Earring with latching mechanism

Abstract

A latching mechanism for an earring having two opposed ends. A post with a notch at one end is affixed to one of the opposed ends. The post is used to hold the earring in place when inserted into a pierced earlobe. A post engagement element is affixed to the second opposed end and rotates around a pin. The post engagement element includes a catch for engaging the notch. A spring receiving chamber is affixed to the earring adjacent to the second opposed end. A spring is disposed into the spring receiving chamber, and operates to apply a biasing force on the post engagement element for enabling the notch and the catch to engage with each other. When a force is applied to the post engagement element, the spring is compressed and the post engagement element rotates around the pin and disengages the notch from the catch.

1 . A latching mechanism for an earring having two opposed ends comprising:
 a) a post affixed to one of said opposed ends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a surface of said one opposed end, said post including a notch adjacent to its distal end;   b) a spring;   c) a post engagement element affixed to a second one of said opposed ends, said second one of said opposed ends including a cup forming a first chamber having a circular cross section for receiving and retaining one end of said spring, said post engagement element including a catch disposed adjacent to one end of said post engagement element for engaging said notch;   d) said post engagement element including a second chamber having a circular cross section disposed adjacent to a second end of said post engagement element for receiving and retaining a second end of said spring and an opening disposed between said one end and said second end of said post engagement element, said opening and a pin cooperating to pivotally attach said post engagement element to said second one of said opposed ends;   wherein said spring operates to apply a biasing force on said post engagement element in a first direction for enabling said notch and said catch to engage and be retained in said engaged state;   wherein a force applied to said post engagement element sufficient to overcome said biasing force to compress said spring causes said post engagement element to rotate in a second direction around said pin and disengage said notch and said catch.   
     
     
         2 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein said opening is disposed between said catch and said second chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein said post and said cup are affixed to said respective opposed ends by a soldering or brazing. 
     
     
         4 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein said post and said cup are formed integral with said earring.