Girls' School Hair Barrettes Device

Abstract

An interchangeable hair accessory device is disclosed which comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as a headband, barrette, scrunchies, etc. The body component comprises a plurality of small through-holes or apertures. Each of the decoration components comprises a post or other protrusion on the back side. The post is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components. The decoration components can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. Further, the decoration components can be designed to match school uniforms and other clothes with ease and convenience.

Claims

1. An interchangeable hair accessory device that provides a user with customizable hair accessories, the interchangeable hair accessory device comprising: a body component configured as a conventional hair accessory; and at least one decoration component; wherein the body component comprises a plurality of through-holes on an exterior surface; wherein at least one decoration component comprises a post that is sized to fit within one of the plurality of through-holes; wherein the body component can receive a plurality of decoration components; and further wherein attachment of more than one decoration component customizes look of the body component.

2. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 1, wherein the hair accessory includes at least one of, but is not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, or scrunchies.

3. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a proximal end, distal end and a central section.

4. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 3, wherein the central section of the body component comprises the plurality of through-holes which receive the decoration components.

5. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 4, wherein the decoration component comprises a top surface having a display surface, sidewalls, and a back surface having the post adapted to engage with the plurality of through-holes of the central section of the body component.

6. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of through-holes act as a socket element for accepting the post of the decoration component.

7. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 6, wherein the decoration component has different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs.

8. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of through-holes are positioned along a length of the body component in an equal distance manner apart from each other, with a specified distance from the distal end and the proximal end.

9. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 8, wherein the decoration component is secured via a snap-on connection or compression fit into the plurality of through-holes.

10. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 9, wherein the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a hook and loop fastener.

11. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 9, wherein the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a magnetic attachment.

12. An interchangeable hair accessory device that provides a user with customizable hair accessories, the interchangeable hair accessory device comprising: a body component configured as a conventional hair accessory; and a decoration component; wherein the body component comprises a proximal end, distal end and a central section; wherein the central section of the body component comprises a plurality of through-holes on an exterior surface; wherein the plurality of through-holes are positioned along a length of the body component in an equal distance manner apart from each other, with a specified distance from the distal end and the proximal end; wherein the decoration component comprises a top surface having a display surface, sidewalls, and a back surface having a post adapted to engage with one of the plurality of through-holes of the central section of the body component; wherein the plurality of through-holes act as a socket element for accepting the post of the decoration component; wherein the body component can receive a plurality of decoration components; and further wherein attachment of more than one decoration component customizes look of the body component.

13. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the decoration component is secured via a snap-on connection into the plurality of through-holes.

14. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the decoration component is secured via a compression fit into the plurality of through-holes.

15. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the decoration component has different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs.

16. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the hair accessory includes at least one of, but is not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, or scrunchies.

17. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a hook and loop fastener.

18. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12, wherein the decoration component is removably attached to the body component by a magnetic attachment.

19. The interchangeable hair accessory device of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of customizing multiple hair accessories, the method comprising the following steps: providing an interchangeable hair accessory device comprising a body component that is configured as a hair accessory with a plurality of through-holes; providing a plurality of decoration components comprising a post secured to the back side of each; securing multiple decoration components to the body component via inserting the post into the through-hole; and customizing the body component based on the look and color of the decoration components used.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention showing the decorated hair accessories in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention showing how the decoration components are applied to the hair accessory in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIGS. 3A-B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention showing how the headband can be customized with the decoration components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention showing a scrunchie in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device of the present invention showing the hair barrette in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of customizing multiple hair accessories in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0037] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0038] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that provides users with interchangeable hair accessories designed to better match school uniforms. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that features multiple different types of accessories that can be applied to headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that allows users to interchange different letters and symbols onto the hair accessories to customize and personalize their look. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents parents from having to purchase several different types of hair accessories for their children. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device wherein the decorations are secured within the holes of the hair accessory. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable hair accessory device that can be washed and reused as needed.

[0039] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel interchangeable hair accessory device. The interchangeable hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as a headband, barrette, scrunchies, etc. The body component comprises a plurality of small through-holes or apertures. Each of the decoration components comprises a post or other protrusion on the back side. The post is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components. The decoration components can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. The present invention also includes a novel method of customizing multiple hair accessories. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable hair accessory device comprising a body component that is configured as a hair accessory with a plurality of through-holes. The method also comprises providing a plurality of decoration components comprising a post secured to the back side of each. Further, the method comprises securing multiple decoration components to the body component via inserting the post into the through-hole. Finally, the method comprises customizing the body component based on the look and color of the decoration components used.

[0040] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 is an improved interchangeable hair accessory device 100 that provides a user with customizable hair accessories that match a user's school uniform and clothes. Specifically, the device 100 is a set of customizable hair barrettes and other hair accessories that can receive decoration components 106 designed to change the color and shape of the hair accessory. The interchangeable hair accessory device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional hair accessory with a plurality of small through-holes 104. Further, each of the decoration components 106 comprises a post 108, which is sized to fit within a through-hole 104, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Accordingly, each body component 102 can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components 106.

[0041] Generally, decorative items such as charms, beads, bracelets, and barrettes are widely known in the art. However, there is a limited amount of variance in these items, especially as it relates to the ways that these items can be displayed on a person, clothing, or other item. Customization of these items is a rapidly growing area of the art and new ways of interchanging decorative parts is highly sought after. The presently disclosed device 100 will allow a user 110 to frequently and easily customize these decorative items by interchanging only a portion of the device 100 saving money and time in the manufacturing process and to the consumer.

[0042] Typically, the hair accessories include, but are not limited to, headbands 300, barrettes 200, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies 400, etc., or any other suitable hair accessory as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 110. The hair accessory is the body component 102 of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the body component 102 is constructed so that the article has a proximal end 112, a distal end 114, and a central section 116. The central section 116 of the body component 102 comprises a plurality of through-holes 104 to receive the interchangeable decoration component 106. The interchangeable decoration component 106 comprises a top surface 118 having a display surface, sidewalls 120, and a back surface 122 having a securing member (i.e., post 108) adapted to engage with the through-holes 104 of the central section 116 of the body component 102 for removably attaching the interchangeable decoration component 106 to the body component 102. Materials for the hair accessory as well as for the interchangeable decoration components 106 may vary in design and texture.

[0044] Accordingly, the plurality of through-holes 104 provide attaching means to attach decoration components 106 to customize the hair accessories. The plurality of through-holes 104 act as a socket element for accepting the decoration components 106. Further, the decoration components 106 comprise a post 108 or other protrusion, stud element, etc., on the back side 122. The post 108 is sized and shaped to be secured within the plurality of through-holes 104, to customize the look of the hair accessory. Each body component 102 can receive a plurality of interchangeable decoration components 106. The decoration components 106 can have different shapes and colors to accommodate a user's wants and needs. The through-holes 104 are positioned along the length of the headband 300 (or other suitable hair accessory) in an equal distance manner apart from each other, with a specified distance from the distal end 114 and proximal end 112.

[0045] Further, the decoration component 106 can be releasably secured to the body component 102 via the post 108 inserted into the through-hole 104. Specifically, the decoration component 106 is secured via a snap-on connection or compression fit, wherein projections (i.e., post 108) on the back side 122 of the decoration component 106 engages with openings (i.e., through-holes 104) on the body component 102. Thus, when needed, the decoration component 106 may be detached and removed from the body component 102 and/or exchanged with a different body component 102.

[0046] Additionally, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the exterior 124 of the body component 102. Specifically, the decoration component 106 may be comprised of a decorative head 126 and a shaft or post 108 sized to fit within the through-hole 104 in the body component 102. The fit may be a compression or snap fit or can include a backing that engages the shaft or post 108 to secure it in place. In another embodiment, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the body component 102 by a hook and loop fastener 128, wherein a piece of the hook portion of the fastener is attached to the decoration component 106 and a piece of the loop portion of the fastener is attached to the body component 102, although the hook and loop portions could be reversed. Preferably, hook and loop fasteners are utilized, however alternatively snaps, hooks, buttons or other mechanical devices for fasteners may be utilized, as well as adhesive materials.

[0047] In one embodiment, the decoration component 106 is removably attached to the body component 102 by a magnetic attachment 130, wherein a magnet is permanently attached to the decoration component 106 and is attracted to a ferromagnetic material permanently attached to the body component 102.

[0048] In one embodiment, the colors, textures, designs, shapes, and/sizes of the interchangeable decoration components 106 can vary, along with materials used to manufacture the same. Further, gemstones can be added, reflective threads, material, and a light source, such as LED or fiber optics or the like, may be incorporated within the design of the interchangeable decoration components 106, which can be in communication with a power source via a battery, which in turn is in communication with an on/off switch. In one embodiment, the user 110 is able to customize the hair accessories by attaching decoration components 106 in a sturdy and stable manner in a predefined arrangement and fastening hair in a more efficient and comfortable manner, especially with decoration components 106.

[0049] In one embodiment, the decoration components 106 are provided as appliqus, patches or swatches, designs or shapes. The interchangeable decoration components 106 have a plethora of designs and may include LED, fiber optic, and/or reflective properties to provide both aesthetic appeal and enhance safety during dimly lit conditions. Further, the decoration components 106 can be designed to match school uniforms and other clothes with ease and convenience. The hair accessories can also be washed and reused as needed.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the body component 102 of the barrette 200 is constructed of a light-weight metal, plastic, or other similar material that is moldable. The body component 102 of the barrette 200 will be of varying length from one inch to five inches or more. The body component 102 of the barrette 200 may or may not have an opening 202 in the center depending on the desired look and strength of the barrette 200. The body component 102 of the barrette 200 may be straight, and have a concave bend or a convex bend in it. The barrette 200 will also have a metal, plastic, or other moldable material hinge 204 which will secure the body component 102 of the barrette 200 to the bottom band 206 of the barrette 200. The bottom band 206 of the barrette 200 is designed to have a material, hair, or clothing placed between the bottom band 206 and the body component 102, such that when the bottom band 206 is latched to the body component 102, the barrette 200 will stay in place. The bottom band 206 of the barrette 200 and the body component 102 of the barrette 200 are attached to each other by the hinge 204 at one end 208 and a clasp 210 at the other end. The clasp 210 is made from light-weight metal, plastic, or other similar material that is moldable.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the headband 300 comprises a body component 102 that can be secured to the user's hair. The body component 102 may be plastic or metal and, in some embodiments, may have an integrated clip, comb, or other mechanism for securing the accessory to the hair.

[0052] In another embodiment, the body component 102 of the hair comb (not shown) comprises a flat section of varying length with a plurality of teeth which extend therefrom, for engaging with a user's hair.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the body component 102 of the scrunchies 400 includes an annular tube 402 of fabric and an elastic band. The tube 402 may be made of various fabric materials such as, but not limited to, jersey, lycra, cotton knit, interlock, and thermal materials, and of natural or synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. The tube 402 is formed from a rectangular piece of fabric that is folded and sewn into the tube 402. The tube 402 is then formed in an annulus in a well-known manner and, as a result, has a longitudinal seam along one outer edge.

[0054] Accordingly, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional hair accessory, such as, but not limited to, headbands, barrettes, hair clips, hair combs, scrunchies, etc. The body components 102 can be of any suitable shape and size, depending on the hair accessory. The exterior 124 of the body components 102 comprise a plurality of small through-holes 104 or apertures positioned on the surface in a spaced apart relationship. Specifically, the headband 300 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 302 which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The barrette 200 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 212 which rests against a user's head. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship. The scrunchie 400 comprises an exterior surface 124 and an interior surface 404 which rests against a user's hair. The exterior surface 124 comprises a plurality of small through-holes 104 positioned in a spaced apart relationship.

[0055] A plurality of interchangeable decoration components 106 are then inserted into the plurality of through-holes 104. Such interchangeable attachments 106 are readily removably attached to a portion of an accessory to provide aesthetic appeal and versatility. In addition, they can be removably attached as aforesaid to enhance visibility of the items with which they are associated.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be barrette, hair accessory, headband, or brand related.

[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of customizing multiple hair accessories. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing an interchangeable hair accessory device comprising a body component that is configured as a hair accessory with a plurality of through-holes. The method also comprises at 602, providing a plurality of decoration components comprising a post secured to the back side of each. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing multiple decoration components to the body component via inserting the post into the through-hole. Finally, the method comprises at 606, customizing the body component based on the look and color of the decoration components used.

[0058] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein interchangeable hair accessory device, hair accessory device, interchangeable device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 of the present invention.

[0059] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the interchangeable hair accessory device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0060] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0061] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.