SYSTEM FOR CREATING A DECORATIVE FASHION ACCESSORY

Abstract

A decorative fashion accessory and a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory. The fashion accessory system includes an attachment device that include a fastener disposed on the attachment device. A decorative element such as a bow, also including a fastener that can be removably fastened to the attachment device. A second decorative that element can then be removably fastened to the first decorative element by attaching the second decorative element to the first decorative element. Additional decorative element can be attached, such as by being disposed between the first and the second decorative element. The system also includes a securement strap that is configured to secure the decorative elements to the attachment device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and kit for the creation of a decorative fashion accessory, and in particular to a system including multiple, interchangeable decorative elements such as fabric bows for the creation of decorative fashion accessories having a multitude of different appearances.

2. Description of Related Art

Many women and small girls enjoy wearing decorative fashion accessories such as hair bows. In this regard, it is often desirable to have a large selection of individual hair bows so that a style and color can be selected to match an outfit or, for example, to recognize a holiday or other event. To accommodate this desire, a large number of individual bows having different colors, shapes or sizes are typically required.

Some decorative hair accessories have been described in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,316 by Klug discloses a decorative hair accessory kit with interchangeable decorations. The decorations include interchangeable ornaments that can be attached to a hair-controlling device such as a hair band, a hair comb or a barrette. The ornaments are attached to the hair band, hair comb or barrette by utilizing hook and loop fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,932 by Hart discloses a multi-purpose barrette wherein an ornamental object such as a flower, bow, ribbon or any other suitable object of decoration may be applied and removed from the barrette.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,469 by Sowell discloses a barrette having reusable adhesive tape or a hook and loop fastener on the barrette body, wherein an ornament can be mounted onto the barrette.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,252 by Boxer discloses a hair clip that is capable of holding items of decoration. An item of decoration, such as a bow, can be mounted on the hair clip by utilizing hook and loop fastener strips.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,611 by LeCrone et al. discloses a headband having at least one pocket for interchangeably receiving ornaments or other objects.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0266375 by Patredis discloses a removable decorative element with an attached band used to accessorize hair bows.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0032044 by Grimm discloses a hair bow system including an attachment device having a fastener element disposed on the attachment device. A first hair bow also including a fastener element may be removably fastened to the attachment device. A second hair bow may then be removably fastened to the first hair bow by attaching a second hair bow to the first hair bow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable to have decorative fashion accessories with a wide variety of different appearances (e.g., different colors and/or different shapes) without requiring the purchase of a large number of individual accessories. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0032044 by Grimm, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, attempts to address this need by providing a hair bow system that includes a number of interchangeable bows of different sizes, shapes and colors that may be stacked upon each other using fasteners. However, it has been found that as the number of fabric bows in the hair bow system is increased (i.e., as the hair bow combination becomes taller) the hair bow combination may become unstable and prone to becoming detached from the underlying attachment device (e.g., a hair clip) or becoming detached from each other. This may be a particular problem for active children whose head movements can cause one or more pieces of the hair bow combination to become detached. The hair bow is also prone to rotating (spinning) on the underlying hair clip, which can cause the bows to face different directions and also be more likely to become detached.

It would be advantageous to provide a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory that is useful for a wide range of ages from infant to adult. That is, it would be advantageous if the system enabled various decorative elements to be interchanged for different occasions and/or so that people (e.g., friends or within a family) are able to share the decorative elements of the system. This would enable users to keep up with current fashion trends because the decorative elements are separate and combinable to accommodate different combinations and future styles.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory that enables a user to create a variety of ornamental appearances by mixing and matching several decorative elements having different shapes, sizes, colors and/or decorative patterns. The system can be utilized to create a fashion accessory that is not prone to detachment even when several decorative elements are utilized to create the fashion accessory.

In one embodiment, a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory is provided. The system may include an attachment device that is configured to attach to a user's hair and that includes a first fastener disposed on a top surface of the attachment device. A first decorative element is also provided where the first decorative element includes a second fastener that is disposed on a central portion of the first decorative element. The second fastener is configured to removably fasten to the first fastener on the attachment device. The first decorative element also includes a third fastener that is disposed on a central portion of the first decorative element opposite the second fastener (e.g., on an opposite side of the decorative element). At least a second decorative element is also provided, where the second decorative element includes a fourth fastener disposed on a central portion of the second decorative element, where the fourth fastener is configured to removably fasten to the third fastener so that the second decorative element can be removably fastened to the first decorative element. The second decorative element also includes a fifth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof, opposite the fourth fastener. A third decorative element is provided where the third decorative element is a top decorative element. The third decorative element includes a closed securement loop disposed on a bottom of the third decorative element and a sixth fastener that is attached to the closed securement loop. A securement strap is also provided that is configured to be placed through the closed securement loop and be disposed around the central portions of the first and second decorative elements and around the attachment device to secure at least the first, second and third decorative elements to the attachment device.

In one aspect, each of the fasteners comprises a snap fastener, e.g., that are sewn onto their respective supporting device or element. In another aspect, at least one of the first and second decorative elements includes a fabric bow. For example, each of the first and second decorative elements may be a fabric bow.

The attachment device may comprise virtually any device that is adapted to attach to a users hair, such as a hair clip, a headband, a hair comb or a “pony O.”.

In another aspect, the first decorative element may have a major axis (e.g., length) that is approximately the same as a major axis of the second decorative element. In another aspect, the first decorative element may have a major axis that is longer than a major axis of the second decorative element. In another aspect, the securement strap comprises hook and loop fasteners disposed on opposite ends of the securement strap.

In another embodiment, a decorative fashion accessory is provided. The fashion accessory may include an attachment device configured to removably attach to a user's hair and that includes a first fastener disposed on a top surface of the attachment device. The accessory may further include a first decorative element that includes a second fastener disposed on a central portion of the first decorative element and that is removably fastened to the first fastener on the attachment device. The first decorative element may also include a third fastener disposed on the central portion thereof opposite the second fastener. The accessory also includes at least a second decorative element, where the second decorative element includes a fourth fastener disposed on a central portion of the second decorative element and that is removably fastened to the third fastener so that the second decorative element is removably fastened to the first decorative element. The second decorative element may also include a fifth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof. The accessory also includes a top decorative element having a closed securement loop and a sixth fastener that is attached to the closed securement loop. The accessory also includes a securement strap placed through the closed securement loop and removably disposed around the central portion of the first and second decorative elements and around the attachment device to secure the first, second and top decorative elements to the attachment device.

According to another embodiment, a kit for assembling a plurality of decorative fashion accessories is provided. The kit may include at least a first attachment device configured to attach to a user's hair and including the first fastener on a top surface of the attachment device. At least two decorative fabric bows are provided, each of the fabric bows including a second fastener disposed on a central portion thereof that is configured to removably fasten to the first fastener on the attachment device. Each of the two decorative fabric bows also includes a third fastener opposite the second fastener. At least one top decorative element is provided that includes only a single fastener that is attached to a closed fabric securement loop on a bottom surface of the decorative element. At least a first securement strap is provided that is configured to secure at least one of the decorative fabric bows and the top decorative element to the attachment device by being passed through the closed fabric securement loop.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates several embodiments of attachment devices that are configured to attach to a user's hair.

FIG. 2 illustrates several decorative elements that are useful in a decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 3 illustrates several decorative elements including a thin planar portion that are useful in a decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 4 illustrates several decorative elements that are useful in a decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 5 illustrates several decorative elements that are useful in a decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 6 illustrates a securement strap.

FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 8 illustrates a decorative element having a securement strap attached thereto.

FIG. 9 illustrates a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 10 illustrates an assembled decorative fashion accessory.

FIG. 11 illustrates an assembled decorative fashion accessory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the attached figures, a decorative fashion accessory and a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory will be described in further detail. Broadly speaking, the system may include an attachment device that is configured to attach to a user's hair (e.g., directly to the hair or to a user's head) and a plurality of decorative elements that are configured to be attached to the attachment device, either directly or indirectly, e.g., through other decorative elements. The attachment device may include at least a first fastener that is disposed on a surface (e.g., a top surface) of the attachment device. By way of example, the attachment device may include a hair clip, a hair comb, a headband or similar devices, either used alone or in combination.

FIG. 1 illustrates several exemplary embodiments of an attachment device in accordance with the present invention. For example, attachment device 100a comprises a headband 102a that is configured to fit onto and engage the head of a user. A fastener 104a is attached to the headband 102a such that the fastener 104a is disposed on a top surface of the headband 102a. Fasteners may comprise hook-and-loop material (e.g., VELCRO), magnets, tape, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 1(a), fastener 104a is a snap fastener that is attached (e.g., is sewn or is attached using adhesive) to a piece of fabric 105a that is wrapped around the headband 102a. The fabric 105a with the attached fastener 104a may be securely attached to the headband 102a, such as by using adhesive. Alternatively, the fabric 105a (e.g., a fabric loop) may be removably placed on the headband 102a, such as by slidably inserting the fabric 105a over the headband 102a. For example, the fabric 105a may form a loop having a diameter that is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the headband 102a. This provides the advantage that the headband 102a can be worn without the use of any decorative elements and still have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In another configuration, the fastener 104a may be secured directly to the headband 102a, e.g., without the use of an intervening piece of fabric 105a.

The attachment device 100b illustrated in FIG. 1(b) includes a hair clip 102b (e.g., a “double-prong/alligator clip”) having a fastener 104b attached to a top surface of the hair clip 102b. An alligator clip is typically utilized by younger children having thin/fine hair, or by older children and adults who only wish to engage a small amount of hair with the hair clip. FIG. 1(c) illustrates a side view of an attachment device 100c that comprises a “French” hair clip 102c having a fastener 104c disposed on a top surface of the hair clip 102c. A French hair clip is designed to be used with long, thick hair for adults or older children, using a tension bar inside the clip. As illustrated in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(c), the fasteners 104b, 104c are snap fasteners. The fasteners 104b and 104c are attached to the hair clips 102b and 102c respectively by being sewn onto a piece of fabric that is attached to the hair clip, such as by using an adhesive. While the fasteners may be attached to the underlying device (e.g., a headband or hair clip) by other means, it is preferred to sew the fastener onto fabric and secure the fabric to the attachment device as this results in a thinner cross-section than, for example, press-on fasteners. Further, when snap fasteners are utilized, it is preferred that the attachment device include a female snap fastener, which has been found to increase the stability of the assembled decorative fashion accessory.

The system also includes a plurality of decorative elements that are configured to be secured to the attachment device, either directly or indirectly. The decorative elements may have a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, and/or colors. By way of example, decorative elements may include bows (e.g., fabric bows), feathers, sculpted ribbon designs, linear ribbons, ornamental caricatures, etc. By providing a kit including a wide variety of such decorative elements, a user may advantageously construct a decorative fashion accessory having many different appearances.

In this regard, FIG. 2(a) illustrates a top view of a decorative element 110a that includes a fabric bow 112a (e.g., a looped fabric bow). A snap fastener 114a is disposed on a central portion 118a of the fabric bow 112a. FIG. 2(b) illustrates a side view of a decorative element 110b that also includes a looped fabric bow 112b. A first fastener 114b is disposed on a bottom surface of the decorative element 110b (e.g., on a central portion thereof) and a second fastener 116b is disposed on an opposite (e.g., top) surface of the decorative element 110b. Thus, for example, the male fastener 114b on the bottom surface may be attached to a female fastener such as fastener 104b of FIG. 1 to fasten the decorative element 110b to an attachment device.

To make the decorative element 110b, the looped fabric bow 112b may be formed as is known to those of skill in the art. A narrow piece of securing fabric 115b may then be wrapped around the central portion of the looped fabric bow 112b and secured to the bow 112b, e.g., with an adhesive. For example, the piece of securing fabric 115b has fasteners attached thereto, e.g., having a width of about ⅜ inch. The securing fabric 115b has sew-on snaps including a male sew-on snap 114b and a female sew-on snap 116b. The male sew-on snap 114b is preferably placed on the “bottom” of the looped fabric bow 112b and is configured to be secured to a mating fastener (e.g., a snap) on the attachment device (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative configurations of a decorative element. With reference to FIG. 3(a), the decorative element 120a includes a relatively thin and planar fabric portion 122a (e.g., a fabric ribbon portion) disposed over or near a central portion of the decorative element 120a. A fastener 124a is configured to receive mating fasteners, such that the decorative element 120a may be disposed between two other decorative elements that include fasteners, or between a decorative element and the attachment device. FIGS. 3(b)-3(d) illustrate similar decorative elements 120b, 120c and 120d that include thin planar portion 122b, 122c and 122d and fastener 124b, 124c and 124d on the central thin planar portion. Preferably, the planar portions 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d are fabric portions, such as fabric portions having a width of ⅜ inch to ⅝ inch, particularly to accommodate use of a securement strap discussed below.

FIG. 4 illustrates further exemplary embodiments of decorative elements that may be used in the decorative fashion accessory system. FIG. 4(a) illustrates a decorative element 130 that includes a looped fabric bow 132 and a fastener 134 disposed on a central portion of the looped fabric bow 132. Some decorative elements (e.g., fabric bows) may have a major axis length (e.g., the length of the fabric bow along its major axis in its natural tied state) that is at least as long as or is longer than the major axis length of other decorative elements. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 4, the looped fabric hair bow 132 has a major axis length that is shorter than the major axis length of the looped fabric hair bow 110b. This feature enables elements (e.g., bows) of different colors and/or patterns to be visible when layered (e.g., assembled) to form the decorative fashion accessory.

Top decorative elements may be provided to be placed on the top of the decorative fashion accessory. FIG. 5 illustrates several embodiments of top decorative elements, e.g., a decorative element that includes only a single fastener that is disposed on or adjacent a bottom surface of the top decorative element. In this manner, a top decorative element may be placed on the top of the decorative fashion accessory so that no fasteners are visibly exposed and to give the appearance of a traditionally styled hair bow that is not interchangeable. For example, fastener 154a (e.g., a snap fastener) is disposed on a bottom surface of the top decorative element 150a. The fastener 154a may be a female snap fastener that is sewn on to the fabric or is attached with an adhesive. Top decorative element 150a comprises a simple fabric cap to top of the fashion accessory. Top decorative element 150b is an ornamental caricature in the shape of a cake having a candle disposed thereon, and top decorative element 150c is the form of a looped fabric bow. It will be appreciated that many other configurations and styles of top decorative elements may be utilized.

Advantageously, the fasteners that are utilized on the various elements of the fashion accessory may be of the same size and configuration such that the various elements may be attached in different configurations. For example, a top decorative element may be attached directly to a headband (e.g., by attaching fastener 154a of FIG. 5 to fastener 104a, 104b or 104c of FIG. 1).

It has been found that when several decorative elements (e.g., bows) are layered to form a fashion accessory, the fashion accessory may become unstable and prone to coming apart, e.g., due to the higher center of gravity. In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a securement strap 140 that is configured to be disposed around central portions of the decorative elements and around the attachment device to secure the decorative elements to the attachment device. The securement strap 140 may include a fastener aperture 142 that is configured and sized to be placed over a fastener (e.g., an upward facing top fastener) such that the fastener is exposed and can be fastened to another fastener to complete the decorative fashion accessory. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the aperture 142 comprises a loop (e.g., a metal loop). Two fabric strap portions 144a and 144b are attached to and extend away from the loop. Hook and loop fasteners 146a and 146b (e.g., VELCRO) are disposed at opposite ends of the securement strap 140 to enable the securement strap 140 to be detachably formed into a loop (FIG. 6(b)).

FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled decorative fashion accessory according to an exemplary embodiment using a securement strap as illustrated in FIG. 6. The decorative fashion accessory 160 includes an attachment device 100a in the form of a headband. A plurality of decorative elements including, for example, first decorative element 110b and third decorative element 130 which are each removably fastened to a second decorative element 120. A securement strap 140 is removably disposed around central portions of the first, second and third decorative elements and around the attachment device 100a to secure the first, second and third decorative elements to the attachment device 100a. A top decorative element 150c is then fastened to the second decorative element 130 through a loop (e.g., an aperture) in the securement strap 140 to removably attach the top decorative element 150c.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a securement strap 140d and a top decorative element 150d. In this embodiment, the top decorative element 150d includes a closed securement loop 152d (e.g., a fabric loop) that is attached (e.g., sewn or using adhesive) to a bottom surface of the top decorative element 150d. A single top decorative element fastener 154d is attached (e.g., sewn) to the closed securement loop 152d. The closed fabric loop 152d is configured and sized to operatively receive the securement strap 140d through the loop 152d to operatively attach the securement strap 140d to the top decorative element 150d. The securement strap may be, for example, a fabric ribbon. The securement strap 140d may include hook and loop fasteners, at opposite ends thereof, or the securement strap 140d may be tied around the decorative elements and the attachment device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of a system for creating a decorative fashion accessory that incorporates the securement strap 140d and the top decorative element 150d of FIG. 8. The system includes an attachment device 100e that comprises a headband 102e and a fastener 104e that is operatively, attached to the headband 102e. A plurality of decorative elements (e.g., fabric bows) are interconnected (e.g., through mating snap fasteners) to form a decorative element assembly 170.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the securement strap 140d, with the top decorative element 150d attached thereto through a securement loop, is wrapped around the attachment device 100e and secured thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the securement strap is tied into a knot (e.g., a bow) to secure the securement strap 140d to the attachment device 100e and to thereby secure the decorative elements to the attachment device 100e. Alternatively, other means such as hook-and-loop fasteners may be used to secure the securement strap 140d to the attachment device.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment showing a securement strap 140d removably disposed around central portions of several decorative elements that comprise flat (e.g. linear) ribbons (e.g., streamers) extending from a central portion.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for creating a decorative fashion accessory, comprising: an attachment device configured to attach to a user's hair and comprising a first fastener disposed on a top surface of said attachment device;a first decorative element, said first decorative element including a second fastener disposed on a central portion thereof that is configured to removably fasten to said first fastener on said attachment device, and further comprising a third fastener disposed on a central portion thereof opposite said second fastener;a second decorative element, said second decorative element including a fourth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof that is configured to removably fasten to said third fastener so that said second decorative element can be removably fastened to said first decorative element, and further comprising a fifth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof opposite said fourth fastener;at least a third decorative element, said third decorative element being a top decorative element and comprising a closed securement loop disposed on a bottom of the third decorative element and a sixth fastener attached to the closed securement loop; anda securement strap configured to be placed through the closed securement loop and disposed around said central portions of at least said first and second decorative elements and around said attachment device to secure at least said first, second and third decorative elements to said attachment device.

2. The system recited in claim 1, wherein each of said fasteners comprises a snap fastener.

3. The system recited in claim 2, wherein said snap fasteners are sewn onto their respective supporting device or element.

4. The system recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second decorative elements comprises a fabric bow.

5. The system recited in claim 1, wherein each of said first and second decorative elements comprises a fabric bow.

6. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment device comprises a hair clip.

7. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment device comprises a headband.

8. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment device comprises a hair comb.

9. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said first decorative element has a major axis that is longer than a major axis of said second decorative element.

10. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said securement strap comprises hook and loop fasteners disposed at opposite ends of said securement strap.

11. The system recited in claim 1, wherein said securement strap comprises a ribbon.

12. A decorative fashion accessory, comprising: an attachment device configured to removably attach to a user's hair and comprising a first fastener disposed on a top surface of said attachment device;a first decorative element, said first decorative element comprising a second fastener that is disposed on a central portion thereof and that is removably fastened to said first fastener on said attachment device, and further comprising a third fastener disposed on a central portion thereof opposite said second fastener;a second decorative element, said second decorative element including a fourth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof that is removably fastened to said third fastener so that said second decorative element is removably fastened to said first decorative element, and comprising a fifth fastener disposed on a central portion thereof opposite said fourth fastener;a top decorative element comprising a closed securement loop and a sixth fastener attached to the closed securement loop; anda securement strap removably placed through said closed securement loop and disposed around said central portions of said first and second decorative elements and around said attachment device to secure said first, second and third decorative elements to said attachment device.

13. The fashion accessory recited in claim 12, wherein said fashion accessory further comprises a fourth decorative element disposed between said second decorative element and said third decorative element.

14. A kit for assembling a plurality of decorative fashion accessories, comprising: at least a first attachment device configured to attach to a user's hair and comprising a first fastener on a top surface of said attachment device;at least two decorative fabric bows, each of said at least two decorative fabric bows comprising a second fastener disposed on a central portion thereof that is configured to removably fastened to said first fastener on said attachment device, and each comprising a third fastener opposite said second fastener;at least one top decorative element comprising only a single top decorative element fastener that is attached to a closed fabric securement loop on a bottom surface of said top decorative element; andat least a first securement strap configured to secure at least one of said decorative fabric bows and one of said decorative fabric elements to said attachment device by being passed through said closed fabric securement loop.

15. The kit recited in claim 14, wherein said securement strap comprises a fastener aperture that is configured to be placed over an upward facing top aperture.

16. The kit recited in claim 14, wherein said top decorative element comprises a closed fabric loop attached to a bottom surface of the top decorative element that is configured to operatively receive said securement strap therethrough.