Hair Clip with Friction Member

Abstract

A hair retaining clip includes a base, a locking arm, a hinge, and a locking mechanism. The base includes a first end, a second end and a first elongate section that is resiliently movable relative to the base. The locking arm includes a first end, a second end, and a second elongate section that operatively engages the first elongate section in a closed position. The hinge is disposed on and pivotally connects the first ends of the base and the locking arm. The locking mechanism is disposed on the second ends of the base and the locking arm for locking the clip in a closed position. At least one of the first and second elongate sections are entirely constructed from a high friction material.

1 - 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 : A hair retaining clip, comprising: 
 a base having a first end and a second end, the base including a first elongate section that is resiliently movable relative to the base;    a locking arm having a first end and a second end, the locking arm including a second elongate section, wherein the first elongate section operatively engages the second elongate section in a closed position;    a hinge disposed on the first ends of the base and the locking arm, thereby pivotally connecting the base and the locking arm;    a locking mechanism disposed on the second end of the base for locking the clip in a closed position; and    a gripping portion permanently attached to at least one of the first and second elongate sections.    
   
   
       6 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 5 , wherein the gripping portion is over-molded with one of the first and second elongate sections.  
   
   
       7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 : A hair retaining clip for securing a bundle of hair, comprising: 
 a base having a first end and a second end;    a locking arm having a first end and a second end;    a hinge pivotally connecting the first end of the base to the first end of the locking arm such that the locking arm is movable between an open position and a closed position;    a locking mechanism connected to the base proximate the second end of the base and configured to releasably engage the second end of the locking arm when the locking arm is moved to the closed position to retain the locking arm in the closed position; and    a cover operatively connected to the base and having an inner surface disposed facing the locking arm when the locking arm is in the closed position, with the cover being configured to engage strands of the bundle of hair disposed between the cover and the locking arm to retain the hair clip on the bundle of hair.    
   
   
       9 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 8 , wherein the material from which the cover is constructed has a greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the material from which the base is constructed.  
   
   
       10 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 8 , wherein the inner surface of the cover has a geometry having a greater surface area than the inner surface would have if the inner surface were flat.  
   
   
       11 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 8 , wherein the inner surface of the cover includes a plurality of ridges facing the locking arm when the locking arm is in the closed position.  
   
   
       12 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 8 , wherein the cover comprises a sheath surrounding the base and being disposed between the hinge and the locking mechanism.  
   
   
       13 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 8 , comprising a spring member connected to the base and resiliently movable relative to the base, and wherein the cover comprises a sheath surrounding the spring member.  
   
   
       14 : A hair retaining clip for securing a bundle of hair, comprising: 
 a base having a first end and a second end;    a locking arm having a first end and a second end;    a hinge pivotally connecting the first end of the base to the first end of the locking arm such that the locking arm is movable between an open position and a closed position;    a locking mechanism connected to the base proximate the second end of the base and configured to releasably engage the second end of the locking arm when the locking arm is moved to the closed position to retain the locking arm in the closed position; and    a cover operatively connected to the locking arm and having an inner surface disposed facing the base when the locking arm is in the closed position, with the cover being configured to engage strands of the bundle of hair disposed between the cover and the locking arm to retain the hair clip on the bundle of hair.    
   
   
       15 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 14 , wherein the material from which the cover is constructed has a greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the material from which the locking arm is constructed.  
   
   
       16 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 14 , wherein the inner surface of the cover has a geometry having a greater surface area than the inner surface would have if the inner surface were flat.  
   
   
       17 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 14 , wherein the inner surface of the cover includes a plurality of ridges facing the base when the locking arm is in the closed position.  
   
   
       18 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 14 , wherein the cover comprises a sheath surrounding the locking arm and being disposed between the hinge and the locking mechanism when the locking arm is in the closed position.  
   
   
       19 : The hair retaining clip of  claim 14 , comprising a spring member connected to the locking arm and resiliently movable relative to the locking arm, and wherein the cover comprises a sheath surrounding the spring member.