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Patent Abstract
A tongue jewelry clip and method for wearing the clip is provided.
The tongue jewelry clip includes a substantially thin, narrow, and
rigid strip of metal bent to include at least one U-shaped section
for wrapping around at least one edge of the tongue. The U-shaped
section may be at one or both ends of the strip or in the middle.
One or more tongue ornaments may be removably mounted to a first
wall of the clip and a fastening assembly through the second wall
of the clip member fastens the clip member onto the tongue. The
one or more tongue ornaments may be non-pierced or pierced.
Patent Claims
I claim:
1. A tongue jewelry clip comprising: an elongated clip member having
at least one U-shaped section for wrapping around at least one edge
of the tongue; and at least one fastening assembly for securing
the elongated clip member onto the tongue.
2. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 1, wherein the elongated clip
member includes a first wall and a second wall extending from opposite
sides of the at least one U-shaped section.
3. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 1, further comprising at least
one tongue ornament.
4. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 2, wherein the elongated clip
member includes at least one aperture in the first wall and at least
one passage in the second wall.
5. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 4, wherein the at least one
aperture receives a first end of a post, at least one tongue ornament
mounted on a second end of the post.
6. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 5, wherein the at least one
tongue ornament is removably mounted on the second end of the post.
7. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 4, wherein the at least one
fastening assembly includes a pressure plate and a stem extending
downwardly therefrom and threaded on at least a lower end for insertion
through the at least one passage in the second wall of the elongated
clip member and retained by a fastener on the lower end of the stem.
8. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 7, wherein the at least one
fastening assembly further includes a spring surrounding the stem
and the at least one passage is a bored passage.
9. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 7, wherein the stem is threaded
along substantially its entire length and the at least one passage
is a threaded passage.
10. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 5, wherein the at least one
aperture is vertically aligned with the at least one passage for
receiving the post of at least one pierced tongue ornament, the
post received through a pressure plate and surrounded by a spring
under the pressure plate and retained on the opposite side of the
second wall by a fastener.
11. A tongue jewelry clip, comprising: an elongated clip member
having at least one U-shaped section for wrapping around at least
one edge of the tongue, means for fastening the elongated clip member
onto the tongue; and means for mounting at least one tongue ornament
onto the elongated clip member.
12. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 11, wherein the elongated
clip member includes a first wall and a second wall extending from
opposite sides of the at least one U-shaped section.
13. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 12, wherein the elongated
clip member includes at least one aperture in the first wall and
at least one passage in the second wall.
14. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 13, wherein the at least one
aperture receives the mounting means for the at least one tongue
ornament.
15. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 14, wherein the fastening
means includes at least one fastening assembly including a pressure
plate and a stem extending downwardly therefrom and threaded on
at least a lower end for insertion through the at least one passage
in the second wall of the elongated clip member and retained by
a fastener on the lower end of the stem.
16. The tongue jewelry clip of claim 14, wherein the at least one
aperture is vertically aligned with the at least one passage for
receiving a post of at least one pierced tongue ornament, the post
received through a pressure plate and surrounded by a spring under
the pressure plate and retained on the opposite side of the second
wall by a fastener.
17. A method of wearing a tongue jewelry clip, comprising the steps
of: providing a tongue jewelry clip having at least one U-shaped
section for wrapping around at least one edge of the tongue and
at least one fastening assembly to secure the tongue jewelry clip
onto the tongue; moving the at least one fastening assembly downwardly
to enlarge the gap between a pressure plate of the at least one
fastening assembly and an inboard surface of the tongue jewelry
clip; inserting the tongue into the gap until the at least one U-shaped
section wraps around at least one edge of the tongue; and moving
the at least one fastening assembly upwardly to narrow the gap and
force the pressure plate against the underside of the tongue.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising mounting at least
one tongue ornament onto a first wall of the tongue jewelry clip.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one fastening
assembly includes the pressure plate and a stem extending downwardly
therefrom and threaded on at least a lower end for insertion through
at least one passage in a second wall of the tongue jewelry clip
and retained by a fastener on the lower end of the stem, the fastening
assembly moved downwardly and upwardly by moving the fastener.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the fastener is pulled down
to enlarge the gap and released to narrow the gap.
Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to body jewelry. More specifically,
this invention relates to a tongue jewelry clip and the method of
wearing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Throughout history, people have decorated and altered the
appearance of their bodies in many different ways. Body piercing
is one of the oldest and most interesting forms of body modification,
yet the reasons for piercing the body are as diverse as the cultures
they come from. For example, tongue piercing was practiced in the
ancient temples of the Aztecs and Mayans. Aztec and Mayan Shamans
and High Priests pierced their tongues as part of a ritual to communicate
with their gods. Nowadays, both men and women can find tongue piercing
sexually arousing, useful for the adult market, as well as empowering
as an expression of individuality. For some it is simply a fashion
statement. Others use it to gain attention, or for its shock value.
Some teens choose piercing as a statement of rebellion against society,
parental values, or lifestyle practices, while others are merely
exhibiting a personal preference.
[0003] To pierce the tongue, a clamp or forceps may be used to
pinch the tongue and stretch it out. Tongue piercings are placed
in the center of the tongue to minimize the risk of nerve and blood
vessel damage. A hollow needle is passed through the tongue midline
followed by the insertion of the body jewelry in the hole. The hollow
needle is similar to the tip of a syringe, but with jewelry in it.
When the needle is threaded out, the jewelry remains. Various kinds
of jewelry or pierced tongue ornaments include barbells, captive
bead rings, which are rings connected by a ball, and other screw-on
ornaments. A barbell is a metal rod with threads on both ends that
have balls that screw on either end. Because of the invasive nature
of the piercing process, non-toxic metals such as surgical steel,
14K gold, niobium, or titanium are often recommended for the tongue
jewelry to avoid infections and allergic reactions. The procedure
itself may be painful. In addition, unsterile piercing equipment
and needles can spread serious infection, hepatitis, tetanus, or
possibly even HIV. There is also a risk of nerve and blood vessel
damage. Symptoms following a piercing may include pain, swelling,
infection, and increased salivary flow. Healing requires four to
six weeks, in the absence of complications. There is typically no
anesthesia during the procedure.
[0004] Other problems associated with oral piercing include tooth
trauma, tongue swelling, interference with chewing, swallowing,
and speaking, increase of saliva flow, metal hypersensitivity, foreign
debris in the piercing site, allergic reactions, and altered taste
buds. Moreover, there may be irritation to the gums and frenulum
(the web of tissue which runs lengthwise along the underside of
the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree). Over
the long term, continued irritation may cause erosion of the gums
and possibly bone loss beneath the gums. Tooth trauma including
chipped and cracked teeth and enamel erosion are also risks of tongue
piercing. Chipped and cracked teeth are subject to accelerated decay
and exposure of the nerve (root) which could require endodontistry
(root canal). In addition, piercing through the frenulum often leads
to scarring, especially if the frenulum is large or extrudes making
it necessary to have the frenulum clipped by a dentist or oral surgeon.
[0005] Aside from the health and body issues associated with tongue
piercing, the stigma associated with tongue and other piercings
often causes people to shy away from such permanent piercings. For
example, there may be situations (e.g. job interviews) where piercings
need to be hidden and the wearer tongue jewelry free. For many people
otherwise interested in tongue piercing, the pain, risks, and/or
stigma associated with tongue piercing are too significant and too
permanent.
[0006] Accordingly, there has been a need for a novel tongue jewelry
clip and method that enable the wearing of tongue jewelry without
necessarily requiring piercing of the tongue. There is a further
need for a tongue jewelry clip and method that are substantially
noninvasive and painless, without substantially any long-term deleterious
effects. There is a still further need for a tongue jewelry clip
and method that are easily and readily placed on the tongue and
removed easily by the wearer. There is an additional need for a
tongue jewelry clip and method that are substantially comfortable
and safe in the mouth. There is another need for a tongue jewelry
clip and method that permit thorough cleaning to allow for placement
in the mouth. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides
other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with this invention, it is an object of this
invention to provide a tongue jewelry clip and method of wearing
the same that enable a person to wear tongue jewelry without necessarily
piercing the tongue thereby avoiding the pain, risks, and permanency
commonly associated therewith.
[0008] It is another object of this invention to provide a tongue
jewelry clip and method that enable the tongue jewelry clip to be
quickly and easily removable as well as easily fastened onto the
tongue when its use is desired.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide a tongue
jewelry clip and method that enables the clip to move substantially
as one with the tongue to be substantially comfortable and safe
in the mouth and permits drinking of beverages.
[0010] The tongue jewelry clip comprises, generally, an elongated
clip member having at least one U-shaped section for wrapping around
at least one edge of the tongue and means for fastening the clip
member onto the tongue. The clip member may also include at least
one tongue ornament that may be mounted onto the clip member for
ornamentation.
[0011] The elongated clip member comprises a substantially thin,
narrow and rigid strip of metal, preferably surgical stainless steel,
bent to form the at least one U-shaped section to securely wrap
around at least one edge of the tongue. An inner surface of the
clip member is proximate the tongue. An outer surface of the clip
member is generally visible when the clip member is fastened onto
the tongue. The clip member includes substantially parallel first
and second walls extending from opposite sides of the at least one
U-shaped section. The clip member may define a generally J, U, C,
or O-shaped clip member depending on the position of the at least
one U-shaped section.
[0012] The at least one tongue ornament may be mounted to the first
wall of the clip member. The first wall may include one or more
longitudinally spaced apertures to receive a first end of a tongue
ornament mounting post. To substantially prevent the first end of
the tongue ornament mounting posts from impinging on the tongue,
the apertures may be closed at the inner surface of the clip member
or the tongue ornament mounting posts may be inserted until they
are substantially flush with the inner surface of the first wall.
[0013] A second end of the tongue ornament mounting post protrudes
upwardly from the outer surface of the first wall of the clip member.
The second end of the tongue ornament mounting posts may be threaded
to permit removable mounting of a tongue ornament to allow the wearer
to change the particular tongue ornament when desired. The at least
one tongue ornament may also be permanently affixed to the outer
surface of the clip member with or without use of the tongue ornament
mounting posts.
[0014] The second wall of the clip member includes a passage for
receiving the fastening means. The passage may be bored or threaded.
The fastening means comprises at least one fastening assembly. The
at least one fastening assembly comprises a pedestal including a
pressure plate and a stem extending downwardly therefrom. The stem
may be surrounded by a spring and threaded at its lower end. Alternatively,
the stem of the pedestal may be threaded along substantially its
entire length. A ball may be threaded on the lower end of the stem
after the stem is inserted through the passage in the second wall.
The spring-loaded stem is slip fitted through a bored passage and
the threaded stem through a threaded passage. The pressure plate
is inboard of the clip member.
[0015] Alternatively, the fastening assembly comprises at least
one fixed screw with a catch head flush mounted in the second wall
of the clip member with the stem of the screw protruding inboard
of the second wall with the opposite end flush mounted in the pressure
plate. The stem of the fixed screw is surrounded by a spring.
[0016] In the method of the invention, the wearer either pulls
down or turns the ball to enlarge the gap between an upper surface
of the pressure plate and the inner surface of the first wall. The
tongue is positioned in the gap. The elongated clip member is slipped
over at least one edge of the tongue so that the least one U-shaped
section hooks around at least one edge of the tongue. The tongue
jewelry clip may be worn down the center of the tongue along its
longitudinal axis or along the tongue's horizontal axis. Once the
U-shaped section(s) of the clip member are slipped over the edge(s)
of the tongue in the desired location, the clip member is secured
on the tongue by narrowing the gap by either releasing the ball
to bias the spring upwardly against the pressure plate or by turning
the ball in the opposite direction to rotate the stem through the
threaded passage and move the upper surface of the pressure plate
against the underside of the tongue.
[0017] The tongue jewelry clip may also be used with conventional
pierced tongue ornaments, such as a barbell or the like. When used
in this manner, at least one of the apertures in the first wall
is vertically aligned with the passage in the second wall for through
passage of a post of the pierced tongue ornament.
[0018] The fastening assembly for use with conventional pierced
tongue ornaments includes a pressure plate with an opening substantially
in the center thereof to permit the post from the pierced tongue
ornament to pass through it and into the passage in the second wall
of the clip member where it exits on the outboard side of the clip
member. The post is surrounded by a spring at the inner surface
of the clip member. Once the lower end of the post exits on the
outboard side of the clip member, a fastener such as the threaded
ball from a conventional pierced tongue ornament may be threaded
on the lower end of the post.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate,
by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tongue jewelry clip wrapped
around a front edge of the tongue embodying the novel features of
the invention, and also showing alternative placement in phantom
lines around a side edge of the tongue;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tongue jewelry
clip shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the tongue
jewelry clip shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an assembly view of a fastening assembly of a
first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an assembly view of a fastening assembly of the
second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a non-pierced tongue
ornament mounted on one end of a threaded post taken generally on
the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of an tongue jewelry clip showing
the use of two fastening assemblies of the third embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged horizontal fragmented sectional view
of the tongue jewelry clip of FIG. 7; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of a tongue
jewelry clip used with a pierced tongue ornament.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
present invention is concerned with a tongue jewelry clip, generally
designated in the accompanying drawings by the reference number
10. The method for wearing the clip is also provided. The tongue
jewelry clip comprises, generally, an elongated clip member 12 having
at least one U-shaped section 14 for wrapping around at least one
edge of the tongue 16 and at least one fastening assembly 18a-18d
for fastening the clip member onto the tongue. The clip member may
also include at least one tongue ornament 20 that may be mounted
onto the clip member 12 for ornamentation.
[0031] In accordance with the present invention, and as illustrated
with respect to a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1-9, the tongue
jewelry clip 10 enables a person to wear tongue jewelry without
necessarily piercing the tongue thereby avoiding the pain, risks,
and permanency commonly associated therewith. The tongue jewelry
clip is quickly and easily removable as well as easily fastened
onto the tongue when its use is desired. The tongue jewelry clip
substantially moves as one with the tongue so it is substantially
comfortable and safe in the mouth and permits drinking of beverages.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the elongated clip member 12 comprises
a substantially thin, narrow and rigid strip of metal, preferably
surgical stainless steel, bent to form the at least one U-shaped
section 14 adapted to securely wrap around at least one edge of
the tongue 16. An inner surface 22 of the clip member 12 is proximate
the tongue 16. An outer surface 24 of the clip member 12 is generally
visible when the clip member 12 is fastened onto the tongue 16.
The at least one U-shaped section 14 may be angular or curved. The
clip member 12 includes substantially parallel first and second
walls 26 and 28 extending from opposite sides of the at least one
U-shaped section 14. The clip member 12 may include the U-shaped
section 14 at one end to define a generally J-shaped elongated clip
member. Although the elongated J-shaped clip member shown in FIGS.
2-3 and 7 and 9 has a first wall 26 longer than the second wall
28, it is to be appreciated that the first wall 26 may be shorter
than the second wall 28.
[0033] As another alternative, the clip member 12 may include the
U-shaped section 14 in substantially the middle of the strip to
define a generally U-shaped elongated clip member (not shown) with
the first and second walls 26 and 28 of the U-shaped elongated clip
member substantially the same length. Both the J and U-shaped elongated
clip members may wrap around the front edge (i.e. the tip) or a
side edge of the tongue 16 as hereinafter described. Alternatively,
the clip member 12 may include the U-shaped section 14 at both ends
of the strip with one or both of the first and second walls 26 and
28 joined respectively with the first and second walls 26 and 28
from the opposite U-shaped section to define a generally elongated
C-shaped clip member (not shown) or an elongated O-shaped clip member
(not shown). Both the elongated C-shaped and O-shaped clip members
are generally sized so that the U-shaped sections may wrap around
opposite side edges of the tongue 16.
[0034] Although the clip member is described as preferably made
from surgical stainless steel, other rigid materials suitable for
oral placement may be used. The material must be suitable for thorough
cleaning because of its use in the mouth. Such other suitable materials
include, but are not limited to, a rigid plastic, composites, and
hardened ceramics. Materials must be selected taking oral placement
of the clip member into consideration. For example, a brittle material
may not be desirable because of the danger of breakage inside the
mouth. The clip member 12 may itself be made decorative, for example,
by etchings, polishing, etc. and/or by incorporation of decorative
branches or offshoots (not shown) from one or both of the first
and second walls 26 and 28 of the clip member.
[0035] The at least one tongue ornament 20 may be mounted to the
first wall 26 of the clip member 12. The first wall 26 may include
one or more longitudinally spaced apertures 30 as shown in FIG.
3 to receive a first end 32 of a tongue ornament mounting post 34.
A second end 36 of the tongue ornament mounting post 34 protrudes
upwardly from the outer surface 24 of the first wall 26 of the clip
member 12. The at least one tongue ornament 20 may be removably
mounted on the second end 36 of the tongue ornament mounting post
34 as hereinafter described and shown in FIG. 6 or the at least
one tongue ornament 20 may be integral with the tongue ornament
mounting post 34. The tongue ornament mounting posts 34 may be fixed
in the apertures during manufacture of the clip member or insertable
thereafter. The tongue ornament mounting posts may be press fit
into the apertures or they may be threaded at the first end for
insertion into threaded apertures. To substantially prevent the
first end 32 of the tongue ornament mounting posts 34 from impinging
on the tongue 16, the apertures 30 may be closed at the inner surface
22 of the clip member 12 or the tongue ornament mounting posts 34
may be inserted until they are substantially flush with the inner
surface 22 of the first wall 26.
[0036] The second end 36 of the tongue ornament mounting posts
34 may be threaded to permit removable mounting of a threaded tongue
ornament 20 to allow the wearer to change the particular tongue
ornament when desired. The tongue ornaments useful in the present
invention include, but are not limited to, balls that replicate
the visible end used with the pierced barbell as shown in FIGS.
1-3. As with the pierced barbells, the balls useful as tongue ornaments
in this invention may be metal or other material, solid, decorated,
glow in the dark, happy faces or other designs, faux marble, French
tickler or the like, limited only by the imagination. The size of
the tongue ornaments used on one tongue jewelry clip may vary as
shown in FIG. 3. It is to be understood that any variety of tongue
ornament or no tongue ornament at all may be used within the confines
of the invention.
[0037] Although a removable tongue ornament has been described
within the confines of this invention, it is to be appreciated that
the at least one tongue ornament may be permanently affixed to the
outer surface 24 of the clip member 12 at selected locations, typically
on the first wall 26. The tongue ornament mounting posts 34 may
not be used with a permanently affixed tongue ornament. Similarly,
although a non-pierced tongue ornament has been described, it may
also be appreciated that a pierced tongue ornament may be used as
hereinafter described.
[0038] The second wall 28 of the clip member 12 includes a passage
(not shown) for receiving the at least one fastening assembly 18a
and 18b. The passage may be bored or threaded. The fastening assemblies
of the first and second embodiments 18a and 18b are shown respectively
in FIGS. 4 and 5. The fastening assemblies 18a and 18b comprise
a pedestal 38a and 38b including a pressure plate 40a and 40b and
a stem 42a and 42b extending downwardly therefrom. Although the
pressure plate 40a and 40b and stem 42a and 42b are shown as one
piece, it is to be understood that the pressure plate and stem may
be separate pieces. The pressure plate 40a and 40b may be circular
as shown respectively in FIGS. 4 and 5 or any suitable shape with
enough surface area to support the underside of the tongue 16. A
preferred thickness for the pressure plate 40a and 40b may be about
{fraction (1/16)} inches thick.
[0039] In the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the stem 42a
is surrounded by a spring 44a and is threaded at its lower end for
engaging with a threaded fastener, such as the threaded ball 46a
shown in FIG. 4. In the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the
stem 42b of the pedestal 38b may be threaded along substantially
its entire length with the lower end also engaging the threaded
ball 46b as shown in FIG. 5. The ball 46a and 46b is intended to
provide a rounded finish to the lower end of the stem 42a and 42b
to substantially prevent the lower end of the stem 42a and 42b from
impinging into the bottom of the mouth and provide greater wearing
comfort. The ball 46a and 46b also provides a greater surface area
to hold when removing and applying the tongue jewelry clip 10 as
hereinafter described.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the fastening assembly 18a mounted through
the second wall 28 of the clip member 12. The lower portion of the
stem 42a is slip fitted through the bore (not shown) and retained
there by the threaded ball 46a outboard of the second wall 28. The
pressure plate 40a and spring 44a are inboard of the clip member
12.
[0041] The fastening assembly 18b is mounted through the second
wall 28 of the clip member 12 in a substantially similar manner,
except that the stem 42b is threaded through the passage (not shown).
The ball 46b is threaded on the lower end of the stem 42b. The pressure
plate 40b is inboard of the clip member 12 and the ball 46b is outboard
of the clip member.
[0042] In the third embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fastening
assembly 18c comprises at least one fixed screw 48 with a catch
head 50 flush mounted in the second wall 28 of the clip member 12
with the screw 48 protruding inboard of the second wall 28 with
the opposite end flush mounted in the pressure plate 40c. The screw
48 is surrounded by a spring 44c. FIG. 7 shows the use of two of
these fastening assemblies 18c with a clip member.
[0043] To use and remove the tongue jewelry clip 10 used with a
non-pierced tongue ornament, the wearer either pulls down or turns
the ball 46a and 46b to enlarge the gap between an upper surface
of the pressure plate 40a and 40b and the inner surface 22 of the
first wall 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the tongue 16 is positioned in
the gap. The elongated clip member 12 is slipped over at least one
edge of the tongue so that the least one U-shaped section 14 hooks
around at least one edge of the tongue. As shown in FIG. 1, the
tongue jewelry clip in the J or U-shaped configuration may be worn
down the center of the tongue along its longitudinal axis with the
at least one U-shaped section wrapping around the front edge (i.e.
the tip) of the tongue with the first and second walls extending
along the longitudinal axis of the tongue. The first wall may overlie
the dorsal or upper surface of the tongue while the second wall
may run down the center of the ventral or underside of the tongue.
As shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1, the tongue jewelry clip may
also be worn along the tongue's horizontal axis with the at least
one U-shaped section 14 wrapping around a side edge of the tongue.
The C-shaped or O-shaped clip members may also be used in this manner
with the at least one U-shaped section 14 wrapping around both side
edges of the tongue. Once the U-shaped section(s) of the clip member
are slipped over the edge(s) of the tongue in the desired location,
the clip member 12 is secured on the tongue by narrowing the gap
by either releasing the ball 46a to bias the spring upwardly against
the pressure plate or by turning the ball 46b in the opposite direction
to rotate the stem 42b through the threaded passage (not shown)
and move the upper surface of the pressure plate 40a and 40b against
the underside of the tongue. The tongue jewelry clip 10 is respectively
pulled in and out of the mouth with substantially one movement.
The fastening assemblies are substantially hidden from view under
the tongue.
[0044] The fastening assembly 18c may be used to similarly fasten
the clip member 12 onto the tongue 16 by urging the tongue into
the gap between the upper surface of the pressure plate 40c and
the inner surface of the first wall 26 with the spring 44c urging
the pressure plate 40c against the underside of the tongue.
[0045] It is to be appreciated that while the tongue jewelry clip
10 may be used to permit the wearing of tongue jewelry without piercing
of the tongue, the clip may also be used with conventional pierced
tongue ornaments, such as a barbell or the like. When used in this
manner, at least one of the apertures 30 in the first wall 26 is
vertically aligned with the passage (not shown) in the second wall
28 for through passage of a post 52 of the pierced tongue ornament
as shown in FIG. 9. To minimize the risks of nerve and blood vessel
damage when the pierced tongue ornament is inserted, the vertically
aligned aperture and passage should preferably be about one inch
from the inner surface (inside radius) of the U-shaped section 14
to place the pierced tongue ornament in about the center of the
tongue.
[0046] A fourth embodiment of the fastening assembly 18d may be
used with the conventional pierced tongue ornament to substantially
prevent side to side movement of the clip member around the post
52. The fourth embodiment includes a pressure plate 40d with an
opening (not shown) substantially in the center thereof to permit
the post 52 from the pierced tongue ornament to pass through it
and into the passage (not shown) in the second wall of the clip
member where it exits on the outboard side of the clip member. The
post 52 is surrounded by a spring 44d at the inner surface of the
clip member. Once the lower end of the post 52 exits on the outboard
side of the clip member, a fastener such as the threaded ball from
a conventional pierced barbell as shown in FIG. 9 may be threaded
on the lower end of the post.
[0047] From the foregoing, it is to be appreciated that the device
10 and method of the present invention enable a person to wear tongue
jewelry comfortably and safely without necessarily piercing the
tongue. The present invention enables that person to substantially
avoid the pain, risks, and permanency associated with tongue piercing.
[0048] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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