TWM606655U - Fashion accessory and flexible cord - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments are disclosed of a fashion accessory, a cord for use in a fashion accessory, and a coupler for use in a fashion accessory. In one embodiment, the fashion accessory comprises a flexible cord for use in a fashion accessory. The flexible cord comprises multiple nodules and a filament portion adjacent each nodule. The multiple nodules comprise spheroidal nodules and nodules comprising a substantially flat surface, where each of the spheroidal nodules has a diameter in a range from approximately five to approximately six millimeters. The fashion accessory further comprises a substantially rigid coupler comprising two end portions connected by a keel portion. An embodiment of a substantially rigid coupler for use in a fashion accessory comprises first and second end portions, each comprising a bore hole and a slot, and a keel portion connecting the first and second end portions.

Description

Popular accessories and bendable rope pieces Related applications

This application claims U.S. Patent Application No. 16/111,078 filed on August 23, 2018 under the name of Hair Tie or Fashion Accessory, and filed on April 5, 2019 under the name of Hari Tie or Fashion Accessory Priority of US Design Patent Application No. 29/686,701.

This creation is about exposing popular accessories, ropes used in popular accessories, and couplers used in popular accessories.

There are many hair tie devices for collecting and fixing hair into a ponytail. For certain activities, such as cheerleading, it is important that the hair tress be held very firmly without letting the hair slip out of the tress during the activity. One countermeasure is to use a bundle in the form of a closed strap made of a "gripping" type material (for example, an elastic silicone material). However, it is difficult to remove these gripping strands without tangling or pulling off the hair.

In view of the above shortcomings, this creation provides a popular accessory, including: a bendable rope, including a plurality of nodules and a wire part adjacent to each of the nodules, wherein the multiple nodules include a first group of spherical nodules and a second group of nodules , The second set of nodules includes a substantially flat surface, and the diameter of each of the spherical nodules is in the range from about 5 mm to about 6 mm; and a substantially rigid coupler, including parts connected by a keel Two end portions, wherein each end portion includes a long hole, the set of long holes is configured to allow one of the wire parts of the rope to move through the long hole, and each end portion further includes a hole, the hole It communicates with the long hole in the end portion.

This creation provides a bendable rope for use in popular accessories. The rope includes a plurality of nodules arranged along the length of the rope, wherein the plurality of nodules includes a first group of spherical nodules and a second Group nodules, the second group of nodules includes a substantially flat surface, and the diameter of each of the spherical nodules is in the range from about 5 mm to about 6 mm; and a wire portion adjacent to each of the at least two nodules Wherein, the diameter of the wire part is smaller than the diameter of the adjacent nodule.

The present creation also provides a substantially rigid coupling for use in fashion accessories. The coupling includes: a first end portion, including a first hole and a first long hole, wherein the first long hole The first hole is connected to the opening of the coupler, and the group of openings constitutes a nodule inserted in the bendable cord in the coupler; the second end portion includes a second hole and a second long hole, Wherein, the second long hole connects the second hole to the opening of the coupler; and a keel portion, which connects the first end portion to the second end portion, wherein the keel portion includes the first A side wall and a second side wall, the coupler has a central width measured between the outer surfaces of the first and second side walls at a position approximately in the middle along the line between the first hole and the second hole , The coupler has a first maximum width measured between the outer surfaces of the first and second side walls at a position along the way of the line between the first hole and the position of the central width, the The central width is smaller than the first maximum width, and the coupler includes first and second recesses The hole is between the first and second side walls, and the first and second cavities are partially delimited by the first and second end points, respectively, and each group of the first and second cavities is formed Grasp a nodule having a diameter from about 5 mm to about 6 mm.

100: hair tress, assembly

102: rope

104: Coupler

106: Nodules

108: Nodules

200: rope part, part

202: wire parts, parts

302: Keel Part

304: First end, stern part, end part

306: second terminal, bow part, terminal part

308: Arch, arch outline

309: Sidewall

310: hole

312: Long hole

314, 316: cavities

318: Concave

320, 322: side wall, surface

324: inner edge surface

502, 504, 512, 514, 518, 520: wire parts

506, 510, 516: nodules

522: part

600: rope parts, rope parts

602: spherical module, spherical nodule, spherical nodule, nodule

604: Disc shape module, disc shape nodules, nodules

606: Flat surface

608: wire parts

700: Coupler

702: Keel Part

704: First end part, end part

706: second end part, end part

708: recess

709: Sidewall

710: Hole

712: Long Hole

714: End cavities, cavities

716: pit

718: recess

720, 722: side wall

724, 726: Beveled edges

800: hair tress or accessory system, assembly

802: Nodules, remaining nodules

830: Coupler

832: keel part

834, 836: End point

840: hole

850: Raise bumps, bumps

900: rope

902, 904: Nodules

908: wire parts

1000: Coupler

1002: Keel part

1004, 1006: End point

1008, 1018: recess

1009: sidewall

1010: hole

1012: Long hole

1014: End Hole

1016: pit

1020: Hole sidewall

1022: Long hole side wall

1100: Assembled Jewelry System

1102: Remaining nodules

The following detailed description of various disclosed embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the hair tress or accessory system; Figure 2a is the cord of the hair tress or accessory system in a relaxed state Side view of part of the embodiment; Figure 2b is a side view of the embodiment of the cord part of the hair strand or accessory system in the extended state; Figure 3a is the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair strand or accessory system Figure 3b is an end view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figure 3c is a top view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figure 3d is A cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair tress or accessory system; Figure 4a is a perspective view of the embodiment of the hair tress or accessory system; Figure 4b is the coupling of the assembled hair tress or accessory system embodiment Figure 4c is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the coupler of the embodiment of the assembled hair bundle or accessory system; Figures 5a to 5f are side views illustrating examples of different design embodiments of the rope parts Figure 6a is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cord part of the hair bundle or accessory system; Figure 6b is a side view of the embodiment of the cord part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figure 7a is a perspective view from the top side of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figure 7b is the hair The top view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the bundle or accessory system; Fig. 7c is an end view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair bundle or accessory system; Fig. 7d is the coupler of the hair bundle or accessory system Part of the side view of the embodiment; Figure 7e is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair tress or accessory system; Figure 8a is the vicinity of the coupler of the embodiment of the assembled hair tress or accessory system Top view; Figure 8b is a perspective view from the bottom side of the embodiment of the coupler part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figures 9a to 9g are additional views of the embodiment of the cord part of the hair strand or accessory system; Figures 10a to 10g are additional views of an embodiment of the coupler portion of the hair tress or accessory system; and Figures 11a to 11g are additional views of an embodiment of the assembled hair tress or accessory system.

The embodiment of the popular accessory disclosed herein includes a bendable rope piece including a plurality of nodules and a silk piece part adjacent to each nodule. This embodiment also includes a substantially rigid coupling including a keel portion connected to two end portions, wherein each end portion includes an elongated hole, and the elongated hole group constitutes allowing the wire portion of the rope One moves through the long hole, and each end part also contains The hole connected with the long hole in the end portion. In another embodiment, the wire part comprises a compressible material. In another embodiment, the wire part comprises an elastic material.

In another embodiment of the fashionable accessory described herein, at least two groups of the nodules of the bendable cord are formed in the coupling when the adjacent wire parts move through the elongated hole and enter the hole. Within the individual end portion of the connector. In another embodiment, the one set of the wire part is configured to be compressed by the side wall of the long hole when moving through the long hole. In still another embodiment, the one set of the wire part is configured to stretch when moving through the elongated hole, and has a reduced diameter when stretched. The popular accessory group composition described herein is used as a hair bundle in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the set of popular accessories is configured to be used as jewelry items. In still other embodiments, the set of popular accessories is configured to be used as a strap.

In one embodiment, the bendable cord used in fashion accessories includes at least two nodules spaced along the length of the cord, and a wire portion adjacent to each of the at least two nodules. The diameter of the wire part is smaller than the diameter of the adjacent nodule. In another embodiment of the cord, the wire part comprises a compressible material. In another embodiment, the wire part comprises an elastic material. In another embodiment, at least two of the at least two nodules are spherical in shape. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the at least two nodules comprises a substantially flat surface. In another embodiment, the cord includes a plurality of nodules spaced along the length of the cord, wherein each of the plurality of nodules includes a substantially flat surface. In this embodiment, the rope element also includes at least one nodule along the rope element portion between each pair of the plurality of nodules, and the at least one nodule does not include a substantially flat surface.

An embodiment of a substantially rigid coupler used in fashion accessories includes a first end portion including a first hole and a first long hole, a second end portion including a second hole and a second long hole, and Connect the first end portion to the keel portion of the second end portion. The first long hole A hole is connected to the opening of the coupler, the second long hole connects the second hole to the opening of the coupler, and the group of openings constitutes the coupling of the nodules inserted in the bendable cord器内。 In the device. The keel portion includes a first side wall and a second side wall, and the coupler has an outer side of the first and second side walls at a position along approximately the middle of the line between the first hole and the second hole. The central width measured between the surfaces. The coupler also has a first maximum width measured between the outer surfaces of the first and second side walls at a position along the way of the line of the first hole and the center width of the position, wherein the The central width is smaller than the first maximum width.

Another embodiment of the coupler has a second measured between the outer surfaces of the first and second side walls at a position along the way of the line between the second hole and the center width. The maximum width, wherein the central width is smaller than the second maximum width. In another embodiment, despite the presence of force extending the bendable cord in a direction parallel to the axis passing through the first and second holes, the coupler set constitutes an indwellingly inserted bendable cord nodule. In another embodiment, the coupler set is configured to be grasped between the thumb and the finger during the insertion of the bendable cord nodules into the coupler.

The hair strand system as disclosed herein includes two components: a bendable cord with a varying cross-section, and a relatively rigid coupling for movably connecting the separate parts of the cord together to form a loop. Connector. The embodiment of the hair bundle system is illustrated in Figure 1. The hair strand 100 includes a bendable cord 102 whose ends are connected by a coupler 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the rope member 102 has a wave-shaped cross section of a tandem ball-shaped nodule 106. The remaining nodules 108 are left in the coupler 104 when the hair bundle is assembled. When assembled, as shown in Figure 1, the hair tress can be used to hold hair in a manner similar to the way the closed band hair tress is used. Depending on the length of the rope part (and the generated diameter of the assembled hair bundle) and the total amount of hair to be fixed, the embodiment of the assembled hair bundle can be rotated and folded in the usual manner to form a structure having two Or bundles of more strands and reduced diameter. For example, by closing Fold the hair bundle of the closed band into the shape of "Figure 8", and then fold the ends of the "8" together to form a double stranded hair bundle.

In addition to being used as hair strands, the embodiments of the system disclosed herein can be used for other types of popular accessories, including jewelry items (for example, bracelets, necklaces, or rings), or jewelry items (for example, belts or hat straps). Pieces).

A more detailed view of an embodiment of the flexible cord is shown in Figure 2a. The portion 200 of the cord 102 includes alternating nodules 106 and wire portions 202. In this embodiment of the cord 102, due to the closed interval of the nodules 106, the wire portion 202 is not necessarily clearly visible. Figure 2a illustrates the rope part 200 in the relaxed position; an illustration of the rope part in the extended position is shown in Figure 2b. In Figure 2b, the rope part 200 is stretched longitudinally or along the length of the rope. When the cord is stretched, the wire portion 202 becomes more visible. The diameter of the portions 202 can also be reduced by this stretching, which allows them to be pulled through the elongated holes in the coupling 104, as discussed further below. In the embodiment, the wire part is a cord part integrated into the nodules or between the nodules, and cannot be visually distinguished from those elements.

In an embodiment, the bendable cord used in the system disclosed herein is formed from a bendable, elastic material. In an embodiment, the material is elastomer, for example, silicone rubber. Silicone rubber embodiments can be formed from, for example, polysiloxane or polydimethylsiloxane. In another embodiment, the cord is formed by injection molding silicone rubber. Other techniques generally known to those skilled in the art of elastomer production can also be used, such as compression molding and extrusion. In some embodiments, the string part used in the hair tress or accessory system is formed from a combination of materials. For example, beading formed from elastomer, plastic, wood, metal, stone, or other suitable materials used to form the nodules may be spaced apart along the compressible string in some embodiments. This compressible cord can be formed in various ways, including, for example, as above The described elastomer, a fiber-wound elastic cord, a thread, string or yarn that can be braided or braided, or can be compressed to pass properly through a coupler (for example, coupler 104) Of long-hole fabric strips or tubes. In some embodiments, an elastic cord surrounded by a fabric tube so that the fabric is gathered or bundled along at least a portion of the length of the cord may also be used. In some embodiments used for fabric tubes, beads or other nodules may be enclosed within the fabric tube and spaced apart along the length of the fabric tube. Depending on the material used, any suitable manufacturing technique for this material can be used.

The size of the nodules 106 allows them to be retained while being captured by the coupler 104 in the assembled hair bundle or accessory. In one embodiment of the hair strand, the diameter of the nodules 106 is about 4 to 5 mm, but smaller or larger sized nodules 106 may also be suitable for other embodiments. Although a nodule can exhibit a certain degree of compressibility or elasticity, depending on the material it is made of, the combination of size, shape, and rigidity of the nodule, together with the rigidity and rigidity of the coupler used The size is used to allow the nodule to be retained by the coupler even when horizontal force is applied. The horizontal force as used herein with respect to the coupler is applied in a direction generally along the axis of each passing through the hole at the end point of the coupler. For example, the horizontal force can be applied by longitudinally extending the rope including the remaining nodules. The diameter of the wire portion 202 of the adjacent nodule 106 allows the wire portion to move through the elongated hole in the coupler 104 when extending in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction relative to the length of the rope. In an embodiment, the rope element is moved through the elongate hole by pushing or pulling the rope element through the elongate hole. In an embodiment, the compressibility of the material used to form the rope member 102 allows the wire member portion 202 to move through the elongated hole in the coupling 104, even if the diameter of the wire member portion 202 is slightly larger than the length when stretched longitudinally. The same is true for the opening of the hole. In one embodiment of the hair strand, the opening of the elongated hole in the coupler 104 is approximately 0.5 mm wide, and the diameter of the portion 202 of the cord 102 is approximately 1 mm wide when stretched longitudinally. However, the smaller or larger diameter of the wire portion 202 may be suitable in other embodiments.

The cord 102, as well as any other cord embodiments described herein, can have any length suitable for use in hair strands or other accessories. In one embodiment of the hair strand, the length of the cord 102 in the relaxed (unstretched) state is about 16 to 17 cm. Such an embodiment can be used, for example, for hair strands that are turned and folded to form a double stranded hair strand. A shorter or longer length cord 102 can also be used, depending on the total amount of hair to be secured and the total number of strands that the hair bundle will be folded to have. In an embodiment, the cord 102 is shortened by the user of the hair tress or accessory to achieve a desired length. In another embodiment, the hair strand or accessory is assembled so that one or both of the remaining nodules 108 are located midway along the length of the cord 102, rather than at the end of the cord.

The dimensions of the bendable cord and the coupling disclosed in this document can vary depending on the nature of the ornament to be implemented by the assembly system. For example, a necklace may have a longer string length than a bracelet. Systems for necklaces, bracelets, or straps can have larger nodules and coupler sizes than hair bundle systems, but systems for rings can have smaller nodules and coupler sizes.

Although the cord 102 is shown to have a periodic variation in diameter (which is caused by the nodules 106 evenly spaced along its length), other forms can also be used for the bendable, elastic cord disclosed herein Pieces. Generally, a cord with at least two nodules retained by the coupler 104 may be used, wherein the adjacent wire part allows to be inserted into the coupler. Further discussion of variants for the cord 102 will be provided below along with Figures 5 and 6.

The side view of the coupler 104 is shown in Figure 3a. By analogy with the shape of a ship, the coupling 104 generally includes a bottom or keel portion 302, a first end or stern portion 304, and a second end or bow portion 306. In an embodiment, the coupler 104 is symmetrical, so that the end portions 304 and 306 have substantially the same shape, but are in a mirrored orientation. In an embodiment of the coupler 104, the keel portion 302 includes an arched profile 308. In an embodiment, the arched Objects (eg, arches 308) help coupler 104 to better conform to the curve of the assembled hair strand or accessory, as illustrated in Figure 1. In other embodiments of the coupler disclosed herein, the arch 308 may be deeper, shallower, or omitted entirely. The coupler 104 also includes a lowered side wall 309 between the end portions 304 and 306, creating a "U" shape. In other embodiments of the coupler, the U-shaped profile can be deeper, shallower, and omitted entirely.

The end view of the coupler 104 (from the direction facing the outside of the bow portion 306) is shown in Figure 3b. In this embodiment of Figure 3b, the coupler 104 is symmetrical, and the view is aligned so that the stern part 304 and most of the keel part 302 are hidden from view. Formed in the bow portion 306 are a hole 310 and an elongated hole 312 extending from the hole upward through the uppermost surface of the stern portion 306. Because of the symmetry of the coupler 104, the other end of the coupler (facing the outside of the stern portion 304) will have the same configuration as the end of Figure 3b.

The top view of the coupler 104 is shown in Figure 3c. The cavity 316 formed in the keel portion 302 passes through the coupler 104 in the longitudinal direction to connect the two end holes 314 respectively formed in the end portions 304 and 306. The end portions 304 and 306 include the side wall 322 of the long hole 312. In this embodiment of FIG. 3c, each longitudinal side wall of the keel portion 302 includes a recess 318, so that the width of the coupler 104 is smaller in the area between the end portions 304 and 306. In an embodiment, the recess 318 facilitates grasping the coupling 104 between the user's finger and thumb. In other embodiments of the coupler disclosed herein, the recess 318 may be deeper, shallower, or omitted entirely.

A cross-sectional view cut along the line A-A' in Figure 3c is shown in Figure 3d. The displayed cross-hatched area shows the portion of the coupler 104 in the cut plane, and the non-cross-hatched area shows the surface behind the cut plane. It can be seen that the longitudinal cavity 316 connects the two end cavity 314. Above the lower part depicted in the cross-hatched area, the cross-section and hole of the end portion 306 The sidewall 320 of the hole 310 and the sidewall 322 of the long hole 312 continue upward together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3d, the side wall 322 of the elongated hole forms the corner of the inner edge surface 324 with the U-shaped side wall 309. The cross section of the end portion 304 is drawn on the opposite side of the coupler 104 in the same manner.

The coupler used in the system disclosed herein (eg, coupler 104) is formed of a substantially rigid material. In an embodiment, the material is rigid plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another embodiment, the coupler is formed by injection molding of PVC. In other embodiments, other rigid materials may be used, including but not limited to other plastic, wood, metal, or stone materials. Depending on the materials used, other manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art for making rigid articles may be suitable for making the coupling as disclosed herein. For example, techniques such as compression molding, machining, etching, or 3-D printing may be suitable in some embodiments.

The structure of the coupler disclosed herein is such that the nodules in the bendable elastic cord as described herein can be left after being inserted into any end of the coupler. The size of the holes in the coupler (for example, the holes 316 and 314 of the coupler 104) allows the nodule to be inserted into the coupler and left during the use of the hair strand or accessory Inside the coupler. The hole (for example, the hole 310 of the coupler 104) is configured so that the wire part of the bendable cord fits into the hole after being inserted into the nodule, and the nodule itself is not suitable for passing through the hole. In one embodiment, the wire portion of the bendable cord is compressed to a certain degree when in the hole. A slot (for example, the slot 312 of the coupler 104) is configured so that the wire part of the bendable cord can move through the slot when sufficient force is applied. In an embodiment, the applied force is across the longitudinal axis of the cord. In some embodiments, the applied force may also include a longitudinal component. In another embodiment, this longitudinal force component acts to stretch the wire portion to reduce its diameter so that it can easily pass through the long hole. In an embodiment, when the rope member is in an unstretched state, the elongated hole group is formed to have a width smaller than the diameter of the wire member.

The length of the coupler as disclosed herein is sufficient to allow insertion and indwelling of a nodule from the bendable elastic cord as disclosed herein at each end of the coupler. In an embodiment, if the nodule remaining in the coupler is along the length of the rope, rather than at the end of the rope, the coupler is also long enough to allow the rope Excessive "tails" can extend from the coupler. The U-shaped coupler sidewall (eg, the sidewall of the coupler 104) promotes the extension of the excessive cord portion.

In one embodiment of a coupler for a hair tress, the length of the coupler is roughly compared to the width of the fingertips of the user of the hair tress. In such an embodiment, the length of the coupler may be between about 1 and 2 cm. A coupler with a width roughly compared to the width of the user’s fingertips is the part of the cord that allows the user to easily grasp the coupler between the finger and thumb for inserting or releasing the hair strand advantageous.

In one embodiment that has the form of the coupler 104 and is designed as a coupler used in hair bundle assembly, the length of the coupler along the horizontal direction in Figure 3a is about 2 cm or less. In another embodiment, the length is between about 1 cm and about 2 cm. In yet another embodiment, this length is about 1.4 cm. In one embodiment, it has the form of the coupler 104 and is designed to be the width (at its widest point) of the coupler for hair bundle assembly (it is along the upright direction in the view of Figure 3c and corresponds to The width in the region where each knot of the rope is located at the time of assembly is about 1 cm or less. In another embodiment, the width is between about 5 mm and 1 cm. In yet another embodiment, the width is about 8 mm. In this embodiment, the width between the two end portions at the center of the coupler is about 6 mm. Another embodiment of the coupler has cavities, the groups of which are configured to hold knots of cords having a diameter of approximately 5 mm in each end of the coupler. Implement in yet another In an example, the hole at each end of the coupler has a diameter of about 1.5 mm, and the long hole connected to each hole has a diameter of about 0.5 mm (the interval between the side walls of the long hole). These dimensions only reflect specific example embodiments, and different dimensions can be adapted to other embodiments.

As seen above, the size of the coupler portion of the hair bundle and accessories disclosed herein is related to the size of the cord portion. In some embodiments, the size of the cavities, holes, and long holes used for the coupler can be changed depending on the specific design of the nodules of the rope part, even if the outer size of the coupler remains unchanged. In other embodiments, the overall size of the cord and the coupling portion may be larger or smaller, depending on, for example, the type of accessory formed by the system. In other embodiments, the outer surface profile of the coupler part may be different from the outer surface profile of the coupler 104, as long as the set of cavities, holes, and long holes form an indwelling from the rope part as described above Nodules are sufficient. The specific modification of the characteristics of the coupling embodiment disclosed herein is obvious to those skilled in the art of making rigid articles. For example, in some embodiments, the corner between the hole and the elongated hole shown in Figure 3b may be slightly rounded to prevent the rope from being removed from the coupling When released, cut into or scratch the wire part of the bendable cord. Similarly, any or all edges of the holes or long holes in the inner or outer surface of the coupler (for example, the edges of faces 320 and 322 in Figure 3d) can be smoothed or beveled.

An additional view of the assembled hair tress (or other accessory) embodiment 100 is shown in Figure 4a. Compared with the view in FIG. 1, the viewing angle of FIG. 4a allows more of the inside of the coupling 104 to be seen. A close-up view from the top of the coupler 104 is shown in Figure 4b. The remaining nodule 108 is seated in each end of the coupler 104 (behind the long hole 312). A cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the coupler 104 (cut along the plane passing through both the elongated holes 312) is shown in Figure 4c. In this view, features including the remaining nodules 108, the additional nodules 106, the wire portion 202, and the long hole surface 322 can be seen. As shown in Figure 4c As shown, the wire portion 202 adjacent to the retained nodule 108 may be longitudinally stretched to some extent in some embodiments to accommodate the thickness of the end portion of the coupler 104. (The wire portion 202 that passes through the entire length of the cord 102 can also be stretched longitudinally during the routine use of the assembly 100 such as a hair strand.) In some embodiments, the wire portion 202 adjacent to the remaining nodule 108 (and therefore The passage hole 310) is compressed to a certain degree, to the extent that the diameter of the hole 310 is smaller than the diameter of the wire part 202. Because the diameter of the wire part 202 can be changed during the use of the hair bundle or accessory, depending on the total amount of longitudinal stretching, the wire part 202 adjacent to the remaining nodule 108 can be used during the use of the hair bundle or accessory. It is compressed at certain times, and not compressed at other times.

By moving one of the wire parts (for example, part 202) of the cord part through each of the long holes (for example, the long hole 312) in the coupling part, the hair bundle or accessory is assembled , So that each of the wire parts becomes enclosed in one of the holes of the coupler part (for example, the hole 310). In an embodiment, moving the wire part through the elongated hole involves pushing the wire part through the elongated hole. For example, as shown in Figures 4a to 4c, this causes the core part nodules of each of the adjacent wire parts to be seated in the individual end portions of the coupler. In an embodiment, moving the wire portion through the elongated hole involves applying longitudinal and lateral forces to the wire portion. For example, by the user holding the coupler between the fingers and thumb of one hand, and grasping the rope between the thumb and fingers of the other hand, the rope will be inserted into the coupling. The part of the nodule in the connector is completed. In an embodiment, the insertion is accomplished via the elasticity and compressibility of the cord part. In another embodiment, the rigidity of the coupler part allows no significant change in the width of the elongated hole during assembly of the hair strand or accessory.

The use (e.g., wearing) of assembled hair strands or accessories generally involves applying (or at least predominantly) longitudinal force to the wire portion and cord nodules that are held within the coupler. In an embodiment, the rigidity of the coupler portion indwells the remaining nodule in the coupler, regardless of the longitudinal force applied how is it. In another embodiment, the rope part may break under excessive longitudinal force before pulling the remaining nodule from the coupler by longitudinal force.

Apply sufficient lateral force between the coupler and the retained silk part to complete the disassembly of the hair strand or accessory, so that the silk part moves back (for example, pulled back) through the The long hole in the coupler thereby frees the nodules of the adjacent rope from the end point of the coupler. In an embodiment, the force applied during disassembly includes the longitudinal and transverse components. In an unassembled embodiment, the user holds the coupler between the fingers and thumb of one hand, and grasps the part of the rope near the nodules of the retained rope on the fingers and thumb of the other hand. In between, in a direction away from the keel part of the coupler, pull the gripped rope part, thereby pulling out the retained silk part through the long hole in the coupler.

In another embodiment, the user can use only one hand to unassemble the hair bundle, because the rope wrapped around the ponytail is used to hold the rope, and one hand is used to pull the coupler Leave the rope piece. In this embodiment, the user can first rotate the coupler (if necessary) about the longitudinal axis, so that the keel portion of the coupler is exposed to the outer surface of the hair strand, and Not against the hair held by the ponytail. The coupler can then be grasped between the user’s thumb and fingers, and one end of the coupler is pulled outwards until it is removed from the corresponding (previous) retention part of the rope Pull until it is released. In another embodiment, the coupler is pulled via rotation about the transverse axis, so that one end of the coupler is pushed toward the ponytail and the other end is pulled away from it. In some embodiments, similar one-handed disassembly techniques can be used in jewelry embodiments, such as bracelets, bands, or rings.

The hair tress or accessory as disclosed herein can provide multiple benefits. For example, unassembling a hair strand as described herein may allow it to be removed from the hair without pulling or losing the head painfully hair. When using a cord with multiple knots (for example, cord 102), the length of the assembled hair bundle or accessory can be easily adjusted by selecting which knot is inserted into the coupler. Multiple nodule cords can also allow the assembly to have an increased lifespan, because multiple nodules can provide a little redundancy. For example, if the part of the wire connecting the nodule at the end of the rope becomes damaged, so that the nodule breaks from the rope, the hair bundle or accessory can still be assembled using one of the remaining rope nodules .

The cord 102 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 is just one example of a bendable and elastic cord that can be used to form the hair bundle or accessory disclosed herein. Some examples of other rope assembly are illustrated by the drawings in Figures 5a to 5f. As an example, a rope member similar to the rope member 102 can be formed to have a wire portion 502 that is longer and more visible when the rope member is in an unstretched state. An example of this design is shown in Figure 5a.

In some embodiments, the knots of the cord are not evenly spaced or do not appear along the entire length of the cord. The drawings in Figures 5b, 5d, and 5e illustrate a rope design with varying nodule spacing along the length of the rope. Figure 5b shows the nodules 106 separated by a wire portion 502 at one end of the rope and by a longer wire portion 504 elsewhere on the rope. Figure 5d shows nodules 510 separated by relatively short wire portions 514 or relatively long wire portions 512. Figure 5e shows nodules 516 separated by relatively short wire portions 520 or relatively long wire portions 518. In the example of Figure 5f, the nodule 106 is located near the end of the rope, rather than at the center of its length. Compared with the portion of the wire adjacent to the nodules, the example in Figure 5f also shows that the thickness of the rope is increased in the portion 522 that does not include the nodules. In some embodiments, this increased thickness can improve strength and durability. In one embodiment, only two nodules are included in the cord: one is used to fit into each end of the coupler. In other embodiments, any number of modules greater than or equal to 2 are included along the rope.

The spherical shape of the nodules of the rope 102 is just one example of a usable nodule shape. Other example shapes are exemplified in the drawings of the 5c (nodule 506 shown), 5d (nodule 510 shown), and 5e (nodule 516 shown). Any desired shape can be used as long as the nodule can be inserted and left in the end of the coupling designed for the cord. In some embodiments, a cord with a non-spherical nodule shape is used in a coupler with a concave contour designed to conform to the nodule shape. In other embodiments, the elasticity and compressibility of the nodule allow it to be retained by a coupler that has a cavity that does not match the shape of the nodule.

A perspective view of a part of an additional embodiment of a cord used in a hair tress or fashion accessory as described herein is shown in Figure 6a. The rope part 600 in FIG. 6a includes nodules with different shapes: a spherical module 602 and a disc-shaped module 604. In an embodiment, the flat surface 606 of each module 604 improves the ability of the hair strand formed by using the cord part 600 to stay on the hair without rolling along the length of the ponytail. In other embodiments, the nodule 604 may take a different shape that incorporates at least one flat surface. The rope part 600 is formed using the methods and materials as described above for the rope part 200 or for any other rope parts described herein.

The side view of the rope part 600 is shown in Figure 6b. The view of Figure 6b includes hatching to indicate the shape of the disc and the curvature of the spherical nodules. Except for the spherical nodules 602 and the disc-shaped nodules 604, the wire portion 608 can be seen in the view of FIG. 6b. The wire part 608 functions in a similar manner to the wire part 202 in Figures 2a and 2b to allow the adjacent nodules to be retained in the coupler when assembling hair strands or fashion accessories. In an embodiment, the wire portion 608 has one or more flat surfaces that are coplanar with the flat surface of the disc-shaped nodules 604. In such an embodiment, the wire portion 608 may have an approximately rectangular cross-section.

In the embodiment, the rope part 600 and the coupler group used for the rope part are formed so that the spherical nodule 602 acts as a nodule to be retained by the coupler. In such an embodiment, the nodule 602 will be retained in a similar manner as in FIGS. 4a to 4c, except that in the embodiment using the cord part 600, the nodule immediately outside the coupler will be a disc-shaped nodule 604.

In various embodiments, the cord portion 600 and the corresponding coupler set are configured such that nodules having one or more flat surfaces (for example, disc-shaped nodules 604) are retained nodules. In such embodiments, different cord designs may be used, where each of the nodules along the cord includes one or more flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the cord portion 600 and the corresponding coupler set are configured so that the nodule 602 or 604 can be retained by the coupler.

Like the other cords described herein, cords that include nodules with one or more flat surfaces can exhibit countless variations and configurations, including those discussed above in conjunction with Figures 5a to 5f. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the string part 600 includes alternating spherical nodules 602 and disc-shaped nodules 604. This configuration can result in the appearance of a series of spherical nodules, especially from a distance, it has improved resistance to sliding caused by the flat surface of the disc-shaped nodules. In various embodiments, the use of multiple nodular cords includes other arrangements of different nodular shapes. For example, an embodiment designed to use a nodule shape for the nodule retained by the coupler may include a higher fraction adapted to be retained by the coupler near the end of the cord These nodules, and nodules that are not designed for higher segments retained by the coupling near the central portion of the cord.

In an embodiment, the cord portion 600 is similar to the cord portion 200 in Figures 2a and 2b, or the corresponding size of any other cord described herein. In another embodiment using a hair strand, the diameter of the nodules 602 or 604 is in the range of 5 to 6 mm, and the height of the disc shape module 604 (the distance between the flat surfaces) is between 2 and 3 mm . Smaller or larger size nodules 106 can fit In other embodiments, such as hair strands or cords used in other popular accessories. As described above with respect to the wire portion 202, the wire portion 608 is configured so that when the wire portion is stretched and/or compressed, it can be pulled through the long hole in the corresponding coupling. In one embodiment of the hair strand, the elongated hole in the coupler is about 1 mm wide, and the cross section of the wire portion 608 in the unstretched state is about 2 mm by 3 mm. Additional views of the rope embodiment similar to the rope part 600 are shown in Figures 9a to 9g, wherein Figure 9a shows a perspective view, Figures 9b and 9c show an end view, Figures 9d and 9f show a side view, and Figures 9e and 9g show top and bottom views. The elements identified in Figures 9a to 9g (including rope 900, nodules 902 and 904, and wire portion 908) are connected to the corresponding elements in Figures 6a and 6b (including rope 600, nodules 602 and 604, and wire Piece part 608) is similar.

A perspective view showing an additional embodiment of a coupler for use in hair strands or fashion accessories as described herein is shown in Figure 7a. The coupler 700 includes a keel part 702 (marked on the inner surface thereof), a first end part 704 and a second end part 706. Each of the end portions 704 and 706 includes a hole 710 having a side wall 720 and a long hole 712 having a side wall 722. The coupler 700 has similar components and operations to the coupler 104 described above. Compared with the embodiment of the coupler 104, the coupler 700 includes a larger opening width of the hole and the long hole as a segment of the overall length or width of the coupler. The coupler 700 also includes more rounded corners, which move along the inner edges of the end portions 704 and 706 into the respective long holes.

The top view of the coupler 700 is shown in Figure 7b. The cavity 716 on the keel portion 702 passes through the coupler 700 in the longitudinal direction to connect the two end cavity 714, wherein each of the end portions 704 and 706 partially surrounds an end cavity 714. The sidewall 722 of the elongated hole 712 and the sidewall 720 of the hole 710 are also indicated in FIG. 7b. In the embodiment of FIG. 7b, each longitudinal side wall of the keel portion 702 includes a recess 718, so that the width of the coupler 700 is smaller than the area between the end portions 704 and 706. In an embodiment, the recess 718 facilitates grasping the coupling 104 between the user's finger and thumb. In other embodiments of the coupler disclosed herein, the recess 718 can be deeper, shallower, and omitted entirely.

The end view of the coupler 700 (from the direction facing the outside of the second end portion 706) is shown in Figure 7c. In the embodiment of FIG. 7c, the coupler 700 is symmetrical, and the views are aligned, so that most of the first end portion 704 and the keel portion 702 are hidden and invisible. Formed in the second end portion 706 are a hole 710 and a long hole 712, and the long hole 712 extends from the hole up through the uppermost surface of the second end portion 706. Due to the symmetry of the coupler 700, the other end of the coupler (facing the outside of the first end portion 704) will have the same configuration as the view of FIG. 7c.

A side view of the coupler 700 (parts showing the keel portion 702 and the end portions 704 and 706) is shown in Figure 7d. In an embodiment, the coupler 700 is symmetrical, so that the end portions 704 and 706 have substantially the same shape, but are mirror-oriented. In an embodiment of the coupler 700, the keel portion 702 includes a recess 708. In another embodiment, the recess 708 is adjacent to the recess 718 shown in Figure 7b as a component of a recess or groove extending around the outer surface of the coupler. In some embodiments, the recess (for example, the recess 708) can help the coupler 700 better conform to the curve of the assembled hair strand or accessory, as illustrated in Figure 1. In other embodiments of the coupler disclosed herein, the recess 708 may be deeper, shallower, or omitted entirely. The coupler 708 also includes a lowered side wall 709 between the end portions 704 and 706 to create a "U" shape. In other embodiments of the coupler, the outline of the U-shape can be deeper, shallower, or omitted entirely.

A cross-sectional view cut along the line A-A' in Figure 7b is shown in Figure 7e. The displayed cross-hatched area shows the portion of the coupler 700 in the cut plane, and the non-cross-hatched area shows the surface behind the cut plane. It can be seen that the longitudinal cavity 716 connects the two end cavity 714. Above the lower part shown in the cross-hatched area, the cross-section of the end portion 706 and The sidewall 720 of the hole 710 and the sidewall 722 of the elongated hole 712 continue upward together. In the embodiment of FIG. 7e, the side wall 722 of the elongated hole has beveled edges 724 and 726. In this embodiment, the edge 726 forms the inner edge surface of the U-shaped side wall 709. The cross section of the end portion 704 is drawn on the opposite side of the coupler 700 in a similar manner. Additional views of a coupler embodiment similar to coupler 700 are shown in Figures 10a to 10g, where Figure 10a is a perspective view, Figures 10b and 10e are end views, Figure 10c is a top view, and Figures 10d and 10g are side views, and Figure 10f is a bottom view. The components identified in Figures 10a to 10g (including the coupler 1000, the keel portion 1002, the end portions 1004 and 1006, the recess 1008, the side wall 1009, the hole 1010, the long hole 1012, the hole 1016, the end hole 1014, The recess 1018, the hole side wall 1020, and the long hole side wall 1022) correspond to the corresponding elements in Figures 7a to 7e (including the coupling 700, the keel portion 702, the end portions 704 and 706, the recess 708, the side wall 709, the hole 710, The long hole 712, the recess 716, the end hole 714, the recess 718, the hole sidewall 720, and the long hole sidewall 722) are similar.

The coupler 700 (like the other couplers disclosed in this document) is formed of a rigid material. In an embodiment, the material is rigid plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another embodiment, the coupler is formed by injection molding of PVC. Other rigid materials can also be used in other embodiments, including but not limited to other plastic, wood, metal, or stone materials. Depending on the materials used, other manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art of manufacturing rigid objects may be suitable for manufacturing the coupling as disclosed herein. For example, techniques such as compression molding, machining, etching, or 3-D printing may be suitable in some embodiments.

The coupling system as disclosed herein is configured so that the nodules in the bendable elastic cord as described herein can be retained after being inserted into any end of the coupling. The cavities in the coupler (for example, the cavities 716 and 714 of the coupler 700) are grouped to allow the use of the hair strand or accessory During use, it is inserted into the coupler and left in the coupler. The holes (for example, the hole 710 of the coupler 700) are grouped so that the wire part of the bendable cord fits into the hole after being inserted into the nodule, and the nodule itself does not fit through the hole. In one embodiment, the wire part of the bendable cord is under a certain degree of compression when in the hole. The elongated hole (for example, the elongated hole 712 of the coupler 700) is grouped so that the wire part of the bendable cord can apply a sufficient upward force relative to the coupler to move through the elongated hole. In an embodiment, the upward force includes a lateral force relative to the longitudinal axis of the cord. In another embodiment, the lateral force acts to pull back the wire part through the elongated hole and out of the coupling. In some embodiments, the upward force may also include longitudinal force. In another embodiment, the longitudinal force acts to stretch the wire part to reduce its diameter so that it can pass back through the elongated hole more easily. The group of elongated holes is configured to have a width smaller than the diameter of the wire part when the rope is in a relaxed or unstretched state.

In one embodiment of a coupler in the form of a coupler 700 and designed to be used in hair bundle assembly, the length of the coupler along the horizontal direction in Figure 7b is about 2 cm or less. In another embodiment, the length is between about 1 cm and about 2 cm. In yet another embodiment, the length is approximately 1.3 cm. In one embodiment, the width of the widest part of the coupler in the form of the coupler 700 and designed to be used in the hair bundle assembly is along the upright direction in the view of Figure 7b, corresponding to each rope The width of the nodule in the area where it was assembled is about 1 cm or less. In another embodiment, the width is between about 5 mm and about 1 cm. In yet another embodiment, this width is between approximately 8 and 9 millimeters. In this embodiment, the width of the center of the coupler (between the two end portions) is about 7 mm. In one embodiment, the height of the coupler in the form of the coupler 700 and designed to be used in the hair bundle assembly is along the upright direction in the view of FIG. 7d and is about 1 cm or less. In another embodiment, the width is between about 5 mm and about 1 Between centimeters. In yet another embodiment, the height is about 8 mm. Another embodiment of the coupler has cavities, the groups of which are configured to hold rope knots having a diameter of approximately 5 to 6 mm in each end of the coupler. In yet another embodiment, the holes at each end of the coupler have a diameter of about 2 mm, and the long holes connecting the holes have a diameter of about 1 mm (the interval between the side walls of the long holes). These dimensions only reflect specific example embodiments, and different dimensions can be adapted in other embodiments.

An embodiment of the assembled hair strand or accessory system 800 including the coupler 700 shown in Figures 7a to 7e and the cord 600 shown in Figures 6a and 6b is shown in Figure 8a. The view of Figure 8a shows the part of the assembled hair bundle or accessory in the vicinity of the coupler. The remaining nodules 802 (there is one at each end of the rope 600) are seated in the coupler 700, one behind each of the long holes 712. In this embodiment of FIG. 8a, the remaining nodules 802 are examples of spherical nodules 602 at each end of the cord 600. Because the cord 600 includes alternating ball-shaped nodules 602 and disc-shaped nodules 604, the disc-shaped nodules 604 abut each end of the coupling 700 in the assembly of FIG. 8a. As noted in the description above connecting Figures 6a and 6b, different embodiments of the hair strand system can make the coupler group constitute so that the disc-shaped nodule 604 is the remaining nodule, or so that either the nodules 602 or 604 can be the remaining nodules Nodules. Although it is not visible in the view of FIG. 8a, the example of the wire part 608 held in the hole 710 of the coupling 700 may still be stretched and/or compressed to some extent. This is similar to that described above in the embodiment described in Figure 4c. Although the disc-shaped nodules 604 shown in Figure 8a are oriented together with their flat plane in the upright plane of the coupling 700 (that is, the plane used for the page of the view in Figure 7e), the rope 600 The assembly 800 can be rotated relative to the coupler 700 during use of the assembly 800 so that the flat surfaces of the nodules 604 are oriented differently. In an embodiment, when the flat surface is against the hair in the ponytail gathered by the hair tress, the assembly 800 is used as the hair tress to align the flat surface of the nodule 604 with the horizontal plane of the coupler 700. Additional of the assembly embodiment similar to the assembly 800 The views are shown in Figures 11a to 11g, where Figure 11a is a perspective view, Figure 11b is a top view, Figures 11c and 11f are side views, Figures 11d and 11g are front and rear views, and Figure 11e The figure is a bottom view. The components identified in Figures 11a to 11g (including the assembled accessory system 1100, the retained nodules 1102, the coupler 1000, the nodules 902 and 904, and the wire part 908) are the corresponding components in Figure 8a (including the assembled The accessory system 800, the retained nodule 802, the coupler 700, the nodules 602 and 604, and the silk part 608) are similar.

A perspective view from the bottom, or back, and sides of the additional coupler embodiment is shown in Figure 8b. The view of Fig. 8b is from the substantially opposite direction of the view of Fig. 7a so as to show the outside of the bottom side of the coupler instead of the top side. In this embodiment of Figure 8b, the coupler 830 includes a keel portion 832, end portions 834 and 836, and holes 840 in each end. The coupler 830 generally includes features that are similar to those described above for the coupler 700. Additionally, the coupler 830 includes an array of raised bumps 850 on its rear surface. In an embodiment, the texture provided by the bump 850 helps the user to position the back of the coupler by contact when preparing to disassemble the coupler. This position of contact is helpful when the coupler is used in the assembly of the hair tress, because the user usually cannot see it when the hair tress is in use. The texture provided on the back surface of the coupler can take any desired form, including a logo or any other design. In some embodiments, the texture may be in the form of features that are recessed below the surface of the coupler instead of, or otherwise, features that extend above the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the texture may be provided by the contrast between relatively rougher and flatter surfaces. Other embodiments may include any design and modification that allows the backside of the coupler to be distinguished from other parts of the coupler or from the nodules of the cord in the hair bundle assembly by contact.

The description provided in this article is used to illustrate the principles and embodiments of this creation. Many variants and corrections will become obvious to those skilled in the art once they fully understand the disclosure above. Show. For example, some embodiments of the hair strands or accessories disclosed herein may use two or more couplers to connect two or more corresponding cords together. In other words, in some embodiments, the bendable elastic cord disclosed herein can be formed by connecting a plurality of cords or cord parts together using the coupler disclosed herein. As another example, the specific embodiment of the coupler as disclosed herein may lack the symmetry exhibited by the coupler illustrated in the drawings and the image provided by this disclosure. For example, embodiments of the coupler can be designed to work with cords with different nodule sizes at their individual ends. It is intended that the scope of any patent application be interpreted as covering all such variations and amendments.

100: hair tress, assembly

102: rope

104: Coupler

106: Nodules

108: Nodules

Claims (15)

A popular accessory, comprising: a bendable rope piece, comprising a plurality of nodules and a wire part adjacent to each nodule, wherein the multiple nodules include a first group of spherical nodules and a second group of nodules, and the second group of nodules includes a substantial The flat surface of the ground and the diameter of each of the spherical nodules are in the range from about 5 mm to about 6 mm; and a substantially rigid coupler including two end portions connected by a keel portion, wherein, Each end portion includes a long hole, the set of long holes is configured to allow one of the wire parts of the rope to move through the long hole, and each end portion further includes a hole, the hole and the end portion Long holes are connected. Such as the popular accessory described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the silk part contains compressible material. For the popular accessory described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the silk part contains elastic material. The fashion accessory described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein at least two groups of the nodules are formed at the individual end points of the coupler when the adjacent silk parts move through the long hole and enter the hole Part. According to the first item of the patent application, the one group of the silk part is configured to be compressed by the side wall of the long hole when it is pulled through the long hole. As described in the first item of the scope of patent application, the one group of the silk part is configured to stretch when moving through the elongated hole, and has a reduced diameter when stretched. Such as the fashion accessories described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the fashion accessories are grouped and used as hair bundles. For example, the popular accessory described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the popular accessory is used as a jewelry item. For the fashion accessories described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the fashion accessories are grouped and used as a belt. A bendable rope piece used in fashion accessories. The rope piece includes: a plurality of nodules arranged along the length of the rope, wherein the multiple nodules include a first group of spherical nodules and a second group of nodules, the The second group of nodules includes a substantially flat surface, and the diameter of each of the spherical nodules is in the range from about 5 mm to about 6 mm; and a wire part adjacent to each of the at least two nodules, wherein, The diameter of the wire part is smaller than the diameter of the adjacent nodule. As described in item 10 of the scope of patent application, the wire part includes a compressible material. As described in item 10 of the scope of patent application, the wire part comprises an elastic material. The cord according to claim 10, wherein each of the nodules in the second group of nodules includes two substantially flat surfaces arranged substantially parallel to each other. As described in item 10 of the scope of patent application, the plurality of nodules are arranged along the length of the rope so that the nodules from the first group of spherical nodules and the second from the substantially flat surface The nodules of the group nodules are arranged alternately. The rope according to claim 13 further comprises: a plurality of nodules spaced apart along the length of the rope, wherein each of the plurality of nodules includes a substantially flat surface; and At least one of the cord parts between each pair of nodules does not include a substantially flat surface.

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