EP2563181B1

EP2563181B1 - Hair band

Info

Publication number: EP2563181B1
Application number: EP11716929.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefania Pilan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-30
Filing date: 2011-04-29
Publication date: 2016-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-29
Also published as: IT1399860B1; EP2563181A1; ITBO20100270A1; WO2011135084A1; US20130042885A1

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a hair band of the type adapted to provide particular hairstyles of the gathered type: essentially, the present invention is an effective accessory for providing hairstyles.

Background Art

One particular type of gathered hairstyle is known as the chignon.
The word "chignon" derives from the French expression "chignon du cou", used to refer to the nape of the neck. The chignon is provided by gathering the hair in a bun on the nape of the neck, but there are many variations in style. It is a type of hairstyle worn predominantly for special occasions, such as weddings or ballets, but the base of the chignon can also be used for everyday sports styling.
The provision of this type of hairstyle requires a rather complex sequence of operations, during which the hair is generally gathered beforehand in a ponytail, the ponytail being arranged typically halfway along the rear part of the head (in terms of height).
The hair is rolled up lock by lock, folded at the base and held with hairpins exactly where the roll (or lock) of hair rests against the head.
These operations are very complicated, require hairgrips, hairpins and the like, which create tension at the head and can be annoying, and in particular it is difficult to provide this hairstyle autonomously: it is often necessary to resort to an expert in order to be certain of an execution that has a pleasant appearance and is durable.
For this reason, hair stylists are often needed to provide chignons.
Some alternative instruments are known which are substantially shaped like large hairpins, do not create a firm and stable hairstyle (therefore they are absolutely unsuitable for use during sports activities and recreational activities) and subject the scalp to stresses and tensions. The large hairpins (made of various materials) are often subject to breakage, since after a certain number of successive deformations they yield due to fatigue failure.
US 6,401,726 B1 discloses a device for styling hair that includes a flexible long body portion having a separating opening therein through which to receive a user's hair, and clasp portions extending from either end of the body portion which can be closed into a corresponding clasp by the insertion of one portion in the other so as to prevent rotation of one with respect to the other. The body portion includes a support strip made of resilient material such as polyvinyl chloride or high density polyethylene which returns to it original shape when a force causing deformation is subsequently removed.
US 6,453,911 B1 discloses a clip end hair fastening band comprising an elastic band, made of resilient elastic plastic, with jaw-toothed clips integrally attached to each end, whereby a user clamps the first clip to the hair with teeth penetrating the section, then wraps the band around, over or under the hair and secures the second clip to the hair with teeth penetrating the section.
US 2005/0194018 A1 discloses an elastic hair styling device with a stretchable cloth covered elastomeric band with each end thereof anchored in a corresponding one of two clasp portions that snap together and snap apart but remain together under tension introduced therein by wrapping the band one or more times about an aggregation of the user's hair.
US 5,133,671 discloses a combined releasable holder and lock.
US 2009/0200296 A1 discloses a flap of a cover molded from high crystallinity polypropylene that did not break out in an endurance test.

Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, by proposing a hair band particularly suitable for the simplified provision of chignons.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a hair band that avoids the use of hairpins which cause tension and pain to the head of the user and can be easily lost (slip off) during movement.
Another object of the invention is to propose a hair band that is suitable to be reused an indefinite number of times without being subjected to damage due to previous uses.
Another object of the invention is to propose a hair band that is particularly efficient and stable once it has been arranged among the hair in order to provide the desired hairstyle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair band that has low costs and is relatively simple to provide in practice and safe in application.
This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a hair band, characterized in that it comprises at least one band provided with at least one substantially longitudinal slot and with respective mutual coupling means, arranged at its ends, said band being made of polymeric material with high mechanical fatigue strength, i.e., having a rigidity that is suitable to confer a high consistency and flexibility of the elastic type, fatigue being understood as the successive exposure to stresses, suitable to produce deformations in the band, whose extent and direction may also be variable over time.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the hair band according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair band according to the invention in the inactive configuration;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hair band according to the invention in the closed configuration that corresponds to the arrangement assumed during use;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first step of the use of a hair band according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second step of the use of a hair band according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the third step of the use of a hair band according to the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fourth step of the use of a hair band according to the invention;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a hairstyle provided by means of a hair band according to the invention.

Ways of carrying out the Invention

With reference to the figures, a hair band is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.
The hair band 1 is constituted by' at least one band 2 which is provided with at least one substantially longitudinal slot 3 and with respective means 4 and 5 for mutual coupling which are arranged at its ends.
The band is conveniently made of polymeric material that has a high mechanical fatigue strength.
The expression "mechanical fatigue" is used to refer to the successive exposure to stresses, suitable to produce deformations in the band 2, whose extent and direction may also be variable over time.
The mechanical properties generically defined as "mechanical fatigue strength" that the band 2 made of polymeric material must have are the following:

rigidity and consistency suitable to determine a good aptness of the structural type (the band 2 must be able to bear stably its own weight and the weight of the hair with which the hairstyle will be provided without undergoing any type of deformation along the main axis);
elastic flexibility, in order to ensure that the band 2, when it is folded onto itself in a substantially curved shape (substantially circular shape and/or according to specific curvatures imposed by the hairstyle being provided) tends to elastically return to the inactive configuration in order to provide greater reliability and stability of the closure mode. This property must be preserved effectively over time even after prolonged use;
high fatigue strength of its parts intended to be deformed repeatedly during use (all or part of the mutual coupling means 4 and 5).

According to an embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, the polymer used is preferably of the type of polypropylene.
More specifically, it is adequate to stress the particular suitability for this application of a polypropylene preferably of the type with a high crystalline grade.
It is specified that in a particularly effective constructive solution the polymer has the following mechanical characteristics:

elastic modulus of deformation whose value is comprised between 1500 and 2800 MPa,
fatigue strength and yield strength whose value is comprised between 25 and 60 MPa,
values of percentage breaking deformation comprised between 5% and 25%,
values of percentage yielding deformation comprised between 2% and 12% of the initial value.

All the values cited above must be considered as determined according to the ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2 standards.
In particular, preference is indicated for a first material that has the following mechanical properties:

elastic modulus of deformation equal to 2300 MPa,
fatigue strength and yield strength equal to 41 MPa,
values of percentage breaking deformation equal to 12%,
values of percentage yielding deformation equal to 6%.

As an alternative, the possible and effective application of a second material having the following mechanical characteristics is indicated:

elastic modulus of deformation equal to 2000 MPa,
fatigue strength and yield strength equal to 40 MPa,
values of percentage breaking deformation equal to 20%,
values of percentage yielding deformation equal to 7%.

It should also be specified that a polymer with optimum effectiveness must have the following physical properties:

density of a value comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 g/cm³, determined according to the ISO1183 standard,
melt mass-flow rate comprised between 10 and 30 g/10 minutes according to the ISO1133 standard,
melt volume-flow rate comprised between 15 and 45 cm³/10 minutes, according to the ISO1133 standard.

In particular, preference is indicated for a first material that has the following mechanical properties:

density of a value equal to 0.9 g/cm³,
melt mass-flow rate equal to 20 g/10 minutes,
melt volume-flow rate equal to 27 cm³/10 minutes.

As an alternative, the possible and effective application of a second material that has the following mechanical characteristics is indicated:

density of a value equal to 0.9 g/cm³,
melt mass-flow rate equal to 12 g/10 minutes,
melt volume-flow rate equal to 16 cm³/10 minutes.

By way of first example, it is indicated that the first material of interest is preferably of the type known commercially by the code ADSTIF HA840R, manufactured by LyondellBasell; the second material of interest is preferably of the type known commercially by the code ADSTIF HA740N, manufactured by LyondellBasell.
For ensuring optimum stability of the hairstyle provided by means of the hair band 1, the coupling means 4 and 5 comprise a contoured opening 4 on a first end 2a of the band 2 and a T-shaped element 5 on the second end 2b of the band 2.
The T-shaped element 5 is suitable for insertion in the contoured opening 4 and for selective locking inside it: selective locking occurs following the arrangement of the central portion of the T-shape, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the band 2, within a recess 6 that is directed toward the end portion of the first end 2a of the contoured opening 4.
The end portion of the T-shaped element 5, when the central portion is accommodated within the recess 6 of the opening 4, is oriented backward toward the perimetric edge of the first end 2a of the band 2: this orientation is achieved by inclining it backward with respect to the direction of the second end 2b of the band 2 so as to define a safety lock against its escape from the recess 6.
The recess 6 is particularly large and extended toward the end of the portion 2a: in this manner the accommodation of the end portion of the element 5 is safer and more stable.
The recess 6 is narrower than the remaining part of the opening 4, whereas its length is considerably larger: positively, the length (along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the band 2) of the remaining part of the opening 4 is minimal, so as to hinder the accidental exit of the end portion of the element 5 from the recess 6 during use and if it is necessary to make adjustments to the hairstyle (once it has already been provided). The combination of these shape characteristics with the elastic behavior of the polymer used to provide the band 2 ensures the ideal behavior of the band 2 in terms of stability of reclosure (especially in the configuration for use to define a hairstyle).
Orientation and inclination are obtained by deformation: thanks to the adoption of the polymers described above it is possible to have permanent deformations which however do not induce fatigue failure of the material.
In particular, the polymers used ensure optimum shape memory: even after prolonged use in the closed configuration to define a hairstyle of the hair band 1, when said hair band is released into the inactive configuration it tends to assume again the original flat shape. The same occurs for the end portion of the T-shaped element 5, which, folded so as to ensure its locking within the recess 6, will tend to resume its initial shape, before bending, when released into the inactive configuration. This characteristic ensures a considerable effectiveness of the hair band 1 and a very long durability thereof without any deterioration of its mechanical properties and of its convenience in use.
The substantially longitudinal slot 3 has toothed delimiting edges; the toothed portions of the facing edges are contiguous and substantially complementary.
The goal pursued by adopting toothed delimiting edges is to retain (and in a way to comb) the hair delimited while it is rolled up onto the hair band 1, before closing it onto itself to define the hairstyle.
The user must insert the hair (preferably gathered in a ponytail) within the slot 3 between the sets of teeth.
By rolling up the hair on the band 2 (while said hair is inverted in the slot 3) and by then closing the band 2 onto itself by with the closure means 4 and 5 it is possible to provide various types of hairstyle, particularly chignons and the like.
It should be stressed that the longitudinal slot 3 comprises two end receptacles 7 that are wider than said slot 3 in the remaining portions of the band 2.
These wider receptacles ensure greater flexibility of the band 2 when it is opened along the opening 3 for insertion of the hair.
Advantageously, the hair band 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for the simplified provision of chignons particularly when the user wishes to provide the particular hairstyle independently on his or her own head.
Positively, the hair band 1 according to the invention avoids the use of hairpins which would cause tension and pain to the head of the user and might be easily lost (disengaged) during movements. The present invention therefore has optimum ergonomics for the well-being and comfort of the user.
Usefully, the hair band 1 according to the invention is suitable to be reused an indefinite number of times without being damaged by prior uses.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
The hair band 1 can be provided in various lengths and sizes; in particular, a first longer version is known which is suitable for providing classic chignons. A second version of the hair band 1 that has smaller dimensions is associated therewith for providing specific hairstyles that allow the arrangement of only a few individual locks in particular shapes. It is evident that the smaller versions might also be suitable for the provision of classic chignons on children.
In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A hair band, comprising at least one band (2) provided with at least one substantially longitudinal slot (3) and with respective mutual coupling means (4, 5) arranged at its ends, said band (2) having a flat shape in an inactive configuration and being made of a polymeric material with high mechanical fatigue strength, i.e., with a rigidity that is suitable to provide a high consistency and flexibility of the elastic type, fatigue being understood as the successive exposure to stresses suitable to produce deformations in the band whose extent and direction may also be variable over time, characterised by, said polymer being of the type of polypropylene with a high crystalline grande, said polymer having an elastic modulus of deformation whose value is comprised between 1500 and 2800 MPa, fatigue strength and yield strength whose value is comprised between 25 and 60 MPa, with corresponding values of percentage breaking deformation comprised between 5% and 25% and percentage yielding deformation values comprised between 2% and 12% of the initial value, all the values determined according to the standards set by ISO527-1 and ISO527-2, said polymer having a density, according to the ISO1183 standard, comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 g/cm³, a melt mass-flow rate, according to the ISO1133 standard, comprised between 10 and 30 g/10 minutes and a melt volume-flow rate, according to the ISO1133 standard, comprised between 15 and 45 cm³/10 minutes, said coupling means (4, 5) comprising a contoured T-shaped through opening (4) on a first flat end (2a) of said band (2) in said inactive configuration and a T-shaped element (5) on the flat second end (2b) of the band (2) in said inactive configuration, said T-shaped element (5) being adapted for insertion in said contoured T-shaped through opening (4) and for selective locking therein following the arrangement of the central portion of said T-shaped element (5), aligned with the longitudinal axis of said band (2), within a central portion recess (6) which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of said band (2) and directed backward toward the end region of the first end (2a) of said contoured opening (4), the end portion of said T-shaped element (5), when the central portion is accommodated within said recess (6) of said opening 5 (4), being oriented toward the perimetric edge of said first end (2a) of the band (2), which is inclined with respect to the direction of said second end (2b) of the band (2), so as to form a safety lock with respect to its exit from said recess (6), said orientation and inclination being obtained by deformation of the element (5).
The hair band according to claim 1, characterized in that said substantially longitudinal slot (3) has toothed delimiting edges, with the teeth of facing edges being contiguous and substantially complementary.
The hair band according to claim 1, characterized in that said longitudinal slot (3) comprises two end receptacles (7) which are wider than the width of said slot (3) in the remaining portions of said band (2).