Hair tie apparatus

Abstract

A hair tie apparatus 2 comprises an anchor system 4 and tensioning device 6 configured to releasably hold in tension at least one grouping of hair (100, 102, fig.1A). The anchor device 4 is preferably

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a hair tie apparatus and method of using such a hair tie apparatus. The apparatus and method may in particular be used for temporarily reducing the appearance of wrinkles and may provide results akin to a non-surgical eye lift. In particular, the hair tie apparatus comprises a tensioning device configured to hold and tension at least one grouping of hair and may comprise an anchor system for holding the tensioning device in place. Background An increasing number of products are targeted at reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face. A wide variety of cosmetic products, such as anti-wrinkle creams and anti-aging serums, with varying levels of efficacy, are broadly available. More expensive approaches to reducing the appearance of wrinkles include injections of face filler (also known as dermal filler), and anti-wrinkle injections (i.e. Botox). Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery to pull back the skin on the face to make it look tighter. Facelift surgery often requires general anaesthetic. The costs and risks associated with facelift or eyelift surgery mean that it is not a suitable option for many people looking to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. A number of products have been developed which attempt to (temporarily) achieve similar results to those achieved by successful facelift surgery. US 2013 / 0008459 A1 is a non-invasive hair accessory product that inserts into the user's hair to lift a person's facial skin. This product is made of two plastic combs and a piece of cotton webbed elastic which runs through the combs and is sewn like a belt using thread. It is difficult to adjust the level of tension provided by this device, and the combs may be very visible on the side of the wearer’s head. WO 2018 / 222153 A1 relates to a face lifting device whereby sections of hair can be pulled back from the face and fixed in position in order to provide a natural face lift and method of use thereof. The face lifting device comprises an elastic band, a front body and a back body. The front body and back body are designed to be attachable to each other whereby said elastic band is movably positioned therebetween. Said elastic band comprises a fork shaped segment and a one-piece segment and said fork shaped segment comprises locking notches whereby said elastic band is lockable in position in-between said front body and back body. Tension of the hair is adjusted through pulling the hair sections, which is difficult to achieve with a good degree of control while holding the device. WO2004077991A1 discloses a hairdressing tool for re-stretching facial features by pulling two locks of hair in an opposite direction. According to the invention, said tool comprises two tongs which are joined to a ring and are disposed opposite each other according to a same direction in order to block two locks of hair, which are pulled in an opposite direction, according to said direction. Preferably, the tool comprises several pairs of opposing tongs according to a direction in order to block several pairs of locks of hair. The two locks of each pair are pulled in an opposite direction according to the direction corresponding to the arrangement of two opposing tongs. The design of this device necessitates that opposing locks of hair are tensioned one after another, which makes achieving even tension across the locks difficult. In all of these devices, it is not possible to easily adjust the tension of the strands of hair after the initial application of the device. There is therefore a need for a discreet, easily adjustable, easy to apply and release device for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and / or producing an eyelift effect. Summary An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved apparatus for releasably tensioning a grouping or groupings of hair. A further object is that the apparatus improves the adjustment of the tension and provides an increased amount of tension. A further object of the apparatus is to enable the tensioning of groupings of hair from opposite sides of a wearer’s head for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. In the context of this specification, the term ‘grouping’ as in ‘grouping of hair’ should be interpreted as meaning a bunch or plurality of individual hairs (i.e. greater than 5, or greater than 10), from a similar place on the body or head. When pinched together, the grouping may advantageously have an approximate diameter from 1 mm to 15mm. The present disclosure provides a hair tie apparatus and method in accordance with the claims. The present disclosure is directed to a hair tie apparatus for tensioning groupings of hair comprising a tensioning device configured to releasably hold in tension at least one grouping of hair. The apparatus further comprises an anchor system mounted to the tensioning device, for fixing the apparatus relative to the head of the wearer prior to inserting at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device. The anchor system may be fastenable to the hair of the wearer. The anchor system facilitates easier use of the apparatus for the wearer when tensioning grouping(s) of hair, since they can anchor the apparatus to their hair first and subsequently have both hands available to insert the grouping(s) of hair into the tensioning device and to operate the tensioning device. If the anchor system is not present, the wearer needs to hold the apparatus in place whilst also adding the grouping(s) of hair to the tensioning device, which can be more difficult to do. The anchor system may be configured to substantially fix the orientation of the apparatus in the wearer’s hair relative to the head of the wearer. Whilst some movement relative to the head will be possible, in general the anchor system ensures that the apparatus remains in broadly the same location on the wearer’s head. Furthermore, the anchor system stops the apparatus from spinning freely when turned to tension the hair, as discussed further below. This facilitates easier use of the apparatus for the wearer when tensioning groupings of hair, particularly when in use at the back of the wearer’s head. The anchor system may be a clip or clasp for gripping either the hair of the wearer or the wearer’s apparel. The use of a clip may be convenient for the wearer as the clip can be anchored using only one hand. This may free the other hand to style the hair of the wearer. The apparatus may be configured to be mounted to a wearer’s hair at the back of their head and may be configured to receive groupings of hair from opposite sides of the head. This enables tension to be applied via the groupings of hair to skin on the forehead, around the eye socket area, temples and cheek bones, thereby reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles, in particular lateral canthal lines. Furthermore, the tensioning device enables simultaneous adjustment and tensioning of the groupings of hair from opposite sides of a wearer’s head. The tensioning device further enables the application of increased tension as compared to the prior art devices. The tensioning device may be adjustable for varying the tension of the at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device. This facilitates the application of greater tension than is possible with non-adjustable devices. Furthermore, the apparatus is easier to use than non-adjustable devices, as hair inserted into the tensioning device does not need to be tensioned and inserted simultaneously. Preferably, the tensioning device is configured to be adjustable so as to apply substantially equal tension to groupings of hair from opposite sides of the head, thereby prevent unnecessary over-tensioning of one of the groupings of hair and ensuring an equal effect on reducing wrinkles on either side of the face. The tensioning device may comprise first and second parts adjustable for varying the tension of at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device. The tensioning device may comprise a first part comprising a first annulus. A first gap may be located in the first annulus, through which groupings of hair are insertable into the first part. The tensioning device may further comprise a second part releasably connectable to the first part and rotatable relative to the first part for tensioning groupings of hair inserted into the tensioning device. The first annulus may comprise a first central aperture, distinct from the first gap; groupings of hair are insertable through the first gap into the first central aperture. In the present disclosure, ‘annulus’ is not to be limited to having a round shape and may have any shape with a hole, or space, in the middle. The central aperture may have any shape. The first gap facilitates easier insertion of grouping(s) of hair into the central aperture, since an equivalent device with no first gap, would require that grouping(s) of hair were carefully threaded through the first central aperture. The second part of the tensioning device may comprise a second annulus. A second gap may be located in the second annulus, alignable with the first gap, such that groupings of hair are insertable and removable from the first and second parts through the first and second gaps. The first and second gaps, when aligned, form a composite gap. The second annulus may further comprise a second central aperture. The second central aperture may overlap with the first central aperture, forming a composite central aperture when the first and second parts are connected. When the first and second gaps are aligned, groupings of hair are insertable through the composite gap into the composite central aperture, thereby improving ease of insertion of the hair to both parts. The tensioning device may be configured such that the second part is releasably connectable to the first part to trap at least one inserted grouping of hair between the first and second parts. The second part may be rotatable relative to the first part such that the at least one inserted grouping of hair rotates with the second part, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair. Such a rotational tensioning mechanism may be easy to use to achieve the required level of tension. The tensioning device may be configured such that detaching the first part and the second part releases inserted groupings of hair, thereby making the device quick and convenient to remove. The present disclosure further provides a method of using a hair tie apparatus comprising fixing the apparatus relative to the head of the wearer using the anchor system, inserting at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device, and tensioning the at least one grouping of hair using the tensioning device. Although the anchor system may facilitate easier use of the apparatus, in embodiments of the present disclosure the apparatus does not include an anchor system. These embodiments may be more discreet, owing to the lack of anchor system. The present disclosure is therefore further directed to a hair tie apparatus for adjustably tensioning groupings of hair, the apparatus comprising first and second parts mounted to one another and for receiving at least two groupings of hair, wherein the second part is releasably connectable to the first part and the second part is rotatable relative to the first part for varying the tension of the at least one inserted grouping of hair. Such a device is simpler than that provided with an anchor system, and may be advantageous for applications in which the hair is being styled by someone other than the wearer of the device, for example, a professional hair stylist, or makeup artist, who does not need the anchor system to initially hold the tensioning device in place. Although described herein in the context of humans, it is to be understood that further applications for tensioning hair which relate to animals, such as pet grooming (for example, long-haired dogs) are intended to form a part of the scope of the disclosure. In other words, ‘head of the wearer’ should be interpreted as including the body of the wearer in certain circumstances, in particular those in which the wearer is an animal with long hair. Brief Description of the Drawings By way of example only, embodiments according to the present disclosure are now described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is an illustration of the front of an embodiment of the hair tie apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with groupings of hair being inserted; Figure 1B is an illustration of the front of the apparatus of Figure 1 A, once the hair has been inserted; Figures 2A and 2-B are illustrations of the side and rear of the apparatus of Figure 1 A; Figure 3 is an illustration of a further side of the apparatus of Figure 1 A; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1A with a first and second part of a tensioning device not connected and an anchor system closed; and Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1A with the first and second part of the tensioning device not connected and the anchor system closed; Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1A with the first and second part of the tensioning device connected and with the anchor system open; and Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the hair tie apparatus of the present disclosure. Detailed Description Figures 1A to 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a hair tie apparatus 2 in accordance with the present disclosure, with Figures 1A and 1B illustrating the apparatus at different stages of the hair tensioning method of the present disclosure. The apparatus 2 comprises an anchor system 4 and a tensioning device 6. The tensioning device 6 is configured to releasably hold in tension at least one grouping of hair 100,102. The anchor system 4 is mounted to the tensioning device 6 and is suitable for fixing the apparatus 2 relative to the head of the wearer prior to inserting the at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device and, in particular, may be for securing or clipping to a grouping of hair of the wearer different to the at least one group of hair 100, 102 in the tensioning device 6. Therefore, the apparatus 2 may not move more than about 1-2 cm in any direction when groupings of hair 100, 102 are inserted into the tensioning device 6 for tensioning. Tensioning groupings of hair 100, 102, may be desired to pull the skin of the forehead and face of the wearer up and back, producing an effect similar to that of a facelift. The apparatus 2 may therefore reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, such as lateral canthal lines, forehead lines, glabellar frown lines and / or bunny lines and / or may provide an eyelift effect. Depending on the positioning of the apparatus 2, the appearance of nasolabial folds, vertical lip lines, and marionette lines may also be reduced. The anchor system 4 may be mounted to the tensioning device 6 such that when worn, the anchor system 4 is adjacent to the tensioning device 6. The tensioning device 6 may be mounted to the anchor system 4 by a connecting arm 50 as illustrated, or the anchor system 4 may extend from the tensioning device 6. Generally, the connecting arm 50 extends outwardly from the tensioning device 6 to the anchor system 4 and the anchor system 4 extends from the connecting arm 50 around at least part of the periphery or outer circumference of the tensioning device 6. As best illustrated in Figure 4, the apparatus 2 comprises a lateral axis 90, which may be the direction along which hair is inserted into the apparatus 2, a longitudinal axis 91 and a transverse axis 92, the axes 90, 91,92 being orthogonal to one another. If the tensioning device 6 is a rotary tensioning device, an axis of rotation 90 thereof is the lateral axis 90. The connecting arm 50 may extend from the tensioning device 6 in a direction normal to the lateral axis 90 and / or in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes 91, 92. Thus, when worn, the anchor system 4 is not located between the tensioning device 6 or vice-versa, instead being adjacent to one-another. As in Figure 1A and 1B, the tensioning device 6 may have a substantially circular crosssection when viewed along the lateral axis 90 in plan view. The anchor system 4 may be curved, and this curvature may be such that the curve defined by the anchor system 4 is concentric with the circular cross-section of the tensioning device 6. The connecting arm 50 may extend from the tensioning device 6 so as to intersect a radius of the circular cross section of the tensioning device 6 at an angle between 5 and 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis 91 when viewed in the plane of the longitudinal and transverse axes 91, 91 (see Figure 1B). The anchor system 4 may be elongate along and / or extend substantially along the transverse axis 92 and may be separated from the anchor system 4 the tensioning device 6 along the longitudinal axis 91. The anchor system 4 may be fastenable to the hair of the wearer and may be configured to engage hair on the back of the head of the wearer. The anchor system 4 may be connected to the tensioning device 6 by the connecting arm 50 such that the tensioning device 6 is spaced from the tensioning device 6 in the vertical direction and / or approximately directly above or below the anchor system 4 when worn (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 91). This allows the wearer to easily position the tensioning device 6 centrally. When fastened to the hair of the wearer, the anchor system 4 may grip the hair of the wearer generally along the transverse axis 92, and the tensioning device 6 may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 91 from the anchor system 4. The apparatus 2 may be configured such that groupings of hair 100, 102 are inserted into the tensioning device 6 along the longitudinal axis 91 (see Figure 1 A); particularly the direction which in use is downwards. In this way, if the anchor system 4 is configured to anchor the apparatus 2 to the hair of the wearer, the anchoring is most effective, since the wearer’s hair will apply greater tension to the anchor system 4 along the longitudinal axis 91 than along the transverse axis 92, in which it can sway. To avoid discomfort, the anchor system 4 may be configured to be fastenable to more strands of hair than can be tensioned by the tensioning device 6. As best illustrated in Figures 4 and 6, the anchor system 4 may comprise a clip 74. The clip 74 may comprise a hinge 72, with gripping elements 73a, 73b extending from the hinge 72 and configured to receive hair therebetween. The anchor system 4 may comprise a latch 70 for holding the gripping elements 73a, 73b in a closed position to hold the hair. The latch 70 may comprise first and second engagers 70a, 70b engageable with one another and the latch 70 may be located at the opposing ends of the gripping elements 73a, 73b to the hinge 72 as shown in Figure 4. The gripping elements 73a, 73b may be curved around the tensioning device 6. The tensioning device 6 is actuatable to hold and release inserted groupings of hair 100, 102 and may be adjustable for varying the tension of at least one grouping of hair 100, 102, held by the tensioning device 6. Tensioning devices 6 adjustable for holding in place or releasing an inserted at least one grouping of hair 100, 102, are easier to use with an anchor system 4, since the tensioning device 6 will need less support while pulling groupings of hair 100, 102 tight through the tensioning device 6 ahead of adjustment to trap the groupings of hair 100, 102 in place. The tensioning device 6 may comprise a first part 14 and a second part 16, which are adjustable for holding in place or releasing, and preferably for varying the tension of, at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 held by the tensioning device 6. In particular, the first and second part 14, 16 are rotatable relative to one another and separable. The first and second parts 14, 16 are generally circular in plan view and the connecting arm 50 is attached to and extends outwardly from the periphery of the first part 14. Therefore the connecting arm 50, anchor system 4 and first part 14 comprise one unit, from which the second part 16 is separable. The first part 14 may comprise a first annulus 15 with a first gap 20 (as best shown in Figures 3 and 4) and a first central aperture 22. Groupings of hair 100, 102 may be insertable through the first gap 20 into the first part 14, or, more particularly, into the first central aperture 22. The first gap 20 is through the ring of the first annulus 15, whilst the first central aperture 22 is in the middle of the ring of the first annulus 15. The longitudinal axis 91 extends through the centre of the first gap 20. The second part 16 may be releasably connectable to the first part 14 and rotatable relative to the first part 14 for tensioning inserted groupings of hair 100,102. The second part 16 may comprise a second annulus 17 with a second gap 26 (as best shown in Figures 3 and 4) and a second central aperture 28. The second gap 26 is through the ring of the second annulus 17, whilst the second central aperture 28 is in the middle of the ring of the second annulus 17. The first gap 20 and second gap 26 may be substantially the same size. When the first part 14 and second part 16 are connected such that the first gap 20 and second gap 26 are aligned, the first gap 20 and second gap 26 may define a composite gap 30. When the first part 14 and the second part 16 are connected, the first central aperture 22 and second central aperture 28 may define a composite central aperture 32. As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first part 14 and second part 16 may be releasably connectable through a snap fit connection 33. The snap fit connection 33 may comprise a plurality of cantilever snap joints 34 of the second part 16 extending from the second annulus 17 towards the first part 14, such as from around and adjacent the second central aperture 28. and configured to engage with a corresponding ledge 35 of the first annulus 15 from around the periphery of the first central aperture 22. Each cantilever snap joints 34 comprises a stop 36 which, when the first and second parts 14, 16 are connected, abuts the ledge 35 so as to prevent the first and second parts 14, 16 from disconnecting. The tensioning device 6 may comprise at least five cantilever snap joints 34. In order to attach the first and second parts 14, 16, the cantilever snap joints 34 are inserted into the first central aperture 22 and snap fit around the ledge 35 via the stops 36. When connected, the first and second parts 14, 16 can rotate relative to one another by the cantilever snap joints 34 being rotatable around the first central aperture 22, with the snap fit connection 33 preventing separation during rotation. In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the tensioning device 6 comprises a ratchet mechanism 12 for preventing detensioning of the at least one grouping of hair 100, 102 held by the tensioning device 6 and facilitatating greater tension than is possible in an apparatus without a ratchet mechanism 12. The ratchet mechanism 12 may, depending on the configuration of the tensioning device 6, allow either continuous linear or rotary motion in only one direction (that direction being the direction associated with tensioning the hair), and prevent motion in the other direction. As illustrated, the ratchet mechanism 12 may comprise at least one ratchet tooth 12a on the first part 14 engageable with at least one ratchet stop 12b on the second part 16, or vice-versa. The at least one ratchet tooth 12a may be mounted around the first annulus 15 facing towards or adjacent to the second part 16. The or each ratchet tooth 12a may comprise a ramp, increasing in height towards an tooth engaging surface. The ratchet stop 12b may comprise a stop engaging surface for engaging with the tooth engaging surface to prevent rotation in one direction. The ratchet stop 12b may comprise, as illustrated, an aperture at least partially through the second part 16 and second annulus 17, the aperture forming the stop engaging surface and configured to be adjacent to and engage the at least one ratchet tooth 12a when the first and second parts 14, 16 are connected. The first part 14 and / or second part 16 may comprise gripping protrusions 38, which may be a plurality of ridges on the outer circumference of the second annulus 17 as illustrated, extending therearound for gripping by the user for making the adjustment of the tensioning device 16 and separation of the first and second parts 14, 16 easier. The tensioning device 6 may comprise stabilising protrusions 10 configured to be positioned between the head of the wearer and the first and second parts 14, 16 when worn. The stabilising protrusions 10 are mounted to and extend from the first part 14 and first annulus 15, and may be distributed around the edge of the first central aperture 22. Each stabilising protrusion 10 may comprise an elongate planar body as illustrated and the tensioning device 6 may comprise at least five stabilising protrusions 10. The stabilising protrusions 10 may allow hair to be freely pulled through the tensioning device 6 and between the first and second parts 14, 16 and the head of the wearer. The stabilising protrusions 10 also engage with the hair on the back of the wearer’s head, further stabilising the apparatus 2. The stabilising protrusions 10 may be evenly spaced, and there may be separate spaces between neighbouring stabilising protrusions 10. The second part 16, and optionally the first part 14, may comprise engaging protrusions 8 for engaging with a plurality of inserted groupings of hair 100, 102 and increasing the amount of tension which the apparatus 2 is able to provide. The engaging protrusions may be mounted around the inner periphery of the first and / or second central aperture 22, 28 and may project towards the lateral axis 90 and / or inwardly into the first and second central apertures 22, 28. At least five engaging protrusions 8 may be provided. The hair tie apparatus 2 may be made from a substantially rigid plastic material, although such material may have some flexibility so as to allow compression of the second part 16 for disconnection from the first part 14. The anchor system 4 may extend further in the transverse direction than the tensioning device 6. The anchor system 4 may have a total width of 30 - 70 mm in the transverse direction. The tensioning device 6 may have a diameter in the plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal axes of 15 - 40 mm. In use, the hair tie apparatus 2 is fixed to the wearer’s hair, relative to their head and preferably at the rear of the head, using the anchor system 4, and with the first and second parts 14, 16 connected. The clip 44 may be clipped onto a grouping of hair at the rear of the head, particularly a grouping of hair extending downwardly at the rear of the head. At least one grouping of hair 100, 102, preferably two groupings of hair with one grouping of hair originating from either side of the wearer’s head, is inserted into the tensioning device 6. A first inserted grouping 100 may be from an opposite side of the head to a second inserted grouping 102. Therefore, the tensioning device 6 may be located substantially midway between where the first and second inserted groupings 100, 102 emerge from the wearer’s head, such that the groupings 100, 102 have a line of symmetry in the longitudinal axis 91 and the longitudinal axis 91 is approximately coincident with the median plane of the body when worn. The hair tie apparatus 2 is thus configured to receive groupings of hair 100, 102 from opposite sides of the head. Groupings of hair 100, 102, may be insertable into the first central aperture 22 through the first gap 20 of the first part 14 and into the second central aperture 28 through the second gap 26 of the second part 16. Groupings of hair 100,102, may be insertable into the composite central aperture 32 through the composite gap 30. The inserted grouping(s) of hair 100, 102 is / are then tensioned using the tensioning device 6. As a result, equal tension can be applied to both groupings of hair 100, 102, ensuring a symmetrical effect on the hair around the head. The tensioning device 6 may be adjusted so as to engage or release the at least one inserted groupings of hair 100, 102, as well as to vary the tension in the at least one inserted groupings of hair 100, 102. The second part 16 is rotatable relative to the first part 14 such that the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 rotates with the second part 16. The rotation of the second part 16 relative to the first part 14 may result in the first gap 20 and second gap 26 no longer being aligned, such that there is no composite gap 30; thereby preventing the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102 from escaping from the device through the composite gap 30. When the second part 16 is rotated relative to the first part 14, the engaging protrusions 8 interweave or engage with and twist together the plurality of inserted groupings of hair 100, 102, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102. The inserted groupings of hair 100, 102 twist and intertwine with each other while remaining engaged with the engaging protrusions 8, maintaining tension in the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102, thereby preventing the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102, from pulling out of the tensioning device through the composite central aperture 32. The wedging effect of an increased volume of hair 100, 102 in the tensioning device 6 may prevent unwinding of the first and second parts 14, 16, although the ratchet mechanism also achieved such an effect if present. The tension in the inserted at least one grouping of hair 100, 102, may be adjusted by rotating the second part 16 relative to the first part 14, thereby rotating the inserted at least one grouping of hair 100, 102. Such a rotation is indicated by the arrow 3 in Figure 1B. The at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 may also be trapped between the first part 14 and second part 16. This may be through using a snap fit connection 33. As a result, during rotation of the tensioning device 6, the hair trapped between the first and second parts 14, 16 rotates and increases the tension of the groupings of hair. In embodiments comprising engaging protrusions 8, it is not necessary (although it may be desirable) to trap the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 between the first part 14 and second part 16. In order to remove the apparatus 2, the first part 14 may be detached from the second part 16 to release the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 held therein / therebetween. In order to detach the first and second parts 14, 16, the user applies pressure to the second part 16 so as to squeeze the second annulus 17 and close the second gap 26, thereby moving the cantilever snap joints inwardly away from the ledge 35 to disengage the stops 36. The second part 16 can then be pulled out of the first central aperture 22 and away from the first part 14. Detaching the first part 14 and the second part 16 releases the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102. Various different embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention. The anchor system 4 may be fixable to other apparel such as another hair clip or a hairband, a headscarf, or a collar of a shirt, dress, or jacket. These methods of fastening may be particularly discreet or be incorporated into the style of the wearer. In embodiments (not illustrated), the apparatus 2 may not include the anchor system 4 and may only comprise the tensioning device 6, including features thereof as described above. Whilst not as easy to use due to the lack of the anchor system 4, the tensioning device 6 can still be used to adjustably tension at least two groupings 100, 102 of hair. Therefore, the first and second part 14, 16 are adjustable for varying the tension of the at least two groupings of hair 100, 102 held by the hair tie apparatus 2. The second part 16 is releasably connectable to the first part 14 and rotatable relative to the first part 14 for varying the tension of the at least one inserted grouping of hair 14. Thus, in the method for using the tensioning device 6 without an anchor system 4, at least one grouping of hair 100, 102 is inserted into the tensioning device 6 and the tension of the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102 is varied by rotating the second part 16 relative to the first part 14. The steps of the method described above for the apparatus 2 with the anchor system 4 equally apply to the apparatus 2 without the anchor system 4, other than the initial step of mounting the apparatus 2 to the hair via the anchor system 4. The first part 14 and second part 16 may have complementary central apertures (such as semi-circular apertures), such that adjusting the first part 14 and second part 16 causes the composite central aperture 32 to reduce in size, thereby trapping the inserted groupings of hair 100, 102. As further alternative functioning on the same general principle, the tensioning device 6 may be a mechanical iris. The cantilever snap joints 34 may be on the first part 14, extending towards the second part 16, and the corresponding ledge 35 on the second part 16. The connecting arm 50 may be adjustable, such that when sufficient force is applied, the relative positions of the anchor system 4 and tensioning device 6 are changed; in this context, sufficient force is a force greater than that which would be experienced by the device when worn, such that in use the apparatus 2 remains stable, and the anchor system 4 fixes the apparatus 2 relative to the head for facilitating easier use of the tensioning device 6. To improve the retention of hair by the hair tie apparatus 2, the first part 14 and second part 16 may comprise complementary pins and pin tracks, not shown in the Figures. For example, the first part 14 may comprise a series of slots which function as pin tracks by following the trajectory of a fixed point on the second part 16 when the second part 16 is rotated relative to the first part 14. The second part 16 may comprise pins located so as to engage with the pin tracks. Therefore, the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100,102 can be wound between pins. The pins then move in the pin tracks as the second part 16 is rotated relative to the first part 14, which has the effect of pulling on the at least one inserted grouping of hair 100, 102, thereby tensioning them. Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the anchor system 4 to that of Figures 1-5, in which it comprises a clip 44 having a hinge 42, with gripping elements 43a, 43b extending on a first side of the hinge 42 and configured to receive hair therebetween. The anchor system 4 may comprise a spring (not shown) for biasing the gripping elements 43a, 43b into a closed position to hold the hair. The clip 44 and gripping elements 43a, 43b may be openable by pressing on a lever 45 on a second side of the hinge 42. The second side of the hinge 42 may be adjacent the connecting arm 50 and on the opposing side of the hinge 42 to the first side. The gripping elements 43a, 43b may be curved around the tensioning device 6. In the embodiment of Figure 7 no rachet mechanism is present, with the first and second parts 14, 16 remaining locked through friction with the hair inserted therein.

Claims

1. A hair tie apparatus for tensioning groupings of hair comprising:a tensioning device configured to releasably hold in tension at least one grouping of hair; andan anchor system mounted to the tensioning device and for fixing the hair tie apparatus relative to the head of the wearer prior to inserting the at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device.

2. The hair tie apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor system is fastenable to the hair of the wearer.

3. The hair tie apparatus of claim 2 wherein the anchor system is configured to substantially fix the orientation of the hair tie apparatus relative to the head of the wearer.

4. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the anchor system is a clip or clasp.

5. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to receive groupings of hair from opposite sides of the head.

6. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning device comprises stabilising protrusions for contacting the hair and / or head of the wearer for: creating space between a main body of the tensioning device and the head of the wearer which allows hair to freely pull through the tensioning device between the hair tie apparatus and the head of the wearer; and / orstabilising the device in the hair of the wearer.

7. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning device is adjustable for varying the tension of at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device.

8. The hair tie apparatus of claim 7, wherein the tensioning device comprises a ratchet mechanism for preventing detensioning of the at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device.

9. The hair tie apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the tensioning device comprises first and second parts for receiving the at least one grouping of hair and adjustable for varying the tension of at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device.

10. The hair tie apparatus of claim 9, wherein:the first part comprises a first annulus with a first gap in the first annulus through which groupings of hair are insertable into the first part; andthe second part is releasably connectable to the first part and rotatable relative to the first part for tensioning inserted groupings of hair.

11. The hair tie apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second part comprises a second annulus and further comprises a second gap in the second annulus alignable with the first gap, such that groupings of hair are insertable and removable from the first and second parts through the first and second gaps.

12. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the tensioning device is configured such that:the second part is releasably connectable to the first part to trap a plurality of inserted groupings of hair between the first and second parts; and / orthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part such that the plurality of inserted groupings of hair rotate with the second part, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair.

13. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second part comprises engaging protrusions for engaging with a plurality of inserted groupings of hair, such that when the second part is rotated relative to the first part, the engaging protrusions twist together and tension the plurality of inserted groupings of hair.

14. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 9 to 13 wherein an outer surface of the second part comprises gripping protrusions for allowing the user to grip the second part.

15. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the tensioning device is configured such that detaching the first part and the second part releases inserted groupings of hair.

16. A method of using a hair tie apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising:fixing the hair tie apparatus relative to the head of the wearer using the anchor system;inserting at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device; and tensioning the at least one grouping of hair using the tensioning device.

17. A hair tie apparatus for adjustably tensioning groupings of hair, the apparatus comprising first and second parts mounted to one another and for receiving at least two groupings of hair, wherein the second part is releasably connectable to the first part and the second part is rotatable relative to the first part for varying the tension of the at least one inserted grouping of hair.

18. The hair tie apparatus of claim 17, wherein:the first part comprises a first annulus with a first gap in the first annulus through which groupings of hair are insertable into the first part; andthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part for tensioning groupings of hair inserted into the first gap.

19. The hair tie apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the second part comprises a second annulus and further comprises a second gap in the second annulus alignable with the first gap, such that groupings of hair are insertable through the first and second parts through the first and second gaps.

20. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the tensioning device is configured such that:the second part is releasably connectable to the first part to trap a plurality of inserted groupings of hair between the first and second parts; and / orthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part such that the plurality of inserted groupings of hair rotate with the second part, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair.

21. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the second part comprises engaging protrusions for engaging with a plurality of inserted groupings of hair, such that when the second part is rotated relative to the first part, the engaging protrusions twist together and tension the plurality of inserted groupings of hair.

22. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 17 to 21 wherein an outer surface of the second part comprises gripping protrusions for allowing the user to grip the second part.5 23. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 17 to 22 wherein the tensioning device isconfigured such that detaching the first part and the second part releases inserted groupings of hair.

24. A method of using a hair tie apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 23, the10 method comprising:inserting at least two groupings of hair into the tensioning device; and tensioning the at least one grouping of hair by rotating the second part relative to the first part.15 25. A method as claimed in claim 24 comprising releasing the at least two groupings ofhair from the tensioning device by disconnecting the second part from the first part.24Amendments to the claims have been filed as folllows:CLAIMS:

1. A hair tie apparatus for tensioning groupings of hair comprising:a tensioning device configured to releasably hold in tension at least one grouping of hair; and5 an anchor system mounted to the tensioning device and for fixing the hair tieapparatus relative to the head of the wearer prior to inserting the at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device, wherein the tensioning device is adjustable for varying the tension of the at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device and comprises first and second parts for10 receiving the at least one grouping of hair configured such that adjustment of the first and second parts varies the tension of the at least one grouping of hair held by the tensioning device.

2. The hair tie apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor system is fastenable to the15 hair of the wearer.

3. The hair tie apparatus of claim 2 wherein the anchor system is configured to substantially fix the orientation of the hair tie apparatus relative to the head of the wearer.20 4. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the anchor system is a clipor clasp.

5. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning device is configured to receive groupings of hair from opposite sides of the head.

256. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning device comprises stabilising protrusions for contacting the hair and / or head of the wearer for:creating space between a main body of the tensioning device and the head of the wearer which allows hair to freely pull through the tensioning device between the hair tie30 apparatus and the head of the wearer; and / or stabilising the device in the hair of the wearer.

7. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning device comprises a ratchet mechanism for preventing detensioning of the at least one grouping of 35 hair held by the tensioning device.

248. The hair tie apparatus of any preceding claim wherein:the first part comprises a first annulus with a first gap in the first annulus through which groupings of hair are insertable into the first part; andthe second part is releasably connectable to the first part and rotatable relative to 5 the first part for tensioning inserted groupings of hair.

9. The hair tie apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second part comprises a second annulus and further comprises a second gap in the second annulus alignable with the first gap, such that groupings of hair are insertable and removable from the first and 10 second parts through the first and second gaps.

10. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 8 to 9, wherein the tensioning device is configured such that:the second part is releasably connectable to the first part to trap a plurality of15 inserted groupings of hair between the first and second parts; and / orthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part such that the plurality of inserted groupings of hair rotate with the second part, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair.20 11. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second part comprisesengaging protrusions for engaging with a plurality of inserted groupings of hair, such that when the second part is rotated relative to the first part, the engaging protrusions twist together and tension the plurality of inserted groupings of hair.25 12. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 8 to 11 wherein an outer surface of thesecond part comprises gripping protrusions for allowing the user to grip the second part.

13. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the tensioning device is configured such that detaching the first part and the second part releases inserted 30 groupings of hair.

14. A method of using a hair tie apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising:fixing the hair tie apparatus relative to the head of the wearer using the anchor35 system;inserting at least one grouping of hair into the tensioning device; and24tensioning the at least one grouping of hair using the tensioning device.

15. A hair tie apparatus for adjustably tensioning groupings of hair, the apparatus comprising first and second parts mounted to one another and for receiving at least two 5 groupings of hair, wherein the second part is releasably connectable to the first part and the second part is rotatable relative to the first part for varying the tension of the at least one inserted grouping of hair.

16. The hair tie apparatus of claim 15, wherein:10 the first part comprises a first annulus with a first gap in the first annulus throughwhich groupings of hair are insertable into the first part; andthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part for tensioning groupings of hair inserted into the first gap.15 17. The hair tie apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second part comprises asecond annulus and further comprises a second gap in the second annulus alignable with the first gap, such that groupings of hair are insertable through the first and second parts through the first and second gaps.20 18. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the hair tie apparatus isconfigured such that:the second part is releasably connectable to the first part to trap a plurality of inserted groupings of hair between the first and second parts; and / orthe second part is rotatable relative to the first part such that the plurality of inserted 25 groupings of hair rotate with the second part, thereby tensioning the inserted groupings of hair.

19. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the second part comprises engaging protrusions for engaging with a plurality of inserted groupings of hair, such that 30 when the second part is rotated relative to the first part, the engaging protrusions twist together and tension the plurality of inserted groupings of hair.

20. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19 wherein an outer surface of the second part comprises gripping protrusions for allowing the user to grip the second part.3521. The hair tie apparatus of any of claims 15 to 20 wherein the tensioning device is configured such that detaching the first part and the second part releases inserted groupings of hair.5 22. A method of using a hair tie apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 21, themethod comprising:inserting at least two groupings of hair into the tensioning device; and tensioning the at least one grouping of hair by rotating the second part relative to the first part.1023. A method as claimed in claim 22 comprising releasing the at least two groupings of hair from the tensioning device by disconnecting the second part from the first part.1524

Images