HAIR CLIP
A hair clip may comprise a band configured to be bendable along a length of the band from a substantially flat shape to a substantially oval shape, the band comprising a first end and a second end. The hair clip may comprise a plurality of teeth projecting from the band along the length of the band. The hair clip may comprise a first fastening element disposed at the first end of the band and a second fastening element disposed at the second end of the band. The first fastening element and the second fastening element may be configured to engage with one another when the first end of the band and the second end of the band are brought together to hold the band in the substantially oval shape.
Hair clips configured to adjust from a straight shape to an oval shape and hold hair in place are described herein. For example, hair clip embodiments may include a plurality of teeth configured and arranged to hold thick and/or coarsely textured hair in place. Some embodiments may be constructed of a durable yet flexible material so that they can be bent into a substantially oval shape and hold that shape, thereby providing stability when worn in a wearer's hair.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments.
For example, instead of or in addition to a band 110 made of flexible material, some embodiments may use a band comprising a plurality of sections coupled to one another by hinges or flexible regions so that the entire band can be bent in a similar fashion to that shown in
In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlight the functionality and advantages are presented for example purposes only. The disclosed methodology and system are each sufficiently flexible and configurable such that they may be utilized in ways other than that shown.
Although the term “at least one” may often be used in the specification, claims and drawings, the terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “said”, etc. also signify “at least one” or “the at least one” in the specification, claims and drawings.
Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include the express language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for” or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
Claims
1. A hair clip comprising:
- a band configured to be bendable along a length of the band from a substantially flat shape to a substantially oval shape, the band comprising a first end and a second end;
- a plurality of teeth projecting from the band along the length of the band;
- a first fastening element disposed at the first end of the band; and
- a second fastening element disposed at the second end of the band;
- wherein the first fastening element and the second fastening element are configured to engage with one another when the first end of the band and the second end of the band are brought together to hold the band in the substantially oval shape.
2. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the band is formed of a bendable but rigid material.
3. The hair clip of claim 2, wherein the material comprises a nylon or plastic material.
4. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the band is a single piece.
5. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the hair clip is formed without hinges and/or metal elements.
6. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are formed integrally with the band.
7. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fastening element and the second fastening element are formed integrally with the band.
8. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein each of the first fastening element and the second fastening element comprises a hook.
9. The hair clip of claim 8, wherein each hook is a c-shaped hook.
10. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein:
- the band is 8.65 inches long and/or 0.19 centimeters wide; and/or
- each of the plurality of teeth is 0.61 centimeters long and/or 0.08 centimeters wide; and/or
- each of the plurality of teeth is spaced apart from at least one other one of the plurality of teeth by 0.08 centimeters.
11. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are rounded in shape.
12. A method of manufacturing a hair clip of claim 1, comprising integrally forming the band, the plurality of teeth, the first fastening element, and the second fastening element.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the band, the plurality of teeth, the first fastening element, and the second fastening element are formed from a single piece of material.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 1, 2016
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventor: CARLYN L. RAY (BENSENVILLE, IL)
Application Number: 15/254,585