Hair clip with interchangeable decorative accessories

Abstract

An ornamental hair clip assembly comprising at least one clip member with perforations configured to receive interchangeable decorative accessories. Each accessory includes a decorative head, a stem extending from the head, and a retention member at the opposing end of the stem. The retention member is compressible to pass through a perforation and expand to secure the accessory, leaving the decorative head externally visible. The clip members are hingedly connected to pivot between open and closed positions, with prongs or engagement members configured to grip the user's hair. The system enables rapid customization by interchanging decorative elements such as gemstones, flowers, symbols, or abstract shapes, while maintaining the functionality of a conventional hair clip.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to customizable hair retention devices and more particularly to hair clips, claws, and pins having perforations configured to receive interchangeable decorative accessories that allow users to customize and personalize their hairstyles.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Conventional hair clips and claws have long been used to secure and style hair. While these devices are functional, they typically offer limited opportunities for personalization.

[0003] Prior attempts to enhance hair accessories have involved a fixed decorative element, such as added gems, unique shapes and patterns. However, these solutions lack flexibility and convenience. To customize their look, the user must purchase multiple different accessories.

[0004] Accordingly, there remains a need for a hair accessory that combines the functionality of a traditional hair clip with the ability to interchange decorative elements quickly and securely, enabling greater self-expression and versatility in a singular accessory.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides an ornamental hair clip assembly suitable for all ages and hair types, that allows users to easily attach and remove decorative elements. In preferred embodiments, the hair clip assembly combines the functional hair-retaining features of a conventional clip with a system of interchangeable decorative accessories. The assembly includes a hair clip having at least one clip member with one or more perforations formed therein. A decorative accessory is configured to be removably attached to the clip by inserting a stem through a perforation, with a decorative head remaining externally visible and a retention member securing the accessory in place.

[0006] In preferred embodiments, the hair clip comprises a pair of body members hingedly connected to pivot between open and closed positions, with prongs or engagement members configured to grip the user's hair. The perforations may be dimensioned at approximately 0.5 centimeters in diameter and distributed along the clip body to receive decorative accessories. The hair clips may be manufactured in various sizes including a 2-inch length for children and 4-6 inch lengths for adults, and in various shapes including tubular (claw-style), flat, square, or circular configurations.

[0007] Each decorative accessory includes a decorative head, a stem, and a retention member. The retention member may comprise compressible material, such as rubber or plastic, that can be compressed to pass through the perforation and expand to engage the clip surface, thereby securing the accessory. In a preferred embodiment, the retention member comprises a compressible washer or disc configuration with a diameter greater than the perforation diameter when in an uncompressed state. A plurality of decorative accessories may be provided, each with different ornamental configurations such as gemstones, flowers, animal shapes, sports-related items, symbols, characters, nature designs, emojis, or abstract shapes.

[0008] The invention further provides a method of customizing a hair clip by selecting a decorative accessory, inserting its stem through a perforation in the clip, and engaging the retention member to secure the accessory. This method allows users to interchange accessories easily, thereby enabling personalization and versatility in hair styling.

[0009] The hair clips and decorative accessories may be manufactured using conventional materials such as plastic, polystyrene rubber or silicone, and produced through conventional manufacturing processes including hot pressing or injection molding.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a hair clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing a clip member in a closed position with perforations formed therein, a contact region, and a body engagement member;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a decorative accessory, having a stem extending between a decorative head and a retention member;

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the decorative accessory of FIG. 2, secured within a perforation of the hair clip of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hair clip of FIG. 3, taken along line “4-4”;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a hair clip, with a pair of decorative accessories, including the decorative accessory of FIG. 2, each secured within a separate perforation of the hair clip of FIG. 1

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view depicting the hair clip in FIG. 5 in an open position;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a flat hair clip in an open position according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the hair clip in FIG. 7; and

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a hair pin having a flexible member and a pin member configured to pass through perforations formed therein according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.DEFINITIONS

[0020] The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “the” and similar terms in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

[0021] As used herein, unless specifically noted otherwise, the term “retention member” refers to a compressible element attached to the stem of a decorative accessory that removably secures the accessory within a perforation of the hair clip. The retention member is configured to compress for insertion through the perforation and expand to be wider than the perforation to keep the decorative accessory in place.

[0022] As used herein the term “approximately” when referring to dimensions means within ±20% of the stated value.

[0023] As used herein, the term “perforation” refers to an opening, hole, or aperture formed in a clip member that is sized to receive the stem of a decorative accessory.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to the drawings, and with particular reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a hair clip 200A in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hair clip 200A includes at least one clip member 202A, having an array of perforations 204 formed therein. The clip member further comprises a contact region 206 configured to be manually engaged by a user. In operation, the user manually squeezes the contact region 206 to open the hair clip 200A, positions the hair clip to receive a section of hair, and releases the contact region 206, allowing the hair clip to close and securely grip the hair.

[0025] In FIG. 2 there is shown a side view of a decorative accessory 212. The decorative accessory includes a decorative head 214 positioned at an end 216 of a stem 220, and a retention member 222 positioned at an opposing end 218 of the stem.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, there is shown the hair clip 200A having a pair of decorative accessories 212 removably secured within perforations 204 such that the decorative heads 214 remain externally visible on an outer surface 224 of the clip member 202A.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the clip member 202A having a perforation 204 extending through its thickness. As shown, the decorative accessory 212 is configured to be removably secured within the perforation by means of a retention member 222. In preferred embodiments, the retention member 222 is compressible and may be inserted into the perforation in a compressed state, released, and then retained in an uncompressed state. However, in other cases, a removable retention member (e.g., a screw-on retention member) may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, when inserting the decorative accessory 212, the retention member 222 is compressed to pass through the perforation 204 and to expand after passing therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the stem 220 has a diameter of approximately 0.3 centimeters, the perforation 204 has a diameter of approximately 0.5 centimeters, and the retention member 222 has an uncompressed diameter of approximately 0.7 centimeters, ensuring that the expanded retention member is sized larger than the perforation and engages the inner surface 226 of the clip member 202A, thereby retaining the stem of the decorative accessory within the perforation 204 such that the decorative head 214 remains externally visible on the outer surface 224 of the clip member. More specifically, the retention member 222 is configured to require a manual compression force (which varies depending on the material selected) for insertion, providing secure attachment while remaining user-friendly for repeated removal and reattachment.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown a front view of the hair clip 200A in a closed position (FIG. 5) and an open position (FIG. 6), respectively. Hair clip 200A includes a pair of clip members 202A, having a contact region 206, an array of perforations (not shown), and a body engagement region 208, that comprises a plurality of interlocking prongs 208A. The clip members 202A are hingedly connected by a spring-loaded hinge member 210. The hinge member 210 permits the clip members 202A to pivot relative to one another between the closed position, in which the prongs 208A interlock to grip the hair, and the open position, in which the clip members are separated to allow insertion or removal of hair. Further shown are decorative accessories 212 removably secured within and passing through one of several perforations such that the decorative heads 214 remain externally visible while the retention members 222 are sized and configured to removably retain the stems 220 in the perforation 204. In this manner, the decorative accessories 212 may be selectively attached, removed, or exchanged without impairing the functionality of the hair clip 200A.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated in a side elevation view of a circular flat hair clip 200B according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in an open position. FIG. 8 provides a top plan view of the hair clip 200B in a closed position. The flat hair clip 200B comprises a pair of clip members 202B and 202C hingedly connected by a hinge member 210, permitting the clip members to pivot relative to one another between the open and closed positions. Clip member 202B comprises a contact region 206, an array of perforations 204, and a body engagement region 208 comprising a plurality of vertically oriented prongs 208B (FIG. 7). Clip member 202C comprises a contact region 206 (FIG. 8) and a body engagement region 208 comprising a plurality of horizontally oriented prongs 208C. Within the body engagement region 208, hair is retained between the vertically oriented prongs 208B, which penetrate and separate strands along the vertical axis, and the horizontally oriented prongs 208C, which engage the hair laterally, thereby effectively securing the hair between clip members 202B and 202C.

[0030] Lastly, referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a top plan view of a hair pin 200C according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The hair pin 200C comprises a flexible member 202D, having an array of perforations 204, a pair of perforations 228 configured to removably retain a pin member 202E. The pair of perforations 228 are disposed in axial alignment and are symmetrically spaced on opposing sides of a central longitudinal axis 230 of the flexible member 202D. The pin member 202E is inserted through one of the perforations 228, passing beneath the flexible member 202D and gathered hair and exits through the opposing perforation thereby securing the hair between the flexible member 202D and the pin member 202E.Materials and Manufacturing

[0031] The hair clips 200A, 200B, or 200C may be manufactured from various materials including but not limited to plastic, polystyrene, rubber, silicone, leather, or metal. The clip members may be produced using conventional manufacturing processes such as hot pressing or injection molding.

[0032] The decorative accessories 212 may be manufactured with decorative heads 214 formed from various materials to achieve different aesthetic effects. The stem 220 may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic or metal to provide structural support. The retention member 222 is preferably formed from a compressible material such as rubber or silicone.

[0033] The perforations 204 may be formed in clip members during the molding process or may be drilled, punched, or otherwise formed after initial manufacture of the clip member 202.ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] While preferred embodiments have been described with perforations of approximately 0.5 centimeters in diameter, it will be understood that the perforations may be formed with different dimensions to accommodate different sizes of decorative accessories.

[0035] The hair clips may be manufactured in various sizes to accommodate different users and hair types. For example, a child-sized embodiment may have a length of approximately 2 inches while adult-sized embodiments may have lengths of approximately 4 to 6 inches.

[0036] The clip members may be formed in various shapes including tubular (claw-style), flat, square, circular and other adaptable configurations. Each configured to include an array of perforations for receiving decorative accessories.

[0037] Multiple decorative accessories may be used simultaneously on a single hair clip, allowing users to create customized combinations and patterns.

Claims

1. An ornamental hair clip assembly comprising:a hair clip having at least one clip member with a perforation formed therein, the hair clip being configured to removably engage hair of a user;a decorative accessory comprising:a decorative head having a decorative element;a stem having a first end attached to the decorative head;a retention member attached to an opposing second end of the stem,wherein the stem is sized and configured to be inserted through the perforation while the decorative head is sized and configured not to pass through the perforation, and the retention member is sized and configured to removably retain the stem in the perforation so that the decorative head remains attached to the hair clip such that the decorative element remains externally visible when the hair clip is worn in the hair of the user.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip member comprises a pair of body members.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of body members are hingedly connected by a hinge member and configured to pivot about the hinge member between a closed position and an open position.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pair of body members comprises a contact region disposed on at least one of the pair of body members, the contact region being configured to be manually engaged by a user to pivot the pair of body members between the closed position and the open position.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pair of body members comprise a body engagement member configured to removably engage the hair of the user.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the body engagement member comprises a plurality of prongs configured to grip the hair of the user.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the hair clip comprises a flexible member and a pin member configured to pass through the flexible member to secure the hair of the user.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the perforation comprises a plurality of perforations formed in the at least one clip member.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the perforation has a diameter of approximately 0.5 centimeters.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises a resilient member having a maximum dimension greater than a diameter of the perforation.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the resilient member is configured to be compressed to pass through the perforation and to expand after passing therethrough to engage a surface of the at least one clip member.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the resilient member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: rubber and compressible plastic.

13. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of decorative accessories, each having a different decorative element, wherein the plurality of decorative accessories are interchangeable with one another.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the decorative element is selected from the group consisting of: gemstones, flowers, animal shapes, sports-related items, symbols, characters, nature designs, emojis, and abstract shapes.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, silicone, polystyrene rubber, metal, and leather.

16. A decorative accessory for a perforated hair clip comprising:a decorative head having an ornamental configuration, the decorative head having a head dimension;a stem extending from the decorative head, the stem having a stem diameter smaller than the head dimension and being sized to pass through a perforation in a hair clip member; anda retention member attached to an end of the stem opposite the decorative head, the retention member having a retention dimension greater than the stem diameter, wherein the retention member is configured to engage a surface of the hair clip member to removably secure the decorative accessory to the hair clip with the decorative head positioned externally on an outer surface of the hair clip member.

17. The decorative accessory of claim 16, wherein the retention member comprises a compressible material configured to be compressed to pass through the perforation and to expand after passing therethrough.

18. The decorative accessory of claim 17, wherein the compressible material is selected from the group consisting of: rubber and plastic.

19. The decorative accessory of claim 16, wherein the ornamental configuration is selected from the group consisting of: gemstones, flowers, animal shapes, sports-related items, symbols, characters, nature designs, emojis, and abstract shapes.

20. A method of customizing a hair clip, the method comprising:providing a hair clip having at least one perforation formed in a clip member of the hair clip;selecting a decorative accessory having a decorative head, a stem attached to the decorative head, and a retention member attached to an opposing end of the stem;inserting the stem through the perforation from an outer surface of the clip member;engaging the retention member with the clip member to secure the decorative accessory to the hair clip with the decorative head positioned externally,whereby the decorative accessory is removably attached to the hair clip and is interchangeable with other decorative accessories.

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