Hair Accessory Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/663,706, which was filed on Jun. 25, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of hair accessory devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a V-shaped bobby pin. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in hair accessory devices. Generally, people may enjoy wearing ponytail hairstyles to display a specific look or style. Sometimes this look or style requires a lot of volume in the hair. Accordingly, people may apply hair tracks or wefts to the hair to provide this extra volume. Further, holding these tracks in place while wearing a ponytail hairstyle may be difficult.

Accordingly, a hair accessory constructed in accordance with the invention can easily accentuate the appearance of a ponytail hairstyle. Further, it is often necessary for people to wear tracks or wefts with ponytails and for those tracks or wefts not to fall out during activity. These tracks and wefts require something to keep them in place. Accordingly, a V-shaped bobby pin can be used to effectively secure a track or weft to the user's head to securely accentuate the ponytail.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved hair accessory device that enhances the appearance of short and/or thin ponytails. More particularly, there is a demand for a hair accessory device that provides security for other hair accessories that enhance ponytails.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that provides users with a hair accessory that enhances the appearance of short and/or thin ponytails. There is also a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that features a V-shaped bobby pin that holds a hair track in place to create a long and thick ponytail. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that includes reinforced bends for durability and to help keep the hair track in place. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that lengthens the look of a ponytail with minimal effort. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that includes a rubber coating to prevent hair from sticking to the device. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that can be used for other hairstyles or hair uses as well.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a hair accessory device. The device is a modified hair accessory that secures a track or weft in place on a ponytail. The hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured in a V-shape. The body component is composed in the same general way as a traditional bobby pin. Further, the body component involves reinforced bends for more durability and security. Thus, the body component is relatively small, durable, and safely secures tracks or wefts into a ponytail. The body component can also be coated in rubber to prevent hair from sticking to the device and then being pulled out along with the device.

In this manner, the hair accessory device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides a hair accessory that enhances the appearance of short ponytails. The device is a V-shaped bobby pin. The device can comprise reinforced bends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a hair accessory device. The device is a modified hair accessory that secures a track or weft to a ponytail to enhance its volume. The hair accessory device comprises a body component that can be pushed into the hair around a track. Further, the body component is a V-shaped bobby pin. Thus, the body component is relatively small, durable, and secures other hair accessories in place. Further, the body component is covered in a rubber coating so that the user's hair does not stick to it.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device allows users to keep tracks or wefts in their hair whenever they are wearing a ponytail. Further, the device is manufactured as a traditional bobby pin, however, in the shape of a V. Accordingly, users can push the device into the hair where the track or weft is in place to ensure that the accessory stays securely throughout the entire day.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured in a V-shape with reinforced bends on the ends to ensure a stronger durability. The body component comprises an exterior surface and rounded ends. However, the body component can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the body component is sized and shaped to securely fit in a user's hair.

In one embodiment, the body component is configured in the same format as a traditional bobby pin. However, instead of the traditional straight line, this device is shaped like the letter V. This allows more security for the hair accessory that is being kept in place while the device is in use. In use, the device slides along the scalp and pins the hair accessory into the user's hair. The body component comprises a top piece and a bottom piece that are connected at one end of the device. The bottom piece of the device slides along the scalp while the top piece slides along the top of the hair accessory essentially holding the hair accessory in place.

In one embodiment, the body component allows for a very secure way to hold a hair accessory in place because of a set of reinforced bends placed at the open end of the device. The reinforced bends are on both the top and bottom piece of the device and allow for the device to get a better grip on the hair accessory that it is holding in place. This better grip ensures that the user can move and do whatever is necessary without the worry of the hair accessory device falling out.

In one embodiment, the body component comprises two bulbs on the tip of both the top and bottom piece of the device at the open end. These bulbs are made of the same material as the rest of the body component and are placed on the tips for security reasons. Since the device is made to slide along the scalp, the bulbs cause the device not to injure the user due to a sharp metal tip. Thus, with a rounded bulb, there is no point which could cut or otherwise harm the user's scalp while it is being inserted.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device is manufactured from metal, plastic, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device is covered in a rubber coating. This rubber coating encases the entire body component and allows the user's hair not to get stuck to the device. In this way, when either inserting or taking out the hair accessory device the user is not in danger of entangling their hair or accidentally ripping it out along with the device. This decreases the pain a user might feel when inserting traditional bobby pins into the hair.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device can be any suitable shape, size, or color as is known in the art, so long as the hair accessory device is large enough to ensure security of the hair accessory it is securing into the hair and small enough to not be too unwieldy or visible to others. The hair accessory device can also comprise numerous designs or patterns to make the device more amusing or to match the device specifically to certain hair colors.

In one embodiment, the hair accessory device can also be used for a plurality of hairstyles and not simply the ponytail hairstyle. Any hair style which requires a more secure protection is applicable to use this device as well.

In yet another embodiment, the hair accessory device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of securing a hair track to a ponytail hairstyle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a hair accessory device comprising a body component which is a traditional bobby pin in a V-shape. The method also comprises placing the track into the ponytail hairstyle as desired. Further, the method comprises widening the open end of the device so the top and bottom pieces are spread apart. The method also comprises sliding the open end of the device along the scalp so that the top piece covers the top of the track. Finally, the method comprises pushing down on the top piece of the body component to ensure that it is secure to the user's hair.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device of the present invention showing the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device of the present invention showing the rounded bulbs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device of the present invention showing the reinforced bends in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device of the present invention showing the widening of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device of the present invention showing the V-shaped structure in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of securing a track into a ponytail hairstyle in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that provides users with a hair accessory that enhances the appearance of short and/or thin ponytails. There is also a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that features a V-shaped bobby pin that holds a hair track in place to create a long ponytail. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that includes reinforced bends for durability and to help keep the hair track in place. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that lengthens the look of a ponytail with minimal effort. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that includes a rubber coating to prevent hair from sticking to the device. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a hair accessory device that can be used for other hairstyles or hair uses as well.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel hair accessory device. The hair accessory device comprises a body component that is configured in a V-shape. The body component is composed in the same general way as a traditional bobby pin. Further, the body component involves reinforced bends for more durability and security. Thus, the body component is relatively small, durable, and safely secures tracks or wefts into a ponytail. The body component can also be coated in rubber to prevent hair from sticking to the device and then being pulled out along with the device. The present invention also includes a novel method of securing a track into a ponytail hairstyle. The method includes the steps of providing a hair accessory device comprising a body component which is a traditional bobby pin in a V-shape. The method also comprises placing the track into the ponytail hairstyle as desired. Further, the method comprises widening the open end of the device so the top and bottom pieces are spread apart. The method also comprises sliding the open end of the device along the scalp so that the top piece covers the top of the track. Finally, the method comprises pushing down on the top piece of the body component to ensure that it is secure to the user's hair.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hair accessory device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the hair accessory device 100 is an improved hair accessory device 100 that provides a user 104 with a V-shaped bobby pin to secure a track 106 into a ponytail hairstyle 108. Specifically, the hair accessory device 100 comprises a body component 102 which is comprised of a traditional bobby pin. Thus, the body component 102 is relatively small, durable, and can easily secure the track 106 into the hairstyle.

Further, the body component 102 is configured in the same format as a traditional bobby pin. However, instead of the traditional straight line, this device 100 is shaped like the letter “V”. This V-shape allows more security for the track 106 that is being kept in place within the ponytail hairstyle 108. The hair accessory device 100 is made to slide along the scalp 110 and pin the track 106 into the user's hair 112. The body component 102 comprises a top piece 114 and a bottom piece 116 that are connected at the closed end 118 of the device 100. The bottom piece 116 slides along the scalp 110 while the top piece 114 slides along the track 106 which works to hold it in place.

Additionally, the hair accessory device 100 is manufactured from metal, plastic, or other suitable materials 118 as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials.

As shown in FIG. 2, the body component 102 comprises two bulbs 200 on the tip 202 of both the top 114 and bottom piece 116 of the device 100 at the open end 204. These bulbs 200 are made of the same material 118 as the rest of the body component 102 and are placed on the tips 202 for security reasons. Since the hair accessory device 100 is made to slide along the scalp 110, the bulbs 200 cause the device 100 not to injure the user 104 due to a sharp metal tip 202. Thus, with bulbs 200 that are rounded, there is no sharp point which could cut or otherwise harm the user's scalp 110 while it is being inserted.

As shown in FIG. 3, a set of reinforced bends 300 are placed at the open end 204 of the hair accessory device 100. The reinforced bends 300 are on both the top 114 and bottom piece 116 of the device 100 and allow for the hair accessory device 100 to get a better grip on the track 106 that is being held in place. The reinforced bends 300 are made of the same material 118 as the rest of the body component 102 and are simply small divots made in the wiring of the device 100 to allow for more friction between the hair accessory device 100 and the track 106 to ensure it does not fall out with movement.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hair accessory device 100 is covered in a rubber coating 400. This rubber coating 400 encases the entire body component 102 and allows the user's hair 112 not to get stuck to the device 100. In this way, when either inserting or taking out the hair accessory device 100 the user 104 is not in danger of entangling their hair 112 or accidentally ripping it out as they remove the hair accessory device 100. This decreases the pain a user 104 might feel when inserting traditional bobby pins into their hair 112.

As shown in FIG. 5, the V-shape of the hair accessory device 100 provides the extra security required to keep a track 106 in place while it is in a ponytail hairstyle 108. Further, the hair accessory device 100 can also be used for a plurality of hairstyles and not simply the ponytail hairstyle 108. Any hairstyle which requires a more secure protection is applicable to use this device 100, as well. Additionally, the hair accessory device 100 can be any suitable shape, size, or color as is known in the art, so long as the hair accessory device 100 is large enough to ensure security of the hair accessory it is securing into the hair 112 and small enough to not be too unwieldy or visible to others. The hair accessory device 100 can also comprise numerous designs or patterns to make the device 100 more amusing or to match the device 100 specifically to certain hair colors.

In yet another embodiment, the 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 hair, bobby pin, or brand related.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method securing a track into a ponytail hairstyle. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a hair accessory device comprising a body component which is a traditional bobby pin in a V-shape. The method also comprises at 602, placing the track into the ponytail hairstyle as desired. Further, the method comprises at 604, widening the open end of the device so the top and bottom pieces are spread apart. The method also comprises at 606, sliding the open end of the device along the scalp so that the top piece covers the top of the track. Finally, the method comprises at 608, pushing down on the top piece of the body component to ensure that it is secure to the user's hair.

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 “hair accessory device”, “hair device”, “accessory device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the hair accessory device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the 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 hair accessory device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the hair accessory device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the hair accessory device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the 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.

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.

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.