Patent Application
20250194769
The present invention relates generally to the field of interchangeable hair accessory devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to interchangeable hair accessories designed to better match school uniforms and other clothes. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in interchangeable hair accessory devices. Generally, girls who enjoy wearing different hair accessories like barrettes, clips, scrunchies, headbands, etc., to school may have trouble matching their accessories to their school uniform and other clothes. Further, parents may need to buy several different types of hair accessories for their children. Additionally, some hair accessories may not be washable and must be thrown out after only a few uses. Thus, hair accessories lack customization and may not look as good as a student would want to wear to school.
There exist certain occasions where one may wish to personalize accessory articles to suit individual style and taste. On other occasions, one may desire to match or complement an outfit with accessory articles. Personalization of accessory articles presently requires the purchase of a plethora of accessory items having a variety of different colors and designs. Accumulation of the required accessory items is expensive and overcrowds closets.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved interchangeable hair accessory device that provides multiple different types of accessories that can be applied to headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes. More particularly, there is a demand for an interchangeable hair accessory device that allows users to interchange different accessories to customize and personalize their look.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that provides users with interchangeable hair accessories designed to better match school uniforms. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that features multiple different types of accessories that can be applied to headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that allows users to interchange different letters and symbols onto the hair accessories to customize and personalize their look. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents parents from having to purchase several different types of hair accessories for their children. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device wherein the decorations are secured within the holes of the hair accessory. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that can be washed and reused as needed.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an interchangeable hair accessory device. The device is a set of customizable hair barrettes and other hair accessories that can receive clip-on pieces designed to change the color and shape of the hair accessory. The interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as a headband, barrette, scrunchies, etc. The body component comprises a plurality of small through-holes or apertures. Each of the decoration components comprises a post or other protrusion on the back side. The post is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components. The decoration components can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. Further, the decoration components can be designed to match school uniforms and other clothes with ease and convenience. The hair accessories can also be washed and reused as needed.
In this manner, the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides customizable hair accessories. The device comprises hair accessories with multiple interchangeable decoration components. The device can be manufactured of a plastic material.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an interchangeable hair accessory device. The device is a set of customizable hair barrettes and other hair accessories that can receive clip-on pieces designed to change the color and shape of the hair accessory. The interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory with a plurality of small through-holes. Further, each of the decoration components comprises a post, which is sized to fit within a through-hole, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Accordingly, each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components.
In one embodiment, decorative items such as charms, beads, bracelets, and barrettes are widely known in the art. However, there is a limited amount of variance in these items, especially as it relates to the ways that these items can be displayed on a person, clothing, or other item. Customization of these items is a rapidly growing area of the art and new ways of interchanging decorative parts is highly sought after. The presently disclosed device will allow a user to frequently and easily customize these decorative items by interchanging only a portion of the device saving money and time in the manufacturing process and to the consumer.
In one embodiment, the hair accessories include, but are not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies, etc., or any other suitable hair accessory as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The hair accessory is the body component of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the body component of the scrunchies includes an annular tube of fabric and an elastic band. The tube may be made of various fabric materials such as, but not limited to, jersey, lycra, cotton knit, interlock, and thermal materials, and of natural or synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. The tube is formed from a rectangular piece of fabric that is folded and sewn into the tube. The tube is then formed in an annulus in a well-known manner and, as a result, has a longitudinal seam along one outer edge.
In one embodiment, the headband comprises a base body that can be secured to the user's hair. The base body may be plastic or metal and, in some embodiments, may have an integrated clip, comb, or other mechanism for securing the accessory to the hair.
In one embodiment, the body component of the barrette is constructed of a light-weight metal, plastic, or other similar material that is moldable. The body component of the barrette will be of varying length from one inch to five inches or more. The body component of the barrette may or may not have an opening in the center depending on the desired look and strength of the barrette. The body component of the barrette may be straight, have a concave bend, or have a convex bend in it. The barrette will also have a metal, plastic, or other moldable material hinge which will secure the body component of the barrette to the bottom band of the barrette. The bottom band of the barrette is designed to have a material, hair, or clothing placed between the bottom band and the body component, such that when the bottom band is latched to the body component, the barrette will stay in place. The bottom band of the barrette and the body component of the barrette are attached to each other by the hinge at one end and a clasp at the other end. The clasp is made from light-weight metal, plastic, or other similar material that is moldable.
In one embodiment, the body component of the hair comb comprises a flat section of varying length with a plurality of teeth which extend therefrom, for engaging with a user's hair.
In one embodiment, the interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as, but not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies, etc. The body components can be of any suitable shape and size, depending on the hair accessory. The exterior of the body components comprise a plurality of small through-holes or apertures positioned on the surface in a spaced apart relationship. Specifically, the headband comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of small through-holes positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The barrette comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of small through-holes positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The scrunchie comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface which rests against a user's hair. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of small through-holes positioned in a spaced apart relationship.
In one embodiment, the body component is constructed so that the article has a proximal end, a distal end, and a central section. The central section of the body component comprises a plurality of through-holes to receive the interchangeable decoration component. The interchangeable decoration component comprises a top surface having a display surface, sidewalls, and a back surface having a securing member (i.e., post) adapted to engage with the through-holes of the central section of the body component for removably attaching the interchangeable decoration component to the body component. Materials for the hair accessory as well as for the interchangeable decoration components may vary in design and texture.
In one embodiment, the plurality of through-holes provide attaching means to attach decoration components to customize the hair accessories. The plurality of through-holes act as a socket element for accepting the decoration components. Further, the decoration components comprise a post or other protrusion, stud element, etc., on the back side. The post is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components. The decoration components can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. The through-holes are positioned along the length of the headband in an equal distance manner apart from each other, with a specified distance from the distal end and proximal end.
In one embodiment, the decoration component can be releasably secured to the body component via the post inserted into the through-hole. Specifically, the decoration component is secured via a snap-on connection or compression fit, wherein projections (i.e., post) on the back side of the decoration component engage with openings (i.e., through-holes) on the body component. Thus, when needed, the decoration component may be detached and removed from the body component and/or exchanged with a different body component.
In one embodiment, the decoration component is removably attached to the exterior of the body component. Specifically, the decoration component may be comprised of a decorative head and a shaft or post sized to fit within the through-hole in the body component. The fit may be a compression or snap fit or can include a backing that engages the shaft or post to secure it in place. In another embodiment, the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a hook and loop fastener, wherein a piece of the hook portion of the fastener is attached to the decoration component and a piece of the loop portion of the fastener is attached to the body component, although the hook and loop portions could be reversed. Preferably, hook and loop fasteners are utilized, however alternatively snaps, hooks, buttons or other mechanical devices for fasteners may be utilized, as well as adhesive materials.
In one embodiment, the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a magnetic attachment, wherein a magnet is permanently attached to the decoration component and is attracted to a ferromagnetic material permanently attached to the body component.
Such interchangeable attachments are readily removably attached to a portion of an accessory to provide aesthetic appeal and versatility. In addition, they can be removably attached as aforesaid to enhance visibility of the items with which they are associated.
In one embodiment, the colors, textures, designs, shapes, and/sizes of the interchangeable decoration components can vary, along with materials used to manufacture the same. Further, gemstones can be added, reflective threads, material, and a light source, such as LED or fiber optics or the like, may be incorporated within the design of the interchangeable decoration components, which can be in communication with a power source via a battery, which in turn is in communication with an on/off switch. In one embodiment, the user is able to customize the hair accessories by attaching decoration components in a sturdy and stable manner in a predefined arrangement and fastening hair more efficiently and comfortably, especially with decoration components.
In one embodiment, the decoration components are provided as appliqués, patches or swatches, designs, or shapes. The interchangeable decoration components have a plethora of designs and may include LED, fiber optic, and/or reflective properties to provide both aesthetic appeal and enhance safety during dimly lit conditions. Further, the decoration components can be designed to match school uniforms and other clothes with ease and convenience. The hair accessories can also be washed and reused as needed.
In yet another embodiment, the interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of customizing multiple hair accessories is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable hair accessory device comprising a body component that is configured as a hair accessory with a plurality of through-holes. The method also comprises providing a plurality of decoration components comprising a post secured to the back side of each. Further, the method comprises securing multiple decoration components to the body component via inserting the post into the through-hole. Finally, the method comprises customizing the body component based on the look and color of the decoration components used.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that provides users with interchangeable hair accessories designed to better match school uniforms. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that features multiple different types of accessories that can be applied to headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that allows users to interchange different letters and symbols onto the hair accessories to customize and personalize their look. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents parents from having to purchase several different types of hair accessories for their children. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device wherein the decorations are secured within the holes of the hair accessory. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that can be washed and reused as needed.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel interchangeable hair accessory device. The interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as a headband, barrette, scrunchies, etc. The body component comprises a plurality of small through-holes or apertures. Each of the decoration components comprises a post or other protrusion on the back side. The post is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components. The decoration components can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. The present invention also includes a novel method of customizing multiple hair accessories. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable hair accessory device comprising a body component that is configured as a hair accessory with a plurality of through-holes. The method also comprises providing a plurality of decoration components comprising a post secured to the back side of each. Further, the method comprises securing multiple decoration components to the body component via inserting the post into the through-hole. Finally, the method comprises customizing the body component based on the look and color of the decoration components used.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, decorative items such as charms, beads, bracelets, and barrettes are widely known in the art. However, there is a limited amount of variance in these items, especially as it relates to the ways that these items can be displayed on a person, clothing, or other item. Customization of these items is a rapidly growing area of the art and new ways of interchanging decorative parts is highly sought after. The presently disclosed device 100 will allow a user 110 to frequently and easily customize these decorative items by interchanging only a portion of the device 100 saving money and time in the manufacturing process and to the consumer.
Typically, the hair accessories include, but are not limited to, headbands 300, barrettes 200, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies 400, etc., or any other suitable hair accessory as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 110. The hair accessory is the body component 102 of the present invention.
Furthermore, the body component 102 is constructed so that the article has a proximal end 112, a distal end 114, and a central section 116. The central section 116 of the body component 102 comprises a plurality of through-holes 104 to receive the interchangeable decoration component 106. The interchangeable decoration component 106 comprises a top surface 118 having a display surface, sidewalls 120, and a back surface 122 having a securing member (i.e., post 108) adapted to engage with the through-holes 104 of the central section 116 of the body component 102 for removably attaching the interchangeable decoration component 106 to the body component 102. Materials for the hair accessory as well as for the interchangeable decoration components 106 may vary in design and texture.
Accordingly, the plurality of through-holes 104 provide attaching means to attach decoration components 106 to customize the hair accessories. The plurality of through-holes 104 act as a socket element for accepting the decoration components 106. Further, the decoration components 106 comprise a post 108 or other protrusion, stud element, etc., on the back side 122. The post 108 is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes 104, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component 102 can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components 106. The decoration components 106 can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. The through-holes 104 are positioned along the length of the headband 300 (or other suitable hair accessory) in an equal distance manner apart from each other, with a specified distance from the distal end 114 and proximal end 112.
Further, the decoration component 106 can be releasably secured to the body component 102 via the post 108 inserted into the through-hole 104. Specifically, the decoration component 106 is secured via a snap-on connection or compression fit, wherein projections (i.e., post 108) on the back side 122 of the decoration component 106 engages with openings (i.e., through-holes 104) on the body component 102. Thus, when needed, the decoration component 106 may be detached and removed from the body component 102 and/or exchanged with a different body component 102.
Additionally, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the exterior 124 of the body component 102. Specifically, the decoration component 106 may be comprised of a decorative head 126 and a shaft or post 108 sized to fit within the through-hole 104 in the body component 102. The fit may be a compression or snap fit or can include a backing that engages the shaft or post 108 to secure it in place. In another embodiment, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the body component 102 by a hook and loop fastener 128, wherein a piece of the hook portion of the fastener is attached to the decoration component 106 and a piece of the loop portion of the fastener is attached to the body component 102, although the hook and loop portions could be reversed. Preferably, hook and loop fasteners are utilized, however alternatively snaps, hooks, buttons or other mechanical devices for fasteners may be utilized, as well as adhesive materials.
In one embodiment, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the body component 102 by a magnetic attachment 130, wherein a magnet is permanently attached to the decoration component 106 and is attracted to a ferromagnetic material permanently attached to the body component 102.
In one embodiment, the colors, textures, designs, shapes, and/sizes of the interchangeable decoration components 106 can vary, along with materials used to manufacture the same. Further, gemstones can be added, reflective threads, material, and a light source, such as LED or fiber optics or the like, may be incorporated within the design of the interchangeable decoration components 106, which can be in communication with a power source via a battery, which in turn is in communication with an on/off switch. In one embodiment, the user 110 is able to customize the hair accessories by attaching decoration components 106 in a sturdy and stable manner in a predefined arrangement and fastening hair in a more efficient and comfortable manner, especially with decoration components 106.
In one embodiment, the decoration components 106 are provided as appliqués, patches or swatches, designs or shapes. The interchangeable decoration components 106 have a plethora of designs and may include LED, fiber optic, and/or reflective properties to provide both aesthetic appeal and enhance safety during dimly lit conditions. Further, the decoration components 106 can be designed to match school uniforms and other clothes with ease and convenience. The hair accessories can also be washed and reused as needed.
As shown in
As shown in
In another embodiment, the body component 102 of the hair comb (not shown) comprises a flat section of varying length with a plurality of teeth which extend therefrom, for engaging with a user's hair.
As shown in
Accordingly, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as, but not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies, etc. The body components 102 can be of any suitable shape and size, depending on the hair accessory. The exterior 124 of the body components 102 comprise a plurality of small through-holes 104 or apertures positioned on the surface in a spaced apart relationship. Specifically, the headband 300 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 302 which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The barrette 200 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 212 which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The scrunchie 400 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 404 which rests against a user's hair. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship.
A plurality of interchangeable decoration components 106 are then inserted into the plurality of through-holes 104. Such interchangeable attachments 106 are readily removably attached to a portion of an accessory to provide aesthetic appeal and versatility. In addition, they can be removably attached as aforesaid to enhance visibility of the items with which they are associated.
As shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “interchangeable hair accessory device”, “hair accessory device”, “interchangeable device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/609,494, which was filed on Dec. 13, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63609494 | Dec 2023 | US |
