Headband with 360-degree glitter pattern

Abstract

A headband or head cover including an elastic glitter or plain ribbon, a top portion of which forms the outside of the headband, where the elastic glitter or plain ribbon has a substantially 360-degree glitter pattern. The headband further includes a stretch velvet ribbon, a bottom portion of which forms the inside of the headband. The elastic glitter or plain ribbon is attached to the stretch velvet ribbon using a stretch and stitch method. The bottom of the stretch velvet ribbon includes a velvet-like material that forms a gripping portion. The outside of the headband includes a 360-degree view with no break. The inside of the headband includes 360-degree gripping portion with no break.

Claims

1. A headband comprising: an elongated piece of elastic material, a top portion of which defines an outside surface of the headband, wherein the elongated piece of elastic material is formed of a uniform elastic material defined by a length extending between opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end of the elongated piece of elastic material is directly connected to the second end of the elongated piece of elastic material; an elongated piece of stretch velvet material having a top and bottom surface, the bottom surface defining an inside surface of the headband, and the top surface directly contacts the elongated piece of elastic material along the entirety of the top surface of the elongated piece of stretch velvet material, wherein the elongated piece of stretch velvet material has a uniform elasticity defined by a length of velvet material extending between opposed first and second ends, stitching directly attaching the elongated piece of elastic material to the elongated piece of stretch velvet material along the length of the elongated piece of elastic material and the elongated piece of stretch velvet material, wherein the stitching is configured to maintain the elasticity of the elongated piece of elastic material and the elongated piece of stretch velvet material, wherein the first end of the elongated piece of stretch velvet material is directly connected to the second end of the elongated piece of stretch velvet material, such that the elongated piece of elastic material and the elongated piece of stretch velvet material create a 360-degree elastic headband, and wherein the bottom portion of the elongated piece of stretch velvet material is configured to grip hair of a user when the headband is worn by the user.

2. The headband of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece of elastic material comprises an elastic ribbon.

3. The headband of claim 2, wherein the elongated piece of elastic material comprises an elastic glitter ribbon.

4. The headband of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece of stretch velvet material comprises a stretch velvet ribbon.

5. The headband of claim 1, wherein the elongated piece of elastic material and the elongated piece of stretch velvet material have the same width.

6. The headband of claim 1, wherein the stitching comprises stretch-and-stitch stitching.

7. The headband of claim 1, wherein the stitching comprises a continuous row of stitching extending from the first end of both pieces of material to the second end of both pieces of material.

8. The headband of claim 7, comprising multiple, parallel rows of stitching.

9. The headband of claim 1, wherein the stitching is visible on the top surface of the headband.

10. The headband of claim 1, wherein the stitching directly connects a bottom portion of the elongated piece of elastic material and the top portion of the elongated piece of stretch velvet material.

11. The headband of claim 1, wherein the stretch velvet material comprises nylon and elastomer.

12. A headband comprising: an elastic ribbon, a top portion of which defines an outside surface of the headband, wherein the elastic ribbon is formed of a uniform elastic material defined by a length extending between opposed first and second ends, wherein the first end of the elastic ribbon is directly connected to the second end of the elastic ribbon; a stretch velvet ribbon having a uniform elasticity defined by a length of velvet material extending a length between opposed first and second ends, a bottom surface of which defines an inside surface of the headband, and a top surface of which directly contacts the elastic ribbon along an entirety of the top surface of the stretch velvet ribbon, stitching directly attaching the elastic ribbon to the stretch velvet ribbon along the length of the elastic ribbon and the stretch velvet ribbon, wherein the stitching is configured to maintain the elasticity of the elastic ribbon and the stretch velvet ribbon; wherein the first end of the stretch velvet ribbon is directly connected to the second end of the stretch velvet ribbon, such that the elastic ribbon and the stretch velvet ribbon create a 360-degree elastic headband.

13. The headband of claim 12, wherein the elastic ribbon comprises an elastic glitter ribbon.

14. The headband of claim 12, wherein the elastic ribbon and the stretch velvet ribbon have the same width.

15. The headband of claim 12, wherein the stitching comprises stretch-and-stitch stitching.

16. The headband of claim 12, wherein the stitching comprises a continuous row of stitching extending from the first end of both ribbons to the second end of both ribbons.

17. The headband of claim 12, comprising multiple, parallel rows of stitching.

18. The headband of claim 12, wherein the stitching is visible on the top surface of the headband.

19. The headband of claim 12, wherein the stitching directly connects a bottom portion of the elastic ribbon and the top portion of the stretch velvet ribbon.

20. The headband of claim 12, wherein the stretch velvet ribbon comprises nylon and elastomer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred features of embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top/side perspective view of a first embodiment of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern on the outside thereof;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front side view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear side view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1:

(5) FIG. 4 is a left side view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a right side view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern as shown in FIG. 1, showing the stretch velvet ribbon and the elastic glitter ribbon; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern.

(10) FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a headband including two or more different colored metallic threading ribbons and/or metallic yarn forming patterns.

(11) FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a headband including a logo printed thereon.

(12) FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a headband including writing or indicia printed thereon.

(13) FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a headband including ribbon with a bow or flower attachment.

(14) FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bandana or other type of headband with a Lycra outer material and velvet on the inside and around the headband.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) The embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

(16) In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. Additionally, in the following description, it is understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

(17) Preferred features of the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. The figures filed herewith generally depict a headband that includes non-slip, no headache and non-snag properties with a preferred 360-degree glitter pattern. Specifically, the figures filed herewith show a headband that: improves grip on a wearer's head because of its non-slip features, prevents headband headaches, offers advantages in preventing snagging in a wearer's hair, and provides an aesthetically appealing headband with a preferred 360-degree glitter pattern, while providing the non-slip, no headache, non-snag features described herein. Applicant, as her own lexicographer, notes that the use of “substantially 360-degree glitter pattern” in the claims includes headbands with 270 degrees (e.g., three quarters of 360 degrees) to 360 degrees of glitter. In addition, Applicant, as her own lexicographers, further notes that “glitter” does not mean that glitter resides on the surface of a material to cause the headband to sparkle brightly but it means the materials and patterns used in the headband cause it to sparkle. For example, a “glitter pattern” according to the aspects of the present invention includes a ribbon with metallic threading and/or metallic yarn that gives the appearance of glitter.

(18) As shown in the accompanying figures, the design for a non-slip, no headache, non-snag headband with a 360-degree glitter pattern of the embodiments of the present invention include a band with a 360-degree view of a glitter pattern with no “break” like other headbands known in the art. One of the characteristic features of the design of the headband of the present invention resides in the glitter pattern that completely encircles the headband. In the accompanying figures, the glitter pattern is shown as specks of black and white that encircle the entire headband on the outside thereof.

(19) The embodiments of the present invention include a non-slip, no headache, non-snag headband that does not cause a headache and can withstand extreme conditions that may be experienced during running/exercising or the like. The headband of the embodiments of the present invention work from both a visual and utility perspective. The width of the headband in the embodiments of the present invention may vary. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention the width of the headband is ⅜-inch, and in a different embodiment of the present invention the width of the headband is ⅝-inch. However, one skilled in the art will readily understand that the sizes of the headband may vary from those specifically described herein and that the embodiments of the present invention are in no way limited to a certain size/width. For example, the “headband” as referred to in this patent application may include a bandana that covers a greater surface of a user's head than a ⅜ inch or ⅝ inch headband as long as the bandana is made by the novel “stretch and stitch” method recited in the claims and described herein. Additionally, the embodiments of the present invention may be colored in numerous colors and color combinations.

(20) As depicted in the figures, the headband 1 of an embodiment of the present invention is made from an elastic glitter ribbon 2 stitched onto a stretch velvet ribbon 3 using a stretch and stitch method. In the stretch and stitch method, both ribbons 2, 3 are stretched out a certain distance as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art noting that it is difficult to quantity the force, pressure or metrics used to “stretch” the headband before stitching as such stretching is being done, at least at this point, by a seamstress or person skilled in the art of needle point that first stretches the ribbon before stitching the ribbon together. The “stretch and stitch” method as recited in the claims and described herein maintains the elasticity of the two ribbons. The stretch and stitch method of joining the ribbons provides for the most reliability, durability, and visual appeal. If a standard stitch was used to join the two ribbons, the elasticity of the two ribbons would decrease or be taken away entirely, and/or the stitching would snap. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stitch/thread 4 is visible on the outside of the headband 1. Although the headbands as described herein are made by hand, it is understood that claim recitations in patent applications cover future, prospective designs including machines deployed in the future to “stretch and stitch” the two ribbons. Also, automated methods and machines may be used for cutting and cleaning processes such as used for loose threads.

(21) In a preferred example, a first circle is made using the elastic glitter ribbon 2 or a plain elastic ribbon and a second circle is made using the velvet ribbon 3. In this first step, the ends of the elastic glitter ribbon 2 are connected to make the first elastic ribbon circle, and the ends of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 are connected to make the second velvet ribbon circle. In a second step, the circles are put together such that one is on the outside and the other is on the inside. In a third step, the circles are stretched as they are sewn or attached together, and stretched simultaneously during the sewing or attachment process, such that the circles are stretched as the needle hits the ribbons. The outside of the headband 1 may have a 360-degree view of the glittery appearance 5 with no “break.”

(22) In the embodiments of the present invention, the outside surface 6 of the headband 1 sparkles because the elastic glitter ribbon 2 has a sparkly or glittery appearance 5, which can be achieved in a variety of ways as described above. The elastic glitter ribbon 2 may be a variety of colors and a variety of sizes. As noted above, a “glitter pattern” includes a ribbon with metallic threading and/or metallic yarn that gives the appearance of glitter.

(23) The bottom surface of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 forms the inside surface 7 of the headband 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 is made of a velvet material. The velvet bottom prevents slipping and snagging (i.e., hair pulling) on a wearer's head. Additionally, the velvet inside surface 7 of the headband 1 creates a comfortable feel on a wearer's head so as not to cause a headband headache. If the velvet bottom surface of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 was not present in an embodiment of the present invention, any plain ribbon (elastic or not) would slip right off a wearer's head. This is because the velvet material acts to grip the hair, without snagging the hair of a wearer. This is especially true when exercising.

(24) In an embodiment of the present invention, the stretch velvet ribbon 3 is lush with a resplendent look and is woven with the elasticity required for the headband 1 of the embodiments of the present invention. The stretch velvet ribbon 3 may be a variety of colors and a variety of sizes. In an embodiment of the present invention the stretch velvet ribbon 3 is made of approximately 80% nylon and approximately 20% elastomer (a person of ordinary skill in the art would under that “approximately” used in this context means “within a few percentage points”). However, one skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the materials described herein for either the elastic glitter ribbon 2 or the stretch velvet ribbon 3.

(25) Moreover, the elastic properties of the headband 1 of the embodiments of the present invention prevent headband headaches because the fit of the headband 1 is not too tight and the headband 1 does not have a limited flexibility. The headband 1 of the embodiments of the present invention molds to a wearer's head because the headband 1 encircles the entire head with no break.

(26) The embodiments of the present invention provide for the most functionality and highest level of visual appeal. In other embodiments of the present invention the elastic glitter ribbon 2 may be replaced with an elastic ribbon that includes, but is not limited to, various textured ribbons, fabrics, and fasteners including but not limited to sequins, spandex, polyester blends, beading, silicone, toggles, tapes, buttons, hooks, sliders, Velcro, gimp, and/or puff paint.

(27) The embodiments of the present invention are improvements from the headbands of the prior art. For example, many similar prior art headbands do not stretch for 360-degrees of the headband—they use a piece of black elastic on the back of the headband to provide the “stretch” on the headband. Additionally, the gripping portion of prior art headbands does not wrap around the entire head of the wearer—the headband stops and the remainder is plain elastic. While most of the headbands of the prior art market their headbands as “no slip,” there is still a degree of slide due to the grip not going all the way around the headband, and therefore not going all the way around the wearer's head. These headbands of the prior art cause a headband headache due to their lack of elasticity.

(28) In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the stretch velvet ribbon 3 is substituted for a stretch silicone backing. In an embodiment of the present invention, the stretch silicone backing is an elastic band with silicone applied to its bottom surface (the surface that will contact the wearer's head while in use).

(29) In another embodiment of the present invention, the stretch velvet ribbon 3 is eliminated entirely, and silicone backing is attached directly to the elastic glitter ribbon 2. The silicone backing may cover the entire back of the elastic glitter ribbon 2, or it may be applied only to a section of the back of the elastic glitter ribbon 2. For example, the silicone backing may only be a strip of silicone down the middle of the ribbon.

(30) As discussed above, the embodiments of the present invention may be manufactured in many different colors and/or color combinations. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic glitter ribbon 2 and the stretch velvet ribbon 3 may be color coordinated, and in another embodiment they may be different colors.

(31) In another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic glitter ribbon 2 is substituted for an elastic ribbon that contains no glitter.

(32) In an embodiment of the present invention, the headband does not have limited flexibility.

(33) The embodiments of the present invention are intended for use by all sexes and ages. The embodiments of the present invention may be used while exercising, for general comfort, or as a fashion accessory. The embodiments of the present invention may be used as a device to keep hair out of a wearer's face/eyes, as a sweatband, or for any other purposes a person might wear a headband.

(34) It is understood to one skilled in the art that although the headbands 1 of the embodiments of the present invention are preferably situated for use as a human headband, there may be other alternative uses. For example, the headbands 1 of the embodiments of the present invention may be used as leashes or collars for animals such as dogs or cats.

(35) FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a headband 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 8, the elastic glitter ribbon 2 and the stretch velvet ribbon 3 include at least two layers, where the outside layer of the elastic glitter ribbon 2 corresponds to the outside surface 6 of the headband and the outside layer of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 corresponds to the inside surface 7 of the headband 1. The outside layer of the elastic glitter ribbon 2 includes the glittery appearance 5, which encircles the entire outside surface 6 of the headband 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. The outside layer of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 includes a velvet-like material 8, which encircles the entire inside surface 7 of the headband 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. The inside layer of the elastic glitter ribbon 2 includes an elastic material 9 or the like, such that the elastic glitter ribbon 2 has elastic properties in an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the inside layer of the stretch velvet ribbon 3 includes an elastic material 10 or the like, such that the stretch velvet ribbon 3 has elastic properties in an embodiment of the present invention.

(36) Applicants note that parent patent application Ser. No. 13/978,391 is based on information provided in a provisional patent application filed on Jul. 28, 2011, almost 4 years ago. Applicant received a notice of allowance in application Ser. No. 13/978,391 on May 22, 2015, and paid the issue fee on Jun. 2, 2015. This CIP is being submitted to clarify certain aspects of the present invention as provided above and to include other information. In general, the product line utilize the novel “stretch and stitch” method with velvet to make the headbands. However, in certain embodiments, the outside ribbon is different as metallic threading ribbon and/or metallic yarn may be used in unique pattern.

(37) Referring to FIG. 9, a headband 1 may include metallic threading ribbon and/or metallic yarn forming patterns by using two or more different colored metallic threading and/or metallic yarn. In this example, three different colored metallic threading and/or metallic yarn 2a, 2b, 2c are used and create a horizontally stripped pattern. Other patterns may include stripped patterns, polka dots, and any patterns using different colored metallic threading and/or metallic yarn 2a, 2b, 2c.

(38) Also, the metallic threading and/or metallic yarn may be used as a base for adding designs without being used to make a pattern. That is, patterns (or logos) may be printed onto the glitter base headband with various printing methods such as ink, foil heat transfer, and other printing methods that should be appreciated by those of skill in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, printed logo 110, brand names 120, or other indicia may be included onto a glitter base or a plain headband.

(39) Other products include a plain ribbon or pattern ribbon in place of the elastic glitter ribbon. With the plain ribbon, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there is no pattern or specific configuration. However, the user still enjoys the use of a non-slip, no headache, non-snag headband with a substantially 360 degree pattern (meaning no break in the headband). In a pattern ribboned headband, the patterns may include the chevron, polka dots, stripes, or other designs known by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Again, with the pattern design, the user enjoys the use of a non-slip, no headache, non-snag headband with a substantially 360 degree pattern. In addition to the lain or pattern ribbon, the headbands also include a printed ribbon instead of the elastic glitter ribbon—the printed ribbon may include certain designs and logos 110, 120. Moreover, both the plain ribbon and glitter ribbon can have prints on them.

(40) Referring to FIG. 12, other existing products may include a ribbon with a bow or flower attachment 130. They can be plain, pattern or printed ribbons. The attachments 130 are sewn on for decorative purposes as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The metallic threading ribbon and/or metallic yarn (i.e. glitter pattern) can also include a bow or flower attachment 130, and can be provided on plain, pattern or printed glitter ribbons. Patterns (or logos) may be printed onto the plain or glitter base headband with various printing methods such as ink and foil heat transfer.

(41) It should be appreciated that while examples of the headband 2 are illustrated as including a plain or glitter ribbon extending about the entire circumference of the headband 2, other examples of the headband 2 include a plain or glitter ribbon extending about only a region on the outer surface of the headband 2 without extending about the entire circumference. Similarly, it should be appreciated that while examples of the headband 2 are illustrated as including a velvet ribbon or stretch material extending about the entire circumference of the headband 2, other examples of the headband 2 include a velvet ribbon or stretch material extending about only a region on the inner surface of the headband 2.

(42) Other Sparkly Soul products include a bandana 100 or other type of headband with a Lycra outer material and preferably with velvet all around and on the inside of the headband or bandana 100. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 13, in such a headband, the velvet 300 would be worn at the hairline only or only at the edge of the bandana 100, and it would be attached by the novel stretch and stitch method described above. In this example, the ribbon 200 on top is not the same size as the velvet 300 on the bottom. Further, the velvet material 300 covers the entire circumference of the bandana 100 or headband; however, it should be appreciated that this application also includes a partial velvet lining i.e. the inside includes velvet on 75% or 95% of inside an entirely elastic headband. In addition, another embodiment includes an entirely elastic braided headband on the outside using some, none or partial glitter pattern ribbon.