Hair styling utensil

Abstract

Hair styling tool (1), in particular a hair clip (1a), a hair tie, a hairband or a headband, characterized in that - that at least one through-opening (6) is arranged on the hair styling tool (1), - that at least one decorative element (7) is provided which is fixed in the through-opening (6) by means of a foot (8) in a form-fitting manner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair styling utensil, in particular a hair clip, a hair tie, a hairband or a headband, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Hair styling tools, especially hair clips, are long-established hair accessories used to secure hair, particularly gathered hair, and thus style a hairstyle. To reliably hold the hair in place, conventional hair clips typically feature two clip bodies mounted on a common axis, allowing them to rotate freely around each other, and a spring mechanism that tensions the two clip bodies into a closed position. In this closed position, the spring force presses the two clip bodies together, thereby securing the hair between them.

[0003] A disadvantage of existing hair styling tools is that their shape, material, and / or color cannot be subsequently adapted to personal taste. Standard hair styling tools are therefore usually fixed in their appearance and design from the outset and cannot be modified. This severely limits the possibilities for individual customization.

[0004] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least an alternative embodiment for a hair styling utensil of the generic type, with which, in particular, individual design freedom can be increased.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​creating, for the first time, a hair styling tool, in particular a hair clip, hair tie, hairband, or headband, which can be individually designed with different and, in particular, individually selectable decorative elements, thus offering a high degree of design freedom. For this purpose, the hair styling tool has at least one through-opening, wherein at least one decorative element is provided that is positively fixed in the through-opening by a base. The at least one through-opening in the hair styling tool and the at least one decorative element allow for easy subsequent modification of the design of the hair styling tool according to the invention. Such decorative elements can be in almost any shape, for example, as animal figures, leaves, pearls, stars, flowers, gemstones, etc.These decorative elements are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and are easily attached to the hair styling tool by simply clipping them into the corresponding opening. The term "decorative element" can, of course, also refer to other elements, such as light-up elements or geometric shapes like pyramids, etc. Attaching at least one decorative element to the corresponding opening of the hair styling tool is relatively simple: Position the decorative element at a slight angle, for example, at a 45° angle, and then apply gentle pressure to press its base securely into the opening.If such a foot has, for example, an undercut contour, in particular a mushroom cap or a collar, the decorative element engages with such a mushroom cap or collar behind a rear edge of the opening and is thus reliably fixed to the corresponding hair styling tool. Removing the decorative element from the opening of the corresponding hair styling tool is analogous: first, slight pressure is applied to the foot of the decorative element to be removed from behind, causing it to tilt slightly. This releases the foot from its undercut connection with a rear edge of the opening, allowing the decorative element to be easily pulled out of the opening from the front.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the hair styling tool according to the invention, it is designed as a hair clip. Such a hair clip has two clip bodies rotatably mounted to one another about a common axis, as well as a spring mechanism that biases the two clip bodies into a closed position. In this closed position, the two clip bodies, due to the spring bias, hold the hair arranged between them. By means of corresponding handle elements, the two clip bodies can be moved apart by squeezing the handle elements together, thereby moving the hair clip into an open position that releases the hair arranged between them. At least one of the clip bodies has at least one through-opening, and in addition, at least one decorative element is provided, which is positively locked in the through-opening by a base.The at least one through-opening in the at least one clamp body and the at least one decorative element allow for easy subsequent modification of the design of the hair clip according to the invention. The at least one decorative element is fixed and released in the associated through-opening in the same way as the hair styling tool.

[0008] In an advantageous further development of the hair styling utensil designed as a hair clip, the at least one through-opening has narrow and wide sections. By means of such narrow and wide sections, attaching the decorative element via the wider sections is simplified. The comparatively large through-opening designed in this way also allows for material savings, thereby reducing the weight of the hair clip and making it more comfortable to wear.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the hair styling tool designed as a hair clip, each clip body has two approximately parallel through-openings. This allows for the parallel and slightly offset arrangement of several decorative elements in the two through-openings of the respective clip body. Naturally, the through-openings can also be straight, zigzag-shaped, or curved in some other way.

[0010] It is advantageous to have a through-opening essentially parallel to the axis around which the two clamp bodies are rotatably mounted relative to each other. This allows for different arrangements of at least one decorative element along the corresponding through-opening parallel to the axis.

[0011] Ideally, at least one decorative element should have at least two feet. For example, if a decorative element with only one foot allows it to be rotated even after being fixed in the corresponding opening, a decorative element with at least two feet ensures a rotationally fixed arrangement on the corresponding clamp body.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the hair styling tool designed as a hair clip, only one clip body is curved and has prongs. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that both clip bodies are curved and have prongs that interlock when the hair clip is closed. This ensures reliable fixation of the hair to be secured with the hair clip according to the invention.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the hair styling tool designed as a hair clip, at least one decorative element is made of plastic, in particular as an injection-molded plastic part. Acetate, for example, is a suitable plastic. This allows for the production of such decorative elements not only to a high standard but also at a low cost. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that such a decorative element could be made of metal, or at least partially made of metal, which would convey a particularly high-quality impression.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the hair styling tool designed as a hair clip, a lighting element is arranged in at least one decorative element. With such a lighting element, for example an LED, a special lighting effect can be created in addition to the design already provided by the decorative element, thus serving as an eye-catcher.

[0015] It is advisable to integrate a tracking chip into at least one decorative element. Such a tracking chip could, for example, be an RFID chip, allowing for relatively easy location using a corresponding app. Additionally or alternatively, a tracking chip could also be integrated into the hair clip or hair styling tool, enabling it to be located relatively easily with a suitable app. This can significantly reduce the need for lengthy and frustrating searches.

[0016] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0017] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawing.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0019] Each schematically illustrates Fig. 1 a hair styling utensil according to the invention designed as a hair clip in an open position, Fig. 2 a representation as in Fig. 1, however from a different perspective and with the hair clip in its closed position, Fig. 3. A side view of the closed hair clip with a decorative element. Fig. 4 a frontal view of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, designed as a hair clip with two different decorative elements, Fig. 5 a representation as in Fig. 1, however with a decorative element, Fig. 6 a representation as in Fig. 4, but from a different perspective, Fig. 7. A decorative element when attached to the hair clip, Fig. 8 a decorative element when removing the hair styling utensil according to the invention which is designed as a hair clip, Fig. 9 a side view of the Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a frontal view of a hair styling utensil according to the invention designed as a hair clip with a tracking chip.

[0020] According to the Fig. Figures 1 to 10 show a hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention, designed as a hair clip 1a, comprising two clip bodies 3, 4 rotatably mounted to one another about a common axis 2. A spring device 5, for example a simple torsion spring, is further provided, which moves the two clip bodies 3, 4 into a closed position (compare the Fig. 2-4 and 6-10) are pre-tensioned. By means of corresponding handle elements 14, the two clamp bodies 3, 4 can be moved away from each other by squeezing the handle elements 14 together, thereby moving the hair clip 1a into an open position that releases the hair arranged between them. At least one clamp body 3, 4 has at least one through-opening 6, and according to the invention, at least one decorative element 7 is provided, which is positively fixed in the through-opening 6 by a base 8. Such a decorative element 7 can have a wide variety of shapes, designs, colors, etc., and makes it possible to customize the hair clip 1a according to the invention and thus realize one's own personal design wishes.

[0021] In general, the hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention can also be designed as a hair tie, hairband, or headband (not shown). All such hair styling utensils 1 according to the invention have in common that at least one through-opening 6 is arranged on the hair styling utensil 1 and that at least one decorative element 7 is provided, which is positively fixed in the through-opening 6 by a base 8.

[0022] The following describes, as an example, a hair styling utensil 1 designed as a hair clip 1a.

[0023] If one considers the hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention, which is designed as a hair clip 1a, in accordance with the Fig. 1 - 10, it can be seen that in this case, each clamping body 3, 4 has two approximately parallel through-openings 6, wherein these approximately parallel through-openings 6 each have narrower areas 9 and wider areas 10 (compare Fig. 10). Via the further areas 10, a comparatively simple insertion of the decorative element 7 with its base 8 into the corresponding through-opening 6 is possible.

[0024] Looking at the through-openings 6, it can be seen that they run essentially parallel to the axis 2.

[0025] A collar 11 is arranged on a foot 8 of the respective decorative element 7, which, after the foot 8 is pushed through the opening 6, engages an edge of the opening 6 and thereby reliably fixes the decorative element 7 to the associated clamping body 3, 4.

[0026] Seven decorative / ornamental elements are conceivable, which correspond to the Fig. 7 and Fig. Each decorative element 7 has only one such foot 8, which, for example, has a mushroom-shaped form at its free end. By providing only a single such foot 8, it is relatively easy to rotate the decorative element 7 around an axis of the foot 8 even after it has been fixed in the corresponding through-opening 6. However, it is also conceivable that at least one decorative element 7 is provided which has two such feet 8, thus enabling it to be fixed against rotation on the corresponding clamping body 3, 4.

[0027] The clamp bodies 3, 4 themselves are curved and have prongs 12 which interlock when the hair clip 1a is closed, thereby hooking into the fixed hair. However, it is also conceivable that only one clamp body 3, 4 is curved and has prongs 12.

[0028] To mount the decorative element 7 onto the hair styling tool 1 according to the invention, which is designed as a hair clip 1a, the tool is first placed with its base 8 at an angle, for example at an angle of approximately 45°, onto a corresponding through-opening 6. The decorative element 7 is then gently pressed onto the corresponding clip body 3, 4, whereby the base 8 is pushed through the corresponding through-opening 6 and is fixed there with its collar 11 or a mushroom-shaped end by engaging behind a corresponding edge of the through-opening 6. This is, for example, corresponding to the Fig. 7 shown.

[0029] To detach the decorative element 7 from the associated hair clip 1a, first apply light pressure with a finger from behind to the base 8 of the decorative element 7, as shown in the Fig. 9 is shown. This causes the decorative element 7 to twist slightly and simultaneously move at least slightly out of the associated through-opening 6. Subsequently, a simple grasping motion behind the decorative element 7, as shown for example in the Fig. 8 is shown, and the decorative element 7 can be easily removed from the hair clip 1a.

[0030] At least one of these decorative elements 7 can be made of plastic, for example as an injection-molded plastic part, thus enabling not only high-quality but also cost-effective production. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable that at least one such decorative element 7 is at least partially made of metal, which can create a more sophisticated impression.

[0031] The decorative element 7 can be designed as a simple decorative element 7 made of plastic, or it can have additional features, such as an unspecified lighting element that lights up when activated, for example using an LED, and thus provides an additional eye-catcher.

[0032] It is also conceivable that at least one piece of jewelry / decorative element 7 and / or the hair styling tool 1 contains a tracking chip 13 (compare Fig. 10) is arranged so that the corresponding decorative element 7 or hair clip 1a can be easily located using a suitable app. This avoids a lengthy and often frustrating search. At the same time, such a tracking chip 13 can serve as a theft deterrent.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention, in particular the hair clip 1a, is offered as part of a set according to the invention, which includes at least one such hair styling utensil 1, in particular a hair clip 1a, and a variety of different decorative elements 7, so that the hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention, in particular the hair clip 1a, can be individually, easily and quickly redesigned and restyled according to one's mood.

[0034] All in all, the hair styling utensil 1 according to the invention, in particular the hair clip 1a, allows for considerable design freedom, enabling a user to customize the design of the hair styling utensil 1, in particular the hair clip 1a, by attaching a wide variety of decorative elements 7.

Claims

[1] Hair styling tool (1), in particular a hair clip (1a), a hair tie, a hairband or a headband, characterized by , - that at least one through-opening (6) is arranged on the hair styling tool (1), - that at least one decorative element (7) is provided which is fixed in the through-opening (6) by means of a foot (8) in a form-fitting manner. [2] Hair styling tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the hair styling tool (1) is designed as a hair clip (1a), - that the hair clip (1a) has two clip bodies (3, 4) rotatably mounted on each other about a common axis (2) and a spring device (5) which biases the two clip bodies (3, 4) into a closed position, - that at least one through-opening (6) is arranged on at least one clamping body (3, 4), - that at least one decorative element (7) is provided which is fixed in the through-opening (6) by means of a foot (8) in a form-fitting manner. [3] Hair styling tool (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that it has at least one opening (6) and narrow areas (9) and wide areas (10). [4] Hair styling tool (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that at least one clamping body (3, 4) has two approximately parallel through-openings (6). [5] Hair styling tool (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that at least one through-opening (6) runs essentially parallel to the axis (2). [6] Hair styling tool (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , - that the foot (8) has a mushroom-head shape at one free end, and / or - that the foot (8) has a collar (11). [7] Hair styling tool (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by , that at least one decorative element (7) has at least two feet (8) by which it is positively fixed in at least one through-opening (6). [8] Hair styling tool (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by , - that only one clamping body (3, 4) is curved and has prongs (12), or - that both clamp bodies (3, 4) are curved and have prongs (12) which interlock when the hair clip (1) is closed. [9] Hair styling tool (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by , that at least one decorative element (7) is made of plastic, in particular as a plastic injection molded part. [10] Hair styling tool (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by , - that at least one decorative element (7) contains a light element, and / or - that a tracking chip (13) is arranged in the hair clip (1a) and / or in at least one decorative element (7).

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