US20040055617A1 - Barrette for animal hair - Google Patents
Barrette for animal hair Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040055617A1 US20040055617A1 US10/659,353 US65935303A US2004055617A1 US 20040055617 A1 US20040055617 A1 US 20040055617A1 US 65935303 A US65935303 A US 65935303A US 2004055617 A1 US2004055617 A1 US 2004055617A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- barrette
- hair
- spring
- animal hair
- clasp
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 208000010543 22q11.2 deletion syndrome Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001520 comb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D8/00—Hair-holding devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D8/24—Hair clasps, i.e. multi-part clasps with pivotal connection of parts at their ends
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to hair retention devices, and more particularly to barrettes for animal hair.
- Barrettes frequently slip out of place. This is so particularly when the hair clipped in the barrette is short or fine, such as with animals or young children. Barrettes will slip out of place in such cases because the barrettes are held in place simply by the clamping force of the barrette.
- the leaf springs used in barrettes work well to hold the hair and themselves in place when the amount and volume of hair is sufficient to place adequate tension on the springs. Again, this tension may not be achieved when the hair is short or fine.
- Rubber material has long been used to prevent barrette slippage.
- the shortcomings with rubber are that it dries out and loses its high coefficient of friction over time. Further, oil from the wearer's hair can accumulate and destroy the nonslip properties as well.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,593 issued to Heidi Christine Horman in December 1999, describes a hair clip that includes interlocking rubber blocks located on the inward-facing sides of the clip's jaws.
- the blocks introduce unnecessary complexity in that they must be aligned to function properly.
- the barrette for animal hair provides a device for securing and decorating short and fine hair of animals, particularly dogs, and of young children.
- the barrette includes a leaf spring clamp made of an upper spring and a lower spring.
- the leaf spring clamp has a hinge at one end and a clasp at the opposite end. The clasp releasably closes the leaf spring clamp.
- a piece of non-slip material, preferably the hook fabric of a hook and loop material, is affixed to the upper spring.
- FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closed barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of an open barrette according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a closed barrette according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the barrette for animal hair according to the present invention bearing a decorative ornamentation.
- the present invention is a barrette for animal hair, designated generally as 10 in the drawings.
- the barrette for animal hair 10 is shown clamped to a dog's hair, atop the head and between the ears.
- the short, fine dog's hair is notoriously difficult to control with conventional barrettes.
- the barrette for animal hair 10 is generally a leaf spring clamp incorporating a piece of non-slip material 24 to increase the grip of the barrette to fine hair, such as the hair of an animal or child.
- the leaf spring clamp is comprised of an upper spring 12 pivotally attached to a lower spring 16 .
- the upper spring 12 includes a support 13 , having a decorative side and a clamp side, and a spring member 14 disposed on the clamp side of the support 13 .
- FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the barrette for animal hair 10 in the open position
- FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the barrette for animal hair 10 closed.
- a clasp coupler 20 is located near a second end of the upper spring 12 opposite the hinge 18 .
- a clasp catch 22 is located near a second end of the lower spring 16 , opposite the hinge 18 , so that the clasp coupler 20 and the clasp catch 22 can be engaged when the upper spring 12 and the lower spring 16 are placed in the closed position.
- a piece of non-slip material 24 is affixed to the spring member 14 of the upper spring 12 .
- the non-slip material 24 is preferably a hooked fabric of the type used in hook and loop fastening material.
- hooked fabric makes the barrette for animal hair 10 uniquely appropriate for animal hair or the short, fine hair of a child.
- the non-slip material 24 is attached to the spring member 14 of the upper spring 12 by an adhesive that will not allow the non-slip material 24 to detach from the spring member 14 .
- the open barrette for animal hair 10 is placed in the wearer's hair in the desired position, and a lock of hair is held across the upper spring 12 or the lower spring 16 .
- the barrette for animal hair 10 is then latched closed by bringing the clasp coupler 20 into engagement with the clasp catch 22 .
- the wearer's hair is forced into the non-slip material 24 .
- the non-slip material 24 grips the wearer's hair with the assistance of spring tension between the spring member 14 and the lower spring 16 .
- the barrette for animal hair 10 is seen in FIG. 6 with a decorative ornament 26 disposed on the support 13 of the upper spring 12 .
Abstract
A barrette for animal hair comprises a leaf spring clamp that further comprises an upper spring and a lower spring. The upper spring and lower spring are attached at a hinge. A clasp coupler is located at the opposite end of the upper spring from the hinge. A clasp catch is located at the opposite an end of the lower spring from the hinge, so that the clasp coupler and the clasp catch can engage. A piece of non-slip material affixed to the upper spring.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/409,597, filed Sep. 11, 2002.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to hair retention devices, and more particularly to barrettes for animal hair.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Barrettes to retain hair are well known. They have been used for many years to keep long hair neat and away from hazards. They are simultaneously used as ornamentation. There are some drawbacks with existing devices, however.
- Barrettes frequently slip out of place. This is so particularly when the hair clipped in the barrette is short or fine, such as with animals or young children. Barrettes will slip out of place in such cases because the barrettes are held in place simply by the clamping force of the barrette. The leaf springs used in barrettes work well to hold the hair and themselves in place when the amount and volume of hair is sufficient to place adequate tension on the springs. Again, this tension may not be achieved when the hair is short or fine. Several ideas have been used to overcome this problem.
- Rubber material has long been used to prevent barrette slippage. The shortcomings with rubber are that it dries out and loses its high coefficient of friction over time. Further, oil from the wearer's hair can accumulate and destroy the nonslip properties as well.
- Another attempt to prevent barrette slippage was to incorporate a comb into the barrette. Though the combs do provide a greater surface area for gripping hair, they are not made of a nonslip material, and the improvement is inadequate when the hair is short or fine.
- Still another attempt was to incorporate interlocking, toothed blocks onto the facing sides of the device's jaws. This adds unnecessary weight and complexity in manufacturing and were often bulky, the bulkiness being emphasized by the wearer's short or fine hair.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,748, issued to Matilda A. Racho in January 1952, describes a barrette with a tubular, nonslip member around the spring that bears against the wearer's hair.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,340, issued to Nathan L. Solomon in October 1974, describes a hair clasp device that includes a toothed arm to engage hair more positively.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,593, issued to Heidi Christine Horman in December 1999, describes a hair clip that includes interlocking rubber blocks located on the inward-facing sides of the clip's jaws. The blocks introduce unnecessary complexity in that they must be aligned to function properly.
- None of the above patents describes a barrette that provides nonslip properties sufficient for use in short or fine animal hair, and that uses the hook side of hook and loop material to achieve those goals. Traditionally, barrettes are worn by those with hair long enough to need some control, in addition to the ornamental value. Those with long hair ordinarily would stay away from the hazards of hook material. It can easily tangle in longer hair. At the other end of the spectrum, those with short or fine hair experience difficulty wearing conventional barrettes. The clamping action of the conventional barrettes is insufficient for short or fine hair. The use of a non-slip material with a high surface area counteracts that shortcoming. The use of hook material with a barrette goes against the conventional wisdom, but is uniquely suited for use with short or fine hair. Thus, there is a need for a barrette for short or fine animal hair that incorporates those attributes.
- None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
- The barrette for animal hair provides a device for securing and decorating short and fine hair of animals, particularly dogs, and of young children. The barrette includes a leaf spring clamp made of an upper spring and a lower spring. The leaf spring clamp has a hinge at one end and a clasp at the opposite end. The clasp releasably closes the leaf spring clamp. A piece of non-slip material, preferably the hook fabric of a hook and loop material, is affixed to the upper spring.
- Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a barrette that positively engages the wearer's hair.
- It is another object of the invention to disclose a barrette that resists slippage.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide barrette that incorporates hooked fabric, from one side of hook and loop material, to provide friction against the wearer's hair.
- It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
- FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a closed barrette for animal hair according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of an open barrette according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a closed barrette according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the barrette for animal hair according to the present invention bearing a decorative ornamentation.
- Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
- The present invention is a barrette for animal hair, designated generally as10 in the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, the barrette for
animal hair 10 is shown clamped to a dog's hair, atop the head and between the ears. The short, fine dog's hair is notoriously difficult to control with conventional barrettes. - Turning now to FIGS.2-5, the barrette for
animal hair 10 is generally a leaf spring clamp incorporating a piece ofnon-slip material 24 to increase the grip of the barrette to fine hair, such as the hair of an animal or child. - The leaf spring clamp is comprised of an
upper spring 12 pivotally attached to alower spring 16. Theupper spring 12 includes asupport 13, having a decorative side and a clamp side, and aspring member 14 disposed on the clamp side of thesupport 13. - A first end of the
upper spring 12 is pivotally joined to a first end of thelower spring 16 by ahinge 18, allowing theupper spring 12 and thelower spring 16 to pivot between open and closed positions. FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the barrette foranimal hair 10 in the open position, and FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the barrette foranimal hair 10 closed. - A
clasp coupler 20 is located near a second end of theupper spring 12 opposite thehinge 18. Aclasp catch 22 is located near a second end of thelower spring 16, opposite thehinge 18, so that theclasp coupler 20 and theclasp catch 22 can be engaged when theupper spring 12 and thelower spring 16 are placed in the closed position. A piece ofnon-slip material 24 is affixed to thespring member 14 of theupper spring 12. Thenon-slip material 24 is preferably a hooked fabric of the type used in hook and loop fastening material. - The use of hooked fabric makes the barrette for
animal hair 10 uniquely appropriate for animal hair or the short, fine hair of a child. Thenon-slip material 24 is attached to thespring member 14 of theupper spring 12 by an adhesive that will not allow thenon-slip material 24 to detach from thespring member 14. - The open barrette for
animal hair 10 is placed in the wearer's hair in the desired position, and a lock of hair is held across theupper spring 12 or thelower spring 16. The barrette foranimal hair 10 is then latched closed by bringing theclasp coupler 20 into engagement with theclasp catch 22. As theupper spring 12 and thelower spring 16 are closed together, the wearer's hair is forced into thenon-slip material 24. Thenon-slip material 24 grips the wearer's hair with the assistance of spring tension between thespring member 14 and thelower spring 16. When the barrette foranimal hair 10 is latched into place, it is extremely resistant to slippage. When hooked fabric is used as thenon-slip material 24, the wearer's hair is forced between the hooks by the squeezing action of the leaf spring clamp. The wearer's hair is in contact with a tremendous number of hooks of the hooked fabric, comprising a large surface area, greatly improving the barrette's resistance to slippage. - Referring to FIG. 4, the curvature of the
spring member 14 and thelower spring 16 while the barrette foranimal hair 10 is open is evident. Upon closing the barrette foranimal hair 10, as seen in FIG. 5, thespring member 14 and thelower spring 16 are forced together, flattening each under compression and holding the wearer's hair tightly. The tension between thespring member 14 and thelower spring 16 is greatly aided by thenon-slip material 24 to prevent the barrette foranimal hair 10 from falling out of short or fine hair. - The barrette for
animal hair 10 is seen in FIG. 6 with adecorative ornament 26 disposed on thesupport 13 of theupper spring 12. - It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (8)
1. A barrette for animal hair, comprising:
a leaf spring clamp, the leaf spring clamp having upper and lower springs having first and second ends, the first ends of the upper and lower springs being pivotally joined together whereby the upper and lower springs can pivot between an open and a closed position; and
a piece of non-slip material affixed to one of said upper and lower springs;
whereby the leaf spring clamp is adapted for clamping hair between the non-slip material and the other of said upper and lower springs when the upper and lower springs are held in the closed position.
2. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , wherein the non-slip material is a hook fabric material.
3. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , wherein said piece of non-slip material is affixed to said upper spring.
4. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , wherein said piece of non-slip material is affixed to said lower spring.
5. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a clasp coupler disposed on said second end of one of said upper and lower springs; and
a clasp catch disposed on said second end of the other of said upper and lower springs
whereby the clasp coupler and the clasp catch releasably engage with one another to secure said upper and lower springs in the closed position.
6. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , wherein said upper spring comprises a support member and a spring member.
7. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 6 , wherein said piece of non-slip material is affixed to said spring member.
8. The barrette for animal hair according to claim 1 , further comprising a decorative ornament attached to the upper spring.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/659,353 US20040055617A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2003-09-11 | Barrette for animal hair |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US40959702P | 2002-09-11 | 2002-09-11 | |
US10/659,353 US20040055617A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2003-09-11 | Barrette for animal hair |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040055617A1 true US20040055617A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 |
Family
ID=31997834
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/659,353 Abandoned US20040055617A1 (en) | 2002-09-11 | 2003-09-11 | Barrette for animal hair |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20040055617A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060266377A1 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2006-11-30 | Chin-Chai Hsuwen | Hair slide |
US20070062553A1 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-03-22 | Li-Li Audoux | Hair barrette |
US20070256701A1 (en) * | 2006-05-02 | 2007-11-08 | Tristan Benz | Barrette with suede, ultra suede or leather non-slip feature |
US20090008347A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-01-08 | Barbara Bell | Hair tree holder |
US9259055B1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2016-02-16 | Belinda M. Raynor | Footwear accessory device |
US20170251782A1 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-07 | Sarah Locatelli | Hair Clip With Flexible Joining Member |
US9930919B1 (en) * | 2015-09-26 | 2018-04-03 | Gladys Branker | Hair extension integration system |
IT201800006776A1 (en) * | 2018-06-28 | 2019-12-28 | INSTRUMENT FOR HAIR TREATMENT |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2661748A (en) * | 1952-01-14 | 1953-12-08 | Matilda A Racho | Holder |
US2767721A (en) * | 1954-06-11 | 1956-10-23 | Marian S Cockley | Non-slip barrette |
US3590830A (en) * | 1970-05-22 | 1971-07-06 | Evelyn J Hannum | Barrette |
US3841340A (en) * | 1971-07-22 | 1974-10-15 | N Solomon | Hair clasp device |
US4912944A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1990-04-03 | Crosley Dana B | Magnetic jewelry |
US5822798A (en) * | 1996-03-25 | 1998-10-20 | Baxley; Frances J. | Hair band |
US5996593A (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 1999-12-07 | Horman; Heidi Christine | Hair clip |
US6257251B1 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2001-07-10 | Julie Lynn Burleson | Cushion coated hair clip having low-friction surfaces |
US6394102B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-05-28 | Sarah A. Vogel | Hair clip inner protector |
-
2003
- 2003-09-11 US US10/659,353 patent/US20040055617A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2661748A (en) * | 1952-01-14 | 1953-12-08 | Matilda A Racho | Holder |
US2767721A (en) * | 1954-06-11 | 1956-10-23 | Marian S Cockley | Non-slip barrette |
US3590830A (en) * | 1970-05-22 | 1971-07-06 | Evelyn J Hannum | Barrette |
US3841340A (en) * | 1971-07-22 | 1974-10-15 | N Solomon | Hair clasp device |
US4912944A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1990-04-03 | Crosley Dana B | Magnetic jewelry |
US5822798A (en) * | 1996-03-25 | 1998-10-20 | Baxley; Frances J. | Hair band |
US5996593A (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 1999-12-07 | Horman; Heidi Christine | Hair clip |
US6394102B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-05-28 | Sarah A. Vogel | Hair clip inner protector |
US6257251B1 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2001-07-10 | Julie Lynn Burleson | Cushion coated hair clip having low-friction surfaces |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060266377A1 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2006-11-30 | Chin-Chai Hsuwen | Hair slide |
US20070062553A1 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2007-03-22 | Li-Li Audoux | Hair barrette |
US20070256701A1 (en) * | 2006-05-02 | 2007-11-08 | Tristan Benz | Barrette with suede, ultra suede or leather non-slip feature |
US20090008347A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-01-08 | Barbara Bell | Hair tree holder |
US9259055B1 (en) * | 2012-08-24 | 2016-02-16 | Belinda M. Raynor | Footwear accessory device |
US9930919B1 (en) * | 2015-09-26 | 2018-04-03 | Gladys Branker | Hair extension integration system |
US20170251782A1 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-07 | Sarah Locatelli | Hair Clip With Flexible Joining Member |
US10285482B2 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2019-05-14 | Sarah Locatelli | Hair clip with flexible joining member |
IT201800006776A1 (en) * | 2018-06-28 | 2019-12-28 | INSTRUMENT FOR HAIR TREATMENT |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |