Abstract
A universal hairpin with a no-slip flocked coating is provided. The legs of the hairpin are covered with flocked coating of various heights for providing no-slip effect for a particular hair type. A hairpin has an interface for attaching a replaceable charm. The interface may use a screw tip, a Velcro lock, a clip, a clamp, a ring, a magnet, etc. The universal hairpin may have detachable tips of various shapes for different hair types or different types of hairstyles. The universal hairpin may have an asymmetric shape for more convenient use by a hairstylist and for providing enhanced in-hair hold.
Claims
1. A universal asymmetric hairpin, comprising: at least two legs of different length; an interface configured to attach replaceable charms; a layer of no-slip coating applied over the legs; and at least two replaceable tips attached to ends of the legs, wherein the ends of the legs comprise screws for screwing into the replaceable tips.
2. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the no-slip coating comprises a layer of flocked coating.
3. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 2, wherein the layer of flocked coating comprises a polymer material.
4. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 2, wherein the layer of flocked coating comprises a natural hair.
5. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface configured to attach replaceable charms comprises a screw.
6. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface configured to attach replaceable charms comprises a magnet.
7. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface configured to attach replaceable charms comprises a Velcro lock.
8. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to attach replaceable charms which comprise a clip.
9. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to attach replaceable charms which comprise a clamp.
10. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the interface configured to attach replaceable charms comprises a non-slip area of the hairpin configured to hold a ring affixed to the charm.
11. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the replaceable tips are of a ball shape.
12. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the replaceable tips are of a cone shape.
13. The universal asymmetric hairpin of claim 1, wherein the legs comprise waves that are offset relative to each other.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED FIGURES
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
(2) In the drawings:
(3) FIG. 1 illustrates a universal hairpin with a no-slip coating, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
(4) FIG. 2 illustrates a universal hairpin with a no-slip coating and detachable charm, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
(5) FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate how replaceable ball-shaped tips are attached to the legs of the hairpin, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
(6) FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate how replaceable cone-shaped tips are attached to the legs of the hairpin, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
(7) FIGS. 5-10 illustrate various implementations of an interface for attaching a replaceable charm, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;
(8) FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a hairpin leg covered with a flock no-slip coating, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment; and
(9) FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-section view of a hairpin leg covered with flock no-slip coating.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(10) Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
(11) In one embodiment, a hairpin with an anti-slip coating is provided. In one of the aspects of the invention, a universal hairpin with a no-slip flocked coating is provided. The legs of the hairpin may be covered with flocked coating of various flock heights for providing no-slip effect for a particular hair type.
(12) In another aspect of the invention, a hairpin has an interface for attaching a replaceable charm. The interface may use a screw tip, a Velcro lock, a clip, a clamp, a ring, a magnet, etc. The universal hairpin may have detachable tips of various shapes for different hair types or different types of hairstyles. The universal hairpin may have an asymmetric shape for more convenient use by a hairstylist.
(13) FIG. 1 illustrates a universal hairpin with a no-slip coating, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. A body of a hairpin 1 can be made of a metal wire, plastic or polymer material. The body of the hairpin 1 comprises legs 2 and 3 of different length. According to the preferred embodiment, the body of the hairpin 1 is covered with a no-slip coating 5 from its top 6 all the way down the both legs 3 and 4 except uncovered bottom portions 4 that need to remain slick for ease of penetrating in between the hairs. As can be seen from the FIG. 1, the legs 2 and 3 have different length thereby creating an asymmetric shape. The asymmetry of the hairpin shape produces a larger no-slip coated surface of hair contact that results in a firmer hold of the hairpin in the hair. Note that the waves 7 and 8 of the hairpin legs 3 and 4 are offset for producing yet even better grip. In the example depicted in FIG. 1, a body of a hairpin 1 has replaceable ball tips 9 attached to both legs 3 and 4.
(14) According to one exemplary embodiment, the hairpin 1 may, advantageously, accommodate charms that can be easily replaced by a user who wants to change a charm to match a different hairstyle or an outfit. FIG. 2 illustrates a universal hairpin with a no-slip coating and detachable charm, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. A replaceable charm 10 can be attached to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 via an interface illustrated in FIGS. 5-10 that are discussed in more detail below.
(15) FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate how replaceable ball-shaped tips are attached to the legs of the hairpin, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary embodiment where the end of the hairpin leg is implemented as a screw and the ball-shaped tip can be simply screwed onto the end of the hairpin leg. FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary embodiment where the end of the hairpin leg has a non-slick surface and the ball-shaped tip may be simply placed on the end of the hairpin leg by a user by applying minimal pressure with her fingers. Likewise, FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary embodiment where the end of the hairpin leg is implemented as a screw and the cone-shaped tip can be simply screwed onto the end of the hairpin leg. FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary embodiment where the end of the hairpin leg has a non-slick surface and the cone-shaped tip may be simply placed on the end of the hairpin leg by a user by applying minimal pressure with her fingers. Note that the tips of any desired shape may be used with the universal hairpin disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the replaceable hairpin tips of various shapes provide for better hold or for better penetration between the hairs as needed by a hairstylist or a person doing her own hair.
(16) FIGS. 5-10 illustrate various implementations of an interface for attaching a replaceable charm, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates a screw interface for attaching a replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2. According to this exemplary embodiment, the charm may be attached to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 by being screwed onto the screw interface provided that the charm has an integrated nut that matches the diameter of the screw of the hairpin interface. FIG. 6 illustrates a magnet interface for attaching a replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2. According to this exemplary embodiment, the charm may be attached to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 using magnetic power of a hairpin magnet interface provided that the charm has an integrated magnet of an opposite polarity of the one of the hairpin interface.
(17) FIG. 7 illustrates a Velcro interface for attaching a replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2. According to this exemplary embodiment, the charm may be attached to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 using the Velcro lock interface provided that the charm has an integrated Velcro patch lockable with the one of the hairpin interface. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment for attaching the replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2 to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 using a ring implemented on the charm. The ring may be simply placed onto either leg of the hairpin and pulled all the way to the top. In order to do this, a use may need to remove a replaceable tip 9 from the hairpin leg 2 or 3. It is preferred that the diameter of the ring exceeds the diameter of the body of the hairpin slightly to provide for easy pulling of the charm to the top of the hairpin and yet for avoiding a very loose attachment of the charm. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment for attaching the replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2 to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 using a clip implemented on the charm (as shown) or on the body of the hairpin. In either implementation, the charm can be easily clipped into its position on the hairpin. Likewise, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment for attaching the replaceable charm 10 shown in FIG. 2 to the top 6 of the body of the hairpin 1 using a clamp implemented on the charm (as shown) or on the body of the hairpin. In either implementation, the charm can be easily clamped into its position on the hairpin.
(18) FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a hairpin leg covered with a flock no-slip coating, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment. A layer of a flocked coating may be applied onto the body of the hairpin using glue, thermal processing, spray, etc. The height of the flocks may vary depending on the hair type and on intended use of the hairpin. Micro flocks may be sufficient for some types of hair and hair styles. Yet higher or longer flocks may be needed for certain hair types and certain hairdos.
(19) FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-section view of a hairpin leg covered with flock no-slip coating. As can be seen from this example, the flocks can be applied over a layer of glue or a polymer coat applied over the body of the hairpin. The flocks can be made of any suitable polymer substrate or may be made of natural hair.
(20) Having thus described a preferred embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the described apparatus have been achieved. In particular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the proposed hairpin is universal because it may accommodate different charms and different tips and can be used with different types of hair. The proposed hairpin is covered with a no-slip coating to provide for reliable hold suitable for dancing, aerobics, swimming, running and other activities.
(21) It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is further defined by the following claims.
