Hair Accessory

Abstract

A hair accessory having a horseshoe shaped base terminating at two free terminal ends, each terminal and comprising a loop. Projecting from one of the edges of the horseshoe shaped base are plurality of spikes used to catch hair. A headband, such as a bandanna, handkerchief, scarf, and the like can be overlaid on top of the base with the free ends of the headband threaded through the loops. The free ends can then be tied against the base of the user's next to enhance securement of the hair accessory to the user's head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/192,447, filed Jul. 14, 2015, which application is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates accessories that facilitate keeping headbands, such as bandannas, in the hair of a user.

BACKGROUND

Women, girls, and even some men with long hair use headbands either as a fashion statement and/or to keep their hair out of their faces. Headbands can be made of hard materials such as plastic and metals, elastic material, or inelastic fabric. The headbands made of hard material generally had teeth, projecting transversely to the surface of the headband so as to function as a comb to help pull the hair back as the headband is being applied. Headbands made of elastic material simply slip on the user's head and the elasticity maintain they had been in place temporarily. Headbands made of inelastic fabric must be tied to the head.

In any case, over the course of the day, headbands tend to slip off the head. Sometimes headbands are knocked off by inadvertent bumping, or fall off due to excessive activity. Sometimes the headbands just shift out of place, rather than falling off completely. In any case, the wearer has to go through the annoying process of removing the headbands, adjusting the hair, and re-inserting the headband back into its intended position.

For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a hair accessory device that helps keep the headbands in place for a prolonged period of time, and capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday life.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a hair accessory that improves the securement of headbands on to a user's head. The hair accessory comprises a U-shaped base terminating at two opposing loops. Projecting from the U-shaped base is a plurality of spikes used to catch the user's hair. The user can overlay a headband, such as a bandanna, handkerchief, scarf, and the like and feed the free ends of the headband through the loops and tie the free ends to each other against the back of the user's head. The combination of the spikes and the tying of the headband improves the securement of the headband on the user's head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D shows a front, perspective view from the top of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E shows a front, perspective view from the bottom of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C shows a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D shows a front, perspective view from the top of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E shows a front, perspective view from the bottom of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention from the front.

FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A from the back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention is a hair accessory 100 configured to improve the length of time that a headband can remain in place in a user's head. The hair accessory 100 comprises a U-shaped base 102 and a plurality of spikes 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, the U-shaped base 102 is generally flat, having an interior surface 106 and an exterior surface 108, the interior surface 106 and the exterior surface 108 bound by a front edge 110 and a back edge 112. Being U-shaped, the base 102 has a convex exterior surface 108 and a concave interior surface 106. The base 102 terminates at two free terminal ends 114, 116, each terminal end, comprising a loop 130, 132. For convenience and ease of description only, the two terminal ends 114, 116 will be referred to as the bottom 122 of the base 102 and the portion of the base 102 furthest from the free terminal ends 114, 116 will be referred to as the top 124 of the base 102. The transition portions between the top 124 of the base 102 and the bottom 122 of the base will be referred to as the sides 128, 130 of the base 102.

In the preferred embodiment, the terminal edges 114, 116 converge toward each other. Therefore, the distance W between the first terminal end 114 and the second terminal end 116 may range from approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches, while the diameter D at the widest portion of the base 102 is approximately 4 inches to approximately 6 inches. Preferably, the width W at the terminal ends 114, 116 ranges from approximately 1.5 inch to 1.75 inch, while the diameter D is approximately 4.5 inches to approximately 5.5 inches.

In the preferred embodiment, the thickness T of the base 102 as measured from the front edge 110 to the back edge 112 varies from the top 124 of the base 102 to the bottom 122 of the base 102. Specifically, the thickness T of the base 102 at the top 124 may be greater than the thickness T of the base 102 at the bottom 122. Therefore, the thickness T of the base 102 tapers from the top 124 to the bottom 122 on both sides, preferably in a symmetrical fashion on opposite sides 128, 130. The thickness T of the base 102 at the top 124 may range from approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch. Preferably, the thickness T of the base 102 of the top 124 ranges from approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 1.25 inch. More preferably, the thickness T of the base 102 of the top 124 ranges from approximately 0.75 inch to approximately 1 inch.

The thickness T of the base 102 at the bottom 122 may range from approximately 0.05 inch to approximately 0.2 inch. Preferably, the thickness T of the base 102 at the bottom 124 may be approximately 0.075 inch to approximately 0.1 inch.

Each terminal end 114, 116 comprises a loop 130, 132, operatively connected to a respective terminal ends 114, 116. In other words, the loops 130, 132 may be separate pieces that are attachable to the terminal ends 114, 116, or the loops 130, 132 may be integrally formed with the terminal ends 114, 116, so that the base 102 and the loops 130, 132 are formed as a single unit. Each loop 130, 132 may be formed as a circle or an oval. The diameter M of the circle may range from approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 1.5 inch. Preferably, the diameter M of the circle ranges from approximately 0.7 inch to 1 inch. An oval is generally characterized with the major diameter M, and a minor diameter m. In the preferred embodiment, where the loop 130, 132 is in the shape of a oval, the major diameter M ranges from approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 1.5 inch. Preferably, the major diameter M ranges from approximately 0.7 inch to approximately 1.4 inch. The minor diameter m ranges from approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.7 inch. In the preferred embodiment, the minor diameter ranges from approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 0.6 inch.

Projecting from the back edge 112 of the base 102 is a plurality spikes 104. The spikes 104 project generally from the back edge 112 and substantially parallel to the interior and exterior surfaces 106, 108 of the base 102. In some embodiments, the spikes 104 may project linearly from the back edge 112. In some embodiments, the spikes 104 are be curved. The spikes 104 may be generally finger-like members projecting approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch from the back edge 112. Preferably, the spikes 104 project approximately 0.4 inch to approximately 0.8 inch. The spikes 104 are aligned along the back edge 102 and uniformly spaced apart. Preferably, the tips 134 of each spike 104 are approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 1.2 inch apart. In the preferred embodiment, the tips 134 of each spike 104 are approximately 0.75 inch to approximately 1 inch apart. More preferably, the tips 134 of the spikes 104 are approximately 0.8 inch to approximately 0.9 inch apart.

In some embodiments, each spike 104 may be curved. In some embodiments, the spikes 104 may show bilateral symmetry. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the concave surfaces 136 of the spikes 104 on both sides 128, 130 may be facing the top 124 of the base 102. In some embodiments, the curvature of the spikes 104 are uniform and in the same direction. Since the base 102 is curved, the concave surface 136 of one spike 104 on one side 130 shifts moving to the opposite side. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the concave surface 136 of the curved spike 104 on one side 130 may be facing the top 124 of the base 102, whereas the concave surface 136 of the spikes 104 on the opposite side 128 would be facing towards the terminal ends 114, 116, with the convex surface 138 facing the top 124.

In some embodiments, the concave surfaces 136 of the spikes 104 on both sides may be facing towards their respective terminal ends 114, 116. In some embodiments, the spikes 104 may be presented as pairs with the concave surfaces 136 of each spike 104 within a pair facing each other, or with the concave surfaces 136 within each pair facing away from each other. For example, FIG. 1B shows the top two spikes arranged as a pair with their respective concave surfaces facing each other. If the spikes were facing in the opposite direction the pair would have their concave surfaces facing away from each other. A variety of spike arrangements can be provided to facilitate the best ability of the hair accessory 100 to stay in the hair. In addition, given that everybody has a slightly different hair characteristic, having different spike arrangements will allow users to pick and choose the proper spike arrangement best suited for their hair.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hair accessory 100 may comprise a dual base configuration in which two bases 102a, 102b, each having a front edge 110a, 110b and a back edge 112a, 112b, are attached to each other such that the back edge 112a of one base 102a is adjacent to the front edge 110b of the second base 102b. Therefore, the two pieces may show mirror image symmetry about a coronal section that divides the first base 102a from the second base 102b.

In some embodiments, the two bases 102a, 102b may be attached to each other only at their respective terminal ends 114a, 116a, 114b, 116b. (Note, reference to a first base or a second base is not meant to be limiting. These ordinal references are simply to distinguish one structure from the other). This allows the remainder of the bases 102a, 102b, for example, the sides 128a, 128b, and 130a, 130b and top portions 124a, 124b of the bases 102a, 102b to be separable from each other. In other words, a gap 150 may exist between the back edge 112a of the first base 102a and the front edge 110b of the second base 102b. This allows the first base 102a to be pulled apart from the second base 102b to increase the surface area of the head that can be covered by the hair accessory 100 or the headband to be applied onto the hair accessory 100. In addition, allowing the first base 102a to be separable from the second base 102b may enhance the ability to fix the hair accessory 100 into the hair. Furthermore, by allowing the first base 102a to separate from the second base 102b, the user can improve the versatility of how the headband can be applied to the hair accessory 100. In other words, rather than simply overlaying the headband on top of the hair accessory 100, the user can alter the configuration of the headband on the hair accessory 100. For example, the user may use a handkerchief, bandanna, or scarf and wrap it around the first base 102a and have a tail or cape extending over and behind the rest of the head.

The terminal ends 114a, 116a, 114b, 116b of each base 102a, 102b may have fastening mechanism to allow the first base 102a to attach to the second base 102b. By way of example only, the first base 102a may have protruding pegs 140, 146 at the terminal ends 114a, 116a. The second base 102b may have corresponding holes 142, 144 at its terminal ends 114b, 116b to receive the protruding pegs 140 for a resistance fit or a snap-fit. In some embodiments, the first base 102a may have a protruding peg 140 at one terminal end 116a and a receiving hole 144 at the opposite terminal end 114a. The second base 102b may have a reversed configuration with a receiving hole 142 at one end 116b to mate with the protruding peg 140 at the terminal end 116a of the first base 102a, and a protruding peg 146 at the second terminal 114b to mate with the receiving hole 144 at the terminal end 114a of the first base 102a. Other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets, and the like. Loops 130, 132 may be attached to the terminal ends 114a, 114b, 116a, 116b to secure the two bases together.

This hair accessory 100 is configured to be used with material that can be used as a headband, such as a handkerchief, bandanna, scarf, and the like. The headband is secured to the base 102 of the hair accessory 100 by overlaying the headband on top of the base 102 of hair accessory 100. The free ends of the headband is fed through the loops 130, 132, one free end through the first loop 130, and one free end through the second loop 132. The user can fix the hair accessory 100 into her hair with the top portion 124 adjacent to the crown of the head, and the loops 130, 132 and free ends of the headband behind the ear towards the base of the head. The free ends of the headband can then be tied together at the base of the head. Therefore, the hair accessory 100 is fastened to the user's head by the spikes 104 of the hair accessory 100 as well as the tying of the headband at the base of the neck. The hair accessory 100 can be made of generally rigid material that has some elasticity, such as plastic or metal.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A hair accessory, comprising:

a. a first U-shaped base, wherein the first U-shaped base defines a top, a bottom opposite the top, and a pair of opposing sides therebetween, the first U-shaped base having a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface, the concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface bound by a front edge and a back edge, wherein the first U-shaped base terminates at two free terminal ends at the bottom, each terminal end, comprising a loop, wherein the terminal ends converge toward each other, wherein a thickness of the first U-shaped base as measured from the front edge to the back edge varies from the top of the first U-shaped base to the bottom of the first U-shaped base, wherein the thickness of the first U-shaped base at the top is greater than the thickness of the first U-shaped base at the bottom;

b. a second U-shaped base, wherein the second U-shaped base defines a top, a bottom opposite the top, and a pair of opposing sides therebetween, the second U-shaped base having a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface, the concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface bound by a front edge and a back edge, wherein the second U-shaped base terminates at two free terminal ends at the bottom, wherein the terminal ends converge toward each other, wherein a thickness of the second U-shaped base as measured from the front edge to the back edge varies from the top of the base to the bottom of the base, wherein the thickness of the second U-shaped base at the top is greater than the thickness of the second U-shaped base at the bottom; and

c. a plurality of spikes projecting from the back edge of the second U-shaped base substantially parallel to the interior and exterior surfaces of the second U-shaped base, wherein the spikes are curved and aligned along the back edge of the second U-shaped base and uniformly spaced apart, each spine defining a concave subsurface.

2. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the spikes are arranged to show bilateral symmetry.

3. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein each spike has its respective concave surface facing the top of the second U-shaped base.

4. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the concave surfaces of the spikes on a first side of the second U-shaped base face the top of the second U-shaped base, and the concave surfaces of the spikes on a second side, opposite the first side, face the terminal ends.

5. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein at least two spikes are presented as a pair.

6. The hair accessory of claim 5, wherein each spike within the spike pair has its respective concave surface facing each other.

7. The hair accessory of claim 5, wherein each spike within the spike pair has its respective concave surface facing away from each other

8. The hair accessory of claim 1, wherein the loops are separate pieces that are attachable to the terminal ends of the first and second U-shaped bases.

9. A hair accessory, comprising:

a. a base, wherein the base defines a top, a bottom opposite the top, and a side therebetween, the base having a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface, the concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface bound by a front edge and a back edge, wherein the base terminates at two free terminal ends at the bottom; and

b. a plurality of spikes projecting from the back edge of the base substantially parallel to the interior and exterior surfaces of the base, wherein the spikes are be curved and aligned along the back edge.

10. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein each terminal end comprises a loop.

11. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the spikes comprise a concave surface, wherein some spikes have their respective concave surfaces facing the top of the base.

12. The hair accessory of claim 11, wherein the concave surfaces of the spikes on a first side of the base face the top of the base, and the concave surfaces of the spikes on a second side, opposite the first side, face the terminal ends.

13. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the spikes comprise a concave surface, wherein some spikes have their respective concave surfaces facing the terminal ends of the base.

14. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the spikes are presented as pairs, each spike within the pair having a concave surface.

15. The hair accessory of claim 14, wherein for some spike pairs, each spike within the spike pair has its respective concave surface facing each other.

16. The hair accessory of claim 14, wherein for some spike pairs, each spike within the spike pair has its respective concave surface facing away from each other.

17. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the loops are separate pieces that are attachable to the terminal ends.

18. The hair accessory of claim 9, wherein the loops are integrally formed with the terminal ends as a single unit.

19. The hair accessory of claim 9, further comprising a second base, wherein the second base defines a top, a bottom opposite the top, and two opposing sides therebetween, wherein the second base terminates at two free terminal ends at the bottom, wherein the base and the second base are attached to each other at their respective terminal ends.

20. The hair accessory of claim 19, wherein the base and the second base are attached to each other at their respective terminals ends by a pair of loop, one loop for each pair of terminal ends that are attached.