HAIR CLASP

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention provides a hair clasp comprising a substrate made of a flexible material capable of going from a concave position to a convex position by the application of slight force, such as by press of fingers. The substrate has an inner portion that comes in contact with hair and an outer portion that is exposed. The hair clasp comprises at least one set of teeth having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the substrate. The flexible material used as the substrate may be any rubbery material such as natural rubber, neoprene, silicone, and the like. The hair clasp may further include decorative items such as bows, colored cloths, and the like, on the outer portion of the substrate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to in general to the field of devices used in the shaping of the human hair and making hair styles in various fashions.

BACKGROUND

Claw and jaw clips for hair exist in a variety of shapes and sizes and are often worn in the hair for various style purposes. Typical hair clips have two rigid body pieces (made of hard plastic, for example) that are pivotally attached to one another by a spring-based hinge. Each of the body components has a handle part, a toothed part for holding onto hair, and an intermediate part where the rigid bodies are connected by a pivot. The inflexible body usually causes discomfort as the hard plastic and springs often pull the user's hair or hurt when the user leans the head back against a hard surface with the hair clip on. These hair clips are also not successful enough in providing different hairstyles and limited only to holding hair in single fashion.

Hence, to provide hair styling along with comfort to the human hair, current innovation is made to provide solutions to not only this but other challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a hair clasp comprising a substrate made of a flexible material capable of going from a concave position to a convex position such that, both concave and convex positions are stable in their respective positions and the substrate can remain in the respective position unless acted upon by force. The substrate comprises an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, a body plane defined generally by the perimeter, and a body axis generally central to the body and oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane. The hair clasp then comprises a set of teeth coupled to and extending from the substrate, the set of teeth attached to the inner surface of the substrate at a proximal end of the teeth, and extending away to a free end at a distal end of the teeth. The hair clasp can go from its open position to its closed position, and vice versa, by use of a slight force to snap from concave to convex hold positions and convex to concave hold positions. The set of teeth can be configured to snap into place. In some instances, when the hair clasp is moved from its open to closed position and vice versa, a clicking noise can be included to let a user know that the hair clasp is now in position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a bottom view of one embodiment of the hair clasp in its open position.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of one embodiment of the hair clasp in its closed position.

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp in its open position.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp in the closed position.

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp in its open position.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp in its closed position.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair clasp of the invention in its open position.

FIG. 4B is a side top view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp in its closed position.

FIG. 5A shows user inserting her hair through the hair clasp of the invention in its open position.

FIG. 5B shows the user closing the hair clasp.

FIG. 5C shows the user's hair held in place by the hair clasp of the invention.

FIG. 6A shows another illustration of the use of the hair clasp of the invention in its open position.

FIG. 6B shows another illustration of the use of the hair clasp of the invention in its closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As noted herein, in one aspect the invention provides a hair clasp. FIG. 1A is a bottom view of one embodiment of the hair clasp of the invention generally depicted by numeral 10 in its open position. The hair clasp 10 comprises a substrate 12 made of a flexible material that is capable of going from a concave position to a convex position. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the substrate is a ring with a tapered or a curved surface. It can also be viewed as a donut shaped with a curved or a tapered surface. The shape with the curved surface allows for the substrate to go from a concave position to a convex position and vice versa. The choice of the flexible material allows for the change of position to be effected with the application of slight force, such as by the press of fingers. The substrate is characterized by an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, a body plane defined generally by the perimeter, and a body axis generally central to the body and oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane

The hair clasp then comprises a set of teeth 14 coupled to and extending from the substrate, the set of teeth attached to the inner surface of the substrate at a proximal end of the teeth, and extending away to a free end at a distal end of the teeth. In its open position, the set of teeth is shown to be extended upward from the substrate 12. However, the set of teeth can be configured to extend outward, or partially inward or in any direction as necessary. In the open position, the set of teeth are arranged such that they are facing away from the substrate and the hair, so that collected hair can be arranged, inserted, styled or organized within the hair clasp of the invention without the teeth getting in the way. The set of teeth may be fixed onto the substrate using known methods in the art, which may include, for example, gluing with an adhesive, molding, and the like.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of one embodiment of the hair clasp of the invention 10 in the closed position. In this exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the set of teeth are shown to come closer to each other. However, the set of teeth can also be configured to be interlocking with each other. In the closed position, the set of teeth are configured to hold the collected hair in position in the style of choice by the user. In this manner, user can manipulate the hair clasp of the invention from the open position to the closed position in a facile manner without too much effort. The hair clasp of the invention varies from other such known products in that the two positions are stable, whereas the existing products, such as jaw clips, are configured to remain in one position wherein going from a closed position to an open position requires considerable force, and as soon as the force is removed, the clips revert back to the closed position, typically by a spring action.

The set of teeth may be configured to have a broad base at its proximal end where it is fixed to the substrate and may generally have a tapered width towards its distal end. Other such shapes that are ornamental and still function in its role of clasping the hair tightly will become apparent to one skilled in the art, and are all contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp 20 of the invention in its open position, while FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the hair clasp 20 in its closed position. As can be seen, in this exemplary embodiment, the set of teeth 24 are configured to be present on one side of the ring shaped substrate 22. In the open position, the distal end of the set of teeth 24 are farther away from the center of the substrate 22, while in its closed position shown in FIG. 2B, the distal end 24 is closer to the substrate 22. This configuration of the substrate and set of teeth combination will enable pulling of a selected amount of gathered hair through the center (like a pony tail or a bun), and secure the hair in place in a very facile manner.

As noted herein, the number of possible combinations and configurations, including shapes, and sizes, of the sets of teeth can be varied according to a variety of requirements, such as fashion choices, etc. All such possible variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. FIG. 3A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp of the invention 30 in its closed position. In this configuration, the set of teeth 34 are shown to extend from the outer perimeter of the substrate 32 in the configuration shown herein, such that each tooth is spaced apart approximately the same distance from its neighboring tooth, and is configured to go around the substrate 32. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the hair clasp 30 in its closed position. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the set of teeth are shown to protrude to an extent such that the distal ends reach to an inner perimeter of the substrate 32. Other such configurations will become obvious to one skilled in the art, and may include, for example, extending the length of teeth such that it interlocks across the inner perimeter of the substrate.

The hair clasp of the invention is also conducive for manufacturing it in different shapes and sizes depending on user's needs and fashion choices. FIG. 4A is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair clasp of the invention in its open position, depicted by numeral 40, wherein the substrate 42 is floral shaped having 5 petals. In this exemplary embodiment, the set of teeth 44 extend from the edge of each petal. Also, in this exemplary embodiment, a set of 3 teeth are shown for purposes of illustration, however, as noted herein, any number of set of teeth can be disposed on each petal FIG. 4B is a side top view of the exemplary embodiment of the hair clasp 40 in its closed position. Other such shapes are also contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. It would be obvious that the shape would often be decided based upon several factors by the user, which may include, for example, choice of clothes, colors, current fashion trends, and the like. This invention enables the manufacture of hair clasps having a variety of shapes that can be used to hold hair in several different styles.

As described herein, the hair clasp can also have other shapes, such as rectangular, cylindrical, tubular, conical, dumbbell, and the like. The shape of the hair clasp of the invention can be anything as long as it is made of a flexible material, and can be held in either one of concave position or a convex position, such that the hair clasp is capable of changing from the concave to convex hold positions or vice versa using slight force. The set of teeth can be arranged in any pattern around the inner perimeter or the inner center of hair clasp so as to be interlocking or otherwise, as long as it can hold the hair in place in the style of user's choice. Such variations in the shapes, sizes and designs will depend on a number of factors such as fashion choices, and will become apparent to one skilled in the art, all of which are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

In a typical use case scenario, a user would insert their hair through the hair clasp of the invention while it is in its open position, after which the hair clasp is closed such that it holds the hair in position. FIG. 5A shows user inserting her hair through the hair clasp of the invention in its open position. FIG. 5B shows the user closing the hair clasp, and FIG. 5C shows the user's hair held in place by the hair clasp of the invention. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B is another illustration of the use of the hair clasp of the invention to hold user's hair in yet another distinctive style. Thus, as can be seen, the hair clasp of the invention allows the user to style their hair in many different ways by holding it in place without too much effort by using this elegant and simple design that makes it very convenient to use. The choice of a flexible material for the substrate allows users to manipulate the substrate to pull hair through the center hole, while the set of teeth allows for the substrate to be secured at a desired position against the scalp. This enables users to create any kind of styling of their choice, such as creating a bun effect, or puffing the hair, or any other hair style choices as desired.

The hair clasp can further include additional accessories associated with hair. For example, the hair clasp can include any decorative items as part of it. Exemplary decorative items could include, for example, but not limited to, bows, ribbons, jewels arranged on the outer surface of the substrate, and the like, and combinations thereof. Other such hair accessories would become apparent to one skilled in the art, and is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

The hair clasps as described herein is a single device that accommodates all hair types that can be styled in many different variations without the need for any additional accessories.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A hair clasp comprising: a substrate made of a flexible material capable of going from a concave position to a convex position, the substrate having an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, a body plane defined generally by the perimeter, and a body axis generally central to the body and oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane; anda set of teeth coupled to and extending from the substrate, the set of teeth attached to the inner surface of the substrate at a proximal end of the teeth, and extending away to a free end at a distal end of the teeth.

2. The hair clasp of claim 1 wherein the set of teeth comprises at least three teeth on at least one side of the substrate.

3. The hair clasp of claim 1 wherein the set of teeth comprises at least a pair of at least three teeth generally opposite one another on the substrate such that at least a portion of each tooth overlap with another teeth.

4. The hair clasp of claim 1 wherein the substrate is made of at least one of a rubber, or a silicone elastomer.

5. The hair clasp of claim 1 wherein the set of teeth is made of a metal, or a plastic.

6. The hair clasp of claim 1 further comprising at least one decorative item on the outer portion.

7. A hair clasp comprising: a substrate made of a flexible material capable of going from a concave position to a convex position, the substrate having an outer perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, a body plane defined generally by the perimeter, and a body axis generally central to the body and oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane; andat least a pair of set of teeth coupled to and extending from the substrate, the sets of teeth attached to the perimeter on the inner surface of the substrate at a proximal end of the teeth, and extending away to a free end at a distal end of the teeth, such that the series of teeth are spaced apart from each other in a regular fashion.

8. The hair clasp of claim 7 wherein the substrate is made of at least one of a rubber, or a silicone elastomer.

9. The hair clasp of claim 7 wherein the set of teeth is made of a metal, or a plastic.

10. The hair clasp of claim 7 further comprising at least one decorative item on the outer portion.