Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to dual comb hair accessory products and more particularly to dual comb hair accessories which are intended to provide decorative elements in the hair.

Background Art

[0002] Dual comb hair accessories are in widespread use and are most often used by women to create a particular hair style or for hair ornamentation. Such accessories are characterized by two opposed combs interconnected by elastic stretch elements, which are attached to the spines of the combs. The accessories are used by flipping the combs on the ends of the elastic stretch elements over to an inverted position, placing the accessory over a portion of the hair, typically a gathered portion, and then, while stretching the bands, inserting the combs into the hair at either side of the portion of hair being retained. The restoring force of the elastic bands of the retainer acts to hold the accessory in place.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 6,123,086 shows a dual comb hair accessory wherein two opposed plastic combs are connected by a series of elastic bands which are covered by fabric to create a decorative effect. The inner elastic bands are hidden and indeed are considered unsightly and unfinished elements of the accessory. The fabric coverings on the bands are relatively bulky and require assembly steps that can add to

manufacturing costs.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,748,390 shows a dual comb hair accessory having wire loop combs interconnected with beaded elastic strands. The beaded strands provide a decorative bead pattern against the hair. While much less bulky, the beaded strands are labor intensive to create. They can also break and have relatively little overall holding power, that is, the ability to hold the hair beneath the accessory without strands of hair falling out.

[0005] The present invention provides an improved dual comb hair accessory having decorative elements between the opposed combs that have elastomeric properties, that can be easily fabricated and installed on the combs, and that provide increased holding power for keeping the hair in place at all times. The dual comb accessory of the invention will provide special benefits for athletes where hair must be pinned flat rather than in a ponytail, braid or bun, for example when participating in martial arts, pilates, yoga, or wrestling where hair can get caught under the body, or when participating in sports involving a helmet (equestrian, motocross, bicycling) where hanging hair gets tangled or caught in a jacket.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides for a dual comb hair accessory having opposed combs and one or more planar non-fabric elastomeric stretch elements between the spines of the combs to hold the combs in opposition to each other and to allow the combs to be stretched away from each other before placement into the hair. Decorative elements are embedded or integrated into the elastomeric elements, such as by providing the elastomeric elements with patterns of openings or cutouts of different sizes and shapes or by shaping the longitudinal edges of the planar elastomeric stretch elements, or both. The degree of stretch allowed by the elastomeric elements can be manipulated by selection of the design elements embodied in the non-fabric elements, such as selecting the number and placement of the cut-outs in the elastomeric elements. Preferably, comb attachment means are also integrated into the ends of the planar elastomeric stretch elements allowing the planar elastomeric elements to be attached to the opposed combs without ties or separate mechanical attachments.

However, use of separate mechanical attachments to connect the planar elastomeric elements to the combs is considered within the scope of the invention.

[0007] The non-fabric elastomeric stretch elements are most suitably silicone in a sheet form in which a decorative pattern including decorative openings can be punched, die cut, laser cut, injection molded or otherwise formed in the material.

[0008] Using planar elastomeric stretch elements having some amount of breadth allows the wearer to more securely hold hair without the hair escaping. By integrating design elements and attachment means into the non-fabric elastomeric that ties the opposed combs together, the dual comb accessory can be made with a minimum number of parts and easily assembled. It also permits planar elastomeric elements having different embedded designs to be easily substituted for easily creating dual comb hair accessories having different aesthetic looks and different stretch capabilities using the same pair of combs. By substituting planar elastomeric elements having different embedded designs, the invention also allows a wide range of aesthetically diverse dual comb hair accessory looks and different stretch capabilities using the same pair of combs.

Description of the Drawings

[0009] Fig. 1 is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the planar non-fabric elastomeric element of the dual comb hair accessory shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0012] Figs. 4-7 show the stretch element illustrated in Fig. 3 being attached to one of the combs of the dual comb hair accessory shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0013] Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a top plan view thereof.

[0015] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the planar non-fabric elastomeric element of the dual comb hair accessory shown in Figs. 10 and 1 1 .

[0016] Fig. 1 1 is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a top plan view thereof.

[0018] Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention.

[0019] Fig. 14 is a top plan view thereof.

[0020] Fig. 15A is an unassembled view of a fifth embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention showing an alternate design for the attachment of the non-fabric stretch elastic material to the combs.

[0021] Fig. 15B is an assembled view of the dual comb hair accessory shown in

FIG. 15A.

[0022] Fig. 16 is a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention.

[0023] Fig. 17 is a side perspective view thereof.

[0024] FIGS. 18 and 19 show further and separate embodiments of a planar elastomeric stretch element for a dual comb hair accessary in accordance with the invention.

[0025] Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of a comb for use with the embodiment of the planar elastomeric stretch elements shown in FIGS. 18-19. [0026] Fig. 21 is a bottom perspective view thereof.

Description of the Illustrated Embodiments

[0027] Figs. 1 -3 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention wherein the dual comb hair accessory, denoted by the numeral 1 1 includes two opposed wire loop combs 13, each having a metal spine 15 and projecting wire loop teeth attached to the spine. Planar non-fabric elastomeric stretch element 17 having attachment ends 19 attaches to the combs, preferably to the spines as hereinafter described. The planar elastomeric stretch element is provided with a pattern of openings or cut-outs - these terms are used herein interchangeably - that present a particular decorative pattern. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 -3, the cut-outs include a large center diamond cut-out 21 , smaller diamond cut-outs 23 proximate the element's attachment ends 19, and yet smaller cut-outs 25 in the connective arms 27 of the element. The element's

longitudinal edges 29 are also shaped to enhance the design features and aesthetic appeal of the elastomeric element.

[0028] As best seen in Fig. 3, the means of attaching non-fabric elastomeric element 17 to spines 15 of combs 13 are provided in the form of eyelet shaped projections 31 extending from the four corners 33 of the elastomeric element. As further described below, the holes 35 in the corner eyelets slide over the teeth of the combs so that the attachment ends of the elastomeric element are secured at the spine of each comb. These eyelets are preferably formed in and are an integral part of the planar non-fabric elastomeric material as shown, and are stretchable to allow the eyelet holes to be enlarged to fit over the comb teeth. However, it is contemplated that separate eyelets or similar attachment means could be tied or otherwise secured to the attachment ends of the non-fabric elastomeric element, most suitable at the corners of the elastomeric element.

[0029] The material used for the planar non-fabric elastomeric stretch elements can be selected such that the elastomeric element maintains its general pattern and shape when relaxed and when the combs are stretched apart against the restoring force of the elastomeric element. The material will preferably be formulated to provide the following physical characteristics:

Hardness: Durometer reading between about 15 and 30, and more preferably between about 15 and 25. Tensile strength at least about 900 psi, preferably between about

1200 psi - 1400 psi

Elongation: at least about 200%, preferably 400% to 600%

Tear Strength: at least about 150 psi, preferably between about

175 - 250 psi

[0030] Most suitably the material for the planar elastomeric element is silicone. If injection molded the part can be liquid silicone rubber. If formed from flat sheet stock, it can be made from heat pressed silicone gum resin. The silicone would preferably be kept as thin as possible without compromising tear strength as a thin silicone material will be more supple. The thickness of the silicone would most suitably be about 1/16 (0.0625) inches, and preferably would be no thicker than about 0.075 inches.

[0031] Silicone has a number of advantages. It can be formulated to have increased stretch, suppleness, and strength. It is impervious to high heat and doesn't burn or melt like other substances, thus a hair accessory in accordance with the invention could be left in the direct sunlight without sustaining damage, and can be put through a dishwasher or clothes washer to clean. It is also hygienic and non-allergenic, and, unlike typical rubber and neoprene, has no odor. Further, unlike most rubber, silicone can be formulated to be less "sticky" and hold hair it comes in contact with without breaking the hair. Unlike most rubber, silicone can be created in a wide range of finishes, for example, the same material can be made translucent, transparent, opaque, or multi-colored. Also, with silicone exact Pantone specified colors can be created using colorants and additives mixed into the silicone while it is in a soft gum or liquid state.

[0032]As above-mentioned, to achieve a silicone elastomeric stretch element in accordance with the invention that does not have undesirable stickiness properties, additives such as a silicone based oil can be added to the silicone formulation. The amount of additive used should be such that the desired properties of the Stretch element are maintained. Alternatively, a silicone based oil can be deposited on the finished piece, such as by a vapor deposition process. It has been discovered that, to achieve acceptable results with a deposited silicone based film, the finished piece must be properly cured (baked) after the deposition process. Suitably, the finished piece would be cured no longer than 30 minutes, and preferably between about 20 and 30 minutes at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0033] It is also contemplated that the non-fabric planar elastomeric stretch element 17 can be fabricated of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Such a material would have cost advantages over silicone.

[0034] Figs. 4-7 illustrate how the attachment ends of the non-fabric elastomeric element shown in Fig. 3 and can be fitted onto the spine of one of the wire combs 13 shown in Fig. 1 and 2. As shown in Fig. 4 the eyelet shaped projections 31 at one end of the elastomeric element are first slipped over the tips of the outmost comb teeth 13a of the wire comb. The eyelets are them slid down these outer teeth (Fig. 5) to the bottom of the teeth (Fig.6). The eyelet is then slipped onto the spine 15 as shown in Fig. 7. The opposite comb is attached to the opposite attachment end of the

elastomeric element in the same manner. To remove the elastomeric element the process is simply reversed.

[0035] Figs. 8 -10 show another embodiment of the dual hair comb accessory of the invention having a non-fabric elastomeric stretch element with a different embedded design. In the version, the non-fabric elastomeric element 37, which has a more complex, three integrally formed projecting eyelets along each attachment end, one at each corner of the attachment ends, eyelets 39a, and one in the middle of the attachment ends, eyelet 39b. The corner eyelets fit over the outermost comb teeth 13a of the wire combs 13 in the same manner as the previously described embodiment. The center eyelet 39b fits over one of the center comb teeth. In the case of the center eyelet, the eyelet is seen to be wrapped around the base of the comb tooth at the spine instead of around the spine itself.

[0036] Figs. 1 1 -14 show examples of further possible embedded designs for the planar non-fabric elastomeric stretch element or elements of the dual comb hair accessory of the invention. The design shown in Figs. 1 1 and 12 provides for a wider pattern for use on wider combs. In this case five eyelets are formed on the attachment ends of the non-fabric elastomeric element 41 , two corner eyelets 43a and three intermediate eyelets 43b. Figs. 13 and 14 show how a plurality of non-fabric, and preferably silicone planar elastomeric elements 45 can be used to create a particular design. [0037] Figs. 15A and 15B show a unique alternative version of the planar non-fabric elastomeric stretch element 47 of the invention, wherein the elastomeric element has an comb attachment means in the form of an enlarged bead end portion 49 having a lateral center opening 51 extending into or through the bead end. This embodiment can be used with combs having a specially designed spine to slide into the bead openings. An example is the combs 53 shown in Figs. 15A and 15B. Each of the combs 53 are seen to have wire loop teeth 54 twisted onto a spine base 55 which can suitably be a plastic part. The spine base, which acts as the spine of the comb, has an elongated tie bar section 57 to which the wire loop teeth are attached and inwardly extending anchor posts 59 sized to fit into the center opening 51 in the stretch element's enlarged bead end portion 49. To assemble the dual comb hair accessory shown in Figs. 15A and 15B, one of the bead ends of the stretch element can be slipped onto the anchor posts of one of the combs by slipping one side of the bead end onto one of the posts and then bending the stretch element to slip the other side of the bead end onto the other post. The spine base can suitably have some ability to flex to facilitate this attachment.

[0038] Figs. 16 and 17 show yet another embodiment of the planar non-fabric

elastomeric stretch element 61 of the invention wherein attachment means on the attachment ends of the elastomeric element are provided in the form of resilient attachment posts 63 projecting downwardly from the plane of the elastomeric element. The attachment post can be integral to the elastomeric element. The posts can be used to attach the ends of the elastomeric element to combs, such as plastic combs, having corresponding attachment holes or channels formed in the spines of the combs. Each of the attachment holes or channels in the comb would be sized and configured to allow posts 63 to be snapped in with a suitable retention force to collectively hold the stretch element to the comb in place.

[0039] Figs. 18-32 show still a further embodiment of the invention having a planar elastomeric stretch element 65 comprised of a planar body portion 67 (which can have different imbedded designs as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19) and attachment ends 69 at the ends of the planar body portion. In this embodiment, each attachment end of the stretch element has a flat projecting end flap 71 that can be threaded through a slot in the spine of a comb such as the comb herein after described. The projecting end flap, which can have width comparable to the width of the elastomeric stretch element, is provided with a series of openings, which suitably alternate between small holes 73 and elongated holes 75 and, as hereinafter described, through which the teeth combs of the dual hair accessory can be threaded.

[0040] Figs. 20-23 show a comb design for use with a planar elastomeric stretch element such as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 in creating a dual comb hair accessory in accordance with the invention. Hair comb 77 includes a laterally extending raised spine 79 formed by a raised front edge wall 81 forming the leading edge of the spine, a top wall portion 83, and a trailing edge wall 85 forming the trailing edge of the spine and terminating at a bottom edge 87. Walls 81 , 83, and 85 are seen to form a raised cavity region 87 on the underside of the spine. A plurality of comb teeth 89 extend

longitudinally from the front edge wall of the comp's raised spine 79, preferably along a curvature that allows the combs to more or less conform to the curvature of the head of the wearer of the dual hair comb accessory. Suitably, the bottom 86 of the spine's trailing edge 85 wall will extend downwardly a sufficient distance so that it also lies, or approximately lies, on the same curvature as the comb teeth so that the comb bottom surfaces all follow the curvature of the wearer's head. However, this trailing edge wall could be of other lengths, preferably a shorter length so that the bottom edge 86 does not itself create a pressure point on the wear's scalp. Also, the top wall portion 83 could be flat or rounded, or could even be a point formed by intersecting leading and trailing edge walls.

[0041] Adjacent teeth of comb 55 are seen to form short and long comb teeth

separation channels 90, 92, with the longer separation channels 92 extending up into the front edge wall of the spine of the comb. Because hair will flow into the extended length of these longer channels - which can for example extend into the spine by about ¼ inch - the longer channels will permit secure placement of the hair accessory in the hair with greater stability and comfort.

[0042] It is further seen that the raised spine 79 of comb 77 is provided with an elongated slot 91 . This slot is suitably positioned so that the width of the slot extends from the spine's top wall portion 83 into the trailing wall. The length of the slot preferably has a length that allows not only the flat projecting end flap 71 of the planar elastomeric stretch element 65 to be inserted into and pulled through the slot, but most of the rest of the planar body 67 of the stretch element to be pulled through as well.

[0043] Figs. 24-32 show how the version of the dual hair comb accessory illustrated in Figs. 20-23 can be assembled by the user, who can readily change the planar elastomeric stretch element of the accessory for a different design. The first step, shown in Fig. 24, is to insert the teeth of one of the combs into the small and elongated holes 73, 75 in the projecting end flap 71 at one of the attachment ends of the planar stretch element. The comb teeth are aligned with the alternating small and elongated holes so as to accommodate the different length separation channels separating the teeth. Teeth that are bounded by long separation channels are aligned with and inserted into small holes 73 while adjacent pairs of teeth separated by a short separation channel are aligned with elongated holes 75. Suitably, the end flap will not extend over the end-most teeth of the comb, for example the two end-most teeth, to keep the end flap from projecting outside the profile of the comb and thus hidden.

[0044] The projecting end flap 71 is then pulled down over the teeth of the engaged comb until it cinches up against the comb's raised spine 79 as shown in Fig. 25. The end flap on the opposite attachment end of the stretch element is then threaded through the elongated slot 91 in the comb spine as shown in Fig. 26, and the planar stretch element pulled entirely through the slot as shown in Figs. 27A and 27B. The free end of the planar stretch element (denoted 71 a) is then inserted into and pulled through the spine slot of the opposite comb, as illustrated in Figs. 28 and 29. As a final step, the end flap 71 a is threaded onto and pulled down onto the teeth of the opposite comb as illustrated in Fig. 30. Figs. 31 and 32 show the completely assembled accessory.

[0045] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail in the foregoing specification, it is understood that it is not intended that the invention be limited to such detail, except as necessitated by the following claims.