ENHANCED CLIP ON HAIR CHARM

Abstract

A hair styling charm is provided consisting of two synchronized shell members pivotally connected and capable of moving between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the charm features first and second openings formed between the shells. Each shell has a concave inner surface lined with a resilient silicone pad, featuring complementary ridges. These ridges engage when the charm is closed, effectively altering the direction of hair passing through it. Silicone pads, secured within the shell members by pegs and holes, are designed to bulge outwardly, shifting from concave to a more planar shape as they interact with hair.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the domain of hair accessories, more specifically, to a system designed for attaching charms to hair. This system emphasizes a secure grip mechanism that ensures the charm remains firmly in place.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditionally, beads and similar ornaments have been used to enhance hair aesthetics, typically involving the threading of hair through a central hole in the bead. While this method is somewhat effective, it tends to be laborious, particularly when multiple beads are used.

In light of these challenges, an invention described in the RELATED APPLICATIONS provided a bead designed for hair styling which incorporates several innovative features, consisting of two hemispherical shells that are pivotally connected on one side. This previously introduced invention, as detailed in related applications and incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein, innovated in this area by creating a charm in the form of a bead for hairstyling purposes. This bead, comprising two hemispherical shells pivotally joined, can alternate between open and closed positions. These shells are uniquely designed with concave inner surfaces and convex outer surfaces, featuring resilient silicone pads with ridges that change the direction of hair passing through the bead. This design not only facilitates hair manipulation but also ensures ease of attachment and secure positioning.

However, for broader commercial application of such hair charms, several improvements have been recognized as necessary. These improvements are mainly focused on enhancing the charm's grip on hair, ensuring it remains securely positioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to augment the existing hair styling charm with significant enhancements. These enhancements, both functional and aesthetic, are intended to increase the charm's efficacy and appeal for hairstyling uses.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide such enhancements for beads and other charms or jewelry elements for hair styling that include two pivotally connected members, capable of moving between open and closed positions,

At the heart of the invention is a charm consisting of two pivotally united members, capable of transitioning between an open state and a closed state. The present invention's improvements lies in its redesigned pivotal connection, latch mechanism, and silicone pads, contributing to its enhanced functionality.

The present innovation improves on the innovations of the Related Applications, with the pivotal connection reinforced by a widened hinge design, significantly improving the charm's durability and reducing the risk of breakage after repeated use. The latch mechanism of the charm has been redesigned for increased rigidity and security. The male element of the clip, previously constituted of multiple prongs, is now a single, continuous structure. This design modification contributes to a more robust and enduring latch. Additionally, the clip recess has been adjusted to ensure a gap-free closure between the two halves of the charm, enhancing both functionality and appearance.

The silicone pads within each charm half have undergone modifications in terms of softness and spacing. The silicone material is now 50% softer, which improves the grip on hair. Additionally, to accommodate diverse charm designs, the gap between the silicone components is increased, and the sizing of the pins has been appropriately adjusted.

In line with the functional improvements, the charm's aesthetic appeal is also enhanced. Transparent silicone is used for the pads, ensuring that the ornamentally of the outer shell is not compromised.

An alternative embodiment of the charm is further provided for different market segments, particularly targeting younger users or casual styles. This version utilizes a one-piece outer shell design with a living hinge, potentially larger in size, and includes an internal wall between locator pins on the hinge side to prevent hair entanglement.

Further objects, features, elements and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary hair charm design shown according to the Related Applications in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational schematic thereof shown in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of an exemplary hair charm design, in an open positions, showing the improved hinge and latch mechanisms according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a side elevational schematic thereof shown in a closed position;

FIG. 4B is a front schematic view of a the resilient pads 50 for use therewith;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment, showcasing a one-piece plastic charm with a living hinge and the internal wall, shown in an open position;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view thereof, shown in a closed position;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view thereof, shown in an open position; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. It should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent and that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

For purposes of the present disclosure the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items. Further for purposes of the present disclosure the terms describing spacial and functionally relevant directions (e.g., “in”, “out”, “left” “right”, “up” or “down”) are used to aid in the description to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to aid others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and are not meant to be limiting to any particular orientation. It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a hair charm design as further described more fully in the Related Applications, in which a hair charm, showing herein as a bead 10 is provided comprising a first member 12 and a second member 14. The pivotal connection 16, previously susceptible to wear, has been improved as shown in conjunction with FIG. 3 through FIG. 4B with a widened hinge design, significantly increasing the charm's durability and reducing the risk of breakage.

In the improved configuration according to the present invention, the pivotal connection 26 of the charm 20 has been redesigned, now featuring a broadened hinge 26 for increased durability and reduced risk of breakage from repeated use. The latch mechanism may be composed of multiple prongs, but is preferrably formed as a single, continuous structure 30, offering greater strength and durability. Furthermore, the clip recess 40 has been modified to ensure a seamless closure, thereby enhancing both the charm's functional and aesthetic properties.

Each shell member 22, 24 includes a concave inner surface with a resilient pad 50. Significant changes have been made to the silicone pads in each half of the charm. The pads 50 are preferrably softer than in the Related Applications, ensuring a better grip on hair. In a more preferred embodiment, the pads 50 may be formed of a silicone material having a Shore Hardness of between 20 A through 44 A, and more preferrably having a Shore Hardness of about 40 A or softer. Intended to accommodate a variety of charm designs, the gap “G” between the silicone components has been enlarged, and the pin sizes have been correspondingly adjusted. Opposed inner surfaces of each of the first and second resilient pads 50 and 52 comprise complementary mating surfaces. That is, the inner surface 40 of the first resilient pad 50 includes one or more protruding portions which are received in corresponding recessed portions in the inner surface of the second resilient pad 52. In the embodiment shown, the ridges 54 extend perpendicular to the direction hair would pass through the charm 20. The ridges 54 preferrably extend into the relevant opening at about 1.50 mm.

In the embodiment shown, the ridges 54 are arcuate in transverse cross section such that the inner surface 40 of each of the first and second resilient pads 50 and 52 comprises corrugations extending transversely to an axis passing centrally through the first and second openings. The first opening “G1” preferrably forms a width of 2.95 mm and a second opening “G2” preferrably forms a width of about 1.45 mm in a closed position. of ab out

To preserve the charm's decorative quality, transparent silicone may preferrably be used for the pads 50.

The pads feature complementary ridges on their inner surfaces, extending along the length of the charm, ensuring effective hair deflection when the charm is in the closed position.

The first and second members 50 and 52 are moved to the open position to receive a portion of hair 100 and then moved to the closed position to engage the hair 100 and thereby secure the charm 20 relative to the hair 100. In the closed position, first surfaces of each of the first and second members 52 and 54 are moved towards each other. The first surfaces 18 of the first and second members 52 and 54 move away from each other as the charm 20 moves to the open position.

The first and second members 52 and 54 are pivotally connected adjacent first sides 16 thereof. The pivotal connection 26 is provided by a hinge mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the hinge mechanism comprises one or more first barrels provided on the first member adjacent the first side thereof and one or more second barrels provided on the second member adjacent the first side thereof. In the embodiment shown, there is provided a single first barrel 20 and a pair of second barrels 22 such that, in use, the first barrel is received between the second barrels.

When the first sides 16 of the first and second members are located adjacent each other, the first and second barrels and align to define a common aperture through which a pin (not shown) is received. The first and second members pivot about the pin to form the pivotal connection.

The charm 20 may further include a latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism holds the first and second members in the closed position. The latch mechanism of the charm may include a male element of a clip as a single, continuous structure, rather than multiple prongs, providing a more secure and enduring latch. Additionally, the clip recess may be formed to ensure a gap-free closure.

As shown in conjunction with FIG. 5A through FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment, aimed at different market segments, a charm 200 features a one-piece outer shell design 202 with two halves connected by a living hinge 204.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

In use, the charms are moved from the closed position (as shown in FIG. 4a) to the open position (as shown in FIG. 4b) to receive hair 11. A portion of hair 11 is then placed between the first and second members 12 and 14 (as shown in FIG. 4c) and the first and second members 12 and 14 pressed back to the closed position (as shown in FIG. 4d).

In the closed position, the resilient pads 33 and 35 are pressed together and thereby apply force to clamp the hair 11. The clamping force applied, the gripping nature of the resilient material and the fact the hair 11 changes direction as it passes over the ridges 42 as it extends through the charm 10 (as shown in FIG. 6b) all act to resist sliding movement of the charm 10 relative to the hair 11. The charm 10 is therefore relatively easily and securely attached to the hair 11. The outer surfaces 19 of the shells 13 and 15 may be provided with various colourings and/or ornamentation to enhance the appearance of the hair 11 to which the charm 10 is attached.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed. They are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed and, obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that a scope of the invention be defined broadly by the Drawings and Specification appended hereto and to their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is in no way to be limited only by any adverse inference under the rulings of Warner-Jenkinson Company, v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 US 17 (1997) or Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co., 535 U.S. 722 (2002), or other similar caselaw or subsequent precedent should not be made if any future claims are added or amended subsequent to this Patent Application.

Claims

1. A hair styling charm comprising: first and second synchronized shell members pivotally secured adjacent first sides, enabling movement between a closed position, where second sides of the first and second members are adjacent, and an open position, where the second sides are apart;first and second openings defined between the first and second side members in the closed position;first and second resilient silicone pads provided on concave first surfaces of the respective members, featuring complementary ridges extending continuously along their length from adjacent the first side to adjacent the second side of the members;wherein in the closed position, the ridges engage to deflect hair passing through the charm, changing its direction, and the resilient nature of the silicone pads causes their end surfaces to bulge outwardly from concave to generally planar.

2. The hair styling charm of claim 1, wherein the first and second resilient silicone pads are secured to the first surfaces of the first and second shells by pegs extending outwardly from the first surfaces to be received in corresponding holes in the outer surfaces of the pads.

3. The hair styling charm of claim 1, wherein said first and second synchronized shell members comprise a one-piece outer shell design with two halves connected by a living hinge.

4. The hair styling charm of claim 2, wherein said first and second synchronized shell members comprise a one-piece outer shell design with two halves connected by a living hinge.

5. The hair styling charm of claim 1, further including a clip recess modification to ensure seamless closure without any gap between the two halves when in the closed position.

6. The hair styling charm of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second shells includes recessed portions adjacent opposed ends thereof, defining circular first and second openings when the charm is in the closed position, accommodating diverse charm designs.

7. The hair styling charm of claim 6, including a latch mechanism that holds the first and second members in the closed position, the latch mechanism comprising an elongate member with a first end received in a first slot on an inner surface of the first shell and a protruding second end receivable in a second slot on an inner surface of the second shell.

8. The hair styling charm of claim 7, wherein the second end of the latch member includes a protruding portion on an outer side thereof, designed to resiliently engage in a corresponding notch in the second slot when the charm is moved to the closed position.

9. The hair styling charm of claim 8, wherein the pivotal connection is provided by a hinge mechanism with widened first barrels on the first member and second barrels on the second member, the barrels including alignable apertures to receive a pin.

10. A hair charm comprising: a first member and a second member;a pivotal connection between the first and second members;a latch mechanism designed to ensure seamless closure, the latch mechanism comprising either multiple prongs or a single, continuous structure;each of the first and second members featuring a concave inner surface equipped with a resilient pad, the pads being softer compared to previous designs and made of silicone material with a specified Shore Hardness A range;complementary mating surfaces on opposed inner surfaces of the first and second resilient pads, including protruding and recessed portions for enhanced grip on hair;the resilient pads having ridges extending perpendicular to the direction of hair passage when the charm is in use, with the ridges extending into the opening by a specified measurement;the resilient pads' ridges being arcuate in transverse cross-section, forming corrugations extending transversely to an axis passing through the charm;the charm having first and second openings with specified widths in a closed position.

11. A method of using the hair charm of claim 10 comprising: moving the first and second members from a closed position to an open position to receive a portion of hair;securing the charm relative to the hair by moving the first and second members to the closed position;the first and second members being pivotally connected and moving towards or away from each other as the charm transitions between open and closed positions;a hinge mechanism facilitating the pivotal connection between the first and second members, comprising barrels that align to define a common aperture for a pin to form the pivotal connection;including a latch mechanism to hold the first and second members in the closed position, with the latch mechanism featuring a more secure and enduring design.