Combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device

A combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device. The device includes an elongated flexible strap having a first end and an opposed second end. A double-securing mechanism includes a protruding connector extending from the first end of the strap and a plurality of receiving connectors spaced apart on the strap, wherein the protruding connector connects with one of the receiving connectors and the protruding connector also connects with another of the receiving connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device which is convertible between a hair strap or hair tie and a wrist bracelet. In particular, the present invention is directed to a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device having a double-securing mechanism to securely retain hair in place while providing a comfortable fit for the user.

Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of hair ties have been utilized in order to fasten hair or locks of hair. These ties include retaining hair in ponytails, pigtails, and other configurations. The hair ties are known by a wide variety of names including hair binders, scrunchys, and hair bands.

The hair ties are typically constructed of an elastic or stretchable material. In some cases, the hair tie may not adequately retain the hair, so that the tie slips position, and the hair would no longer be held in place. In other cases, the hair tie would be overly tight and be uncomfortable for the user.

There remains a need for a hair strap that would provide a double-securing mechanism to secure hair without pinching or pulling hair to cause discomfort to the user.

There also remains a need to provide a hair strap with a double-securing mechanism that may be quickly and easily installed and quickly and easily detached.

There also remains a need for a hair strap having an alternate function as a wrist bracelet device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device. The device includes an elongated flexible strap having a first end and an opposed second end. In one configuration, the elongated strap has a pair of opposed sides with at least one of the opposed sides providing a frictional engagement surface.

A double-securing mechanism includes a protruding connector extending from the first end of the elongated flexible strap. The protruding connector may be a bead, a button, or a hook. In one embodiment, the elongated flexible strap forms a plane and the protruding connector extends outward from the first end within the plane.

The double-securing mechanism also includes a plurality of receiving connectors spaced apart on and along the elongated flexible strap. The receiving connectors may be in the form of a series of spaced apart receiving connectors. The receiving connectors may be in the form of slits, slots, or loops.

The protruding connector extending from the first end of the strap is brought or wrapped around a bunch of hair and then connected with one of the receiving connectors. Thereafter, the remaining portion of the strap is wrapped around the hair and the protruding connector is connected with another of the receiving connectors to form a double-securing mechanism.

In another aspect of the invention, an alternate protruding connector may extend from the opposed second end. Accordingly, the device may be installed from either end. In another aspect of the invention, either or both of the sides may include a decorative surface.

When the device is not used as a hair strap, it may be utilized as a wrist bracelet. A first end of the elongated flexible strap may be wrapped around a wrist. The protruding connector is thereafter connected to one of the receiving connectors while surrounding the wrist to form a bracelet. The elongated flexible strap will have a length at least as long as the circumference of a wrist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail,FIG. 1illustrates a top view of a first preferred embodiment of a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device10constructed in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 2illustrates a second preferred embodiment of a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device30.

The device10includes an elongated flexible strap12having a first end14and an opposed second end16. The strap is flexible so that it may be wrapped around hair.

As will be explained in detail, the device10includes a double-securing mechanism which includes a protruding connector18extending outward from the first end14of the strap12. In the embodiment shown, the protruding connector18is a bead; however, a button, a hook, or similar item might be employed. The elongated flexible strap12forms a plane prior to installation and use. The protruding connector18extends outward from the first end14of the strap12in the same plane.

The double-securing mechanism also includes a plurality of receiving connectors20which are spaced apart on and along the elongated flexible strap12.

In the present embodiment, the receiving connectors20form slits similar to a button hole; however, the receiving connectors may alternately be in the form of slots or loops within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The elongated strap12has a pair of opposed sides, one of which is visible inFIG. 1. As will be described herein, at least one of the opposed sides of the strap12provides a frictional engagement surface. The frictional engagement surface assists in engaging the strap with the hair. Velvet or other similar material may be utilized. In addition, at least one of the opposed sides of the strap12includes a decorative surface.

An alternate and optional protruding connector22extends from the opposed second end16of the strap12. The second protruding connector22may act as a decorative element or may act as a secondary securing mechanism with another receiving connector.

FIG. 2illustrates a top view of a second preferred embodiment of a combination hair strap and wrist bracelet device30constructed in accordance with the present invention. The device30includes an elongated flexible strap32having a first end34and an opposed second end36. The strap32is flexible so that it may be wrapped around hair.

The device30includes a double-securing mechanism which includes a protruding connector38extending outward from the first end of the flexible strap32. In the embodiment shown, the protruding connector38is a bead; however, a button, a hook, or similar item might be employed as a protruding connector. The elongated flexible strap32forms a plane prior to installation and use. The protruding connector38extends outward from the first end34of the strap in the same plane.

The double-securing mechanism includes a plurality of receiving connectors40which are spaced apart on and along the elongated flexible strap32.

In the present embodiment, the receiving connectors40form slits similar to a button hole; however, the receiving connectors alternately may be in the form of slots or loops within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The elongated strap32has a pair of opposed sides, one of which is visible inFIG. 2. As will be described herein, at least one of the opposed sides of the strap32provides a frictional engagement surface. The frictional engagement surface assists in engaging the strap with the hair. Velvet or similar material may be used. In addition, at least one of the opposed sides of the flexible strap32includes a decorative surface.

An alternate and optional protruding connector42extends from the opposed second end of the strap32.

FIGS. 3 through 7andFIGS. 8 through 11illustrate sequential views of the installation procedure or method to install and use the device.

As seen inFIG. 3, while the user is holding locks or a bunch of hair which have been gathered in one hand, a first end14of the elongated flexible strap12is wrapped around the locks of hair with the other hand.FIG. 7illustrates this initial step of the procedure from another perspective.

Thereafter, as seen inFIG. 4, the protruding connector18is inserted through one of the receiving connectors20so that the strap surrounds and circumnavigates the locks of hair24and forms a circumference around the hair. One of the receiving connectors20is chosen based on the circumference of the gathered locks of hair24.

FIG. 8illustrates a view of this step in the method after securing of the protruding connector18to the receiving connector20from another perspective.

Thereafter, as seen inFIGS. 5 and 9, the remainder of the elongated strap12is wrapped at least once, and possibly more than once, in order to surround the first end14of the strap and surround the hair in place. Arrow26illustrates the movement of the strap12.FIG. 10illustrates the strap12being wrapped around itself and the hair.

The protruding connector18is then inserted and connected to another of the receiving connectors20to form a double-securing mechanism. The completion of the operation is shown inFIG. 11. The second receiving connector20is chosen based on the circumference of the strap12.

In the event that an alternate protruding connector22is available, the same installation procedure may be utilized starting from the opposed end16of the strap12with the alternate protruding connector22utilized to connect with receiving connectors20for the double-securing mechanism.

FIG. 12illustrates an alternate use of the device. The strap12is brought around a wrist44. Thereafter, the protruding connector18is inserted and connected to one of the receiving connectors in order to form a wrist bracelet. It will be appreciated that the length of the elongated strap is at least as long as the circumference of the wrist.

FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device50includes an elongated strap52having a first end54and an opposed second end56. The device50includes a double-securing mechanism which includes a protruding connector58extending from the first end54of the strap. The protruding connector58extends outward from the first end54of the strap52in the same plane. In the embodiment shown, the protruding connector is a bead; however, a hook or similar item might be employed.

The securing mechanism also includes a plurality of receiving connectors60. In the embodiment shown, the receiving connectors60are in the form of loops or links. The protruding connector58is capable of engaging any of the receiving connectors60.

In yet a further alternate configuration, it is possible to wrap the strap more than twice around the hair, while making a single connection with the protruding connector and a single receiving connector.

Whereas, the invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope of this invention.