REVERSIBLE HAIR CLIP

Abstract

A reversible clip comprises a clip body having a resilient band shaped into first and second annular portions. The first annular portion has a first end attached to a center portion of the band, and the second annular portion has a second end attached to the center portion of the band generally adjacent to the first end to form a hinge configured for movement of the first and second annular portions between open and closed positions. The clip includes a plurality of decorative elements comprised of a first set decorative elements and a second set of decorative elements, wherein the first annular portion is connected to the first set of decorative elements and the second annular portion is connected to the second set of decorative elements. The clip has a rotatable clasp positioned on the first annular portion distally from the hinge and configured to releasably attach to the second annular portion distally from the hinge to hold the first and second annular portions in the closed position to retain hair or other material between the first and second annular portions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/993,515, entitled “Reversible Hair Clip,” filed Sep. 11, 2007, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to item-retainining products, and more particularly to clips useable to retain hair, clothing, or other selected items.

BACKGROUND

Conventional hair retaining devices typically include a variety of metal, French-style barrettes, head bands, elongated clips of plastic and metal variety, claws and clamp style hair clips, snap clips, scrunchies, elastics, and hair extenders. Many conventional hair retaining devices have either interlocking metal tabs/plates for hair holding (e.g., barrettes), teeth or jaws for clasping hair (e.g., claws & clamps), and/or elastic bands to form ponytails (e.g., rubber band method). Other hair retaining devices, such as clips utilize a stick holding mechanism. These conventional devices have limited versatility and their performance often vary depending upon the thickness or coarseness of, as an example, the wearer's hair. Accordingly, an improved retention device is needed.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a reversible clip that overcomes drawbacks experienced in the prior art and provides additional benefits. In one aspect of the invention, a reversible clip comprises a clip body having a resilient band shaped into first and second annular portions. The first annular portion has a first end attached to a center portion of the band, and the second annular portion has a second end attached to the center portion of the band generally adjacent to the first end. The center portion of the band adjacent to the first and second ends form a hinge configured for movement of the first and second annular portions between open and closed positions. The clip includes a plurality of decorative elements comprised of a first set decorative elements and a second set of decorative elements, wherein the first annular portion is connected to the first set of decorative elements and the second annular portion is connected to the second set of decorative elements. The clip has a rotatable clasp positioned on the first annular portion distally from the hinge and configured to releasably attach to the second annular portion distally from the hinge to hold the first and second annular portions in the closed position to retain hair or other material between the first and second annular portions.

In another embodiment, a reversible hair clip is provided for retaining hair between first and second rings. The clip has first and second rings formed from a single resilient wire, wherein the first and second rings are comprised of approximately equal segments of the wire and wherein the first and second rings form a hinge at a center portion of the wire. A clasp is positioned on the first ring approximately opposite from the hinge. The clasp releasably attaches the first ring to the second ring at a position on the second ring approximately opposite to the hinge to hold the first and second rings in a closed position.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for forming a reversible clip. Under one aspect, the method comprises cutting a resilient band to a desired length, the band comprising first and second ends and a midpoint portion; forming a first loop at the first end of the band, wherein the first loop is at least partially open; attaching a first plurality of decorative elements on the band extending from the first end to the midpoint portion and attaching a second plurality of decorative elements on the band extending from the midpoint portion to the second end of the band; forming a second loop at the second end of the band, wherein the second loop is at least partially open; directing the first end of the band in a first direction toward the midpoint portion and attaching the first loop to the midpoint portion of the band and directing the second end of the band in a second direction opposite the first direction toward the midpoint portion and attaching the second loop to the midpoint portion of the band; and attaching a rotatable clasp to a portion of the band forming the first loop approximately opposite the center portion of the band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a reversible hair clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown worn in the hair of a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of a reversible hair clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clip is shown in a closed position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic isometric views of the reversible hair clip of FIG. 2 shown in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of a reversible clip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clip is shown in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of the reversible clip of FIG. 5, wherein the clip is shown in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A retention device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is described below and illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a reversible clip 10 is provided that can be worn, for example, in a person's hair to hold their hair in place and to be decorative and reversible. The clip is configured to allow the wearer to choose which decorative side to display in the hair in connection with their selected hair style. FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a reversible hair clip 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown worn in the hair 11 of a wearer.

Women with long hair typically wear hairstyles fashioned in a variety of ways. The reversible hair clip 10 in accordance with aspects of the present invention is useful in that the clip can hold different amounts of hair securely, it may be used in a variety of hairstyles, it provides for easy installation and removal, it provides firm hair holding qualities (especially for women who have fine or thin hair), and it has a plurality of decorative options. The use of the reversible clip 10 allows the wearer to pull hair away from the face, to style hair in a decorative manner, and to choose bead and color options of the ornamented hair clip. In one embodiment, the clip 10 can include one or more decorative elements, such as beads and/or charm decorations for the clip.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the reversible hair clip 10 has a flexible (but non-elastic) band 12 that is formed into a figure-8 shape then folded in half in a “clam-shell” configuration. When the hair clip 10 is worn, an annular appearance formed by one half of the hair clip is displayed in the hair. In the illustrated embodiments, the band 12 is formed by a flexible wire 13 (e.g., a flexible, non-elastic metal wire), although other suitable material could be used in other embodiments. FIGS. 2-4 are isometric views of a reversible hair clip 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hair clip 10 has the band 12 in the figure-8 configuration to define top and bottom annular band portions or rings 14 and 16 in the clam-shell arrangement. The rings 14 and 16 are moveable between a closed position (FIG. 2) and an open position (FIGS. 3 and 4). The top and bottom annular rings 14 and 16 are hinged together by distal end loops 18 (FIG. 3) of the band 12 after a plurality of beads 20 have been strung onto the wire 13.

In one embodiment, multiple colorful beads 20 are strung onto the wire 13 by hand. The beads 20 can be strung in the following manner to provide a reversible clip. A center point 22 is marked on the flexible wire 13. One set of decorative members 24, such as a selected color, shape or pattern of beads 20, can be strung to the center point 22. A different set of decorative members 25, such as another color, shape or pattern of beads 20, is strung from the center point 22 to the opposite end of the wire 13. The beads 20 are configured to put the wire 13 in tension, such that the wire can be shaped into the figure-8 configuration and the end loops 18 attached at the center point 22 to form a hinge 23 between the rings 14 and 16. Accordingly, the clip folds about the hinge in a folded figure-8 shape. A U-shaped clasp 26 with a loop end 28 is attached to non-hinged side 30 of one of the annular rings 14 or 16 (e.g, to the bottom ring 16). The U-shape clasp 26 can swivel (or rotate) 360 degrees around the flexible band 12 and releasably engage the other ring 16 or 14.

When the beads 20 are on the wire 13, the beads work with the two end loops 18 connected to the wire's center point 22 to create tension within the wire, so that the wire will retain the folded figure-8 shape. When the clip 10 is installed, the hair or other selected material is gathered in a bundle and placed in between the top and bottom annular rings 14 and 16. The swivel clasp 26 is then rotated and pushed into place in between beads 20 on the other annular ring, opposite the hinge 23. If the swivel clasp 26 is fixed to the top ring 14, it is pushed towards the center and inside portion of the bottom ring 16, under and then up until it grasps the beaded bottom ring, thereby locking hair tightly between the top and bottom beaded rings. Accordingly, a selected first one of the sets of beads 20 will be sitting atop the hair and will be visible. The second or other set of beads 20 will be hidden under the hair captured between the two rings 14 and 16. The swivel clasp 26 is easily and quickly released by pushing the top of the swivel clasp down and backwards to the inner direction of the bottom ring 16, thereby allowing the rings to move to the open position.

The hair clip 10 is reversible such that the wearer can select which ring 14 or 16 will be displayed. For example, if the clip 10 is worn so the top ring 14 is facing out and is visible, the wearer can reverse the hair clip by removing the clip from the hair, flipping the clip over so that the bottom ring 16 without the swivel clasp 26 is facing out. The wearer gathers hair into a bundle and places it in between the top and bottom rings 14 and 16, moves the ring to the closed position, and pushes the swivel clasp 26 on the bottom ring inside the center and over the top portion of the beaded top ring 14 until the clasp grasps the top ring, thereby locking the hair tightly between the top and bottom beaded rings. Accordingly, the set of beads on this bottom ring 16 are displayed and the beads on the top ring are hidden under the hair.

As described above, the hair clip 10 can be reversed so that the top and bottom rings 14 and 16, whether ornamented in similar beads 20, different beads, or contrasting beads, can be worn with either top ornamented band or bottom ornamented band displayed in the wearers hair; making the clip reversible. Further, the hair clip 10 securely holds hair securely into place and is easy to attach and remove. The hair clip 10 may also be inexpensively fabricated. Additional decorative beads may be easily attached and removed to create a more decorative display in the hair. For example, the clip 10 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 include the top and bottom rings 14 and 16 with the beads 20 (which act as tensioning members), the hinge 23, and the clasp 26 as described above. The illustrated clip 10 also has a hanging member 40 attached to one of the rings 14 or 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the hanging member 40 is a decorative feature with an attachment member 42 connected to the band 12 and a plurality of beaded strands 44 hanging from the attachment member. The attachment member 42 can be permanently or removably attached to the band 12. In other embodiments, more than one hanging member can be attached to the top and/or bottom rings 14 and 16.

In one embodiment, when the clip is made, the wire 13 that supports the beads 20 is a flexible, non-elastic band that forms into an annular band 12 when in a resting, non-tensioned state. When the ends of the wire 13 are pulled apart, the wire is put under tension. The beads 20 are snugly retained between the small loops 18 are formed on each end of the band 12, such that the bead help keep the wire 13 in tension. The band 12 is then arranged into a figure-8 shape, whereby the end loops 18 are folded in opposite directions to form the top and bottom rings 14 and 16 in the figure-8 arrangement. The end loops 18 and the center portion 22 of the wire 13 create the hinge 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire 13 extends through both end loops 18. The figure-8 shape is then folded in half (to form the clam-shell shape) creating the clam-shell arrangement of the top and bottom annular rings 14 and 16. The swivel clasp 26 of one embodiment is a U-shaped hook (silver or gold plated) with a loop 28 formed at point of attachment to the wire 13. The clasp 26 is rotatable 360 degrees about the band 12. When the clasp 26 is engaged, it locks onto the other annular ring and holds the hair securely between the top and bottom annular rings 14 and 16.

The beads 20 can be a variety of bead shapes, color, sizes and composites can be used to ornament the band 12: (e.g. semi-precious beads, crystals, glass, etc.). Other decorative beads or bead-like structures can be used to mount to the band/wire to provide the tensioned arrangement as discussed above.

In one embodiment, neither the clasp 26 nor the hinge 23 are plainly visible while the hair clip is worn in the hair, thereby creating an image of a circular pattern of beads floating in the wearer's hair. Because the hinge 23 is formed from the wire 13 itself, the beads 20 adjacent to the hinge conceal the hinge arrangement. The same is true of the clasp 26. The clasp snaps into place between the beads 20 and it is sufficiently thin or small so that the clasp is virtually unseen when the clip 10 is in the closed position, such as when it is worn in the hair.

The flexible wire 13 allows the wearer to use some or all of the hair in a bundle to be secured, so that a variety of hairstyles can be affixed with a single hair clip 10. In one embodiment, the hair clip 10 is configured so that the wire 13 flexes such that the hair bundle being restrained can be varying thicknesses. This configuration is effective for virtually all types of hair (i.e, thin or fine hair, thick or coarse hair, straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, kinky hair, etc). The flexible wire 13 is very durable and resilient, which allows the hair clip 10 to be worn repeatedly and in multiple uses or positions. As indicated above, the clip 10 can be used to retrain bundles of hair, although the clip can also be used to gather and retain portions of other things, such as portions of shirts, clothing, straps, or the like. The clip 10 of the illustrated embodiment has no elastic (which can break or damage hair), and it has no sharp teeth (which can cause head pain to sensitive scalps).

In one embodiment, the reversible hair clip 10 can be made as follows. The flexible wire 13 in a relaxed state takes the shape of circle; it is spring like. The flexible wire 13 is cut to desired length and pulled straight (i.e., it is tension filled, it pulls to go back to the circle shape). A center mark is made on the halfway or middle point of the wire length. Using a suitable tool, such as heavy-duty rosary pliers, the small loop 18 is made at one end of the wire 13. Selected beads 20 are strung onto wire 13 between the small loop 18 and up to the marked center point 22 of the wire. Different beads 20 are strung from the center point 22 to the other end of the wire 13. Using the heavy-duty rosary pliers (or other suitable tool), a small loop 18 is made at the other end of the wire 13. At this point, if the wire 13 is left at its relaxed state, the wire would retain its circular shape and you would see one set of beads 20 in a semi-circle and the other set of beads in the other semi-circle.

The end loops 18 are folded in towards the marked center point in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the loops 18 are slightly opened up so as to receive the wire 13 substantially at the center point 22. Accordingly, the wire extends through the loops at the center point and are closed again to securely retain the wire within the loops. The wire 13 with the beads 20 form the figure-8 shape, wherein one annular ring 14/16 of the figure-8 includes one set of beads 20 on one half of the band 12 (i.e., or color or type of beads on ½ of the wire), and the second annular ring 16/14 of the figure-8 includes the other set of beads on the other half of the wire, and the rings are hinged together at the center point 22. Because of the flexible nature of the wire 13 in the figure-8 shape and with the hinge mechanism the relaxed state, the clip 10 is in the open position (as shown in FIGS. 3-5).

The U-shaped clasp 26 of the illustrated embodiment is permanently and rotatably attached to the wire 13 distal to the hinge 23 on one of the annular rings 14 or 16. The clasp 26 can be mounted to either the top or bottom ring 14 or 16 because it's reversible. The clasp 26 can rotate 360°, which also allows for the clip's reversibility. In the illustrated embodiment, the clasp 26 is designed to the smallest size possible and it can rotate completely around the wire 13 so the clasp can releasably engage the other ring without being unsightly and allowing for a reversible decorative function. Additional decorative elements can be attached to the annular rings, or the clasp to provide other appealing features of the clip.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reversible hairclip, the hairclip comprising:

a hairclip body comprising a resilient wire shaped into a first annular portion comprising a first end attached to a center portion of the wire and a second annular portion comprising a second end attached to the center portion of the wire;

a hinge comprised of the center portion of the wire member;

a plurality of beads comprised of a first selection of beads and a second selection of beads, wherein the first annular portion is threaded through the first selection of beads and the second annular portion is threaded through the second selection of beads; and

a rotatable clasp, wherein the clasp is positioned on the first annular portion distally from the hinge and attaches to the second annular portion distally from the hinge to retain hair between the first and second annular portions.

2. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the first selection of beads forms a first pattern and the second selection of beads forms a second pattern different from the first pattern such that the first pattern is displayed when the first annular portion faces outward from the hair retained in the hairclip and the second pattern is displayed when the second annular portion faces outward from the hair retained in the hairclip.

3. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the plurality of beads comprise at least one different shape, color, or geometry.

4. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the plurality of beads at least partially increases friction with the hair retained between the first and second annular portions to retain the hair in the hairclip.

5. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of the wire are looped around the center portion of the wire.

6. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the wire is the only wire forming the body of the hairclip.

7. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the clasp comprises a u-shape and is at least partially covered by the hair retained in the hairclip.

8. The hairclip of claim 1 wherein the hinge is at least partially covered by the hair retained in the hairclip.

9. The hairclip of claim 1, further comprising one or more decorations releasably attached to the first or second annular portions.

10. The hairclip of claim 1, further comprising a resilient force created by a orientation of the first and second annular portions, wherein the resilient force at least partially resists attaching the clasp to the second annular portion.

11. A reversible hair clip for retaining hair between first and second rings, the hairclip comprising:

first and second rings formed from a single resilient wire, wherein the first and second rings are comprised of approximately equal segments of the wire and wherein the first and second rings form a hinge at a center portion of the wire; and

a clasp positioned on the first ring approximately opposite from the hinge, wherein the clasp attaches the first ring to the second ring at a position on the second ring approximately opposite to the hinge to retain the hair between the first and second rings.

12. The hairclip of claim 11 wherein the approximately equal segments of wire comprise:

a first segment that is directed in a first direction toward the center portion of the wire and a first end of the wire that is attached to the center portion of the wire, and

a second segment that is directed in a second direction toward the center of the wire and a second end of the wire that is attached to the center portion of the wire, wherein the second direction is generally opposite the first direction and a resulting orientation of the rings created by the directed first and second segments creates a repulsive force, wherein the repulsive force at least partially resists attaching the clasp to the second ring.

13. The hairclip of claim 11 further comprising a first plurality of beads strung on the first ring and a second plurality of beads strung on the second ring.

14. The hairclip of claim 13 wherein a design formed by the first plurality of beads differs from a design formed by a second plurality of beads.

15. The hairclip of claim 13 wherein the first and second plurality of beads at least partially grip the hair retained between the first and second rings.

16. The hairclip of claim 11 wherein the clasp swivels about the position on the first ring approximately opposite from the hinge.

17. The hairclip of claim 11 wherein the clasp is generally not visible when the clasp is attached to the second ring and the hair is retained in the hairclip.

18. The hairclip of claim 11 wherein the hinge is generally not visible when the hair is retained in the hairclip.

19. A method of forming a reversible hairclip, the method comprising:

cutting a resilient wire to a desired length, the wire comprising first and second ends and a midpoint portion;

forming a first loop at the first end of the wire, wherein the first loop is at least partially open;

stringing a first plurality of beads on the wire extending from the first end to the midpoint portion and stringing a second plurality of beads on the wire extending from the midpoint portion to the second end of the wire;

forming a second loop at the second end of the wire, wherein the second loop is at least partially open

directing the first end of the wire in a first direction toward the midpoint portion and closing the first loop around the midpoint portion of the wire and directing the second end of the wire in a second direction opposite the first direction toward the midpoint portion and closing the second loop around the midpoint portion of the wire; and

attaching a rotatable clasp to a position on the first loop approximately opposite the center portion of the wire.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein directing the first and second ends in the first and second directions respectively creates a biasing force in the hairclip, wherein the biasing force at least partially impedes moving the first loop proximate to the second loop to attach the clasp to a position on the second loop approximately opposite the center portion of the wire.