GB2591326A

GB2591326A - A clip for securing a head scarf or chunni

Info

Publication number: GB2591326A
Application number: GB2017235.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Holait Julie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-10-30
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-30
Also published as: GB202017235D0; GB201915737D0; GB2591326B

Abstract

A clip comprising at least one ferromagnetic under-clip 199 that magnetically engages with at least one ornamental over-clip (fig 1a, 99). The under-clip is curved and a surface of each of the clips is adapted to receive a layer of fabric sandwiched between the under/over clips. The under-clip has at least one magnet 5. The over-clip includes at least one magnet (fig 1c, 7). The under-clip may have an arm 4 with an undulating surface for grip. The under or over clips may have a textured surface. The under-clip may have a snap-fit mechanism. The over-clip may be curved to match the under-clip. A Scarf including the clip is also disclosed.

Description

A CLIP FOR SECURING A HEAD SCARF OR CHUNNI

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for securing a scarf, in particular but not exclusively a head scarf or a chunni.

Background

Increasing numbers of people wear scarfs such as chunni, saris or head scarves. The terms are used interchangeably throughout this document.

A chunni in particular is a shawl-like scarf, women's traditionally essential clothing from the Indian subcontinent. Asian women and young girls wear the 15 chunni and it can be lightweight or heavyweight.

Women wear a chunni or headscarf for cultural, religious reasons. This may be women and girls of East Indian ethnicity or other religions and cultures where it is required to keep the head covered particularly in a place of worship. There 20 are specific ways a chunni may be worn. For example, ends of the chunni may be draped forward over the user's shoulders, falling softly over the chest. In addition one end of the chunni may be draped across the chest and over the opposite shoulder so it falls over and drapes down the user's back (or both ends cross over the chest in opposite directions, draped over opposite shoulders.) 25 It can be problematic keeping the chunni in place resulting in slippage from the head.

Prior Art

RU 177 333 discloses scarf-transformers, intended for the carrying either as scarf with the decorative elements at the ends or as the volumetric scarf, fastened into the ring by fastening two separable elements.

US 2007 0 266 476 (ULRICH) discloses a head covering having a full size hood portion coupled with a magnetic closure structure in the overlapping layers around the neck.

US 4 912 944 (CROSLEY et al) discloses an article of jewellery comprising a base element adapted to be worn on the person, and a substrate element having opposite surfaces, one of the opposite surfaces bearing ornamentation, the other of the opposite surfaces being unornamented.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip for securing a scarf comprising: at least one ferromagnetic under-clip that magnetically engages with at least one ornamental over-clip, at least the under-clip is curved to match the curvature of a wearer's head or body and wherein an upper surface of the under-clip and a lower surface of the over-clip are adapted to receive a layer of fabric that is sandwiched between the under-clip and the over-clip.

In this way the clip is arranged on a head to assist with securing a head scarf to a wearer whilst at the same time allowing for the user to drape the head scarf in the manner it is intended to be worn. Or the clip may be arranged for example on an item of clothing about a wearer's shoulder and a chunni or sari is draped over the under-clip and an over-clip is received the secure the chunni or sari in place.

The under-clip is curved to correspond to the wearer, for example the under-clip may have a curvature to match that of a wearer's head or to correspond to the curve of their shoulder region. A layer of the scarf is placed over the underclip(s) and an over-clip of any shape is connected to the under-clip or under-clips by a magnetic connection. In this way a layer of the scarf is sandwiched between the two parts of the clip.

Advantageously the clip secures the scarf to the wearer's without causing damage to the fabric of the scarf and prevents the head scarf or chunni from slipping off This provides security, comfort, and ease of use for a wearer and 5 eliminates embarrassing moments where a scarf or chunni may slip.

The clip also prevents the need for constant re-adjustments ensuring female modesty is maintained and maintaining dignity and respect within a place of worship or during a religious ceremony which can be held anywhere (including 10 in the home).

The clips also make is easier for those who must manage scarfs for children.

For example, the under-clip or under-clips may be arranged to control a user's 15 hair, a head scarf is arranged over the under-clip(s) and one or more over-clip is arranged over the head scarf to magnetically engage with the under-clip(s) thereby securing the scarf in position on a wearer's head as the fabric is sandwiched between the two parts of the head scarf. Alternatively or additionally the under-clip or under-clips may be used to locate securement points for the head scarf or other scarf worn on the body on the wearer's head or body, so that the under-clips are positioned for best securing the scarf and not for controlling a wearer's hair.

Preferably the over-clip has an ornamental surface. This may be envisaged to 25 comprise an Indian or an Asian design, with or without embellishments. In this way the ornamental surface may be envisaged to provide an aesthetic accompaniment to the scarf.

In a preferred embodiment the location of a decoration on an over-clip corresponds to location of a magnet on an under-clip. For example, the over-clip may have a gem or a coloured section that corresponds to the location of the magnet, or one of the magnets on the under-clips. In this way a wearer can easily align the over-clips on the under-clips to ensure a secure connection.

The over-clip may be provided in different shapes, sizes, materials, and colours. Preferably the styling draws on cultural Asian styling, such as the 'mango' (aamb) leaf and lotus flower.

In some embodiments the over-clips show the scarf underneath, for example by having a pattern with cut out regions through which the scarf/chunni/sari can be seen.

In some embodiments the over-clip may include a displaceable portion that can be changed to alter the visual appearance of the over-clip. For example, the displaceable portion may be provided in different colours to complement the scarf with which it is worn.

In some embodiments therefore different colour schemes as well as styles may be applicable and available on occasions, for example a red celebratory piece with conservative use of diamante, more sombre colours for sombre occasions using acrylic gems as opposed to diamante or Swarovski crystals. Examples of designs for the magnetic ornamental over-clips may include the following uses: Use: Bridal Upper surface of over-clip: Silver Gem: Pink or Red Use: Everyday Upper surface of over-clip: Neutral Cream Gem: Sapphire Blue Use: Everyday / Sombre Occasions Upper surface of over-clip: Jet Black Gem: Jet Black Use: Special Occasion Upper surface of over-clip: Gold Gem: Emerald Green Use: Everyday / Sombre Occasions Upper surface of over-clip: Brilliant White Gem: Pearl White The occasion can then determine the user's choice of design.

In a preferred embodiment the under-clip has at least one magnet for receiving a ferromagnetic over-clip. The magnet may be arranged on the upper surface of the under-clip or may be integrated with the under-clip.

Preferably the under-clip includes two magnets, one arranged at each end of the under-clip. This arrangement ensures the scarf is more securely attached between the two pads of the clip.

In an alternative embodiment the over-clip has at least one magnet for receiving a ferromagnetic under-clip. The magnet may be arranged on the lower surface of the under-clip or may be integrated with the over-clip. In this embodiment, preferably the over-clip includes two magnets, one arranged at each end of the over-clip.

In some embodiments both the under-clip and over-clip may include at least one magnet.

It is appreciated that the under-clip is similar to a traditional hair clip. The under-clip has having at least one arm that scoops under a section of hair or material and engages with a body of the clip when force is applied, to close a section of hair or material between the arm and the body of the under-clip. Preferably the arm is deformable between a first open position in which the hair or material is received and a second closed position in which hair or material is locked between the arm and the body.

In some embodiments the body is also deformable between a first open position in which the hair or material is received and a second closed position in which hair or material is locked between the arm and the body.

In a preferred embodiment the under-clip may provide a resiliently sprung or snap-fit mechanism for closing the under-clip about a wearer's hair or about part of a garment.

In a preferred embodiment the arm has an undulating region to grip the wearer's hair or garment so as to prevent slippage of the under-clip. This typically has the appearance of a wave.

The upper surface of the under-clip that engages with the scarf and the lower surface of the over-clip that engages with the scarf are adapted to receive the scarf so as to securely hold it in place.

The surfaces may be textured or contoured to prevent slippage of the parts 15 when worn.

For example, in some embodiments an upper surface of the under-clip and/or the lower surface of the over-clip has a textured surface. The textured surface helps to grip the fabric of the head scarf and to prevent it sliding through the 20 two parts (under-clip and over-clip) of the clip.

The textured surface may be provided by a coating (such as a textured paint) or layer or material (such as a resiliently deformable material) that provides friction against the fabric of the scarf.

In some embodiments an upper surface of the under-clip and/or lower surface of the over-clip has raised and lowered portions. This allows fabric of the scarf to be more securely gripped between the parts of the clip.

Preferably the upper surface of the under-clip and lower surface of the over-clip have corresponding raised and lower portions so that the parts interlock to form a more secure connection together and to more securely hold the fabric layer therebetween.

In use the clip may be applied in the following way.

1) An under-clip is arranged in a wearer's at a desired location.

2) The scarf is placed over the under-clip.

3) An over-clip is secured over the scarf at a position corresponding to an under-clip.

In use, the clip holds the scarf firmly in place on the head or body of a wearer and stops it from falling off and from damage that is caused by traditional grips 10 as known in the art.

Various combinations of under-clips and over-clips may be used. For example, a single over-clip may be arranged to engage with more than one under-clip. This may be advantageous for an enlarged or elongate over-clip, such as a side 15 showpiece, which may be secured by plural under-clips.

The clips may also be arranged about a hair style, or hair piece. For example, a curved over-clip may be arranged to curve around the top of a hair bun.

It is appreciated that the under-clips and over-clips may be provided in a variety of sizes and styles. For example, smaller hair clips may be provided for children.

A wearer may purchase under-clips and over-clips separately so as to enable 25 different configurations, shapes, and colours of the parts and advantageously to reduce costs for the wearer.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1A shows a first embodiment of an over-clip; Figure 1B shows a first embodiment of an under-clip; Figure 1C shows a second embodiment of an over-clip; Figures 2A, 2B and 20 show reverse isometric view of the embodiments shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 10; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of an over-clip; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the first embodiment of the over-clip shown in Figure 1C; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the first 15 embodiment of the over-clip shown in Figure 10; Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the first embodiment of the under-clip shown in Figure 1B, in an open position; Figures 7 show exploded isometric views of the first embodiment of the under-clip shown in Figure 1B; Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show a second embodiment of an under-clip with one magnet; Figures 9A, 9B and 90 show a third embodiment of an under-clip with two magnets; Figure 10A, 10B and 100 show a fourth embodiment of an under-clip with two 30 magnets; and Figures 11A, 11B and 110 show various over-clips.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown various embodiments of clips formed from two main parts, an over-clip 99 and an under-clip 199.

The two parts, the over-clip 99 and the under-clip 199, magnetically connect in use to secure a scarf (not shown) to a wearer.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiments, various different over-clips 10 are shown to include a first embodiment of the over-clip 99 in Figure 1A and 2A comprising a curved head band that is decorated with cut out sections to allow visibility of the head scarf beneath.

A curved form such as shown in the first embodiment of Figure 1A and 2A is envisaged to fit around the top of the user's head, for example in front of a bun. The under-clip is arranged on the wearer's head in front of the bun so that the over-clip is received comfortable up against the bun. The design draws on cultural themes, such as the lotus flower.

It may be envisaged that the larger embodiment of the over-clip (Figures 1A, 2A) curves over the wearer's head and is fitted to the head with three under-clips.

A second embodiment of the over-clip 99 has the appearance of a small leaf or 25 aamb (mango) shaped as shown in Figure 1C and Figure 20. The small second embodiment has diamante gem details and a main diamante detail 7 that relates to a reverse magnet 17.

The main diamante detail 7 indicates to the wearer where the embedded 30 neodymium magnet 17 is located on the body 61 lower face 16, where the main diamante detail 7 is arranged to blend in with the ethnic styling of the upper face 6.

The under-clips 199 are curved to correspond to the curvature of a wearer's head.

The over-clips are also typically curved to correspond to the curvature of a 5 wearer's head. For example the over-clip shown in Figure 3 has a slight curvature to correspond to the contour of the top of a wearer's head and the over-clips shown in Figure 11A have a slight curvature.

Although in some embodiments the over-clips 99 may be flat and fitted to a 10 curved under-clip For example the over-clips shown in Figures 11B and 11C are flat.

The over-clips of Figure 11A are intended to be worn on the side of a wearer's head and the over-clip of Figure 11C is intended to be worn on the shoulder of 15 a wearer to secure a chunni or sari.

All embodiments of the over-clips 99 are intended to be located over the under-clips 199 in use so as to sandwich at least one layer of the scarf (not shown) between the two pads 99, 199.

Once the under-clips are arranged onto the hair or to a garment worn by a wearer, they serve as anchors for the over-clips 99.

The under-clips 199 and over-clips 99 may be blanked from sheet metal, before 25 deburring and bending and colouring which can be later added from a combination of vapourisation and pad printing.

The under-clips 199 grip onto and over strands of the users hair as a traditional hair clip or to parts of a garment worn under a chunni or sari. The under-clips 30 are arranged on a wearer's so as to be below part of the scarf.

The pictured embodiments of the under-clips shown in Figures 8A have an indentation 31 to permanently contain a circular embedded neodymium magnet 5. Some embodiments may be entirely magnetic.

The under-clips 199 are formed from a sprung steel, with a central elongate arm 4, set in an elongate body 3, extending away from an enlarged end 15, containing the magnet 5, to an end with a lanyard attachment hole 13.

In other embodiments of the hair clip shown in Figures 9 and 10 the under-clips 199 have two magnets, one arranged at each end of the under-clip. This provides a more secure connection which may be beneficial for use with heavier chunnis. In such embodiments the shape of the under-clip may be an oblong for example.

Figures 9A, 93 and 9C show a long under-clip. Figures 10A, 103 and 10C show a shorter version of a shorter under-clip with two magnets.

In Figures 8 to 10 the under clip 199 has an arm with an undulated region 3A which assists with gripping hair or material to prevent slippage.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1 A clip for securing a scarf comprising: at least one ferromagnetic under-clip that magnetically engages with at least one ornamental over-clip, at least the under-clip is curved to match the curvature of a wearer's head or body and wherein an upper surface of the under-clip and a lower surface of the over-clip are adapted to receive a layer of fabric that is sandwiched between the under-clip and the over-clip.
2. A clip according to claim 1 wherein the under-clip has at least one magnet.
3. A clip according to claim 2 wherein the under-clip includes two magnets, one arranged at each end of the under-clip.
4. A clip according to claim 1 wherein the over-clip has at least one magnet.
5. A clip according to claim 3 wherein the over-clip includes two magnets, one arranged at each end of the over-clip.
6 A clip according to any preceding claim wherein the under-clip has an arm for passing under a wearer's hair or part under part of a garment and the arm has an undulating surface to grip the wearer's hair or the garment.
7. A clip according to any preceding claim wherein an upper surface of the under-clip has a textured surface.
8. A clip according to any preceding claim wherein an upper surface of the under-clip has raised and lowered portions.
9. A clip according to any preceding claim wherein a lower surface of the over-clip has a textured surface.
10.A clip according to any preceding claim wherein a lower surface of the over-clip has raised and lowered portions.
11.A clip according to any preceding claim wherein location of a decoration on an over-clip corresponds to location of a magnet on an under-clip.
12.A clip according to any preceding claim wherein the under-clip has a snap fit mechanism.
13.A clip according to any preceding claim wherein the over-clip is curved to match the curvature of the under-clip.
14.A scarf including the clip as described according to any preceding claim.