HAIR RETENTION DEVICE/HAIR PIN

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to hair retention and securing devices that provide novel and efficient inconspicuous hair pins or clips that enable a user to retain his or her hair in a particular position while limiting the hair clip's exposure to the viewing public. The hair retention and securing device comprises a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg via a flexible member. The first and second legs are adapted to slide easily into hair and firmly hold the hair in place without crimping, creasing or causing damage the hair. The second leg is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 62/173,549, filed Jun. 10, 2015, entitled Inconspicuous Hair Pin, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair retention and securing devices and hair pins for holding and retaining hair and, more particularly, to hair retention and securing devices and hair pins which are contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of a user, are concealed in the hair and do not crimp, pull or cause damage to the hair.

BACKGROUND

Hair accessory devices are commonly designed to hold and secure hair in a desired position. These devices include hair pins, hair clips, claws and hair ties. However, these devices have several limitations. Common problems and limitations with typical hair pins include that they do not hold/secure the hair well unless a multitude of them are used and they are uncomfortable. Common problems and limitations with typical hair clips, claws and hair ties include that they are not concealed in the hair when in use, they are uncomfortable to wear, and they crimp the hair as well as pull and cause damage to the hair.

In view of the above, there is therefore a need for a hair retention and securing device that is concealed in the hair when in use, is comfortable to wear and does not crimp, pull or cause damage to the hair.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of some implementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of any or all implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more implementations in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

According to one feature, a hair retention and securing device is provided. The hair retention and securing device comprises a first leg having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a first set of undulations; a second leg having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations; and a flexible member connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface forming an open section.

According to one aspect, the second outer surface of the second leg has an arcuate shape.

According to another aspect, the first outer surface has one or more depressions.

According to another aspect, the first faceted surface has an octagonal shape, the second faceted surface has an octagonal shape and the open section has an octagonal shape.

According to another aspect, the first leg includes a first tip and the second leg includes a second tip, and wherein a gap is formed between the first tip and the second tip for receiving the hair of a user. The gap extends from the gripping elements to the first and second tip.

According to yet another aspect, a first gusset is connected between the outer faceted surface and the first leg and a second gusset is connected between the outer faceted surface and the second leg.

According to another feature, a hair retention and securing device is provided. The hair retention and securing device includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a first set of undulations and a first projection extending from the first set of undulations to a first distance before a first tip of the first leg; a second leg having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations and a second projection extending from the second set of undulations to a second distance before a second tip of the second leg; and a flexible member connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface forming an open section;. A gap is formed between the first tip and the second tip for receiving hair of a user. The first and second projections form a clamping surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, nature, and advantages of the present aspects may become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securing device, according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom right side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom right side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securing device, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom left side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top left side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securing device, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom left side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top left side perspective view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. Furthermore, in the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

The term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. The term “hair retention and securing device” may refer to any device used to hold hair in place including, but not limited to, a hair pin, a hair fastener, and a hair clip. The term “flexible” is understood to mean capable of bending but also having some rigidity so the device may return to its original shape and position to retain and secure the hair in place. The term “longitudinal” is understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the hair retention and securing device.

Overview

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to hair retention and securing devices that provide novel and efficient inconspicuous hair pins or clips that enable a user to retain his or her hair in a particular position while limiting the hair clip's exposure to the viewing public. The hair retention and securing device comprises a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg via a flexible member. The first and second legs are adapted to slide easily into hair and firmly hold the hair in place without crimping, creasing or causing damage the hair. The second leg is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of the user.

Unlike traditional hair retention and securing devices, the hair retention and securing device of the present disclosure is concealed in the hair when in use, is comfortable to wear and does not crimp, pull or cause damage to the hair. Furthermore, the hair retention and securing device of the present disclosure holds more hair than competing products, is a one-piece design for ease of manufacture, can be easily opened, is easily inserted into place in the hair, provides a uniform pressure exerted on a clamping surface formed by the first and second legs, and is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp.

In one embodiment, the hair retention and securing devices may come in different sizes for different sized heads and amounts of hair. For example, as shown in the figures, the hair retention and securing device may come in a large size, a medium size and a small size. Although three different sizes are shown, this is by way of example only.

The hair retention and securing device may be made with a polymer-based material, a metallic material, a composite material, or any other material known in the art that allows the legs of the hair retention and securing device to be flexed without deforming their shape.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Large

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 100 according to a first embodiment. The hair retention and securing device 100, having a proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b, comprises a first leg 102 pivotally connected to a second leg 104 via a flexible member 106. Inner surfaces of the first leg 102 and the second leg 104 define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 106 comprises a faceted outer surface 106a and a faceted inner surface 106b defining an open section 106c which is larger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surface of the first leg 102 and the second leg 104. According to one aspect, the faceted outer surface 106a, the faceted inner surface 106b and the open section 106c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 106a, 106b can be utilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in the hair of a user and allow the first and second legs 102, 104 to be spread open allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into the open section 106c of the flexible member 106. Additionally, the facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 106a, 106b provide a clamping force to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place without exerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, the facets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows the flexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention and securing device to deliver consistent force to close the clamping surfaces of the legs 102, 104, without exceeding the thermoplastic materials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

Inner surfaces of the first and second legs 102, 104 may include a plurality of undulations forming gripping elements 108 which slide easily into hair when the hair retention and securing device is placed in the hair. Once in place, the gripping elements 108 hold the hair firmly without crimping or creasing of the hair. Although the undulations are shown as being wave-like in appearance, the undulations may include other shapes and forms. For example, the undulations may include sharp edges, comers, half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and a combination thereof. The undulations of the hair device 100 may be generally complimentary to one another or may also be staggered or in opposition.

The first leg 102 may include a first projection 110 and the second leg 104 may include a second projection 112, forming the clamping surfaces, for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According to one aspect, the length of the projections 110, 112 may be longer than they are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 103, 105 of each leg. The design of the tips 103, 105 and the gap 107 between, have been designed to automatically separate and introduce the ideal amount of hair into the head and locking elements.

The first projection 110 on the first leg 102 extends from the first set of undulations to a first distance before the first tip 103 and the second projection 112 of the second leg 104 extends from the second set of undulations to a second distance before the second tip 105. The first and second projections form a clamping surface.

The hair retention and securing device 100 may further include reinforced gussets 114 located between the legs and the flexible member to reduce stress on the first leg 102, second leg 104 and flexible member 106.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer surface of the first leg 102 may include one or more depressions 116. Hair may lay within the one or more depressions 116 when the hair retention and securing device is secured in the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device 100 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown having a generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly sloping side members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 116 may include other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface of the second leg 104 may have a generally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of a user.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Medium

FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 200 according to another embodiment. The hair retention and securing device 200, having a proximal end 200a and a distal end 200b, comprises a first leg 202 pivotally connected to a second leg 204 via a flexible member 206. Inner surfaces of the first leg 202 and the second leg 204 define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 206 comprises a faceted outer surface 206a and a faceted inner surface 206b defining an open section 206c which is larger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surface of the first leg 202 and the second leg 204. According to one aspect, the faceted outer surface 206a, the faceted inner surface 206b and the open section 206c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 206a, 206b can be utilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in the hair of a user and allow the first and second legs 202, 204 to be spread open allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into the open section 206c of the flexible member 206. Additionally, the facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 206a, 206b provide a clamping force to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place without exerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, the facets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows the flexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention and securing device to deliver consistent force to close the clamping surfaces of the legs 202, 204, without exceeding the thermoplastic materials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

The first and second legs 202, 204 may include a plurality of undulations forming gripping elements 208 which slide easily into hair when the hair retention and securing device is placed in the hair. Once in place, the gripping elements 208 hold the hair firmly without crimping or creasing of the hair. Although the undulations are shown as being wave-like in appearance, the undulations may include other shapes and forms. For example, the undulations may include sharp edges, comers, half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and a combination thereof. The undulations of the hair device 200 may be generally complimentary to one another or may also be staggered or in opposition.

The first leg 202 may include a first projection 210 and the second leg 204 may include a second projection 212, forming the clamping surfaces, for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According to one aspect, the length of the projections 210, 212 may be longer than they are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 203, 205 of each leg.

The first projection 210 on the first leg 202 extends from the first set of undulations to a first distance before the first tip 203 and the second projection 212 of the second leg 204 extends from the second set of undulations to a second distance before the second tip 205. The first and second projections 210, 212 form a clamping surface. The first and second distances of the hair retention and securing device in FIGS. 7 to 12 is shorter than the first and second distances of the hair retention and securing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

The design of the tips 203, 205 and the gap 207 between, have been designed to automatically separate and introduce the ideal amount of hair into the head and locking elements.

The hair retention and securing device 200 may further include Reinforced gussets 214 located between the legs and the flexible member to reduce stress on the first leg 202, second leg 204 and flexible member 206.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer surface of the first leg 202 may include one or more depressions 216. Hair may lay within the one or more depressions 216 when the hair retention and securing device is secured in the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device 200 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown having a generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly sloping side members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 216 may include other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 12, the outer surface of the second leg 204 may have a generally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of a user.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Small

FIGS. 13 to 18 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 300 according to a first embodiment. The hair retention and securing device 300, having a proximal end 300a and a distal end 300b, comprises a first leg 302 pivotally connected to a second leg 304 via a flexible member 306. Inner surfaces of the first leg 302 and the second leg 304 define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 306 comprises a faceted outer surface 306a and a faceted inner surface 306b defining an open section 306c which is larger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surface of the first leg 302 and the second leg 304. According to one aspect, the faceted outer surface 306a, the faceted inner surface 306b and the open section 306c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 306a, 306b can be utilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in the hair of a user and allow the first and second legs 302, 304 to be spread open allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into the open section 306c of the flexible member 306. Additionally, the facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 306a, 306b provide a clamping force to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place without exerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, the facets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows the flexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention and securing device to deliver consistent force to close the clamping surfaces of the legs 302, 304, without exceeding the thermoplastic materials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

The first and second legs 302, 304 may include a plurality of undulations forming gripping elements 308 which slide easily into hair when the hair retention and securing device is placed in the hair. Once in place, the gripping elements 308 hold the hair firmly without crimping or creasing of the hair. Although the undulations are shown as being wave-like in appearance, the undulations may include other shapes and forms. For example, the undulations may include sharp edges, comers, half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and a combination thereof. The undulations of the hair device 300 may be generally complimentary to one another or may also be staggered or in opposition.

The first leg 302 may include a first projection 310 and the second leg 304 may include a second projection 312, forming the clamping surfaces, for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According to one aspect, the length of the projections 310, 312 may be longer than they are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 303, 305 of each leg. The first projection 310 on the first leg 302 extends from the first set of undulations to a first distance before the first tip 303 and the second projection 312 of the second leg 304 extends from the second set of undulations to a second distance before the second tip 305. The first and second projections 310, 312 form a clamping surface. The first and second distances of the hair retention and securing device in FIGS. 13 to 18 is shorter than the first and second distances of the hair retention and securing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 as well as in FIGS. 7 to 12.

The design of the tips 303, 305 and the gap 307 between, have been designed to automatically separate and introduce the ideal amount of hair into the head and locking elements.

The hair retention and securing device 300 may further include reinforced gussets 314 located between the legs and the flexible member to reduce stress on the first leg 302, second leg 304 and flexible member 306.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the outer surface of the first leg 302 may include one or more depressions 316. Hair may lay within the one or more depressions 316 when the hair retention and securing device is secured in the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device 300 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown having a generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly sloping slide members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 316 may include other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 18, the outer surface of the second leg 304 may have a generally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of a user.

Dimensions

The hair retention and securing devices in FIGS. 1 to 18 may have a longitudinal length, d1, of approximately 45 mm to 90 mm, a width, d2, of approximately 2 mm to 5 mm, a diameter, d3, of the open section of the flexible member of approximately 10 mm to 16 mm, a height, d4, of the flexible member of approximately 15 mm to 24 mm, a faceted length, d5, of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, a first vertical length, d6, of approximately 2 mm to 4.5 mm from an upper facet to an upper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length, d7, of approximately 2 mm to 4.5 mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leg having a vertical height, d8, of approximately 1.5 mm to 3 mm and a tip of the second leg having a vertical height, d9, of approximately 2 to 4 mm.

According to one embodiment, the hair retention and securing device of FIGS. 1 to 6 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 86.4 mm, a width of approximately 4.5 mm, a diameter of the open section of the flexible member of approximately 15.4 mm, a height of the flexible member of approximately 23.3 mm, a faceted length of approximately 9.4 mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, a first vertical length of approximately 3.9 mm from an upper facet to an upper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 3.9 mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leg having a vertical height of approximately 2.8 mm and a tip of the second leg having a vertical height of approximately 3.45 mm.

According to another embodiment, the hair retention and securing device of FIGS. 7 to 12 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 58 mm, a width of approximately 3 mm, a diameter of the open section of the flexible member of approximately 12.5 mm, a height of the flexible member of approximately 18.5 mm, a faceted length of approximately 7.5 mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, a first vertical length of approximately 3 mm from an upper facet to an upper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 3 mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leg having a vertical height of approximately 2.5 mm and a tip of the second leg having a vertical height of approximately 2.7 mm.

According to another embodiment, the hair retention and securing device of FIGS. 13 to 18 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 48.6 mm, a width of approximately 2.7 mm, a diameter of the open section of the flexible member of approximately 10.5 mm, a height of the flexible member of approximately 15.5 mm, a faceted length of approximately 6.3 mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, a first vertical length of approximately 2.5 mm from an upper facet to an upper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 2.5 mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leg having a vertical height of approximately 2 mm and a tip of the second leg having a vertical height of approximately 2.2 mm.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A hair retention and securing device, comprising:

a first leg having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a first set of undulations;

a second leg having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations; and

a flexible member connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface forming an open section.

2. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the second outer surface of the second leg has an arcuate shape.

3. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the first outer surface has one or more depressions.

4. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the first faceted surface has an octagonal shape.

5. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the second faceted surface has an octagonal shape.

6. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the open section has an octagonal shape.

7. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the first leg includes a first tip and the second leg includes a second tip, and wherein a gap is formed between the first tip and the second tip for receiving hair of a user.

8. The hair retention and securing device of claim 7, wherein the gap extends from the gripping elements to the first and second tip.

9. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, further comprising a first gusset connected between the outer faceted surface and the first leg.

10. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, further comprising a second gusset connected between the outer faceted surface and the second leg.

11. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the first inner surface of the first leg further includes a first projection extending from the first set of undulations to a first distance before a first tip; wherein the second inner surface of the second leg further includes a second projection extending from the second set of undulations to a second distance before a second tip; and wherein the first and second projections form a clamping surface.

12. A hair retention and securing device, comprising:

a first leg having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having a first set of undulations and a first projection extending from the first set of undulations to a first distance before a first tip of the first leg;

a second leg having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations and a second projection extending from the second set of undulations to a second distance before a second tip of the second leg; and

a flexible member connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface forming an open section; and

wherein a gap is formed between the first tip and the second tip for receiving hair of a user; and

wherein the first and second projections form a clamping surface.

13. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the second outer surface of the second leg has an arcuate shape.

14. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the first outer surface has one or more depressions.

15. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the first faceted surface has an octagonal shape.

16. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the second faceted surface has an octagonal shape.

17. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the open section has an octagonal shape.