Hair clip lined with teeth or bristles

Abstract

A hair clip includes two halves, with each half including a side and tines extending downwardly and / or inwardly from the side. An array of teeth or bristles may also extend somewhat inwardly from an inner surface of each side. Methods for securing hair with such a clip are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 970,088, filed on Oct. 25, 2024 and titled HAIR CLIP LINED WITH TEETH OR BRISTLES (“the '088 Design application”), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to hair clips and, more specifically to clips for hair. More specifically, this disclosure relates to clips for hair with arrays of small teeth or bristles protruding from their inner surfaces. This disclosure also relates to methods for securing hair.RELATED ART

[0003] Hair clips have long been used to secure hair in ponytails, pigtails, buns, or the like. Claw clips come in a variety of sizes. Octopus clips are typically larger than claw clips. Both claw clips and octopus clips include two sides with teeth, with a row of teeth on one side of the clip generally opposing a row of teeth on the other side of the clip. The teeth of the two rows may be offset somewhat, which may enable the teeth to interleave with each other as the clip closes.

[0004] Existing hair clips are generally useful for securing a grouping of hair in place. However, when worn for prolonged periods of time or during certain activities, they may slide out of place, which may undo a hairdo. Consequently, an individual may occasionally have to redo their hair and reposition one or more clips to hold their hair in a desired manner.SUMMARY

[0005] A hair clip includes a first half and a second half. A hinge may couple the first half and the second half in pivotal relationship to one another. The first half may include a first side with a first inner surface and the second half may include a second side with a second inner surface, with the first inner surface and second inner surface being opposable to one another. A first array of teeth or bristles may protrude from the first inner surface of the first side, while a second array of teeth or bristles may protrude from the second inner surface of the second side. The hinge may enable the first half and second half of the hair clip to be moved between an open arrangement and a gripping arrangement. The open arrangement may enable hair to be inserted between the first half and second half. The gripping arrangement may enable the first array of teeth or bristles and the second array of teeth or bristles to grip hair placed between the first half and second half.

[0006] The first half of the hair clip may include an optional first handle that extends generally upward and / or outward from the first side of the first half. A first hinge member may protrude laterally inward from the first inner surface of the first side. The first array of first teeth or bristles protrudes from the first inner surface of the first side. The first teeth or bristles may be rigid or stiff but flexible. The first half includes first tines that extend downwardly and / or inwardly from the first side. The first tines may extend from the first side, beyond the first inner surface and the first array of first teeth or bristles.

[0007] The second half of the hair clip may include an optional second handle that extends generally upward and / or outward from the second side of the second half. A second hinge member may protrude laterally inward from the second inner surface of the second side. The second array of second teeth or bristles protrudes from the second inner surface of the second side. The second teeth or bristles may be rigid or stiff but flexible. The second half includes second tines that extend downwardly and / or inwardly from the second side. The second tines extend from the second side, beyond the second inner surface and the second array of second teeth or bristles.

[0008] When the first half and second half are assembled, ends the first tines and ends of the second tines may extend generally toward each other. With the first half and second half in the open arrangement, ends of the first tines and ends of the second tines may be spaced apart from each other. The distance the ends of the first tines and the ends of the second tines are spaced apart from each other may enable hair to be placed between them and introduced between the first inner surface and second inner surface. Optionally, the first tines and second tines may be laterally offset from each other, enabling them to interleave with each other when the first half and second half of the clip are in their gripping arrangement.

[0009] With the first half and second half assembled, first teeth or bristles of the first array of teeth or bristles may extend in a first direction, which may be generally toward the second half of the hair clip, while second teeth or bristles of the second array of teeth or bristles may extend in a second direction, which may be generally toward the first half of the hair clip. The first direction may be oriented at an angle away from the first tines. The second direction may be oriented at an angle away from the second tines. The first direction and second direction may be somewhat opposite from each other with the first half and the second half in the gripping arrangement. Alternatively, the first direction and second direction may be oriented at an obtuse angle to each other when the first half and the second half are in the gripping arrangement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first side of the first half of the hair clip and the second side of the second half of the hair clip may be substantially flat. The first tines of the first half of the hair clip may be oriented at an angle to the first side of the first half of the hair clip. The first tines may be substantially straight. Further, the first tines may be substantially flat. The second tines of the second half of the hair clip may be oriented at an angle to the second side of the second half of the hair clip. The second tines may be substantially straight. Further, the second tines may be substantially flat. Such a configuration may impart the hair clip with a shape that resembles a polygonal prism when the first half and second half are in their gripping arrangement. For example, the first side and second side may be oriented at an acute, nonparallel angle to each other, imparting the hair clip with a shape that resembles a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism. As another example, such a first and second side may be oriented substantially parallel to each other, imparting the hair clip with a shape that resembles a rectangular prism. In other embodiments, the first side of the first half of the hair clip and the second side of the second half of the hair clip may be curved. Such a configuration may impart the hair clip with an appearance that resembles a round column or a tube (e.g., a circular tube, an ovular tube, etc.). The first tines may be curved and extend along a curvature of the first side of the first half of the hair clip. The second tines may be curved and extend along a curvature of the second side of the second half of the hair clip. A method for clipping hair (i.e., a group of hairs) may include opening a clip, introducing hair into the clip, and closing the clip over the hair. The clip may be closed over the hair such that oppositely facing tines engage a portion of the hair to hold the hair in place and teeth or bristles on somewhat opposed sides of the clip engage hair between the somewhat opposed sides. As the clip is closed over the hair, the teeth or bristles may engage the hair in a manner that prevents the clip from moving laterally, or from side-to-side. As the clip closes over the hair, the oppositely facing tines of the clip may optionally interleave with each other, further engaging the hair.

[0011] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the append claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hair clip of this disclosure, showing the hair clip in a gripping arrangement;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 1, showing the hair clip in an open arrangement;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an end view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hair clip of this disclosure, showing the hair clip in a gripping arrangement;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 7, showing the hair clip in an open arrangement;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 10 is an end view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 7;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 7; and

[0024] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the hair clip shown in FIG. 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an embodiment of a hair clip 10. The hair clip 10 includes a first half 20 and a second half 40. A hinge 60 may couple the first half 20 and the second half 40 in pivotal relationship to one another.

[0026] The first half 20 of the hair clip 10 may include a first side 22 and first tines 32. The first side 22 may include an upper edge 23, a lower edge 24, a first inner surface 25, and a first outer surface 26. The upper edge 23 and the lower edge 24 may be opposite from each other. The first inner surface 25 and first outer surface 26 may be opposite from each other.

[0027] A first array 27 of first teeth or bristles 28 may protrude from the first inner surface 25 of the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10. The first teeth or bristles 28 may protrude in a first direction. The first direction may extend away from the first inner surface 25 and extend generally toward the second half 40 of the hair clip 10. The first teeth 28 may have the same lengths as each other. Alternatively, the first teeth 28 may have different lengths; for example, first teeth 28 located nearer the upper edge 23 of the first side 22 may be shorter than first teeth 28 located farther away from the upper edge 23. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first array 27 of first teeth 28 may have a length gradient, in which the shortest first teeth 28 are located adjacent to the upper edge 23 of the first side 22 and the longest first teeth 28 are located adjacent to the lower edge 24 of the first side 22. In some embodiments, the first teeth or bristles 28 may be rigid. In other embodiments, the first teeth or bristles 28 may be stiff but flexible.

[0028] The first tines 32 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10 may extend from the first side 22 of the first half 20. For example, the first tines 32 may extend from the lower edge 24 of the first side 22. The first tines 32 may be oriented at an angle to the first side 22. The first tines 32 may be substantially straight. The first tines 32 may even be somewhat flat. Adjacent first tines 32 may be laterally spaced apart from each other.

[0029] The first half 20 may include a first hinge member 36 on the first side 22. The first hinge member 36 may protrude from the first inner surface 25 of the first side 22. The first hinge member 36 may be located adjacent to the upper edge 23 the first side 22.

[0030] Optionally, the first half 20 may include a first handle 38 protruding from the first side 22. An orientation of the first handle 38 may enable it to be used to open and close the hair clip 10. For example, the first handle 38 may protrude from the top edge 23 of the first side 22. The first handle 38 may extend outwardly beyond the first outer surface 26 of the first side 22.

[0031] The second half 40 of the hair clip 10 may include a second side 42 and second tines 52. The second side 42 may include an upper edge 43, a lower edge 44, a second inner surface 45, and a second outer surface 46. The upper edge 43 and the lower edge 44 may be opposite from each other. The second inner surface 45 and second outer surface 46 may be opposite from each other. The second inner surface 45 may be opposed to or opposable to the inner surface 25 of the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10.

[0032] A second array 47 of second teeth or bristles 48 may protrude from the second inner surface 45 of the second side 42 of the second half 40 of the hair clip 10. The second teeth or bristles 48 may protrude in a second direction. The second direction may generally face, or oppose, the first direction. The second direction may extend away from the second inner surface 45 and extend generally toward the first half 20 of the hair clip 10. The second teeth 48 may have the same lengths as each other. Alternatively, the second teeth 48 may have different lengths; for example, second teeth 48 located nearer the upper edge 43 of the second side 42 may be shorter than second teeth 48 located farther away from the upper edge 43. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second array 47 of second teeth 48 may have a length gradient, in which the shortest second teeth 48 are located adjacent to the upper edge 43 of the second side 42 and the longest second teeth 48 are located adjacent to the lower edge 44 of the second side 42. In some embodiments, the second teeth or bristles 48 may be rigid. In other embodiments, the second teeth or bristles may be stiff but flexible.

[0033] The second tines 52 of the second half 40 of the hair clip 10 may extend from the second side 42 of the second half 40. For example, the second tines 52 may extend from the lower edge 44 of the second side 42. The second tines 52 may be oriented at an angle to the second side 42. The angle at which the second tines 52 are oriented to the second side 42 may be substantially the same as or the same as the angle at which the first tines 32 are oriented to the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the claw clip 10. The second tines 52 may be substantially straight. The second tines 52 may even be somewhat flat. Adjacent second tines 52 may be laterally spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The second half 40 may include a second hinge member 56 on the second side 42. The second hinge member 56 may protrude from the second inner surface 45 of the second side 42. The second hinge member 56 may be located adjacent to the upper edge 43 the second side 42.

[0035] Optionally, the second half 40 may include a second handle 58 protruding from the second side 42. An orientation of the second handle 58 may enable it to be used to open and close the hair clip 10. For example, the second handle 58 may protrude from the top edge 43 of the second side 42. The second handle 58 may extend outwardly beyond the second outer surface 46 of the second side 42. An angle at which the second handle 58 is oriented relative to the second side 42 may be substantially the same as or the same as an angle at which the first handle 38 is oriented relative to the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10.

[0036] When the first half 20 and second half 40 of the hair clip 10 are assembled or, more specifically, when the first hinge member 36 of the first half 20 and the second hinge member 56 of the second half 40 are assembled with each other, the hinge 60 may engage the first hinge member 36 and second hinge member 56 to secure the first half 20 and second half 40 in the assembled relationship. The hinge 60 may enable the first half 20 and second half 40 to be moved between a gripping arrangement, as shown in FIG. 1 (and in FIGS. 3-6), and an open arrangement, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] With the first half 20 and second half 40 of the hair clip 10 assembled, the first teeth or bristles 28 of the first array 27 on the inner surface 24 of the first side 22 of the first half 20 may extend in a first direction, which may be generally toward the second half 40, while second teeth or bristles 48 of the second array 47 on the inner surface 44 of the second side 42 of the second half 40 may extend in a second direction, which may be generally toward the first half 20. The first direction may be oriented at an angle away from the first tines 32; for example, at a somewhat upward angle. The second direction may be oriented at an angle away from the second tines 52; for example, at a somewhat upward angle. The first direction and second direction may be somewhat opposite from each other with the first half 20 and second half 40 in the gripping arrangement. Alternatively, the first direction and second direction may be oriented at an obtuse angle to each other when the first half 20 and second half 40 are in the gripping arrangement.

[0038] When the first half 20 and second half 40 of the hair clip 10 are assembled, the first tines 32 and second tines 52 may extend generally toward each other. With the first half 20 and second half 40 in the open arrangement, ends 33 of the first tines 32 and ends 53 of the second tines 52 may be spaced apart from each other. The distance the ends 33 are spaced apart from the ends 53 may enable hair to be placed between the first tines 32 and second tines 52 and introduced between the first inner surface 25 of the first side 22 and the second inner surface 45 of the second side 42. Optionally, the first tines 32 and second tines 52 may be laterally offset from each other, enabling them to interleave with each other when the first half 20 and second half 40 are in their gripping arrangement.

[0039] The open arrangement of the hair clip 10, as shown in FIG. 2, may enable hair to be inserted between the first half 20 and second half 40. The gripping arrangement of the hair clip 10, as shown in FIG. 1, may enable the first array 27 of first teeth or bristles 28 and the second array 47 of second teeth or bristles 48 to grip hair placed between the first half 20 and second half 40 and enable the first tines 32 and second tines 52 to engage the hair.

[0040] FIGS. 1-6, the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10 and the second side 42 of the second half 40 of the hair clip 10 may be substantially flat. The first tines 32 of the first half 20 and the second tines 52 of the second half 40 may also may be substantially straight. The first tines 32 may be located in substantially the same plane as each other or they may be arranged to form a shallow arc. The second tines 52 may be located in substantially the same plane as each other or they may be arranged to form a shallow arc. The angles at which the first tines 32 extend from the first side 22 and the second tines 52 extend from the second side 42 may enable the first tines 32 and second tines 52 to be positioned in substantially the same plane or along substantially the same arc as each other when the first half 20 and second half 40 are in the gripping arrangement. Such a configuration may impart the hair clip 10 with a shape that resembles a polygonal prism when the first half 20 and second side half 40 are in the gripping arrangement. For example, the first side 22 and second side 42 may be oriented at an acute, nonparallel angle to each other, imparting the hair clip with a shape that resembles a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-7. As another example, such a first side 22 and second side 42 may be oriented substantially parallel to each other, imparting the hair clip 10 with a shape that resembles a rectangular prism. of the hair clip 10 may include a first side 22 and first tines 32. The first side 22 may include an upper edge 23, a lower edge 24, a first inner surface 25, and a first outer surface 26. The upper edge 23 and the lower edge 24 may be opposite from each other. The first inner surface 25 and first outer surface 26 may be opposite from each other. Since the first half 20

[0041] A first array 27 of first teeth or bristles 28 may protrude from the first inner surface 25 of the first side 22 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10. The first teeth or bristles 28 may protrude in a first direction. The first direction may extend away from the first inner surface 25 and extend generally toward the second half 40 of the hair clip 10. In some embodiments, the first teeth or bristles 28 may be rigid. In other embodiments, the first teeth or bristles 28′ may be stiff but flexible.

[0042] The first tines 32 of the first half 20 of the hair clip 10 may extend from the first side 22 of the first half 20. For example, the first tines 32 may extend from the lower edge 24 of the first side 22. The first tines 32 may be curved. In embodiments where the first side 22 The first tines 32 may be somewhat flat across their widths. Adjacent first tines 32 may be laterally spaced apart from each other.

[0043] The first half 20 may include a first hinge member 36 on the first side 22. The first hinge member 36 may protrude from the first inner surface 25 of the first side 22. The first hinge member 36 may be located adjacent to the upper edge 23 the first side 22.

[0044] Optionally, the first half 20 may include a first handle 38 protruding from the first side 22. An orientation of the first handle 38 may enable it to be used to open and close the hair clip 10. For example, the first handle 38 may protrude from the top edge 23 of the first side 22. The first handle 38 may extend outwardly beyond the first outer surface 26 of the first side 22.

[0045] The second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ may include a second side 42′ and second tines 52′. The second side 42′ may include an upper edge 43′, a lower edge 44′, a second inner surface 45′, and a second outer surface 46′. The upper edge 43′ and the lower edge 44′ may be opposite from each other. The second inner surface 45′ and second outer surface 46′ may be opposite from each other. The second inner surface 45′ may be opposed to or opposable to the inner surface 25′ of the first side 22′ of the first half 20′ of the hair clip 10′. Since the second half 40

[0046] A second array 47′ of second teeth or bristles 48′ may protrude from the second inner surface 45′ of the second side 42′ of the second half 40″ of the hair clip 10′. The second teeth or bristles 48′ may protrude in a second direction. The second direction may generally face, or oppose, the first direction. The second direction may extend away from the second inner surface 45′ and extend generally toward the first half 20′ of the hair clip 10′. In some embodiments, the second teeth or bristles 48′ may be rigid. In other embodiments, the second teeth or bristles 48′ may be stiff but flexible.

[0047] The second tines 52′ of the second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ may extend from the second side 42′ of the second half 40′. For example, the second tines 52 may extend from the lower edge 44′ of the second side 42′. The second tines 52′ may be curved. In embodiments where the second side 42′ is also curved, a curvature of the second side 42′ may continue along the length of each tine 52′, imparting the second side 42′ and the second tines 52′ with a continuous curvature. The second tines 52′ may be somewhat flat across their widths. Adjacent second tines 52′ may be laterally spaced apart from each other.

[0048] The second half 40′ may include a second hinge member 56′ on the second side 42′. The second hinge member 56′ may protrude from the second inner surface 45′ of the second side 42′. The second hinge member 56′ may be located adjacent to the upper edge 43′ the second side 42′.

[0049] Optionally, the second half 40′ may include a second handle 58′ protruding from the second side 42′. An orientation of the second handle 58′ may enable it to be used to open and close the hair clip 10′. For example, the second handle 58′ may protrude from the top edge 43′ of the second side 42′. The second handle 58′ may extend outwardly beyond the second outer surface 46′ of the second side 42′. An angle at which the second handle 58′ is oriented relative to the second side 42′ may be substantially the same as or the same as an angle at which the first handle 38′ is oriented relative to the first side 22′ of the first half 20′ of the hair clip 10′.

[0050] When the first half 20′ and second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ are assembled or, more specifically, when the first hinge member 36′ of the first half 20′ and the second hinge member 56′ of the second half 40′ are assembled with each other, the hinge 60′ may engage the first hinge member 36′ and second hinge member 56′ to secure the first half 20′ and second half 40′ in the assembled relationship. The hinge 60′ may enable the first half 20′ and second half 40′ to be moved between a gripping arrangement, as shown in FIG. 7 (and in FIGS. 9-12), and an open arrangement, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0051] With the first half 20′ and second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ assembled, the first teeth or bristles 28′ of the first array 27′ on the inner surface 24′ of the first side 22′ of the first half 20′ may extend in a first direction, which may be generally toward the second half 40′, while second teeth or bristles 48′ of the second array 47′ on the inner surface 44′ of the second side 42′ of the second half 40′ may extend in a second direction, which may be generally toward the first half 20′. The first direction may be oriented at an angle away from the first tines 32′; for example, at a somewhat upward angle. The second direction may be oriented at an angle away from the second tines 52′; for example, at a somewhat upward angle. The first direction and second direction may be somewhat opposite from each other with the first half 20′ and second half 40′ in the gripping arrangement. Alternatively, the first direction and second direction may be oriented at an obtuse angle to each other when the first half 20′ and second half 40′ are in the gripping arrangement.

[0052] When the first half 20′ and second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ are assembled, the first tines 32′ and second tines 52′ may extend generally toward each other. With the first half 20′ and second half 40′ in the open arrangement, ends 33′ of the first tines 32′ and ends 53′ of the second tines 52′ may be spaced apart from each other. The distance the ends 33′ are spaced apart from the ends 53′ may enable hair to be placed between the first tines 32′ and second tines 52′ and introduced between the first inner surface 25′ of the first side 22′ and the second inner surface 45′ of the second side 42′. Optionally, the first tines 32′ and second tines 52′ may be laterally offset from each other, enabling them to interleave with each other when the first half 20′ and second half 40′ are in their gripping arrangement.

[0053] The open arrangement of the hair clip 10′, as shown in FIG. 8, may enable hair to be inserted between the first half 20′ and second half 40′. The gripping arrangement of the hair clip 10′, as shown in FIG. 7, may enable the first array 27′ of first teeth or bristles 28′ and the second array 47′ of second teeth or bristles 48′ to grip hair placed between the first half 20′ and second half 40′ and enable the first tines 32′ and second tines 52′ to engage the hair.

[0054] With returned reference to FIGS. 7-12, the ends 33′ of the first tines 32′ of the first half 20′ of the hair clip 10′ and the ends 53′ of the second tines 52′ of the second half 40′ of the hair clip 10′ may be arranged to form shallow arcs. The shallow arc of the ends 33′ of the first tines 32′ and the shallow arc of the ends 53′ of the second tines 52′ may be substantially the same. Thus, when the first half 20′ and second half 40′ are in the gripping arrangement, bottom portions of the first tines 32′ and 52′ may be arranged along a common arc. With returned reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and to FIGS. 7 and 8, a method for clipping hair (i.e., a group of hairs) may include opening a clip 10, 10′ introducing hair into the clip 10, 10′ and closing the clip 10, 10′ over the hair.

[0055] More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, opening the clip 10, 10′ may include grasping a first handle 38, 38′ and a second handle 58, 58′ and squeezing the first handle 38, 38′ and second handle 58, 58′ together. While squeezing the first handle 38, 38′ and second handle 58, 58′ together, the first half 20, 20′ and second half 40, 40′ pivot partially away from each other, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, moving the ends 33, 33′ of the first tines 32, 32′ of the first half 20, 20′ and the ends 53, 53′ of the second tines 52, 52′ of the second half 40, 40′ away from each other, thereby creating space between the first tines 32, 32′ and the second tines 52, 52′ and placing the clip 10, 10′ in its open arrangement.

[0056] With the clip 10, 10′ in its open arrangement, hair (e.g., a ponytail, a bun, etc.) may be introduced between the first half 20, 20′ and the second half 40, 40′. The first half 20, 20′ and second half 40, 40′ may then be allowed to pivot partially toward each other (e.g., by releasing the first handle 38, 38′ and second handle 58, 58′, etc.). As the first half 20, 20′ and second half 40, 40′ pivot toward each other to place the clip 10, 10′ in its grasping arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first teeth or bristles 28, 28′ and second teeth or bristles 48, 48′ may engage the hair. Additionally, as the clip 10, 10′ moves from its open arrangement to its grasping arrangement, the first 32, 32′ and second tines 52, 52′ may be positioned around at least a portion of the hair and optionally engage the hair. The first tines 32, 32′ and second tines 52, 52′ may engage the hair in a manner that holds the hair in a desired arrangement (e.g., a ponytail, a bun, etc.), while the first teeth or bristles 28, 28′ and second teeth or bristles 48, 48′ may engage the hair in a manner that prevents the clip 10, 10′ from sliding along the hair (e.g., along the length of the clip 10, 10′, etc.).

[0057] Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A hair clip, comprising:a first half including:a first handle;a first hinge member adjacent to the first handle;a first side extending from the first handle and including a first inner surface from which first teeth or bristles protrude in a first direction, with every first tooth or bristle of the first side oriented parallel to every other first tooth or bristle of the first side and protruding in the first direction and every first tooth or bristle of each row having the same length; andfirst tines extending from the first side, beyond the first inner surface;a second half including:a second handle;a second hinge member aligned with the first hinge member;a second side extending from the second handle and including a second inner surface from which second teeth or bristles protrude in a second direction, with every second tooth or bristle of the second side oriented parallel to every other second tooth or bristle of the second side and protruding in the second direction and every second tooth or bristle of each row having the same length; andsecond tines extending from the second side, beyond the second inner surface, the second tines laterally offset from the first tines;a hinge including the first hinge member and the second hinge member, the hinge coupling the first half and the second half in pivotable relation to one another, the first half and the second half having:an open arrangement in which the first handle and the second handle are pressed together and the first tines are spaced apart from the second tines; anda gripping arrangement in which the first handle and the second handle are spaced apart from each other and the first tines are interleaved with the second tines.

2. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side are substantially flat.

3. The hair clip of claim 2, wherein, in the gripping arrangement, the first side and the second side are oriented at an acute, nonparallel angle to each other.

4. The hair clip of claim 2, wherein the first tines and the second tines are substantially straight.

5. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the first tines and the second tines are substantially straight.

6. The hair clip of claim 5, wherein the first tines and the second tines are substantially flat.

7. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the first tines and the second tines are substantially flat.

8. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the first teeth or bristles and the second teeth or bristles are rigid.

9. The hair clip of claim 1, wherein the first teeth or bristles extend in a first direction and the second teeth or bristles extend in a second direction.

10. The hair clip of claim 9, wherein the first direction is oriented at an angle away from the first tines and the second direction is oriented at an angle away from the second tines.

11. The hair clip of claim 10, wherein the first direction and the second direction are somewhat opposite from each other with the first half and the second half in the gripping arrangement.

12. The hair clip of claim 9, wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented at an obtuse angle with the first half and the second half in the gripping arrangement.

13. A hair clip, comprising:a first half including first tines and a first inner surface from which a first array of first teeth or bristles protrudes, with every first tooth or bristle of the first half oriented parallel to every other first tooth or bristle of the first side and every first tooth or bristle of each row having the same length;a second half including second tines and a second inner surface from which a second array of second teeth or bristles protrudes, with every second tooth or bristle of the second half oriented parallel to every other second tooth or bristle of the second side and every first tooth or bristle of each row having the same length; anda hinge coupling the first half and the second half in pivotable relation to one another, the first half and the second half having:an open arrangement that enables hair to be inserted between the first half and the second half; anda gripping arrangement that enables the first array of teeth or bristles and the second array of teeth or bristles to grip hair placed between the first half and the second half.

14. The hair clip of claim 13, wherein the first teeth or bristles are substantially straight and the second teeth or bristles are substantially straight.

15. The hair clip of claim 13, wherein the first direction is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle to the first inner surface and the second direction is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle to the second inner surface.

16. The hair clip of claim 15, wherein the first direction and the second direction are somewhat opposite from each other with the first half and the second half in the gripping arrangement.

17. The hair clip of claim 15, wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented at an obtuse angle with the first half and the second half in the gripping arrangement.

18. A method for clipping a group of hairs, comprising:opening a clip;introducing hair into the clip;closing the clip over the hair such that oppositely facing tines engage a portion of the hair to hold the hair in place and teeth or bristles on somewhat opposed sides of the clip engage hair between the somewhat opposed sides, with all of the teeth or bristles of each side of the clip oriented parallel to each other and every tooth or bristle of each row having the same length.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the teeth or bristles engage the hair in a manner that prevents the clip from moving laterally relative to the hair between the somewhat opposed sides.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the oppositely facing tines interleave with each other while closing the clip.

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