Patent Publication Number: US-8528573-B2

Title: Resilient claw hair clip

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/378,681 filed on Aug. 31, 2010 and entitled “Hair Clip.” The entire contents of the above-noted prior filed provisional application are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to hair clips, and more particularly to a resilient claw hair clip. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional hair clips include two claws joined together with a hinge and spring. The two claws are often made of hard plastic. As a result, these claws frequently break into two or more pieces when the conventional hair clip is dropped and/or placed into a user&#39;s hair. The hinge and spring can also snag the hair or hurt the user&#39;s head when even a small amount of pressure is applied on, to, or against the hair clip, rendering conventional hair clips uncomfortable for use, especially during, for example, sleep and exercise. Aside from comfort issues associated with the spring, consumers often dislike the fact that the spring is visible on conventional clips. This, at least in the opinion of some consumers, makes the hair clip appear to be a lower quality or an inexpensive product. In addition, conventional hair clips must also be assembled by hand, such that they are often more expensive to manufacture. 
     In attempts to overcome some of these above-noted problems, conventional hair clips have been modified to include curved claws. The idea behind such a modification was to increase the surface area of the clip that contacts the user&#39;s head. This would, according to the idea, reduce any pain and/or discomfort caused by the clip. This solution did not, however, significantly increase the comfort level of the clip and/or alleviate the above-noted breakage problem. In other known alternative hair clips, the spring has been hidden to make the clip more aesthetically pleasing to the user. These clips are not, however, any more comfortable and/or sturdy than conventional hair clips. U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,159 discloses a hair clip without a spring. Because of the shape and structure of this hair clip, consumers have found the clip disclosed in the &#39;159 patent to be difficult to use and just as uncomfortable as other known conventional hair clips. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a hair retaining clip has a body and first and second claws. The body is of a resilient material and has a dome shape and an outer perimeter. The body includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a body plane defined generally by the perimeter. The body further includes a body axis that is generally central to the body and is oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane. The first and second claws are coupled to and extend from the body in a generally axial direction. The first and second claws are spaced from and generally opposite one another across the body. The hair retaining clip is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the body protrudes from the body plane in an inward axial direction and the first and second claws are separated from one another. In the closed position, portions of the first and second claws overlap one another. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can be coupled to and extend from the inner surface of the body. When the hair retaining clip is in the closed position, the body can protrude from the body plane in an outward axial direction. 
     In one example, the body can pop over-center through the body plane between the open position and the closed position. 
     In one example, the inner surface of the body can have a generally convex shape when the hair retaining clip is in the open position. The outer surface of the body can have a generally convex shape when the hair retaining clip is in the closed position. 
     In one example, the body can have a generally semi-spherical dome shape and the perimeter can be generally circular. 
     In one example, the perimeter can be generally rectangular. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include a base attached to the inner surface of the body near the perimeter, a stalk extending away from the respective base, and a free end. Each of the first and second claws can decrease in thickness between the respective base and free end. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include a plurality of fingers. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include three fingers. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include a plurality of fingers. Each of the plurality of fingers can have a base attached to the inner surface of the body near the perimeter, a stalk extending away from the respective base, and a free end. Each of the plurality of fingers can decrease in thickness between the respective base and free end. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include a plurality of fingers. The first and second claws can each further include a button positioned on one of the plurality of fingers. Each button can define a pressing surface that is configured to assist in moving the hair retaining clip between the open position and the closed position. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can each include a plurality of fingers. One of the plurality of fingers of each of the first and second claws can create a gusset connecting the inner surface of the body to the one finger. 
     In one example, the body can be made of a different material than the first and second claws. 
     In one example, the body can be made of an elastomer and the first and second claws can be made of plastic. 
     In one example, the hair retaining clip can further include a plurality of teeth positioned on the inner surface of the body near the perimeter and between the first and second claws. 
     In one example, the hair retaining clip can further include one or more holes through the body and radially inward of the perimeter. 
     In one example, the hair retaining clip can further include a plurality of holes through the body radially inward of the perimeter and arranged around the axis of the body. 
     In one example, the hair retaining clip can further include an adornment removably coupled to the outer surface of the body. 
     In one example, the hair retaining clip can further include one or more pairs of opposing tabs that extend radially outward from the perimeter. 
     In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a hair clip is movable between an open position and a hair-retaining position. The hair clip has a resilient body, first and second claws, and a gripping portion. The resilient body has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a perimeter. The perimeter defines a body plane. The resilient body also has a body axis that is generally perpendicular to the body plane. The first and second claws are coupled to and extend axially away from the inner surface of the resilient body. The first and second claws are spaced from and generally opposite one another across the body. The gripping portion is positioned on a portion of the hair clip. The gripping portion is configured, when depressed, to move the hair clip from the hair-retaining position to the open position. The resilient body biases the hair clip to the hair retaining position without a separate biasing element. 
     In one example, the first and second claws can include a plurality of fingers with portions that are closely spaced or that overlap one another when the hair clip is in the hair retaining position. 
     In one example, the resilient body can bias the first and second claws away from one another when the hair clip is in the open position. The resilient body can bias the first and second claws toward one another when the hair clip is in the hair-retaining position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view taken along line  2 - 2  of the hair clip of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view taken along line  2 - 2  of the hair clip of  FIG. 1  and moved to a closed or hair-retaining position. 
         FIG. 4  shows the hair clip of  FIG. 1  in the closed or hair-retaining position and secured in a user&#39;s hair. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 6  shows a claw-side perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 8  shows a claw-side perspective view of the hair clip of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 12  shows an end view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in an open position. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the hair clip of  FIG. 12  in the closed or hair-retaining position. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of another example of a hair clip constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in a partly open-position. 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the hair clip of  FIG. 14  in the closed or hair-retaining position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention is generally directed to hair clips that solve or improve upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with known hair clips. The disclosed hair clips, in one example, include a resilient body and first and second claws coupled to and extending from the resilient body. The disclosed hair clips have a body that can bias the hair clip to the hair retaining or closed position without a need for a separate hinge and biasing element, such as a spring, as is typically employed in known hair clips. The disclosed hair clips further can include a gripping portion positioned on a portion of the hair clip. When the gripping portion is depressed, the hair clip is movable from the hair-retaining or closed position to the open position. 
     The disclosed hair clips provide a number of advantages over the prior art. The disclosed hair clips (i) are rigid enough to grip and securely retain hair, (ii) are also resilient or flexible enough on the user&#39;s head when pressure is applied to the clip, (iii) do not include separate and visible springs or hinges, (iv) have no pinch points, which are typically caused by a hinge and/or spring, and (v) have few failure modes. The resulting hair clips are more comfortable than known hair clips. The disclosed hair clips are particularly well suited for instances when conventional hair clips tend to be most uncomfortable, such as when a user is wearing the hair clip while exercising, seated in a car or airplane, or sleeping. The disclosed hair clips may also be more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier and cheaper to manufacture than known hair clips. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  depict one example of a hair retaining clip  100  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the hair clip  100  includes a body  102  and first and second claws  104   a ,  104   b , respectively. The first and second claws  104   a ,  104   b  are coupled to the body  102  as described below and are referred to herein generically as claws  104  and specifically as claws  104   a ,  104   b . A similar convention for reference numbers is used herein with other examples as well. 
     In this example, the body  102  has a generally semi-spherical dome shape and a generally circular outer perimeter  108 . The body  102  is of course not limited to this configuration, as the body  102  can, in other examples, have a generally square, rectangular, or otherwise irregular dome shape and/or a generally rectangular, square, triangular, etc., perimeter. The body  102  in this example includes an inner surface  110  and an outer surface  112  (see  FIG. 2 ). The terms inner and outer are used herein as a matter of convenience and for reference only and related to the hair clip  100  when worn by a user. The inner surface faces the user&#39;s head and the outer surface is exposed and faces away from the user&#39;s head. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the outer perimeter  108  generally lies in a body plane  114 . A body axis  116  generally passes through a center of the body  102  and is oriented generally perpendicular to the body plane  114 . The body plane  114  and axis  116  are defined herein for reference. 
     In this example, the first and second claws  104  are coupled or attached to the inner surface  110  of the body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first and second claws  104  extend from the inner surface  110  in a generally inward (or downward when viewed in  FIG. 2 ) axial direction. The first and second claws  104  are, in this example, spaced from and generally opposite one another across the body  102 . As noted above and as one of ordinary skill in the art will realize, the orientation of the inner and outer surfaces and, likewise, the orientation of the inward and outward axial directions, can be reversed or inverted. For example, in some examples, the inner surface  110  can be referred to as the outer surface. 
     The first and second claws  104  each can include one or more curved fingers  118 . As with the claws, the fingers are referred to generically as  118  and, when specific to a respective one of the claws  104   a  or  104   b , are referred to as  118   a ,  118   b , respectively. In one example (not shown), the first and second claws  104  each can include only one curved finger  118 . In another example, the first and second claws  104  each include a plurality of curved fingers  118 . In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , each of the first and second claws  104  includes three identically sized and shaped fingers  118 . Though not specifically depicted herein, the fingers  118   a  of the first claw  104   a  are staggered or offset from, or relative to, the fingers  118   b  of the second claw  104   b . This is so the fingers  118   a  will overlap, mesh, or intertwine with the fingers  118   b , as described below, when the hair clip  100  is closed. In other examples, the fingers  118  need not be identically shaped and/or sized, as will be described in further detail below, and/or the fingers  118  can be aligned with one another (i.e. not staggered or offset from one another). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each finger  118  also includes a generally thick base  120 , a stalk  122 , and a free end or tip  124  positioned or located radially inward of the rib  119 . The base  120  is attached or connected to the inner surface  110  of the body  102  near or adjacent the outer perimeter  108 . The stalk  122  extends away, in the axial inward direction, from the respective base  120 , and leads to the free end  124 . Each finger  118  in this example decreases in thickness between the respective base  120  and free end  124 . As a result of the curved shape of the fingers  118 , the free end  124  of each finger  118  is also positioned or located further from the body plane  114  than the respective base  120  and stalk  122 . 
     In other examples, the shape, size, and/or orientation of each finger  118 , or the components of each finger  118 —the base  120 , the stalk  122 , and/or the free end  124 —can vary from the example shown. For example, each finger  118  can have a constant thickness, cross-section, or diameter over its length. Each finger  118  can be attached to the body  102  at a different position or location, other than directly adjacent the perimeter  108  on the body  102 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts the hair clip  100  in an open position. When the hair clip  100  is in the open position, the body  102  protrudes or extends from the body plane  114  in the axially inward direction. In this position, the dome shape and the inner surface  110  of the body  102  have a generally convex shape and the outer surface  112  is concave. Further, when the hair clip  100  is in the open position, the first and second claws  104  are biased away, separated, or spaced from one another by the curvature of the body  102 . The first and second claws  104  are able to receive hair within the clip between the spaced apart claws in the open position. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  depict the hair clip  100  in a closed or hair-retaining position. As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the hair clip  100  is in the closed position, the body  102  protrudes or extends from the body plane  114  in an axially outward direction. In this position, the outer surface  112  of the body  102  has a generally convex shape and the inner surface  110  is concave. Further, in the closed position, the first and second claws  104  are biased toward one another by the resilient body  102 . The free ends  124  of the fingers  118   a  are closely spaced to or overlap or intersect the free ends  124  of the fingers  118   b  such that the fingers have no gap between them. As a result, hair-retaining spaces  126  are formed between the adjacent overlapping fingers  118 . Also, a hair tunnel (not shown) is defined between the inner surface  110  of the body  102  and the closed fingers  118 . When the hair clip  100  is in the closed position and is secured to or retained within a user&#39;s hair, the user&#39;s hair is received within the gaps  126  and the tunnel and is securely grasped or retained by the fingers  118 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The hair clip  100  is movable between the open position of  FIG. 2  and the closed position of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Movement between the open position and the closed position can be accomplished, for example, by depressing a gripping portion or one or more pressure points positioned or located on a portion of the hair clip  100 . In this example, the hair clip includes a pressure point  130  positioned or located on the dome of the body  102 . In this example, the pressure point  130  is on or about at the center of the dome, i.e., at about the location of the body axis  116 . When the pressure point  130  is depressed, the dome shape of the body  102  inverts or pops either axially inward or axially outward, which causes the hair clip  100  to move to the open or closed position, respectively, as desired. 
     More specifically, to move the hair clip  100  from the open position ( FIG. 2 ) to the closed position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the gripping portion  130  is on the inner surface  110  and is depressed by applying a force to or pushing the body in the axially outward direction. In turn, the dome inverts, i.e. it reverses or pops inside out, in the axially outward direction over-center through the body plane  114 . This causes the first and second claws  104  and, more particularly, the fingers  118  to move from the open position ( FIG. 2 ) inward and toward one another to the closed position ( FIG. 3 ). This is because the inner surface  110 , to which the fingers  118  are attached, changes from a convex curvature to a concave curvature. 
     Conversely, to move the hair clip  100  from the closed position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  to the open position shown in  FIG. 2 , the pressure point  130  is depressed by applying a force to or pushing on the body in the axially inward direction. In turn, the dome inverts, i.e. it reverses or pops inside out, in the axially inward direction and over-center through the body plane  114 . This causes the first and second claws  104  and, more particularly, the fingers  118  to move from the closed position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) outward and away from one another to the open position ( FIG. 2 ). This is because the inner surface  110 , to which the fingers  118  are attached, changes from a concave curvature to a convex curvature. If the clip  100  was previously secured in the user&#39;s hair, the clip can, as a result of the movement to the open position, be removed from the user&#39;s hair. 
     In other examples, the exact details regarding the open position, closed position, and/or movement between the open position and the closed position for the hair clip  100  can vary and yet the hair clip can still perform its intended purpose. Several alternate examples of hair clips are described to illustrate a few such variations. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, the hair clip  100  can be made from one material. Likewise, the hair clip  100 , particularly the body  102 , the first and second claws  104 , and/or the gripping portions or pressure points  130 , can be made from two or more different materials. 
       FIG. 5  depicts another example of a hair clip  200  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the hair clip  200  includes a body  202  and first and second claws  204   a ,  204   b . The body  202  in this example has a dome shape that is similar, but not identical, to the dome shape of the hair clip  100  described above. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the body  202  also includes a generally rectangular perimeter  208 . The first and second claws  204  in this example are similar to the first and second claws  104  described above. The first and second claws  204  are coupled to the body  202  just as the first and second claws  104  are coupled to the body  102 . In other examples, though, the body  202  can be coupled to the first and second claws  204  differently than disclosed herein and yet still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  depicts another example of a hair clip  250  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the hair clip  250  includes a body  252  and first and second claws  254   a ,  254   b . The body  252  is essentially the same as the body  102  described above for the hair clip  100  and has the same components referenced by common reference numbers. Thus, no further details regarding the body  252  are described herein. The first and second claws  254  are coupled to the body  252  just as the first and second claws  104  are coupled to the body  102 , as described above. In this example, each of the first and the second claws  254   a ,  254   b  includes two corresponding curved fingers  256   a ,  256   b  and a modified curved finger  258   a ,  258   b  centrally located or positioned between the two corresponding fingers  256   a ,  256   b . The fingers  256  and  258  are attached or coupled to the body  102  just as the fingers  118  are attached or coupled to the body  102  of the hair clip  100 , as described above. In other examples, the fingers  256  and  258  can be arranged differently. For example, one of the fingers  256  can be centrally located or positioned between the other of the fingers  256  and the modified finger  258  on each of the first and second claws  254   a ,  254   b . In other examples, the hair clip  250  can include two, three, or more of the modified fingers  258 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , each finger  256  in this example includes a radially outward facing rib  260  that extends along the length of the finger. The rib  260  is attached to the inner surface  110  of the body  252  at or about the outer perimeter  108  of the body. Each finger  256  also includes a base  262 , a stalk  264 , and a free end or tip  266  positioned or located radially inward of the rib  260 . The base  262 , which is thinner than the base  120  of the hair clip  100  described above, is attached to the inner surface  110  of the body  252 . The stalk  264  extends away, in the axial inward direction, from the respective base  262 , and leads to the free end  266 . As a result of the curved shape of the fingers  256 , the free end  266  of each finger  256  is also positioned or located further from the body plane  114  than the respective base  262  and stalk  264 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each finger  256  also includes an inward facing surface  268  that is radially inward of the rib  260 , the base  262 , the stalk  264 , and the tip  266 , and, like the rib  260 , extends along the length of the finger. 
     Like the fingers  256 , each finger  258  is curved. Each finger  258 , however, has a different configuration between base and tip than the fingers  256 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , each modified finger  258  includes a radially outward facing rib  270  that extends along the length of the finger. The rib  270  is attached to the inner surface  110  of the body  252  at or about the outer perimeter  108  of the body. Each modified finger  258  also includes a thick base  272 , a stalk  274 , and a free end or tip  276  positioned or located radially inward of the rib  270 . The base  272 , which is thicker than the base  120  of the hair clip  100  and the base  262  of the hair clip  250  described above, is attached to the inner surface  110  of the body  252 . The stalk  274 , which is thicker and has a greater curvature than the stalk  122  of the hair clip  100  and the stalk  264  of the hair clip  250  described above, extends away, in the axial inward direction, from the respective base  272 , and leads to the free end  276 . Each modified finger  258  in this example decreases in thickness between the respective base  272  and free end  276 . As a result of the curved shape of the fingers  258 , the free end  276  of each finger  258  is also positioned or located further from the body plane  114  than the respective base  272  and stalk  274 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , each finger  258  also includes an inward facing surface  278  that is radially inward of the rib  270 , the base  272 , the stalk  274 , and the tip  276 , and, like the rib  270 , extends along the length of the finger. 
     In one example, the fingers  256  and  258  can be made of the same material as one another and the body  252 . In another example, the fingers  258  can be made from a different material than the body  252  and/or the fingers  256 , further details of which are provided below. 
     As a result of their size and shape, the base  272  and the stalk  274  of each modified finger  258  in this example form or define a generally triangular-shaped gusset. The gusset is configured to help invert or pop the dome of the body  102  when it is desired to move the hair clip  250  from the closed position to the open position (or vice-versa). 
     In another example, shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a hair clip  330 , quite similar to the hair clip  250 , can include one or more gripping portions or pressure points positioned or located on one of opposed pair of the fingers  256  or  258 . In this example, the hair clip  330  has the same body  252  and claws  254  as the hair clip  250 . The flanking fingers  256  are also the same. However, the central, modified fingers  332  in this example are different from the fingers  258 . Each finger  332  includes the same rib  270 , base  272 , stalk  274 , and free end  276  as the finger  258  described above, but each finger  332  in this example also includes circular gripping portions  334   a ,  334   b  (not shown) positioned or located on an exterior or radially outermost surface of the rib  270  of the modified fingers  332   a ,  332   b  (not shown). The gripping portions  334   a ,  334   b  define circular pressing surfaces  336 , opposite one another across the claws  254 , configured to assist in moving the hair retaining clip  330  between the open position and the closed position. 
     In other examples, the gripping portions can be rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. The gripping portions  330  also need not be positioned or located on the modified fingers  332 . Alternatively, the gripping portion  330  can be positioned or located on one of the pair of fingers  256  of the hair clip  250  or  330 . Further yet, each of the fingers  256 ,  258 , and  332  can include the gripping portions  330  on the clips  250  or  330  in order to further assist a user in moving the hair retaining clips between the open position and the closed position. As with the fingers  258 , the modified fingers  332  can, in one example, be made from a different material than the body  252  and/or the fingers  256 . Alternatively, the fingers  256 ,  258 , and  332  can be made from a different material than the body  252 . Further details regarding the materials of these components are provided below. 
     In this example, the hair clip  330  can also include a plurality of teeth configured to aid in holding or gripping the user&#39;s hair when the hair clip is in the in-use position. In the example shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the hair clip  330  includes a first set of teeth  340   a  and a second set of teeth  340   b . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first set of teeth  340   a  is spaced apart and opposite from the second set  340   b  another across the body  252 . In this example, each tooth  342  of the first and second sets  340   a ,  340   b  is positioned on and extends in the inward axial direction from the inner surface  110  of the body  252  near the perimeter  108  of the body. Each set of teeth  340   a ,  340   b  is positioned between the first and second claws  254  as shown in  FIG. 8 . In other examples, the hair clip  330  can include more or less sets of teeth  340  and/or the sets of teeth can include more or less teeth  342  than what is depicted herein. Moreover, the sets of teeth  340  can be positioned or arranged differently relative to the body  252  and/or to one another. In one example, the teeth  342  can be made from a different material than the body  252  and/or the first and second claws  254 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     In another example, shown in  FIG. 9 , a hair clip  348  is essentially identical to the hair clip  100  and has the same components referenced by common reference numbers. The hair clip  348  has one or more holes  350  through the body  102  and radially inward of the perimeter  108 . In the example depicted by  FIG. 9 , the hair clip  348  includes a plurality of the holes  350  through the body  102 . The holes  350  in this example are circumferentially arranged around the body axis  116 . In other examples, the shape and/or size of the holes  350  can vary. Likewise, the one or more holes  350  can be arranged differently relative to the body axis  116  and/or the center of the body  102 . The holes  350  can be provided as an ornamental or aesthetic enhancement and/or to reduce the amount of raw material needed to make the hair clip  348 . The holes  350  may also be strategically placed to affect or improve the over-center function of the body  102 . 
     In another example, shown in  FIG. 10 , a hair clip  358 , also quite similar to the hair clip  100 , can include an adornment  360  coupled or attached to the body  102  to provide a more fashionable and trendy hair clip. In this example, the adornment  360  can be removably coupled or attached to the outer surface  112  of the body  102 . The adornment  360  can be snapped, clipped, glued, or otherwise secured to the outer surface  112  or any other part of the body  102 . Since the adornment  360  is coupled to the outer surface  112 , the adornment is on the outward facing side of the body  102  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Though not specifically depicted herein, the adornment  360  can be removed from the body  102  and replaced with other adornments having a different design, color scheme, and/or size. As a result, a number of adornments can be interchangeably used with the hair clip  358  to alter its appearance. The adornment  360  can also be made from a different material than the body  102 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     In another example, shown in  FIG. 11 , a hair clip  368  can include one or more pairs of opposing tabs  370  that extend radially outward from the perimeter  108 . The tabs  370  can be multi-purpose elements. In one example, the tabs  370  can provide alternative gripping portions or pressure points to facilitate moving of the hair clip between the open position and the closed position. In the example depicted by  FIG. 11 , two pairs of opposing tabs  370  are positioned circumferentially around and extend radially outward from the outer perimeter  108 . Each tab  370  in this example has a generally semi-circular shape and an aperture  372  formed through the tab. In other examples, the tabs  370  can vary in size and/or shape and/or the tabs need not include the aperture  372 . In other examples, the tabs  370  can serve an ornamental purpose. The tabs  370  can include any number of designs or colors to alter the appearance of the hair clip  368 . In one example, the tabs  370  can be made from a different material than the body  102 , further details of which will be provided below. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  depict another example of a hair clip  400  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the hair clip  400  includes a body  402  and first and second claws  404   a ,  404   b . The body  402  includes an inner surface  406  and an outer surface  408 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the body  402  is substantially or generally flat and has a rectangular shape. The body  402  has a pair of lengthwise side edges  410  and a pair of end edges  411 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the body  402  also includes a pair of catches  413  that project or extend from the inner surface at or near each lengthwise side edge  410 . In this example, the body  402  is made of a resilient material that can bend but will spring back to its normally flat-shape when any load is released. 
     In this example, the first and second claws  404   a ,  404   b  each have an S-like shape formed or defined by a widthwise bridge  414  and a plurality of fingers  412  extending from the bridge. Each bridge  414  is coupled or attached to the inner surface  406  of the body  402 . Each bridge  414  includes an outer surface  418  (see  FIG. 13 ) and an inner surface  420  (see  FIG. 12 ). An outermost or perimeter edge  422  of the outer surface  418  of the bridge  414  is coupled or attached to the inner surface  406  along a respective one of the lengthwise side edges  410  of the body  402 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The bridges  414  also each include an aperture (not shown) configured to receive and retain a respective catch  413  to secure the body  402  to the bridges  414 .  FIG. 12  illustrates how each catch  413  extends through the corresponding aperture. Of course, in other examples, the body  402  and the bridges  414  can be integrally molded (to form a one-piece structure) or can be connected together in any number of ways. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , each bridge  414  defines a gripping portion  424  on the inner surface  420 . Each gripping portion  424  provides a user with a comfortable gripping surface and a means for initiating movement of the clip from the closed position ( FIG. 13 ) to the open position ( FIG. 12 ), as will be described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , each bridge  414  extends in the axially inward direction and leads to the plurality of fingers  412 . The fingers  412  on each of the first and second claws  404  in this example are identically shaped and sized. The curved fingers  412   a  of the first claw  404   a  are staggered or offset from, or relative to, the fingers  412   b  of the second claw  404   b . This is so the fingers  412   a  will overlap, mesh, or intertwine with the fingers  412   b , as described below, when the hair clip  400  is closed. 
     Each curved finger  412  in this example has a base  426 , a stalk  428 , and a free end  430 . The base  426  is coupled to an innermost edge  432  of the bridge  414  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The stalk  428  extends away from the respective base  426  and leads to the free end  430 . Each curved finger  412  in this example maintains a relatively consistent thickness throughout, though the base  414  is a bit wider than the free end  416 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts the hair clip  400  in the open position. To maintain the clip  400  in the open position, the gripping portions  424  are depressed and squeezed toward one another as shown. In the open position, the body  402  is bent along its length and forms a “U” shape in comparison to the generally flat shape of the body with the clip  400  in the closed position (see  FIG. 13 ). Accordingly, the first and second claws  404  and, more particularly, the fingers  412 , are separated or spaced apart from one other. The first and second claws  404  are thus ready to receive a user&#39;s hair. 
       FIG. 13  shows the hair clip  400  in the closed or hair-retaining position. When the clip  400  is in the closed position, the body  402  is substantially flat, as noted above. The first and second claws  404   a ,  404   b  and, more particularly, the free ends  430  of the respective fingers  412   a ,  412   b  overlap, cross, or mesh with one another such that the fingers close the gap previously therebetween. When the user inserts the hair clip  400  into his/her hair and the hair clip is closed, the free ends  430  of the fingers  412  grasp and retain the user&#39;s hair. 
     To move the clip from the open position ( FIG. 12 ) to the closed position ( FIG. 13 ), the gripping portions  424  need only be released. In turn, the body  402  will spring back to its substantially flat resting shape. This moves the curved fingers  412   a  of the first claw  404   a  and the fingers  412   b  of the second claw  404   b  back toward one another until the fingers reach the position shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     In other examples, the size, shape, and/or orientation of the body  402 , the fingers  412   a ,  412   b , and the gripping portions  424  can vary yet still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the body  402  need not be substantially flat, the fingers  412   a ,  412   b  can have or maintain a different shape or have a variable thickness throughout, and/or the gripping portions  424  can be positioned elsewhere or arranged differently on the body  402 . Further yet, the exact details regarding the open position, closed position, and/or movement between the open position and the closed position for the hair clip  400  can vary and yet the hair clip can still perform its intended purpose. As will be described in greater detail below, the hair clip  400  can be made from one material. Likewise, the hair clip  400 , particularly the body  402 , the first and second claws  404 , and/or the gripping portions  424 , can be made from two or more different materials. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  depict yet another example of a hair clip  500  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example, the hair clip  500  includes a body  502  and first and second claws  504   a ,  504   b . The first and second claws  504  are generally coupled or attached to the body  502 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 15 , the body  502  in this example is slightly curved instead of being flat in its at rest or natural state. The body  502  has a generally rectangular outer frame  506  surrounding an interior opening  508 . The perimeter frame  506  has a pair of lengthwise sides  510  and a pair of widthwise ends  512 . As with the body  102  and the body  402 , the body  502  is made of a resilient material that can bend but will return to its natural state such that it biases the hair clip  500  to the closed or in-use position shown in  FIG. 15 . The body  502  also includes an inner surface  514  and an outer surface  516  (see  FIG. 14 ). As shown in  FIG. 15 , the sides of the perimeter frame  506  generally define a body plane  518 . 
     In this example, the first and second claws  504  are coupled or attached to the sides  510  of the body  502 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the first and second claws  504  have bridges  519   a ,  519   b  and fingers  522   a ,  522   b  extending therefrom. The bridges  519   a ,  519   b  lie along inside edges of the sides  510  in the interior opening  510 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , a gripping portion  520  is formed by each of the sides  510  of the inner surface  514  of the body  502 . Each gripping portion  520  provides a user with a comfortable gripping surface and a means for initiating movement of the clip from the closed position ( FIG. 15 ) to the open position ( FIG. 14 ), as described in greater detail below. 
     The first and second claws  504   a ,  504   b  can each generally include one or more of the curved fingers  522   a ,  522   b . In this example, the first and second claws  504  each include three identically sized and shaped curved fingers  522 . As seen in  FIG. 15 , the fingers  522  of the first claw  504  are staggered or offset from, or relative to, the fingers  522  of the second claw  504 . This is so the fingers  522   a  will overlap, mesh, or intertwine with the fingers  522   b , as described below, when the hair clip  500  is closed 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , each finger  522  in this example has a generally thick base  526 , a stalk  528 , and a free end or tip  530 . The base  526  is attached or coupled to its respective bridge  519  defining part of the inner surface  514  on the body  502  and near the frame  506 . The stalk  528  extends away, in the axial inward direction, from the respective base  526 , and leads to the free end  530 . Like each finger  118  of the above-described hair clip  100 , each finger  522  decreases in thickness between the respective base  526  and the free end  530 . As a result of the curved shape of the fingers  522 , the free end  530  of each finger is also positioned or located further from the body plane  518  than the respective base  526  and stalk  528 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts the hair clip  500  in the open position. To maintain the clip  500  in the open position, the gripping portions  520  are depressed and squeezed toward one another as shown by the arrows. In the open position, ends  512  of the body  502  are bent and form a “U” shape along the length of the body. The body  502  thus protrudes from the body plane  518  in an outward axial direction. Accordingly, the first and second claws  504  and, more particularly, the stalks  526  and the free ends  530  of the fingers  522 , are separated or spaced apart from one other. The first and second claws  504  are thus ready to receive a user&#39;s hair. 
       FIG. 15  shows the hair clip  500  in the closed position where the body  502  is slightly curved, as described above. The first and second claws  504  and, more particularly, the free ends  530   a  of the fingers  522   a  overlap, intersect, or mesh with the free ends  530   b  of the fingers  522   b . When closed, the free ends  530  of the fingers  522  align with one another about the same distance outward from the body plane  518 . As a result, the fingers  522   a  and  522   b  close the widthwise gap therebetween when closed. When the user inserts the hair clip  500  into his/her hair and the hair clip is closed, the free ends  530  grasp and retain the user&#39;s hair. 
     To move the clip from the open position ( FIG. 14 ) to the closed position ( FIG. 15 ), the gripping portions  520  need only be released. In turn, the ends  512  of the body  502  straighten or return to their natural, substantially flat shape. This moves the curved fingers  522   a  of the first claw  504   a  and the fingers  522   b  of the second claw  504   b  toward one another until the curved fingers reach the closed, meshed position shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     In other examples, the size, shape, and/or orientation of the body  502 , the gripping portions  520 , and/or the fingers  522  can vary yet still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the body  502  can be flat, the frame perimeter  506  can be circular, the gripping portions  520  can be positioned elsewhere or arranged differently on the body  502 , and the fingers  522  can have or maintain a different shape or have a variable thickness throughout. The frame shape  506  can also define a differently shaped opening, even one having a desired aesthetic appearance. Further yet, the exact details regarding the open position, closed position, and/or movement between the open position and the closed position for the hair clip  500  can vary and yet the clip can still perform its intended purpose. As will be described in greater detail below, the hair clip  500  can be made from one material. Likewise, the hair clip  500 , particularly the body  502 , the first and second claws  504 , and/or the gripping portions  520 , can be made from two or more different materials. 
     The hair clips  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  330 ,  348 ,  358 ,  368 ,  400 , and/or  500  can each be made from one or more than one material. In one example, the hair clip  100 —including the body  102  and the first and second claws  104 —can be made entirely of or from one material. For example, the entire hair clip  100  can be molded from a soft material such as plastic, rubber, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or the like. In such examples, the fingers, bodies, and bridges, if any, would be formed as a single, integrated, unitary, and homogenous structure. 
     In other examples, the hair clips  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  330 ,  348 ,  358 ,  368 ,  400 , and/or  500  can be made from two or more different materials. In one example, the body  102  of the hair clip  100 , particularly the dome, can be made from a first material and the first and second claws  104  of the hair clip  100  can be made from a second material that is harder or more rigid than the first material. For example, the dome can be molded from an elastomer, such as TPE, and the first and second claws  104  can be made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene (e.g., linear low polyethylene), ABS, polystyrene, or polycarbonate, that is harder than the elastomer body. The resultant clip can be dual molded from the two different materials, thereby producing an integral, unitary structure that is not homogenous. Such a configuration can permit the body  102  to flexibly move between the open and closed positions, can prevent components of the hair clip  100  from being easily broken, but can still allow the claws  104  to penetrate and securely grip a user&#39;s hair. 
     In another example, the hair clip  100  or any of the other hair clip examples can be over-molded or dual-injection molded with two different materials. For example, a pliable material, such as polypropylene, santoprene, or TPE, can be molded over a body made of a more rigid material, such as spring steel. The overmold can provide a pleasing tactile feel, look, and/or texture. 
     In these examples, a TPE having a durometer between 60 and 90 can be used. A softer TPE, having a durometer of less than sixty 60, may not provide sufficient clamping force necessary to penetrate and securely grip the user&#39;s hair. On the other hand, a harder TPE, having a durometer of greater than ninety 90, may be susceptible to tearing and/or may not sufficiently bias the first and second claws  104  in the open and/or closed position. In one example, a TPE having a durometer of 84 can be used. This can provide the hair clip  100  with the flexibility necessary to move between the open and closed position and the rigidity necessary for durability and to to securely retain or grip hair. 
     One having ordinary skill in the art will come to realize that the hair clips  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  330 ,  348 ,  358 ,  368 ,  400 , and/or  500 , and the components of each of these hair clips can be made of one or more of these materials, or a variation thereof, and still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The hair clips  100 ,  200 ,  250 ,  330 ,  348 ,  358 ,  368 ,  400 , and/or  500  can be manufactured in any number of ways. For example, the disclosed hair clips can be metal stamped, molded, fastened, or otherwise suitably manufactured. 
     Although certain hair clips and features thereof have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.