US20140182616A1

US20140182616A1 - Decorative Hairpin

Info

Publication number: US20140182616A1
Application number: US14/132,150
Authority: US
Inventors: Evelyn Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-03
Filing date: 2013-12-18
Publication date: 2014-07-03

Abstract

A hairpin device is disclosed that provides users with a simple and stylish way to fix their hair. The hairpin device comprises an upper and lower leg, whereby hairs can be grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured; a loop which connects the upper and lower legs together; and a decorative element disposed on the upper or lower leg. Further, the upper leg and the lower leg comprise an opening opposite the loop. Hairs are inserted in the opening and grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured. Further, at least one of the upper and lower legs or both the upper and lower legs can be wavy or spiral in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening. The decorative element can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element depending on the wants and needs of a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/748,470 filed Jan. 3, 2013.

BACKGROUND

People are always looking for unique and personalized ways to add style and color to their hair. In order to do so, they may have to buy an excessive amount of clips and barrettes, depending on how they want their hair to look. This can be expensive and highly inconvenient. An effective solution is necessary.
The present invention holds a user's hair in place while enhancing their overall hairstyle, and features interchangeable embellishments that can be swapped out for different looks. The hairpin device also allows users to style their hair to reflect their mood and personality an adds color and design to user's otherwise plain hairstyle. The hairpin device is ideal for children, adults, teachers, cheerleaders, workers, beauty salons, parents, and anyone else who pins back his or her hair.

SUMMARY

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 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 aspect thereof, comprises a hairpin device that provides users with a simple and stylish way to fix their hair. The hairpin device comprises an upper leg, a lower leg, whereby hairs can be grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured; a loop which connects the upper leg and the lower leg together; and a decorative element disposed on the upper leg or the lower leg. Both the upper and lower legs comprise opposed first and second ends, and the lower leg extends substantially parallel with the upper leg. Further, the upper leg and the lower leg comprise an opening opposite the loop. Hairs are inserted in the opening and grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured. Further, at least one of the upper and lower leg or both the upper and lower leg can be wavy or spiral in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.
In a preferred embodiment, the decorative element is removably disposed on the loop at the first ends or the second ends of the upper and lower legs. The decorative element is at least one of a shape, a word, a number, a design, or a letter. Further, multiple decorative elements can be removably secured to the loop of the upper and lower legs. Additionally, the decorative element can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element depending on the wants and needs of a user.
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 is 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hairpin device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of various sizes of the hairpin device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the hairpin device with a decorative element secured to it in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of various decorative elements for the hairpin device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the hairpin device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.
The present invention holds a user's hair in place while enhancing their overall hairstyle, and features interchangeable embellishments that can be swapped out for different looks. The hairpin device also allows users to style their hair to reflect their mood and personality an adds color and design to user's otherwise plain hairstyle. The hairpin device is ideal for children, adults, teachers, cheerleaders, workers, beauty salons, parents, and anyone else who pins back his or her hair.
The disclosed hairpin device comprises an upper and lower leg, whereby hairs can be grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured; a loop which connects the upper and lower legs together; and a decorative element disposed on the upper or lower leg. Further, the upper leg and the lower leg comprise an opening opposite the loop. Hairs are inserted in the opening and grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured. Further, at least one of the upper and lower legs or both the upper and lower legs can be wavy or spiral in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening. The decorative element can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element depending on the wants and needs of a user.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the hairpin device 100 that provides users with a simple and stylish way to fix their hair. The hairpin device 100 comprises an upper leg 102, a lower leg 104, whereby hairs can be grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured, a loop 106 which connects the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 together, and a decorative element 108 disposed on the upper leg 102 or the lower leg 104 (as shown in FIG. 3).
Both the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 comprise opposed first 110 and second 112 ends, and the lower leg 104 extends substantially parallel with the upper leg 102. Typically, the upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 are cylindrical in shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, such as elliptical, rectangular prism, etc. Further, at least one of the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 or both the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 can be wavy or spiral in shape, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art to further secure hairs inserted between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs. The upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 would generally be constructed of aluminum, recycled plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), etc., or composite polymers, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. While the shape and size of the upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 may vary greatly depending on the wants and needs of a user, the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 are substantially equal in size, and are approximately between 1 and 2 inches in length as measured from a first end 110 to a second end 112.
Additionally, either the first ends 110 or the second ends 112 of the upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 comprise a loop 106 which connects the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 together (as shown in FIG. 1). Further, the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 can be a single piece folded over in half to form the loop 106, as well as the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104. Or, the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 can be separate pieces secured together via the loop 106. The loop 106 can be secured to the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as gluing, welding, ultrasonic welding, brazing, etc. Further, in other embodiments, the loop 106 comprises different shapes and sizes (as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the upper leg 102 and lower leg 104 can be connected by a diamond-shaped loop 107, or an angular-shaped loop 105, or any other design or shape as is known in the art. The different shapes and sizes can hold different amounts and textures of hair back more easily than the traditional loop design.
Furthermore, the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 comprise an opening 114 opposite the loop 106. Hairs are inserted in the opening 114 and grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured. Typically, a user pulls apart the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 at the opening 114 and slides the hairpin device 100 into their hair or another's hair, inserting hair in the opening 114, where it is grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured. Further, at least one of the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 or both the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 can be wavy or spiral in shape, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art to further secure hairs inserted in the opening 114.
The hairpin device 100 further comprises a decorative element 108 disposed on the upper leg 102 or the lower leg 104 of the device 100 (as shown in FIG. 3). Typically, the decorative element 108 is removably disposed on the loop 106 at the first ends 110 or the second ends 112 of the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 via sliding a loop 109 from the decorative element 108 onto one of the upper 102 or lower 104 legs or other suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as a fastener, gluing, snapping, screwing, hook and loop fasteners, etc. The decorative element 108 is at least one of a shape, a word, a number, a design, or a letter. The decorative element 108 can be a holiday theme, television theme, etc. Multiple decorative elements 108 can be removably secured to the upper leg 102 or the lower leg 104, depending on the wants and needs of a user. Further, the decorative element 108 can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element 108 depending on the wants and needs of a user.
FIG. 4 illustrates various decorative elements 108 for the hairpin device 100. As stated supra, the hairpin device 100 comprises a decorative element 108 removably disposed on the upper leg 102 or the lower leg 104 of the device 100. Typically, the decorative element 108 is removably disposed on the loop 106 at the first ends 110 or the second ends 112 of the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104, but can be disposed at any suitable position on the hairpin device 100. The decorative element 108 is at least one of a shape, a word, a number, a design, or a letter, or any other suitable decorative element as is known in the art. For example, the decorative element 108 can be a holiday theme, television theme, music theme, video theme, sports theme, school theme, etc. Additionally, multiple decorative elements 108 can be removably secured to the upper leg 102 or the lower leg 104 of the hairpin device 100, depending on the wants and needs of a user. Further, a user 502 can remove and interchange the decorative element 108 with another decorative element 108 to match their outfits, their mood, their school, their sports team, the holiday, etc., and/or to meet the user's needs and/or wants.
FIG. 5 illustrates the hairpin device 100 in use. As stated supra, the hairpin device 100 comprises an upper 102 and lower 104 leg, whereby hairs 500 can be grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured; a loop 106 which connects the upper 102 and lower 104 legs together; and a decorative element 108 disposed on the upper 102 or lower 104 leg. Further, the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 comprise an opening 114 opposite the loop 106. Hairs 500 are inserted in the opening 114 and grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured. Further, at least one of the upper 102 and lower 104 legs or both the upper 102 and lower 104 legs can be wavy or spiral in shape to further secure hairs 500 inserted in the opening 114. The decorative element 108 can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element 108 depending on the wants and needs of a user 502.
In operation, a user 502 would choose the size and/or color of the hairpin device 100 that meets the user's needs and/or wants. The user 502 would then choose the decorative element 108 that meets their needs and/or wants. The user 502 would then attach the decorative element 108 to the loop 106 of the upper 102 and lower 104 legs of the hairpin device 100, or any other suitable place on the hairpin device 100 as is known in the art. The user 502 would then pull back some of their hair 500 or the hair 500 of another person which they want to be secured back. The user 502 would then pull apart the upper leg 102 and the lower leg 104 at the opening 114 of the hairpin device 100 and would slide the hairpin device 100 into their hair 500 or another person's hair 500. Thus, the user 502 inserts hair 500 in the opening 114, where it is grasped between the upper 102 and lower 104 legs and secured.
Further, at least one of the upper 102 and lower 104 legs or both the upper 102 and lower 104 legs can be wavy or spiral in shape, or any other suitable shape as is known in the art to further secure hairs 500 inserted in the opening 114. Once in place, the user 502 can then let go of the upper 102 and lower 104 legs of the hairpin device 100, which secures the hair 500 in place within the hairpin device 100. The user 502 can remove and reinsert the hairpin device 100 as needed, and can also change the decorative element 108 to match their outfits, their mood, the holiday, etc., and/or to meet the user's needs and/or wants. Thus, the hairpin device 100 allows users 502 to style their hair 500 to reflect their mood and personality, and adds color and design to a user's otherwise plain hairstyle.
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hairpin device comprising:

an upper leg comprising an opposed first and second end;

a lower leg comprising an opposed first and second end, whereby hairs can be grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured;

a loop at the first ends or the second ends of the upper leg and lower leg which connects the upper leg and the lower leg together; and

a decorative element disposed on the upper leg or the lower leg.

2. The hairpin device of claim 1, wherein the decorative element is removably disposed on the loop at the first ends or the second ends of the upper leg and the lower leg.

3. The hairpin device of claim 2, wherein the decorative element is at least one of a shape, a word, a number, a design, or a letter.

4. The hairpin device of claim 1, further comprising an opening opposite the loop of the upper leg and the lower leg.

5. The hairpin device of claim 4, wherein hairs are inserted in the opening and grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured.

6. The hairpin device of claim 5, wherein the upper leg is wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

7. The hairpin device of claim 5, wherein the lower leg is wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

8. The hairpin device of claim 5, wherein both the upper leg and the lower leg are wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

9. The hairpin device of claim 1, wherein the lower leg extends substantially parallel with the upper leg.

10. The hairpin device of claim 1, wherein the loop is diamond-shaped.

11. The hairpin device of claim 1, wherein the loop is angular in shape.

12. A hairpin device comprising:

an upper leg comprising an opposed first and second end;

a lower leg comprising an opposed first and second end, and extending substantially parallel with the upper leg;

a diamond-shaped loop at the first ends or the second ends of the upper leg and lower leg which connects the upper leg and the lower leg together; and

an opening opposite the diamond-shaped loop of the upper leg and the lower leg;

wherein hairs are inserted in the opening and grasped between the upper and lower legs and secured; and

a decorative element removably disposed on the upper leg or the lower leg.

13. The hairpin device of claim 12, wherein the decorative element is at least one of a shape, a word, a number, a design, or a letter.

14. The hairpin device of claim 13, wherein multiple decorative elements are removably secured to the upper leg or the lower leg.

15. The hairpin device of claim 12, wherein the decorative element can be removed and interchanged with another decorative element depending on a user's needs and wants.

16. The hairpin device of claim 12, wherein the upper leg is wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

17. The hairpin device of claim 12, wherein the lower leg is wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

18. The hairpin device of claim 12, wherein both the upper leg and the lower leg are wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening.

19. A hairpin device comprising:

an upper leg comprising an opposed first and second end;

an angular loop at the first ends or the second ends of the upper leg and lower leg which connects the upper leg and the lower leg together; and

an opening opposite the angular loop of the upper leg and the lower leg;

wherein at least one of the upper leg and the lower leg are wavy in shape to further secure hairs inserted in the opening; and

a decorative element removably disposed on the angular loop of the upper leg and the lower leg.

20. The hairpin device of claim 19, wherein multiple decorative elements are removably secured to the loop of the upper leg and the lower leg.