturally bonded to the elastic material.

[0089] Meanwhile, at least one of the protruding portions 161 may be provided in a closed state without the charging hole 163. In case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is made of precious metal including gold or silver, the content of the precious metal needs to be marked on the elastic reinforcement member 160. For example, the gold content, such as 14K or 18K, may be marked on the surface of the protruding portion 161 in which the charging hole 163 is not formed.

[0090] FIG. 5 illustrates the second embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member 260 provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention.

[0091] The elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 may include a center hole 266 through which the earring pin 101 passes, a plurality of protruding portions 261 radially formed outside the center hole 266, and a plurality of concave portions 262 each formed between the adjacent protruding portions 261 among the plurality of protruding portions 261 so as to be directed toward the center hole 266.

[0092] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion 261 and a surface of the concave portion 262.

[0093] The elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 may be provided in a shape similar to a shape of a four-leaf clover.

[0094] A portion between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and an inner surface of the center hole 266 is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. That is, the elastic material 110 is positioned between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 266. Therefore, the center hole 266 may restrict the range in which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases. As a result, it is possible to prevent the elastic restoring force of the elastic material, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, from decreasing, or it is possible to reduce the rate at which the elastic restoring force decreases.

[0095] As described above, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be supported on and fixed and bonded to an inner circumferential surface of the center hole 266, and the long hole 119 may be formed at a center of the elastic material positioned inside the center hole 266.

[0096] Unlike the elastic reinforcement member 160 according to the first embodiment, the protruding portion 261 of the elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment may include curved portions 261a formed at two opposite sides in a circumferential direction based on the center hole 266, and a recessed portion 261b formed between the curved portions 261a. That is, a thickness surface of the protruding portion 261, which is positioned at a point farthest from the center hole 266, is not formed as a smooth curved surface but is formed in a shape in which the curved portion 261a, the recessed portion 261b, and the curved portion 261a are continuously connected. Therefore, the elastic material, which fills the recessed portion 261b, may securely fix the protruding portion 261, like the elastic material that fills the concave portion 262.

[0097] In addition, a charging hole 263 may be penetratively formed in at least one of the protruding portions 261, and the charging hole 263 may be filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. The charging hole 263 of the elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment is larger than the charging hole 163 of the elastic reinforcement member 160 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, because the amount of the elastic material, which fills the charging hole 263, is larger in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment, the protruding portion 261 may be more stably fixed in the elastic material.

[0098] Meanwhile, at least one of the protruding portions 261 may be provided in a closed shape without the charging hole 263.

[0099] Because the elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment is identical or similar in technical feature to the elastic reinforcement member 160 according to the first embodiment except for the configurations described above, a repetitive description will be omitted.

[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates the elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment.

[0101] The elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 may include a center hole 366 through which the earring pin 101 passes, a plurality of protruding portions 361 radially formed outside the center hole 366, and a plurality of concave portions 362 each formed between the adjacent protruding portions 361 among the plurality of protruding portions 361 so as to be directed toward the center hole 366.

[0102] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion 361 and a surface of the concave portion 362.

[0103] The elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 may also be provided in a shape identical to a shape of a four-leaf clover.

[0104] A portion between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and an inner surface of the center hole 366 is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. That is, the elastic material 110 is positioned between the inner surface of the long hole 119 and the center hole 366. Therefore, the center hole 366 may restrict the range in which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases. As a result, it is possible to prevent the elastic restoring force of the elastic material, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, from decreasing, or it is possible to reduce the rate at which the elastic restoring force decreases.

[0105] As described above, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be supported on and fixed and bonded to an inner circumferential surface of the center hole 366, and the long hole 119 may be formed at a center of the elastic material positioned inside the center hole 366.

[0106] Like the elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment, the protruding portion 361 of the elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment may include curved portions 361a formed at two opposite sides in a circumferential direction based on the center hole 366, and a recessed portion 361b formed between the curved portions 361a. That is, a thickness surface of the protruding portion 361, which is positioned at a point farthest from the center hole 366, is not formed as a smooth curved surface but is formed in a shape in which the curved portion 361a, the recessed portion 361b, and the curved portion 361a are continuously connected. Therefore, the elastic material, which fills the recessed portion 361b, may securely fix the protruding portion 361, like the elastic material that fills the concave portion 362.

[0107] Unlike the elastic reinforcement members 160 and 260 according to the first and second embodiments, no charging hole is formed in the protruding portion 361 of the elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment. In comparison with the elastic reinforcement members 160 and 260 according to the first and second embodiments, the recessed portion 361b formed in the protruding portion 361 of the elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment is positioned deeply toward the center hole 366, such that the protruding portion 361 may be stably fixed by the elastic material that completely fills the recessed portion 361b. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a separate charging hole in the protruding portion 361.

[0108] Because the elastic reinforcement member 360 according to the third embodiment is identical or similar in technical feature to the elastic reinforcement member 260 according to the second embodiment except for the configurations described above, a repetitive description will be omitted.

[0109] FIG. 7 illustrates the elastic reinforcement member 460 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the elastic reinforcement member 460 according to the fourth embodiment of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may include a plurality of spoke members 462 radially provided to be positioned around the long hole 119, and a ring member 461 to which one end of the spoke member 462 is connected.

[0111] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the ring member 461 and a surface of the spoke member 462, and the other end 462a of the spoke member 462 may be positioned around the long hole 119, thereby delaying, preventing, or supporting a situation in which the inner circumferential surface of the long hole 119 is pushed or expanded toward the ring member 461.

[0112] With reference to FIG. 7, the elastic reinforcement member 460 according to the fourth embodiment of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may be provided as a plate-shaped member provided in the form of a wagon wheel.

[0113] The ring member 461 of the elastic reinforcement member 460 may be provided to be positioned outside the long hole 119 and need not necessarily be formed in a circular shape. The ring member 461 may be formed in a non-circular or polygonal shape.

[0114] The plurality of spoke members 462 extending from an inner surface of the ring member 461 toward the long hole 119 may be positioned around the long hole 119, and the plurality of spoke members 462 may be radially disposed in a diameter direction of the long hole 119 based on the long hole 119. In this case, an angle between the adjacent spoke members 462 may be constant. In addition, the other ends 462a of the spoke members 462 positioned around the long hole 119 may also be provided symmetrically with respect to the long hole 119.

[0115] The other ends 462a of the spoke members 462 positioned around the long hole 119 may serve to prevent the elastic material, which defines the inner surface (the inner circumferential surface) of the long hole 119, from being pushed toward the ring member 461. That is, in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases as the inner surface of the long hole 119 is pushed by the earring pin 101 in the state in which the earring pin 101 is inserted into the long hole 119, the other ends 462a of the plurality of spoke members 462 positioned around the long hole 119 may set a limit to which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases. That is, the other ends 462a of the plurality of spoke members 462 may exhibit the same function as the center holes 166, 266, and 366 of the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, and 360 according to the first to third embodiments.

[0116] A charging space 463 may be formed between the adjacent spoke members 462 among the plurality of spoke members 462. The charging space 463 is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. The elastic reinforcement member 460 may be stably fixed in the main body 110 by the elastic material that completely fills the charging space 463. That is, the elastic material, which completely fills the charging space 463, is bonded to a thickness surface of the ring member 461 and a thickness surface of the spoke member 462, and upper and lower surfaces of the ring member 461 and upper and lower surfaces of the spoke member 462 are also bonded to the elastic material.

[0117] The elastic material, which fills the charging space 463, may prevent the spoke member 462 from moving.

[0118] FIG. 8 illustrates the elastic reinforcement member 560 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the elastic reinforcement member 560 according to the fifth embodiment of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may include a plurality of spoke members 562 radially provided to be positioned around the long hole 119, and a ring member 561 to which one end of the spoke member 562 is connected.

[0120] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the ring member 561 and a surface of the spoke member 562, and the other end 562a of the spoke member 562 may be positioned around the long hole 119, thereby delaying, preventing, or supporting a situation in which the inner circumferential surface of the long hole 119 is pushed or expanded toward the ring member 561.

[0121] With reference to FIG. 8, the elastic reinforcement member 560 according to the fifth embodiment of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may also be provided as a plate-shaped member provided in the form of a wagon wheel.

[0122] The ring member 561 of the elastic reinforcement member 560 may be provided to be positioned outside the long hole 119 and need not necessarily be formed in a circular shape. The ring member 561 may be formed in a non-circular or polygonal shape.

[0123] The plurality of spoke members 562 extending from an inner surface of the ring member 561 toward the long hole 119 may be positioned around the long hole 119, and the plurality of spoke members 562 may be radially disposed in a diameter direction of the long hole 119 based on the long hole 119. In this case, an angle between the adjacent spoke members 562 may be constant. In addition, the other ends 562a of the spoke members 562 positioned around the long hole 119 may also be provided symmetrically with respect to the long hole 119.

[0124] The other ends 562a of the spoke members 562 positioned around the long hole 119 may serve to prevent the elastic material, which defines the inner surface (the inner circumferential surface) of the long hole 119, from being pushed toward the ring member 561. That is, in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases as the inner surface of the long hole 119 is pushed by the earring pin 101 in the state in which the earring pin 101 is inserted into the long hole 119, the other ends 562a of the plurality of spoke members 562 positioned around the long hole 119 may set a limit to which the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases. That is, the other ends 562a of the plurality of spoke members 562 may exhibit the same function as the center holes 166, 266, and 366 of the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, and 360 according to the first to third embodiments.

[0125] Unlike the elastic reinforcement member 460 according to the fourth embodiment, the other end 562a of the spoke member 562 of the elastic reinforcement member 560 according to the fifth embodiment may not be formed as a flat surface but may be formed as a curved surface identical or similar to the inner surface (or the inner circumferential surface) of the long hole 119. Because the other end 562a of the spoke member 562 is formed as the curved surface identical or similar to the inner surface (or the inner circumferential surface) of the long hole 119, the other end 562a may effectively resist the situation in which the elastic material, which defines the inner surface of the long hole 119, is pushed toward the ring member 561. Because the other end 562a of the spoke member 562 is formed as the curved surface, it is possible to prevent the elastic restoring force of the elastic material from decreasing when the inner diameter of the long hole 119 increases, or it is possible to reduce the rate at which the elastic restoring force decreases.

[0126] A charging space 563 may be formed between the adjacent spoke members 562 among the plurality of spoke members 562. The charging space 563 is filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. The elastic reinforcement member 560 may be stably fixed in the main body 110 by the elastic material that completely fills the charging space 563. That is, the elastic material, which completely fills the charging space 563, is bonded to a thickness surface of the ring member 561 and a thickness surface of the spoke member 562, and upper and lower surfaces of the ring member 561 and upper and lower surfaces of the spoke member 562 are also bonded to the elastic material. The elastic material, which fills the charging space 563, may prevent the spoke member 562 from moving.

[0127] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate that four spoke members 462 and 562 are formed at intervals of 90 degrees. However, the number of spoke members 462 and 562 may be four or more. However, even in this case, the plurality of spoke members 462 and 562 may be radially provided at equal intervals.

[0128] Meanwhile, the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, and 560 illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 8 may each have a structure formed on the surface (the outer surface) to increase the bonding force with the elastic material. For example, a plurality of concave grooves may be formed in the surface, and the grooves may be filled with the elastic material, such that the elastic reinforcement member may be securely bonded and fixed to the elastic material.

[0129] FIGS. 9A to 11B illustrate that the elastic reinforcement member 160 according to the first embodiment is provided in the main body 110 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100. Although not illustrated, the elastic reinforcement members 260, 360, 460, and 560 according to the second to fifth embodiments may be provided in the same way. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a position of the elastic reinforcement member 160 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0130] The ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention may include at least one elastic reinforcement member 160 provided in the main body 110 and provided in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 119.

[0131] One elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided at the lower end 113 of the main body 110, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. Alternatively, one elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110, as illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, in case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is provided at the lower end 113, the elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided in the form of a flat plate (planar plate) parallel to the lower surface of the lower end 113. In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, in case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is provided to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110, the elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided in the form of a curved plate similar to the upper end 112 of the main body 110.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 9B, in case that the elastic reinforcement member 160 is positioned to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110, the earring pin 101 inserted into the long hole 119 may pass through the center hole 166 of the elastic reinforcement member 160 and be exposed to the outside of the upper end 112 of the main body 110.

[0134] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the elastic reinforcement members 160 may be respectively provided to be close to the lower end 113 and the upper end 112 of the main body 110. In this case, the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the lower end 113 may have a flat plate shape, and the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 may have a curved plate shape.

[0135] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the elastic reinforcement members 160 may be respectively provided to be close to the lower end 113, the intermediate portion 111, and the upper end 112 of the main body 110. In this case, the elastic reinforcement members 160 positioned to be close to the lower end 113 and the intermediate portion 111 may each have a flat plate shape, and the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 may have a curved plate shape.

[0136] In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the earring pin 101 inserted into the long hole 119 may pass through the center hole 166 of the elastic reinforcement member 160, which is positioned to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110, and be exposed to the outside of the upper end 112 of the main body 110.

[0137] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 10B, at least one elastic reinforcement member 160 may be provided in the main body 110 in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 119.

[0138] The long hole 119 illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 10B may have a constant inner diameter, whereas a long hole 129 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be provided in a shape having a diameter that gradually decreases from the lower end 113 toward the upper end 112 of the main body 110. That is, the long hole 129 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B may have a conical longitudinal cross-sectional shape.

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the elastic reinforcement members 160 may be respectively provided to be close to the lower end 113 and the upper end 112 of the main body 110. In this case, the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the lower end 113 may have a flat plate shape, and the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 may have a curved plate shape.

[0140] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, the elastic reinforcement members 160 may be respectively provided to be close to the lower end 113, the intermediate portion 111, and the upper end 112 of the main body 110. In this case, the elastic reinforcement members 160 positioned to be close to the lower end 113 and the intermediate portion 111 may each have a flat plate shape, and the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 may have a curved plate shape.

[0141] Unlike the case illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in the cases illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the earring pin 101 inserted into the long hole 129 is provided so as not to pass through the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110. That is, the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned at the upper end 112 of the main body 110, which faces the ornamental part 20 of the pin-type earring 10, may prevent the earring pin 101 from being exposed to the outside of the long hole 129 or the main body 110. Therefore, no center hole may be formed in the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110.

[0142] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 10B, even in case that the inner diameter of the long hole 119 is constant, the elastic reinforcement member 160 positioned to be close to the upper end 112 of the main body 110 may prevent the end of the earring pin 101 from being exposed to the outside of the main body 110.

[0143] As described above, because the end of the earring pin 101 is not exposed to the outside of the upper end 112 of the main body 110, it is possible to eliminate discomfort, such as the end of the earring pin 101 piercing the user's skin.

[0144] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sixth embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member 660 provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the seventh embodiment of the elastic reinforcement member 760.

[0145] Although not illustrated, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 11B, the elastic reinforcement members 660 and 760 according to the sixth and seventh embodiments may be provided in the main body 110.

[0146] With reference to FIG. 12A, the elastic reinforcement member 660 according to the sixth embodiment may include a center hole 666 through which the earring pin 101 passes, and a plate portion 661 formed at an outer periphery of the center hole 666 based on the center hole 666. In this case, a vertical bent portion 669 may be formed at an edge of the plate portion 661 and bent in a direction perpendicular to a surface direction of the plate portion 661. The elastic reinforcement member 660 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may be securely coupled to the main body 110 as the plate portion 661 and the vertical bent portion 669 are embedded in the main body 110.

[0147] In addition, with reference to FIG. 12B, the elastic reinforcement member 760 according to the seventh embodiment may include a center hole 766 through which the earring pin 101 passes, and a plate portion 761 formed at an outer periphery of the center hole 766 based on the center hole 766. In this case, an inclined bent portion 769 may be formed at an edge of the plate portion 761 and bent so that an included angle with respect to the plate portion 761 is smaller than 90 degrees. The elastic reinforcement member 760 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may be securely coupled to the main body 110 as the plate portion 761 and the inclined bent portion 769 are embedded in the main body 110.

[0148] The elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, and 760 used for the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention described above may each have a board shape having a thickness of 0.4 to 0.9 mm.

[0149] In addition, the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, and 760 may each have a planar area of about 2 to 15 mm.sup.2.

[0150] When the earring pin 101 is inserted into the long hole 119 or 129 formed in the main body 110 embedded with at least one of the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, and 760, the earring pin 101 needs to be pushed by a force of about 500 to 2,500 gf (gram-force) so that the earring pin 101 may be securely fixed by the main body 110 and the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, and 760.

[0151] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the eighth and ninth embodiments of the elastic reinforcement members 860 and 960 provided in the ornamental fixing apparatus for a pin-type earring according to the present invention.

[0152] The elastic reinforcement member 860 according to the eighth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13A may have a star shape. The elastic reinforcement member 860 may include the long hole 119 positioned at the center and configured such that the earring pin 101 passes through the long hole 119, a plurality of protruding portions 861 radially formed outside the long hole 119, and a plurality of concave portions 862 formed between the adjacent protruding portions 861 among the plurality of protruding portions 861 so as to be directed toward the long hole 119.

[0153] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion 861 and a surface of the concave portion 862.

[0154] In addition, a charging hole 863 may be penetratively formed in at least one of the protruding portions 861, and the charging hole 863 may be filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. In this case, the charging hole 863 of the elastic reinforcement member 860 according to the eighth embodiment may be formed in a heart shape. Because the inside of the charging hole 863 is filled with the main body 110 made of the elastic material, the protruding portion 861 may be more stably fixed in the elastic material.

[0155] Meanwhile, at least one of the protruding portions 861 may be provided in a closed shape without the charging hole 863.

[0156] The elastic reinforcement member 960 according to the ninth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13B may also be formed in a star shape. The elastic reinforcement member 960 may include the long hole 119 positioned at the center and configured such that the earring pin 101 passes through the long hole 119, a plurality of protruding portions 961 radially formed outside the long hole 119, and a plurality of concave portions 962 formed between the adjacent protruding portions 961 among the plurality of protruding portions 961 so as to be directed toward the long hole 119.

[0157] In this case, the elastic material, which defines the main body 110, may be fixed to or bonded and fixed to a surface of the protruding portion 961 and a surface of the concave portion 962.

[0158] In addition, a charging hole 963 may be penetratively formed in at least one of the protruding portions 961, and the charging hole 963 may be filled with the elastic material that defines the main body 110. In this case, the charging hole 963 of the elastic reinforcement member 960 according to the ninth embodiment may be formed in a shape similar to the shape of the protruding portion 961, i.e., a triangular shape. Because the inside of the charging hole 963 is filled with the main body 110 made of the elastic material, the protruding portion 961 may be more stably fixed in the elastic material.

[0159] At least one of the protruding portions 961 may be provided in a closed shape without the charging hole 963.

[0160] Meanwhile, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 14A and 14B, a fastening space 156 may be formed between the pressing member 150 and the concave portion 117 of the grip part 115 formed on the main body 110 of the ornamental fixing apparatus 100 for a pin-type earring according to the present invention.

[0161] In this case, an auxiliary ornament 300 may be detachably provided on the pressing member 150 that defines the fastening space 156 in the pressing member 150.

[0162] Because the pressing member 150 is in contact with the apex of the convex portion 116 of the grip part 115 without being in contact with the depressed portion 117, an empty space, i.e., the fastening space 156 is formed between the pressing member 150 and the depressed portion 117, and the auxiliary ornament 300 may be connected to or detached from the pressing member 150 positioned in the fastening space 156.

[0163] As described above, the auxiliary ornament 300 may be connected to the pressing member 150 positioned in the fastening space 156, the auxiliary ornament 300 connected to the pressing member 150 may be separated from the pressing member 150, or another auxiliary ornament 300 may be connected to the pressing member 150, such that the user may use the single pin-type earring 10 and enjoy the same feeling of wearing a variety of different pin-type earrings.

[0164] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the elastic reinforcement members 160, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660, 760, 860, and 960 may each be provided in a shape attached or bonded to the main body 110 by a bonding agent.

[0165] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the limited exemplary embodiments and the drawings, the present invention may be variously modified and altered from the disclosure by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. For example, appropriate results may be achieved even though the described technologies are performed in different orders from the described method, the described constituent elements such as the systems, the structures, the apparatuses, and the circuits are coupled or combined in different manners from the described method, and/or the constituent elements are substituted with or replaced by other constituent elements or equivalents.

[0166] Accordingly, other implements, other exemplary embodiments, and equivalents to the appended claims are also included in the scope of the appended claims.

[0167] While the present invention has been shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.