HAIR CLAMP

Abstract

The present invention is directed to improving the existing process of hair curling or shaping by not using traditional heat to shape the hair and thus allowing a user to avoid heat damage to their hair. The invention comprises a hair clamp and methods of use whereby the user can avoid using heat to obtain a curl, form waves, or define hairstyles. The hair clamp may be concave-shaped or wave-shaped, and may comprise inner layers that are water-resistant or porous. The hair clamp may also comprise holes spaced throughout its outer layer and inner layers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/039,804, entitled “Hair Clamp,” filed on Jun. 16, 2020; the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to hair maintenance and more particularly to a no-heat flat curler and hair former.

BACKGROUND

Current hair curling or shaping processes require heat, which can cause heat damage to the hair. For example, a variety of known hair treatments and devices involve the direct application of heat to hair fibers in order to “set” or “fix” the hair fibers in a particular style (e.g., to straighten or curl hair). However, the application of high heat (e.g., between 40° C. to 250° C.) has been shown to cause superficial and structural damage to the hair being treated. This damage is due in part to the explosive removal of free water and strongly bound water, which leads to a 10% loss in tensile strength and an increase in friction, and ultimately results in poor manageability and hair health.

Accordingly, there is a need for a no-heat flat curler and hair former option for use in creating various hairstyles.

SUMMARY

To address the foregoing problems, in whole or in part, and/or other problems that may have been observed by persons skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods as described by way of example as set forth below.

In one embodiment, a hair clamp is provided, comprising:

• • a) an outer layer comprising an underside;
  • b) a first inner layer and a second inner layer attached to the underside of the outer layer, wherein the first inner layer opposes the second inner layer;
  • c) a hinged end;
  • d) a clamping end comprising:
    • i) teeth;
    • ii) recessed cavities configured to receive the teeth;
    • iii) side extensions; and
    • iv) tabs and recessed locking means configured to engage the tabs; and
  • e) a buffer strip attached to the outer layer configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp is placed on the user's head;
    wherein the outer layer comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end and wherein the hair clamp is configured such that when the hair clamp is closed down and locked into a secure position, the teeth are received by the recessed cavities and the locking means engage the tabs to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the hair clamp snugly against the scalp. In one aspect, the first inner layer and the second inner layer are water-resistant. In another aspect, the first inner layer and the second inner layer are porous.

In another aspect, the hair clamp is concave-shaped and comprises a concave-shaped outer layer, a first concave-shaped inner layer, and a second concave-shaped inner layer. In another aspect, the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer each comprise holes configured to align with one another when the hair clamp is closed. In another aspect, the holes are cylindrically-shaped and evenly spaced throughout the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer.

In another aspect, the hair clamp is wave-shaped and comprises a wave-shaped outer layer, a wave-shaped first inner layer, and a wave-shaped second inner layer.

In another aspect, the outer layer of the hair clamp comprises a semi-flexible material (e.g., plastic) with a semi-heat resistant tolerance of up to about 167° F. In another aspect, the first inner layer and the second inner layer each comprise a flexible water-resistant material (e.g., a non-permeable/non-porous neoprene-like/foam-like material). In another aspect, the first inner layer, the second inner layer, and the buffer strip are each attached to the outer layer with an adhesive.

In another embodiment, a method of using any of the hair clamps described herein is provided, wherein:

• • aa) a user of the hair clamp parts their hair into one or more vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair;
  • bb) the user slips one of the sections of hair between the first inner layer and the second inner layer;
  • cc) the user presses down firmly on the hair clamp, locking the section of hair in place; and
  • dd) the user leaves the hair clamp in place for a period of time.
    In one aspect, the user repeats steps (aa) to (dd) with multiple hair clamps. In another aspect, the period of time is several hours and/or overnight. In another aspect, prior to step (bb), the user applies liquid to their hair. In another aspect, the vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair are from about 1 cm to about 3 cm thick.

Additional features of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the subject matter of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a concave-shaped hair clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a wave-shaped hair clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the hair clamp of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a concave-shaped hair clamp in which the exterior comprises holes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first concave-shaped inner layer of the concave-shaped clamp of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first wave-shaped inner layer of the wave-shaped clamp of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a hinged end of the concave-shaped hair clamp of FIG. 1 comprising a hinged end;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a hinged end of the wave-shaped hair clamp of FIG. 2 comprising a hinged end;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a clamping end of the concave-shaped hair clamp of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a clamping end of the wave-shaped hair clamp of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a buffer strip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the hinged end of the concave-shaped hair clamp of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of holes spaced throughout the concave-shaped outer layer of the concave-shaped clamp of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Hair Clamp

The present invention improves the existing process of hair curling or shaping by not using traditional heat to shape the hair. The benefit of using the present invention allows the user to avoid heat damage. The present invention allows the user to avoid using heat to obtain a curl, form waves, or define hairstyles without using heat. Additionally, it allows the user to shape, curl, or define hair without using bulky utensils like the traditional foam hair roller as the present invention is stackable and re-usable for years to come. The user can also avoid using heated curlers/shapers such as flat irons, curling irons, or crimpers to obtain a curl, wave shape, or definition hair styles such as twists or braided hair that can be unbraided to obtain the pattern of the twist or braid indentions. Another use of the present invention is that the user can use it to facilitate the hair dyeing process in place of foil.

In one embodiment, a hair clamp is provided, comprising:

• • a) an outer layer comprising an underside;
  • b) a first inner layer and a second inner layer attached to the underside of the outer layer, wherein the first inner layer opposes the second inner layer;
  • c) a hinged end;
  • d) a clamping end comprising:
    • i) teeth;
    • ii) recessed cavities configured to receive the teeth;
    • iii) side extensions; and
    • iv) tabs and recessed locking means configured to engage the tabs; and
  • e) a buffer strip attached to the outer layer configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp is placed on the user's head;
    wherein the outer layer comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end and wherein the hair clamp is configured such that when the hair clamp is closed down and locked into a secure position, the teeth are received by the recessed cavities and the locking means engage the tabs to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the hair clamp snugly against the scalp. The hair clamp and its outer layer, first inner layer, and second inner layer may be concave-shaped, wave-shaped, or concave-shaped with holes spaced throughout the outer and inner layers (e.g., evenly spaced cylindrically-shaped holes). The holes in the outer layer, the first inner layer, and the second inner layer are configured to align with one another when the hair clamp is closed.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view is provided of a concave-shaped hair clamp 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Concave-shaped hair clamp 100 comprises:

• • a) a concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprising an underside 122;
  • b) a first concave-shaped inner layer 130 and a second concave-shaped inner layer (not shown) attached to the underside 122 of the outer layer 120, wherein the first concave-shaped inner layer 130 opposes the second concave-shaped inner layer;
  • c) a hinged end 140;
  • d) a clamping end 150 comprising:
    • i) teeth 154;
    • ii) recessed cavities 155 configured to receive the teeth 154;
    • iii) side extensions 156; and
    • iv) tabs 157 and recessed locking means 158 configured to engage the tabs 157; and
  • e) a buffer strip 160 attached to the outer layer configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp is placed on the user's head;
    wherein the concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 140 and wherein the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 is configured such that when it is closed down and locked into a secure position, teeth 154 are received by recessed cavities 155 and locking means 158 engage tabs 157 to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 snugly against the scalp.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view is provided of a wave-shaped hair clamp 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Wave-shaped hair clamp 200 comprises:

• • a) a wave-shaped outer layer 220 comprising an underside 222;
  • b) a first wave-shaped inner layer (not shown) and a second wave-shaped inner layer (not shown) attached to the underside (not shown) of the outer layer 220, wherein the first inner layer opposes the second inner layer;
  • c) a hinged end 240;
  • d) a clamping end 250 comprises:
    • i) teeth 254;
    • ii) recessed cavities 255 configured to receive the teeth 254;
    • iii) side extensions 256; and
    • iv) tabs 257 and recessed locking means 258 configured to engage the tabs 257; and
  • e) a buffer strip 260 attached to the wave-shaped outer layer 220 configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp 200 is placed on the user's head;
    wherein the wave-shaped outer layer 220 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 240 and wherein the hair clamp 200 is configured such that when the hair clamp 200 is closed down and locked into a secure position, the teeth 254 are received by the recessed cavities 255 and the locking means 258 engage the tabs 257 to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the wave-shaped hair clamp 200 snugly against the scalp.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front view is provided of the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 of FIG. 1. Concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises an underside 122. The first concave-shaped inner layer 130 and the second concave-shaped inner layer 132 attached to the underside 122 of the outer layer 120. The first concave-shaped inner layer 130 opposes the second concave-shaped inner layer 132. The hinged end 140 and the clamping end 150 are at opposite ends of the concave-shaped hair clamp. The clamping end 150 comprises teeth 154; recessed cavities 155 configured to receive the teeth 154; side extensions 156; tabs 157; and recessed locking means 158 configured to engage the tabs 157.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view is provided of a concave-shaped hair clamp 300 that comprises holes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Concave-shaped outer layer 320 comprises an underside 322. A first concave-shaped inner layer 330 and a second concave-shaped inner layer (not shown) are attached to the underside 322 of the outer layer 320. The first concave-shaped inner layer 330 opposes the second concave-shaped inner layer. A hinged end 340 and a clamping end 350 are at opposite ends of the concave-shaped hair clamp 300. The clamping end 350 comprises teeth 354; recessed cavities 355 configured to receive the teeth 354; side extensions 356; tabs 357; and recessed locking means 358 configured to engage the tabs 357. The first concave-shaped outer layer 320, the first concave-shaped inner layer 330, and the second concave-shaped inner layer each comprise holes 370 configured to align with one another when the concave-shaped hair clamp 300 is closed. The concave-shaped outer layer 320 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 340. The concave-shaped hair clamp 300 is configured such that when it is closed down and locked into a secure position, teeth 354 are received by recessed cavities 355 and locking means 358 engage tabs 357 to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the concave-shaped hair clamp 300 snugly against a user's scalp.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view is provided of the first concave-shaped inner layer 130 of the concave-shaped clamp 100 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first concave-shaped inner layer 130 is substantially similar to the second concave-shaped inner layer. In some embodiments, both the first concave-shaped inner layer and the second concave-shaped inner layer are water-resistant. In some embodiments, both the first concave-shaped inner layer and the second concave-shaped inner layer are porous.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view is provided of the first wave-shaped inner layer 230 of the wave-shaped clamp 200 of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the first wave-shaped inner layer 230 is substantially similar to the second wave-shaped inner layer. In some embodiments, both the first wave-shaped inner layer and the second wave-shaped inner layer are water-resistant. In some embodiments, both the first wave-shaped inner layer and the second wave-shaped inner layer are porous.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view is provided of the hinged end 140 of the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 of FIG. 1. The concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises the underside 122. The first concave-shaped inner layer 130 is attached to the underside 122 of the outer layer 120, and the first concave-shaped inner layer 130 opposes the second concave-shaped inner layer (not shown). The concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 140, wherein the hinged end 140 is slightly thinner than the rest of the outer layer 120 to allow ease of folding and shutting the concave-shaped hair clamp of 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view is provided of the hinged end 240 of the wave-shaped hair clamp 200 of FIG. 2. The wave-shaped outer layer 220 comprises the underside 222. The concave-shaped outer layer 220 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 240, wherein the hinged end 240 is slightly thinner than the rest of the outer layer 220 to allow ease of folding and shutting the concave-shaped hair clamp of 200.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view is provided of the clamping end 150 of the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 of FIG. 1. Concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises underside 122. The clamping end 150 comprises teeth 154; recessed cavities 155 configured to receive the teeth 154; side extensions 156; tabs 157; and recessed locking means 158 configured to engage the tabs 157.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view is provided of a clamping end 250 of the wave-shaped hair clamp 200 of FIG. 2. Wave-shaped outer layer 220 comprises underside 222. The clamping end 250 comprises teeth 254; side extensions 256; tabs 257; and recessed locking means 258 configured to engage the tabs 257.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view is provided of a buffer strip 160 of the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 of FIG. 1. The buffer strip 160 attaches to the outer layer 120 (as shown in FIG. 1) and is configured to protect a user's scalp when concave-shaped hair clamp 100 is placed on the user's head.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a perspective view is provided of the hinged end 140 of the concave-shaped hair clamp 100 of FIG. 1. The concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises the underside 122. The concave-shaped outer layer 120 comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end 140, wherein the hinged end 140 is slightly thinner than the rest of the outer layer 120 to allow ease of folding and shutting the concave-shaped hair clamp of 100.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a top view is provided of holes 370 spaced throughout concave-shaped outer layer 320 of the concave-shaped clamp 300 of FIG. 4. The first concave-shaped outer layer 320, the first concave-shaped inner layer (not shown), and the second concave-shaped inner layer (not shown), each comprise holes 370 configured to align with one another when the concave-shaped hair clamp 300 is closed.

In another embodiment, the outer layer, the first inner layer, and the second inner layer each comprise holes configured to align with one another when the hair clamp is closed. In another aspect, the holes are cylindrically-shaped and evenly spaced throughout the outer layer, the first inner layer, and the second inner layer. In another aspect, the holes comprise any shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and the like. In another embodiment, the holes are unevenly spaced throughout the outer layer, the first inner layer, and the second inner layer.

In another aspect, the outer layer of the hair clamp comprises a semi-flexible material (e.g., plastic) with a semi-heat resistant tolerance of up to about 167° F. In another aspect, the first inner layer and the second inner layer each comprise a flexible material that may be water-resistant or porous. In one aspect, the first inner layer and the second inner layer each comprise a flexible water-resistant (i.e., non-permeable/non-porous) neoprene-like/foam-like material.

In another aspect, the first inner layer, the second inner layer, and the buffer strip are each attached to the outer layer of the hair clamp with an adhesive.

In another aspect, the outer layer, the first inner layer, and the second inner layer are each about 4.05 millimeters thick. In another aspect, the buffer strip is about 2.7 millimeters thick.

In another embodiment, a method of using any of the hair clamps described herein is provided, wherein:

• • aa) a user of the hair clamp parts their hair into one or more vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair;
  • bb) the user slips one of the sections of hair between the first inner layer and the second inner layer;
  • cc) the user presses down firmly on the hair clamp, locking the section of hair in place; and
  • dd) the user leaves the hair clamp in place for a period of time.
    In one aspect, the user repeats steps (aa) to (dd) with multiple hair clamps. In another aspect, the period of time is several hours and/or overnight. In another aspect, the period of time may range from a few minutes to multiple hours. In another aspect, prior to step (bb), the user applies liquid to their hair (for hair dyes or chemicals, a licensed cosmetologist should be consulted). In another aspect, the vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair are from about 1 cm to about 3 cm thick (depending on the thickness, texture, and resistance of the hair).

The method of using any of the hair clamps described herein allows the user to do any of the following: 1) shape the hair sections in the form of a concave or wavy shape producing a variety of hairstyles; 2) define hair twists/braids by allowing the user to enclose braids/twists into the clamp for several hours or overnight and then once the clamp is removed, the user can unbraid/untwist hair to reveal more defined indentions from the braids/twists (this will work with best with the cylindrical hole version with porous inner layer embodiment); 3) use the clamp as a facilitator in place of typical hair foils to apply hair dyes, allowing the user more mobility while they wait for the hair dyeing process to complete; 4) allow the user to comfortably stack multiple clamps in various locations of the head to produce a variety of hairstyles; and/or 5) use the clamp as a facilitator in place of protectives caps or wrapping apparatuses to apply oils and conditioners to the hair, allowing user to move about more freely while in use.

DEFINITIONS

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments ±100%, in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair clamp comprising: wherein the outer layer comprises a continuous piece that folds at the hinged end and wherein the hair clamp is configured such that when the hair clamp is closed down and locked into a secure position, the teeth are received by the recessed cavities and the locking means engage the tabs to clamp down firmly to tightly grip hair and hold the hair clamp snugly against the scalp.

a) an outer layer comprising an underside;

b) a first inner layer and a second inner layer attached to the underside of the outer layer, wherein the first inner layer opposes the second inner layer;

c) a hinged end;

d) a clamping end comprising: i) teeth; ii) recessed cavities configured to receive the teeth; iii) side extensions; and iv) tabs and recessed locking means configured to engage the tabs; and

e) a buffer strip attached to the outer layer configured to protect a user's scalp when the hair clamp is placed on the user's head;

2. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer are water-resistant.

3. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer are porous.

4. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the hair clamp is concave-shaped and comprises a concave-shaped outer layer, a first concave-shaped inner layer, and a second concave-shaped inner layer.

5. The hair clamp of claim 4, wherein the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer each comprise holes configured to align with one another when the hair clamp is closed.

6. The hair clamp of claim 5, wherein the holes are cylindrically-shaped and evenly spaced throughout the concave-shaped outer layer, the first concave-shaped inner layer, and the second concave-shaped inner layer.

7. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the hair clamp is wave-shaped and comprises a wave-shaped outer layer, a wave-shaped first inner layer, and a wave-shaped second inner layer.

8. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises a semi-flexible material with a semi-heat resistant tolerance of up to about 167° F.

9. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the first inner layer and the second inner layer each comprise a flexible water-resistant material.

10. The hair clamp of claim 1, wherein the first inner layer, the second inner layer, and the buffer strip are each attached to the outer layer with an adhesive.

11. A method of using the hair clamp of claim 1, wherein:

aa) a user of the hair clamp parts their hair into one or more vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair;

bb) the user slips one of the sections of hair between the first inner layer and the second inner layer;

cc) the user presses down firmly on the hair clamp, locking the section of hair in place; and

dd) the user leaves the hair clamp in place for a period of time.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the user repeats steps (aa) to (dd) with multiple hair clamps.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the period of time is several hours and/or overnight.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, prior to step (bb), the user applies liquid to their hair.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the vertical and/or horizontal sections of hair are from about 1 cm to about 3 cm thick.