NON-SLIP HAIR ACCESSORY

Abstract

The present invention is a non-slip hair accessory that remains secured in the wearer's hair in the position the wearer placed it. The hair accessory includes a support, a hair-engaging strip and a means for adjusting the accessory in the wearer's hair. In one embodiment, the accessory is a flexible headband wherein the support is a fashion strip such as a ribbon or other flexible material, and the hair-engaging strip is attached to, or molded within, the fashion support strip. In another embodiment, the accessory is a hair clip having a decorative support arm, and a hair-engaging strip is attached to, or molded within, the support arm. The hair-engaging strip includes a plurality of parallel rows of uniformly spaced protrusions. In one embodiment, the hair-engaging strip has three rows of protrusions. In the preferred embodiment, the individual protrusions in the two edge rows are spaced an equal first distance from each neighboring protrusion in either edge row. Similarly, the protrusions in the center second row are spaced an equal distance from each neighboring protrusion in its row and offset a uniform second distance from each proximal projection in its neighboring edge rows.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a non-slip hair retaining device. More particularly, the present invention is a non-slip, flexible hair fastener, clip or headband, usable as a fashion and sports accessory.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

Headbands, hair clips, and similar fashion hair accessories designed to decrease slippage relative to a wearer's hair are well known in the art. Typical hair accessories include barrettes, spring clips, jaw clips, and elastics, as well as firm and flexible headbands. The movement in the industry has been to add either tapered prongs or layers of rubber and synthetic products to hair holding devices to increase the friction between the accessory and the wearer's hair.

The earliest known example of the use of a rubber backing to improve the grip of metal hair accessories is disclosed in the 1921 Great Britain patent to Catherine Conroy, 161,262, entitled, “Improvement in Slides or Brooches for the Hair.” In Conroy '262, a strip of beaded vulcanized rubber is secured to the inner surface of the decorative arm of a metal clip. When the arms of the clip are closed, the user's hair is held between the rubber and metal layers.

In the current art, fashion clips with opposed arms for engaging hair commonly include projections such as tapered prongs or teeth on the two inner surfaces of the clip to secure the hair between the plurality of prongs. Prongs are disclosed most commonly as shown in United States Patent Publication No. 2004/0182411 to Bruce Rogers, et al, entitled “Adjustable Hair Holding Device”. In Rogers '411, the disclosed jaw-style clip includes a mechanism of two mated, toothed arms, the inner surfaces of the arms having three teeth on each tine of each jaw.

A variety of accessory designs wherein elastics are used in combination with serrations, teeth, or prongs on opposed surfaces are also well known in the art and include U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,699 issued to Heidi C. Horman in 2001 entitled, “Ponytail Holder.” Most pertinent are two publications to Mary La Fauci, published in 2004 and 2006. A beaded surface attached to opposing arms of a jaw clip hair accessory is disclosed in U.S. Publ. No. 2004/0065341 to La Fauci and includes a layer of beaded rubber or plastic on the arms of the clip to decrease slippage of the clip through the user's hair. In contrast to the beaded layer of La Fauci '341, a subsequent publication to La Fauci, US 2006/0021631, further discloses a non-slip layer having a plurality of bristle-like projections extending from two opposed surfaces for securing the clip in the wearer's hair.

These disclosures, as well as other sports accessories and hair products found in the market today, however, do not satisfactorily meet the non-slip hair accessory needs of consumers of all hair types. Hair fashion consumers continue to seek an accessory for their hair that will remain fixed and secure in the position it was originally placed regardless of the activity, whether it be merely for fashion wear or for use during high movement activities and sports such as dance, swimming, diving, tumbling, and gymnastics. The present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a non-slip hair accessory that remains secured without movement in the hair from the position the wearer placed it. In the preferred embodiment, the accessory is a flexible headband having a support strip such as a ribbon or other flexible material, a hair-engaging strip attached to, or molded within, the support strip, and a means for securing the headband to the wearer's head.

The hair-engaging strip includes two or more parallel rows of evenly spaced protrusions of uniform size. In one embodiment, the hair-engaging strip has three rows of protrusions. In this preferred embodiment, the individual protrusions in the edge rows, the first and third rows, are uniformly spaced from each neighboring projection in both edge rows, a primary uniform distance “a”. The protrusions in the center second row are also uniformly spaced from each proximal second row projection the primary distance “a”, and offset from each proximal neighbor edge row projection a secondary uniform distance “b”.

In another embodiment, the hair-engaging strip has two rows of protrusions wherein the protrusions in each row are uniformly spaced a primary distance “a” from each proximal projection in the same row and offset a secondary distance “b” from each proximal projection in the parallel row.

In yet another embodiment, the hair-engaging strip has four rows of protrusions wherein each projection in the first and third rows is uniformly spaced from each proximal projection in the first and third rows a primary distance “a”. Similarly, each projection in the second and fourth rows are uniformly spaced from each proximal projection in the second and fourth rows the same primary distance “a” from each other. Furthermore, the protrusions in the first and third row pair are spaced a secondary uniform distance “b” from the proximal protrusions in the second and fourth row pair.

The hair-engaging strip is manufactured from a thermoplastic or polyurethane (PU). The thermoplastic preferably has the characteristics of a hardness level of Shore A 60 to 80. In a preferred embodiment, the material is a polyurethane having a hardness level in the range of Shore A 60 to 80 and a preferred hardness in the range of Shore A 65 to 75.

The means for fastening the headband to the wearer's head optionally includes extended lengths of ribbon for tying, a buckle, toggle, hook and eye strip, or other fastening means adaptable for use with the headband such that the user can secure the headband through the wearer's hair. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means enables the user to secure the tips of the hair-engaging strip's protrusions against the wearer's scalp.

In an alternate embodiment, the hair accessory is a non-slip hair clip having an upper arm with an outer decorative surface and a lower contacting surface having a hair-engaging strip as described above molded into the contacting strip or adhered to the lower contacting surface with a suitable adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:

FIG. 1 is a straight perspective view of the hair-engaging strip of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the hair-engaging strip of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the hair-engaging strip of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a curved perspective view of the hair-engaging strip of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a curved perspective view of the non-slip headband of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an enlarged segment of the non-slip headband of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an enlarged segment of the non-slip headband of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail section-view of the area marked in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hair clip embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is perspective-segment view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having four rows of hair-engaging protrusions; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of the segment of the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a non-slip hair accessory that resists movement or slippage in the wearer's hair, including use during athletics and activities such as dance, swimming, diving, tumbling, and gymnastics. As shown in FIG. 5, the hair accessory in one preferred embodiment is a flexible headband 100 including a support such as a fashion ribbon 101, a hair-engaging strip 110, and a means for securing the accessory 100 in the user's hair. In this embodiment, the securing means shown is a slide fastener 130.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the flexible hair-engaging strip 10 is shown and described. Hair-engaging strip 10 includes a first end 12, second end 14, bottom surface 16, and top surface 20. The top surface 20 includes a base 22 and a plurality of individual protrusions 23, uniformly spaced in parallel outer rows 26, 28, and center row 27, on bass 22. In one embodiment of the invention, an adhesive is applied to bottom surface 16 to secure the hair-engaging strip 10 to a support such as fashion strip 101 shown in FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the strip 10 is unitarily molded within a hair accessory.

The details of the hair-engaging strip are most readily understood with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. In FIGS. 6 through 8, a segment of hair accessory 200 is shown including fashion ribbon support 201 having an inner surface 208 proximal to hair-engaging strip 210. Strip 210 includes end 212, and top surface 220 having a base 222 and plurality of individual protrusions 223. Protrusions 223 each include a base 224, shaft 225, and tip 229.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the uniform spacing of individual protrusions 223 on surface 222 is shown with three parallel rows, 226, 227, and 228. Individual protrusions 223 in outer edge rows 226, 228 are spaced an equal distance “a” from each proximal projection 223 in both its home edge row 226 or 228 and opposite edge row 226 or 228. Similarly, the protrusions 223 in center row 227 are spaced the same equal distance “a” from each proximal projection in said home center row 227. As shown in FIG. 8, protrusions 223 in row 227 are off set from proximal protrusions 223 of parallel neighboring edge rows 226 and 228 a distance “b”.

Through extensive research, development, and field experimentation, it was discovered that the relationship between projection size and spacing, or distance there between, significantly affects the amount of slippage during use. The distance between each projection 223, as well as the specified distance relationships between proximal protrusions 223 within and between rows 226, 227, 228, provides the wearer of the hair accessory with the most secure, non-slipping hair-engagement. This design furthermore facilitates combing of the protrusions 223 through all hair types, aids in optimal placement of tips 229 proximal to the user's scalp, and enables effortless removal from the wearer's hair when desired.

It will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that as shown in FIG. 8, each individual projection 223 has a diameter of “a/3”. In addition, distance “b” is defined relative to distance “a” as “a” divided by the square-root of 2. Furthermore, each individual protrusion may have a preferred uniform length in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm and diameter at the widest point near the base in the range of 50 um to 2 mm.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 11, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown having four rows. Specifically, hair accessory segment 400 is shown having a hair-engaging strip 410 adhered to ribbon 401. Strip segment 410 includes end 412, and top surface 420 having base 422, and individual protrusions 423 comprising base 424, shaft 425, and tip 429. In this embodiment, the protrusions 423 are uniformly spaced as similarly described in FIGS. 6 through 8, with four parallel rows in pairs 426, 428, and 427, 430.

It will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be modified using the teachings of this disclosure to include uniform spaced protrusions in only two rows on the hair-engaging strip for wearers with fine, thin, or course hair without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Use of the headband accessory of the present invention will now be further described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, flexible headband 100 includes ribbon 101 having ends 102, 104, and surfaces 106, 108, hair-engaging strip 110, and fastening means 130. Hair engaging strip 110 further includes end 114, top surface 120 having individual protrusions 123 arranged uniformly in rows 126, 127, 128, on surface 122. The wearer of the accessory 100, combs or places the individual protrusions 223 of strip 110 into position within their hair having decorative surface 106 facing outward. Accessory 100 is then secured by tightening with a fastening means such as slide 130 as shown. Alternatively, the accessory may be secured by tying the ribbon together near ends 102 and 104.

It will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that strip 110 may be unitarily molded within surface 108 of fashion strip 101 or affixed together using an adhesive between the bottom surface (not shown) of hair engaging strip 110 and fashion strip surface 108.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the invention, hair clip 300, is shown and described. Hair-engaging clip 300 includes two arms, 301, 308. In this embodiment, the upper support arm 301 includes an elongated body 302 having tip 303. As shown, a decorative fashion layer 304 having ends 306, 307 is folded over support body 302. Hair-engaging strip 310 is shown applied to support body 302 between end 307 and tip 303 on fashion layer 304. Strip 310 includes ends 312, 314, top 320 and protrusions 323 on surface 322 of top 320. Individual protrusions 323 are uniformly spaced in rows 326, 327, 328, as formerly shown and described for rows 226, 227, and 228 in FIGS. 6-8. Furthermore, protrusions 323 similarly have a base 324, shaft 325, and tip 329, for engagement with the wearer's hair or scalp, depending upon the thickness of the user's hair, as well as the overall design of clip arms 301 and 308.

With reference to all the drawings, FIGS. 1-11, the hair-engaging strip (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is preferably manufactured from a flexible thermoplastic (TPE) or polyurethane (PU) exhibiting the characteristics of a hardness level in the range of Shore A 60 to 80. The optimal material is a polyurethane having a hardness level in the range of Shore 65 to 75. For example, when manufactured within the optimal hardness level range, the individual protrusions 23 of hair-engaging strip 10 will comb through the hair of most users and comfortably engage with the scalp.

It should be further understood and appreciated that one skilled in the art may modify some portions of the disclosure and still be practicing within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hair-retaining accessory, comprising: wherein each said protrusion in a parallel row is offset a uniform distance from each said protrusion in each adjacent parallel row.

a decorative support strip; and

a hair-engaging strip having a first end, a second end, a top surface between said first and second ends, and a plurality of parallel rows of uniformly spaced elongate protrusions extending perpendicularly from said top surface,

2. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip comprises two parallel rows of uniformly spaced protrusions, each said protrusion in a first row offset a uniform distance from each proximal protrusion in a second row.

3. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip comprises three parallel rows of individual elongate protrusions extending perpendicularly from said top surface, said parallel rows including a first edge row, a second central row, and a third edge row.

4. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 3, wherein said individual protrusions in said first and third edge rows are uniformly spaced a first distance from each proximal protrusion in said first and third edge rows.

5. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 4, wherein said individual protrusions in said second central row are uniformly spaced said first distance from each proximal protrusion in the second central row and uniformly offset a second distance from each proximal protrusion in said first and third edge rows.

6. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip is a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness level in the range of Shore A 60 through 80.

7. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip is a thermoplastic having a hardness level in the range of Shore A 65 through 75.

8. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip is a polyurethane having a hardness level in the range of Shore A 60 through 80.

9. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 8, wherein the hair-engaging strip is a polyurethane having a hardness level in the range of Shore A 65 through 75.

10. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the support strip is a flexible headband.

11. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 10, wherein the headband is a ribbon.

12. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the support strip is an arm of a hair clip.

13. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip is unitarily manufactured with said support strip.

14. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging strip is attached to said support strip with an adhesive.

15. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 1, wherein said elongate protrusions are uniformly shaped.

16. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 15, wherein each said elongate protrusion has a length and a diameter, said length in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm and said diameter in the range of 50 um to 2 mm.

17. The hair-retaining accessory of claim 16, wherein each said elongate protrusion has a length of 2 mm and a diameter of 1 mm.