Hair Accessory Device

Abstract

A hair accessory device for decorating hair is provided. The hair accessory device comprises at least one bead having a top end, a bottom end, and a first bead half and a second bead half. A hinge mechanism is mounted between the first bead half and the second bead half between the top end and the bottom end of the at least one bead. A releasable locking mechanism releasably secures the first bead half and the second bead half in the closed position. The first bead half and the second bead half are movable from a closed position to an open position to receive at least a portion of the hair and from the open position to the closed position about the at least a portion of the hair. The at least one bead enables an effortless change of the at least one bead.

1 . A hair accessory device for decorating hair, the hair accessory device comprising:
 at least one bead having a top end, a bottom end, and a first bead half and a second bead half;   a hinge mechanism mounted between the first bead half and the second bead half between the top end and the bottom end of the at least one bead; and   a releasable locking mechanism for releasably securing the first bead half and the second bead half in the closed position;   wherein the first bead half and the second bead half are movable from a closed position to an open position to receive at least a portion of the hair and from the open position to the closed position about the at least a portion of the hair; and   wherein the at least one bead enables an effortless change of the at least one bead.   
     
     
         2 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one bead is constructed of a smooth, waterproof, and tarnish resistant enamel material. 
     
     
         3 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one bead is constructed in a wide range of colors, metallic finishes, and neutral hues, as well as adorned with a variety of decorative patterns including vertical and horizontal stripes, water color designs, holiday decor, and imagery etched into or painted onto the surface of the beads. 
     
     
         4 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one bead is elongated, oval, rectangular, and barrel shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the top end and the bottom end are substantially flat. 
     
     
         6 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  and further comprising:
 an aperture formed in the at least one bead from the top end and the bottom end, the aperture extending completely through the at least one bead. 
 
     
     
         7 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the first bead half is identical to the second bead half, the first bead half and the second bead half vertically dividing the at least one bead. 
     
     
         8 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the hinge mechanism a spring hinge. 
     
     
         9 . The hair accessory device of  claim 8  wherein the spring hinge biases the first bead half and the second bead half from the open position into the closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  wherein the releasable locking mechanism is a magnetic latch on the first bead half and the second bead half between the top end and the bottom end of the at least one bead opposite the hinge mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The hair accessory device of  claim 10  wherein the first bead half and the second bead half abut flush against one another in the closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The hair accessory device of  claim 1  and further comprising:
 a series of small tapered tines or ridged edges on an inner surface of the at least one bead. 
 
     
     
         13 . A method for decorating for hair, the method comprising:
 providing at least one bead having a top end, a bottom end, a first bead half and a second bead half;   mounting a hinge mechanism between the first bead half and the second bead half between the top end and the bottom end of the at least one bead;   moving the first bead half and the second bead half from a closed position to an open position;   inserting the hair between the first bead half and the second bead half;   moving the first bead half and the second bead half from the open position to the closed position;   releasably securing the first bead half and the second bead half in the closed position; and   enabling an effortless change of the at least one bead.   
     
     
         14 . A hair accessory device for hair, the hair accessory device comprising:
 at least one bead having a top end, a bottom end, and a first bead half and a second bead half;   an aperture formed in the at least one bead from the top end and the bottom end, the aperture extending completely through the at least one bead;   a spring hinge mechanism mounted between the first bead half and the second bead half between the top end and the bottom end of the at least one bead, the spring hinge biasing the first bead half and the second bead half from the open position into the closed position; and   a releasable locking mechanism for releasably securing the first bead half and the second bead half in the closed position;   wherein the first bead half and the second bead half are movable from a closed position to an open position to receive at least a portion of the hair and from the open position to the closed position about the at least a portion of the hair; and   wherein the at least one bead enables an effortless change of the at least one bead.   
     
     
         15 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one bead is constructed in a wide range of colors, metallic finishes, and neutral hues, as well as adorned with a variety of decorative patterns including vertical and horizontal stripes, water color designs, holiday decor, and imagery etched into or painted onto the surface of the beads. 
     
     
         16 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  wherein the at least one bead is elongated, oval, rectangular, and barrel shaped. 
     
     
         17 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  wherein the top end and the bottom end are substantially flat. 
     
     
         18 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  wherein the first bead half is identical to the second bead half, the first bead half and the second bead half vertically dividing the at least one bead. 
     
     
         19 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  wherein the first bead half and the second bead half abut flush against one another in the closed position. 
     
     
         20 . The hair accessory device of  claim 14  and further comprising:
 a series of small tapered tines or ridged edges on an inner surface of the at least one bead.