HAIRCLIP

An apparatus for gathering hair including a body having first and second ends, an inner surface, and a cavity with an opening formed in the body. The body includes a first passage extending from the inner surface to the cavity and a second passage aligned with the first passage and extending from a second surface to the cavity. The apparatus also includes a spring-biased cord lock mechanism within the cavity, and having a spring-biased member accessible through the opening and operable between first and second positions, whereby the spring biases the member toward the first position, and the lock mechanism defining a channel aligned with the first and second passages when the member is in the second position. The apparatus also includes a cord, in which a portion thereof passes through the first and second passages and the channel of the lock mechanism, thereby forming an adjustable loop.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hairclip and its use in the gathering and securing of a user's hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of ties, clips, bands, barrettes and/or combinations thereof used for holding or retaining strands of hair for hair care or hair styling are widely used and have been around for many years. These and similar retaining devices, however, offer only one or, at most, very few pre-determined closure positions. In addition, these type devices do not permit a user to adjust the device to hold more or less hair tightly than the gripping force generated by the device's holding means. As a result, these devices lack a desired hair gripping capability provided by the device and they tend to become easily dislodged from the position in which they were intended to be placed about the user's hair.

The present invention is a simple and cost effective solution to the problem of providing a decorative hair clip that has a means for enabling a wide range of user-selectable adjustments to control the tightness and/or looseness with which the device gathers and secures a user's hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair. The apparatus includes a body having first and second ends, and inner and outer surfaces, and defining at the first end a cavity that has an opening formed in a first surface of the body. The body includes a first passage extending from the inner surface of the body to the cavity and a second passage aligned with the first passage and extending from a second surface of the body to the cavity. The apparatus also includes a spring-biased cord lock mechanism retained within the cavity, and having a spring-biased member accessible through the opening and operable between first and second positions, whereby the spring biases the member toward the first position, and the spring-biased cord lock mechanism defining a channel aligned with the first and second passages when the member is in the second position. The apparatus also includes a cord comprising a free end and a fixed end that is secured to the second end of the body, where a portion of the length of the cord passes through the first and second passages and the channel of the lock mechanism, thereby forming an adjustable loop.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair according to the first aspect of the invention, where the first end defines the first surface and the opening to the cavity is present on the first end surface. In addition, the inner surface and the second surface are the same surface, and both the first and second passages have openings defined on the inner surface of the body. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages together have a substantially U-shaped configuration.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair according to the first aspect of the invention, where the body further includes an upper and a lower surface in which the outer surface and the first surface are the same surface. In this aspect of the invention, the first end of the body defines the second surface and the second passage has an opening at the first end surface. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair according to the first aspect of the invention, where the body further includes an upper and a lower surface in which the outer surface and the first surface are the same surface. In this aspect of the invention, the lower surface and the second surface are the same surface, in which case the second passage has an opening at the lower surface. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair according to the first aspect of the invention, where the first end defines the first surface and the opening to the cavity is present on the first end surface. In addition, the outer surface and the second surface are the same surface, the first passage having an opening defined on the inner surface of the body, and the second passage having an opening defined on the outer surface of the body. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages together have a substantially coaxial alignment.

A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for gathering hair according to the first aspect of the invention, where either the upper surface or lower surface of the body is the same as the first surface, and the opening to the cavity is present on the upper surface or lower surface of the body. In this aspect of the invention, the first end of the body includes the second surface, the first passage has an opening defined on the inner surface of the body, and the second passage has an opening defined on the first end surface. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of retaining hair that includes providing a hairclip according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects of the invention where hair of a user passes between the inner surface of the body and the adjustable loop of the cord. The user adjusts the spring-biased member toward the second position, and by pulling the free end of the cord while the spring-biased member remains in the second position, the user is able to constrict the adjustable loop of the cord. The user also allows the spring-biased member to return to the first position, thereby retaining the hair of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair illustrating the apparatus gathered around hair of a user and hanging therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of the embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair shown in FIG. 1 showing details of first and second passages, a cavity, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism, and a cord attachment means in the body;

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair showing details of first and second passages, a cavity, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism, and a cord attachment means in the body;

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair showing details of first and second passages, a cavity, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism, and a cord attachment means in the body;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevational view of the third embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair showing details of first and second passages, a cavity, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism, and a cord attachment means in the body;

FIG. 7 illustrates a right side elevational view of the fourth embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair illustrated in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for gathering hair showing details of first and second passages, a cavity, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism, and a cord attachment means in the body.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hairclip and its use to gather around hair to create a desired hairstyle, such as for example, a ponytail. As further described in more detail below, the several embodiments of the present invention each include a body having first and second ends, and inner and outer surfaces, and defining at the first end a cavity that has an opening formed in a first surface of the body. The body includes a first passage extending from the inner surface of the body to the cavity and a second passage aligned with the first passage and extending from a second surface of the body to the cavity. The apparatus also includes a spring-biased cord lock mechanism retained within the cavity, and having a spring-biased member accessible through the opening and operable between first and second positions, whereby the spring biases the member toward the first position, and the spring-biased cord lock mechanism defining a channel aligned with the first and second passages when the member is in the second position. The apparatus also includes a cord comprising a free end and a fixed end that is secured to the second end of the body, where a portion of the length of the cord passes through the first and second passages and the channel of the lock mechanism, thereby forming an adjustable loop.

As described in more detail below, because of its shape and utility, the apparatus is used to gather around hair in which hair of a user passes between the inner surface of the body and the adjustable loop of the cord. The user adjusts the spring-biased member toward the second position by depressing the spring-biased member against the force of the spring, which allows the channel defined by the lock mechanism to align with the first and second passages. This enables the user to adjust the cord to expand or constrict the adjustable loop as needed. To constrict the loop, the user will pull the free end of the cord while the spring-biased member remains in the second position. To expand the adjustable loop, the user will draw the cord in the opposite direction to draw the free end toward the body while the spring-biased member remains in the second position. When the hairclip apparatus is installed and the loop sufficiently constricted to the liking of the user, the user may release the spring-biased member to allow it to return to the first position, thereby retaining the hair of the user.

In the several embodiments, the first and second passages have a variety of configurations that allow the cord to enter and exit different surfaces in the body. For example, the adjustable loop of the cord enters the body through an opening to the first passage that is formed in the inner surface, but the opening to the second passage can be formed on the inner surface, the outer surface, or the first end surface. When formed on the inner surface, the first and second passages together have a substantially U-shaped configuration. When formed on the outer surface, the first and second passages together have a substantially coaxial alignment. When formed on either the upper surface, the lower surface, or the first end surface, the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

In the several embodiments describe herein, the body can be made of a rigid plastic such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic, or a thermoplastic material such as a polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or other plastic material that provides lightweight and durability can be used. The body is suitably sized and configured to allow for a lightweight, durable, easy to wash hair accessory to be used by users having different hair types. In this regard, it is contemplated that the body can be provided in multiple sizes and shapes to allow the apparatus to be utilized with users of different amount (i.e., volume) and hair types. The body, including the first and second passages, the cavity, and their openings, can be prepared in their desired shape and configuration by, e.g., die-casting, stamping, or injection molding, as is well known in the art. Other procedures for their manufacture can also be used.

The inner surface of the body may include a layer of non-slip material to enhance further the holding means of the apparatus. The non-slip layer may be made from a material including but not limited to artificial rubber, natural rubber, silicon gel, emulsoid, PVC, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, or the like. Alternatively, the non-slip layer can simply be a roughened surface of the body. In either approach, the non-slip layer allows the body to grip the hair in contact with the inner surface, and thereby prevent slippage of the body while the hairclip apparatus is being worn.

The outer surface of the body can optionally be provided with any of a variety of decorative ornamentation, such as for example, artwork, embroidery, beadwork, decals, painting, or the like to enhance the design of the apparatus and the appearance of the hairstyle of the user. The ornamentation can be formed during manufacture of the body, or otherwise applied, embedded, or secured to the outer surface of the body after its manufacture. The ornamentation can include a relief pattern, if desired, or any of a number of non-relief designs as indicated above.

In the several embodiments describe herein, the apparatus includes a cord, which can be made of non-elastic material, in which case the cord can be preferably made of cotton, silk, nylon, polyester, or the like. Alternatively, the cord can be elastic, and be made from a material including but not limited to plastic, rubber, natural rubber, silicone, or any other elastic or viscoelastic materials that are appropriate for promoting healthy contact with human hair. The cord may have a round cross-sectional area but may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, oval, square, triangular, or the like. Combinations of these materials can be used. The cord can optionally include a high friction material, such as a suitably tacky material, as is known in the art, which can be applied to only the first several inches of cord nearest the second end of the body. This allows the cord to grip the hair in contact with the cord while preventing the slippage of the body while the hairclip apparatus is being worn.

The cord can have its fixed end secured to the body by a mechanical connection during the manufacture of the body, or alternatively the cord can have its fixed end secured within a receptacle of the body using adhesives such as epoxy or hot glue, or another form of mechanical connection such as stapling, riveting, crimping, clamping, or the like.

The cord is sufficiently long that it is easily adjusted and the free end of the cord is not easily drawn into the opening of the second passage (or through both of the first and second passages) while the loop size is being adjusted. In this regard, the free end of the cord may be provided with any of a variety of ornamentation. When provided, the size of the ornament is such that it is larger than the dimensions of one or both of the first and second passages. The ornament can be any type of decoration, such as for example, artwork, a picture, beadwork, a decorative feather, or the like, which visibly enhances the design of the hairclip apparatus and the appearance of the hairstyle of the user.

Of course, the foregoing identification of materials is exemplary only, and numerous variations, substitutions, and changes in material can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” used throughout this application is synonymous with terms such as nearly, very nearly, about, approximately, etc.

Referring now to the figures, the several embodiments of the hairclip apparatus are described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the apparatus 10. This embodiment includes a body 12, a spring-biased cord lock mechanism 14, and a cord 16, which is configured to pass through a portion of the body 12 and cord lock mechanism 14. A portion of the cord 16 is gathered around a portion of a user's hair 18, whereby the apparatus 10 is secured to retain the user's hair as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cutaway front elevational view of the first embodiment of apparatus 10. As shown in more detail, the body 12 in this embodiment includes a first end 24, a second end 26, an inner surface 28, an outer surface 30, and defining at the first end 26 a cavity 32 that has an opening 34 formed in a first surface 36 of the body 12. The outer surface 30 may optionally include an ornamental feature 22 present on the outer surface. Further as shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface 28 in this embodiment has a generally concave shaped surface or configuration to fit properly around a user's hair. However, the inner surface 28 can be configured to any type of planar or non-planar configuration to enhance further the holding or securing means of the apparatus around a user's hair. The outer surface 30 has a generally convex shaped surface or configuration with rounded corners to be comfortably handled by the user. However, the outer surface 30 can be conformed to any type of planar or non-planar configuration. In this embodiment, the body 12 also includes a first passage 38 extending from the inner surface 28 of the body 12 to the cavity 32 and a second passage 40 aligned with the first passage 38 and extending from a second surface 42 of the body 12 to the cavity 32.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is that the apparatus 10 in this embodiment includes a spring-biased cord lock mechanism 14 retained within the cavity 32. The lock mechanism 14, as is well known in the art, includes an outer barrel, a spring 50, and a spring-biased member 44, the latter of which is accessible through the opening 34 and operable between a first position indicated by arrow 46 and a second position indicated by arrow 48. The spring 50 biases the member 44 toward the first position 46, and the spring-biased cord lock mechanism 14 defines a channel 51 aligned with the first and second passages 38 and 40 when the member 44 is in the second position 48. In this embodiment, the opening 34 to the cavity 32 is present on the first end surface 24 whereby the inner surface 28 and the second surface 42 are the same surface. As a result, both the first and second passages 38 and 40 have openings 54 and 56, respectively, defined on the inner surface 28 of the body 12. In this aspect of the invention, the first and second passages 38 and 40 together have a substantially U-shaped configuration.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is that the apparatus 10 in this embodiment includes a cord 16 comprising a free end 15 and a fixed end 17 that is secured to the second end 26 of the body 12. As shown, the fixed end 17 of the cord 16 is secured to the second end 26 of the body 12 by a mechanical connection, and the free end of the cord 16 may include an optional ornament 20. A portion of the length of the cord 16 passes through the first and second passages 38 and 40, and the channel 51 of the lock mechanism 14, thereby forming an adjustable loop 52. Together, the loop 52 and inner surface 28 cooperate to retain a user's hair in the form of a ponytail or similar feature.

To install the apparatus, a user will first manipulate the spring-biased member 44 toward the second position 48 and increase the size of the adjustable loop 52. The spring-biased member 44 can be allowed to return to its first position 46. With the loop expanded, the user will be able to pass the hair to be retained between the cord 16 and the inner surface 28 of the body. Once properly positioned, the user will again manipulate the spring-biased member 44 toward the second position 48, which enables the channel 51 of the lock mechanism 14 to align with the first and second passages 38 and 40. The user then can pull on the free end 15 of the cord 16 to constrict the adjustable loop. Upon release of the spring-biased member 44 toward the first position 46, the user's hair is retained between the cord 16 and the inner surface 28 of the body, and the hairclip securely installed. To remove the apparatus, the process is reversed to increase the size of the adjustable loop as described above, and the hairclip apparatus 10 can easily be removed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the apparatus 110. The body 112 is largely identical to the body 12 on apparatus 10, except at its first end 124. The outer surface 130 and the first surface 136 are the same surface whereby the opening 134 to the cavity 132 is present on the outer surface 130. Additionally, in this embodiment, the first end 124 of the body 112 defines the second surface 142, i.e., the surface of the first end 124 and the second surface 142 are the same surface. As shown, the second passage 140 has an opening 156 at the first end 124 in which case the first and second passages 138 and 140 together form a substantially L-shaped configuration.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a third embodiment of the apparatus 210. The body 212 is largely identical to the body 12 on apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, except at its first end 224. As shown, the outer surface 230 and the first surface 236 are the same surface whereby the opening 234 to the cavity 232 is present on the outer surface 230. Additionally, the body further includes an upper surface 260 and a lower surface 262 in which the lower surface 262 and the second surface 242 are the same surface. Here, the second passage 240 has an opening 256 at the lower surface 262 in which the first and second passages 238 and 240 together form a substantially L-shaped configuration.

As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper surface 260 (instead of the lower surface 262) can be the second surface 242, in which case the second passage 240 can have its opening 256 at the upper surface 260. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second passages 238 and 240 together form a substantially L-shaped configuration.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the apparatus 310. The body 312 is largely identical to the body 12 on apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, except at its first end 324. As shown, the lower surface 362 and the first surface 336 are the same surface, whereby the opening 334 to the cavity 332 is present on the lower surface 362. Thus, the spring-biased member 344 is accessible from the lower surface. Also as shown, the first end 324 and the second surface 342 are the same surface. Here, the second passage 340 has an opening 356 at the second surface 342, and the first and second passages 338 and 340 together form a substantially L-shaped configuration.

As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the opening 334 to the cavity 332 can be present on the upper surface 360 (instead of the lower surface 362), in which case spring-biased member 344 is accessible from the upper surface. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second passages 338 and 340 together form a substantially L-shaped configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the apparatus 410. The body 412 is largely identical to the body 12 on apparatus 10, except at its first end 424. The surface of the first end 424 and the first surface 436 are the same surface, whereby the opening 434 to the cavity 432 is present on the first end 424. Thus, the spring-biased member 444 is accessible from the surface of the first end 424. Additionally, in this embodiment, the outer surface 430 of the body 412 defines the second surface 442, i.e., the outer surface 430 and the second surface 442 are the same surface. As shown, the second passage 440 has an opening 456 at the outer surface 430, and the first and second passages 438 and 440 together have a substantially coaxial alignment.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purposes of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for gathering hair, comprising:

a body having first and second ends, and inner and outer surfaces, and defining at the first end a cavity that has an opening formed in a first surface of the body, a first passage extending from the inner surface of the body to the cavity and a second passage aligned with the first passage and extending from a second surface of the body to the cavity;
a spring-biased cord lock mechanism retained within the cavity, and having a spring-biased member accessible through the opening and operable between first and second positions, whereby the spring biases the member toward the first position, and the spring-biased cord lock mechanism defining a channel aligned with the first and second passages when the member is in the second position;
a cord comprising a free end and a fixed end that is secured to the second end of the body, wherein a portion of the length of the cord passes through the first and second passages and the channel of the lock mechanism, thereby forming an adjustable loop.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an ornament attached to the free end of the cord, wherein the ornament is larger than one or both of the first and second passages.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the body has a concave or a convex shaped surface.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface comprises a layer of non-slip material.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, the outer surface that has a convex shaped surface.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising an ornamental feature present on the outer surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening to the cavity is present on the first end surface.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface and the second surface are the same surface and both the first and second passages have openings defined on the inner surface of the body.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first and second passages together have a substantially U-shaped configuration.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface and the second surface are the same surface, the first passage having an opening defined on the inner surface of the body, and the second passage having an opening defined on the outer surface of the body.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second passages together have a substantially coaxial alignment.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises upper and lower surfaces.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the outer surface and the first surface are the same surface.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first end of the body comprises the second surface, the second passage has an opening at the first end, and the opening to the cavity is present on the upper surface or lower surface of the body.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the lower surface and the second surface are the same surface.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the upper surface or lower surface of the body is the same as the first surface, and the opening to the cavity is present on the upper surface or lower surface of the body.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first end of the body comprises the second surface, the first passage has an opening defined on the inner surface of the body, and the second passage having an opening defined on the first end surface.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the first and second passages together have a substantially L-shaped configuration.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cord is made of an elastic material.

21. A method of retaining hair comprising:

providing a hairclip according to claim 1, wherein hair of a user passes between the inner surface of the body and the adjustable loop of the cord;
adjusting the spring-biased member toward the second position;
pulling the free end of the cord, while the spring-biased member remains in the second position, to constrict the adjustable loop of the cord; and
allowing the spring-biased member to return to the first position, thereby retaining the hair of the user.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140261521
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Inventor: Melvin L. Reed, III (Midlothian, VA)
Application Number: 13/834,528
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Hair Deformation Or Set (e.g., Curling, Waving) (132/210); Hair Fastener (132/273); Ornament Holding (e.g., Bow Or Ribbon) (132/275)
International Classification: A45D 8/36 (20060101);