Patent Application
20130233330
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wig clip used to fit a wig on the head.
2. Description of the Related Art
Metal clips are normally used for this purpose. Wig clips are used that are constructed with a curved, invertible sheet-shaped base frame made by connecting thin metal plates that have been formed in roughly a C shape and deflected, as well as a comb body positioned in a manner facing the lengthwise direction of the base frame, wherein the comb body and base frame are separated from each other or made to come together by inverting the curved part. Examples include Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 11-1811) and Patent Literature 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-37278). An example of a conventional wig clip is shown in
Such invertible metal wig clips combining a curved sheet spring and comb teeth are widely used because they are thin and offer excellent effect of clipping the user's own hair and securing the wig together with the user's own hair. Although these clips offer such excellent function, how to address such problems as metal allergy, triggering of metal detectors, etc., is being studied. For example, Patent Literature 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2011-149110) proposes a wig stopper made of polyamide imide material, wherein the base and clip part of the wig stopper are integrally formed from a single sheet. Patent Literature 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2011-26737) proposes use of titanium alloy that does not readily trigger metal detectors.
However, these proposals fail to ensure sufficient clipping force and development of a non-metal, stable wig clip is eagerly awaited.
Any discussion of problems and solutions involved in the related art has been included in this disclosure solely for the purposes of providing a context for the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that any or all of the discussion were known at the time the invention was made.
[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 11-1811
[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-37278
[Patent Literature 3] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2011-149110
[Patent Literature 4] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2011-26737
An object of the present invention is to develop a plastic wig clip undetectable by metal detectors.
The present invention is a wig clip constituted by comb teeth and a base frame made of plastics. The key constitutions of the present invention are as follows:
(1) A wig clip constituted by a plastic base frame and plastic comb body, wherein such wig clip is characterized in that:
the base frame has pins or holes provided on/in the side elements of a rectangular frame member comprising front/rear elements and side elements;
the comb body has multiple comb teeth provided at the front of the base, while a tab is provided at the rear of the base via a spring having a void, with holes or pins formed in/on the left side and right side of the base;
the comb body and base frame are axially joined in a rotatable manner and the positions of the two can be changed between an open state and clipping state using a lock mechanism;
the comb teeth and spring provided on the comb body are bent at the base;
the spring is curved and connected to the tab, while the size of the inner curved space at the curved part is such that it spans across the rear element of the base frame; and
the base frame and comb body are locked in a clipping state by operating the tab, and unlocked via opening operation.
(2) A wig clip according to (1), characterized in that the lock mechanism has a step formed on the rear element of the frame member of the base frame and is constituted by engagement of the step with the tab provided on the comb body.
(3) A wig clip according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the front/rear elements of the base frame are gradually curved and the comb body is also curved along the curve of the base frame, with the two members forming a clipping state where both are contacting each other.
(4) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the comb tooth members of the comb body have a projection formed on their top face and/or side face.
(5) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that a concave for engagement is formed on the back face of the front element of the base frame, while a projection is formed on the top face of the comb tooth, with the engagement concave engaging with the engagement projection in a clipping state.
(6) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that the lock member formed on the rear element of the base frame has an arm curving toward the front inner side, in order to contact the base of the comb body and generate turning resistance when turned toward an open state, thereby functioning to maintain the position in an open state.
(7) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that the side element of the base frame is formed in such a way that its rear element side is thick and front element side is thin relative to each other.
(8) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that the back face of the front element of the base frame and top face of the comb tooth of the comb body have a textured surface.
(9) A wig clip according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that the wig attachment holes are formed in the tab of the comb body and front element of the base frame.
(10) A wig product and hair accessory on which wig clips according to any one of (1) to (9) are attached.
By an ingenious constitution involving shapes and combination of a comb body and base frame, a plastic wig clip capable of fully demonstrating the clipping force needed by the user to fit a wig on his/her own hair could be achieved. The present invention offers good operability because the wig clip can be opened and closed by operating a tab piece.
The resin clip is light and thus does not create discomfort while worn, and will not stress the roots of hairs even when used frequently, thereby preventing hair loss often associated with hair clips.
The plastic clip proposed by the present invention adopts a “clipping by opening/closing” type structure to ensure an open space of just several millimeters, thereby ensuring simple, quick opening/closing operation. Since a curved spring structure is provided to achieve the locked state, the wig clip can be smoothly opened by unlocking operation that utilizes the restorative force of a spring. The textured surface makes it easier to grip hair. Also, the user can easily identify the operating part due to the roughness of the textured surface felt by fingers.
This plastic wig clip can be easily attached on a wig product, hair accessory, etc., in the open state using a thread.
Since the user can pass through metal detectors wearing a wig, he/she no longer needs to remove the wig against his/her will and the wig user's quality of life (QOL) will improve. The same goes with metal detectors and other metal detecting systems used in airport security checks, entry checks at courts and other important locations, MRI tests conducted at hospitals, etc.
The plastic wig clip proposed by the present invention can also be used by people suffering from metal allergy. It is also useful for those using anticancer drugs because unlike metal clips whose metal bracket is felt as too cold on their sensitive skin, the resin clip does not have the coldness of metal pins. As a result, people using anticancer drugs and suffering from hair loss can use a wig more conveniently. Since the resin clip does not break as easily as its metal counterpart, risks of injury/accident will drop.
In addition, pigment is mixed into the resin to prevent discoloration caused by separation of coating film. Metal clips are associated with the risk of others finding out that the person is using a wig once the coating film separates and metal becomes conspicuous.
For purposes of summarizing aspects of the invention and the advantages achieved over the related art, certain objects and advantages of the invention are described in this disclosure. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Further aspects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
These and other features of this invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention. The drawings are greatly simplified for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily to scale.
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The wig clip proposed by the present invention is a plastic wig clip. The wig clip was constituted by combining a base frame made of a rectangular frame, with a comb body axially joined to the base frame. It has a lock mechanism that locks the base frame and comb body in a state contacting each other. These wig clips can be attached on a wig, etc., so that the user can put the wig on his/her head and lock the base frame and comb body together by clipping his/her own hair in between, thereby fitting the wig on his/her head.
The side frame elements of the base frame constituted by front/rear and right/left frame bodies are axially joined to the base located at the center of the comb body. The comb body has multiple comb teeth provided at the front of the base, while a tab is provided via a curved spring at the rear. The axially joined comb body has the top faces of its comb teeth contacting the bottom face of the front frame element of the base frame, with the curved part of the spring going over the top face of the rear frame element of the base frame. The shape design is such that, when the comb teeth are contacting the front frame element, the curved part of the spring cannot fully go over the rear frame element. By pushing down the tab and thereby causing the spring to deflect, the tab will move toward the rear frame element and actuate the lock, with the reactive force of the spring now contracting further causes the comb teeth to make strong contact with the front frame element. As a result, this plastic wig clip demonstrates a sufficient clipping force.
The present invention is entirely made of plastic, so its user need not worry about metal detectors. It does not cause allergy or other side effects, either. Since there will not be any broken metal piece that could otherwise damage the head, safety will improve. The lightweight clip generates no discomfort while worn.
This wig clip can be used as a tool to fit a wig or other head accessory on the user's own hair. For instance, the example of conventional clips shown in
The present invention is useful as a clip for fitting a wig, hair extension, hair band, ribbon, bouquet or other head accessory or hair accessory, among others.
For the plastic material, polyacetal resin (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), EVAC, polypropylene (PP), AS resin (SAN), ABS resin (ABS), acrylic resin (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polybuthylene terephthalate (PBT), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), phenol resin (PF), melamine resin (MF), urea resin (UF), PUR, epoxy resin (EP), unsaturated polyester resin (UP), polyethylene (PE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ionomer resin (IO), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), VF, ALK, VP, PABI, PDAE, etc., can be used. Since it contacts the head and is exposed to sweat and hair care products, plastics resistant to chemicals are suitable.
The wig clip proposed by the present invention is primarily applied to men's wigs. In many cases thinning hair starts from the forehead and progresses toward the top of the head, and the affected area tends to increase over time. The present invention helps provide wigs suitable for this progressing pattern of thinning hair.
An embodiment of the wig clip proposed by the present invention is explained using the drawings primarily based on a wig.
A base frame 2 comprises a frame member 21 having a front frame element 21a, side frame elements 21b, 21b and a rear frame element 21c, with a lock member 25 provided at the center of the rear frame element 21c and projecting pins 22 provided at opposing positions of the side frame elements 21b on an opening 24 side. The side frame element 21b is formed in such a way that its rear frame element 21c side is thicker and front frame element 21a side is thinner. The front frame element 21a and rear frame element 21c are curved so that their center becomes higher, as shown in the front view (d). Groove-shaped multiple engagement concaves 23 are provided on the bottom face of the front frame element 21a as necessary. The lock member 25 is provided on a top face 28 side of the base frame. The lock member 25 has a base 26 formed at the top center of the rear frame element 21c, where the section from the top to rear face of the base 26 is finished into a rear curve 26a, with an engagement step 26b formed at the rear edge of the rear curve 26a. An arm 27 is provided at the front of the base 26, if necessary. The arm 27 has a tip 27a leading from a curved part 27b bending inward.
In this example, mounting holes 41, 41 are formed at the left and right corners of the front frame element 21a. These holes 41 are used to sew the wig clip at an edge of a wig, etc.
The base frame 2 is assembled to the projecting pins 22 in a manner axially joined to a comb body 3, which is explained later, in a rotatable manner, to constitute a wig clip 1. The comb body 3 is axially joined to the base frame 2 by passing through its opening 24 by intersecting with the side frame element 21b, where the rear element side of the comb body goes over the rear curve 26a of the lock member and contacts the rear frame element 21c, engaging with the engagement step 26b and eventually stopping. On the other hand, the top face of the comb tooth member constituting the front element side of the comb body 3 is present on a bottom face 29 side of the base frame, and when it engages with the engagement step 26b of the lock member 26, the top face of the comb tooth member is pushed up and pressed against the bottom face of the front frame element 21a. Preferably the bottom face of the frame member that contacts the comb tooth member is formed as an irregular or textured surface to prevent hair from slipping and also to facilitate gripping of hair. The arm 27 is curved in a manner making light contact with the base of the comb body, serving to tentatively stop the position of the comb body relative to the base frame.
The comb body 3 has a comb tooth member 31 at the front of a base 39 where shaft holes 34 are provided at the left and right edges, while a tab 33 is provided at the rear of the base 39 via a curved spring 32 that extends at an angle of elevation to the comb tooth member 31.
As shown in the front view (d) in
On the top face of the comb tooth member 31 extending from the base 39 toward the front, projections including base projections 36c, 36c, center projections 36b, 36b and a tip projection 36a are provided as necessary. The center projection 36b is provided in a manner corresponding to the groove-shaped engagement concave 23 provided in the front frame element 21a of the base frame 2, so that the two will engage with each other upon contact. These projections grip hair and serve as resistance to stabilize the fitting of the wig.
When the arm 27 is provided for the base frame, a cutout 38 is formed at the center of the base 39 which will contact this arm 27, instead of providing the comb tooth member 31.
The curved spring 32 extending at an angle from the base 39 toward the rear adjusts the spring force by adjusting the angle of elevation as well as the size and thickness of a void 37 provided at the center. The curved interior surface of the curved spring 32 is formed to a size just large enough to retain the rear frame element 21c of the base frame, and when the tab 33 is pushed down and becomes engaged with the engagement step 26b of the lock member, the spring contracts and generates a reactive force to push up the comb tooth member 31 in front by using the base as the support shaft. The side of the void 37 in the tab 33 functions as an engagement receiver 35 and contacts the engagement step 26b. This reactive force causes the top face of the comb tooth member to contact the front frame element of the base frame to generate a clipping pressure.
In this example, mounting holes 42, 42 are formed in the left and right corners of the tab 33. These holes 42 can be used to attach the wig clip at an edge of a wig, etc.
It should be noted that the base 39 and the side frame element 21b of the base frame only need to be axially supported in a rotatable manner, which means that the relationship in the above example can be reversed because only one side needs to be a projection while the other side needs to be a concaved hole to receive the projection.
When the wig clip is inserted into the user's own hair in this state, hair enters the space between the comb body 31 and base frame 2.
The tab 33 of the comb body 33 is pushed in to cause the engagement receiver 35 to engage with the engagement step 26b of the lock member 25. When the inner side of the tab 33 contacts the engagement step 26b while sliding along the rear curve 26a of the lock member 25, a “click” sound is heard to confirm the end of clipping operation. This makes it easy for the wig user to remove/wear the wig on his/her own.
As shown in
When hair is clipped in the position of (b) in
The user can easily identify the clipping surface by the roughness of these opposing textured surfaces and also by the projections (36a, 36b, 36c) and engagement concaves 23.
To release the clipping state, the tab is pulled up while holding down the top face of the lock member to release the lock. Of course the wig clip can be used again to wear the wig, allowing the user to wear and remove the wig freely.
This example is a wig clip manufactured using polyacetal resin (POM). Instead of a reversing force of metal, elastic deformation force of synthetic resin is used to form a curved spring and when this curved spring contracts and locks, a clipping force is generated. When a metal detector test was conducted with subjects wearing on their head a wig to which these clips were attached as shown in
The wig clip in this example also allows patients suffering from metal allergy to use a wig, meaning that they can receive tests and treatments at hospitals while wearing their wig.
In the present disclosure where conditions and/or structures are not specified, a skilled artisan in the art can readily provide such conditions and/or structures, in view of the present disclosure, as a matter of routine experimentation. Also, in the present disclosure including the examples described above, any ranges applied in some embodiments may include or exclude the lower and/or upper endpoints, and any values of variables indicated may refer to precise values or approximate values and include equivalents, and may refer to average, median, representative, majority, etc. in some embodiments. Further, in this disclosure, an article “a” may refer to a species or a genus including multiple species, and “the invention” or “the present invention” may refer to at least one of the embodiments or aspects explicitly, necessarily, or inherently disclosed herein. In this disclosure, any defined meanings do not necessarily exclude ordinary and customary meanings in some embodiments.
The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-048671, filed Mar. 6, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the forms of the present invention are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-048671 | Mar 2012 | JP | national |
