CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHMENTS TO HAIR

Abstract

A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping around the filament. The connector is linked to the crimp bead. The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector. The connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/345,452, filed May 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector assembly for use in a person's hair. In particular, the invention relates to a connector assembly for substantially permanently applying to a user's hair that permits a user to position different decorations on the connector assembly.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are pieces of real or fake hair that is used to add additional hair and/or longer hair into existing hair. Hair extensions are well known. Typical methodologies for installing hair extensions include the use of removable combs, the use of crimp beads 10, sewing/weaving hair into existing hair using thread and/or other connectors, or gluing extensions into existing hair.

Removable combs are typically positioned under existing hair against the scalp. They can easily come loose, ruining the look of the hair. In addition, they are often easy to see if the person wearing them is moving or it is windy, among other instances.

Crimp beads 10 provide a more permanent form of installing hair extensions against the scalp. Typical crimp beads 10 are shown in FIGS. 1-4. Crimp beads 10 are typically about (outside diameter) by about 3 mm (length), with an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm. Crimp beads 10 have a deformable exterior layer, such as a metal ring, with a silicone or other softer material insert in the form of the ring positioned inside the metal exterior ring. Brass is one type of material that can be used for the ring, among other materials.

The inner material is meant to protect the hair while still clinging to the hair so that the crimp bead 10 stays permanently installed around the hair. Hair is positioned inside the ring, along with a hair extension, and the bead 10 is then crimped down upon the hair to hold the hair extension in position. Crimping of the bead 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5, where a pliers 12 is used to crimp the bead 10 onto a person's existing hair. Hair extensions installed in a user's hair are shown in FIG. 6. Crimp beads 10 are a more permanent form of attaching hair extensions to existing hair. As shown in FIG. 6, differently colored hair extensions 14 can be used to change the look of the hair as a form of decoration. Weaving of extensions 14 into existing hair involves Weaving, sewing, or gluing occurs with hair wefts that come in curtain-like shapes. In the case of weaving or sewing, a user creates a tight braid across part of their head and then the weft is stitched onto the braid. Alternatively, the hair weft can be glued to existing hair. In his technique, the hair weft is glued directly to the user's existing hair. There are other known techniques for attaching extensions 14 to hair.

People enjoy placing decorations in their hair, such as barrettes, combs, and the like. It has been known to put feathers in women's hair using a crimp bead 10, where the user's hair is threaded through the bead 10 and then the quill or end of the feather is inserted into the crimp bead 10 before it is crimped. This permits for a relatively long-lasting decoration that can only be permanently removed and replaced by removing the crimp bead 10. It is also known for users to use braided hair or beaded decorations and inserting them into their hair with a clip. These types of decorations are easily removable because the clip is removable. Clips of this nature are not normally very comfortable to sleep with. Also, these types of removable clips are prone to falling out. In addition, typically a single clip holds a single decoration.

SUMMARY

A connector assembly for substantially permanently applying to a user's hair that permits a user to position different elements, such as decorative members, on the connector assembly, is shown and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 3 depicts perspective top view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic of a pliers applying a force to a crimp bead to crimp it to a user's hair;

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of a user's head with several colored hair extensions applied to the user's hair using crimp beads.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a connector assembly installed in a user's hair, with a decoration attached to the connector assembly, according to the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of a connector assembly installed in a user's hair, with multiple decorations attached to the connector assembly;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 9 with a crimp bead installed around part of the connector assembly for attaching to a user's hair;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly and crimp bead shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 depicts a rear view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 depicts a partial cross-sectional side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9, taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of the connector assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9, without the crimp bead;

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the link of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the link shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of the link shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 depicts a bottom view of the link shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 23 depicts a top view of the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 depicts a bottom view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 depicts a rear view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 depicts a front view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 depicts a cross-sectional view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22, taken along line B-B in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 depicts a cross-sectional view of the decoration attachment member of FIG. 22, taken along line C-C in FIG. 27

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed on part of the connector assembly;

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of the connector assembly of FIG. 30, without the crimp bead installed, with the rear view of the connector assembly being a mirror image of the front view;

FIG. 32 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed on the connector assembly;

FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 33, without a crimp bead installed;

FIG. 35 depicts a perspective exploded view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a decorative element attached to the bottom end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 36, without the decorative element installed on the bottom end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective exploded view of the connector assembly of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed around the top end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective exploded view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed around the top end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the decoration attachment member shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed inside the connector assembly;

FIG. 43 depicts a partial cross-sectional front view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 42, with the decoration attachment member installed on the connector assembly;

FIG. 44 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention showing a crimp bead at the top end;

FIG. 45 depicts a partial cross-sectional front view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 44, with the decoration attachment member installed on the connector assembly;

FIG. 46 depicts an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead shown at the top end;

FIG. 47 depicts an exploded front view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 depicts an exploded perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead shown at the top end;

FIG. 49 depicts an exploded front view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 51 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 52 depicts a front view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed in the top end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 53 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 54 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 53 with the decoration attachment member in a position for use with a decorative element;

FIG. 55 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 53 shown in an alternative decoration attachment member position;

FIG. 56 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 55 shown installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 57 depicts a plan view of a connector assembly for installation around a crimp bead according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 58 depicts the connector assembly of FIG. 57 installed on a crimp bead prior to crimping;

FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 60 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 59 installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 62 depicts a perspective exploded view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 63 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 62 installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 64 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 65 depicts an exploded perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 66 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 67 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 66 shown installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 69 depicts a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 70 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 69 along with a crimp bead;

FIG. 71 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 69 with a decorative element attached to the connector assembly;

FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 72 crimped into a user's hair;

FIG. 74 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention along with a crimp bead;

FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 74 installed on the crimp bead;

FIG. 76 depicts a plan view of another alternative embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention; and

FIG. 77 depicts a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A connector assembly 20 is described herein for substantially permanently applying a decorative element to a user's hair. The connector assembly 20 has a decoration attachment member 32 in the form of a loop, a post, a ring, an opening, or other member or shape that permits a user to apply a decoration 30 to the connector assembly 20 in a removable manner. The connector assembly 20 is designed to, in part, remain in the user's hair substantially permanently, but the decorative element can be removed and replaced as the user desires.

It has been known to permanently install hair decorations 30 and hair extensions 14 into the hair using a crimp bead 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the bead 10 being crimped to stay in the hair on a substantially permanent basis until the hair grows out or the decoration 30 falls out of the crimp. While these types of hair decorations 30 are useful, they do not provide the user with the option of changing the decoration 30. Once the decoration 30 or hair extension 14 is installed in the crimp bead 10 and the bead 10 is crimped to trap the decoration 30 or hair extension 14 in the bead 10, the decoration 30 or hair extension 14 stays in the hair until the user removes the crimp bead 10.

It is desirable, however, to provide a substantially permanent connector assembly 20 in the hair that has a connector 22 for coupling with multiple different types of decorations 30, including one or more decoration 30 at a time per connector 22, if desired. The connector assembly 20 is designed to seat close to the user's head and be comfortable during sleep. The connector assembly 20 also can remain in the user's hair for an extended period of time and be washed and styled with the user's hair, like normal. It is preferred that the user barely notices the connector assembly 20 while it is installed in the user's hair. It is also preferred that the connector assembly 20 is nearly invisible and hard to notice by others when installed.

By substantially permanently applying to a user's hair, it is meant that the connector assembly 20 stays in a user's hair, can be washed with the hair, can remain during styling of the hair, and is generally considered permanent. However, hair grows. Since the crimp bead is crimped to the hair, as the hair grows, it will eventually be in a position that is too low on the head to be desirable. Hair typically grows about ½ inch per month on average, or about 6 inches per year. If the crimp bead 10 is positioned near the upper part of the head, arguably, the connector assembly 20 could stay in a user's hair for at least 2 months or more, and likely more like 3 to 6 months or more depending upon how the user likes to wear the hair decoration 30. Moreover, multiple hair decorations 30 can be installed in the hair at different locations and different heights on the scalp, which may change the amount of time a user prefers to wear the connector assembly 20.

A number of different connector assemblies 20 are described and depicted herein. Each of the connector assemblies can be used in a user's hair for extended periods of time for applying decorations 30 to a user's hair. Once the connector assembly 20 is installed in a user's hair, a user may pick and choose between numerous different decorations 30 and wear them with the connector assembly 20 whenever they wish, without having to remove the connector assembly 20 from the hair. In addition, because the connector assembly 20 is unobtrusive, the user can wear the connector assembly 20 in the hair without using a decoration 30, when desired, without having others notice that the connector assembly 20 is installed.

Referring to FIG. 7, a first embodiment of a connector assembly 20 is shown. The connector assembly 20 includes a connector 22 in the form of a metal loop, known as a jump ring in the jewelry field, that extends through a crimp bead 10. A decoration attachment member 32 is in the form of a lobster claw hook that couples to the metal loop and a decoration 30 is attached to the decoration attachment member 32. In this embodiment, the metal loop serves as a link between the crimp bead 10 and the decoration attachment member 32. The decoration attachment member 32 is removable from the link, but the link is permanently installed within the crimp bead 10 and is only removable when the crimp bead is removed.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment like that of FIG. 7, except for a U-shaped ring is used as a link between the crimp bead 10 and the decoration attachment member 32.

The decoration attachment member 32 is an element that is removable from the connector 22 of the connector assembly 20 and is coupled to a hair decoration 30 that hangs or is otherwise attached to the decoration attachment member 32. The decoration attachment member 32 can take numerous different forms. Typically, the decoration attachment member 32 is a clip or other removable device that couples with a connector 22. The connector 22 can be a ring, a pin, or any other element that can be coupled to a user's hair using a crimping element that clips into the hair and that also permits a decoration attachment member 32 to be coupled to the connector 22. Crimping elements are described herein, but it is envisioned that other elements other than crimp rings 10 could be used to couple the connector assembly 20 to the user's hair. Thus, the invention is not limited to the use of a crimp ring 10. The decoration attachment member 32 is coupled to a decoration 30. The decoration attachment member 32 may be directly attachable to the connector 22 or may be coupled to the connector 22.

While not shown, multiple connector assemblies 20 can be used in concert to couple a hair ornament (not shown) to a user's hair—such as a crown or hair band. For example, connector assemblies 20 can be spaced across a user's head and a decorative element 30 can be positioned on the head and attached to the spaced apart connector assemblies 20 using decoration attachment members 32. This permits the hair ornament to be semi-permanently positioned on a user's head, but removable on demand.

FIGS. 9-29 depict another embodiment of the invention that utilizes a non-ring-shaped link or connector 22. In this embodiment, the link is a pin 22 that is crimped to a user's hair using a conventional crimp bead 10. Hair extends through the crimp bead 10 and both the hair and the linking pin 22 are crimped inside the crimp bead 10. A decoration attachment member 32 is then coupled to the pin 22 by pressing the decoration attachment member 32 onto the pin. The pin 22 includes a bead or ball 26 at the bottom end thereof and the decoration attachment member 32 has a complementary shape to the pin 22 so that it will not slide off the pin 22. The decoration attachment member 32 is semi-circular and is shaped so that it is press fit onto the pin 22 and stays in position during movement of the user's hair and any decoration 30 that is attached to the decoration attachment member 32. The decoration attachment member 32 has a smaller internal diameter at the top end than at the bottom end thereof. The bead/ball 26 on the post 22 seats in the larger diameter portion of the decoration attachment member 32 but is not permitted to slide upwardly into the smaller internal diameter at the top end of the decoration attachment member 32.

The decoration attachment member 32 includes a hole/opening 28 through which a lobster claw or other connector can extend to couple a decoration 30 to the decoration attachment member 32. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-29 is advantageous in that a user can easily remove the decoration attachment member 32 and any associated decoration 30 for sleeping purposes. Because the pin 22 has a low profile and small shape, the user will typically not feel the pin 22 while they are sleeping.

FIGS. 30-32 depict another embodiment of the connector assembly 20 that includes an upper loop 34 that includes a crimp bead 10 through which the upper loop 34 extends. A member 22 having a female opening is coupled to the upper loop 34. A male member 32 serves as a decoration attachment member 32 having a loop with an opening 28 for securing a decoration 30 thereto. The male member 32 is a post that has a bead or ball 26 extending outwardly from a central area of the post. The female member 22 has an indentation 36 for capturing the bead or ball 26. A decoration 30 can be directly attached to the decoration attachment member 32, or a lobster claw or other clip type of attachment can be used to connect a decoration 30, if desired.

FIGS. 33-35 depict an embodiment like that shown in FIGS. 9-32, except it includes a post 22 having an upper loop 38 in the form of a deformable member that extends around a crimp bead 10 so that it can be crimped with the crimp bead 10. In an alternative embodiment, the upper loop is not deformable, but the crimp bead 10 can be crimped above and/or below the upper loop to trap the loop on a user's hair with the crimp bead 10. As with FIGS. 9-32, a decoration 30 can be either directly attached to a hole 28 in the decoration attachment member 32, or a lobster claw or other connector can be used to couple the decoration 30 to the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 36-38 depict an alternative embodiment like FIGS. 9-32 except the post 22 couples with a female opening in a decoration attachment member 32. The post 22 has a ball 26 positioned at the end thereof for seating in an indentation (not shown) that is shaped to receive the ball 26. The decoration attachment decoration attachment member 32 has spring arms 40 that permit the post 22 and bead 10 to enter the decoration attachment member 32 and stay coupled therewith. The post 22 is coupled to a user's hair by a crimp bead 10, like shown in FIGS. 9-32.

FIG. 39 depicts an alternative embodiment that uses a post 22 having a bead 26 positioned at a bottom end thereof. A crimp bead 10 is positioned around an upper end of the post and the crimp bead 10 secures the post 22 to a user's hair. The post 22, or link between the crimp bead 10 and the decoration attachment member 32, has a length that extends below the crimp bead 10 after it is crimped. A clip-on member 42 having a semi-circular, cuff shape is shaped to be press-fit around the post to be secured to the post 22. The clip-on member 42 is the decoration attachment member 32 and includes a hole or loop 28 for accepting a decoration 30. The ball 26 at the bottom of the post helps to prevent the clip-on member 42 from sliding off the post 22. Like with prior embodiments, if desired, a user can remove the decoration attachment member 32 from the pin 22 and can replace it with a different decoration attachment member 32 having a different decoration 30 or can remove it when not wanted while allowing the post 22 to remain in the hair for future use.

FIG. 40-41 depicts an embodiment having a post 22 that is crimped to a user's hair with a crimp bead 10. The post 22 includes a bead or ball 26 at the bottom end thereof. The decoration attachment member 32 has a female opening 44 for receiving the decoration attachment member 32. The female opening 44 may be provided with a plurality of fingers 40 that can bend outwardly to permit the bead/ball 26 to enter the female opening 44.

FIG. 42-43 depicts an embodiment having a post 22 that is coupled to a crimp bead 10 like that shown in FIGS. 33-35. A decoration attachment member 32 has a semi-circular cuff-like shape 42 that seats around the post 22 above a ball/bead 26 that is positioned at the bottom of the post 22. A base surface 46 of the decoration attachment member 32 seats directly below the ball/bead 26 of the post 22. A loop having an opening 28 is coupled below the base surface 46 for coupling to a decoration 30. As with prior embodiments, the decoration attachment member 32 is removable from the post 22.

FIGS. 44-45 depicts an alternative embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead 10 having a hole 48 through the side of the crimp bead 10, with a jump ring 50 inserted through the hole 48 in the crimp bead 10. A post 22 having an upper opening 52 for coupling with the jump ring 50 is provided. The post 22 has a bead/ball 26 positioned at the bottom end thereof to provide a larger diameter at the bead 26 than the remainder of the diameter of the post 22. The post 22 serves as a link between the crimp bead 10 and a decoration attachment member 32. The decoration attachment member 32 shown is like that in FIGS. 42-43 but could be like other embodiments that utilize a post. The decoration attachment member 32 is trapped on the post and cannot slide downwardly on the post due to the ball 26 and the base surface 46.

FIGS. 46-47 depict another embodiment of the connector assembly 20 that utilizes a crimp bead 10 with a post 22 coupled to the crimp bead 10 in any known manner, such as by welding, adhering, or other connection techniques. The post 22 extends downwardly from the crimp bead 10 and has a lower member 56 having male parts in the form of two prongs 54. The prongs 54 can bend inwardly when pressure is exerted against them. A decoration attachment member 32 having female parts inside a housing (not shown) for coupling with the male parts 54 is attachable to the male parts 54 to couple the decoration attachment member 32 to the linking post 22. A loop or hole 28 is provided through the decoration attachment member 32 to couple a decoration 30 to the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 48-49 are like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 46-47, except the link 22 is coupled to the crimp bead 10 via a jump ring 50 or other loop that is coupled to an opening 48 in the crimp bead 10. As shown, the link 22 can include a central upper opening 58 and a wire can be inserted through the opening and crimped 60 or otherwise secured inside the link.

FIG. 50 depicts an embodiment having a crimp bead 10 having a linking area 62 for coupling with a decoration attachment member 32. The crimp bead 10 has a crimp area that is positioned above the linking area 62 such that the entire crimp bead 10 is not typically crimped to a user's hair. The linking area 62 of the crimp bead 10 has a reduced diameter that is complementary to a diameter of a decoration attachment member 32 that can be press fit over the linking area. The decoration attachment member is a cuff 42 that surrounds the linking area 62. The decoration attachment member 32 has a semi-circular cross-section where it mates with the linking area 62 and a loop or opening 28 that extends downwardly from the semi-circular, cuff portion 42 of the member for coupling with a decoration attachment member 32.

FIG. 51 depicts an alternative embodiment that utilizes a regular crimp bead 10 at the top end along with partial portions of the crimp bead 10 that extend downwardly from the crimp bead 10. The partial portions of the crimp bead 10 that extend downwardly serve as a linking portion or post 22 for coupling with a decoration attachment member 32. The partial portions of the crimp bead are post-shaped and include a ball 25 that is positioned at the bottom of each of the posts 22. A decoration attachment member 32 is has a cuff shape 42 and is sized to slide over the linking portion/posts 22 of the crimp bead 10 to couple the decoration attachment member 32 to the linking portion/posts 22. The decoration attachment member 32 includes a loop 28 for coupling with a decoration 30.

FIG. 52 depicts yet another embodiment where a ring-shaped member 64 encircles the crimp bead 10, and a loop 28 extends downwardly from the ring-shaped member 64. The ring-shaped member 64 serves as a link and the loop 28 serves as a decoration attachment member 32. The ring-shaped member 64 is crimped down with the crimp bead 10 to hold it in position. The loop 28 extends at a perpendicular angle with the ring-shaped member.

FIGS. 53-56 depict an alternative embodiment that utilizes a modified crimp bead 10 to provide a link member 22 and a decoration attachment member 32. The modified crimp bead includes an upper end in the form of a conventional crimp bead 10. Part of the bottom end of the crimp bead 10 is cut away to provide a loop 32 having an opening 28, with a connecting portion 22 between the loop 32 and the crimp bead 10. The connecting portion 22 services as the link between the crimp bead 10 and the loop 32. As shown, the loop 32 can be bent downwardly to provide a loop 32 that is easily accessed. The loop 32 can be bent downwardly at about a 90-degree angle or could be bent at about 180-degree angle. A lobster claw or other connector 22 can be connected to the loop. Alternatively, a decoration 30 can be directly coupled to the loop.

FIGS. 57-58 depict an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly 20 that includes a bendable member 66 having a loop 28 at one end in the form of a rectangular portion coupled to the loop 28. The rectangular portion 66 is wrapped around a crimp bead 10 such that the loop extends outwardly from the crimp bead 10. The rectangular portion 66 can be crimped with the crimp bead 10 and serves as a link 22 and the loop 28 serves as a decoration attachment member 32. In this embodiment a separate ring is coupled to the loop 28 and each of the separate ring and the loop 28 can serve as the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 59-61 depict yet another embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead 10 for coupling to a user's hair. A loop of string or wire 68 extends through the crimp bead 10 and a loop 70 is formed for attaching a jump ring that has an opening 28 for receiving a decorative member 30. The loop 70 serves as a linking member 22 and the jump ring serves as a decoration attachment member 32. A standard crimp bead 10 can be used, or a different type of bead can be used where the crimp bead 10 includes a deformable insert that is positioned inside the bead 10 after the loop of string or wire it positioned through the crimp bead 10. When the crimp bead 10 is crimped, a user can attach a connector, like a lobster claw clip, with a decoration 30 to the jump ring 32. The loop 70 and wire 68 are the connector 22 and the jump ring 32 is the decoration attachment member 32 in this embodiment.

FIGS. 62-65 depict another embodiment that utilizes two ring-shaped members 64 that are spaced from one another and that are coupled by a handle 72 that forms a loop. A crimp bead 10 is positioned between the two ring-shaped members 64. The ring-shaped members 64 can be made of a plastic or metal material. When the crimp bead 10 is crimped, it prevents or at least deters the two ring-shaped members 64 from being removed from the crimp bead 10. The handle 72 serves as a decoration attachment member 32. A connector 22 can be used to couple a decoration 30 to the handle 72. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 64, a loop having an opening 28 may extend from the handle 72 for attaching to a decoration 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 65, an upwardly extending arm 74 may be coupled to the handle 72 and the arm 74 can be used for attaching to a decoration 30.

FIGS. 66 and 67 depict yet another embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead 10 with a clip-like member 76 extending through the crimp bead 10 and along the side of the crimp bead 10. A loop 32 having an opening 28 is coupled to the other end of the clip-like member 76 and a decoration 30 can be attached to the loop 32. In this embodiment, the clip-like member 76 serves as the post 22.

FIG. 68 depicts a crimp bead 10 with a hole 48 extending through the side of the crimp bead 10, a loop or wire 50 extends through the hole 48 and is coupled to a free-hanging member 32 having an open center 28. The free-hanging member 32 can be used for coupling a decorative element 30. The loop 50 may be a wire material or other material. The free-hanging member 32 can be cut from a bottom end of the crimp bead 10.

FIGS. 69-71 depicts an embodiment like that shown in FIGS. 62-63, but with the upper and lower rings 64 being formed by a sheet of material that has two circular members at opposite ends coupled together by a strip of material 32. The two circular members 64 can be positioned at opposite ends of a crimp bead 10 such that when the crimp bead 10 is crimped, the two circular members 64 are trapped in place around the crimp bead 10. The strip of material 31 that couples the two circular members 64 together serves as a handle for coupling with a decorative element 30.

FIGS. 72-73 depict a connector assembly 20 with a crimp bead 10 having a hole 48 extending through a side of the bead 10 near a bottom end of the crimp bead 10. A loop 32 extends through the crimp bead hole 48. The loop 32 may be a wire loop or something like a jump ring, among other types of loops. The lower end of the crimp bead 10 serves as a link 22 and the loop serves as a decoration attachment member 32 for attaching to a decorative element 30. In use, the crimp bead 10 is crimped only at the top end of the bead 10 while the bottom end of the bead 10, in the vicinity of the hole 48 in the crimp bead 10, remains uncrimped.

FIGS. 74-75 depict yet another embodiment of a connector assembly 20 used with a crimp bead 10. In this case, a metal loop 78 having two free ends is inserted through the opening in the crimp bead 10 to form an exterior loop. When the crimp bead 10 is crimped on to the metal loop, the free ends of the loop are covered by the crimp bead 10. The remainder of the loop is used as a member for coupling with a decoration attachment member. A jump ring can be coupled to the loop, or a lobster claw or other connector 22 can be coupled to the loop to attach a decoration 30. In this embodiment, the metal loop 78 fulfills the function of the connector 22 and the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 76 and 77 depict alternative examples of a metal loop 78 having free ends for use with a crimp bead 10, as shown in FIGS. 74-75. In FIG. 76, the loop has a larger open bottom end for coupling with a decorative element 30. The bottom end of the loop extends below the crimp bead 10. In FIG. 77, the loop 32 has a larger side opening for coupling with a decorative element 30. The loop 32 does not extend below the crimp bead 10, although it could. Like with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 74-75, the metal loop 78 fulfills the function of both the connector 32 and the decoration attachment member 32.

The connector assemblies 20 have been described in the context of ornamental use in a wearer's hair. The connector assemblies 20 can advantageously be used for team wear, proms, weddings, seasonal dress up, cosplay, costumes, and many other areas. The ornamental features of the design can include licensed products, such as college and professional sportswear, as well as other licensed products, including those for children. Examples include Marvel, Disney, various types of toys, and the like. Any licensed themed jewelry may be used to apply as ornamentation to the hair. In addition, to the hair on a user's head, the connector assemblies 20 described herein could be used on beards, if desired.

The connector assemblies 20 could also be used on animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. For example, show horses often have decorated and braided manes and tails. The connector assemblies 20 could be used to apply different decorations 30 depending upon want or need. With respect to dogs and cats, pet owners like to dress up their animals and the connector assemblies 20 could be used for that purpose. For example, the connector assemblies 20 could be used for putting hats or hair decorations 30 on a dog or cat's fur. In addition, the connector assemblies 20 could be used for applying exterior wear items, like rain covers and coats. Thus, it is envisioned that the connector assemblies 20 could be used for both ornamental and utilitarian uses.

Persons could also benefit from the connector assemblies 20 for utilitarian purposes. For example, connector assemblies 20 could be used to tie a hat, sunglasses, reading glasses, and the like, to a user's hair so that they do not blow away.

In addition, the system could be used for medical purposes. For example, medical tubing or other medical devices could be coupled to the connector in a patient's hair to keep it away from the remainder of the body. Alternatively, the connector assembly could be used to cover a wound on the head by positioning connectors above and below the wound and then coupling a bandage or other covering to the connectors. Other uses are also envisioned.

Furthermore, the connector assembly could be used in other contexts where a filament or similar hair-like member is used. Hair is a filament designed for use with the invention, but other filaments, like string, for example, could be used with the system, where the connector assembly is coupled to string rather than hair.

The decorative element 30 may be any type of element that one would want to attach to their hair. Examples include beads, feathers, braids, hair, a tiara, and the like. As discussed above, a non-decorative, utilitarian item may be substituted for the decorative item and the term decorative element or decorative member shall also mean elements that are not decorative, but that serve a utilitarian purpose.

According to the invention, a connector assembly is provided for installing on a filament, such as hair. The connector assembly includes a crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping around a filament. The connector is linked to the crimp bead. The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector. The connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

The connector assembly may also include one or more decorative member for removably coupling to the decoration attachment member. The connector assembly may include one or more decorative member removably coupled to the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a utilitarian element removably coupled to the decoration attachment member.

The connector and decoration attachment member may be integrally coupled together. The decoration attachment member may include a loop for coupling to a removable decorative member. The crimping member may be a crimp bead and the connector may be a post that extends inside the crimp bead. The decorative attachment member may be coupled to the post in a permanent or a removable manner. The crimp bead may be crimped down onto a filament and the post to trap the post in position around the filament.

The connector may be a ring, a pin, a wire, a female member for coupling with a post, a male member having a downwardly facing opening for receiving a post, a post having a bead positioned at an end thereof, a male member having downwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a male member having downwardly extending prongs for coupling with a female member, a cuff, multiple posts, a clip, a string, a wrap-around member for wrapping around the crimping member, a pair of bendable prongs, or a combination thereof. The decoration attachment member may be a cuff-like member for coupling to a post, a lobster-claw connector, a female member having upwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a female member having an upwardly facing opening for coupling with bendable prongs, a loop, a ring, a handle, a clip, a post, a post having a bead extending outwardly therefrom, a wire, a string, a cuff-like member having a shelf, or a combination thereof.

The connector may be an element that is positioned at least in part inside the crimping member. The connector may be a clip, a string, a loop, a wire, or a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for attaching decorative elements to a filament includes installing the crimping member around the filament, crimping the crimping member so that it is semi-permanently coupled to the filament, and attaching a decorative element to the decoration attachment member. The filament may be strands of hair.

According to another embodiment, a connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping around a filament. The connector is linked to the crimping member. The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector and the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament. The connector is a post that is coupled at one end thereof to the crimping member so that when the crimping member is crimped on a filament, the post is substantially permanently coupled to the filament. The decoration attachment member is a female member that clips onto the post. The decoration attachment member includes an opening for connection of a decorative member.

The post may have a bead positioned at a bottom end thereof, with the bead having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the post. The cuff may have an inner indentation for accepting the bead. The cuff may be press-fit when installed on the post. The post and cuff may be made of a plastic material. The post may include a ring at an upper end thereof. The ring may be positioned around an exterior surface of the crimping member, or the post is positioned inside the crimping member.

The female member of the decoration attachment member may be a cuff that seats around the post, or a member having an opening in an upper end thereof for attaching to a bottom end of the post along the longitudinal axis of the post, with the member optionally having arms.

In yet another embodiment, a connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping around a filament. The connector is integrally formed with the crimping member. The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector. The connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

The crimping member may include a hole positioned at a bottom end thereof. The decoration attachment member may be a loop that is coupled to the hole. The loop may be a wire, a ring, or a string. The crimping member may be a cylindrical member that is sliced at a bottom end thereof to separate at least part of the crimping member from the remainder of the crimping member. When the crimping member is sliced all the way through, a ring is formed as the decoration attachment member and the ring is coupled to the remainder of the crimping member by a loop. When the crimping member is sliced partially therethrough, a part of the crimping member at the bottom end thereof is bent downwardly to provide the decoration attachment member.

While various features are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed examples pertain. The examples described herein are exemplary. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use alternative designs having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements recited in the claims. The intended scope may thus include other examples that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising:

a crimping member for crimping around a filament;

a connector linked to the crimp bead; and

a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector,

wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more decorative member for removably coupling to the decoration attachment member.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more decorative member removably coupled to the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a utilitarian element removably coupled to the decoration attachment member.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector and decoration attachment member are integrally coupled together.

6. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the decoration attachment member includes a loop for coupling to a removable decorative member.

7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the crimping member is a crimp bead, the connector is a post that extends inside the crimp bead, and the decorative attachment member is coupled to the post in a permanent or a removable manner, and the crimp bead is crimped down onto a filament and the post to trap the post in position around the filament.

8. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is a ring, a pin, a wire, a female member for coupling with a post, a male member having a downwardly facing opening for receiving a post, a post having a bead positioned at an end thereof, a male member having downwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a male member having downwardly extending prongs for coupling with a female member, a cuff, multiple posts, a clip, a string, a wrap-around member for wrapping around the crimping member, a pair of bendable prongs, or a combination thereof.

9. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the decoration attachment member is a cuff-like member for coupling to a post, a lobster-claw connector, a female member having upwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a female member having an upwardly facing opening for coupling with bendable prongs, a loop, a ring, a handle, a clip, a post, a post having a bead extending outwardly therefrom, a wire, a string, a cuff-like member having a shelf, or a combination thereof.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is an element that is positioned at least in part inside the crimping member, and the connector is a clip, a string, a loop, a wire, or a combination thereof.

11. A method for attaching decorative elements to a filament according to claim 1, comprising:

installing the crimping member around the filament;

crimping the crimping member so that it is semi-permanently coupled to the filament; and

attaching a decorative element to the decoration attachment member.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the filament is strands of hair.

13. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising:

a crimping member for crimping around a filament;

a connector linked to the crimping member; and

a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector,

wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament,

the connector is a post that is coupled at one end thereof to the crimping member so that when the crimping member is crimped on a filament, the post is substantially permanently coupled to the filament, and

the decoration attachment member is a female member that clips onto the post, with the decoration attachment member including an opening for connection of a decorative member.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the post has a bead positioned at a bottom end thereof, with the bead having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the post, and the cuff has an inner indentation for accepting the bead, and the cuff has a press-fit when installed on the post.

15. The connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the post and cuff are made of a plastic material.

16. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the post includes a ring at an upper end thereof and the ring is positioned around an exterior surface of the crimping member, or the post is positioned inside the crimping member.

17. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the female member of the decoration attachment member is a cuff that seats around the post, or a member having an opening in an upper end thereof for attaching to a bottom end of the post along the longitudinal axis of the post, with the member optionally having arms.

18. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising:

a crimping member for crimping around a filament;

a connector integrally formed with the crimping member; and

a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector,

wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

19. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the crimping member includes a hole positioned at a bottom end thereof, and the decoration attachment member is a loop that is coupled to the hole, wherein the loop is a wire, a ring, or a string.

20. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the crimping member is a cylindrical member that is sliced at a bottom end thereof to separate at least part of the crimping member from the remainder of the crimping member, wherein when the crimping member is sliced all the way through, a ring is formed as the decoration attachment member and the ring is coupled to the remainder of the crimping member by a loop, or wherein when the crimping member is sliced partially therethrough, a part of the crimping member at the bottom end thereof is bent downwardly to provide the decoration attachment member.