WO2003055347A1

WO2003055347A1 - Method and apparatus for placing ornaments on hair

Info

Publication number: WO2003055347A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/025688
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kathy Kennedy
Original assignee: Beadwear, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-08-15
Filing date: 2001-08-15
Publication date: 2003-07-10
Also published as: AU2001298064A1

Abstract

A tool (10) and method for placing ornaments (30), such as beads (40) or rings (32), onto a stringing material (14), such as hair. In one embodiment, the tool (10) has a threader shaft (18), a needle-type tip (12) at one end of the shaft (18), an orifice (17) defined by flexible bifurcated parts (16), and a stop (20) at the other end of the shaft (18). The stop (20) comprises two legs (22, 24) extending outwardly from opposing sides of the shaft (18) in a direction of the first end of the shaf (18), and at an angle with respect to the shaft (18). The stringing material (14) is passed through the orifice (17) and the flexible bifurcated parts (16) defining the orifice (17) are then positioned close together to allow an ornament (30) to pass over the flexible bifurcated parts (16) and onto the stringing material (14).

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLACING ORNAMENTS ON HAIR

BACKGROUND ART

It is a common and popular practice to use beads or other items to ornament real or artificial hair.

Placing beads on hair can be difficult and time consuming. The beads are often placed one by one onto the hair by threading hair therethrough. Alternatively, locks of hair may be wrapped in foil, the beads strung over the foil-wrapped hair, and then the foil removed. Another method for placing beads on hair is by threading beads over a needle with a loop of string attached, passing the beads over the loop of string, passing the hair through the loop formed by the string, and then backing the beads along the string onto the hair.

These methods of ornamenting hair are difficult and time consuming. The "needle and string" method is difficult because the beads easily fall off of the string. In addition, the needle is hazardous and not suitable for small children. Also, these methods are adapted for placing small beads on hair, and do not lend well to placing other ornaments on hair.

Some threading devices are known, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,315,362 to Pigford. In general, these devices all suffer from one or more problems or limitations. For example, these devices will not retain ornaments having a large passages therethrough, such as rings or ornaments including linked rings, thereon. When the ornament is not retained on the device, it makes very difficult the task of manipulating the hair and placing the ornaments on the hair. In addition, in the case of the Pigford device, the device is difficult to grasp. The base is a small cylinder which may twist or rotate in the user's hand while he or she attempts to place ornaments thereon or place the ornaments on the hair.

A need exists for an improved method and apparatus for placing ornaments such as beads and rings onto hair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for ornamenting ornament stringing material, such as hair.

In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a tool comprising a threader shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a needle-type part adapted for passage of an ornament there over. The shaft has an orifice therethrough between the first and second ends. The orifice is defined by flexible bifurcated parts which are moveable. In a resting, spread-apart position the bifurcated parts are positioned in the same plane and the orifice is adapted for passage of ornament stringing material therethrough. In a second position the bifurcated flexible parts are positioned closer together than in the resting position, permitting passage there over of an ornament.

The tool further includes a stop located at the second end of the shaft. The stop comprises a first leg and a second leg extending outwardly from opposing sides of the shaft in a direction of the first end of the shaft, and at an angle with respect to the shaft. In one embodiment, the first and second legs form a "V" at the second end of the shaft.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of mounting an ornament on an ornament stringing material with a tool having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip at the proximal end, a bifurcated threader positioned between the first and second ends, and a stop at the second end, the stop comprising first and second legs extending outwardly in a "V" shape. The method includes the steps of passing an ornament over the tip and bifurcated threader, and retaining the ornament on the tool distal of the bifurcated threader by engagement of at least a portion of the ornament with either or both of the first and second legs. The ornament threading material is passed through an aperture defined by the bifurcated threader. The ornament is moved upwardly along the tool over the bifurcated threader and onto the ornament threading material. The ornament threading material is then removed from the bifurcated threader.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step of compressing the bifurcated threader in order to pass the ornament there over.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a tool which is useful in placing one or more ornaments on an ornament stringing material such as hair in a simple manner. The tool includes an effective stop for retaining the ornaments on the tool while the hair or other material is passed through the bifurcated threader. The multi-leg construction of the stop is useful in retaining ornaments have large apertures, such as rings, on the tool. The stop does not substantially increase the size of the tool, and in one embodiment the legs thereof lie in a plane common to the remainder of the tool, including the shaft and threader. The legs are useful in gripping the tool, including holding the tool while ornaments are placed thereon and hair or other material is threaded through the threader.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a tool for placing ornaments on hair, such as the illustrated linked ring and clip ornament illustrated therein, in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view of the tool illustrated in Figure 1 in which the tool has been passed through linked ring;, of the ornament;

FIGURE 3 illustrates the tool and ornament thereon as illustrated in Figure 2 after a portion of hair has been passed through a loop of the tool;

FIGURE 4 illustrates the tool and ornament as illustrated in Figure 3 as the rings of the ornament are moved upwardly along the tool and onto the hair the flexible threader of the hair ornamenting tool;

FIGURE 5 illustrates the ornament after it has been placed on the hair and secured thereto; and

FIGURE 6 illustrates the tool illustrated in Figure 1 after a first bead has been placed on the tool and another is being placed on the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a method and apparatus for ornamenting hair or other ornament stringing material. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Apparatus For Placing One Or More Ornaments On Ornament Stringing Material

One or more embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus for placing or locating one or more ornaments on a stringing material. The ornament stringing material may comprise a wide variety of materials. For example, if the ornament is to be placed on the simulated "hair" of a doll, the stringing material may comprise string, yarn, synthetic hair or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the stringing material comprises hair, such as the hair of a human.

Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for use in placing one or more ornaments on stringing material. As illustrated therein, the apparatus comprises a tool 10. The tool 10 has a proximal end in the form of a rounded needle tip 12 having semi rigid properties which is sized and shaped to permit ornaments such as beads to be guided there over and onto the tool 10 with minimal effort.

Distal of the rounded needle tip 12 of the tool 10 is a flexible threader 15. In the preferred embodiment, the flexible threader 15 comprises a pair of identical flexible shafts 16. Each shaft 16 of the flexible threader 15 has a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle portion.

In a resting position, each of the shafts 16 is curved, with the first ends of the shafts 16 curving towards one another at their point of joinder in the form of a syncline, and the second ends of the shafts 16 similarly curving inwardly towards one another. In this arrangement, the middle portions of the shafts 16 are separated by some distance. So arranged, the shafts 16 cooperate to define an aperture 17 which, when the shafts 16 are in their resting position, is slightly convex, having ends in the form of an acute ogive.

Each of the two shafts 16 that comprise the flexible threader 15 have flexible, resilient properties so the threader may be flexed, changing the shape of the aperture define there between and changing the distance between the middle portions of the shafts 16. In particular, the shafts 16 are moveable between a resting position as illustrated in Figure 1 in which the shafts 16 are some distance apart, and a position as illustrated in Figure 6 in which the shafts 16 are closer to one another and the "width" of the aperture is lessened.

In the position illustrated in Figure 1, the shafts 16 are separated by a distance which prevents an ornament which is placed on the tool 10 from falling off once it is passed over the threader 15 (as described in more detail below). In addition, when the shafts 16 are in this position the aperture defined there between is large enough to easily allow the passage of one or more strands of stringing mate, ial (i.e. hair) therethrough, as illustrated in Figure 3. On the other hand, in the position illustrated in Figure 6 where the shafts 16 are pressed together, one or more ornaments may be moved along the tool over the flexible threader 15 portion.

Distal of the flexible threader 15 of the tool 10 is an elongate cylindrical shaft 18 portion of the tool 10. This shaft portion 18 is of a length and diameter designed to accept one or more ornaments.

At the distal end of the tool 10 opposite the tip 12 there is a N-shaped stop/handle 20. The stop 20 is of a size which is designed to prevent the ornaments from falling off the tool 10 at its distal end. Preferably, the stop 20 serves not only to prevent ornaments from falling off of the distal end of the tool 10, but is shaped and sized as a handle for gripping by a user of the tool 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the stop 20 comprises a first leg 22 and a second leg 24. The first and second legs 22,24 each have one end which is connected to the tool 10, and in this case the shaft portion 18 thereof.

In one embodiment, the first and second legs 22,24 each extend outwardly from the shaft portion 18, preferably in the direction of the proximal end or tip 12 of the tool 10. In one embodiment, the first and second legs 22,24 extend at an angle α with respect to the shaft portion 18. The angle α is preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. The angle α may depend in part upon the length of each leg 22,24, with the angle increasing as the length of the legs decrease. In one embodiment, the first and second legs 22,24 are each about 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) long.

In one embodiment, the legs 22, 24 extend outwardly from the shaft 18 as much as two times or more the distance each threader shaft 16 does from the axis of the shaft 18. In addition, each leg 22, 24 extends towards the proximal end 12 o-^?. the tool 10-25% of the length of the tool 10.

In this arrangement, the first and second legs 22,24 generally form a "N" at the second end of the shaft 18. The "V faces upwardly towards the proximal end of the tool 10, with the shaft 18 extending to the base of the "V in its valley.

In other embodiments, the first and second legs 22,24 may have other configurations. For example, the first and second legs 22,24 need not be straight, but may curve inwardly, forming a "U."

In one embodiment, the first and second legs 22,24 are somewhat planar or flat, lying substantially in the same plane as the remainder of the tool 10, including the flexible threader 15 and shaft portion 18.

To provide rigidity to the first and second legs 22,24, a rib 26 of increased dimension may be provided. As illustrated, the rib 26 may be located along a top edge of each of the legs 22,24. Other elements or materials may be use to strengthen the legs 22,24 to prevent their movement relative to the shaft portion 18. For example, a wire member may be embedded in each leg 22,24, or the legs 22,24 may be formed of a durable and rigid plastic material.

In one embodiment, the legs 22,24 may be permitted to collapse compress towards the shaft 18, such as for storage. Preferably, however, the legs 22,24 will not collapse or fold backwardly in the directly of the distal end of the tool 10, such as under the pressure or weight of ornaments resting on the tool 10.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, at least the flexible threader portion 15 of the tool 10 comprises a flexible, resilient material that can be repeatedly flexed without fracturing. More preferably, the entire tool 10 comprises such a material, as such permits the tool 10 to be injection molded from a material such as polyurethane. However, the tool can consist of any other material that has flexible and resilient properties, such as: nylon, rubber, and some types of plastics.

In addition, different sections of the tool 10 may comprise a rigid plastic, while the threader portion 15 may comprise a flexible plastic. The tool 10 may also be constructed from metal, such as thin wire. Method of Placing One or More Ornaments Upon Ornamenting Stringing Material

One or more of the embodiments of the invention comprise a method for placing one or more ornaments on ornament stringing material using the tool 10 of the invention. This method will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-6.

First, one or more ornaments are threaded over the tip 12 of the tool 10 and threaded there along over the threader 15 onto the shaft 18. Advantageously, the threader 15 is flexible, permitting it to collapse or compress as illustrated in Figure 6. This allows passage of the ornament(s) there over. Illustrated in Figure 1 is one type of ornament which may be placed onto stringing material in accordance with the invention. This ornament 30 comprises a number of interconnected rings 32 having apertures 34 therethrough. At one end of the chain formed by the interlocking rings 32 is a clip 36 which may be secured to hair.

Figure 6 illustrates another example of an ornament which may be placed onto stringing material in accordance with the invention. This ornament comprises a bead 40. The bead 40 has a passage therethrough. Such beads 40 may come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials.

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of ornaments may be placed using the tool 10 of the invention. In general, ornaments which are best suited to placement with the tool 10 are those which include a passage or aperture through which the tool 10 may pass, and through which hair or other stringing material may then be located.

Once the ornament is placed on the tool 10 the threader 15 expands to the position illustrated in Figure2. In this position, the threader 15 defines a large aperture 17 through which one or more strands of threading material/hair in this example 14 may be passed.

As illustrated in Figure 3, hair 14 or other ornament stringing, material is passed through the aperture of the threader 15. Then the ornament 30 is moved along the elongated cylindrical shaft 18 back towards the proximal end or tip 12 of the tool 10.

As the ornament 30 is moved upwardly, it passes back over the flexible threader 15. As the ornament moves over the threader 15, as illustrated in Figure 4, it also moves over the hair 14, which is now doubled over the flexible threader 15. The ornament 30 is moved upwardly along the tool 10 until it is separated from the tool 10. Of course, the movement described herein is relative, and the ornament may be moved with respect to the tool or the tool moved with respect to the ornament, or both.

Referring to Figure 5, once the ornament 30 is removed from the tool 10, the hair 14 or other ornament stringing material passes through the apertures 34 of the rings 32, just like the tool 10 did when the ornament 30 was placed thereon.

Means may then be utilized, if necessary, to retain the ornament 30 on the hair 14 or other ornament stringing material. In the example illustrated, the ornament 30 includes a clip 36 which may be used to lock the ornament to the hair 14.

Depending upon the particular type of ornament or ornaments placed with the tool 10, the means used to retain the ornament(s) on the hair 14 or may differ. For example, if beads 40 are placed on the hair 14, then a locking element may be compressed into the passage of the bead or beads 40 which are closest the free end of the hair. The locking element is adapted to compress the hair to the bead, securing the bead on the hair.

Once the ornament or ornaments are removed from the tool 10, the tool returns to its original shape as illustrated in Figure 1.

The tool and method described above have many advantages. A tool is provided which allows one or more ornaments to be quickly and easily placed on a threading material such as hair. The construction of the tool maintains the ornament(s) on the tool for threading, freeing the hands of the user. In particular, the flexible threader 15 acts to inhibit the ornament(s) from falling off of the proximal end of the tool when such is unintended. In addition, the stop 20 serves to prevent the ornament(s) from falling off of the distal end of the tool.

It will be appreciated that the function of the stop to retain ornaments on the tool 10 is more important than the need to retain the ornaments on the tool at the proximal end. This is because a user will generally gold the tool 10 in the upright position illustrated in Figure 2. In this position, gravity alone prevents the ornament from moving off the proximal end of the tool, except with the aid of the user. On the other hand, gravity draws the ornament in the direction of the distal end of the tool 10 where the ornament would fall off the tool but for the stop 20.

A particular advantage of the construction of the stop 20 is that it extends sufficiently out from the body of the tool to prevent relatively large ornaments or portions thereof from falling off of the distal end of the tool. For example, the construction of the stop 20 is such that it prevents the rings 32 having a large central aperture from falling off of the distal end of the tool. At the same time, the stop 20 does not interfere with the other functions of the tool and can be used as a handle. A particular advantage of the two-leg design is that the legs cooperate to effectively prevent large ornaments from falling from the distal end of the tool. On the other hand, the size of the legs, even combined, is not as large as the dimension of a solid stop, such as a sphere, which would be necessary to accomplish the same function.

The generally planar and spaced configuration of the legs 22,24 make them suitable for gripping between the fingers and thumb of a hand of a user. The user may then use their other hand to place the ornament(s) on the tool.

It will be understood that the above-described arrangements of apparatus and method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and may other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS OF THE INVENTION I CLAIM:

1. A tool for use in placing an ornament on an ornament stringing material, said tool comprising a threader shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end comprising a tip adapted for passage of at least one ornament there over, said shaft having an orifice therethrough between said first and second ends, said orifice defined by flexible bifurcated parts moveable between a resting spread-apart position in which said bifurcated parts are positioned in the same plane and said orifice is adapted for passage of ornament stringing material therethrough, and a second position in which said bifurcated flexible parts are positioned closer together than in said resting position, and further including a stop located at said second end of said shaft, said stop comprising a first leg and a second leg extending outwardly from said opposing sides of shaft in a direction of said first end of said shaft at an angle with respect to said shaft.

2. The tool in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said first and second legs comprise generally flat members extending in a plane containing said threader shaft and flexible parts.

3. The tool in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said first and second legs each include a rib extending along a top edge thereof.

4. The tool in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said first and second legs generally form a "V-shaped stop.

5. A method of mounting an ornament on an ornament stringing material with a tool having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip at said proximal end, a bifurcated threader positioned between said first and second ends, and a stop at said second end, said stop comprising first and second legs extending outwardly in a "V" shape comprising: passing at least one ornament over said tip and bifurcated threader; retaining said at least one ornament on said tool distal of said bifurcated threader by engagement of at least a portion of said ornament with either or both of said first and second legs; passing ornament threading material through an aperture defined by said bifurcated threader; moving said at least one ornament upwardly along said tool over said bifurcated threader and onto said omament threading material; and removing said omament threading material from said bifurcated threader.

6. The method in accordance with Claim 5 including the step of compressing bifurcated threader while said at least one omament is passed there over.