EP3351131B1 - Slip-resistant spiral tip holder and method for its production - Google Patents

Description

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a braid holder and a method for producing the same. Such braid holders are used in particular for fashionable purposes or also for fixing the hair, in particular a hair braid, during physical activities such as for example in sports.

State of the art

Various utensils for fixing a hairstyle, in particular a hair braid, are known from the prior art. In addition to hair ties, hair clips and hair bands, spiral braid holders have also been available for some time, which comprise a helix for holding the hair braid.

For example, describes US 2,924,228 a hair clip with a helically wound spring made from a single piece of resilient material. This hair clip comprises a plurality of turns, all of which have essentially the same diameter.

US 2014/0096788 A1 describes a hair utensil that has a special coil design. The hair utensil comprises an essentially circular element with a plurality of winding structures. In this way, a closed helix loop is formed.

DE 10 2015 215 832 A1 describes a hair styling utensil with a circular endless helix made of an elastic material. The endless helix has a total of six to eight turns that lie against one another on an inner region.

However, the known hair utensils still have considerable room for improvement. A challenge when using the known hair utensils, for example, is still to prevent the hair utensils from slipping and thus preventing the hairstyle from dissolving, particularly during physical activities.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a braid holder which addresses the technical challenge mentioned. In particular, a braid holder is to be provided, which at least largely prevents the braid holder from slipping even during intensive physical activities and ensures a secure hold for the hairstyle.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a braid holder and a method for producing the same, with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

In the following, the terms “have”, “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any grammatical deviations therefrom are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B '," A includes B "or" A includes B "both refer to the situation in which, apart from B, there is no further element in A. (ie a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example element C, elements C and D or even further elements .

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the terms “at least one” and “one or more” as well as grammatical variations of these terms, if they are to be used in connection with one or more elements or features and are intended to express them, mean that the element or feature is provided one or more times can usually be used only once, for example when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is mentioned again, the corresponding term “at least one” or “one or more” is generally no longer used without restricting the possibility that the feature or element can be provided one or more times.

Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used in the following in conjunction with optional features, without this restricting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by these terms are optional features, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims, by these features. Thus, as the skilled person will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other configurations. Similarly, features which are introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without this being intended to restrict alternative configurations or the scope of protection of the independent claims. Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, be they optional or non-optional features, unaffected.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a braid holder for stabilizing a hair braid is proposed. A braid holder is generally understood in the context of the present invention to be a device which is set up to hold a hairstyle, in particular a hair braid, at least temporarily mechanically in a desired configuration. In particular, this can be an at least partially ring-shaped and preferably flexible element, which preferably has at least one opening in order to receive and preferably pinch a hair braid.

The braid holder comprises an endless helix of at least one base body. An endless helix is to be understood as a self-contained body which has a helix shape at least in sections and preferably completely. Under a helix is generally to be understood as a body which is composed of a large number of adjoining and merging loops of essentially the same diameter, for example loops, the diameter of which is preferably not more than 50%, in particular not more than 30% fluctuates more than 20% or even not more than 10% around an average diameter of the loops. The helix can in particular be a toroidal helix, that is to say a helix with loops whose axes together form a torus or whose axes are arranged tangentially to a torus.

As stated above, the endless helix is composed of a plurality of loops, which can also be referred to as windings. The base body is coated on the inside of the turns with at least one strip of at least one rubber coating. The loops or turns of the helix can, for example, form or enclose a virtual tube, which in particular can be self-contained. This tube can in particular form a torus. An inside of the turns is to be understood to mean a side of the turns which assigns to an axis of the hose, for example a circular axis of the torus. Slight deviations in this orientation can be accepted. However, preferably only a part of the circumference of the turns of the helix is provided with the rubber coating, namely the part which in each case points inwards in the loop. The remaining circumference of each turn is preferably uncoated from the rubber coating.

In the context of the present invention, rubber coating is generally understood to mean a coating with at least one material which has the highest possible coefficient of sliding friction, in particular a higher coefficient of sliding friction on human hair than the base body itself. A coefficient of sliding friction is the ratio between the frictional force and understand the normal force. For example, a material pairing between the rubber coating and average human hair can have a sliding friction coefficient of at least 0.2, preferably of at least 0.3, at least 0.4, at least 0.5 and particularly preferably at least 0.6 or even 0.7. The base body itself or, if the base body is covered with at least one covering, the covering may preferably have a smaller coefficient of sliding friction in the material pairing with average human hair than the rubber coating, for example a coefficient of sliding friction which is at least 0.05, in particular at least 0.1, smaller .

The rubber coating can in particular form at least one continuous rubber coating strip. For example, the rubber coating itself can form an endless helix, for example a strip-shaped endless helix.

The rubber coating can be applied directly or indirectly to the base body. In particular, the base body can be enclosed with at least one covering. For example, the base body can have at least one base material and at least one covering of the base material. The casing can itself be part of the base body or can also be seen conceptually as a separate component.

For example, the base body can have a base material made of at least one plastic material. This plastic material can, for example, form a plastic strand which is designed in the form of the endless helix. The plastic material can in particular be designed to be completely or partially deformable, so that in particular an endless helix comprising the plastic material has resilient properties. In particular, the plastic material can be made completely or partially elastic. Alternatively or additionally, however, a spring effect of the endless helix can also be achieved through the windings.

The plastic material can in particular have at least one thermoplastic material or be made entirely of a thermoplastic material. In particular, the plastic material can be or have thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Alternatively or additionally, the plastic material can be or have polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, other plastics can also be used in principle. Thermoplastic polyurethane has, however, proven to be advantageous in terms of its processability.

If the base material or the base body is completely or partially provided with at least one covering, this covering can in particular be or have a textile covering. The textile covering can be colored or colorless. In particular, it can be designed in one color or also in multiple colors. In particular, the covering can be selected from the group consisting of a textile material, a fabric or a braid. A combination of the textile coverings mentioned is also possible. The covering can in particular have a plurality of threads, which can preferably be interwoven or woven together. The threads can in particular be or have plastic threads. For example, the covering can be made entirely or partially of a polyester. However, other materials are also at least possible. Furthermore, natural materials, for example natural threads, can alternatively or additionally be used and are fundamentally possible.

If a textile covering is provided, for example a fabric or a braid, a high-speed weaving process can be used in particular to produce this fabric or braid. In this way, the base material or the base body can be surrounded with a tissue that is closed on the circumference at a high speed.

As stated above, the rubber coating preferably has the highest possible coefficient of friction with average human hair with sliding friction. The rubber coating particularly preferably has at least one elastomer material. In particular, this elastomer material can comprise at least one silicone.

As stated above, the endless helix can in particular be a toroidal helix. The toroidal helix can in particular have a large diameter of 1.5 cm to 7 cm, in particular 2 cm to 5.5 cm, for example a large diameter of 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm or 5.5 cm. A large diameter is generally understood to mean a double distance between a point of intersection of an axis of rotation of the torus through a plane of the torus and a point on a circle which runs through the center points of the loops or turns. However, other dimensions are also possible in principle. A loop diameter of the loops of the helix can be in particular 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm. A loop diameter can generally be understood to mean a double distance between a center point of a loop and a center point of the base body in the region of this loop. However, other dimensions are also possible in principle. However, the dimensions mentioned have proven to be particularly suitable for reliably holding a hairstyle.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a braid holder for stabilizing a hair braid is proposed. The method can be used in particular to produce a braid holder according to the invention, for example according to one or more of the configurations described above and / or according to one of the configurations described in more detail below.

The process comprises the process steps mentioned below. These process steps can be carried out, for example, in the order mentioned. However, a different order is also possible in principle. Furthermore two or several or even all process steps are carried out in parallel or overlapping in time. Furthermore, one, two, several or even all process steps can be carried out repeatedly or repeatedly.

1. a) Formen mindestens eines strangförmigen Formlings aus mindestens einem Grundmaterial;
2. b) direktes oder indirektes Aufbringen mindestens eines Streifens mindestens einer Gummierung auf den Formling;
3. c) Wickeln des Formlings zu einer Helix mit einer Mehrzahl von Windungen, wobei die Gummierung auf einer Innenseite der Windungen angeordnet ist; und
4. d) Formung der Helix zu einer Endloshelix, insbesondere einer toroidalen Helix.

The process includes the following steps:

1. a) forming at least one strand-shaped molding from at least one base material;
2. b) direct or indirect application of at least one strip of at least one rubber coating to the molding;
3. c) winding the blank into a helix with a plurality of turns, the rubber coating being arranged on an inside of the turns; and
4. d) forming the helix into an endless helix, in particular a toroidal helix.

A molding is generally to be understood as an intermediate product which has a predetermined shape. A strand-shaped molding is to be understood as a molding which is elongated and which preferably has a constant cross section transverse, in particular perpendicular, to its longitudinal extent. The cross section can be round, for example. Accordingly, the molded article can be, for example, a round strand, in particular a cylindrical strand.

The molded article can, for example, have a length of 10 cm to several meters, in particular a length of 20 cm to 1 m, in particular 50 cm. However, other dimensions are also possible in principle. In one dimension perpendicular to its longitudinal extent, the molded article can have a diameter or equivalent diameter of 1 mm to 8 mm, in particular of 2 mm to 5 mm. Other dimensions are also possible.

Molding can, for example, describe a process in which at least one molding is produced from one or more raw materials, for example a plastics material and / or a plastic granulate. For example, at least one mold, in particular at least one tool, with at least one mold cavity can be used for molding. Molding without tools or molds is also possible in principle, for example by extrusion or extrusion.

The molding can preferably be flattened on one side, in particular on its inside, that is to say on a later inside of the turns. For example, the molded article can have a substantially round or oval cross section, preferably a flattening is provided on one side. In particular, the strip of rubber coating can be applied to this flattening, so that it can extend in the axial direction on the circumference of the molding along the flattening. When the molding is wound, in particular around a rod, this winding can in particular take place in such a way that the molding rests on the rod with the flattened portion. As an alternative or in addition, the flattening can also be produced only during the winding.

• a1) Einbringen des mindestens einen Grundmaterials in eine Form;
• a2) Pressen des Grundmaterials in der Form zu dem Formling; und
• a3) Entformen des Formlings.

In process step a), in particular an extrusion process and / or an injection process can be used. For example, method step a) can have the following substeps:

• a1) inserting the at least one base material into a mold;
• a2) pressing the base material in the mold to the blank; and
• a3) Demoulding the molding.

After carrying out process step a) and before carrying out process step b), the process can further comprise the following process step: e) coating the molded article with at least one coating.

As stated above, a weaving method or knitting method can be used in particular in method step e). Both processes can be carried out on an industrial scale at high speed. For example, a strand-shaped molding can be continuously woven or knitted around the circumference, so that the covering can be produced at high speed.

In method step b), the rubber coating can be applied, in particular, indirectly to the molded article, in particular to the covering, in that the rubber coating is applied to the covering. In general, in process step b) in particular, the rubber coating can preferably be applied to the molding in liquid form, after which the rubber coating is cured. The application in liquid form can be carried out, for example, by one or more of the following processes: a drip process, a dispenser process, a spray process, a printing process. Other methods are also possible. The curing can in principle be carried out in any manner, for example chemically or photochemically initiated or, preferably, thermally, for example in an oven.

The molding can be wound into the helix in method step c) in particular by wrapping the molding around a rod. For example, a cylindrical solid rod or hollow rod can be used, around which the blank is wound, for example with the covering and with or without the rubber coating already applied, so that, for example, a spiral is formed around the axis of the rod.

As stated above, in method step a) the base material can in particular be injected into the mold, for example a tool with at least one mold cavity. However, other configurations are also fundamentally possible, for example molding without tools.

Further possible configurations relate to the formation of the endless helix. The endless helix can be generated from the complete helix or, alternatively, the helix can also be separated into several sections, from which an endless helix can then be generated in each case. No further distinction is made between the two cases below, since in each case, even in the case of a singulation, the sections also each form a helix, which in turn can then be formed into an endless helix.

For example, in method step d) two opposite ends can be connected. These can, for example, be connected to one another in such a way that the helix is closed in a ring. The connection of the opposite ends can, for example, take place in a cohesive manner. In particular, the two opposite ends can first be thermally melted and then or simultaneously pressed against one another. The melting can take place, for example, at a temperature of 120-190 ° C, for example at a temperature of 140 ° C. Other temperatures are also possible. For example, a soldering iron can be used for thermal melting. Another contacting or contactless thermal method is also possible.

The proposed braid holder and the proposed method have a number of advantages over known hair utensils of a similar type and manufacturing method. In particular, a braid holder can be realized by means of the proposed invention, which sits firmly in the hair, even with intensive physical activity and also with thin hair. Furthermore, the method described can be implemented in a simple, quick and inexpensive manner, even on a large scale. The possible covering gives the braid holder additional durability and insensitivity, since a textile covering in particular can effectively protect a surface of the base body. A Breakage of the braid holder can thus be effectively avoided. Furthermore, the cover can be used to achieve various designer effects, for example texturing or a special coloring. Water-repellent properties can also be achieved by a suitable choice of the material of the covering. The rubber coating, in particular silicone, can also have a water-repellent property. In addition, the rubber coating can be heat-resistant, in particular using silicone.

• Ausführungsform 1: Zopfhalter zum Stabilisieren eines Haarzopfes, umfassend eine Endloshelix mindestens eines Grundkörpers, insbesondere eine toroidale Helix, wobei die Endloshelix aus einer Mehrzahl von Windungen zusammengesetzt ist, wobei der Grundkörper auf einer Innenseite der Windungen mit mindestens einem Streifen mindestens einer Gummierung beschichtet ist.
• Ausführungsform 2: Zopfhalter nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Grundkörper mindestens ein Grundmaterial und mindestens eine Umhüllung des Grundmaterials aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 3: Zopfhalter nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Grundmaterial mindestens ein Kunststoffmaterial aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 4: Zopfhalter nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei das Kunststoffmaterial zumindest teilweise aus thermoplastischem Polyurethan besteht.
• Ausführungsform 5: Zopfhalter nach einer der drei vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Grundmaterial ein elastisches Grundmaterial, insbesondere ein elastisches Kunststoffmaterial, ist.
• Ausführungsform 6: Zopfhalter nach einer der vier vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Umhüllung ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus: einem Textilmaterial, einem Gewebe, einem Geflecht.
• Ausführungsform 7: Zopfhalter nach einer der fünf vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Umhüllung eine Mehrzahl von Fäden aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 8: Zopfhalter nach einer der sechs vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Umhüllung ganz oder teilweise aus einem Polyester hergestellt ist.
• Ausführungsform 9: Zopfhalter nach einer der sieben vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Umhüllung eine elastische Umhüllung ist.
• Ausführungsform 10: Zopfhalter nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Gummierung mindestens ein Elastomermaterial umfasst.
• Ausführungsform 11: Zopfhalter nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Gummierung Silikon umfasst.
• Ausführungsform 12: Zopfhalter nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformen, wobei die Endloshelix eine toroidale Helix mit einem großen Durchmesser von 1,5 cm bis 7 cm, insbesondere einem großen Durchmesser von 2 cm bis 5,5 cm, ist, beispielsweise einem großen Durchmesser von 4 cm, 4,5 cm, 5 cm oder 5,5 cm.
• Ausführungsform 13: Zopfhalter nach einer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsformwn, wobei die Endloshelix eine toroidale Helix mit einem Schlaufendurchmesser der Schlaufen der Endloshelix von 0,3 cm bis 1,5 cm ist.
• Ausführungsform 14: Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Zopfhalters zum Stabilisieren eines Haarzopfes, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfasst:
  • a) Formen mindestens eines strangförmigen Formlings aus mindestens einem Grundmaterial;
  • b) direktes oder indirektes Aufbringen mindestens eines Streifens mindestens einer Gummierung auf den Formling;
  • c) Wickeln des Formlings zu einer Helix mit einer Mehrzahl von Windungen, wobei die Gummierung auf einer Innenseite der Windungen angeordnet ist; und
  • e) Formung der Helix zu einer Endloshelix, insbesondere einer toroidalen Helix.
• Ausführungsform 15: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei der Zopfhalter ein Zopfhalter gemäß einem der vorhergehenden, einen Zopfhalter betreffenden Ansprüche ist.
• Ausführungsform 16: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei in Verfahrensschritt a) ein Extrusionsverfahren oder ein Spritzverfahren verwendet wird.
• Ausführungsform 17: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei Verfahrensschritt a) folgende Teilschritte aufweist:
  • a1) Einbringen des mindestens einen Grundmaterials in eine Form;
  • a2) Pressen des Grundmaterials in der Form zu dem Formling; und
  • a3) Entformen des Formlings.
• Ausführungsform 18: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Verfahren weiterhin nach Durchführung des Verfahrensschritts a) und vor Durchführung des Verfahrensschritts b) weiterhin folgenden Verfahrensschritt aufweist:
  • e) Umhüllen des Formlings mit mindestens einer Umhüllung.
• Ausführungsform 19: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei in Verfahrensschritt e) ein Webverfahren oder Strickverfahren verwendet wird.
• Ausführungsform 20: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei in Verfahrensschritt b) die Gummierung indirekt auf den Formling aufgebracht wird, indem die Gummierung auf die Umhüllung aufgebracht wird.
• Ausführungsform 21: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei in Verfahrensschritt b) die Gummierung in flüssiger Form auf den Formling aufgebracht wird, wobei anschließend eine Aushärtung der Gummierung erfolgt.
• Ausführungsform 22: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die Aushärtung thermisch erfolgt.
• Ausführungsform 23: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei das Wickeln des Formlings zu der Helix in Verfahrensschritt c) durch Wickeln des Formlings um einen Stab erfolgt.
• Ausführungsform 24: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei in Schritt a) das Grundmaterial in eine Form eingespritzt wird.
• Ausführungsform 25: Verfahren nach einer der vorhergehenden, ein Verfahren betreffenden Ausführungsformen, wobei in Verfahrensschritt d) zwei einander gegenüberliegende Enden der Helix miteinander verbunden werden, so dass die Helix ringförmig geschlossen wird.
• Ausführungsform 26: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die beiden gegenüberliegenden Enden stoffschlüssig miteinander verbunden werden.
• Ausführungsform 27: Verfahren nach der vorhergehenden Ausführungsform, wobei die beiden gegenüberliegenden Enden thermisch aufgeschmolzen und gegeneinander gepresst werden.

In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred in the context of the present invention:

• Embodiment 1: braid holder for stabilizing a hair braid, comprising an endless helix of at least one base body, in particular a toroidal helix, the endless helix being composed of a plurality of turns, the base body being coated on the inside of the turns with at least one strip of at least one rubber coating.
• Embodiment 2: pigtail holder according to the preceding embodiment, the base body having at least one base material and at least one covering of the base material.
• Embodiment 3: pigtail holder according to the preceding embodiment, the base material having at least one plastic material.
• Embodiment 4: pigtail holder according to the preceding embodiment, the plastic material at least partially consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane.
• Embodiment 5: pigtail holder according to one of the three preceding embodiments, the base material being an elastic base material, in particular an elastic plastic material.
• Embodiment 6: pigtail holder according to one of the four preceding embodiments, the covering being selected from the group consisting of: a textile material, a woven fabric, a braid.
• Embodiment 7: braid holder according to one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the covering has a plurality of threads.
• Embodiment 8: braid holder according to one of the six preceding embodiments, the covering being made entirely or partially of a polyester.
• Embodiment 9: pigtail holder according to one of the seven preceding embodiments, the covering being an elastic covering.
• Embodiment 10: braid holder according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rubber coating comprises at least one elastomer material.
• Embodiment 11: pigtail holder according to one of the preceding embodiments, the rubber coating comprising silicone.
• Embodiment 12: pigtail holder according to one of the preceding embodiments, the endless helix being a toroidal helix having a large diameter of 1.5 cm to 7 cm, in particular a large diameter of 2 cm to 5.5 cm, for example a large diameter of 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm or 5.5 cm.
• Embodiment 13: pigtail holder according to one of the preceding embodiments, the endless helix being a toroidal helix with a loop diameter of the loops of the endless helix of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm.
• Embodiment 14: A method for producing a braid holder for stabilizing a hair braid, the method comprising the following steps:
  • a) forming at least one strand-shaped molding from at least one base material;
  • b) direct or indirect application of at least one strip of at least one rubber coating to the molding;
  • c) winding the blank into a helix with a plurality of turns, the rubber coating being arranged on an inside of the turns; and
  • e) forming the helix into an endless helix, in particular a toroidal helix.
• Embodiment 15: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the braid holder is a braid holder according to one of the preceding claims relating to a braid holder.
• Embodiment 16: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, an extrusion method or an injection method being used in method step a).
• Embodiment 17: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein method step a) has the following substeps:
  • a1) inserting the at least one base material into a mold;
  • a2) pressing the base material in the mold to the blank; and
  • a3) Demoulding the molding.
• Embodiment 18: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, the method further comprising the following method step after carrying out method step a) and before carrying out method step b):
  • e) wrapping the molding with at least one wrapper.
• Embodiment 19: Method according to the preceding embodiment, a weaving method or knitting method being used in method step e).
• Embodiment 20: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein in process step b) the rubber coating is applied indirectly to the molding by applying the rubber coating to the covering.
• Embodiment 21: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein in step b) the rubber coating is applied to the molding in liquid form, the rubber coating then being cured.
• Embodiment 22: Method according to the preceding embodiment, the curing taking place thermally.
• Embodiment 23: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein the molding is wound into the helix in method step c) by winding the molding around a rod.
• Embodiment 24: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein in step a) the base material is injected into a mold.
• Embodiment 25: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, wherein in method step d) two opposite ends of the helix are connected to one another, so that the helix is closed in a ring.
• Embodiment 26: Method according to the preceding embodiment, the two opposite ends being integrally connected to one another.
• Embodiment 27: Method according to the preceding embodiment, the two opposite ends being thermally melted and pressed against one another.

Brief description of the figures

Further details and features of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, in particular in connection with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. The same reference numerals in the individual figures designate the same or functionally identical or corresponding elements in terms of their functions.

Figuren 1A und 1B

eine exemplarische Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Zopfhalters zum Stabilisieren eines Haarzopfes in einer Draufsicht (Figur 1A) und in einer Querschnittsdarstellung (Figur 1B); und

Figuren 2A und 2B

eine exemplarische Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Zopfhalters zum Stabilisieren eines Haarzopfes (Figur 2A) und eine Darstellung eines Verfahrensschritts des erfindungsgemäßem Verfahrens (Figur 2B).

Show it:

Figures 1A and 1B

an exemplary embodiment of a braid holder according to the invention for stabilizing a hair braid in a plan view ( Figure 1A ) and in a cross-sectional representation ( Figure 1B ); and

Figures 2A and 2B

an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a braid holder for stabilizing a hair braid ( Figure 2A ) and a representation of a method step of the method according to the invention ( Figure 2B ).

Description of the embodiments

Figures 1A and 1B show an exemplary embodiment of a braid holder 110 according to the invention for stabilizing a hair braid. The braid holder 110 is in Figure 1A shown in a top view and in Figure 1B in a cross-sectional representation.

As especially in Figure 1A As shown, the braid holder 110 comprises an endless helix 112 of at least one base body 114. The endless helix 112 can in particular be composed of a plurality of loops 116 of essentially the same diameter which are adjacent to one another and merge into one another. The loops 116 can also be referred to as windings 117. The loops 116 can have a loop diameter d _s , which is, for example, 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm. A loop diameter can generally be understood to mean a double distance between a center point of a loop and a center point of the base body in the region of this loop, or generally also an average diameter of a loop, for example a projection of the loop into an in Figure 1A plane running radially to the circle K perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. However, other dimensions are also conceivable in principle. The endless helix 112 can in particular be a toroidal helix 118. The toroidal helix 118 can in particular have a large diameter d _g of 1.5 cm to 7 cm, in particular 2 cm to 5.5 cm, for example a large diameter d _g of 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm or 5 , 5 cm. A large diameter d _g is generally to be understood as a double distance between a point of intersection M of an axis of rotation of the torus through a plane of the torus and a point on a circle K which runs through the center points of the loops or turns. K is in Figure 1A shown in dashed lines, and the distance between M and K is designated with ½ d _g .

The base body 114 can, for example, as in particular in FIG Figure 1B shown, have at least one base material 120. The base material can in particular have a plastic material 122. The plastic material 122 can at least partially comprise thermoplastic polyurethane. However, other materials are also conceivable in principle. Furthermore, the base material 120 can be an elastic base material 124. The plastic material 122 can, for example, form a plastic strand 126 which is designed in the form of the endless helix 112. Furthermore, the base body 114, as in particular in FIG Figure 1B shown, have at least one sheath 128 of the base material 120. The wrapper 128 can in particular be a textile wrapper 130 be and include, for example, a textile material 132. The wrapper 128 can in particular be an elastic wrapper 134.

The endless helix 112 is composed of a plurality of the turns 117 and the base body 114 is coated on an inner side 138 of the turns 117 with at least one strip 140 of at least one rubber coating 142. The rubber coating 142 can comprise, for example, at least one elastomer material or silicone. Other materials are also conceivable in principle. The rubber coating 142 can be applied directly or indirectly to the base body 114. In particular, the rubber coating 142 can be applied to the casing 128 of the base body 114. Furthermore, the rubber coating 142 can in particular form at least one continuous rubber coating strip 144. For example, the rubber coating 142 itself can form an endless helix 146, for example a strip-shaped endless helix 148. A spring effect of the braid holder 110, in particular the endless helix 112 of the braid holder, can be achieved by the elastic base material 124 and / or by the elastic covering 134. Alternatively or additionally, the spring action of the braid holder 110 can also be achieved by the windings 117.

In Figure 2A An exemplary embodiment of a method 150 according to the invention for producing a braid holder 110 for stabilizing a hair braid is shown schematically. Furthermore, in Figure 2B a method step of the method 150 according to the invention is shown. In particular, the braid holder 110, which in the Figures 1A to 1B is represented by method 150 according to the invention Figure 2A getting produced. Therefore, for further details regarding the braid holder 110, refer to the description of FIGS Figures 1A to 1B be referred to above.

In a first step 152, at least one molding 154 is formed from the at least one base material 120. The molded article 154 can be in the form of a rod. For example, in the first step 154, the base material 120 can be injection molded or extruded. In particular, the base material 120 can be injected into a mold. The mold can have, for example, at least one elongated mold cavity, in particular a rod-shaped mold cavity.

If a mold is used, the first step 152 can in particular have a first sub-step 156, a second sub-step 158 and a third sub-step 160. During the first sub-step 156, the at least one base material 120 can be introduced into the mold. During the second substep 158, the base material 120 can be added to the Molding 154 are pressed in the mold. The molding 154 can be removed during the third substep 144.

In a further step 162, the at least one strip 140 of the at least one rubber coating 142, as for example in FIGS Figures 1A and 1B shown, applied directly or indirectly to the molding 154. The rubber coating 142 can preferably be applied to the molding 154 in liquid form, the rubber coating 142 then being cured.

In a further step 164, the molding 154 is wound into a helix 166 with a plurality of turns 117, the rubber coating 142 being arranged on the inside 138 of the turns 117. This is in Figure 2B shown. In particular, the molding 154, as in Figure 2B shown to be wound around a rod 168. By winding the molding 154 around the rod 168, the molding 154 can be wound into the helix 166. The molded article 154 can be wound around the rod 168 such that a spiral 170 forms about an axis 172, in particular a longitudinal axis 174, of the rod 168. The rod 168 can in particular be a cylindrical solid rod 176 or a cylindrical hollow rod 178.

In a further step 180, the helix 166, as in Figure 2B to an endless helix 112, in particular a toroidal helix 118, as for example in Figure 1A shown, shaped. For example, two opposite ends 182, 184 can be connected to one another, in particular in such a way that the helix 166 is closed in a ring. The connection of the opposite ends 182, 184 can, for example, take place in a cohesive manner. In particular, the two opposite ends 182, 184 can first be thermally melted and then or simultaneously pressed against one another. The melting can take place, for example, at a temperature of 120-190 ° C, for example at a temperature of 140 ° C. Other temperatures are also possible.

Reference list

110

Braid holder

112

Endless helix

114

Basic body

116

loop

117

Swirl

118

toroidal helix

120

Basic material

122

Plastic material

124

elastic base material

126

Plastic strand

128

Wrapping

130

textile wrapping

132

Textile material

134

elastic wrap

138

inside

140

Stripes

142

Rubber coating

144

Rubber strips

146

Endless helix

148

strip-shaped endless helix

150

Procedure

152

first step

154

Molding

156

first sub-step

158

second sub-step

160

third step

162

further step

164

further step

166

Helix

168

Rod

170

spiral

172

axis

174

Longitudinal axis

176

Solid rod

178

Hollow rod

180

further step

182

The End

184

The End

Claims (13)

1. Braid holder (110) for stabilizing a hair braid, comprising an endless helix (112) of at least one basic body (114), wherein the endless helix (112) is composed of a plurality of turns (117), wherein the basic body (114), on an inner side (138) of the turns (117), is coated with at least one strip (140) of at least one rubber lining (142).
2. Braid holder (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the basic body (114) has at least one base material (120) and at least one encapsulation (128) of the base material (120).
3. Braid holder (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the encapsulation (128) is selected from the group consisting of: a textile material (132), a woven fabric, a braided fabric and a polyester.
4. Braid holder (110) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein the encapsulation (128) is an elastic encapsulation (134).
5. Braid holder (110) according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein the base material (120) has at least one plastics material (122).
6. Braid holder (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plastics material (122) consists at least partially of thermoplastic polyurethane.
7. Braid holder (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rubber lining (142) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: an elastomer material and a silicone.
8. Braid holder (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the endless helix (112) is a toroidal helix (118) with a large diameter d_g of 1.5 cm to 7 cm.
9. Braid holder (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the endless helix (112) is a toroidal helix (118) with a loop diameter d_s of the loops (116) of the endless helix (112) of 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm.
10. Method (150) for producing a braid holder (110) for stabilizing a hair braid, wherein the method (150) comprises the following steps:

    a) shaping at least one strand-shaped moulding (154) from at least one base material (120);

    b) directly or indirectly applying at least one strip (140) of at least one rubber lining (142) to the moulding (154) ;

    c) winding the moulding (154) to form a helix (166) with a plurality of turns (117), wherein the rubber lining (142) is arranged on an inner side (138) of the turns (117); and

    d) shaping the helix (166) to form an endless helix (112) .
11. Method (150) according to the preceding claim, wherein the method (150) also comprises separation of the helix (166) into a plurality of portions.
12. Method (150) according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein, after method step a) has been carried out and before method step b) is carried out, the method (150) also comprises the following method step:

    e) encapsulating the moulding (154) in at least one encapsulation (128).
13. Method (150) according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein, in method step b), the rubber lining (142) is applied in liquid form to the moulding (154), wherein the rubber lining (142) is subsequently cured.

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