US20170042304A1

US20170042304A1 - Bendable Wire Frame

Info

Publication number: US20170042304A1
Application number: US14/826,847
Authority: US
Inventors: Ellen Hunter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-14
Filing date: 2015-08-14
Publication date: 2017-02-16

Abstract

The present invention describes a frame made from a plurality of strands. The strands have a certain length, which may or may not be equal. The three or more strands run substantially in parallel to each other forming a length of said frame and held together by a length of at least one other strand spirally wound about the three parallel strands. An ornament comprising of full or partial length of the frame is attached thereto and is completed in a shape of a ribbon of a pattern, such as a leaf branch. A flexible tie forms a strip of flexible material that attaches the ribbon to the frame, which may also include a comb. The frame may be ring like or may have distal ends. Both the frame and the ribbon of ornament are able to be co-twisted when attached together and retain the end shape of the twisting by a user, who may also re-twist both into any shape, any number of times.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wreaths, headbands and decorative hair combs, and specifically to a frame for making flexible headbands wreaths and combs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of wreaths, headbands and combs is widespread and well known. The most basic purposes of these devices are to hold hair back and away from wearer's eyes, to frame a wearers face, and to generally organize and maintain a wearer's hear style in a particular pattern. Typically, these ornaments include a band designed to fee a certain head size and a decorative design or ornament permanently attached to the band.
Usually the band is a one size fits all arch, or a ring in case of a wreath, which is straddled on top of a wearer's head. Such a band or a ring is usually made of metal or plastic, and is not intended to be twisted or shaped by the wearer. While the bands known in the art are intended to have some “play” to achieve a closer fit on the user's head, they are not intended to assume a different shape beyond the original mold. Another downside of the existing devices is that the devices are geared to an average head and an average head size. The necessary stiffness of conventional devices also gives them a bulky bulging look that is at variance with the rest of the wearer's hear, which is neatly brushed and flowing.
On the contrary, the present invention is designed to assume a plurality of different shapes. A flat, flush profile and a flexible characteristic of the frame actually molds the device embodied by the present on to the user's hair, creating a clean, polished, festive look. The wearer need not keep the original item as a band or a ring, but may twist one part of it to form an angle. This angle can be placed on the forehead or hung off to the side to create an additional element of originality or character for the wearer. Additionally, the wearer can keep twisting and playing with the appearance of the band or wreath, until an optimal look is achieved, and then promptly change this look into something else without retaining any memory of any prior flexing, or undermining the structural strength of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

US Pat. App. 20040146664 discloses a decorative attachment, such as a lighting string or an ornament, to a branch of a natural or artificial tree or wreath, a twist tie has a wire spine and has artificial foliage, which conceals the wire spine and which simulates foliage of the branch.
US Pat. App. 20120125360 which describes a headband includes a flexible band, a meta strip mounted on the flexible band, and at least one interchangeable decorative ornament having a magnet. The headband is capable of producing multiple looks because of its ability to temporarily accept interchangeable decorative ornaments through magnetic attraction.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,635 discloses a reusable wreath which allows easy attachment and detachment of accessories. A strip of VELCRO® is wound around the wreath base to permit easy arrangement and adjustment of accessories.
Various implements, besides the ones mentioned explicitly, are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a frame made from a plurality of strands. The strands have a certain length, which may or may not be equal. The three or more strands run substantially in parallel to each other forming a length of said frame and held together by a length of at least one other strand spirally wound about the three parallel strands. An ornament comprising of full or partial length of the frame is attached thereto and is completed in a shape of a ribbon of a pattern, such as a leaf branch. A flexible tie forms a strip of flexible material that attaches the ribbon to the frame. Both the frame and the ribbon of ornament are able to be co-twisted when attached together and retain the end shape of the twisting by a user, who may also re-twist both into any shape, any number of times.
It is an object of the present invention to create an easily adaptable and utilitarian frame for head decorations.
It is another object of the present invention to create a twistable, low profile wreath, band, comb or any personal decorative device that assumes a plurality of shapes and molds to the head or body of wearer.
It is yet another object of the present invention to create a bendable frame that retains the shape into which it was twisted.
Yet another object of the present invention is to create a frame that may be twisted without undermining the tensile strength of the individual members of the frame or strands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the decorative device for head shown as a wreath.

FIG. 2 is a close-up diagram of the parallel strands and the spiral strand forming a frame.

FIG. 3 is a frame beneath the wreath decorative device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the reverse side of the decorative device with a length of the adornment ribbon partially covering the frame.

FIG. 5 is a close-up diagram of the reverse side of the decorative device.

FIG. 6 is a completed device forming a comb with decorative top portion or a full tiara.

FIG. 7 is a completed multi-curved hair decoration.

FIG. 8A is a close up diagram demonstrating the details of the frame.

FIG. 8B is a close up diagram of FIG. 8A with adornment ribbon being attached with a flexible strand of material.

FIG. 9 demonstrates the close up of the reverse side of the present invention, illustrating how multiple frames are connected to each other and how a comb is connected to the frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Elements appearing, in a list as A, B, and C are to be read as A or B or C and visa versa.
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a personal decorative device 10, which in FIG. 1 is shown as a combination between the decorative ribbon 70 and frame 20. The decorative device 10 in FIG. 1 is shown as a wreath is placed over the crown of a wearer head, forming a complete ring about the base of a wearer's head. The preferred width 22 of the decorative ribbon of ornament 70 is in the range between 1/16^thof an inch and 2 inches, with the preferred radius 23 being between 2 and 18 inches.
FIG. 1 demonstrates the decorative device 10 in the form of a wreath. It is shown as a circle. However, based on the structure of the frame 20 and the ribbon 70, the shown circle can be twisted and distorted to form an ellipse or a shape having many bends, including a downward curve 24, such as making a downward or upward pointing angle (not shown), or an outward curve 25. Twistable and bendable frame 20 allows the wreath to closely trace the natural curvature of a wearer's hair and any bumps and lumps specific to a hair style. There may be any number of downward curves 24 or inward/outward curves 25 at any point along the circumference 26, since the frame 20 and ribbon of adornment 70 are co-twistable with respect to each other.
The frame 20 is preferably formed by placing at least three strands 30 of wire in parallel to each other, with at least one additional strand 60 spiraling about the parallel strands 30, The spiraling strand 60 is wound at an angle 36 with respect to the linear axis 38. The angle 36 may vary based on, the degree of stiffness required for the decorative device 10, The angle 36 also varies based on the frequency of the spirals, which also vary based on the required number strands of flexible material 80 (later figs) that attach the ornament ribbon 70 (FIG. 1) to the frame 20. Additional parallel strands 30 or spiral strands 60 may be added as necessary or desirable,
The parallel strands 30 and the spiraling strand 60 are preferably made from a metallic material, which resists damage and yet is ductile and malleable to be easily plied by a user into a desired shape, with the shape then retained until untwisted or changed the wearer. The preferred material for strands 30 and 60 is mixture of wires of copper or tin, or a copper and tin alloy, or any other alloy having the desired ductility and durability qualities of the preferred materials, such as an alloy of gold or silver in combination with other metals.
The preferred diameter of the wires 30 and 60 may be in the range of 18 and 28 gauge wire of either the Standard Wire Gauge, American Wire Gauge or Jewelry Standard Wire Gauge. The three wire combination with one additional for spiraling provides for maximum flexibility and inconspicuousness of the frame 20. However, additional number of strands 30 or 60 may be used to either increase strength or to alter the shape of the frame 20. While the spiraling strand 60 is shown as flowing in one direction 37, there may be additional strands flowing in the same or opposite direction, creating a crisscross design on the frame 20.
FIG. 3 demonstrates the circular frame 20 with first and second ends 35 and 40 being clamped down to form a complete ring. The first end 35 and the second end 40 may have a clasp to form a non-permanent ring. To limit manufacturing costs, the first and second ends 35 and 40 may be connected by crimping. The diameter or width 21 of the frame 20 is preferable in the range of one and a half millimeters and one centimeter.
The length 51 of the strip of the decorative ribbon 70 may be different than the overall length 50 (FIG. 4) of the frame 20. As such, there may be ribbons 70 representing two or more different patterns attached to the frame 20 along its length 50. Alternatively, the length 50 may only be partially covered, for example along the segment at the top of the head, with the uncovered part hidden underneath layers of wearer's hair. The relatively small diameter 21 of the frame 20 easily lends itself to concealment by hair, if this feature becomes desired.
FIG. 5 demonstrates how the strand of flexible material SO attaches the ribbon like ornament 70. Shown is the reverse side 16 of the personal decorative device 10, as the combination of a frame 20 and a ribbon of ornament 70. This side of the personal decorative device 10 faces the hair of the wearer, with the top side 15 (FIG. 1) facing the onlooker. The strand of flexible material 80 is preferably a wire, having the same or different gauge as the strands 30 and 60 of the frame 20. The material may also be of the same color as the ribbon 70, the frame 20, alternatively all three can match. The strand of flexible material 80 may be a continuous wire or may be a series of ties along. the length of the ribbon 70. The ribbon ornament 70 is preferably a pattern featuring a plurality of wide patterns 17 and a plurality of narrow patterns 18. An example of patterns may be a leaf pattern as shown or as a leaf and stem pattern demonstrated in other figures. Any number of patterns is available, such as flowers, pears, beads, geometric shapes, charms or circles. To maximize the discreet and nearly invisible manner with which the ribbon ornament 70 is attached to the frame 20, the strand of flexible material 80 is wound around the narrow section 18 of the ornament 70. For a pattern featuring leaves and stems, a thicker flexible tie 80 may be used as it can be more readily concealed. On the contrary, a thinner gauge wire or tie 80 may be used to attach a leaf pattern that does not provide much overlapping elements to assist with concealment.
FIG. 6 demonstrates another embodiment of the present invention. Whereas FIG. 1 demonstrated a wreath, FIG. 6 discloses the same inventive concept applied to a comb or a tiara. The frame 20 is not visible due to extensive overlap by the ribbon ornament 70. There are actually several segments of ribbon ornament 70 and frame 20 combinations, For example frame 20A supporting ribbon 70A is coupled to frame 20B that is supporting ribbon ornament 70B. Similarly, ribbon 70C attached to frame 20C is connected to frame 20B. Also attached to the frame 20B, or the ribbon ornament 70B is the comb 110 made of a plurality of parallel protrusions 100. The protrusions 100 may be all of equal or unequal length. The width 112 of the comb 110 may be the same or different than the overall length of the frame 20B.
The high degree of flexibility of the frame 20 and of the ribbon ornament 70 allows the ornament shown in FIG. 6 appear very natural and lifelike. For example, the manufacturer or wearer, may have decided to introduce a downward curve 24 on the distal ends 24C of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. Since this is a leafy branch pattern, such a downward curve 24 appears very authentic since branches are weighed down and generally are oriented downward by the force of gravity. On the other hand, if this would be a flower pattern, perhaps there would be an upward curve instead of the downward curve 24. In the present invention, the change between the downward branch and an upward flower is one twist away of the frame 20.
FIG. 7 demonstrates a multi-curved head decoration. The personal decorative device 10 is not isolated to just head adornments but may be used as necklace, bracelet, anklet or ring. In the present embodiment there is a one main frame 20, joined by supplemental branches 20A and 20B that are tied together with the main branch 20 The distal ends 24C feature a pair of combs 110. The combs 110 are used to secure the multi-curved head decoration at multiple points along wearer's head to ensure a flat, uniform fit,
The ribbon adornment 70 is made of a highly flexible material, which may or may not have memory qualities. Preferably, the ribbon adornment 70 is made at least partially out of metal or an alloy. It may then be plated with gold, silver or platinum, and further encrusted with beads, pears, crystals or gems. The ribbon adornment 70 may also be made from cloth or multiple segments of detached ribbon. In which case, the frame 20 will be providing the structure behind the curvature of the device 10.
FIGS. 8A and 8B disclose the method of manufacturing a device embodied by the present invention. As in the initial step 200, several strands 30 are positioned substantially in parallel to each other. Then in step 201 at least one other strand 60 is wound in a spiral fashion about the parallel strands 30 forming the frame 20. At this point the first end 30 and the second end 40 may be twisted to meet each other to form a ring. Otherwise, the process proceeds to the step of placing at least one ribbon adornment 70 in proximity with the frame 20 (FIG. 8A). The ribbon adornment 70 need not run in precise correlation with frame 20, but may be placed perpendicularly in direction 202 or at an angle with respect to the linear axis 201 of the frame 20. At least one comb 110 may be attached in addition to the ribbon 70. The comb 110 may be attached from front side 15 or the reverse side 16.
FIG. 9 provides a more focused and concentrated diagram of the reverse side 16. Shown are several separate segments of the frame 20, namely, at segment 20C and 20B, which are connected with the primary frame 20. The base 115 of the comb 110 is also attached to the frame 20. The strand of flexible material 80 is used to hold the multiple frames 20, the ribbon adornment 70 and the comb 110 together as one unit. Based on this structure of the present invention, a wearer or maker may add or unto the overall frame 20 as many additional accents, designs, variations and elaborations to the frame 20 and still be able to secure everything together into one cohesive decorative article.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A personal decorative device comprising; a frame, said frame having a plurality of strands of non-equal lengths, each said strand within said plurality of strands having a first end and a second end; wherein at least three. of said strands are organized substantially in parallel to each other forming a length of said frame, said at least three of said strands being held together by a length of at least one other of said strands spirally wound about said at least three of said strands; and wherein said frame is retentively twistable no a plurality of shapes at any of multiple points along said length,

2. The personal decorative device of claim 1, further comprising at least one ribbon of ornament running over a length of said frame, said at least one ribbon of ornament attached to said frame by a strand of flexible material; and wherein said frame and said at least one ribbon of ornament are retentively co-twistable into a plurality of shapes at any of multiple points along said length and corresponding said at least one ribbon of ornament.

3. The decorative device of claim 2, wherein said first end and said second end of said at least two of said strands are fastened together to form a wreath.

4. The decorative device of claim 1, further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in one direction from said length, wherein said strip of pointed projections forming a comb.

5. The decorative device of claim 2, further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in one direction from said ribbon, wherein said strip of pointed projections forming a comb.

6. The personal decorative device of claim 2, wherein said length and said at least one ribbon are co-twisted into a shape forming a headband, a tiara, a multi-curved hair decoration.

7. The personal decorative device of claim 1, wherein each of said strands is made in a range starting from 18 to 28 gauge wire. S. The personal decorative device of claim 7, wherein each of said strands is made of copper and tin alloy.

9. The personal decorative device of claim 7, wherein said strands are a combination of copper and tin strands.

10. The personal decorative device of claim 2, wherein said strand of flexible material is same from same material as said plurality of strands; and wherein said at least one ribbon of ornament is made of a wide pattern and a narrow pattern; wherein said strand of flexible material is wound about a portion of said narrow pattern.

11. The personal decorative device of claim 2, wherein said frame is combined with at least said one other frame to form an appearance of stem and branches.

12. The personal decorative device of claim 11, further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in one direction from said length, wherein said strip of pointed projections forming a comb.

13. A combination decorative device comprising: a frame, said frame having a plurality of strands of lengths; each said strand within said plurality of strands having a first end and a second end; wherein at least three of said strands are organized substantially in parallel to each other forming a length of said frame, said at least three of said strands being hold together by a length of at least one other of said strands spirally wound about said at least three of said strands; at least one ribbon of ornament running over a length of said frame, said at least one ribbon of ornament attached to said frame by a strand of flexible material; and wherein said frame and said at least one ribbon of ornament are retentively co-twistable into a plurality of shapes at any of multiple points along said length and corresponding said at least one ribbon.

14. The combination decorative device of claim 13, wherein each of said strands is made of range of 18-28 gauge wire; and wherein said strands are a combination of copper and tin strands.

15. The combination decorative device of claim 13, wherein said strand of flexible material is made from same material as said plurality of strands; and wherein said at least one ribbon of ornament is made of a wide pattern and a narrow pattern; wherein said strand of flexible material is wound about a portion of said narrow pattern.

16. The combination decorative device of claim 13, wherein said first end and said second end of said at least two of said strands are fastened together to form a wreath.

17. The combination decorative device of claim 13, wherein said frame is combined with at least said one other frame to form an appearance of stem and branches,

18. The combination decorative device of claim 17, further comprising a strip of pointed projections emanating in one direction from said length, wherein said strip of pointed projections forming a comb.

19. A method of forming a decorative head adornment comprising: taking at least three strands of wire having: a first end and a second end and laying them in parallel next to each other; spirally winding at least one other strand of wire about said at least three strands; taking a ribbon of an adornment pattern and laying said ribbon against a length of said at least three strands; and winding a strand of flexible material about narrow elements of said ribbon and about said at least three strands to attach said ribbon thereto.

20. A method of forming a decorative head adornment of claim 19, further comprising a step of attaching said first end to said second end forming a wreath.