U.S. patent application number 14/962076 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-28 for hair fastener and method of manufacture thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to TUNG HING PLASTIC MANUFACTORY LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is TUNG HING PLASTIC MANUFACTORY LTD.. Invention is credited to Ka Chuen SZE.
Application Number | 20160213120 14/962076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52674064 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160213120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SZE; Ka Chuen |
July 28, 2016 |
HAIR FASTENER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention is concerned with a hair fastener. The
hair fastener has an elastic band with opposite ends positioned
adjacent each other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first
coupler for fixedly connecting the opposite ends together, a layer
of fabric enveloping the elastic band and said first coupler, and a
second coupler for connecting the opposite ends. The second coupler
encases region of the fabric layer enveloping the first
coupler.
Inventors: |
SZE; Ka Chuen; (Hong Kong,
HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TUNG HING PLASTIC MANUFACTORY LTD. |
Hong Kong |
|
HK |
|
|
Assignee: |
TUNG HING PLASTIC MANUFACTORY
LTD.
Hong Kong
HK
|
Family ID: |
52674064 |
Appl. No.: |
14/962076 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 8/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 8/34 20060101
A45D008/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 28, 2015 |
GB |
1501421.0 |
Claims
1. A hair fastener comprising an elastic band defining
circumferential surface along a length of said elongate band and
with opposite ends defining end surfaces positioned adjacent each
other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first coupler for
fixedly connecting said opposite ends together, a layer of fabric
enveloping said elastic band, and a second coupler for connecting
said opposite ends, wherein said first coupler is an adhesive for
gluing said opposite ends together at the end surfaces but without
substantially increasing circumferential width or diameter of said
elastic band at said opposite ends, wherein region of said first
coupler is molded over by material of said second coupler, and
wherein said second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE) fixedly molded over on said fabric layer.
2. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic band
is made from a material selected from a group including natural
rubber, silicone thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and
polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.
3. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adhesive is
a glue selected from a cyanoacrylate family.
4. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fabric is
made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof,
and knitted or otherwise formed over said elastic band.
5. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elastic band
at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of at least
4 Kg.
6. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 5, wherein said elastic band
at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of 4-15
Kg.
7. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elastic band
at said first and second connectors has a pull strength of 10-15
Kg.
8. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastener is
free of clip, crimp or clamp for connecting said opposite ends
together.
9. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second
coupler is substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or
polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
10. A hair fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein surface of said
coupler is configured with an anti-slipping characteristics for
enhancing grip of surrounding hair.
11. A method of manufacture of a hair fastener as claimed in claim
1, comprising a step of encasing said opposite ends of said elastic
band.
12. A method of manufacture of a hair fastener, comprising steps in
the sequence of: providing an elongate elastic band with an
extended length; forming a jacket made of a fabric along
essentially an entire length over the elastic band; cutting the
elastic band covered with the jacket into sections, each section
with a desired length and opposite ends, thus producing a plurality
of fabric-covered elastic band sections; connecting the opposite
ends of each elastic band section with a first coupler such that
each elastic band section becomes a loop; optionally completing
formation of the fabric jacket over an entire length the loop; and
providing a second coupler fixedly molded over the connected
opposite ends or the first coupler; wherein the first coupler is an
adhesive for gluing the opposite ends of each said elastic band
section together at end surfaces thereof but without substantially
increasing circumferential width or diameter of the elastic band
section at the opposite ends; and wherein the second coupler is
made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic band is
made of natural rubber, silicone, TPE, or polyester-polyurethane
copolymer elastane.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the jacket is made of
a nylon, polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, knitted
or otherwise formed over said elastic band.
15. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the adhesive is
selected from a cyanoacrylate family.
16. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second connector
is substantially free of silicon rubber, rubber or polyvinyl
chloride (PVC).
17. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elastic band at
the first and second connectors has a pull strength of at least 4
Kg, preferably 4-15 Kg, and more preferably 0-15 Kg.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from earlier filed GB
Patent Application No. 1501421.0 filed Jan. 28, 2015, contents in
its entirety are incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is concerned with a hair fastener and
in particular a type of hair fasteners in the form of an elastic
loop.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a variety of hair fasteners. One historical hair
fasteners is in the form of an elastic band integrally formed into
an elastic loop. However, this type of fasteners is disadvantageous
because due to the material used hair tends to get tangled with the
loop and cause damage to hair. Removal of such hair fasteners after
use is thus challenging. An improvement has existed to provide a
layer of fabric over the elastic loop before closing the loop.
However, such improved hair fasteners, among other disadvantages,
tend to break easily at where the loop closes.
[0004] The present invention seeks to address this problem, or at
least to provide an alternative to the public.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a hair fastener comprising an elastic band defining
circumferential surface along a length of the elongate band and
with opposite ends defining end surfaces positioned adjacent each
other thus in the form of a closed loop, a first coupler for
fixedly connecting the opposite ends together, a layer of fabric
enveloping said elastic band, and a second coupler for connecting
the opposite ends, wherein the first coupler is an adhesive for
gluing the opposite ends together at the end surfaces but without
substantially increasing circumferential width or diameter of the
elastic band at the opposite ends, wherein region of the first
coupler is molded over by material of the second coupler, and
wherein the second coupler is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
fixedly molded over on the fabric layer. Such a hair fastener is
technically advantageous in a multifold manner. First, the use of
glue instead of, for example a rigid or metallic connector minimize
the risk that the connector would puncture the second coupler or
the outer sleeve. Second, the use of glue is preferable because
even when it is dried the glue would not substantially increase the
rigidity of the region of the end surfaces such that the entire
hair fastener can still possess a continuous and consistent degree
of flexibility along its circumferential length. Third, the second
coupler fixedly molded over the fabric layer can increase the
durability of the integrity of the hair fastener despite when used
under repeated tensions. Fourth, the use of TPE enhance interaction
of an entire outwardly facing surface of the hair fastener.
[0006] Preferably, the elastic band may be made from a material
selected from a group including natural rubber, silicone
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyester-polyurethane copolymer
elastane.
[0007] Suitably, the adhesive may be a glue selected from a
cyanoacrylate family.
[0008] In an embodiment, the fabric may be made of nylon,
polyester, polypropylene or a combination thereof, and knitted or
otherwise formed over said elastic band.
[0009] In other embodiments, the elastic band at the first and
second connectors has a pull strength of at least 4 Kg, or 4-15 Kg,
or more preferably 10-15 Kg.
[0010] The fastener may be free of clip, crimp or clamp for
connecting the opposite ends together.
[0011] The second coupler may be substantially free of silicon
rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0012] Surface of the coupler may be configured with an
anti-slipping characteristics for enhancing grip of surrounding
hair.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of manufacture of a hair fastener as described
above, comprising a step of encasing the opposite ends of the
elastic band.
[0014] According to third aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of manufacture of a hair fastener, comprising
steps in the sequence of: [0015] providing an elongate elastic band
with an extended length; [0016] forming a jacket made of a fabric
along essentially an entire length over the elastic band; [0017]
cutting the elastic band covered with the jacket into sections,
each section with a desired length and opposite ends, thus
producing a plurality of fabric-covered elastic band sections;
[0018] connecting the opposite ends of each elastic band section
with a first coupler such that each elastic band section becomes a
loop; [0019] optionally completing formation of the fabric jacket
over an entire length the loop; and [0020] providing a second
coupler fixedly molded over the connected opposite ends or the
first coupler; [0021] wherein the first coupler is an adhesive for
gluing the opposite ends of each of the elastic band section
together at end surfaces thereof but without substantially
increasing circumferential width or diameter of the elastic band
section at the opposite ends; and [0022] wherein the second coupler
is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
[0023] Preferably, the elastic band may be made of natural rubber,
silicone, TPE, or polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane.
[0024] Suitably, the jacket may be made of a nylon, polyester,
polypropylene or a combination thereof, knitted or otherwise formed
over the elastic band.
[0025] Advantageously, the adhesive may be selected from a
cyanoacrylate family.
[0026] The second connector may be substantially free of silicon
rubber, rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0027] The elastic band at the first and second connectors may have
a pull strength of at least 4 Kg, preferably 4-15 Kg, and more
preferably 0-15 Kg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in
which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a user wearing a
conventional hair fastener;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the hair fastener of
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hair fastener of FIG.
2;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an elongate elastic
member with a layer of fabric being knitted over in accordance with
an embodiment of a method of manufacture of a hair fastener of the
present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 5, 6a, 6b and 6c are schematic views showing steps
involved in closing of the elastic member of the fastener of FIG.
4;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration showing encasing of a
connecting region of the fastener from FIG. 6c;
[0035] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are perspective and side views of the
fasteners from FIG. 7 after processing; and
[0036] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the fastener of FIG. 10
worn by a user.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0037] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a prior art hair fastener 2. Such
fasteners are typically formed by providing an elongate elastic
member with opposite ends 6, 8. A layer of fabric 10 is provided to
cover the elastic member. The opposite ends are connected together
by a metal crimp 12 on top of the layer of fabric.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a hair fastener 22 of
the present invention. FIGS. 8-9 are schematic views showing an
interior structure of a connecting region of the fastener 22. The
hair fastener 22 is firstly illustrated by way of its method of
manufacture as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.
[0039] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of a method of
manufacture of a hair fastener 22 according to the present
invention. FIG. 4 shows initial steps in which an elongate elastic
band 24 is provided. In this embodiment, the elastic band 24 is
made of a high elasticity material such as natural rubber,
silicone, TPE, polyester-polyurethane copolymer elastane, etc., and
has a rectangular or square cross section. It is to be noted that
the elastic band has open ends 26, 28. In this embodiment, the
elastic band 24 has cross section of a square shape. However, in
other embodiments cross sections of other profiles may be used. In
an alternative embodiment, more than one elastic band may be used.
In other words, in such embodiment there is provided multiple
strands of elastic band in a single hair fastener.
[0040] After provision of the elongate elastic band 24, a step is
performed by knitting a layer of fabric 30 over a majority length
or essentially an entire length of the open-ended elastic band. In
this embodiment, the fabric 30 used is made of essentially nylon
although studies leading to the present invention identifies that
the fabric may be made of polyester, polypropylene or a combination
thereof. Nylon is one preferred material because fabric formed
therefrom possesses appropriate degree of smoothness which is
particularly suitable in this application. In this step, the
knitting is initially performed with the opposite ends still being
un-connected yet. As the knitting is almost being completed such
that the majority of the surface of the elastic band is covered, it
is cut into the desired sections for subsequently forming closed
loops. Regardless of the profile of the elastic band 24, each
elastic band section has end surfaces defined by open ends still
designated 26, 28 and circumferential surface along an elongate
length of the elastic band 24. Please see FIG. 5.
[0041] The opposite ends of the sections of the elastic band are
then connected together by positioning the opposite ends adjacent
each other and joining them by an adhesive. The adhesive itself
forms a first coupler 32. In this embodiment, the adhesive used is
generally known as or contains a glue in the cyanoacrylate family.
It is to be noted that no metallic clip or crimp is used in the
connection of the opposite ends 26, 28. This is advantageous
because upon repeated stretching the use of metal crimps would
actually induce breakage at the opposite ends 26, 28. In other
words, embodiments of fasteners in accordance with the present
invention is advantageous in at least a two-fold manner. First,
they can reduce breakage of hair when they are removed or
unfastened from hair. Second, in the absence of the metallic clip
or crimp breakage at the region of the opposite ends is much
reduced. It is also to be appreciated that the use of the adhesive
can avoid the use of rigid or metallic component which would
substantially increase the width or diameter of region at the first
coupler.
[0042] When an elastic loop of a desired size is formed by joining
opposite ends 26, 28, it is subjected to a step of overmoulding a
second coupler 34 over region of the connected opposite ends 26, 28
at the first coupler 32. The second coupler 34 is formed by
injection moulding thermoplastic elastomer. In this embodiment, the
second coupler 34 is elongate in shape resembling a bead and molded
over the region of the nylon fabric layer covering the connected
opposite ends. The second coupler acts as an envelope protecting
this region and enhance connection of the opposite ends. The second
coupler is made with a material with higher frictional surface. Due
to the higher frictional surface of the second coupler material, it
also enhances the fasteners to grip on the hair being tight and
thus to increase its gripping capability. In other embodiments, the
second coupler may adopt the configuration of a decorative
item.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows the hair fastener 22 worn on a user.
[0044] Hair fasteners made in accordance with the present invention
are advantageous in a number of ways. First, the use of dual
connection, i.e. adhesion by adhesive of the opposite ends and
connection by coupler at the opposite ends over the nylon fabric
significantly improve repeated tension of the hair fastener.
Studies show that such hair fasteners have a pull strength at the
region of the coupler of over 4 Kg, and often >4 Kg to 15 Kg, or
even >10 Kg to 15 Kg. Second, the use of the second coupler made
of TPE is advantageous because this particular material can provide
contact comfort which is not possible when using for example
natural rubber. Further, optionally, without the use of metallic
crimp or clip in connecting the opposite ends of the elastic band,
the drawback of the opposite ends actually torn apart by the crimp
or clip is prevented. The possibility of an exposed metallic clip
tearing off user's hair in use is also prevented.
[0045] It should be understood that certain features of the
invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of
separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment,
may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations.
It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are
illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. Also, a skilled person
in the art will be aware of the prior art which is not explained in
the above for brevity purpose.
* * * * *